Mower County will likely test a second site for geothermal capacity for the downtown jail and justice center following a split vote by the Austin City Council approving a study at Austin’s Mill Pond.

“Certainly it is our interest to let them test this area,” Mayor Tom Stiehm said.

Local officials have generally opposed plans for the initial location tested by Mower County — a square block from First and Second Streets Northeast and First and Second Avenues Northeast, known as the Robbins block.

If approved, the project would entail leveling local businesses there, and converting the space into a parking lot.

Though tests have confirmed that geothermal would be feasible on the Robbins block, and despite endorsement of that site by some county officials, commissioners also expressed an interest in investigating other options, such as Mill Pond, for the system.

In its motion, the council stipulated that testing was approved only if given go-ahead by the city engineer, who will ensure that the study will not interfere with impending flood mitigation, utilities and land use.

City engineer Jon Erichson said it wouldn’t only take long to determine whether testing is feasible — maybe a half-hour to an hour. He has already spoken with several county staff, he said.

Many local officials and Main Street Project advocates have said that demolishing the Robbins block would shrink already limited commercial development space. Some have also said the additional parking made available by the lot is unnecessary.

“At least this positions the lot for a useful purpose instead of just a parking lot,” said 1st Ward council member Brian McAlister, one of four to vote yes. “The question for me, I guess, is the highest and best use for this property.”

One other possibility for geothermal space is a south parking lot owned by the Austin Daily Herald, off Second Street Northeast.