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North St. Paul staff propose using paid‑off debt-service funds to pay up front for body cameras; ladder-truck purchase may be moved up
Summary
Finance Director Dan Winnick previewed a Motorola body-camera presentation and proposed funding the purchase by transferring paid-off debt-service funds; he also said the fire department may ask to advance a $1,775,000 ladder-truck purchase and that earlier payment could avoid a price increase.
Finance Director Dan Winnick told the council that staff will present a Motorola demonstration on body-worn cameras and recommended funding the purchase by transferring amounts remaining in a debt-service fund after an earlier bond payoff.
"If we pay for it all up in front, instead of paying it over the 5 years, we will get a return of a little over 4% present value, on our money," Winnick said, explaining how an up‑front transfer would save money compared with financing over multiple years.
Winnick also said the fire chief plans to ask the council to move up a ladder-truck purchase estimated at about $1,775,000. He told the council that delaying that purchase by a few years could increase the price by roughly 4.5% and that funds exist in the equipment fund to accelerate the purchase if council chooses to do so.
Councilmembers indicated body cameras are needed and asked staff to bring clear funding and operating-cost information when the item returns. No purchase decisions were made at the workshop.
