By MOLLY RICHESON
For The Weekly Post
BRIMFIELD – The Brimfield Village Board on Monday heard a proposal from David Knight, president of Illinois Solar Services, on the possibility of adding a solar field for the water-treatment facility as well as panel installation for the village hall building.
Knight said the switch to solar power for those two facilities alone would lower the village’s electric bill from an approximate $1,850 per month to $59 per month. Illinois Solar Services would partner with Oberlander Electric out of Mossville to complete the project.
Knight said the total cost for the water-treatment facility would be $386,000 with a 3.2-year payback time. The project would also qualify for several incentives, including $162,615 in Solar Renewable Energy Credits from the state over the course of six years, a $49,068 Smart Inverter Rebate from Ameren and a 40% investment tax credit from the federal government.
With all those credits, the village would make $18,682, according to Knight.
The solar system would require two rows of ground panels, tie into the generator system and come with an all-inclusive 30-year warranty.
The new village hall would require 12 roof-mounted solar panels and would initially cost $33,140, with a return on investment of 7.7 years. Incentives for roof-mounted panels are $5,800 from the state, $1,500 from Ameren and $1,650 from the federal government, lowering the cost for the village to $9,154.
Should the systems produce more power than the village can use, the village gets credit and any excess carries over with no reset of credits.
The board tabled a vote on the solar proposal until next month’s meeting, pending a check to make certain insurance will cover the systems.
The board did approve drafting an ordinance to establish the Brimfield Area Museum. Once an ordinance is written and approved, the next step will be to appoint members to the museum board. Kim Hanks, current president of the Peoria County Genealogical Society and a future museum board member, has drafted a set of bylaws, a deed of gift and an acceptance of collection from the Brimfield Historical Society for the Village Board to review.
Under the proposed bylaws, the museum board will consist of five people in staggered two-year terms. The initial board will have three people serving a three-year term and two people serving for two years in order to stagger the terms moving forward. A soft opening of the museum is planned for Old Settlers Days in August.
The board also approved its annual budget and appropriation, which accounts for solar installation.
Also approved were: a $60,231.90 bid from United Contractors Midwest of Peoria for sealcoating, about $5,000 under initial estimates; $4,000 to cover materials and labor for a new door for the men’s bathroom at Brimfield Park; and $1,200 to remove a tree on East Clay Street to prevent further sidewalk damage.
Finally, the board approved an additional three days of paid time off for village employees, effective immediately.
6-5-25
6-6-25
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