$25 million worth of bonds could be issued for more energy efficient upgrades to City of Abilene buildings

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – The City of Abilene is considering issuing more than $25 million worth of bonds to use property taxes and water and sewer revenue to continue making energy efficient upgrades to dozens of properties across the City.

In 2007, the City of Abilene entered into a 20-year partnership with Schneider Electric Buildings America, Inc. to make improvements to 37 city properties that would lead to an estimated $11.9 million in savings over the 20 years by reducing energy usage by 27.5%.

Phases 1-4 were completed from 2007-2019, and now a Phase 5 is needed for additional upgrades including mechanical upgrades, building automation system upgrades, electrical upgrades, elevator refurbishment, and building envelope improvements.

The City of Abilene would issue Certificates of Obligation in the amount of $10,627,520 to fund Phase 5, which would be paid for through property taxes.

Phases 1-4 were paid for through a mix of guaranteed savings, general funds and certificates of obligations.

The following specific upgrades are included in Phase 5 of this project, which will take an estimated 18 months to complete:

Phase 6 costs $15,860,710 and involves upgrades to the Northeast and South Water Treatment Plants. This phase would be funded by Certificates of Obligation paid for by water and sewer revenues and would take an estimated 2-2.5 years to complete.

Improvements in Phase 6 include installing backup generators at both water treatment plants, elevator upgrades at the Northeast Water Treatment Plant, and electric and HVAC upgrades at water department buildings.

City council members will vote on whether or not to enter an agreement with Schneider Electric Buildings America, Inc. and issue bonds for Phases 5 and 6 of the energy efficiently project during a meeting Thursday, March 13.