Regular meeting (Public Comment – S. Perry, 2/20/2024)

**Executive Summary**

**Purpose of Communication**
Scott Perry is writing to urge the local commissioners to support the application for a Federal grant aimed at enhancing renewable energy resources on the municipal campus. The endorsement of this grant is portrayed as a vital step for the local government to secure necessary funding that can significantly reduce the community’s energy expenditure.

**Financial Implications**
Perry emphasizes the importance of returning Federal funds to the community, noting that without the grant, the county risks losing an opportunity to lower its energy bills by approximately $40,000 annually. He articulates a pressing concern that failure to apply for available grants could impede future funding opportunities, posing financial challenges for the county that resonates with the notion that “it is expensive to be poor.”

**Local Commitment to Renewable Energy**
Highlighting his personal investment in both the community and renewable energy, Perry advocates for the solar installation as not merely an expense but a strategic investment in the long-term economic prosperity and sustainability of Leelanau County. His message encapsulates a broader commitment to creating a sustainable future for new generations in the area.

Scott Perry