There are many “energy efficient” projects that are nothing more than routine maintenance - like replacing windows, boilers, etc. - that are being hidden under this farce.
UNDATED (WSAU) Wisconsin schools are taking advantage of a three-year-old state law to catch up on maintenance and become more energy-efficient. According to Gannett newspapers, school districts throughout the state have borrowed $134-and-a-half million on energy projects since 2009, without having to get voters’ approval. The law lets school districts exceed their state revenue limits without referendums, in order to borrow for energy projects.
Last year the law was expanded to let schools spread their payments over a number of years instead of just one. And that spurred a big increase in borrowing – from about $9-million in fiscal 2011 to $93-million this year, with around 30 projects throughout the state each year.
Washington County sold us taxpayers the sales tax for debt retirement and capital projects.
Now Washington County uses our sales tax money for capital projects like tuck pointing and sealing parking lots! I guess it depends on what your definition of ‘is’ is.
I think you used the wrong link, ‘cause the one you did provide doesn’t say anything about this “routine maintenance” scam that you mention many school districts are doing.
Hmmm… low interest loans for energy efficiency improvements that save taxpayers money on utility costs. Just another crazy idea we got from those wild liberals down in Texas, who’ve been doing it for a quarter-century.