County auditor recommends — and commissioners approve — five-year electric contract with DFG

Brown County commissioners approved a five-year electric contract with DFG following a recommendation from the county auditor's office.

The county auditor's office representative told the commission: "You have before you 2 contracts, a 5 year and a 10 year. And we're recommending the 5 year." Commissioners questioned whether residential contract language that allows mid-contract changes to a lower rate would apply to commercial accounts; one commissioner asked whether customers could switch to a lower rate mid-contract if rates dropped.

The auditor's office representative replied that it depends on the company and noted the office did not anticipate rate decreases in the near term because of an incoming data center, which they said was expected to support higher long-term rates. A commissioner also asked about the ability to change plans after two years; the representative answered that such a change was possible "as long as it's with the HQ." The record shows a motion to approve the five-year contract with DFG was made and seconded; the Chair asked those in favor to raise their hands and indicated the item was taken care of. The transcript does not include a numeric vote tally.

The commission proceeded to routine administrative items and adjourned; the next meeting was set for the 18th.