By Chad Koenen

Publisher

The City of Ottertail could become the latest city to realize big savings in electricity through a grant program being spearheaded by West Central initiative. 

During its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, Jan. 15, the Ottertail City Council heard a solar project presentation by Cedar Walters of West Central Initiative that could save the community well over $100,000 in electricity over the next 30 years. 

According to a solar analysis presented by West Central Initiative, 50kWDC/40kWAC Nameplate Capacity solar panels would generate enough electricity to cover 97 percent of the energy used at the building each year. The cost of the project is estimated to be $117,500 and would be offset by a $60,000 rebate from Otter Tail Power, as well as a 30 percent base grant from the IRS. After the grants and incentives the total balance due would be $22,250, which would be paid off through the annual energy savings from the building.

The project would be paid off in just five years and would save the City of Ottertail $127,297 after expenses. The plan is to place the solar panels on top of the community center and fire hall building. 

Last year West Central Initiative worked with 10 different communities, including Pelican Rapids and Vergas, on solar projects. The projects for 2026 will be grouped together as part of a large request for proposal to give each community an idea of an overall cost before moving forward, as well as make the project more attractive for contractors of all sizes.

City councilman Michael Windey asked Walters about the type of panels that will be installed at the community center/fire hall, citing the need to utilize the latest technology to gain the best return on investment for the long term. 

Walters said even though the technology is constantly evolving, the city will continue to reap the benefits of installing solar panels as they decrease in efficiency very slowly over time. 

“I think with any technology the pace in which technology becomes obsolete these days is very, very fast. It’s true you install something, two years later there is a new and improved version on the market. That being said we do see solar panels that were installed years ago that are still producing 20 years later. So although in two years there might be a panel that produces more efficiently, you’re still going to see the return on investment,” said Walters who added the panels have a 25 year warranty on performance.

City clerk/treasurer Amanda Thorson said the request from WCI was simply to be included on the request for proposal and there are a number of questions that need to be answered before officially moving forward with the project. For example, the City of Ottertail is discussing a large expansion project for the community center and fire hall and the roof at the building itself is approximately 30 years old.

Thorson said the proposal will keep Ottertail’s options open should the proposals come back favorable as it could save money for taxpayers down the road.

Windey agreed that the potential to save taxpayers money makes the project one the council needs to explore.

“The City of Ottertail receives no LGA (Local Government Aid). So if this is something where we can save some money for taxpayers, in the long run, it’s a positive thing because we have to pay for the electricity. So if we have the chance to save something that’s important,” said Windey.

In other news

• Held a public hearing regarding street improvements on Ottertail Ave. and China St. The improvements will be on China St. from Buchanan Road to Jackson Ave., as well as Ottertail Ave. from Trunk Highway 108 to a point approximately 280 feet north of China St. Apex Engineering proposed four options with the council and majority of property owners in attendance expressing support for a fifth option that would make Ottertail Ave at a width of 16 feet from Trunk Highway 108 to Hong Kong St. and China St. would be extended to 12 feet in width to North Jackson. The council approved moving forward with seeking a resolution ordering improvement and preparation of plans for the fifth option.   

• Approved moving forward with the 2026 lead service line replacement plan. The city currently has 10 galvanized water lines that need to be replaced and just 14 unknown lines. There are 587 water services in the city limits. The cost for replacing the galvanized water lines will be covered by grants at no cost to the city. The plan approved by the city council allocates $225,000 to the City of Ottertail to replace the galvanized water lines. 

• Approved the annual designations for the City of Ottertail that included: the official depository as 1st National Bank and the official newspaper and the Citizen’s Advocate. 

• Accepted a donation from Janice Johnson for $50 to benefit Ottertail Fire and Rescue. 

• Approved closing city hall on March 31 so staff members can attend a training session.