BEAUFORT The County Board of Education delayed action Monday on a proposed $27.8 million local budget thats 28 percent more than the current year, largely to meet unfunded state mandates.

That amount includes $22.8 million for operations and $5 million for capital.

The board will resume talks Tuesday during its regular meeting, allowing more time to get questions answered on the operations budget. The board didnt discuss the capital side of the budget Monday because members had previously agreed on the capital request at an earlier meeting.

Once the school board approves its total request, the proposed budget has to go to county commissioners for funding approval. The county board had asked the educators to submit their request Thursday, but Superintendent Dr. Dan Novey said he planned to contact County Manager Russell Overman to inform him of the delay.

The 28 percent increase concerned school board member Mark Mansfield.

If it comes to a 2-cent tax increase, will they do that? he asked during the special meeting held in the school systems central office on Safrit Drive.

Board member Cathy Neagle replied, Will they cut services or stay with a good school system? Our overall goal here is to maintain the same level of programs.

State and federal money also make up the school systems budget, but totals wont be available until later in the year after the General Assembly convenes. The current years budget total is $73.2 million for the combined funding of federal, state and county funds.

Of the proposed $22.8 million for operations, $22 million would come from the county. Thats 17 percent more than the $18.8 million appropriated this fiscal year. The fiscal year starts July 1.

The remaining amount comes from fines and forfeitures, sales tax reimbursements, tuition, fees and other sources.

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Budget totals $27.8 million

RIVERDALE, N.J., March 21, 2014 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- A three-year agreement between the appliance manufacturerElectroluxand Camfil -- the world's leading provider of clean air solutions -- highlights the increasing importance of total cost of ownership (TCO). As more companies take a holistic, long-term view of costs, they're discovering that a product's price tag tells only a small part of the story. Indeed, often it is the product with the higher upfront cost that leads to greater overall savings -- making it the wiser investment. This is particularly the case, as Electrolux discovered, when it comes to commercial air filters.

While traditional air filters tend to carry lower initial costs than more sophisticated models -- like thehigh-efficiency air filters from Camfil-- they also degrade more rapidly, requiring more frequent change outs, as well as more energy to push the air flow through the filter. The result: a surprisingly high total cost of ownership, once replacements, installation, energy use, and disposal costs are factored in.

Yet high-efficiency filters change the equation. Thanks to their innovative design, and their focus on sustainability, Camfil filters use less energy, last longer, and require less frequent replacement and disposal. So a higher upfront price actually leads to cost savings in the long run. By demonstrating this -- showing not just the best-of-breed performance of its air filters, but their total cost of ownership advantage -- Camfil was able to secure the Electrolux agreement, which covers three Electrolux appliance plants in the United States. While unit costs will roughly double, total costs will be reduced in excess of 30 percent.

As organizations ranging from hospitals to manufacturing plants to educational institutions strive to contain costs without sacrificing performance, life cycle cost analysis is enabling them to focus on preferred products. What these organizations are finding is that with the right vendor, total cost of ownership can be lowered even as performance is improved. Camfil's energy efficient, sustainable air filters, for example, have already helped customers reduce their HVAC energy costs by 20 percent, their installation costs by 50 percent, and their disposal costs by 70 percent -- all while maintaining optimal indoor air quality.

To help potential customers understand what savings are possible for their own particular circumstances, Camfil offers its uniqueLife Cycle Cost software. It enables users to enter their current filter brand, type, operating parameters, and cost to compare the lifetime costs of their existing filters with Camfil air filters.

As companies like Electrolux are discovering, a low initial price may be an enticing proposition, but low long-term costs are a winning one.

The world leader in air filtration systems, Camfil provides clean air solutions for hospitals, hotels, office buildings, educational institutions, and pharmaceutical and biotech companies. We provide the tools to achieve sustainability, maintain high air quality, and reduce airborne infections -- all while lowering total cost of ownership. Camfil customers go green without ever sacrificing performance. For more information, visit us online at http://airfilters.camfilfarr.us, or call us toll-free at 888.599.6620.

Media Contact: Lynne Laake, Camfil, 888.599.6620, Lynne.Laake@camfil.com

News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com

SOURCE Camfil

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Camfil-Electrolux Agreement Proves the Importance of Air Filter Life Cycle Costs

Beaverton, OR (PRWEB) March 14, 2014

Housing costs in Washington County are among the highest in Oregon, and an estimated half of the 70,000 renting households in this county live in housing that is unaffordable. This fact alone makes the preservation of 69 affordable apartments at Farmington Meadows a reason to celebrate.

Guardian Real Estate Services, in partnership with HUD and Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), recently completed a $14 million dollar rehab project that maintains 69 affordable homes for seniors and families in Beaverton, Oregon. Without the continued funding the rehab ensured, the projects full HAP Section 8 contract would have expired in November 2012, and residents of Farmington Meadows would have simply been priced out of their homes.

Farmington Meadows is a wonderful example of the potential for successful preservation of our states existing affordable housing portfolio, especially those properties with valuable federal subsidies that can stretch our limited local resources even further, says Jessy Olson, Development Projects Manager for Guardian Real Estate Services. Not only are rehabs a more efficient way to build green and save resources, but these properties are already a significant part of the local community, so we find a lot of value in preservation efforts and are pleased that OHCS prioritized this project.

Originally built in 1982, Farmington Meadows was in need of major repairs to keep the community viable for its residents. The community now also meets the 30-Year OHCS Rehab Construction Best Practices and the OHCS Green Path Standards.

The renovation includes: a full building envelope replacement, improvements to HVAC systems to reduce moisture in units, site drainage improvements, landscaping and amenity improvements, parking lot and walkway replacements. The apartment interiors received nearly complete upgrades with new flooring, appliances, cabinets and countertop surfaces. A brand new community room and play structure was also added.

Project investment partners include Oregon Housing & Community Services, Enterprise Community Investment, and JP Morgan Chase. Guardian Real Estate Services serves as the developer, co-owner and property manager. Carleton Hart Architecture is the project architect and LMC Construction is the contractor.

The community is invited to the Grand Re-Opening Celebration on Wednesday, March 19 from 2 to 4pm at 4566 Southwest 160th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97007.

Refreshments, and self-guided tours of the property will follow a short program. The celebration is open to the public and community members are encouraged to attend.

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Originally posted here:
14M Rehab Keeps Affordable Housing Available in Oregon's Washington County

Find the right A/C system for your home!

Champion AC is an Air Conditioning Installation company that has an A rating with the Better Business Bureau. If you are in the process of replacing your homes central air conditioning system then you have come to the right place. There are many details that we want our customers to understand, so we can help save money on your monthly utility bill.

AC replacement services are vital to the comfortability in your home so here are some things to keep in my mind.

When purchasing a new central HVAC system there are a few details that you really want to watch out for. Currently, there are more rebates than ever for upgrading central AC systems, but the system must qualify with the proper SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. Our comfort advisors and technicians will be able to show you exactly which HVAC systems qualify for rebates and set the custom design for your home. While the brand can alter the price significantly, warranties speak volumes in the HVAC industry. Here are some product options below and if you have any additional questions please send us an email or call us directly 210.699.0022.

At Champion AC, we gather detailed information about your house (insulation, windows, square footage, etc...) and determine the optimum air condition equipment for your home. In the past, many contractors installed air conditioners that were oversized thinking it would cool a home down faster. From an engineering standpoint, this is a truly bad idea because not only will the system be more inefficient, but the home will actually become uncomfortable.

A properly sized HVAC system is essential to lowering utility bills and reducing indoor humidity. Todays high efficiency AC systems also have higher SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratings) and also have variable speed motors, which requires much less energy to run. SEER ratings are an important factor when deciding which air conditioner to install, because heating and air conditioning accounts for approximately 60% of a typical utility bill.

Champion AC can install Air Conditioning systems of any brand. We are qualified to install: Amana, Trane, Mitsubishi, Carrier, Lennox, Goodman, American Standard, Rheem, Ruud, Bryant, York, Weather King, Coleman, Comfort Maker, etc

Champion AC currently provides the installation of 13-21 SEER Central Air Conditioning systems. We only install R410A refrigerant systems as well. When investing in a new AC system, understanding SEER ratings is very important.

A 13 SEER unit is the lowest SEER rated unit that we install. If a homeowner doesnt plan on living in their home for more than 4 years we recommend installing a 15 SEER unit. If you plan on staying in your home for the foreseeable future then it would be wise to install a 16, 18 or 21 SEER AC system.

We are currently participating in an energy efficiency movement study and our air conditioning installations and research are helping local utility companies such as: CPS Energy, Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative and Bandera Electric Cooperative.

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Air Conditioning Installation | AC Replacement San Antonio

By JENNIFER NOBLIT ThisWeek Community News ThisWeek Community News Wednesday March 12, 2014 9:54 AM

Improvements to two Dublin City Schools will begin before the school year is through, but construction isn't expected to interrupt classes.

The Dublin Board of Education this week approved contracts for work at Davis Middle School and Deer Run Elementary School and both projects are expected to start around spring break.

The contact for work at Davis Middle School came in under the budgeted $680,000 at $625,875, said Annette Morud, the district's business affairs director.

The commons area at Davis will be expanded to deal with overcrowding at lunch time and when the area is used for meetings.

"They'll get started around spring break," Morud said. "Most of it is outside so it can go on while school is in session."

An $877,000 contract with H&A Mechanical for the replacement of the HVAC system at Deer Run Elementary was $877,000 awarded March 10.

"That will start prior to school getting out," Morud said. "It's a pretty tight schedule to get that work done at Deer Run."

Work will be done at night so classes are not interrupted, Morud said. It should be completed by the start of the next school year.

Both projects are funded by the $15.87-million bond issue approved by voters in 2012.

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Improvement projects planned at Davis, Deer Run

Calloway County Schools began a utilities renovation last month that is expected to save the district millions of dollars and virtually pay for itself.

The Board of Education approved the more than $7 million project in November. It includes a complete heating, ventilation and air conditioning replacement at North and Southwest elementary schools, a total lighting replacement for all three elementary schools, spot lighting replacements at all schools, which includes new exterior lights at every school, among other projects.

The projects were outlined separately on the districts 2013 facilities plan, but by making the renovations eco-friendly, Calloway schools would be able to widen the scope of the project and qualify for more state funding.

The concept is called an energy performance contract. Harshaw Trane of Louisville the company chosen for the project guarantees certain energy-cost savings with its new products, so Calloway only required about $4 million worth of bonding potential, while the rest of the money will be paid back to the state in the money saved by the energy reductions.

That makes Facilities Director Kenny Duncan happy. He said it will allow the district to keep a healthy reserve budget while embarking on a huge project.

Our board members didnt want to use all that bonding potential because if an emergency came up and we needed to use that we would need it, he said., This way, we have it there to use. So what this performance contract is doing is allowing the state to expand our bonding potential to the $7.3 million. Were using $3 million of bonding, and the rest is paid from the energy theyre going to save the district.

Chris Jaggers, marketing leader for Trane, said it is the third largest energy-savings project the company has done in Kentucky and the only district to include a total overhaul of lighting in elementary schools.

The Calloway County School Board and the adminstration ought to be applauded for getting above the curve, he said. This project will save the district millions and millions of dollars down the road.

The $4 million in energy savings that will be returned to the state for its investment will be collected over 20 years at Calloway schools. The reductions came first from a study that modeled the districts energy usage and engineers who looked at the model to determine what kind of utilities would aid facilities the most.

This has been in the words since October, Duncan said. They spent probably six months with data-loggers in the building evaluation our everyday usage. They wanted to study our habits.

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Calloway Schools go green with cost-savings renovation

Springfield, MO (PRWEB) February 28, 2014

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning is now offering members a Comfort Club membership program for heating and cooling maintenance and tune-ups. Members are given quality services twice a year for their summer and winter needs on their air conditioner and furnace.

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning recognizes that tune-ups and maintenance checks are easily forgotten. To help avoid replacing air conditioners and furnaces earlier than necessary, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning offers the heating and cooling services needed to keep systems running smoothly and efficiently all year. Regular maintenance and repairing small problems can catch many problems before they become major and may save home owners money on large repairs and replacements.

Regularly scheduled maintenance provides longer lasting equipment. One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning developed the Comfort Club Membership Program to help customers year round. When equipment is inspected and maintained before it is required to run full-time, it can last twice as long as it would otherwise, often doubling the lifespan of the machine.

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning's program also offers a Breakdown-Free Guarantee, offering members a free diagnostic and discount on any repairs needed for members of the Comfort Club.

An added benefit to package members, includes VIP treatment and front-of-the-line access to One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning technicians. Comfort Club members pay a low monthly fee to cover the bi-annual check ups, offering them money savings and special treatment throughout the year.

About One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning Springfield One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning Springfield is dedicated to fast, professional, high quality HVAC services. Technicians are available 24 hours a day and 7 days per week for heating and cooling installation and repairs. Emergency service calls available.

One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning Springfield is locally owned, but backed by the strength of a nationwide brand which ensures state-of-the-art training and technology. All services performed are backed by the Fixed Right or Its FREE! guarantee.

Contact: Frank Elston http://springfieldsontimeservice.com

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning Springfield 3378 South Scenic Avenue Springfield, MO 65807 (417) 886-3456

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Heating and Cooling Customers of Springfield MO Offered Savings With Membership Program Presented by One Hour Heating ...

Posted on Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at 3:43 pm

An increased county budget reflects a recovering local economy, according to Hanovers top official.

Wednesday, Hanover County Administrator Rhu Harris introduced a proposed budget of $390.6 million to the board of supervisors (after presstime). According to a memorandum to the board, the budget reflects an increase of $18 million or 4.8 percent over last years budget, with increased investment in the county workforce, education, capital improvements and public safety without changing the current tax structure.

Harris

The fiscal year 2015 budget is the first budget in five years to reflect what we all hope to be the recovery for our local economy and community, Harris wrote to the board. Our economic indicators are consistently showing that Hanover residents are returning to work, are spending in our retail stores and feel more secure about their home values.

According to Harris letter to the board of supervisors, general fund revenues are increasing for the first time since 2008 by 3.3 percent, or $7.8 million, led by an increase in real estate tax revenue. Harris said the increase is the result of projected reassessment increases of 1.5 percent and new construction of 2 percent.

Last year, Hanover issued 595 building permits for new single family homes, the highest number seen since 2004.

Personal property and sales tax revenues also increased by $1.5 million and $2 million, respectively.

Harris also noted that in the past year, the county attracted more than $53 million in new commercial construction. The private sector workforce also expanded by 987 jobs, helping drop the countys unemployment rate to 4.4 percent in December, a number in line with historic trends.

Harris has proposed increasing fees in two areas building inspections and utilities, where user fees for water and sewage are proposed to rise 2.5 percent, or an estimated $14.64 a year for the typical household.

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County Administrator: Hanover budget reflects recovery

Capital improvements levy By JENNIFER NESBITT ThisWeek Community News ThisWeek Community News Wednesday February 26, 2014 9:25 AM

An overhaul of single-paned windows at Westerville South High School and roofing improvements, HVAC work and door replacements will wrap up the final year of an aggressive five-year capital-improvement plan in the Westerville City School District.

The Westerville City Board of Education approved the last of the bids for 2014 summer improvement projects at its Feb. 24 meeting, as Business Operations Services Executive Director Jeff LeRose updated the board on the district's capital-improvements plans and projects.

The overall 2011-2015 plan included major projects, such as the acquisition and renovation of a former office building to create the Early Learning Center and Administrative Offices at 936 Eastwind Drive; the creation of the Academic Enrichment Center in the old administrative offices; the renovation and expansion of the district's transportation facility on East Walnut Street; the installation of artificial turf at all three high schools, and improvements to building exteriors throughout the district.

In all, the district had identified $65 million in capital-improvement needs, which included items such as school buses, technology and text books, when the 2011-2015 capital-improvement plan was drafted, LeRose said, but only $57 million in funds was available.

At the time, the district deferred $8 million in projects to stay within budget, LeRose said.

However, during the down economy over the last five years, the district was able to recapture much of that $8 million to fund projects by closely watching its contractors and finding rebates, LeRose said.

As it does each summer, the district will turn facilities in need of improvement over to contractors from the day after school ends -- this year May 24 -- through the week before the next school year commences.

"Every summer it's an aggressive (improvement) schedule. We get about 10 weeks to pull these off," LeRose said. "Every September, that's when it starts over. We begin the design work for the following year."

The total in summer improvement projects for 2011-2015 was $13.8 million, LeRose said.

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District sets final slate of five-year projects plan

Sometimes the stars align for the better.

Any property owner in Long Hill Township, who is given an opportunity to replace the roof on his or her largest of three buildings, and upgrade the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) to include air conditioning where there is not now air conditioning, at no additional cost to the month-to-month budget, would take that deal in a heart beat.

Thats the way Long Hill Township voters should approach the $3.6 million school referendum on Tuesday, March 11, now just 19 days away.

Turns out this project comes at a time when the financial stars are aligning in favor of Long Hill taxpayers.

Heres why: First, this project was approved by the New Jersey state Department of Education, to receive as much as 40 percent of the cost of the project in a matching grant from the state.

It is the same matching grant that Watchung Hills Regional High School received last fall. Voters in Long Hill Township, Warren Township and Watchung voted 1,075 to 607 to approve the $12.5 million referendum to do similar kinds of bread-and-butter property owner-type improvements, like roof replacements, HVAC system improvements, and such. That vote took place on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Not only did the proposal receive voter support overall, it also won voter support in each of the individual towns. Long Hill voters voted 401 yes to 249 no. Watchung voters voted 181 yes to 108 no. Warren Township voters voted 463 yes to 250 no.

No Net Tax Increase

So, getting back to why the stars are aligning for Long Hill taxpayers now, in addition to the state matching grant, the grades K-8 Long Hill Board of Education will use as much as $500,000 from the capital reserve budget. So combining the state funds and the capital reserve funds, the bill for local taxpayers for this particular $3.6 million project will effectively be about $1.4 million.

But wait, Long Hill taxpayers there is more. According to school Superintendent Rene Rovtar, a previous capital project bond issue, roughly equal to this new $1.4 million bill, will be retiring when this projects bonds will likely go out on the market. Consequently, Long Hill taxpayers will see no new net increase in local school taxes because of this improvement project.

Lastly, these improvements address two key needs for the Long Hill School District.

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EDITORIAL: The stars align for the better