Supervisors consider adding projects to bond issue
Finding a solution of what to do with the Reasoner Dam in Humboldt and mitigations for landowners and users upstream is one matter that may be funded in part by a general obligation bond issue the county is considering. With new projects outline this past week, the not to exceed amount is around $2.7 million. Humboldt Independent file photo.
By KENT THOMPSON
“It’s Christmas in Humboldt,” District 3 Supervisor Rick Pedersen exclaimed, in reference to several local leaders in attendance at Monday’s Humboldt County Board of Supervisors meeting.
While the entities in question weren’t asking for a handout, with the county considering borrowing funds at around 1.2 percent interest on a 10-year note, there are several public needs that could be rolled into a refinancing of the Law Enforcement Bond issue of 2015, in addition to more than $790,000 in communications upgrades to the county radio tower and related equipment.
The Board heard from Humboldt County Conservation Director Todd Lee. Lee said the Humboldt County Conservation Board is interested in seeing an improved West Fork of the Des Moines River by taking out, lowering or improving the low-head dam at Lake Nokomis. Lee told the Board that $500,000 over the length of a 10-yeard bond would be a good start.
The Board also heard from Humboldt Fire Chief Jim Gronbach speaking on behalf of the eight fire departments in the county. Gronbach gave the Supervisors two options for potential funding of pagers, truck radios and handheld units. The improvements are needed because Humboldt County has gone to a new 700 megahertz digital radio system. He said the cost to fund all radios needed would be $337,000. The cost for a reduced number of truck and handheld units would be $263,000, he said.
Humboldt County Sheriff Dean Kruger was next on the list. Kruger asked that body cameras and microphones, in-car cameras and new in-car computer laptops be purchased for the county and the city. The total cost to outfit the sheriff's department would be $97,768, he said. The amount for the Humboldt Police Department would be $78,566. Humboldt City Administrator Travis Goedken said the city of Humboldt would enter into a 28E agreement to reimburse the county for equipment for the police department.
The Humboldt County Supervisors will continue bond issues discussions at future meetings.
