At Monday night’s regular city commission meeting, commissioners discussed the possibility of implementing a weatherization program to assist qualified city homeowners make their homes more energy efficient. Among the improvements that would be included in the program are air conditioning/heating work, insulation, weather stripping, and caulking.
If approved, the city would pay up to $5,000 for the weatherization improvements. Residents would be required to pay back half of the costs of improvements. The city would charge residents $44.66 on their bill ($41.66 plus a $3 administration fee) each month for 60 months or until the resident’s portion is paid back. According to Dale Batten, Community Development Director, the program could serve 20 customers if each one received the full $5,000.
To be eligible for the program, a resident must meet several criteria, including: must meet current HUD income limits; must provide proof of home ownership; must occupy the home as the primary residence; must be current on utility bill and not be participating in the city’s utility payment plan; and must provide proof of ownership. These are but a few of the eligibility criteria. Manufactured homes are eligible if they are permanently affixed and have had the wheels and axles removed.
If approved, the program would begin in October of this year. The city has $100,000 set aside in the FY17 budget for the program.
Commissioners also approved a $10 senior citizen discount for utility customers 65 or older. The discount will begin on Sept. 1.
In other business, the commission also approved the FY17 budget, the purchase of two transformers, a contract with Statewide Engineering to begin work on the Satilla Industrial Park, and improvements to the Bo Jo Ella lift station.