The issuance of $4.16 million in general obligation bonds was approved this week by the Washington City Council. City Administrator Brent Hinson explained only a fraction of the figure is new debt, which is $450,000. Essentially they are refinancing to save money. The measure was passed unanimously by the council. Overall, the interest savings from the action was $200,000. The council also approved the issuance and levying of a tax for $1.47 million. Hinson explained the second part was needed to include a tax levy for the street program in the fiscal year 2017 budget.The pre-levy is only for the street program.