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County hears school energy‑savings financing pitch that could fund millions in repairs
Summary
A school‑district partner presented a state-enabled energy‑savings performance contract that uses guaranteed utility savings to finance HVAC, lighting and other capital upgrades; the district’s utility bill (stated at about $900,000/year) could produce roughly $200,000 a year in savings and generate immediate capital without local capital outlay.
A consultant presenting on behalf of the school district told the Bertie County Board of Commissioners on June 16 that a state-backed energy‑savings performance contract could let the district fund deferred maintenance without using county capital funds. “We spend roughly… about $900,000 a year for utility cost,” the presenter said, and the program projects savings of 24–29 percent — “about $200 to $241,000 a year.”
The consultant said the program’s guarantees require the vendor to make up any shortfall if annual savings fall below projections. He told the board the financing model can leverage rebates and tax deductions and, as described in the presentation packet, could generate “anywhere from 3 to $4,800,000 in capital” to address boilers, chillers, lighting and other needs. Commissioners asked about the age and condition of equipment; the presenter said the middle school’s boilers and chillers are at or near the end of their expected 20‑year life, while the high school is in better shape.
The presenter recommended the board give informal support so the school district can proceed through procurement and design; if the county supports the concept later, the school district would return with a resolution asking the county not to reduce the district’s utility budget so the projected savings remain available to pay the project. Commissioners did not take a formal vote on the contract at the June 16 meeting and were offered a follow-up opportunity to ask detailed procurement and financing questions before any binding action.
