The PostBulletin of Wasbasha, MN, is spending $4 million to upgrade the HVAC in the Wabasha-Kellogg school. The school board approved the project in July. The details – including the precise cost – are being negotiated with Ameresco.
The facility houses 600 students, from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. There are about 90 staffers. The facility was built in two sections at different times and last year the district spent $10,000 to keep the HVAC system operational.
This led to the capital improvement project, which will cost owners of a home assessed at $100,000 about $36 per year for 15 years. The 1992 elementary school wing will get all new HVAC equipment, with a chiller unit on the ground. There will be new air-handling equipment at the performing arts center and two gyms will get new dehumidifying gear.
Minnesota law says that voter approval is not needed if a project is aimed at protecting the health and safety of people using the building. In New Jersey, however, three communities – Manasquan, Eagleswood and Island Heights – did have a say and voted down school HVAC projects last Tuesday.
