The Warren County Commission last week learned more information about a possible incentive program that could offset some expenses associated with the planned administration building if energy-efficiency measures are implemented.

It remains to be seen, though, how much the county will receive to construct the proposed 36,071-square-foot, two-story structure.

Commissioners have been hoping to utilize the incentive program to offset the majority of the expense to go with purchasing and installing a geothermal heating and cooling system rather than a conventional rooftop unit.

Ameren representative Angela Gordon pointed out that it’s too early to know how much money would be available to reimburse the county for that purchase or other areas where it qualifies for incentives.

The commission met with Gordon on July 26 along with representatives from Septagon, the project manager, and Treanor Architects P.A., the project’s design firm.

A possible reimbursement figure may be known by Aug. 16, the date when the project goes out for bids.

“The goal here is to delay building another power plant,” Gordon said. “When you get everybody to reduce their consumption by 20 to 25 percent, that will delay the need for a new plant.”

The county has budgeted $6 million to construct the new county building on 3 acres the commission purchased last year on South Highway 47 and Mockingbird Lane.  The new facility will house all non-court related offices.

Gordon said Ameren reimburses 5 cents for every kilowatt hour saved. 

“The savings have to pay for an additional cost,” she said.

Incentives are available for areas such as roofs, electrical, lighting, insulation and heating and air conditioning, 

Gordon said the county could receive a $10,000 to $12,000 incentive for lighting due to the size of the structure.

“There are some possibilities,” Presiding Commissioner Arden Engelage said. “We could get more money with lighting. If we save a little, it’s a win-win. The main thing is we get it done right.”

The commissioners acknowledged that it was too early to tell how the county will benefit from the free program.

“We’re building to a high standard so it plays to our favor,” Northern District Commissioner Dan Hampson said.

Gordon said incentives are only approved if the energy-efficient measures covers the life of the product. Annual utility bills should be at least $10,000 cheaper if energy-efficiency measures are used.

BREAKOUT

Bid Process Pushed Back Once Again

The start of the bidding process for the planned county administration building has been pushed back for a second time in the past month.

The project will go out to bid beginning Tuesday, Aug. 10, with a bid opening tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 21, at 2 p.m.

Early last month, the time line presented then called for the bidding process to begin Aug. 3 with a bid opening slated for Sept. 2.

The new building, initially expected to be finished by this fall but pushed back due to a delay in the design process, won’t likely open until late 2011 at the earliest.

According to Sharon Schmitz, of Treanor Architects P.A., engineers continue to work on reports and finalize the design of a geothermal heating and cooling system.

The county commission also continues to consider whether to implement a local bidder policy in an effort to use as many Warren County workers as possible on the project.

Under that scenario, the commission could elect to choose a higher quote submitted by a local bidder if it falls within a defined range of the low bid. The commissioners have yet to define what constitutes a local bidder, though those in Warren County have been mentioned. Companies employing Warren County residents may also be considered.

A decision will most likely need to be reached before bidding begins on Aug. 16.