Athens City Council members focused Monday night’s meeting on city projects, including accepting energy improvement project for city buildings that will cost more than $100,000.
The improvements will cost $112,197 to improve lighting in the Athens City Building, both Athens Fire Department buildings and the Athens Municipal Court.
The ordinance was passed swiftly though council to take advantage of $23,000 in rebates that expire in August.
Tax-payers will foot the remainder of the bill using money from various city funds, said Councilman Elahu Gosney, D-at large.
The Cincinnati-based Perfection Group began to implement both energy and infrastructure updates in city buildings in July 2011. Those improvements, which are estimated to save the city money in the long-run, cost taxpayers about $425,000 to implement.
With an estimated cost savings of $43,206 a year, the city would account for the borrowed amount in seven years, and pay off the total amount in 10 years.
The Athens City Code Enforcement Office, City Building, Athens Parking Garage and the Athens Community Center have all already received cost-cutting enhancements.
jj360410@ohiou.edu
