Commissioners OK $5.1 million in bonds for jail

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Red Willow County commissioners Monday morning authorized the issuance of $5.1 million in building bonds to pay for the construction of the county's new 24-bed jail and law enforcement center.

Commission chairman Earl McNutt said he hopes construction will start in April. Commissioners opened bid packets on Feb. 22. Beckenhauer Construction officials took the bids back to their Norfolk office to study, and commissioners plan to get a recommended "Guaranteed Maximum Price" -- GMP -- from Beckenhauer at the commissioners' meeting Monday, March 11.

Paul Grieger of D.A. Davidson & Co., investment bankers of Omaha, told commissioners Monday that true interest costs won't exceed 4 percent, and that the bonds will mature on Dec. 15, 2032.

The county is levying 4 cents to make annual principal and interest payments. To coincide with the county's tax collections and to assure that there are adequate funds in the jail sinking fund, the first interest payment of $71,174 will be made Dec. 15, 2013, and the first principal payment of $205,000 will be made Dec. 15, 2014.

Courthouse maintenance director Greg Holthus reported to commissioners that surplus county property not accepted by the High Plains Historical Society includes: two- and four-drawer filing cabinets, computer tables, typewriter stands, a student desk, a secretary desk top, bulletin boards, computer printer, metal cabinets, metal trash cans, a cabinet on wheels, a wooden stand, a secretary chair and a tray.

These items will be offered for sale to the general public at a consignment auction on the fairgrounds on March 16.