Board approves resolution to preserve option to reimburse 911 upgrade costs with bonds; vote 3–1

The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors voted to approve Resolution No. 72‑2025, a declaration of official intent under Treasury Regulation (as cited in the meeting) to allow the county to issue debt and reimburse itself for certain capital expenditures. Mitch, the county chief financial officer, described the resolution as a procedural step that "just starts the clock" and does not lock the county into a borrowing amount or an immediate bond sale.

Mitch said the county’s total estimated project cost for the 9‑1‑1 upgrade and associated infrastructure was about $16,100,000 and recommended a not‑to‑exceed borrowing figure of $8,000,000 to preserve flexibility while staff completes further study. Supervisors debated whether to use existing county reserves and capital funds or to preserve bonding flexibility: one supervisor argued the county has sufficient reserves and opposed taking action that could push taxpayers into debt, while others emphasized the value of preserving options amid uncertainty in state revenue and legislative actions.

Chairman Shea, Supervisor Miller and Supervisor Jorgensen voted "Aye"; Supervisor Wickman recorded a dissenting "Absolutely not." The roll‑call vote was 3–1 in favor. County staff said the resolution must be in place by the nineteenth to allow reimbursements for eligible expenditures and that further decisions about bonding — including any final amount, schedule, or whether to use reserves — would be made later.

The resolution authorizes staff to complete related budget transfers and likely to propose a budget amendment in January to move funds into a capital fund that could be used to pay project expenses while the county decides whether to bond.