Board hears report on refinancing of bonds

Dustin Avey, managing director of PiperJaffray & Co. discussed, by conference call, the possible refinancing of the Law Enforcement Center bonds with the Cloud County board of commissioners during its regular meeting on Monday.
Avey reported to the board that the rates came in more favorably than expected, and that the expenses were originally underestimated; however, the savings are $225,000 over the original estimate.
Complete repayment of the bonds will continue to be no earlier than October, 2022. The current payment is $370,000 with a 2042 mature date. Rebonding with no money down would result in a payment of $435,000 with a 2035 repayment date.
Rebonding with $1 million down would result in a payment of $360,000 with a 2035 maturity date. The amounts are rounded.
In action taken during the meeting, the board approved the contract of employment with Dr. Dorothy Breault as the Cloud Count Health Center medical director beginning January 1, 2020, and ending December 31, 2020, at rate of $126 per pay period.
A classification change for William W. Strait from Recycling Center sorter, at a rate of $14.94 per hour, to equipment operator, at a rate of $15.52 per hour, effective February 3, 2020, was approved.
County Attorney Rob Walsh requested to use diversion funds in the amount of $1,500 for the Sheriff's Office e-ticketing licensing software and $1,500 to assist with CASA/Hope's Place remodeling.
Walsh also reported that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation's investigation into the Law Enforcement Center is ongoing.
The board approved signing the proclamation designating February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, urging citizens to recognize and assist all of those who serve the rights and needs of victims of teen dating violence.
It was reported to the board that the sales tax received January 27, 2020, totaled $61,099.80 compared to the prior year of $63,448.31.
The board met with department heads during the meeting, and reports presented were:
Mike Hake, Solid Waste director – Routine business at the Recycling Center and Transfer Station.
Dawn Snyder, JJA/Community Corrections assistant director – Possible changes in the department they work under from the state and submitting grant applications.
Kristi Benyshek, District Court clerk – Trial scheduled for February 20-21; working on first appearances by video with the Law Enforcement Center, reducing costs of transportation and staff to the Courthouse; April 7 the Supreme Court will hold a session at Concordia High School, the public is encouraged to observe; a robing ceremony and swearing in for Regine Thompson as District Magistrate Judge in Republic County will be February 28.
Jerry Collins, IT director – Set up a new page for the District Sanitarian on the county website and switching the anti-virus.
Andy Asch, Highway Department administrator – Tree work, filling potholes, snow removal; back to full staff; first of April will begin work on 260th Road (Ames/Miltonvale road); looking for approximately five acres to use for storage of product.
Barry Porter, Appraiser – Grassland increased 9 percent, 10 percent the previous year; values for ag will be mailed out about the end of the month.
Brandi Bray, Health Department administrator – Last three of the six units have been installed and you can tell the difference inside the building; working on Stop the Bleed kits; discussed immunization cooler; flu shots still available.
Brent Melton, River Valley Extension – Farm bill elections; meeting with producers; new crop agent Rebbecca Zach has started.
Henry Eilert, Maintenance manager – Fixed an air handler on the first floor of the Courthouse; doing painting touchups and painted the Maintenance office; inventory complete; ice and snow removal; testing the generator.
JoDee LeDuc, County Treasurer – It is the last month for heavy and commercial trucks and last names with the letter A.
Shella Thoman, County Clerk – The filing deadline for the 2020 election is June 1 at noon. All county offices are on the ballot except for Commission District 1 (Bill Czpanskiy).
Gary Caspers, commissioner – Discussed quotes for security cameras in the Courthouse. A majority of the staff believes it is important and the monitor should be in an office that is staffed continuously.
Czpanskiy, commissioner – Discussed the rebonding of the Law Enforcement Center bonds. Rebonding is being discussed to reduce the interest paid and nothing to do with an ongoing KBI investigation.
The board approved the following payroll expenses totaling $156,762.89:
General Fund, $81,615.78; Road & Bridge, $46,073.87; Appraisal, $5,220.53; County Health, $16,038.76; Noxious Weed, $1726.46; Election, $1551.32; Solid Waste, $4,536.17.
Payroll deductions and benefits of $66,027.55 were approved.