Converting the majority of county vehicles to running on propane would produce savings of $1,781,087 over a 15-year period, according to data presented by Perfection Group of Cincinnati.

Representatives from the energy design firm presented a preliminary cash flow chart to Lawrence County Commission at its Thursday meeting. About five years ago Perfection Group replaced the aging heating and air conditioning system and replaced deteriorating windows in the main courthouse.

Recently they came to a commission work session to make a pitch for the conversion with the goal of those savings going toward upgrades at the courthouse including replacing the heat pumps in the main building with a variable refrigerant flow heating/cooling system and repairing the courthouse roof and dome.

The upgrades would total $4.2 million giving a guaranteed savings over 15 years of $4,849,068. However, the total amount spent including debt service would be $5,339,336 leaving a negative cash flow of $490,268. But through the savings the majority of the project would be financed.

The commissioners said they would review the data.

In other action the commission:

• Approved the retirement of Jeannie Harrison from the department of job and family services;

• Hired the following for the EMS: Joshua Caudill, Tami Ferris, Jamie Wroten, Carl Floyd, Justin Burchfield and Brittany Pauley.