And then some
This week, the Missoula City Council approved a contract for Johnson Controls to get up close and personal with municipal power consumption. Basically, the company will recommend cost-effective things Missoula can do to save energy. There’s a couple levels of scrutiny. At the microscopic stage, the ideas need to save as much money as Johnson predicts or they make up the difference, according to the vehicle maintenance superintendent.
The vote at Council’s regular meeting happened after 9 p.m. when I skedaddle from Council Chambers, but the City Clerk’s marked up agenda* puts the score at 8-3-1. Councilors Haines, Hellegaard and Mitchell voted no and Wilkins abstained.
Councilman Jon Wilkins said he abstained because he didn’t get a chance to talk. Part of him thinks it’s just good business for Johnson to inform the city of energy efficiencies. But he said he isn’t keen on paying for paperwork either.
“I’m cautious about doing these studies anymore,” Wilkins said. “We seem to turn around and we’re always spending money on them.”
– Keila Szpaller
