County approves ambulance purchase

A new ambulance is coming to Baldwin, and it’ll cost $20,000 less than expected.

Douglas County commissioners have agreed to pay $117,824 for the new vehicle, which will be dispatched out of the Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical station in Baldwin.

Commissioners had expected to close an ambulance deal in January but backed away after the lowest bid came in too high, at $137,250. By eliminating a few features such as on-the-spot tire chains for traction and agreeing to install their own radios, officials managed to cut costs.

“Six months behind schedule, but we saved $20,000,” said Jere McElhaney, commission chairman. “That’s what counts.”

Central National Bank lands county accounts

Douglas County government is getting a new banker.

Central National Bank beat out US Bank for a contract to handle the county’s checking accounts. The accounts can carry balances of up to $40 million twice a year, when first- and second-half property tax bills are due.

Central National has four Lawrence branches, which hold $55 million in assets. In all, the Junction City-based bank has 20 branches with $520 million in assets.

Building costs to rise

As expected, the price of construction in rural Douglas County is about to get more expensive.

County commissioners have formally agreed to boost fees for building permits in unincorporated areas of Douglas County.

Beginning Jan. 1, the fee on a new home valued at $100,000 will be $614, up from the current $480. Such a permit will increase to $785 in 2004 and $994 in 2005.

Commissioners had endorsed the change last month after proposing it earlier in the summer during discussions about next year’s budget.