Commission approves tax-exempt status for Micro Fire Department $650,000 loan

The Johnston County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution granting tax-exempt status for a $650,000 loan from KS Bank to Micro Volunteer Fire Department to finance the purchase of a 2025 Pierce fire engine.

County staff reported that the 2025 Pierce engine was ordered in April 2023, before the county’s apparatus purchase pause, and that the loan proposal had been reviewed by finance director Chad McClean and found prudent. Riley (presenter) and chiefs from local departments were available to answer questions but no substantive questions were raised during the public meeting.

The motion presented to the board read: “I move to adopt the resolution approving the tax exempt status for the loan for the Micro Fire Department.” The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote; the chair declared “motion carries.” The transcript does not list a roll-call tally or record individual commissioner votes by name.

Key item details recorded in the meeting record - Borrower: Micro Volunteer Fire Department (presented as "Micro Fire Department Incorporated") - Lender: KS Bank - Loan amount: $650,000 - Purpose: Finance a 2025 Pierce engine (engine ordered April 2023) - Finance director review: Chad McClean—proposal judged prudent

The board offered brief thanks to the Micro department following the vote and invited photos; no additional conditions or amendments were recorded on the public transcript.