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Vista Consulting outlines $1.29 million Phase 2 energy package for Ross Local; board expected to act in November
Summary
Vista Consulting presented results of a Phase 1 energy-efficiency project and proposed a Phase 2 package costing about $1.29 million, with an estimated 10.5‑year payback and state Energy Loan Fund financing at 0.25% interest. Vista said the program guarantees savings and the board would be asked to authorize action in November if underwriting and,
Doug Cox, president of Vista Consulting Group, told the Ross Local School District board that Phase 1 of the district's energy work produced measurable utility savings and presented a Phase 2 package that would modernize controls, upgrade lighting and replace the high school scoreboard.
Cox said Phase 1 cost about $1.9 million with a roughly 10.6‑year payback and that measured annual savings have grown year over year. For Phase 2, he described an estimated project cost of $1,290,000 with an estimated 10.5‑year simple payback. The package Cox described includes LED upgrades for athletic field lights and signage, replacement of the high school scoreboard with a 32‑foot LED video board (the active display portion listed as 14 by 25 feet in Cox's mockup), replacement of aging VAV controllers and upgrades to HVAC controls and building communications.
On financing, Cox said Vista is working with Ohio's Energy Loan Fund (ELF). The state program, he said, could supply about $1 million at a 0.25% interest rate; the district's estimated share of the project cost would be about $294,000 (described as the amount not covered by the state loan). Vista also provided an annual payment estimate of about $121,000 and said the measured annual savings in earlier years (Cox cited a $166,000 realized savings in the first full year following Phase 1) have been sufficient to cover the program payment and still produce net savings.
Cox emphasized that Vista guarantees the projected savings: if measured savings fall short, Vista said it will pay the difference. He noted underwriting questions remain with the state program but said the district should expect approval activity within weeks and that the board would be asked to act in November; if approved, Cox said implementation would likely start in January 2026 and be scheduled to minimize in‑school disruption.
The board clarified funding sources: the district indicated the local share would come from non‑operating funds such as permanent improvement funds rather than the operating budget. Cox detailed technical benefits (updating to BACnet controls, restoring variable‑frequency drives and VAVbox replacements) and said athletic field lighting upgrades would increase measured illuminance from roughly 18 foot‑candles to nearly 30 on the playing surface. Cox also noted reuse of existing poles would reduce installation scope and time.
No formal board authorization was recorded at the meeting; Vista requested authorization to advance the financing and closing steps once underwriting is complete.
