County staff flags large out-year debt spikes tied to radio-system replacement and CIP; board discusses smoothing options

County finance staff briefed the Board of Supervisors on long-term capital plans and a recommended approach to financing replacement of the county’s public safety radio system and associated infrastructure.

Michelle explained the vendor had broken the program into pieces and staff was proposing bond sales (potentially in June 2027) so principal and interest would begin in 2028. “We’re amortizing that only over 7 paying it back over 7 years because the life of the radios is generally presumed to be 7 years,” she said, noting that infrastructure pieces are being amortized over a longer term.

Staff presented rough estimates showing a significant increased debt-service levy in roughly 2032–2035 if the full infrastructure bonding occurs on the schedule discussed; one illustrative option included selling $3.7 million in 2030 as part of the infrastructure replacement. Supervisors raised alternatives to soften the spike — including shortening/lengthening loan terms, delaying or phasing projects, reducing the current bond issue, or using reserves to buy down spikes in high years. Staff cautioned that each approach carries trade-offs: shorter-term borrowing increases near-term levy pressure, while delaying projects risks replacement and obsolescence.

What happens next: staff said they will refine options and model alternatives including smaller bond sizing, different amortization schedules, and targeted use of fund balance for selected capital items. The board did not make a final decision on bond sizing or timing at the meeting.

Sources: Long-range capital presentation at March 17 meeting; direct quotes from Michelle.