In a work session Monday, the Washington County Board of Supervisors discussed possible debt structures to cover the cost of new emergency communications equipment.

Consultants estimate the cost to be up to $10.4 million for the equipment and another $1.1 million for a building. Michael Hart with Northland Securities presented six different options from 10, 12, and 15 years with structured and level debt payment. He presented a chart with the options based on $9 million ranging from a 10-year level to a 15-year structured bond, with the levy increase varying from 20 cents to 85 cents. Hart explained the higher rate would be for a shorter period of time and overall interest would be less. The current debt service levy is 67 cents.

Exact figures of the impact to property owners’ tax rates will not be known until bids from vendors are selected. Washington County’s current debt rate is AA3 and the county currently has hospital, road, and jail bonds. Washington County Hospital and Clinics is paying for the hospital bonds, but they are in the county’s name so the monetary amount figures into the county’s total picture. It will take about four months for the request for proposal process to occur and for more detailed cost figures to be known.