Vernon County Commission considers upgrades to county buildings

Nevada Daily Mail

The Vernon County Courthouse and Jail could see energy-friendly upgrades in the future, leading to more efficient utility uses and taxpayer savings if the Vernon County Commission decides to pursue a proposal from an engineering firm.

Doug Riat, an account executive with 360 Energy Engineers, told the Vernon County Commission during its meeting Tuesday that the courthouse would need extensive upgrades to become more efficient, partially due to the building's age.

An energy-use audit completed by 360 Energy Engineers last year showed that the courthouse and jail could benefit from lighting and mechanical upgrades.

"The courthouse is not an easy, cheap fix," Riat said, citing a larger amount of work that would need to be completed. The energy upgrades would take between four and five months.

The jail, which would be a less expensive project, would require fewer modifications. Riat said the construction upgrades completed by his company on the jail alone could save the county nearly $8,000 in lighting expenses and $6,000 in heating and cooling costs annually. Riat said the jail's electrical and mechanical equipment was good, but not fully utilized.

Northern Commissioner Neal Gerster mentioned that despite being relatively new, the county jail has begun to develop minor maintenance issues. According to Gerster, the five-year-old jail building has some corrosion in the waterlines, worn valves and inconsistencies with heating and cooling.

Riat first approached the commission in the fall of 2013, bringing up the idea of energy efficiency testing and improvements. Presiding Commissioner Bonnie McCord said Riat's company is not the first to bring similar proposals to the commission; other energy companies have approached the commission suggesting audits and other services.

"We are always looking for ways to make the courthouse and Sheriff's Department more cost effective," McCord said. "We are receptive to new ideas, but not necessarily seeking them out."

McCord said previous energy audits have had conflicting ideas about the courthouse's energy usage. One company's survey suggested that the basement boiler system was inefficient, while another reported that the system operates without any issues.

The Commission appeared concerned with the price tag of 360 Energy Engineer's proposed upgrades. The proposed work required for both buildings would be around $1.5 million. Riat and the Commission discussed alternatives to financing the project, such as grants and incentive programs. Commissioners Gerster, McCord and Wolfe said that other items in this year's budget were at a higher priority.

Beyond footing the bill, another difficulty of considering efficiency improvements would be the need to retain the courthouse's original features. McCord said one issue would be the extent of work necessary. Since the courthouse is a recognized building on the National Register of Historic Places, upgrades would have to work around particular guidelines.