Bernalillo County has disclosed that in a recent commission meeting, commissioners examined the findings of an Investment Grade Audit (IGA) conducted by YESCO on more than a dozen of the county's largest facilities. The audit identified improvements amounting to $14,295,893.
In the aftermath of assessing proposed facilities, a list was compiled for inclusion in Phase II. This list includes sites such as the Bernalillo County District Courthouse, Los Padillas Community Center, Los Vecinos Community Center, CARES Campus, Paradise Hills Community Center, Public Safety Building, Public Works Campus, Wellesley Facility, Westside Community Center, and the Youth Services Center. According to a press release by Bernalillo County, planned enhancements encompass 102kW of solar power, conversion of 6,000 lights to LED, upgrades to high-efficiency low-voltage transformers and air handler refurbishment. It also includes implementation of Wi-Fi thermostats and building envelope sealing. Water conservation efforts are projected at 1.8 million gallons per year with improvements also expected in boilers and hot water loops.
Commissioner Eric Olivas stated that "this work is part of the County’s efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce the use of fossil fuels and extend the operational life of buildings," according to a press release by Bernalillo County. Olivas added that they "anticipate over $600,000 dollars in federal and local energy efficiency rebates when the projects are complete and annual energy cost savings thereafter. We are moving aggressively to save energy and reduce carbon emissions."
The Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners consists of five elected members who each serve two four-year terms representing the county's five districts. According to information provided by Bernalillo County on its webpage for the Board of Commissioners, these commissioners are governed by state law and accountable to voters. They perform various roles including serving as the county canvassing board for elections, the board of finance for county funds, and the zoning board for zoning approvals. They hold ultimate authority over the county government budget, property tax rates, and the ability to levy special taxes. Furthermore, commissioners issue bonds post-voter approval, determine appropriations and expenditures, make appointments, establish fire districts, and set zoning and business regulations.
