When it comes to an unplanned $2.8 million dollar contract, we certainly hope our county leaders do their homework.
The resolution towards an agreement with Upchurch Services LLC was recently brought in before the Yazoo County Board of Supervisors. The project is geared towards updating Yazoo County’s infrastructure into an energy savings model within at least 13 county buildings and facilities.
The scope also comes with a hefty price tag “for an amount not to exceed $2,858,441.” And although there is wording that the agreement comes with “guaranteed energy savings,” we must ask if this is a realistic goal or an expensive gamble.
And although we are journalists, not lawyers, we had several questions behind certain wording within the 49-page agreement. We certainly hope our county leaders looked over the wording as well. But if there remain some unanswered questions regarding the agreement, perhaps it would be in the county’s best interest to hold off on signing along the dotted line until those questions are properly addressed.
This newspaper is mostly concerned with that $2.8 million dollar price tag. This is an expense that was not planned within Yazoo County’s budget. And County Administrator Donna Kraft has also voiced her concerns that the unplanned cost could possibly lead to a tax increase upon citizens.
We have seen the charts that show a financial analysis of what Yazoo County can expect in energy savings. But are these merely predictions? As Sunflower County Supervisor Glenn Donald said, “don’t show me predictions. Show me reality. A chart is not reality.”
Donald said Sunflower County, just two counties up the road, embarked on a similar agreement with Upchurch Services, and he said he was not impressed. We encourage our county leaders to speak to other counties who have joined similar energy savings agreements. Let’s put both the criticisms and praises on the table. Let’s investigate to see if these efforts bring enough value to justify the fees and costs.
A $2.8 million dollar commitment with taxpayer funds should be handled with extreme consideration. Fully investigating the matter could save the county from experiencing a potential burden. We hope our county leaders do just that.
