A local government organization wants to study the feasibility of converting methane gas from landfills into natural gas, a move that could save governments money, John Davoli told Seneca County commissioners Tuesday.
"We are looking at alternatives to use tax dollars more efficiently," said Davoli, director of North Central Ohio Regional Council of Governments.
Funding for this Local Government Innovation Fund study could be acquired by NCORCog to address the payback on incorporating fueling stations and fueling school buses and police vehicles. The study is to determine if the venture is worthwhile.
"It's kind of like in 'Back to the Future' where they have a flux capacitor to power the vehicle, but we're possibly using trash gases to fuel our cars," Davoli said.
Davoli said the study could prove a better payback for school buses, because of the vehicles' longevity.
"School buses usually have a life cycle of 10-15 years," he said.
Fact Box
The Seneca County commissioners Tuesday approved:
A supplemental appropriation of $2,420,000 to the 2012 County Road Resurfacing Fund for pavement resurfacing.
A supplemental appropriation of $11,080 to the Public Assistant Fund, including $3,400 in salaries and $6,000 in supplies to administer the Job and Family Services Wellness Grant.
Authorizing a contract agreement with Allen Excavating Inc. for obstruction removal on behalf of the Seneca County Airport.
Authorizing the commissioners to enter into a contract with the Transportation Services Agreement with Seneca County Agency Transportation.
Authorizing an amendment with Northcoast Regional Workforce Investments System subgrant agreement with EHOVE Career Center on behalf of the Seneca County Department of Job and Family Services.
Authorizing line item transfer of $20,000 for a Delinquent Care and Custody Grant Fund.
Authorizing a request from the Seneca County Sheriff's Office to the commissioners for a year extension of the U.S. Department of Justice Recovery Act Assistance.
He said the study will look into the lifespan of the vehicles and which landfills produce enough methane to be useful.
"A police car may have a lifespan of three or four years, but part of the feasibility grant is to see how much of the equipment you pull out of that and put into a new car to drive down the cost," Davoli said.
Davoli advised commissioners that if the natural gas grant was received, it would be no direct cost to the county.
Although Davoli did not give a deadline to file for the natural gas grant, he told commissioners they still have until Sept. 4 to apply for a joint-facility courthouse feasibility study for $100,000.
He also said NCORCog has been working with commissioners in partnership with the city on an Information Technology LGIF study that is being conducted for $100,000.
Davoli did not specify the grant amount for the natural gas study.
In other news, Seneca County Administrator Stacy Wilson said Seneca County Agency Transportation has requested new curb stops to be put in at the SCAT building.
"We're not in a position we can take money out of the general fund," Board President Ben Nutter said.
Commissioners voted to hold off on providing SCAT curb stops until more money was available in the recycle fund.
