Turbine Information

Our turbine has been in operation since February 2013 and provides energy for our high school and elementary school buildings.

The total project cost for the turbine was $1,862,250. Of that overall cost, the district borrowed $625,000 through Farmers & Merchants State Bank in government bonds at 5% interest. The interest is reimbursed to the district through the Qualified School Construction Bond program. Also expended was $137,125 out of permanent improvement funds. All other expenses were supported by grants. The $625,000 debt is due on December 1, 2026. Currently, we transfer savings on energy and sales of renewable energy credits generated by the turbine on a quarterly basis to an account to support that debt. The balance of that account on December 31, 2020, was $496,903.52. We estimate the balance to reach $625,000 by the end of the calendar year 2022, approximately four years ahead of schedule.