Alternative-energy fund cut due to budget woes

An alternative-energy program fell victim to the economic downturn Monday when a split City Commission voted down the program 3-2, with three commissioners saying it was too costly of a luxury during times of cutbacks.

Commissioners Terry Turner and Shannon Snyder said approving the program would contribute to future deficits. Mayor Suzanne Atwell cast the third vote against the initiative, saying she wanted the city to consider other partnerships with the county and local corporations that would promote alternative energy at a lower cost to the city.

Atwell envisions a broader attempt to focus on green energy through a city and county collaboration.

Former Mayor Kelly Kirschner served on the commission that first approved the program in 2010. He was one of more than 10 advocates who spoke Monday in an attempt to convince commissioners to move the program forward as part of this year’s budget. Kirschner said the program would have set aside an estimated $150,000 next year for solar water heaters and other alternative-energy efforts.

If approved, the program would have used a portion of a tax paid by Florida Power & Light customers. The portion of that tax that would have funded the energy program will now be funneled into the city’s general fund budget.

Another issue, in addition to cost, was how the city would have managed such a program.

The green-energy initiative would have financed low-interest loans to homeowners to make energy-efficient upgrades. However, that concept fell apart after restrictions were placed on municipalities by federal mortgage lenders, said the city’s finance director, Chris Lyons.

Another possible option was to issue grants to home and business-property owners.

Commissioner Paul Caragiulo said he was originally opposed to the program but changed his mind.

“If we stop thinking like dinosaurs, maybe we have a better chance of avoiding extinction,” Caragiulo said.