Commissioners approve $79,680 HDR feasibility contract; initial payment to come from PILT

Lincoln County commissioners on Nov. 19 approved entering a contract with HDR for a feasibility study into biomass and related energy opportunities, authorizing work for the initial stages at an amount discussed in the meeting as $79,680. Commissioners agreed the county would pay the initial invoices from PILT funds while HDR and county staff pursue grant and private funding to offset costs.

The board discussed the scope and payment structure with Zach, the consultant on the call. Zach said HDR’s proposal is time-and-materials based and includes grant-writing support: “part of our team that we presented in that packet was one of our senior grant writers,” he said, adding the firm had already identified preliminary funding opportunities and would act as a registered agent where appropriate.

Commissioners asked whether the $79,680 would be an immediate out‑of‑pocket obligation; Zach said HDR would bill across the project rather than requiring a single upfront payment. Board members also discussed inviting private investors and exploring carbon-capture partners if the study finds the project feasible.

The board moved to enter the agreement with HDR and to pay the initial work from PILT. The motion carried. Staff were asked to pursue grant programs (the consultant mentioned a “climate smart communities initiative”) and to report back on potential funding and investor interest.

The agreement is intended to produce a feasibility assessment and initial funding applications; commissioners said they would consider next steps and potential amendments once HDR delivers findings.