Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Solar Power topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Camp Verde Council directs staff to study assumption or new deal for Equestrian Center solar lease
Summary
Councilors asked staff to explore options after the Camp Verde Arena Association vacated the Equestrian Center and left a 25-year solar power purchase agreement. Council directed a site inspection, asked for clarity on a $300 transfer fee, and recommended delaying the April payment while staff report back.
Camp Verde’s Town Council on April 15 directed staff to explore whether the town should assume an existing 25-year solar power purchase agreement (PPA) at the Equestrian Center or negotiate a new contract with the provider.
Town Manager Miranda Fisher told the council the Camp Verde Arena Association (CVAA) entered the PPA in April 2024 and the system was installed in May 2025. SolarEnergyLease.com LLC representatives said the provider is responsible for maintenance, repairs and performance guarantees under the current agreement; the town would assume monthly payments if it accepted the transfer.
Councilors raised concerns about assuming ongoing payments and potential transfer costs. CVAA representative Mary Phelps and Kyle Fricke of SolarEnergyLease.com LLC participated remotely to answer technical questions about system production and cost per kilowatt.
Vice Mayor Wendy Escoffier moved, seconded by Councilor Patricia Seybold, to convene into executive session for legal advice; the motion passed on a 7-0 roll call. When the meeting reconvened, Councilor Jessie Murdock directed Town Manager Fisher to explore both options—assuming the existing CVAA lease and negotiating an independent agreement with SolarEnergyLease.com LLC—including clarification of responsibility for a $300 transfer fee. Vice Mayor Escoffier also asked staff to arrange an inspection of the equipment to verify functionality and warranty compliance and recommended delaying payment of the April power bill until the council received additional information. The council agreed with those directions.
Next steps: staff will investigate legal and financial implications, confirm system performance via inspection, report on any transfer fees, and return to council with recommendations.
