WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS ESTABLISH PACE PROGRAM

  

Washington County is now officially a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) county.

Commissioners at their meeting this (Tuesday) morning approved a resolution to implement the PACE program in the county, as well as a professional services agreement with the Texas PACE Authority.

The program allows property owners to lower operating costs and use savings for eligible water conservation, energy efficiency, resiliency, and distributed generation projects. Through the program, property owners are granted access to private, long-term financing options for commercial, industrial, and multi-family properties.

During a public hearing on the item, Tee Dippel of Brenham National Bank and Ben Flencher of Citizens State Bank both vocalized their support for the program. Dippel said having the program sets up a good opportunity to provide financing for older properties that need to be updated.  Flencher said it provides a tool for city and county residents that may not have another avenue to get financing on old building repairs.  He said, if it is used well, it could be “a welcome thing for the community”.

City of Brenham Economic Development Director Susan Cates also spoke highly of the program.

 

Also in court, commissioners approved an equipment custody agreement between the county and Minnesota Resuscitation Solutions, LLC. EMS Director Kevin Deramus said the county in January began using a new FDA-approved resuscitation device, which he said increases coronary perfusion while performing CPR.

The county recently purchased a kit from the Minnesota company, who is loaning the county another unit.  The agreement was not a monetary exchange for the unit, which costs roughly $5,995.  Deramus said this is the first time this device is being utilized in the state of Texas.

Commissioners then adjourned into executive session to seek legal counsel regarding pending or contemplated litigation. Commissioners also deliberated personnel matters regarding the medical director, pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551-074(a).  No action was taken.

Also during regular session, commissioners:

• Approved a general service agreement between the county and Housley Communications, Inc., for fiber connections to the Brazos Valley Council of Governments at the new Road and Bridge facility.  The amount for the agreement is $16,587.
• Read a proclamation declaring February 2020 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month in Washington County.
• Approved formal notice for utility installation by PGMS-Chappell Hill Water Supply for a four-inch road bore at 8580 Mulberry Street in Chappell Hill, Precinct Two.
• Changed the date of next week’s commissioners court meeting from Tuesday, February 11^th to Monday, February 10^th.