Comfrey council advances $123,300 wastewater solar grant despite maintenance concerns

The Comfrey City Council voted Feb. 11 to advance an MPCA Implementation Grant of $123,300 to install solar panels at the city wastewater treatment plant, with a required local match of $13,700.

Clerk Kelly told the council the city was selected for the Implementation Grant for Wastewater Resilience but must supply additional information to the MPCA before the grant will be fully awarded. The project’s total estimated cost is $137,000 including the city match. Clerk Kelly said she will work with Region 9 to send the requested documents and to seek more detail on projected maintenance costs.

Councilor Kastner said she was concerned about “additional costs of maintenance and expenses to keep the solar panels working,” and pressed for clearer information on ongoing operational costs before committing city resources. Councilor Redman moved and Councilor Evers seconded a motion to move forward with the information requests and next steps; the motion passed with three councilors voting yes and Councilor Kastner voting no.

The council’s action directs staff to supply the MPCA with supplemental materials needed for the full award and to return with any additional cost information. The award remains contingent on MPCA review and a final local commitment to the required $13,700 match.

Next steps: Clerk Kelly will coordinate with Region 9 to compile and submit the requested MPCA documents and attempt to obtain maintenance-cost estimates; the council did not adopt a final commitment of matching funds at the Feb. 11 meeting.