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Barron County board reduces bond issue, approves $4.95 million for roofs, sally port and technology
Summary
After debate over using ARPA funds versus borrowing, the Barron County Board approved a resolution to issue general obligation bonds not to exceed $4,950,000 to fund roofs, a jail sally port and technology upgrades. The board adopted an amendment to cut $350,000 from the bond and directed staff on how to fund that difference.
The Barron County Board of Supervisors voted March 17 to issue general obligation corporate purpose bonds, series 2025A, not to exceed $4,950,000 to pay for campus roofs, a secure sally port and related technology improvements.
Supervisor Randy Cook moved an amendment to reduce the original bond authorization from $5.3 million to $4.95 million, proposing that $350,000 be taken from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) or fund balance instead of being borrowed. "Nobody in this room would go borrow $50,000 to buy a new car if you had $100,000 in the bank," Supervisor Cook said in urging the change. Diane Vaughn seconded the amendment. The amendment passed by majority vote, 16 yes, 11 no, 1 abstain.
After further discussion about the county's fund balance and the possibility of quick access to bank loans if needed, the main motion as amended — to issue bonds not to exceed $4,950,000 — passed with the required three-quarters affirmative vote of the full membership, 26 yes and 2 no. Officials said the bonds will finance two roofs and $150,000 of technology for the sally port among other campus needs identified in the board packet.
Supporters of the amendment argued using ARPA or fund balance would save taxpayers interest costs over the life of the issue. "It's an opportunity for us to save money, not to borrow," Supervisor Cook said, citing an amortization schedule in the meeting packet. Opponents cited the value of retaining ARPA money as a contingency for future uncertainties; one board member noted that drawing ARPA down could leave the county with limited reserves for unanticipated state or federal funding changes.
County staff told the board that if the amendment were approved, the county would report the ARPA use to bonding companies and show a remaining ARPA balance of approximately $87,019. Staff also noted the county's strong fund balance and its ability to obtain short-term bank financing quickly if an emergency arose.
The board recorded two no votes on the final three-quarters motion: Supervisor Bernell Hanson and Supervisor Marv Thompson.
The board directed county staff to return with details on how the $350,000 will be drawn from ARPA or fund balance and how the remaining project funds will be scheduled and reported.
Votes at a glance - Resolution authorizing issuance of general obligation corporate purpose bonds, series 2025A (originally not to exceed $5,300,000; amended to $4,950,000). Motion by Carol Moen; second by Bernell Hansen. Amendment to reduce amount moved by Supervisor Randy Cook; second by Diane Vaughn. Amendment passed 16–11–1. Final motion as amended passed by three-quarters vote, 26–2.
Budget and next steps County staff said they will bring back a more detailed allocation of the bond proceeds and any ARPA transfers at a future meeting so the board can finalize project assignments and reporting.
