Res 2008-123 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

F. Debt Limitations -The City maintains the following limitations in relation to debt issuance: An Ad Valorem tax rate of $1.20 per $100 of assessed value is the maximum municipal tax rate that may be levied for all General Fund tax supported expenditures and debt service. Debt payments made solely from ad valorem tax revenue should not exceed 20% of combined General Fund and Debt Service Fund expenditures. Total outstanding debt should not exceed 5% of the current year's taxable assessed valuation. G. Arbitrage Rebate Combliance -The City Finance Department will maintain a system of record keeping and reporting to comply with arbitrage rebate compliance requirements of the Federal tax code. H. Sound Financin of Debt -When the City utilizes debt financing, it will ensure that the debt is soundly financed by: • Conservatively projecting the revenue sources that will be used to pay the debt; • Financing the major capital project over a period not greater than the useful life of the major capital project; • Maintaining a debt service coverage ratio which ensures that combined debt service requirements will not exceed revenues pledged for the payment of debt; and • To the extent possible, the City will aim to repay at least 25% of the principal amount of its general obligation debt within five years and at least 50% within 10 years. The City may choose to structure debt repayment so as to wraparound existing debt obligations or to achieve other financial planning goals. I. Credit Enhancement -The City should seek credit enhancement (letters of credit, bond insurance, surety bonds, etc.) when such credit enhancement proves cost effective. Credit enhancement may be used to improve or establish a credit rating on a debt obligation even if such credit enhancement is not cost effective if the use of such credit enhancement meets the financial planning goals. J. Financin Methods -The City maintains the following guidelines in relation to methods of financing used to issue debt: Where it is efficient and cost effective, the City will use revenue or other self supporting bonds in lieu of tax supported/pledged debt instruments. • When appropriate, the City will issue non-obligation debt, for example, Industrial Development Revenue bonds, to promote community stability and economic growth. City of San Marcos Financial Policy -Proposed Sept 2008 Page 17