Concerns persist among Jefferson County commissioners over solar power deal
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STEUBENVILLE -- The Jefferson County commissioners will continue considering applying 20 percent of the county's utility costs toward solar power and approved an engineer for a slip repair project along county Road 26.
Through a teleconference during Thursday's meeting, the commissioners questioned John Luetz, assistant director of the County Commissioners Association Ohio, about a proposed joint purchasing agreement among Ohio counties and a solar energy supplier to be named.
The commissioners heard last week from a representative of Palmer Energy, an independent consultant working with the association to accept and consider proposals from suppliers.
The association has asked the commissioners for a letter of intent indicating their interest in purchasing solar power at a fixed rate during a period of 20 to 25 years. It's asked the commissioners to sign the letter by next week.
Luetz said the letter is needed to show potential solar energy vendors their prospective customer base before they plan to develop the energy resource for the state.
He said commissioners in 26 Ohio counties have submitted letters of intent while several others have offered verbal support.
But the Jefferson County commissioners have expressed concerns about legal ramifications of the letter.
Leutz said county commissioners cannot enter into contracts beyond 10 years, so any agreement with the vendor would be up for renewal after that time.
Asked by Commissioner Tom Gentile if there would be penalties for opting out after 10 years, Leutz said there would. But he added the competitive rate the association expects to get should encourage the counties to continue.
Gentile said if there are penalties for opting out, "Then it's not a 10-year agreement."
Commissioner Dave Maple said he was concerned about signing a letter of intent with binding language.
"That sounds like we're overstepping the requirement of a 10-year contract," he said.
Commissioner Tom Graham said he's "not a big fan" of a long-term contract, but added a lengthy contract between the county and the Toronto water department has saved the county money.
Like Maple, Graham said the county should explore bringing solar power to the area.
"I think it's good, clean energy and would still only be 20 percent of our utility costs," Graham said.
Gentile said it's difficult to predict what energy options will be available in 20 years, adding that 10 or 12 years ago most people didn't anticipate natural gas being the energy source and economic boost it has become.
Leutz said, "We think this is a smart move to protect a certain part of your energy costs through a fixed rate."
Graham said, "Locking in a price for 20 years, I think that's a good move. But the commission will decide on this."
Maple said he'd rather see solar energy developed with private funds, but added it's not uncommon for public entities to support such development.
He said he will await advice from the board's legal counsel.
Gentile said while the oil and gas industry has boosted the local economy, "I don't see this agreement employing a single job in Jefferson County and I have a problem with that."
In other business, the commissioners agreed to hire Gannett Fleming Engineers and Architects of Akron at a cost of $30,000 to design slip repairs for county Road 26 at the request of county Engineer Jim Branagan.
Following the meeting, Branagan said the road south of Airport Road has been closed since early this year because of a shifting hillside above and below it.
He said because it has been declared eligible for federal aid, federal money will be available for 80 percent to 100 percent of cost of the project, depending on its completion in September.
Branagan said because of its status, the state will hire a contractor to make the repairs, which are expected to include the installation of steel beams and concrete lagging for support.
He said the project has been delayed by environmental concerns but is expected to begin in the near future.
The commissioners agreed to provide about $9,200 to Wayne Township Trustees for playground improvements and a culvert and catch basin along a trail there. They tabled a request for $7,500 for upgrades and appliances for the township community center's kitchen, saying it was unclear whether the building was privately or publicly owned.
(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)