Greene County commissioners vote to join CPACE program to help property owners finance energy and resilience upgrades

Greene County commissioners unanimously voted to adopt a resolution enabling the county to participate in the CPACE program, a voluntary financing option for property owners.

Manager Mister Cannon presented the measure, telling commissioners the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE) program allows willing owners of qualifying commercial, industrial, agricultural and certain residential properties (those with five or more dwelling units) to obtain private financing for qualifying capital improvements. "Having no financial liability to the county and it would help those who own the buildings," Cannon said when describing the county's role.

Commissioner Jones moved to adopt the resolution and Commissioner Johnson seconded. The chair called for a voice vote and the motion carried unanimously.

County staff told commissioners the program was discussed at a recent retreat and that it would permit private capital providers to finance improvements that increase energy efficiency, add renewable energy or support water conservation and resiliency. The manager clarified that the county would not incur direct financial liability by joining the program.

By joining CPACE, Greene County aims to expand financing options for property owners who want to make energy or resiliency upgrades. The resolution does not obligate the county to lend funds; it creates the local option to allow qualifying private financing arrangements to be recorded against participating properties.

The board took no additional action beyond adopting the resolution at the meeting; staff will proceed with the administrative steps listed in the resolution and provide follow-up briefings as needed.