City seeks input on P.A.C.E. Program

   The City of Rolla is seeking input and feedback on an innovative energy saving program called Property Assessed Clean-Energy (PACE). Information regarding the program, which is being implemented in Missouri and 23 other states, was presented and discussed on behalf of the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) at the April 18 and May 2 City Council meetings.
   As stated on the PACENOW Website at www.pacenow.org, PACE is a bipartisan local government initiative that allows property owners to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects for their homes and commercial buildings. Interested property owners opt‐in to receive financing for improvements that is repaid through an assessment on their property taxes for up to 20 years. PACE financing spreads the cost of energy improvements such as weather sealing, insulation, energy efficient boilers and cooling systems, new windows, and solar installations over the expected life of the measures and allows for the repayment obligation to transfer automatically to the next property owner if the property is sold.
   PACE is unique in that it has the potential to create badly needed local jobs; use private capital (not taxes or government subsidies); save money for building owners and increase property values; it’s voluntary – not a government mandate; and promotes energy security without driving up energy costs.
   Missouri State Statute allows for the formation of an independent board (Clean Energy Development Board) that is responsible for administering the PACE program. To do this, however, it is required that a sponsor city or county authorize the initial formation. Once formed, the Clean Energy Development Board becomes totally independent of that city or county, and by design, would expand into that regional planning commission. The Meramec Regional Planning Commission has solicited a survey to all cities and counties in their eight-county region asking if any city is interested in pursuing this program.
   In an effort to better estimate and help determine the interest level among residents and businesses in the Rolla and Phelps County area regarding the possibility of implementing the P.A.C.E. program, the City would like to hear from the public regarding your thoughts and opinions on this program.
   If you would like to comment on the P.A.C.E. program, or if you have additional questions regarding the program, please contact the City of Rolla’s Administration Department at 426-6948 or e-mail John Butz, City Administrator, at jbutz@rollacity.org.
   Have a safe week!