The search for the idea location for a geothermal heating/cooling conductivity field continues.

The county commissioners discussed the situation Tuesday at their board meeting.

According to the county coordinator Craig Oscarson, recent test borings at the Robbins block revealed the site may be less than idea for the geothermal purposes.

Now, the county wants to conduct additional geothermal tests for $25,400 on a grassy knoll south of the Austin Municipal Swimming Pool.

Oscarson also said a possible alternative heating/cooling source for the new facilities that would be used only on the hottest and coldest days of the year is also being considered.

The city of Austin has granted the county permission to conduct the geothermal tests on its property.

“The reason for these extra tests is that the conductivity on the Robbins block property isn’t very good, is that right?” Tucker asked Oscarson, who confirmed the commissioners’ suspicions.

The swimming pool site tests will also include a 400-foot well like the ones drilled on the Robbins block property.

“We just can’t keep on drilling test wells all over the place,” Tucker lamented.