GARNETT — Garnett city commissioners recently agreed to let a private lender to take over a Small Business Administration loan held by Astro Manufacturing, Garnett. City manager Joyce Martin said no city funds are at risk because of the agreement. However, Martin said the commissioners had to OK the change because the original SBA loan came from a Community Development grant through the city. Astro makes toppers for pickup trucks. Astro’s business has suffered because high gas prices and the recession has dried up new truck sales. Astro operations manager Dan Benjamin said the change will lower the company’s interest costs and improve its cash flow.
