A few years ago, the City of LeSueur was facing a myriad of costly facility problems:  The hospital was operating on  a 45-year-old,  inefficient mechanical  ventilation system and heating unit. The Community  Center was plagued with humidity problems from the ice rink and swimming pool,  controlling the pool temperature was difficult, and the ball courts had ventilation issues. City Hall and the Public Works Building had inefficient heating systems.  Buildings needed to be made accessible and have fire and safety upgrades.

In 2004, the City solved several all these problems at once by taking advantage of a state statute that enables local governments to sign performance contracts for projects that save energy.   The total cost of the  project to upgrade heating, cooling, controls, lighting and ventilation for LeSueur's facilities was $2.7 million, but  that investment is financed by $240,000 in energy and operational savings each year;  the improvements should cover those costs within 15 years. The project also received a $25,000 one-time rebate from a local utility.

Agencies/companies involved: LeSueur Building Inspections, Minnesota Department of Health, State Fire Inspector, Johnson Controls.

Read an article about LeSueuer's Energy Efficiency performance contract online at American City and County magazine --scroll down to the  story  titled  "Small Town Thinks Big."