EASTHAMPTON - Mayor Michael A. Tautznik last week inked a 10-year electricity agreement between the city and Borrego Systems, a solar energy company.

The contract, in which the city agrees to purchase electricity produced by solar installations constructed and maintained by Borrego on several city-owned properties, is expected to save the city just under $100,000 a year, or $1 million over the 10 years. After that time, the city will have the option to purchase the solar installations, extend the contract up to 10 more years, or terminate the agreement.

"We don't spend anything and we make money," Tautznik said. "It's green energy. It's the right thing to do."

The agreement is one of the first of its kind in Massachusetts, and Tautznik said that being the on the forefront of siting large solar installations in a municipality has meant several months of negotiations.

"We haven't had the benefit of other peoples' contracts," the mayor said. "We don't have anyone to copy."

Several other communities have already called to inquire about getting a copy of the contract so they can model their own solar efforts on it, he said.

There is still more work to be done before the panels can be installed at the Oliver Street landfill and the Wastewater Treatment Plant off Ferry Street.

The city must secure what is called a "net metering" agreement with Western Mass Electric Company, which sets up the framework for the city pushing excess power back into the grid, thereby earning credits the city can put toward its electricity accounts.

A permit from the Department of Environmental Protection will also be needed to erect solar panels on a closed landfill. Local zoning permits are also required.

Tautznik said that he expects Borrego to construct solar arrays at several city sites, capable of generating approximately 2.7 megawatts of power.

Starting Jan. 1, the city will also enjoy a better deal on its regular electricity costs. Tautznik last week made a 35-month agreement with TransCanada that saves the city 3 cents per kilowatt hour on its electricity consumption.

The city will save approximately $7,600 per month as a result.

City Arts Plus?

The City Council is considering a merger of the Cultural Council and Easthampton City Arts, with the aim of creating a stronger cultural identity for the city and improving economic opportunities for its artists. Easthampton City Arts Plus.

Local cultural councils receive state funding to promote the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences. The council in turn issues grants annually to area groups and artists.

Easthampton City Arts was created in 2006. It is grant-funded and has received staff support from the city's Planning Department. ECA was the driving force behind the 2009 Easthampton Bear Fest.

Both already share an office in the old Town Hall on Main Street and have worked together to coordinate events for the annual Easthampton ArtWalk and annual arts celebration party held recently at the Town Hall.

A memo to councilors about the proposed merger states that the two organizations share similar goals.

The organization would consist of 19 members, including an employee of the Planning Department. The move would make Easthampton City Arts an official public entity.

The merger would require a vote from the full council to approve what is called an administrative code change. Councilors voted last week to send the matter to its Rules and Government Relations Subcommittee for review.

Matt Pilon can be reached at mpilon@gazettenet.com.