The Bradley County Commissioners are continuing to study a bond issue to pay for school energy efficiencies.
Bradley County Commissioner Johnny Mull, who is the energy manager for the Bradley County Schools, is also on a joint committee between the county and the Cleveland City Schools to decide what should and can be done to reduce energy use.
This energy project involves replacing HVAC systems, lighting, windows and any systems that affect the use of energy in the entire county school system.
The committee is currently working on the numbers and nothing has yet been implemented. A meeting has been held with city school representatives to see if they wish to participate. The project will be funded with a $16.1 million bond issue for the county schools. If the city participates, the bond issue will be for $24 million. Commissioner Mull said that the county would make and pay for the energy improvements up front, and the schools that are already well funded from their current operating budgets, would repay the county in yearly increments.
By the commission meeting next week, it will be known if the city will participate, it was stated. A decision will then be made if the bond issue will pay for the lease or the purchase of the equipment. The company chosen for the energy performance contract is Energy System Group (ESG).
Commissioner Milan Blake said that every election costs the county $22,000-$24,000 no matter the number of people that vote. It behooves everyone to register, and he gave the reminder that July 5 is the last day to register. Early voting will be available from July 15-20. He said that those in the military or who will be out of town can request an absentee ballot. It is important for everyone to participate in the elections, he said.