FARMINGTON — Franklin County commissioners unanimously voted Tuesday to approve the wording of a draft referendum question to finance construction of a dispatch center on county property.
The question asks if the county should issue general obligation bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $598,300 to finance the project.
Voters will consider the article Tuesday, June 12, at respective town polling places.
The bond would be issued over a 15-year term. There would be annual principal payments and semi-annual interest payments over the term and an average interest rate of 3.81 percent for a total of $189,479.76 interest, according to the treasurer’s certificate.
The total debt service for the project would be $787,779.76.
The certificate does not prohibit the county from seeking a lower interest rate if voters approve the project.
Commissioner Fred Hardy of New Sharon suggested that if voters approve the project, other sources of funding could be sought to help pay for the building.
Clerk Julie Magoon said that could be done after the question goes to voters to see if they are in favor of funding the new dispatch center.
Just because the county is requesting the $598,300, Magoon said, it does not mean it all has to be spent if the project comes in under budget.
The draft question will now go before the county’s attorney to see if it is properly written. After that, it goes to the state for the ballots to be printed, Magoon said. They have to be ready 30 days in advance of the voting day to allow for absentee ballots to be cast.
In other business, commissioners voted to allow Register of Probate Joyce Morton to buy a new shelving and filing system not to exceed $15,412.85. The money is in the budget, she said.
The new system will be on tracks and allow for storage that will slide in and out as needed. It also has a way to lock the adoption section of the system, she said, because those records are confidential.
Register of Deeds Susan Black will be able to use some of the current shelving in that office, Morton said.
Morton said she sought bids from three companies but only got one back.
She said she is hoping to get help with removing the old system.
Probate records are expected to go to e-filing in a few years but she will still have files and paper documents that will be needed to be kept in hard copy, Morton said.
Commissioners also approved spending up to $5,451 out of the courthouse reserve fund for technology purposes. Of that amount, $3,651 will go to IEC Electrical & Data Services of Strong to centralize the computer network servers in the courthouse in one room on the ground level of the building.
In personnel matters, commissioners approved adding Peter Barton of Farmington, Edward Hastings IV of Chesterville, Robert Ruddy of Stratton and Matt Smith of Strong to the Sheriff Department’s reserve list for part-time patrol deputies.
They also approved adding Jason Hamlin of Wilton to work part time for the Franklin County jail.
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