EXCEL proposition would save taxpayers significantly

The projected energy savings from just a single component of the EXCEL Capital Project going before voters on October 9 would have a savings greater than the cost to taxpayers for the entire project.

Switching from electric to natural gas firing of the middle school hot water and air conditioning systems is projected conservatively to save RCS taxpayers $28,600 a year, said Kevin Murray, a consultant to the district.

 Meanwhile, the cost to taxpayers for the entire $2.35 million project averages less than $15,000 a year for 15 years or four cents per $1,000 assessed property value for the first year and less than a penny a year the remaining 14 years.

 Murray said other energy efficiency projects in the EXCEL bond proposition going before voters, such as the installation of new thermal windows at the high school and new hot water heating systems at the elementary schools would result in additional savings.

Residents will head to the polls on October 9 to three propositions:

• Approval of proposition 1 would allow RCS to conduct $2.35 million in repairs and renovations – such as the replacement of rusted, asbestos-lined water tanks in the elementary schools, replacement of a leaking roof section at the High School, installation of new, energy efficient thermal windows in the high school and the piping of natural gas service to the middle school.
  As a result of a state Legislature-created program entitled EXCEL (Expanding Children’s Education and Learning) that is designed to cover most local taxpayer costs for capital projects, RCS taxpayers would only be responsible for paying the interest costs, said Superintendent Vicki Wright.

• Approval of proposition 2 would allow RCS to spend $390,000 to replace the leaky roof of the bus garage and install a more energy efficient boiler and a fuel monitoring device. While not eligible for EXCEL funds, the project is eligible for the standard 70 percent state aid. That would reduce the total cost to taxpayers of the project to $10,327 a year.

• Proposition 3 seeks a voter recommendation on who should fill the vacant ninth seat on the Board of Education.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the RCC High School gymnasium.