Chrissy Sheriff, representing McClure Company, told the board the firm is halfway through project development for an energy-efficiency program covering 14 county and school buildings and reviewed energy-conservation measures such as LED lighting, building-envelope work, HVAC upgrades and non-energy facility improvements.

"If we were to take all of the items I just listed ... we would be looking at a roughly $3,700,000 project with just over $1,000,000 in potential savings from that," Chrissy said, adding that the resulting net balance would be roughly $2.6–$2.7 million after guaranteed savings are applied.

She described financing options including internal cash/CIP, tax-exempt municipal leases, bonds, utility rebates from Dominion and grant opportunities, and noted that schools will pursue rooftop solar via a power purchase agreement (PPA) with no upfront cost. Chrissy said McClure expects to return with a refined scope and firm pricing in 4–6 weeks and aims for a March–April board presentation and possible mobilization in the fall.

During questions, a supervisor asked whether battery storage was being considered. Chrissy said they "haven't just yet" looked at battery storage but are not excluding it and can add it to the list for evaluation.

Why it matters: the project could reduce operating costs across county and school facilities, unlock rebates or grant funds, and create multi-year guaranteed-savings financing that minimizes immediate capital outlay.

What comes next: McClure will finalize scope and firm pricing in the coming weeks and return to the board with recommended first-phase projects.