SYBENE — The Lawrence County Commission Thursday evening approved an agreement with the Cincinnati based Perfection Group to provide design services, project management and other necessities for planned energy efficiency improvements to county buildings.

The $820,552 list of improvements includes upgrading lighting at the courthouse, health department, jail and other county buildings, overhauling the heating and air conditioning system at the courthouse, jail, juvenile center and other county buildings, installing new windows in the original section of the courthouse and installing water conservation upgrades.

It is hoped the energy savings from the upgrades will more than pay for the improvements.

Commissioner Jason Stephens asked if local entities will be able to bid on the various parts of the project once actually work commences.

Alan Lindeman, business development vice president for Perfection Group said local labor could be used.

“That could include the lighting. It could include the plumbing,” Lindeman said.

“Anything we can do locally that’s competitive,” Perfection Group business development specialist Rick Anderson agreed.

Commissioner Doug Malone wanted to know if outside entities involved in the project could be asked to stay in Lawrence County hotels. Perfection Group reps indicated that should not be a problem.

Also, the commission proclaimed Oct. 23-31 as Red Ribbon Week in Lawrence County. Red Ribbon Week is a national effort to stress the dangers of substance abuse to young people.

Members of the Ninth Street Youth Empowerment Activities addressed the commission and explained what Red Ribbon Week is and thanked the commission in advance for the proclamation.

The commission also agreed to send one letter to Lawrence County Engineer David Lynd, advising him of a dangerous road issue on County Road 123 outside Chesapeake near the Brentwood subdivision and another letter thanking him for his attention to a road issue on County Road 128 in Hamilton Township.

Thursday’s meeting was at the Sybene Senior Center. It was the commission’s yearly meeting with the Concerned Citizens of Burlington.