Regarding the recently refinanced bonds —Bill Slaughter

Many thanks to Lowndes County Chairman Bill Slaughter for taking the time to respond to a citizen's question in Citizens Wishing to Be Heard! The response didn't actually answer my question, but that may be because the question wasn't clear enough without a copy of the flyer that claimed the county's new judicial and administrative complex was "100% Paid by SPLOST" and "$0 Balance Owed"; see next post.

An hour or two after I sent a letter to County Manager Joe Pritchard Monday, someone from the county called to say Chairman Bill Slaughter had sent me a letter in response to my question to the Commission about bonds, but it had been returned by the Post Office. As you can see by the image of the envelope, they sent it to my residence address, where I don't get mail. That's why I always include my postal address on Citizens Wishing to Be Heard forms, open records requests, etc. Anyway, they made it available for pickup at the county palace. Ten days after the PO sent it back to them is better than never.

Here's Chairman Slaughter's letter. -jsq

January 18, 2013

Mr. John Quarterman
6565 Quarterman Road
Hahira, GA 31632

Dear Mr. Quarterman:

This is a response to your inquiry regarding the recently refinanced bonds related to the construction of both phases of the Judicial Administration Building, as well as construction for a portion of the Lowndes County Jail facility.

The Series 2003 CVD (Central Valdosta Development Authority) Bonds were issued in the original principal amount of $15,550,000 for the purpose of financing the initial phase of the Judicial Administrative Building. These bonds were refunded by the Series 2012 PFA (Public Facilities Authority) Bonds in the amount of $9,265,000. These bonds will be satisfied in June of 2024. These bonds will be funded from the general fund as proposed.

The Series 2008 Lowndes County General Obligation Bonds were issued in the original principal amount of $40,845,000 for the purpose of financing the expansion of the Lowndes County Jail facility and the completion of Phase 2 of the Judicial Administration Building. The current balance for this bond is $15,490,000 and will be satisfied in April of 2014 from SPLOST VI funds.

Information was presented publicly during several meetings explaining the purpose of the refinance and the savings associated by that action.

I trust this information sufficiently addresses your inquiry.

Respectfully
[signed]
Bill Slaughter
Chairman
Cc:
Joyce E. Evans, District 1 Commissioner
Richard Raines, District 2 Commissioner
Crawford Powell, District 3 Commissioner
Demarcus Marshall, District 4 Commissioner
John P. Page, District 5 Commissioner