Members of Carrollton's Board of Education received a briefing and a proposal on borrowing money to make energy conservation repairs and improvements under House Bill 264 at their April 2 work session held in the Fine Arts room at Carrollton High School.

Jeff Johnson, a customer service representative for Mechanical Contractors, Inc. of Columbus, reviewed some energy savings projects for the Carrollton Exempted Village School District (CEVSD) which could be accomplished by allowing his firm to make another assessment of the energy needs of the school district and allowing the CEVSD to apply for a loan under House Bill 264.

Johnson explained the bill, passed by the Ohio legislature in 1984, allows school districts to borrow money at a reduced rate of interest (1/2 to 1% above prime) to make energy conservation repairs, resulting in considerable savings.

Johnson explained an assessment of the buildings within the CEVSD was done in 2000 and a reassessment was completed in 2003.

He noted some school districts have taken advantage of the state money to provide better learning environments for their students, resulting in more efficient heating and lighting systems.

"If you approve a request for a proposal," Johnson said his company will survey each building again, noting the energy savings opportunities and report any problem. "We will also analyze utility bills and identify maintenance repairs needed, along with an operating cost reduction figure" he told the board.

Using typical energy conservation measures, Johnson told the Board his company  has found ways to insulate older buildings to keep the heat in.
In reviewing former assessments of the CEVSD, Johnson noted Carrollton High School has a serious deterioration of the steam piping heating system.

Recommended projects for the high school building include installation of a new heating system by replacing the boiler system with air, upgrading the lighting system, installation of new high efficient urinals and DDC temperature controls with energy management, insulation of the exterior of the building and window and roofing retrofits, Johnson said.

Projects recommended for the Bell-Herron Middle School, Carrollton and Augusta elementary schools include replacing the existing furnace and control systems, upgrading the lighting and insulating the exterior walls.

At Dellroy school, Johnson said the forced air furnace system and lighting needs upgraded, along with the installation of automation system and DDC controls.

"Our solution is to help with House Bill 264 and not spend any taxpayers money, which enables the school district to retrofit and upgrade," Johnson injected.

He explained the school district could get well-needed upgrades to many parts of the school buildings with a five-year pay back and no tax dollars involved.

During his presentation, Johnson noted that energy savings performances for nine school districts from 2002-07 resulted in a total savings of $1,102,320. Savings ranged from $12,050 to $235,417, he said in noting he feels the CEVSD has a great deal of potential for energy savings.

Johnson also told the Board the school district must be in the top 25% of the most energy conscious energy users.

Another point made by Johnson is his company recommends using local contractors to do the work, who are usually assigned to a separate school.

When questioned by Board President Rose Kienzle about whether Johnson feels this will be a gain and a savings, he answered "absolutely".

"What happens if this projected savings is not realized?" was a questioned fielded to Johnson from Board Member Doug Frampton. "Then we come back and find out why," Johnson replied.

"There's no better way to save money and energy than to turn it off," he added.

He also noted air conditioning is not included in HB 264 since it is basically an energy savings project.

Johnson explained the non-taxable loan rate is approximately 4% or 1/2 to 1% above the prime and school districts can borrow money from local banks.

In his concluding remarks, Johnson said the next step, if the Board approves his company to proceed, is to make a reassessment and an energy study which will be done at no charge. "However, we want assurance the Board is serious about proceeding," Johnson added.