CHARLOTTE, Mich. (WILX) – Eaton County is trying to go inexperienced on the courthouse and different buildings.
Wednesday night time, county commissioners are anticipated to approve almost $5 million in upgrades, which incorporates solar panels.
County commissioners consider updating the energy effectivity on the county buildings will save the county hundreds of {dollars}, which is cash that may be spent on different issues locally.
“Maintenance has been deferred and it’s been deferred for too long,” mentioned Jeremy Whittum, Eaton County Commissioner.
Whittum mentioned county-owned buildings want plenty of work. The courthouse alone wants new doorways, home windows and roofs.
Right now, Whittum mentioned the electrical invoice for the constructing is about $150,000 a yr.
“With the amount of money the taxpayers have invested in our Eaton county complex. We have the opportune time, and it’s the responsible time to get it fixed. We would’ve had to proceed with the maintenance as funding and time would allow,” mentioned Whittum.
The county would use $4.9 million from the American Rescue Plan to pay for the challenge.
Whittum mentioned the challenge would additionally add solar panels all through the complicated to assist offset energy prices.
“Renewable energy is the way the private sector market is going. It’s appropriate at this time for county governments, local units of government and our state to lead the way,” mentioned Whittum.
Many individuals who had been on the Eaton County Courthouse Tuesday didn’t need to give their names, however mentioned they thought it was an important thought for the county to go inexperienced. Especially since Whittum mentioned these upgrades will save the county greater than $12 million over the lifespan of the panels, which comes all the way down to $45,000 a yr.
“That’s almost the pay of one deputy. If we channel our resources and we become more energy-efficient, we will be able to improve the lives of our community,” mentioned Whittum.
The energy proposal is predicted to be voted on Wednesday in the course of the Eaton County commissioners’ assembly. That begins at 7 p.m. on the Eaton County Courthouse.
If it’s accepted, the two-year challenge will start in May.
Read:
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- Eaton Rapids Schools utilizing grants to pay for safety enchancment
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