A failed motion is what transpired following a discussion at the Sabetha City Commission meeting Monday evening, regarding an offer that Westar made to the city.
The Sabetha City Commission met at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10, at City Hall. Present were Mayor Doug Clark, Commissioners Nick Aberle, Norm Schmitt, Maridel Wittmer and Julie Burenheide, City Administrator Doug Allen, Assistant City Administrator Bill Shroyer and City Clerk Steve Compo. Also present was Scott Shreve with Energy Management Group (EMG) and patron Phil Moser. Shreve came before the commission to offer the city the opportunity to purchase two megawatts of wind energy from the Soldier Creek Wind Farm, which will potentially be located in the southern part of Nemaha County. Shreve said that Westar is offering the City of Sabetha two megawatts for a fixed rate of $18 for 20 years.
Currently, Sabetha has one megawatt from the Kingman Wind Farm, which is located in Kingman, Kan.
“This is a really good price to purchase at,” Shreve said. “I recommend you do it.”
Commissioner Aberle questioned how this compares with the Kingman Wind Farm, which is currently at an average of $26 for 20 years.“I personally don’t have a problem with saving money,” Commissioner Aberle said. “I just don’t like the timing of this. I think its a political play. I personally have a bad feeling in my gut, endorsing something by participating. It wouldn’t be a stretch for someone to say, ‘the City of Sabetha bought power from the Soldier Creek Wind Farm. They’re in favor of it.’ I don’t know if that is a good place for any of us.”
(Read more: Sabetha Herald)