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Board approves $3.7M solar contract for Hesperia Farms; director abstains
Summary
The Board approved a $3.7 million contract with Staten Solar Corporation to install photovoltaic arrays at the 350-acre Hesperia Farms property, projecting annual net energy savings of about $199,000 and a payback of 11–14 years; Director Michelle Ambrozic abstained from the vote.
General Manager Catherine Cerri recommended approval of a contract with Staten Solar Corporation to install a Solar Photovoltaic System at the District's 350-acre Hesperia Farms property and to direct staff to file a Notice of Determination. Cerri said the District currently spends approximately $900,000 annually on electricity and that the project—budgeted at $3.5 million with a contract price of $3.7 million—would reduce energy costs with estimated net savings of about $199,000 per year after $17,000 in annual maintenance. Cerri noted a possible federal tax credit of $1.8 million but said it was not guaranteed. Vice President Steve Boydston moved to approve and Director Jacqueline Brown seconded; the motion carried with Directors Boydston, Brown, Reynolds and President John Wurm voting yes and Director Michelle Ambrozic abstaining.
Board members and staff addressed public questions submitted at the start of the meeting about the project’s scope, financing, and community impacts; questions were answered by staff during the item. The Board directed staff to file the required Notice of Determination; no construction schedule or final financing guarantees were presented at the meeting.
