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District reports $1.44 million geothermal rebate application and plans Arbor Day tree planting
Summary
Beatrice Public Schools told the board it submitted tax forms for a geothermal rebate totaling $1,435,665 and expects to receive roughly $1.2 million after consultant fees; the district also described energy savings and a coordinated Arbor Day planting of about 45 trees.
Beatrice Public Schools administrators told the board they have completed tax filings for a federal geothermal rebate totaling $1,435,665 and said a consultant will receive 12 percent of the proceeds. The district also reported reduced utility costs since switching to geothermal and outlined plans to plant about 45 trees on the new elementary campus for Arbor Day.
“ The total sum of that rebate was $1,435,665,” Mr. Alexander told the board, adding that the district is “anticipating anytime in the near future to receive $1,200,000 of rebate on our geothermal system.” He said Afton Energy supported the rebate filing and will receive 12 percent for documentation and filing work.
Administrators compared recent utility bills and said geothermal has lowered usage and expenses by roughly $7,000–$10,000 per month in cooler months, though they said they will track savings over additional weeks of cold weather. The district also reported a $5,000 emergency repair to a middle-school boiler tube that was scheduled and paid to restore operations.
Separately, the board heard about a partnership to plant approximately 45 trees at the new elementary school on Arbor Day. The district is working with Keep Beatrice Beautiful, Envision Landscapes, Black Hills Energy and Dig 811; Envision Landscapes will dig holes and help students plant, and Black Hills Energy is helping cover tree costs. Mr. Alexander said plaques will mark each class’s tree and the district plans an assembly and invited guests for the planting.
No formal board motion was required for the rebate filing or the tree-planting plan; administrators presented updates and sought board awareness.
