2005 News

October 19, 2005
Bucks County Saves With Bond Refinancing

Bucks County closed yesterday on a $56.2 million bond issue that county officials say will be used to refund higher interest bonds and finance several, important county projects.

Chief Operating Officer David M. Sanko said a savings of $2.023 million will be realized by the refunding of outstanding higher interest bonds. Sanko issued a report to the county commissioners, meeting today at the Churchville Nature Center in Northampton Township.

He said the proceeds from the bond issue will be used to refinance bonds from 1997, 1998, and 1999 and, in addition; $22.1 million in new money will be earmarked for the following projects:

  • $6 million - Open Space and Natural Resources Conservation Service. (NRCS)
  • $5.1 million - Public Works
  • $4 million - New Justice Center (related costs)
  • $2.5 million - Technology Upgrades
  • $2.1 million - Corrections

Additional money will be directed toward other projects, such as the planned county morgue in Warminster.

Finance Director Brian Hessenthaler said this is the lowest cost bond issuance in recent memory. "The low issuance costs of the deal, combined with the savings associated with the funding of the old debt, makes this a win-win situation for the county," he added.