Board approves $1.58 million promissory note for Motorola radios, authorizes one-time fund-balance transfer

The Barron County Board on Nov. 3 approved a general obligation promissory note of $1,582,622.40 to finance Motorola public-safety radio equipment and related debt-service payments.

County Administrator Jeff and staff explained the financing terms included in the packet: principal of $1,582,622.40, an interest rate quoted at about 2.49% and separate installation costs of roughly $70,000 that will be paid from the sheriff's budget. Jeff noted Motorola offered favorable terms and that the county will date the note 12/1/2025 with final payment scheduled for 12/1/1930 under the note documents presented.

The board first moved to approve the promissory note (motion by Supervisor Heller; second by Supervisor Olsen) and then separately approved an amendment to allow the finance director to transfer $340,556.45 from the unassigned general fund balance on Jan. 2, 2026, to pay the 2026 debt-service payment due to timing differences in the purchase and billing. Supervisor Cook moved the amendment; Supervisor Olson seconded. The amendment and the main resolution each passed by roll-call/raise-of-hands votes recorded as unanimous (29 yes).

Officials noted the waste-energy plant contributes toward the county's debt-service payments and that the gross levy impact shown in the packet includes that arrangement; the warranty of lower debt service after 2030 was referenced in staff materials. Jeff also said a possible $50,000 grant toward the Motorola purchase had been discussed informally and would be addressed when the sheriff's agenda item appears.