Riley County commissioners opened financing bids Thursday as the process continues in replacing the county’s aging emergency radio system.
On Aug. 3, Pat Collins, the county’s emergency management director and fire chief, told the commission a new system will have a total price tag of nearly $12 million. The infrastructure costs alone are projected to be $5.8 million. A 15-year maintenance plan could cost $3.8 million.
Thursday, commissioners opened financing bids from three local banks.
Peoples State Bank of Leonardville would finance the costs at seven years at an interest rate of 7.1 percent. KS State Bank in Manhattan offered three options: seven years at 3.01 percent, 10 years at 3.2 percent, 12 years at three percent and 15 years at 3.12 percent. Sunflower Bank, which is based in Salina, said it would finance $8.4 million for 15 years at 2.86 percent. It made a separate offer for the portable radios portion, offering $1.8 million at seven years at 2.7 percent.
Commissioners approved the bids for further evaluation.
