MONTICELLO - The Sullivan County Legislature unanimously passed a resolution Thursday creating an Office of Sustainable Energy within the County Manager’s Office, the beginnings of a countywide effort to make the county more “green.”

Last year, the legislature adopted a resolution to look into more environmentally friendly and economical energy sources and equipment. Now, with the passing of this resolution, they will officially create an office with the charge of doing just that.

“They’ve identified close to a quarter of a million dollars in savings just in their first blush,” said Legislature Chairman Jonathan Rouis. “It’s an area that we are going to have to keep a close eye on given the cost of utilities in the area and we think there is more savings to come, and this helps focus the efforts.”

Earlier this week, the Executive Committee of the legislature approved the resolution, paving way for county analyst Heather Brown to begin finding new ways for the county to save money, and be more “green” in their energy usage.

Initial studies in the county government center have shown that a simple changing of all the light bulbs to energy efficient models, and altered habits of employees in electricity usage could save thousands of dollars.

Brown will be working in the Office of County Manager David Fanslau.

County legislator Alan Sorensen approves of the purpose of the office, but not where it is being placed. He feels it should be placed within the Office of Planning and Environmental Management.

“I think it’s a matter of having the resources in the planning office, as well as the mission of the planning office being more in sync with the proposed energy commission.”

Fanslau disagrees. “The County Manager has the powers of ability under the county charter to direct all offices across the county organizations to follow certain guidelines such as replacing light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs, require recycling, and other directives like idling of engines and so forth. The planning commissioner does not have that authority.”

The new office will continue to study and research new ways for county buildings, as well as any new structure within the county, to be more “green.”

A report of the findings is expected to be completed sometime this coming spring.