THURSTON COUNTY: Bond refinance helps McLane Black Lake Fire

The McLane Black Lake Fire Department refinanced the district’s general obligation bonds, saving taxpayers $743,000, according to the department.

The department is made up of the now-merged McLane Fire, or Thurston County Fire District 9, and Black Lake Fire, Thurston County Fire District 5.

Taxpayers in Thurston County Fire District 9 will save $537,495 over the remaining 12 years of its bond, while those in Fire District 5 will save $205,542 over the remaining 10-year term of its bond.

The district also received an “A” bond rating grade from Standard & Poor’s, the department said.

“The bond rating grade reflects that the districts are very well managed and have excellent financial practices in place for the benefit of taxpayers,” said Jim Nelson, bond underwriter.