The Roanoke Rapids Public Works Department continues to look at cost savings and energy efficiency measures and the library is following suit.

Public Works Director Larry Chalker briefed council at its work session tonight about a waste oil heater which uses spent oil to heat the garage. He expects to see a 75 percent reduction in the natural gas bill and said, acknowledging the mild winter, natural gas has not been used in three weeks. “We're trying to be smarter in spending our money.”

(Also tonight city council honored several employees with service pins. The entire series of photos can be found on our Facebook page)

New energy efficient lights were being used in the first floor conference room of city hall where council hold its work sessions. An energy audit of city hall will be done Wednesday and Chalker has already identified one area in the building that needs to be addressed — kite lights which are outdated and not energy efficient. “We're looking to cut our power bill.”

Meanwhile, Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon said the library is seeking a technology grant which would put in a PC reservation system and print management system.

The reservation system would allow the 850 to 950 monthly computer users at the library to sign themselves in if they have a library card and the print management system would reduce wasteful printing.

The total cost of the program is $8.407 and the grant would cover $5.392. The match would come from funds leftover from a previous grant.