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Commissioners approve short-term financing to cover $337,000 gap on Homeland Security tower equipment
Summary
The court authorized lease financing to cover a roughly $337,000 shortfall for equipment tied to a Homeland Security grant for a new radio tower; staff said a $750,000 grant covers part of the cost and the lease avoids an imminent price increase.
County staff and outside advisers told the court the county received a $750,000 Homeland Security grant to fund equipment for a new Smyrna tower site but remained roughly $337,000 short of the total equipment bill. A county representative said the county is pursuing a 1-year lease-financing arrangement for the $900,000 financing package to lock in current pricing and pay the balance when grant reimbursements and budgeted funds become available.
“Now the $750,000 leaves us about $337,000 short of the total bill,” the presenter explained, and said the county needed the financing documents executed promptly to avoid a nearly 10% price increase. Commissioners approved the financing documents by voice vote (5–0) and discussed the county’s plan to repay the lease early if budgeted funds become available.
Why it matters: The equipment is intended to expand radio coverage for first responders in the county’s northwest corner. Commissioners emphasized the project’s public-safety benefits and the need to move quickly to preserve quoted pricing.
What’s next: Staff will execute the financing documents and proceed with equipment acquisition and installation; the court discussed paying the lease early if the project completes and budget planning allows.
