CAMP VERDE - This summer, two large air conditioning units, used to heat and cool the Camp Verde community center, failed.
The bill to replace those units was estimated at $20,000 -- money the Town doesn't really have unless it raids its rainy day fund.
However, while searching for a contractor to replace the units, Public Works Director Ron Long discovered a far better solution that will cost almost nothing.
As part of the federal stimulus package, the Town is eligible to receive a grant for $91,150 from the Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program.
The money will not only replace the two failed units, but also the seven older, inefficient units that serve the gymnasium and Town offices.
In addition to the more efficient air conditioning units, the building will get an energy conservation makeover, to include insulation upgrades and other features designed to lower the Town's long-term energy costs, according to Town Manager Mike Scannell.
At Wednesday evening's Town Council session, the council approved the only cost to the Town, which will be $4,375 to Kitchell contraction to perform an energy analysis and prepare the grant application.
In addition, Scannell said the Town would be looking into additional grant money, available sometime next year, which might allow the town to wean itself from the expensive propane heaters at the Heritage Pool by switching to solar.
"The grant for the AC units is an entitlement grant, meaning the money is there. We just need to apply for it. The grant that may be available for the pool is competitive, meaning will have to compete against other communities with other projects," Scannell noted.
Other Council Actions
Following what can only be described as "copious discussions," the council agreed to submit a tribal gaming disbursement request to the Yavapai-Apache Nation for money to fund the swimming pool, summer youth programs and the Camp Verde library building fund.
The money is part of the tribe's state gaming compact, which requires the distribution of a portion of gaming revenues.
The council requested that 80 percent of their share go to the pool and summer programs and 20 percent of the gaming proceeds go toward a new library building. Final decision on the disbursement it up to the YAN Tribal Council.
The council, along with sponsor Pete Roulette, agreed to table a proposal that would have waived sales taxes on property rentals of retail businesses.
The council agreed to hold any serious discussion until the Supreme Court has ruled on a case pending out of Phoenix.
In the case, the constitutionality of municipal tax rebates, use to lure businesses, is being challenged. Waiving the property rental taxes for retailers may be considered a form of tax rebate, according to Town Attorney Bill Sims.
