Council delays riverboat-funded highway truck purchase; hears first reading of bond ordinance and Motorola update

Highway Superintendent Emmett Heller requested approval to spend $165,000 from the River Boat Fund to purchase a truck chassis. Auditor Kim Koomler advised the additional appropriation had not been advertised for the January meeting, so the funds cannot be expended until the February meeting; Heller asked for a verbal commitment so he could order the chassis in advance. Council members discussed the matter and agreed to wait until the funds are formally appropriated. Councilors noted alternative funds that could support truck purchases if Commissioners agree to a multi-year replacement plan (Cumulative Capital Development, Motor Vehicle Highway, County Economic Development Income Tax, Rainy Day Fund). The minutes record that ordering early would not save money and would only provide a roughly 30‑day window on the build schedule.

Separately, the Council held first reading of General Obligation Bond Ordinance #875, authorizing issuance of bonds to prepay obligations under a lease used to acquire and install part of the public‑safety communications system. The first reading was approved by vote (seven ayes) and the ordinance was filed with the Auditor.

Gary LeTourneau, Communications Director, updated Council on the Motorola radio project, saying roughly 85% of radio equipment has arrived and been placed in secured county storage; he completed training with state engineers and scheduled a construction oversight technical committee kickoff for Feb. 8 to prepare RFP/RFQ specifications. Committee members were listed in the minutes.