Myers questions energy audit need

Just before Whitman County commissioners signed a $40,935 contract for an audit of energy use on the courthouse campus, Parks Director Tim Myers told commissioners much of that information could already be on the books.

Myers, who used to manage the county’s facilities, said many energy improvements were made nine years ago.

“I just wanted you guys to have some history on this so you will be sure this will be something that is worthwhile,” Myers told commissioners in a workshop session Tuesday morning.

With courthouse improvement bonds issued in 2002, the county replaced a lot of its aging equipment, its “low hanging fruit” as Myers called it.

Commissioner Greg Partch remembered the “in-house” audit of the county’s energy efficiency.

“But now McKinstry is going to come in and do a comprehensive look at a relatively low cost that can be built into the later payments,” said Partch.

The 2002 revenue bonds, guaranteed by .09 money, replaced windows, lights and the heating system in the courthouse. Myers added the boiler in the jail was switched to a smaller, more efficient model at the time.

Commissioner Pat O’Neill said Divco opted out of its maintenance contract with the county because of high maintenance costs on outdated equipment.

Myers said Divco was losing money only because of the upkeep on the outdated air-conditioning units in the jail and public service building.

O’Neill noted a state program, which provides the county a low-interest loan and structures payments off energy savings, required the county get the audit. The county contracted with Seattle-based McKinstry

“We’re kind of forced into a corner on this,” said O’Neill. “We have to go down this direction we’re going.”