The county board chose to use the “wrap around” financing option. This allows the county to wrap its existing debt of $1.2 million in bonds and capital notes with the new LEC construction bond.
The “wrap around” option also lets the county defer the LEC’s principal payments until 2013 - that’s when the existing debt will be paid in full. After 2013, if the county doesn’t add more debt, property taxes will decrease.
The county will lease the LEC from the HRA for 20 years and the HRA will then transfer ownership to the county.
Before the county board’s vote, Commissioner Dean Paulson told an audience of about 10 people: “Believe me when I tell you we’ve looked at it all. We’ve given it a lot of consideration and tried to do our best. There’s been some talk about leaving this decision for the new commissioners, but I think that would be putting them in one hell of a position - to leave it to them would be mistake.”
Challenging the board’s decision
Several people in the audience challenged the board’s approval of the project.
Glenn Bennett, of Lowry, said from what he gathered at the candidate’s forum a few weeks ago, none of the incoming commissioners would support the new LEC project.
Dareld Hirchsey, of Glenwood, questioned why the county would proceed with the new LEC if it wouldn’t solve the county’s costly situation that forces them to house prisoners outside the county.
Paulson said the new LEC would not solve that housing problem, rather provide 48-hour holding cells - offsetting some of the inmate transport costs.
Regarding the timing of the LEC project during the country’s economic turbulence, Hirschey also said commissioners needed to reassess the situation and perhaps wait six months.
He said, “With the next economic stimulus package coming out of Washington, I think we’re going to see a reoccurrence of what happened in the Depression - the availability of federal funds is going to be there. Hold off six months, reassess the situation, be ready to apply for funds thrown out in the next stimulus package.”
Jay Campbell, of Starbuck, told commissioners, “With the current economic condition, you’re going to bankrupt this county... I question what are we getting for our money.”
Project details
Commissioners have yet to finalize construction details, but as of now, there are plans to build a 10,842 square feet facility which includes space for: the Pope County Sheriff’s Office, three holding cells, a conference room, evidence storage, employee lockers and break room, dispatch center, a sally port and other storage areas.
Part of the construction cost also includes $400,000 to cover costs for additional county storage and water and sewer that will run along County Road 50 - the new road that will connect Highways 55 and 29 and run in front of the new LEC.
The overall plan for the LEC allows for future expansion to include jail and courts facilities, if future county leaders choose to add on to the LEC.
Construction could begin as soon as next spring, according to County Coordinator Riaz Aziz. He said the HRA will put the project out for bids in mid-December or early January.
Sheriff Larson: “I’m excited”
Reacting to the news of the board’s vote, Pope County Sheriff Larson said, “I’m excited for the opportunity this provides us now and in the future.
“We’re moving from an 1,100 square foot area where we have to walk sideways when we walk by someone in the hall, to a facility that will be much more useful... and make us more effective,” Larson added.
As for the naysayers who questioned the board’s approval of the new LEC, Larson said, “Not one of them has contacted me personally and asked about the new LEC.
“This was not an overnight decision for the board,” he said. “This has been five years of planning that came to an end with a vote.” |
