Title
Resolution to Approve Adding 0.5 Full-Time Equivalent Position to the Office of Sustainability and Innovations (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
On November 8, 2022, the people of the City of Ann Arbor voted in favor of an Ann Arbor City Charter Amendment to create a Tax for Community Climate Action. One of the approved uses of the millage is the creation of a local rebate program to help incentivize residential and commercial energy efficiency techniques, high-efficiency all-electric equipment adoption, electric modes of transportation, and renewable energy adoption.
To support creation of the local rebate program, the Office of Sustainability and Innovations issued a request for proposals in August of 2023 for a rebate designer and administrator. In total, four firms bid on this RFP with Elevate Energy being selected based on their qualifications and previous experience.
In the role of Rebate Administrator, Elevate has helped to create the processes for the rebate program, including growing the number of service offerings, creating the application materials, and helping nearly 1,000 residents access rebates. However, the program has now reached a point that staff believe it would be better administered in house. Bringing the rebate program in house would likely mean lower operating costs and quicker time between rebate application and check issuance, as well as allow for greater control over new program offerings and real-time feedback on program performance.
Currently the City pays Elevate $200,000.00 a year to administer the program. The proposal before Council is to continue the Rebate Administrator contract with Elevate through the end of fiscal year 2027, but to also hire a full time staff person in the Office of Sustainability and Innovations (OSI) who will administer the program starting July 1, 2027 (FY28). This new position will work closely with OSI and finance to help make sure that the rebate program is administered effectively and efficien...
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