Starke County Officials Review Paperwork to Potentially Refinance Jail Bonds

Representatives from financial firm Baker Tilly presented bond refinancing information to the Starke County Council and Commissioners Monday night as the county has an opportunity to possibly save money on the 2013 jail bond repayment. 

The county currently pays $1,070,000 annually on the $14 million bonds that financed the Starke County Justice Center construction project.

There were several cost-saving scenarios given to the county.  The interest rates are lower which would free up annual cash flow. If the county decided to refund the bonds and keep the payments where they are, about $1.5 million would be generated in cash.   

The current interest rate is about 3 percent and the rate would drop to 1.6 percent if the decision is made to proceed. 

The bonds go through the year 2034. 

The council members and commissioners took the information under advisement to take a closer look at what was presented.  Council President Dave Pearman asked the Baker Tilly representatives to come up with a shorter repayment term just for another choice for the county leaders to consider to ensure they make the right, informed choice. 

Pulaski County Council Approves Bond Issuance for Library Lead Dust, Asbestos Remediation

The Pulaski County Public Library will be able to issue bonds for lead dust and asbestos remediation. The county council passed a resolution Monday allowing the library to borrow $1.75 million, pending the review of County Attorney Kevin Tankersley. Of that, $1.45 million will go toward construction costs.

Testing has revealed the presence of asbestos in the Pulaski County Courthouse, but not as much as county officials may have expected. Courthouse project liaison Nathan Origer told the county commissioners that samples were taken from various locations inside and outside the historic building. If you think that you have the presence of asbestos we recommend you to contact asbestos survey birmingham to find out what is the status of this in your home or business.

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No Major Concerns Voiced with Knox Schools’ Building Plans during Informational Meeting

Tom Neff with architectural firm Schmidt Associates discusses Knox Schools’ proposed building project during an informational meeting Monday.

No major concerns were raised during a public presentation on the Knox Community School Corporation’s proposed building project Monday. Current plans call for the demolition of the elementary school’s Palmer Wing, and the construction of a new addition extending south from the newer portion of the school.

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