The Norwich Energy Committee is holding two information sessions in advance of Town meeting to discuss the $2 million bond article on the ballot for March 3. One session is: Sunday, 2/23, 2:00 pm at the Norwich Congregational Church. The other: Thursday, 2/27, 6:30 pm at the Norwich Public Library Also, discussion is likely at pre-Town meeting on March 2.
On its website, the Energy Committee has set up a Town Facilities Energy Proposal: Information Hub. Lots of town-based information is there. Kudos to the Committee for collecting all the information and placing it in a single spot.
The $2,055,000 bond will finance energy efficiency upgrades to three buildings. However, work at Tracy Hall comprises more than 90% of the cost. See cost estimates below. The largest expenses are for installation of geothermal wells ($402,724) and for upgrades to the ventilation system related to the geothermal system ($924.350).
Proponents of the bond say it will reduce fossil fuel use by town government by 15%.
When the Selectboard considered placing this bond article on the ballot, I asked two questions in a blog post. They were and remain: 1. Why the rush to put this on the ballot? 2. Why is this a no-bid contract?