Fairfield sets public hearing on C-PACE financing program

FAIRFIELD, Ala. (WBRC) - Fairfield City Council members voted Thursday on a resolution on their intent to learn more about the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy program, known as C-PACE, during a special-called meeting.

The program would let businesses and property owners use private financing for upgrades including LED lighting, heating and air systems, and water-saving fixtures. A new state law allows cities to offer the financing locally.

Some of that financing could help pay for upgrades at the proposed Patmos data center campus at the old Walmart supercenter.

Mayor addresses taxpayer concerns

Mayor Herman Carnes, Jr. said the city is not taking out a loan and said C-PACE is a “help” mechanism and would not be a liability for taxpayers.

The mayor said C-PACE is not just about Patmos and is available to businesses looking for financial help.

“I’m not more focused on the data center and all that stuff. My job is to make sure that potential business owners, mom and pops, who have money saved up, they can have resources to be able to open up businesses here in the city of Fairfield as they choose without drying the bank,” Carnes said.

Public hearing set for Nov. 2

The council has not voted on C-PACE yet. A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 2 at the Fairfield Civic Center. Mayor Carnes said a C-PACE representative will be available to take questions at the meeting.

Patmos has said it is interested in using the program and that taxpayers will not be on the hook.

Carnes said he ran on transparency and wants residents to come hear the details for themselves.

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