Prairie View council sets Sept. 14 town hall to consider PACE program

The Prairie View City Council on Monday voted to adopt a resolution of intent to consider establishing a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing program and set a public hearing/town hall for Sept. 14. Doug Taylor, CEO of the Texas PACE Authority, told the council PACE is a financing tool for commercial properties and multifamily buildings to fund energy- and water-efficiency improvements without using city dollars.

"PACE can be used for commercial properties only and for improvements that yield energy and water efficiency benefits," Taylor said, describing a program the authority has deployed in more than 100 Texas jurisdictions. Council members said they wanted the resolution on the record and the town hall scheduled so residents and businesses can ask questions before the city adopts a program.

Mayor (speaker 2) framed the vote as the first step in a statutory three-part process that requires a public hearing before program adoption. Councilmember Dusett (speaker 5) emphasized that the resolution merely sets notice and starts community engagement, not a final adoption. The council voted in favor of placing the resolution on the agenda and confirming Sept. 14 as the public hearing date.

The council directed staff to circulate the resolution language to members before the next meeting so they have time to review it. The mayor said staff will publish the hearing notice in line with statutory requirements and invited PACE representatives to return for the town hall to answer technical and program questions.