DIXON - Some Commissioners have expressed concern over shelling out $30,000 for a wind energy feasibility study, especially considering that it's $30,000 the city had not budgeted to spend this year.

Andre De Rosa, CEO of GSY Energy Inc., Monday rebuffed those' concerns and pushed for a speedy commitment to a $30,000 study, which he said would be covered by federal funds.

Commissioner Dave Blackburn asked what the drawback would be of waiting 2 months to make a decision.

"This is a competitive program, even though the stimulus package has not been billed as a competitive program," De Rosa said.

He added, "We've already applied for, we've sent a letter of interest for the city of Dixon for these grants."

What happens if the city pays for this feasibility study and then finds out the money in the proposed stimulus package isn't there? Blackburn asked.

"That's a concern," De Rosa said. "But I don't think that would happen."

Commissioner Ira "Clark" Kelly asked whether the city could wait until May, when its annual budget is compiled, before giving GSY any money.

"We're behind the 8 ball now," De Rosa said. "We've already begun work with other agencies."

Besides, De Rosa said, the stimulus package likely will be approved this week, and other towns will "swoop up all that money" unless Dixon acts fast.

"[The stimulus package] seems to be speculative, a little bit of a leap of faith," Blackburn said. "We're asked to come up with $30,000, but that leap of faith could be wrong."

"Obviously, we're on the other side of the fence," De Rosa said. "I don't see this as a risk."

To Attend

The Dixon City Council will vote on whether pay GSY Energy Inc. $30,000 for a wind turbine feasibility study at its next meeting, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17 in Council Chambers, 121 W. First St.