FORT SCOTT — The Fort Scott City Commission has voted 3–1 to approve a 225-kilowatt solar system with a small battery backup at the city’s water treatment plant, with projected energy savings of about $30,000 annually.
Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tracy Dancer and Julie Buchta supported the project, while Commissioner Tim Van Hoecke voted against it. Mayor Kathryn Salsbury was absent. The plant is located at 910 Burke St.
The project calls for solar panels on the ground and on the plant’s concrete reservoir. A small battery system would help the facility handle brief power dips, according to the proposal presented by SEK Solar.
Daniel Zywietz, owner of the Chanute-based company, previously proposed solar and battery installations at five city buildings before narrowing the plan to the water plant.
Zywietz estimated the project would cost about $550,000, with a federal direct payment covering roughly half and reducing the city’s net expense to approximately $270,000. He projected annual savings of about $30,000 and described the investment as providing roughly a 13% annual return with an approximately eight-year payback.
The approved financing plan calls for the city to borrow the upfront expense from its wastewater fund and repay that fund at 1% interest. Wells’ motion also directed the city to order materials as quickly as possible.
City Manager Brad Matkin told commissioners that power surges have damaged equipment at the plant. Van Hoecke said he still had reservations about the proposal.
According to Zywietz, the system must be operating by the end of 2027 to qualify for the federal payment.
