Published: July 10, 2008 09:31 am         

Consultant: District will realize at least 18% savings in energy costs

MINERAL WELLS ISD

By Libby Cluett
lcluett@mineralwellsindex.com

It was strictly business for new Mineral Wells ISD superintendent Dr. Ronny Collin’s first school board meeting.

On Tuesday, Collins and new board member Ellie Starr were briefed by Mickey West on the history of NORESCO’s involvement with MWISD, which is expected to result in reducing energy use and costs.

He said that after his company’s energy scope audit of lighting, heating and air conditioning, roofs, windows and the energy bill on what MWISD spends per square foot, NORESCO estimated the district could realize “an opportunity for 18 percent savings.”

He reported that NORESCO would be ready to present a more detailed audit next week to a newly formed energy committee, consisting of Collins, MWISD Chief Financial Officer Paul Hearn, Director of Maintenance James Bradford and board members Mike Tincher, Joel Hardeman and Vice President Holt Price.

Finally, West said the April hailstorm has allowed NORESCO to include additional items under the energy-savings project, which would not have been possible otherwise.

Board members also heard from Industrial Foundation Director Steve Bucher encouraging the district’s involvement in a tax increment reinvestment zone, which he said would “freeze the value of the district to provide incentive for development of the Baker Hotel.

The MWISD school board considered a resolution stating the district’s intent to participate in the tax reinvestment zone, pending approval from the Texas Education Agency.

In other business, board members:

• Met new Technology Director Tracy Rich, who comes to MWISD from Dalhart, Texas, where he was Director of Technology for three years. Rich told the Index he is still in the process of assessing the district’s technology needs and determining how to implement a state-mandated plan for replacement of obsolete equipment.

• Approved a 364-day lease agreement allowing the Mineral Wells Sports Association Inc. to lease Miller Stadium and its premises for $10 for one year.

• Approved a vendor list for 2008-09 school year supplies.

• Selected a budget committee including Collins, Hearn, Starr, Scott Aaron and Secretary Joe Ruelas.