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Board accepts energy audit, directs staff to speed solar projects and pursue phased delivery
Summary
Following an investment‑grade audit that identified ~$16.9M in facility energy measures, the board directed staff to expedite $3.9M in solar photovoltaic work this year and to accept the broader IGA package while keeping larger HVAC projects contingent on funding and phased amendments under Gov. Code §4217.
The Board of Supervisors accepted an investment‑grade audit (IGA) from Southland Industries on June 23 and directed staff to expedite identified solar photovoltaic projects to capture tax credits this year, while keeping HVAC and other measures staged pending funding.
Dez House of Southland summarized the audit's findings and cost estimates and described a phased approach for solar, HVAC modernization, lighting, plumbing and building automation system improvements. Southland estimated the validated IGA scope at about $16.9 million and recommended an initial solar phase of roughly $3.9 million.
County staff recommended moving immediately on the solar sites to seize federal and state tax credit opportunities and to use verified utility savings as part of project financing. Staff also outlined options to phase HVAC replacements as funding becomes available and noted ongoing government center space‑use planning that could affect large facility investments.
Board members asked about warranties, equipment lifespans, ducting and the financial escalation assumptions that underlie the payback model. Joel (county staff) said the audit used conservative utility escalation figures and that fiscal engineering would test options including internal borrowing, grant stacking and public/private financing to improve payback and reduce general fund exposure.
The board voted to accept the IGA package, expedite solar PV work to be completed by the end of the calendar year, and direct staff to return with sole‑source contract documents and phased amendments under Government Code §4217 for board review and approval. The motion passed unanimously.
Staff said next steps include finalizing contracts, vetting equipment and warranties with county maintenance staff, and returning with a payback and funding plan for the solar package.
