Wednesday, Austin Mayor Will Wynn tried to set the record straight about energy efficiency requirements for people selling their homes.  Critics say rules being drawn up by a city task force could force sellers to spend thousands upgrading their houses.  But the mayor says that’s not true.

A city task force has been looking at energy efficiency and that has realtors and homeowners concerned.  Wednesday,  the mayor sent out an e-mail telling people there are some rumors about it that are simply false.

In the e-mail, Mayor Wynn says the proposed efficiency standards will not impose taxes on selling your home, will not require upgrades before a sale, and will not force people to buy expensive items like new air conditioners or windows.

The Austin Board of Realtors has been wary of the task force since the beginning.  They promise to fight any mandatory changes.

“We think the free market will take care of everything,” said Socar Chatman-Thomas with the Austin Board of Realtors.  “Anytime there is mandatory language, the Austin Board of Realtors opposes that and we will vote against it every time.”  Homeowner and pastor A.W. Mays worries the task force’s final recommendations could hurt him and his flock.

“I don’t have reason to trust that e-mail,” said Pastor Mays.  “If it gets in to areas of things they have to do before they sell their property, it may well get into situations, especially those who can’t afford it, are put in challenging situation of not being able to meet the requirements.”

But task force chairman Philip Schmandt says this is a work in progress and wants the public to be patient.

“Let’s let the process come to an end before they start criticizing what they assume is going to be recommended by the task force,” he said.

The energy efficiency ordinance has also become a bitter battle in the Place 4 City Council race.  Cid Galindo is opposed to it because he says it cuts to the heart of affordability.  Laura Morrison says she will not support any program that would require home owners to make energy efficiency upgrades before they sell their homes, but she would be willing to talk about incentive programs.