Res 2003-172 - Laserfiche WebLink

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projects, the City will strive to balance the load between debt financing and "pay as you go" financing methods. The City Council realizes failure to meet the demands of growth may inhibit its continued economic viability, but also realizes that the amount of debt incurred may have a negative financial impact. The City will achieve an appropriate balance between service demands and the amount of debt incurred. The aforementioned tests and methods of financing will assist the City Council, City Manager and Director of Finance in achieving this appropriate balance. B. Types of Debt - 1. General Obligation Bonds (GO's) - General obligation bonds will be issued to fund major capital projects of the general government, are not to be used to Íl.ll1d operating needs of the City and are backed by the full faith and credit of the City as well as the ad valorem taxing authority of the City as prescribed by law. The term of a bond issue will not exceed the useful life of the major capital projects funded by the bond issue and will generally be limited to no more than twenty years. GO's must be authorized by a vote of the citizens of the Çity. 2. Revenue Bonds (RB's) - Revenue bonds will be issued to fund major capital projects necessary for the continuation or expansion of a service which produces a revenue sufficient enough to obtain investment grade ratings and credit enhancement and for which the major capital project may reasonably be expected to provide for a revenue stream to fund the annual debt service requirements. The term of a bond issue will not exceed the useful life of the major capital projects funded by the bond issue and will generally be limited to no more than twenty years. RB's do not need a vote of the citizens ofthe City. 3. Certificates of Obligation (CO's) and Limited Tax Notes (Notes) - Certificates of obligations will be issued to fund major capital projects which are not otherwise covered under either General Obligation Bonds or Revenue Bonds. Notes will be used in order to fund capital requirements which the useful life does not exceed seven (7) years as authorized by State law. Debt service for CO's or Notes may be either from general revenues or backed by a specific revenue streanl or streams or by a combination of both. The term of the CO's will not exceed the useful life of the major capital projects funded by the certificate issuances and will generally be limited to no more than twenty years. Neither CO's nor Notes require a vote of the citizens ofthe City. 4. Method of Sale - The Director of Finance will use a competitive bidding process in the sale of bonds unless the nature of the issue or market conditions warrant a negotiated sale. In situations where a competitive bidding process is not elected, the Director of Finance will publicly present the reasons why and will participate with the City's Financial Advisor in the selection of the underwriter or direct purchaser. City of San Marcos Financial Policy Page 11 of17