The Houston City Council on Tuesday received information on a program that finances energy-efficiency work under a 2010 state law passed in Missouri. The discussion came during a lengthy meeting that saw members approve work to a city well and adopt paperwork for a new water tower at the industrial park.
Communities across Missouri are considering ways that they can take advantage of Property Assessed Clean Energy funding, allowed by Missouri law since 2010, according to Jeff Barber, a housing and environmental design specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
“This innovative method of financing energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements for commercial, agricultural, industrial, multi-family, not-for-profit and public properties binds the debt to the property rather than the owner, allowing repayment of an annual increment that is billed with the property’s tax bill and can transfer from owner to owner,” said Barber.
The key is that funding is based on the utility cost offset by the improvements and must have a positive cash-flow from day one.
EXTENSION HELPING
Under a “Memorandum of Understanding” between the Missouri Clean Energy Funding District (www.mced.mo.gov) and the University of Missouri, MU Extension specialists are helping communities and counties take the first necessary steps to participate, by assisting passage of ordinances and resolutions that enable property owners access to PACE funding.
Specialists like Barber will also work with civic leaders, economic developers and the business community to identify eligible properties and originate potential PACE funded projects.
PACE was listed a one of 20 ways to build a cleaner, healthy and smarter world in the December 2009 issue of Scientific American magazine.
“PACE has been seen as the latest economic development tool available to communities with no public liability or fiscal impact such as tax abatement, allowing communities to reactivate their existing structures and supporting infrastructure,” said Barber.
In this area, West Plains is participating.
In other matters, members:
—Heard Police Chief Jim McNiell present his annual report. (See related story elsewhere).
—Heard Mayor Don Tottingham appoint Michael Anderson of Cabool as the municipal judge. John Garrabrant earlier announced his intentions to resign.
—Approved a $78,000 bid from Ozark Applicator of Van Buren for cleaning and painting the north water tower off Forrest Drive. Work is expected when warmer weather arrives. Funds come from a water and sewer reserve fund.
—Approved paperwork related to a Delta Regional Authority grant for a water tower at the Houston Industrial Park on North Industrial Drive. The city also is seeking funding through the Community Development Block Grant program.
—Are seeking additional information on needed equipment for the Houston Rural Fire Department Rescue Squad.
—Referred to the police and fire department committee and its attorney a draft ordinance that institutes body cameras for police.
—Decided not to pay an Air Evac membership for employees because the city’s workers compensation policy covers flights.
—Were presented a draft copy of a long-range plan developed by the Houston Planning and Zoning Commission. The council will discuss it further at a March 2 meeting.
—Adopted a policy for bad checks related to utility payments. Utilities will be turned off at 10 a.m. the next morning following notification of insufficient funds.