Talawanda City officials have taken a significant step towards enhancing energy efficiency by approving the lowest responsive bid from Verigee for a facility improvement project during the Board Meeting on August 12, 2025. The approved budget for the project stands at $514,000, which could potentially decrease by $200,000 if a grant is secured.

The discussions highlighted concerns regarding the return on investment (ROI) calculations provided by Verigee. Board members scrutinized the methodology used to determine the ROI, questioning the accuracy of the figures presented. One member pointed out that the calculations seemed to reflect an inverse relationship, suggesting that the actual ROI might be significantly lower than reported. For instance, while Verigee claimed a 76% ROI on certain retrofitting projects, the board member argued that it should be closer to 24%.

Despite these concerns, the board acknowledged the necessity of replacing outdated lighting systems and recognized Verigee as the most cost-effective option, being 27% lower than competing bids. The board emphasized that while the projected savings might not align with the calculations presented, the transition to LED lighting is expected to yield long-term energy savings.

The meeting underscored the importance of transparency and accuracy in financial projections, particularly when public funds are involved. As the project moves forward, board members expressed their commitment to ensuring that the improvements will ultimately benefit the community through reduced energy costs and enhanced facility performance.