Grimes County court approves intent resolution to launch PACE clean-energy financing program

Grimes County Commissioners Court on July 16 voted to adopt a resolution of intent to establish a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program that would let private financing support energy-efficiency and related improvements on commercial property.

The resolution, which the court approved by voice vote, authorizes county officials to proceed with the two-step process required under state law: adopt an intent resolution now and consider a second resolution later to establish the program and name an administrator. Commissioner Philip Cox moved to approve the resolution; Commissioner Michael Rasca seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

The county and Navasota-Grimes County Chamber of Commerce presented the program to the court. Lucy Ibadra, executive director of the Navasota-Grimes County Chamber of Commerce, introduced Ryan McCormack and Lee McCormack of Lone Star PACE (presenting via Teams). Ryan McCormack described PACE as a 2013 Texas law-driven mechanism that uses private capital to finance efficiency and other building improvements while retaining a required governmental role and oversight. McCormack said the intent resolution is the first, largely procedural step; the court would consider a public meeting and a second resolution at the Aug. 6 session that would designate an administrator and finalize program documents.

Commissioners asked whether ground-mounted solar fields or rooftop/attached solar would be eligible. McCormack said the program commonly finances building-envelope and mechanical upgrades—windows, HVAC, roofs and envelope improvements—while large ground-mounted solar arrays typically require substantial site work (concrete pads, etc.) that makes them less commercially attractive under PACE. He said a hotel project that was solar-only was an exception, but most PACE projects mix mechanical and envelope improvements.

County Attorney Megan Barcek confirmed she had reviewed the proposed documents and that the chamber and the county had negotiated language; she said requested changes were accepted. The court authorized the county judge to sign the intent resolution and set the program for the next steps, including a public meeting and a later formal establishment resolution.

The county said the program would be branded locally as the "PACE Grimes County" program and would be listed on the county website with application guidance, with the chamber managing outreach and initial administration if the program is established.

Votes at a glance: the court approved the resolution of intent with a motion by Commissioner Philip Cox and a second by Commissioner Michael Rasca; the vote was recorded as unanimous by voice.

Ending: County staff said the public meeting and formal documents will be on the Aug. 6 agenda; no timeline for first loans was given in the discussion.