In a detailed presentation about using solar energy for all its facilities at Orchard Hill, including the jail and Emergency Services Center, Washington County Supervisors Tuesday learned not only could the county reduce annual costs by some $30,000, but within 30 years could have a $1.5 million payback.  

The presentation from Atwood Energy Services, Inc. of Sigourney, electrical contractors specializing in solar power, covered the variations in costs and services with private energy suppliers, and the uses of solar, including selling power back on the grid as well as having storage batteries.  

It also covered the differences in charges for regular energy use and demand usage, determined which time of year usage was greatest, and discussed servicing equipment.  Payback, depending on the facility, would range from $10,000 to $52,000 annually.  The estimated cost of installation is $150,000, using solar panels.  It also was suggested that the two current meters at Orchard Hill be combined into one service.

The board agreed to review the full pack of information provided as part of the decision regarding possible use of the Orchard Hill Complex to house county administrative offices.

In other business, the board:

•Voted no on the request from the Johnson County Board of Supervisors for a $7,657 contribution to the planned US Geological Survey study of the effects of water withdrawals from the Silurian Aquifer between 2020 and 2045.  The research is a follow-up to the study completed in 2005 and involved the DNR and cities of Coralville, Iowa City, North Liberty and Solon and the University of Iowa.   The total cost will be $463,700 over four years.   The suggested amount from Washington County to aid in the study through 2045 was based on the county’s population and proximity to the aquifer.

•Approved Aspen Bromell, communications, new hire $22.60 to $22.95, effective February 28; Brianna Roose, county ambulance, termination, effective February 13; Scott Adkins, county ambulance, media, part-time to full-time, effective February 8. Approved process servers Jamie Love, Shaianne McGlaughlin, Dustin Stuelke, Barry Schaley, Keaton Zear, and Aaron McPherson to two-year terms, effective February 13, 2023, to December 31, 2024.

*Following a brief recess, began a canvas of the special election for the City of Washington council post.

The session had three of the five supervisors present.