Colby council denies requested solar variance, tables museum funding request

The Colby City Council declined a variance request tied to a proposed solar array at the new hospital during its Oct. 20 meeting, citing questions about the project’s effects on the city’s electric system and finances. The council expressed support for solar power at the hospital but denied the request to exceed the limits of the current ordinance.

William Walker, president of Brightergy, told the council the company is discussing a long-term lease arrangement with the hospital for a solar array south of the facility. The agreement would include a buyout option. The project is still in the design phase, and Walker said the goal is to size the array so it would not produce more electricity than the hospital uses.

Brightergy is seeking a variance to allow the project to proceed beyond what the existing ordinance permits. Walker said the company hopes to reach an agreement within a few weeks and wants to move quickly in anticipation of possible tariffs from the Trump administration.

Council members raised questions about how the array could affect electricity demand and the city’s distribution system. Brad Davis, who oversees the city’s electric department, explained that the hospital would draw power from the city grid when the solar system is not producing. The shift in demand could affect system operations, while the city’s transformers cannot store excess electricity and could be damaged if power is not managed properly.

Council members also discussed the financial implications. Erika asked whether a reduction in electricity purchased from the city could affect electric department revenue and, eventually, residents’ utility costs. The city would still need to maintain and operate infrastructure capable of serving the hospital, even if the array reduced the amount of power the facility buys from the city.

Ron recommended further study of the project’s long-term effects. The council also discussed the precedent a variance could set for future projects. Walker said Brightergy has an option that would keep the project within the current ordinance if the variance were not granted. Bruce Hansen said the council supports solar power at the hospital, but not to the extent requested.

The council approved an invoice from QMC. Work has been completed on the footers on the south and east sides of the city owned hangar being built north of the airport terminal, with work on the north-side footers expected to begin soon.

Council members also approved a grant from the Thomas County Community Foundation for a shade awning over the new playground equipment at Young Memorial Park. The city’s recreation department applied for the grant.

A request from Jennifer Linden to increase the Prairie Museum’s share of the city’s guest tax was tabled for further discussion. Linden asked to raise the museum’s allocation from 0.25 to 0.2875, saying the museum has lost access to several grant opportunities while operating costs have risen. The proposed change was expected to generate about $7,000 in additional revenue.

The museum receives funding through the Colby Convention and Visitors Bureau’s portion of the bed tax. The city and CVB each receive 3.25% of the tax, with the museum’s allocation coming from the CVB share. The museum has received $43,050 from the CVB this year, with one payment still expected in November. Council members discussed concerns that bed-tax revenue is down this year and asked questions about the museum’s finances. Ron said he had learned of other possible funding options at a recent city manager meeting. The request was tabled so he could meet with Linden and the CVB to discuss further.

In department reports, Davis said two companies had provided quotes of about $2,500 each for generator pads. Electric department crews are working west of Colby to repair a transmission line, and a truck breakdown may require service in Garden City. A new generator is expected to arrive in January. Davis said he hopes to have it online by April, ahead of the city’s power test; a lease agreement for the generator will come back to the council.

Dispatch Director Andrea Davis reported that the department is fully staffed and that she plans to adjust the team schedule. Staff also have an upcoming training course in telephone CPR, and the department is preparing for the change from warm-weather to cold-weather emergency calls.

The police department’s fleet expansion project is complete, and the vehicles are ready for use. One associate is preparing to finish the police academy, with a second cadet expected to follow.

The council then adjourned until November 2.