Cole County Commission approves EMS station agreement with Cole County Fire; signs EDA outlay and approves accounts payable

The Cole County Commission on May 27 approved an updated agreement with the Cole County Fire Protection District to occupy space for EMS Station 4 and signed an outlay report seeking final reimbursement under a $1.5 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant. The commission also approved accounts payable pending review.

The updated agreement reflects a revised monetary exchange tied to upcoming renovations. Under the terms described at the meeting, the county will pay $125,800 and the Cole County Fire Protection District will pay $29,800; the county will occupy the referenced space for an expected 20 years. Commissioners and staff clarified that, because the county is the sole occupant, the county pays all utilities at the site in practice, although an earlier version of the agreement referenced a quarterly half‑utility split. The agreement also authorizes county payment for the renovation work described in the updated contract.

Commission staff said the EDA outlay form is required to request the final disbursement of funds for the railroad spur extension project. The commission was told the total EDA grant award is $1,500,000 and that the county is seeking a final reimbursement of a little more than $800,000. The county signed the outlay report at the meeting so staff can submit the request and supporting documentation to the EDA.

The accounts payable item was approved “pending a review,” allowing the county auditor and staff to reconcile invoices before final disbursement.

Commissioners discussed facility needs and future projects while considering the EMS agreement. Staff described deferred maintenance needs at other county facilities, potential drainage and mezzanine issues at the South Ridge site, and possible scope changes for future renovations. Project retainage and punch‑list work on the PMS building also were raised; staff said retainage remains withheld pending completion of outstanding subcontractor items.

Votes at a glance • Motion to approve and sign the agreement with Cole County and the Cole County Fire Protection District — approved. County payment: $125,800; Fire Protection District payment: $29,800; occupancy term discussed as 20 years. (Individual roll call votes not recorded by name in the transcript.) • Motion to approve accounts payable pending review — approved. (Individual roll call votes not recorded by name in the transcript.) • Motion to sign the outlay report requesting reimbursement from the EDA grant (railroad spur extension project; total grant $1,500,000; final disbursement estimated at just over $800,000) — approved. (Individual roll call votes not recorded by name in the transcript.)

What remains: Staff will submit the EDA outlay paperwork for final disbursement and proceed with contract execution for the EMS facility renovation. The agreement and related renovation work will proceed under the appropriation approved for the current fiscal year, and staff will continue to manage retainage and outstanding punch‑list issues on the PMS building contract.