The Sawyer County Board approved a resolution awarding the sale of $2,825,000 in general-obligation promissory notes to finance an emergency communications upgrade for sheriff, EMS and fire services.

County finance staff reported competitive bidding on the nonrated issue produced a true interest cost of about 3.813% with a blended rate of 4.25% and a premium of roughly $200,000 that reduced the net borrowing cost. Treasurer and financial advisers explained the premium offsets issuance costs and reduces the net first-year levy effect. Finance staff said the levy impact would be roughly $15 annually on a $300,000 home in early years of the schedule.

The project is intended to replace and upgrade radios, towers and related communications infrastructure used by multiple public-safety agencies. Staff confirmed work on two potential tower sites: one in Draper (pending zoning) and one on LCO land (no final confirmation yet). The recommended bid provided contingency for equipment and closing costs.

Finance committee chair Mike Markman and staff walked the board through the bid results and repayment schedule; the board approved the resolution by roll-call vote. The motion was moved and seconded by supervisors Bergheimer and Haney (record shows motion by Mister Bergheimer, second by Mister Haney). The roll-call recorded unanimous approval and the chair announced “Motion carried.”

The borrowing will fund a multi-department communications upgrade previously authorized by the board in April and June and reported through the finance committee. Staff said closing and final figures will be completed by the August closing date and certain tower sites remain to be confirmed.

The board asked about contingency if the LCO tower site is not available; staff said they would seek a secondary site.