Decorah City Council still divided about financial help for Winneshiek Energy District

Members of the Decorah City Council still feel the same way they did in March about giving low to moderate income housing funds to the Winneshiek Energy District.  As a result, another $12,000 payment to the organization was approved on a 4-3 vote on Monday night.

City council member Paul Wanless opposed the payment, objecting to using the funds in part to pay for the cost of salaries of the Winneshiek Energy District.  He was joined in opposition by city council members Randy Schissel and Gary Rustad.

City council member Rachel Vagts said she understood Wanless' opposition, but called the administrative costs "minimal" and concluded, "I'd like to see (WED's) services continue to be successful."  City council member Carolyn Corbin called the money "an investment in Decorah's infrastructure."

Winneshiek Energy District served 39 low-income households with the "Direct Install" program during the first quarter of the program.  That represented at least $2,285 per year in avoided energy costs for households served.