County OKs solar RFP funding, library heat‑pump installation and launches 45‑day comment on Fire‑EMS fees

Teton County commissioners on Tuesday approved several energy and fee items: the board authorized up to $2,100 in energy mitigation funds to develop the request for proposals (RFP) specifications for a rooftop solar array at the county recreation center, approved up to $15,610 in energy mitigation funds to replace a failing gas hot water heater at the Teton County Library with an electric heat‑pump model, and directed the county clerk to begin a 45‑day public comment period on the Jackson Hole Fire‑EMS master fee schedule resolution.

Rec center solar RFP

Max Moran, Parks and Pathways project manager, presented a proposed contract with Creative Energies to prepare RFP scope and specifications for a rooftop solar installation at the Teton County Recreation Center. Eric Kimball, Teton County sustainability coordinator, said the county’s energy mitigation program (EMP) — which collects fees tied to inefficient residential construction to fund energy efficiency projects — had a net gain of $449,000 last year and that funds are sufficient to cover the rec center project.

The board approved the RFP development funding in an amount not to exceed $2,100; the motion was moved by Commissioner Carlman, seconded by Commissioner Macker and carried unanimously.

Library heat pump hot water heater

Kimball described the library project as a replacement of a failing gas hot water heater with an electric heat‑pump model, which he said is about four times more efficient than the gas unit and is estimated to save roughly $900 per year in energy costs. The heat‑pump option required additional electrical work; the requested EMP funding was $15,610 to cover equipment, installation and contingency.

Commissioners asked about expected lifespan and space requirements; Kimball said the unit’s expected lifespan on the manufacturer sticker is about 15 years and that the boiler room is approximately 10 by 20 feet and adequate for circulation. The board approved the expenditure in an amount not to exceed $15,610 (motion by Commissioner Karman, second by Commissioner Macker; unanimous).

Fire‑EMS master fee schedule public comment

Jackson Hole Fire‑EMS presented a consolidated master fee schedule intended to make department fees easier for the public to find and to align some fees with the Town of Jackson (for example, a false/nuisance alarm response fee tied to the town’s CPI adjustments). Fire Marshal Grama Layton said the schedule consolidates several fee sources and that the department will advertise the 45‑day public comment period; the board directed the county clerk to advertise the fee schedule resolution and begin the comment period. The motion to begin the 45‑day comment period was moved by Commissioner Prope, seconded by Commissioner Macker and carried unanimously.

Why it mattered

County staff said EMP funds exist specifically to underwrite public‑building energy improvements and that the rec center and library projects align with that program’s goals. The fee schedule consolidation for Fire‑EMS is meant to improve transparency and allow public review before the board considers final adoption.

Next steps

Staff will return as projects advance: the solar RFP scope/specifications will be finalized and put out to bid if funding and project parameters remain consistent; the library heater project will proceed with installation using EMP funds; the county will accept public comment for 45 days on the Fire‑EMS fee schedule and staff expect to return for a public hearing and possible adoption at a future meeting.