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Ferguson Township directs staff to develop detailed solar plan after debate over timing and costs
Summary
After months of study and public comment, the Ferguson Township Board voted to direct staff to work with PA Solar Center and other governments to produce a phased, detailed plan and cost-benefit analysis for installing solar on municipal property; an amendment removed language that implied immediate construction.
Ferguson Township’s Board of Supervisors voted to direct staff to work with PA Solar Center and other appropriate entities to develop a detailed, phased plan for installing solar panels on township municipal buildings.
The motion, moved by Supervisor Matthew Patterson and seconded by Supervisor Stevens, was amended at the board’s request to remove language that read “until construction begins,” a change intended to clarify that the action authorizes planning and regular progress updates rather than committing the township to immediate construction.
Board members said they want staff to produce a full life‑cycle analysis, financing options and a cost‑benefit timeline before any construction decisions are made. Township staff told the board that $50,000 had been approved in the capital improvement plan but reduced to $25,000 in the operating budget; about $24,500 remained available and could be used for next steps in planning.
Public comment included a cautionary note from resident and long‑time volunteer Bill Kio, who urged a comprehensive pro‑and‑con study and recommended the township move “very cautiously” if it pursues a standalone, township‑funded project. Kio also suggested the board consider a referendum before committing to large capital investments.
The board’s discussion emphasized phasing — for example, prioritizing roofs that need replacement (the salt‑shed roof was cited as a near‑term candidate) and seeking partnerships with neighboring governments to reduce procurement costs. Staff said PA Solar Center can, if engaged, advance from feasibility analysis to RFP development and vendor selection but the township is not obligated to follow any single contractor and may solicit alternatives.
The motion directs staff to return regular updates to the board and to include: a scope, timeline, lifecycle costs, operations and maintenance assumptions, financing options (purchase, lease, or power purchase agreement), and potential grant or tax‑credit timelines. The board passed the amended motion by voice vote.
