HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.a. Review the following proposed new Board Policy: BP 029 – Debt Management and Continuing Disclosure 6.a.
Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
June 20, 2017
TO: ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
VIA: ROGER S. BAILEY, GENERAL MANAGER
FROM: PHIL LEIBER, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF A DEBT POLICY
The District does not currently have a debt policy. With a capital spending program that
is projected to increase significantly from the current level, and a financial plan that
contemplates the use of debt in the coming decade, the adoption of a debt policy that
addresses the permissible uses, types, and parameters of debt is advised.
During 2016, the Board directed the General Manager to develop a debt policy, and the
adoption of a debt policy was included as a Fiscal Year 2016-17 goal in the current two-
year Strategic Plan. Additionally, California Senate Bill No. 1029, approved by the
Governor Brown on September 12, 2016, requires that any issuer of state or local
government debt shall submit a report on the issuance of any debt to the California Debt
and Investment Advisory Commission (CDIAC), shall provide certain ongoing reporting
related to such debt, and shall have adopted a debt policy concerning any debt
issuance. Per SB 1029, the debt policy is to include the following five elements. The
table references where these topics are addressed in the draft policy.
SB 1029 Requirement Location in District Policy
1 . The purposes for which the debt VII. STANDARDS FOR USE OF DEBT
proceeds may be used. FINANCING
A. Use and Timing of Debt
VIII. FINANCING CRITERIA
2. The types of debt that ma be issued. X. TYPES OF DEBT
3. The relationship of the debt to, and IV. INTEGRATION WITH OTHER
integration with, the issuer's capital FINANCIAL POLICIES AND
improvement program or budget, if DOCUMENTS
applicable.
4. Policy goals related to the issuer's 11. POLICY OBJECTIVES
planning goals and objectives.
VII. STANDARDS FOR USE OF DEBT
FINANCING
A. Use and Timing of Debt
Adoption of a Debt Policy
June 20, 2017
Page 2 of 3
5. The internal control procedures that Ill. SCOPE OF DELEGATION AND
the issuer has implemented, or will AUTHORITY
implement, to ensure that the proceeds
of the proposed debt issuance will be IV. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
directed to the intended use.
V. ETHICS AND CONFLICTS OF
INTEREST
VII. STANDARDS FOR USE OF DEBT
FINANCING
C. Ongoing Debt Administration
and Internal Controls
XIV. MARKET RELATIONSHIPS
C. Continuing Disclosure
District staff drafted the attached debt policy using the following process:
1 Obtained several debt policies from other agencies and localities that financial
advisor PFM had assisted in developing which met the requirements of SB 1029;
2. Reviewed, and integrated provisions of the various policies to arrive at a
comprehensive draft;
3. Addressed specific matters of interest and concern to the District;
4. Obtained feedback from District staff;
5. Split the draft into a policy level document containing higher-level policy related
guidance (see Attachment 1) and a more detailed procedures-level document
(see Attachment 2) that provides more guidance on specific issues;
6. Obtained feedback on the draft from PFM and another financial advisor, Sperry
Capital; and
7. Obtained initial feedback from the Administration Committee of the Board on
June 6, 2017, and made edits accordingly.
The adoption of a debt policy does not have an immediate financial impact, but the
content of the policy governs any subsequent debt issuances. The issuance of debt
would have financial impacts related to the need to pay principal and interest and the
funding ratio for capital improvement program. A debt policy would provide guidance on
matters such as the type of debt that can be issued, the allowable term, allowable
purposes for use of debt proceeds, and other administrative matters related to the debt.
Alternatives related to a debt policy include the following:
1 . Level of detail contained in the document, from high-level policy to specific
detailed provisions. Various agencies have debt policies that cover this range.
Adoption of a Debt Policy
June 20, 2017
Page 3 of 3
2. The overall risk stance taken with respect to the use and types of debt, from
conservative to more aggressive.
3. The extent to which the document proscribes ongoing Board reporting,
transparency, and internal controls related to debt.
With respect to these considerations, the current proposed debt policy:
1. Provides a moderate level of specificity, with additional detail contained in a
General Manager maintained administrative procedure.
2. Is conservative in that it:
a. Contemplates targeting the highest possible credit ratings consistent with
Central San's debt management objectives; and
b. Specifies that the amount of debt to be issued in a specified ten-year
period will be limited, and that rate revenues will need to fund at least the
amount of collection system replacement program spending.
3. Specifies Board approval of each debt transaction, provides transparency
regarding the contemplated use of debt in the financial plan, ongoing reporting
regarding debt, and the maintenance of internal controls regarding debt
administration.
Attached Sup2ortinc7 Documents:
1. Draft Debt Policy- Debt Management and Continuing Disclosure BP 029 (Policy Level)
Text boxes on sides show references to legal requirements.
2. Draft Debt Policy with Administrative Procedures embedded-Debt Management and Continuing
Disclosure AP 029(showing more detail of General Manager maintained procedures)
ATTACHMENT 1
central Contra costa
Number: BP 029 Sanitary District
Related Admin. Procedure AP 029
Authority: Board of Directors
Effective: 2017
Revised:
www,centralsan.org
Reviewed:
Initiating Dept./Div.: Administration/Finance
BOARD POLICY
DEBT MANAGEMENT AND CONTINUING DISCLOSURE
I. PURPOSE
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recommends' as a best
management practice that state and local governments adopt comprehensive
written debt management policies to improve the quality of decisions, articulate
policy goals, provide guidelines for the structure of debt issuance, and
demonstrate a commitment to long-term capital financial planning. Additionally,
California SB 1029 requires public agency issuers of debt to adopt
comprehensive written debt management policies pursuant to the GFOA Reference to
recommendation, and to provide reports on any issuance prior to and after the State law
debt sale, and on an ongoing basis, to the California Debt and Investment
Advisory Commission (CDIAC).2
The purpose of this Debt Management and Continuing Disclosure Policy (Debt Policy) is
to organize and formalize debt issuance and management related policies and
procedures for the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (District). This Debt Policy is
applicable to both the District and the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District Facilities
Financing Authority. This Debt Policy is intended to comply with Government Code
Section 8855(1). General Manager maintained procedures amplify and provide
additional guidance to staff related to the Debt Policy. The debt policies and procedures
of the District are subject to and limited by applicable provisions of State and Federal
law.
L
In their publication "Best Practice Debt Management Policy"
2 https:Hleginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/bilINavCllent.xhtml?bill—id=201520160SB1029
Number: BP 029
DEBT MANAGEMENT AND CONTINUING DISCLOSURE
Page 2 of 9
11. POLICY OBJECTIVES
The primary objectives of the District's debt and financing related activities are the
following:
■ Maintain cost-effective access to the capital markets through prudent
fiscal management policies and practices;
■ Specify parameters related to the prudent use of debt in the context of The
District's rates and financial planning;
0 Ensure debt proceeds are expenditures for permissible uses as
defined in this policy, and in accordance with bond covenants and
other applicable requirements;
■ Minimize debt service commitments through effective planning and cash
management;
■ Ensure the District is compliant with all applicable federal and state
securities laws;
■ Protect the District's creditworthiness and achieve the highest practical
credit ratings; and
■ Maintain the District's sound financial position.
Ill. SCOPE AND DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY
This Debt Policy will govern the issuance and management of all debt funded through
the capital markets, including the selection and management of related financial and
advisory services and products, and the investment of bond proceeds.
Overall policy direction of this Debt Policy will be provided by the District's Board of
Directors (Board). Responsibility for implementation of the Debt Policy and day-to-day
responsibility for structuring, implementing, and, managing the District's debt and finance
program will lie with the General Manager or their designee (Director of Finance and
Administration). The Board's adoption of the District's Annual Budget and Capital
Improvement Program (CIP), or review of the financial plan, does not, in and of itself,
constitute authorization for debt issuance for any capital projects. This Debt Policy
requires that the Board specifically authorize each debt financing.
While adherence to this Debt Policy is required in applicable circumstances, the Board
recognizes that changes in the capital markets, District programs, and other unforeseen
circumstances may from time to time produce situations that are not covered by the
Debt Policy and will require modifications or exceptions to achieve policy goals. In these
cases, management flexibility is appropriate, provided specific authorization from the
Board is obtained.
Number: BP 029
DEBT MANAGEMENT AND CONTINUING DISCLOSURE
Page 3 of 9
IV. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• General Manager and/or Deputy General Manager— Provides oversight of
debt program and recommendations on debt to the Board.
• Director of Finance and Administration — Has primary responsibility for
debt issuance recommendations, financing transaction execution,
oversight of bond proceeds expenditures, and ongoing debt management.
• Board of Directors — Sets debt policy and approves individual
transactions.
V. ETHICS AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Staff and Board involved in the debt management program will not engage in any Chapter 2.20 -
personal business activities that could conflict with proper and lawful execution of CONFLICT
securing capital financing and are to comply with the District's Conflict of Interest OF INTEREST
Code. CODE
VI. INTEGRATION WITH OTHER FINANCIAL POLICIES AND DOCUMENTS
The District is committed to long-term capital and financial planning, maintaining
appropriate reserve levels and employing prudent practices in governance,
management and budget administration. Policies related to these topics are adopted
separately but affect this Debt Policy in the context of the overall long-term financial
plan. The Board shall be presented with the results of the long-term financial plan in
contemplation of any proposed rate adjustment where the capital budget, financial
policies, proposed debt issuances and resulting debt service are presented as elements
contributing to the calculation of overall projected customer rates.
VII. STANDARDS FOR USE OF DEBT FINANCING
In financial planning, the District will evaluate the use of various alternatives including
current year funding of capital projects through rates, various forms of debt financing,
use of reserves, and inter-fund borrowing. The District will utilize the most
advantageous financing alternative balancing the goals of long-term cost minimization,
risk exposure, and compliance with generally accepted ratemaking principles. The
District's debt management program will consider debt issuance where public policy,
equity, general ratemaking principles, economic efficiency and compliance with long-
term financial planning parameters favor financing over cash funding.
Number: BP 029
DEBT MANAGEMENT AND CONTINUING DISCLOSURE
Page 4 of 9
A. Use and Timing of Debt
The District shall integrate its debt issuances with the goals of its Capital
Improvement Program by timing the issuance of debt to ensure that projects are
available when needed in furtherance of the District's public purposes and are
consistent with the rate and financial planning parameters specified in the
District's long-term financial plans. The Board shall be presented with a long-term
financial plan in each instance Sewer Service Charge rates are to be adjusted.
1 The long-term financial plans will specify an expected debt issuance
amount over a decade or more long-term planning horizon.
2. The District shall ensure that rate revenues fund, at a minimum, the
running ten-year average of the collection system replacement program of
the CIP.
3. All projects in the CIP are eligible to use debt financing, so long as the
minimum rate revenues are generated as described in A.2 of this section.
This policy does not contemplate the use of debt financing to fund ongoing operating &
maintenance expenditures; exceptions beyond a de-minimis amount would require
approval of the Board.
B. Credit Quality
All District debt management activities for new debt issuances will be conducted
in a manner conducive to receiving the highest credit ratings possible consistent
with the District's debt management objectives.
C. Ongoinq Debt Administration and Internal Controls
The District will maintain all debt-related records according to the District's
Retention Policy. The District will maintain internal controls to ensure
compliance with the Debt Policy (including use of bond proceeds for
purposes specified in the applicable Bond Official Statements and in References to
compliance with this debt policy), all debt covenants and any applicable Federal and
requirements of Federal and State law, including but not limited to the State law, and
following: initial bond disclosure, continuing disclosure, tax-exemption, SEC
post-issuance compliance, investment of bond proceeds (including, for obligations
example, any continuing disclosure obligations under Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) Rule 15c2-12, and tax covenants, and
related federal tax compliance requirements such as arbitrage restrictions
and rebate requirements), and annual transparency reporting to CD IAC.
These internal controls are further specified in the related Debt
Management and Continuing Disclosure (AP 029).
D. Rebate Policy and System
The District will develop a system of reporting interest earnings that Reference to
relates to and complies with Internal Revenue Code requirements relating IRS
to rebate, yield limits and arbitrage. The District will accurately account for
all interest earnings in debt-related funds to ensure that the District is requirements,
state and
federal laws
Number- BP 029
DEBT MANAGEMENT AND CONTINUING DISCLOSURE
Page 5 of 9
compliant with all debt covenants and with state and federal laws. The
District will invest funds in accordance with the investment parameters set
forth in each respective bond indenture, and as permitted by the District's
Statement of Investment Policy (BP 005).
VIII. FINANCING CRITERIA
When District staff determines the use of debt is appropriate, staff shall provide a report
to the Board that describes the intended use of the financing proceeds (funding for new
projects or to refund existing bonds), and recommends a specific debt type to include
duration, type, interest rate characteristics, call features, credit enhancement or financial
derivatives to be used in the transaction. For refunding transactions, a comprehensive
report on the debt to be redeemed, the replacement debt, and the benefits of the
transaction shall be provided.
IX. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF DEBT
The District will establish all terms and conditions relating to the issuance of debt, and
will control, manage, and invest all debt proceeds. The District will specify to the Board
proposed debt terms, coupon structure, debt service structure, redemption features, any
use of capitalized interest, and lien structure.
X TYPES OF DEBT
The following types of debt are allowable under this Debt Policy, subject to applicable
law, and the District's statutory authority to issue debt:
• General obligation bonds
• Commercial paper
• Bond or grant anticipation notes
Lease revenue bonds, certificates of participation and lease-purchase
transactions
• Other revenue bonds
0 Tax and revenue anticipation notes
0 Land-secured financings, such as special tax revenue bonds issued under
the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982, as amended, and
limited obligation bonds issued under applicable assessment statutes
0 Refunding Obligations
a State Revolving Fund Loans
• Lines of Credit
• Letters of Credit
Number: BP 029
DEBT MANAGEMENT AND CONTINUING DISCLOSURE
Page 6 of 9
The Board may from time to time find that other forms of debt would be
beneficial to further its public purposes and may approve such debt
without an amendment of this Debt Policy.
X1. CREDIT ENHANCEMENTS.
The District may consider the use of credit enhancement on a case-by-case basis,
evaluating the economic benefit versus cost for each case. Only when a clearly
demonstrable savings or other measurable advantages can be shown will enhancement
be considered.
X1111. REFINANCING OUTSTANDING DEBT
The District will periodically evaluate outstanding bond issues for refunding
opportunities and will bring to the attention of the Board those opportunities that are in
the District's interest. Reports to the Board on potential refunding shall describe
anticipated savings and the structure of refunding and refunded debt.
X111. METHODS OF ISSUANCE
District bonds may be sold on a competitive or negotiated basis (including private
placement). A recommendation regarding the proposed use of either method shall be
prepared by staff and provided to the Board prior to or concurrent with the proposed
issuance.
XIV. MARKET RELATIONSHIPS
A. Rating Agencies and Investors
The General Manager and designees (Deputy General Manager and Director of
Finance and Administration) will be responsible for maintaining the District's
relationships with rating agencies, which will typically include two or more of the
nationally recognized statistical rating agencies.
B. Board Communication
The General Manager will make available to the Board any ratings report or other
relevant feedback provided from rating agencies and/or investors regarding the
District's financial strengths and weaknesses and recommendations for
addressing any weaknesses.
Number: BP 029
DEBT MANAGEMENT AND CONTINUING DISCLOSURE
Page 7 of 9
C. Continuing Disclosure
The District will remain in compliance with SEC Rule 15c2-12 addressing Reference to
continuing disclosure obligations. The District will also comply with state SEC and SB
reporting requirements specified in SB 1029, which require initial and 1029
ongoing debt reporting requirements for California public agencies. requirements
I I
D. Rebate Re Orkin Reference to
The use and investment of bond proceeds shall be monitored to ensure IRS
compliance with arbitrage restrictions. Requirements
E. Other Jurisdictions
From time to time, the District may issue bonds to fund projects that provide a
benefit to other public entities, (e.g. City of Concord). The District will conduct
such analyses as deemed necessary to assure adequate cost recovery for such
funding and to mitigate risks to the District.
The District may participate in a joint powers authority with one or more other
eligible entities pursuant to Section 6500 of the California Government Code if
deemed advantageous and appropriate and approved by the Board.
XV. CONSULTANTS
A. Selection of Financing Team Members
The General Manager or designee will make recommendations for all
financing team members, with the Board providing final approval.
Financing team members may include a financial advisor, bond counsel, Reference to
disclosure counsel (which may be the same firm as bond counsel), and District Code
underwriter. Selection of those financing team members shall be in
accordance with Professional Service and Consultant provisions of the
District's procurement policies, and consistent with Chapter 2.36
"Purchasing and Materials Policy" of the District Code. In the event of a
competitive bond sale, the District's debt will be offered to the underwriter
providing the most cost advantageous proposal to the District.
B. Financial Advisor
The District may utilize a financial advisor to assist in its debt issuance Reference to
and debt administration processes as is deemed prudent and necessary MSRB
by management and in compliance with Municipal Securities Rulemaking regulations
Board (MSRB) regulations.
C. Bond Counsel
District debt will include a written opinion by legal counsel affirming that Bond Counsel
the District is authorized to issue the proposed debt and that the District will attest to
compliance
with legal
requirements
Number: BP 029
DEBT MANAGEMENT AND CONTINUING DISCLOSURE
Page 8 of 9
has met all constitutional and statutory requirements necessary for
issuance and a determination of the proposed debt's federal income tax
status. The approving opinion and other documents relating to the
issuance of debt will be prepared by counsel with extensive experience in
public finance and tax issues.
D. Disclosure Counsel
The District may utilize a separate firm to serve as disclosure counsel as it
deems necessary. If cost effective, bond counsel may also serve as disclosure
counsel.
E. Underwriter
The District will have the right to select a senior manager for a proposed
negotiated sale, as well as co-managers and selling group members, as
appropriate. Conflict of
F. Conflict of Interest Disclosure by-Financing Team Members interest
All financing team members will be required to provide full and complete matters are
disclosure, relative to agreements with other financing team members and governed by
legal
outside parties. The extent of disclosure may vary depending on the requirements
nature of the transaction. However, in general terms, no agreements will including
be permitted which could compromise the firm's ability to provide IVISRB, Dodd-
independent advice that is solely in the District's interests (to the extent Frank Act, and
the firm's role involves a duty to do so) or which could reasonably be the Central
perceived as a conflict of interest. San District
Code and
Conflict of
XVI INITIAL AND CONTINUING DISCLOSURE COMPLIANCE Interest Policy
A. Disclosure Coordinator and Overall Reguirements for Initial and Continuing
Disclosure
The Director of Finance and Administration (or as designated, the Finance
Manager) for the District shall be the disclosure coordinator of the District
(Disclosure Coordinator). The Disclosure Coordinator shall perform the following
functions:
Ensure that any Official Statement meets appropriate standards and is
approved by the Board as required. Reference to
• Ensure that initial and continuing disclosure obligations undertaken Legal
by the District related to each debt issuance are met, including requirements;
State of California requirements, and IVISRB requirements that the further detail
District commits to undertake in the Continuing Disclosure specified in
Certificate or Agreement over the life of the bonds to investors. Administrative
Procedures
and these
sources.
Number: BP 029
DEBT MANAGEMENT AND CONTINUING DISCLOSURE
Page 9 of 9
0 initial Disclosure requirements include preparation of the
Bond Official statement and reports on the issuance to the
CDIAC.
0 Ongoing disclosure requirements include annual reports with
the MSRB Electronic Municipal Market Access (EMMA)
system and the CDIAC.
XVII. EXCEPTIONS
In the event there are any deviations or exceptions from the Debt Policy when a certain
bond issue is structured, those exceptions will be discussed in the staff reports when
the bond issue is agendized for Board consideration.
XVIII. POLICY CONSIDERATION
This policy shall be reviewed on a bi-annual basis. Any changes must be approved by
the Board after review by the Administration Committee, as well as the individual(s)
charged ►with maintaining internal controls.
[Original Retained by the Secretary of the District]
ATTACHMENT 2
Centrad Contra Costa
Number: AP 029 Sanitary District
Related Board Policy: BP 029
Authority: 01 1
Effective: 12017
Revised:
Reviewed: www.,centralsan.org
Initiating Dept/Div: Administration/Finance
Date Signed:
Phil Leiber, Director of Finance& Administration
Roger S. Bailey, General Manager
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE
DEBT MANAGEMENT AND CONTINUING DISCLOSURE
(Contains Board Policy with Procedures shown in blue text)
I. INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recommends' as a best
management practice that state and local governments adopt comprehensive written
debt management policies to improve the quality of decisions, articulate policy goals,
provide guidelines for the structure of debt issuance, and demonstrate a commitment to
long-term capital financial planning. Additionally, California SB 1029 requires public
agency issuers of debt to adopt comprehensive written debt management policies
pursuant to the GFOA recommendation, and to provide reports on any issuance prior to
and after the debt sale, and on an ongoing basis to the California Debt and Investment
Advisory Commission (CDIAC).2
The purpose of the Board Policy BP 029 - Debt Management and Continuing Disclosure
Policy (Debt Policy) is to organize and formalize debt issuance and management
related policies and procedures for the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (District).
This Debt Policy is applicable to both the District and the Central Contra Costa Sanitary
District Facilities Financing Authority. This Debt Policy is intended to comply with
Government Code Section 8855(1). General Manager maintained procedures amplify
and provide additional guidance to staff related to the Debt Policy. The debt policies and
procedures of the District are subject to and limited by applicable provisions of state and
federal law.
L
In their publication "Best Practice Debt Management Policy"
2 https://Ieginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/bilINavClient.xhtml?bill—id=201520160SB1 029
Number: AP 029
DEBT MANAGEMENT AND CONTINUING DISCLOSURE
Page 2 of 20
11. DEBT POLICY OBJECTIVE
The primary objectives of the District's debt and financing related activities are the
following:
Maintain cost-effective access to the capital markets through prudent fiscal
management policies and practices;
Specify parameters related to the prudent use of debt in the context of Central
San's rates and financial planning;
0 Ensure debt proceeds are expenditures for permissible uses as defined in
this policy, and in accordance with bond covenants and other applicable
requirements;
■ Minimize debt service commitments through effective planning and cash
management;
Ensure the District is compliant with all applicable federal and state securities
laws;
Protect the District's creditworthiness and achieve the highest practical credit
ratings; and
Maintain the District's sound financial position
111111. SCOPE AND DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY
This Debt Policy will govern the issuance and management of all debt funded through
the capital markets, including the selection and management of related financial and
advisory services and products, and the investment of bond proceeds.
Overall policy direction of this Debt Policy will be provided by the District's Board of
Directors (Board). Responsibility for implementation of the Debt Policy and day-to-day
responsibility for structuring, implementing, and managing the District's debt and finance
program will lie with the General Manager or their designee (Director of Finance and
Administration). The Board's adoption of the District's Annual Budget and Capital
Improvement Program (CIP), or review of the financial plan, does not, in and of itself,
constitute authorization for debt issuance for any capital projects. This Debt Policy
requires that the Board specifically authorize each debt financing.
While adherence to this Debt Policy is required in applicable circumstances, the Board
recognizes that changes in the capital markets, utility programs, and other unforeseen
circumstances may from time to time produce situations that are not covered by the
Debt Policy and will require modifications or exceptions to achieve policy goals. In these
cases, management flexibility is appropriate, provided specific authorization from the
Board is obtained.
Number: AP 029
DEBT MANAGEMENT AND CONTINUING DISCLOSURE
Page 3 of 20
IV. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• General Manager and/or Deputy General Manager— Provides oversight of debt
program and recommendations on debt to the Board.
• Director of Finance and Administration — Has primary responsibility for debt
issuance recommendations, financing transaction execution, oversight of bond
proceeds expenditures, and ongoing debt management.
Provide for the issuance of Central San debt at the lowest
possible cost and risk;
• Determine the available debt capacity of Central San;
• Provide for the issuance of Central San debt at appropriate
intervals and in reasonable amounts as required to fund approved
capital expenditures in accordance with the Board reviewed
financial plan;
• Track and report on debt proceed usage to ensure that bond
proceeds are spent on and directed toward the intended use,-
• Recommend to the Board the method and manner of sale of
Central San debt;
• Monitor opportunities to refund debt and recommend such
refunding as appropriate to reduce costs or to achieve other policy
objectives;
Comply with all Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Municipal
Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB), and Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) rules and regulations governing the
issuance of debt,-
• Maintain a current database with all outstanding Central San debt;
• Provide for the timely payment of principal and interest on all
Central San debt;
• Comply with all terms and conditions, and disclosure required by
the legal documents governing the debt issued; and
• In conjunction with other Central San management, maintain a
financial plan to evaluate the impact of capital program spending,
operations and maintenance costs, and debt service on rates and
overall financial condition.
• Board of Directors — Sets debt policy and approves individual transactions.
Approve and review debt policy not less than bi-annually,-
• Review Central San's long-term financial plan in the context of rate
setting discussions; and
Approve each debt issuance.
Number: AP 029
DEBT MANAGEMENT AND CONTINUING DISCLOSURE
Page 4 of 20
V. ETHICS AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Staff and Board involved in the debt management program will not engage in any
personal business activities that could conflict with proper and lawful execution of
securing capital financing and are to comply with the District's Conflict of Interest Code.
1x11. INTEGRATION WITH OTHER FINANCIAL POLICIES AND DOCUMENTS
The District is committed to long-term capital and financial planning, maintaining
appropriate reserve levels and employing prudent practices in governance,
management and budget administration. Policies related to these topics are adopted
separately but affect this Debt Policy in the context of the overall long term financial
plan. The Board shall be presented with the results of the long-term financial plan in
contemplation of any proposed rate adjustment where the capital budget, financial
policies, proposed debt issuances and resulting debt service are presented as elements
contributing to the calculation of overall projected customer rates.
The District's multi-year Capital Improvement Program (clP) sets priorities for
projects to be completed and funded over a ten-year horizon. The Capital
Improvement Budget provides the detailed cost for the first year of the ten-year
plan.
The District's financial plan specifies how the costs of those projects,, operating
and other costs are to be recovered from customers and other funding sources.
The Reserve Policies (BP 0 17— Fiscal Reserves) set financial planning
parameters related to reserve levels for the operating expenses, Sewer
Construction Fund, and emergency reserve.
This Debt Policy provides policy direction and limitations for proposed financings
undertaken to implement the CIP in the context of the financial plan. Debt
issuance for capital projects should be incorporated into the financial plan to be
reviewed with the Board in the context of setting customer rates and charges.
VII. STANDARDS FOR USE OF DEBT FINANCING
In financial planning, the District will evaluate the use of various alternatives including
current year funding of capital projects through rates, various forms of debt financing,
use of reserves, and inter-fund borrowing. The District will utilize the most
advantageous financing alternative balancing the goals of long-term cost minimization,
risk exposure, and compliance with generally accepted ratemaking principles. The
District's debt management program will consider debt issuance where public policy,
equity, general ratemaking principles, economic efficiency and compliance with long-
term financial planning parameters favor financing over cash funding.
A. Use and Timing of Debt
The District shall integrate its debt issuances with the goals of its Capital
Improvement Program by timing the issuance of debt to ensure that projects are
available when needed in furtherance of the District's public purposes and are
consistent with the rate and financial planning parameters specified in the
Number: AP 029
DEBT MANAGEMENT AND CONTINUING DISCLOSURE
Page 5 of 20
District's long-term financial plans. The Board shall be presented with a long-term
financial plan in each instance Sewer Service Charge rates are to be adjusted.
1 . The long-term financial plans will specify an expected debt issuance amount
over a decade or more long-term planning horizon.
2. The District shall ensure that rate revenues fund, at a minimum, the running
ten-year average of the collection system replacement program of the CIP.
3. All projects in the CIP are eligible to use debt financing, so long as the
minimum rate revenues are generated as described in A.2 of this section.
This policy does not contemplate the use of debt financing to fund ongoing operating
and maintenance expenditures; exceptions beyond a de-minimis amount would require
approval of the Board.
0 Debt versus rate funding considerations on a planning basis
include:
Debt may be appropriately targeted to fund long-term, non-
routine, large scale projects.
Current revenues would be targeted to fund those projects
where replacement and reconstruction costs are regular
and predictable, including routine., ongoing programs, and
for work for which expenditures on a programmatic basis
are relatively level year by year.
The expected debt issuance amount in the financial plan
shall provide for a maximum of 60% debt funding of the ten-
year Capital Improvement Plan.
In this context., debt may also be appropriately utilized
where increases in annual capital spending would result in
a rate increase that general ratemaking principles,
contractual or customer limitations would indicate should be
mitigated.
o The debt repayment period should relate to the expected useful
life of the facilities or equipment being financed, and should
coincide with the stream of benefits provided by the projects being
financed. When the District finances capital projects by incurring
debt, the debt repayment period should be structured so that the
weighted average maturity of the debt does not exceed 120% of
the expected average useful life of the project being financed.
Inherent in its long-term debt policies, the District recognizes that
future ratepayers Will benefit from the capital investment and that it
is appropriate that they pay a share of the asset cost.
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0 Long-term debt financing will not be used to fund operating costs
beyond a de-minimis amount acceptable according to tax-exempt
debt regulations specified by the Internal Revenue Code and
District needs.
B. Credit Quality
All District debt management activities for new debt issuances will be conducted
in a manner conducive to receiving the highest credit ratings possible consistent
with the District's debt management objectives.
The District will strive to maintain and improve the current credit ratings
assigned to the District's outstanding debt by the major credit rating agencies
with due consideration for the financial parameters considered by the rating
agencies consistent with this rating including:
0 Debt Service Coverage Levels
0 Debt Ratio
0 Debt per Capita
C. Onqoinq Debt Administration and Internal Controls
The District will maintain all debt-related records according to the District's
Retention Policy. The District will maintain internal controls to ensure compliance
with the Debt Policy (including use of bond proceeds for purposes specified in
the applicable Bond Official Statements and in compliance with this debt policy),
all debt covenants and any applicable requirements of state and federal law,
including but not limited to the following: initial bond disclosure, continuing
disclosure, tax-exemption, post-issuance compliance, investment of bond
proceeds (including, for example, any continuing disclosure obligations under
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Rule 15c2-12, and tax covenants,
and related federal tax compliance requirements such as arbitrage restrictions
and rebate requirements), and annual transparency reporting to CDIAC.
The repository of Debt related records will include all official statements, bid
documents., ordinances, indentures, trustee reports, etc. for all District debt. The
District will collect all available documentation for outstanding debt and will
maintain a standard procedure for archiving transcripts for any new debt.
0 Whenever reasonably possible, proceeds of debt will be held by a
third-pafty trustee and the District will submit written requisitions
for such proceeds. The District will submit a requisition only after
obtaining the signature of the Director of Finance and
Administration. In those cases, where it is not reasonably possible
for the proceeds of debt to be held by a third-party trustee, the
Director of Finance and Administration shall retain records of all
expenditures of proceeds through the final payment date for the
debt.
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0 Accounting shall coordinate with Capital Projects and Planning
and Development Services to.-
Maintain records of the funding sources for capital
spending, whether rate funded, bond funded or any other
source of funding in order to track compliance with the "'Use
and Timing of Debt".'provisions of the Debt Policy, bond
arbitrage rebate requirements, debt covenants, or other use
of proceeds commitments made in Bond Official
Statements.
0 The District shall provide to the Board an accounting of the use of
bond proceeds when the funds have been fully spent. The District
shall evaluate and perform ongoing compliance reporting as
committed to for continuing disclosures through EM A, and with
CDIAC as specified in Section XVI of this document.
D. Rebate Policy and System
The District will develop a system of reporting interest earnings that relates to
and complies with Internal Revenue Code requirements relating to rebate, yield
limits and arbitrage. The District will accurately account for all interest earnings in
debt-related funds to ensure that the District is in compliance with all debt
covenants and with state and federal laws. The District will invest funds in
accordance with the investment parameters set forth in each respective bond
indenture, and as permitted by the District's Statement of Investment Policy (13P
005).
VIII. FINANCING CRITERIA
When District staff determines the use of debt is appropriate, staff shall provide a report
to the Board that describes the intended use of the financing proceeds (funding for new
projects or to refund existing bonds), and recommends a specific debt type to include
duration, type, interest rate characteristics, call features, credit enhancement or financial
derivatives to be used in the transaction. For refunding transactions, a comprehensive
report on the debt to be redeemed, the replacement debt, and the benefits of the
transaction shall be provided.
The following criteria will be utilized to evaluate the type of debt to be issued.
A. Long-term debt financing will be used to finance eligible capital projects including
the acquisition, construction or major rehabilitation of capital facilities, when
funding requirements cannot be met with current revenues or cash reserves or
the use of such funds would be contrary to ratemaking principles. The proceeds
derived from long-term borrowing will not be considered appropriate for any
recurring purpose such as current operating and maintenance expenditures.
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B. Shod-term Debt: Short-term borrowing may be utilized for the temporary funding
of operational cash flow deficits or anticipated revenues, where anticipated
revenues are defined as an assured revenue source with the anticipated amount
based on conservative estimates. The District will determine and utilize the least
costly method for short-term borrowing. The District may issue short-term debt
when there is a defined repayment source and amortization of principal.
C. Variable Rate Debt. To maintain a predictable debt service burden, the District
will give preference to debt that carries a fixed interest rate. Variable rate debt
may be deemed appropriate to diversify the District's debt portfolio, reduce
interest costs, provide interim funding for capital projects and improve the match
of assets to liabilities.
0 Variable Rate Debt Capacity. The District will maintain a conservative
level of outstanding unhedged variable rate debt not to exceed a
maximum of a 20-30% variable rate exposure, in addition to maintaining
adequate safeguards against risk and managing the variable revenue
stream both as described below:
0 Adequate Safeguards Against Risk: Financing structure and budgetary
safeguards are in place to prevent adverse impacts from interest rate
shifts,- such structures could include, but are not limited to, interest rate
swaps, interest rate caps and the matching of assets and liabilities.
0 Variable Revenue Stream: The revenue stream for repayment is variable,
and is anticipated to move in the same direction as market-generated
variable interest rates, or the dedication of revenues allows capacity for
variability.
0 As a Component to Synthetic Fixed Rate Debt: Variable rate bonds may
be used in conjunction with a financial strategy that results in synthetic
fixed rate debt.
D. Financial Derivative Products. Financial Derivative Products will be considered
appropriate in the issuance or management of debt only in instances where it has
been demonstrated that the derivative product is expected to either provide a
hedge that reduces the risk of fluctuations in expense or revenue, or alternatively
where the derivative product is expected to reduce total pro project cost.
E. Refunding Financing. Refunding bonds are issued to retire all or a portion of an
outstanding bond issue. Refunding issuances can be used to achieve present-
value savings on debt service or to restructure the payment schedule, type of
debt instrument used, or covenants of existing debt. The District must analyze
the refunding issue on a present-value basis to identify economic effects before
approval.
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Ix, TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF DEBT
The District will establish all terms and conditions relating to the issuance of debt, and
will control, manage, and invest all debt proceeds. The District will specify to the Board
proposed debt terms, coupon structure, debt service structure, redemption features, any
use of capitalized interest, and lien structure.
The following restrictions will be followed unless otherwise authorized by the District
Board.
A. Term
All capital improvements financed through the issuance of debt will be financed
for a period so that the weighted average maturity of the debt will not exceed
120% of the expected average useful life of the assets being financed.
B. Coupon Structure
Debt may include par, discount and premium, Discount and premium bonds must
be demonstrated to be advantageous relative to par bond structures. For variable
rate debt, the variable rate may be based on one of a number of commonly used
interest rate indices and the index will be determined at the time of pricing.
C. Debt Service Structure
Debt service will be structured primarily on a level debt service (combined annual
principal and interest) basis. Certain individual bond issues, such as refunding
bonds, may have debt service that is not level. However, on an aggregate basis,
debt service should be structured primarily on a level basis. Exceptions may be
warranted in the context of the overall financial plan, and shall be discussed with
and approved by the Board of Directors.
D. Redemption Features
In order to preserve flexibility and refinancing opportunities, District debt will
generally be issued with call provisions no longer than 10 year's from the
anniversary date of the delivery of the debt. The District may consider calls that
are shorter than traditional and/or non-call debt when warranted by market
conditions and opportunities. For each transaction, the District will evaluate the
efficiency of call provision alternatives.
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E. Capitalized Interest
Given the timing of the District's revenue stream, the use of capitalized interest
for a limited period of time may be used on occasion if justified. Additionally,
certain types of financings may require the use of capitalized interest from the
issuance date until the District has constructive uselbenefit of the financed
project. Interest will not be funded (capitalized) beyond three (3) years or a
shorter period if further restricted by statute.
F Lien Levels
Senior and jun ior liens for each revenue source will be utilized in a manner that
will maximize the most critical constraint, typically either cost or capacity, thus
allowing for the most beneficial use of the revenue source securing the bond,
X. TYPES OF DEBT
The following types of debt are allowable under this Debt Policy, subject to applicable
law, and the District's statutory authority to issue debt:
• General obligation bonds
Commercial Paper
Bond or grant anticipation notes
• Lease revenue bonds, certificates of participation and lease-purchase
transactions
• Other revenue bonds
Tax and revenue anticipation notes
Land-secured financings, such as special tax revenue bonds issued under the
Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982, as amended, and limited obligation
bonds issued under applicable assessment statutes
Refunding Obligations
State Revolving Fund Loans
• Lines of Credit
• Letters of Credit
The Board may from time to time find that other forms of debt would be beneficial
to further its public purposes and may approve such debt without an amendment
of this Debt Policy.
X1. CREDIT ENHANCEMENTS
The District may consider the use of credit enhancement on a case-by-case basis,
evaluating the economic benefit versus cost for each case. Only when a clearly
demonstrable savings or other measurable advantages can be shown will enhancement
be considered.
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The District may purchase bond insurance when such purchase is deemed prudent and
advantageous. The predominant determination will be based on such insurance being
less costly than the present value of the difference in the interest on insured bonds
versus uninsured bonds. With the District-s current "AAA Y7 rating, (as of 2017), bond
insurance would not be necessary or cost effective.
When required, a reserve fund will be funded from the proceeds of each series of
bonds., subject to federal tax regulations and in accordance with the requirements of
credit enhancement providers andlor rating agencies. The District may purchase
reserve equivalents (i.e., the use of a reserve fund surety) when such purchase is
deemed prudent and advantageous. Such equivalents will be evaluated in comparison
to cash funding of reserves on a net present value basis.
The District may enter into a letter-of-credit agreement when such an agreement Is
deemed prudent and advantageous. Letters of credit will generally be provided only by
those financial institutions with long-term ratings in one of the two highest rating
categories, and short-term ratings.
XII. REFINANCING OUTSTANDING DEBT
The District will periodically evaluate outstanding bond issues for refunding
opportunities and will bring to the attention of the Board those opportunities that are in
the District's interest. Reports to the Board on potential refundings shall describe
anticipated savings and the structure of refunding and refunded debt.
The District will consider the following Issues when evaluating possible refunding
opportunities:
A. Debt Service Savings
The District has established a minimum savings threshold of three percent (3%)
of the refunded bond principal amount unless there are other compelling reasons
for defeasance. The present value savings will be net of all costs related to the
refinancing.
B. Restructuring
The District will refund debt as opportunities are identified. Refundings may
include restructuring for purposes of achieving cost savings, mitigating irregular
debt service payments, releasing reserve funds, removing unduly restrictive bond
covenants, termination of swaps or other factors deemed necessary by the Board
of Directors,-
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C_ Term of Refunding Issues
The District will generally refund within the term of the originally issued debt.
However, the District may consider maturity extension when necessary to
achieve a desired outcome, provided that such extension is legally permissible.
The District may also consider shortening the term of the originally issued debt to
achieve greater savings. The remaining useful life of the financed asset and the
concept of intergenerational equity be will given due consideration in formulating
these decisions.
D. Escrow Structuring
The District will utilize the least costly securities available in structuring refunding
escrows. A certificate from a third-party agent, who is not a broker-dealer, is
required stating that the securities were procured through an arms-length,
competitive bid process (in the case of open market securities), that such
securities were more cost effective than State and Local Government Obligations
(SL S) (or in the event SLGS are not available, the prudent and available
alternative), and that the price paid for the securities was reasonable within
federal guidelines. Under no circumstances will an underwriter, agent or financial
advisor sell escrow securities to the District from its own account,
E, Arbitrage
The District will take all necessary steps to optimize escrows and to avoid
negative arbitrage in its refundings. Any resulting positive arbitrage will be
rebated as necessaryaccording to federal guidelines.
XIII. METHODS OF ISSUANCE
District bonds may be sold on a competitive or negotiated basis (including private
placement). A recommendation regarding the proposed use of either method shall be
prepared by staff and provided to the Board prior to or concurrent with the proposed
issuance.
The District will consider the following factors when determining the prudency of a
competitive versus negotiated sale.
A. Competitive Sale
In a competitive sale, the District's bonds will be awarded to the bidder providing
the lowest true interest cost as long as the bid adheres to the requirements set
forth in the official notice of sale. Conditions Linder which a competitive sale
would be preferred are as follows:
0 Bond prices are stable andlor demand is strong
0 Market timing and interest rate sensitivity are not critical to the pricing
0 There are no complex explanations required during marketing regarding
the District's projects, media coverage, political structure, political support,
funding or credit quality
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0 The bond type and structure are conventional
0 Bond insurance is included or pre-qualified (available)
0 Manageable transaction size
0 The bonds carry strong credit ratings
0 Issuer is well known to investors
B. Negotiated Sale
The District recognizes that some securities are best sold through negotiation
under the following conditions:
0 Bond prices are volatile
0 Demand is weak or supply of competing bonds is high
0 Market timing is important, such as for refundings
0 The Bonds will carry lower credit ratings or are not rated
0 Issuer is not well known to investors
0 The bond type andlor structural features are unusual, such as for a
forward delivery bond sale, issuance of variable rate bonds, or where
there is the use of derivative products
0 Bond insurance is not available
0 Early structuring and market participation by underwriters are desired
0 The par amount for the transaction is significantly larger than normal
0 Demand for the bonds by retail investors is expected to be high
C. Private Placement
The District may elect to privately place its debt under certain conditions. Such
placement will only be considered where a cost savings can be achieved by the
District relative to other methods of debt issuance-, or to enable the financing to
be completed within a shorter timeframe.
XIV. MARKET RELATIONSHIPS
A. Rating Agencies and Investors
The General Manager and designees (Deputy General Manager and Director of
Finance and Administration) will be responsible for maintaining the District's
relationships with rating agencies, which will typically include two or more of the
nationally recognized statistical rating agencies.
In addition to general communication, District designees may.- (1) meet with
credit analysts at least once each fiscal year, or (2) prior to each competitive or
negotiated sale, offer conference calls with agency analysts in connection with
the planned sale.
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B. Board Communication.
The General Manager will make available to the Board any ratings report or other
relevant feedback provided from rating agencies and/or investors regarding the
District's financial strengths and weaknesses and recommendations for
addressing any weaknesses.
C. Continuing Disclosure
The District will remain in compliance with SEC Rule 15c2-12 addressing
continuing disclosure obligations. The District will also comply with state reporting
requirements specified in SB 1029, which require initial and ongoing debt
reporting requirements for California public agencies.
D. Rebate Reporting
The use and investment of bond proceeds shall be monitored to ensure
compliance with arbitrage restrictions.
Existing regulations require that issuers calculate rebate liabilities related to any
bond issues, with rebate paid every five years and as otherwise required by
applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and regulations. The Director
of Finance and Administration will ensure that proceeds and investments are
tracked in a manner that facilitates accurate, complete calculation, and timely
rebate payments, if necessary.
E. Other Jurisdictions
From time to time, the District may issue bonds to fund projects that provide a
benefit to other public entities (e.g. City of Concord). The District will conduct
such analyses as deemed necessary to assure adequate cost recovery for such
funding and to mitigate risks to the District.
The District may participate in a joint powers authority with one or more other
eligible entities pursuant to Section 6500 of the California Government Code if
deemed advantageous and appropriate and approved by the Board.
V. CONSULTANTS
A. Selection of Financing Team Members
The General Manager or designee will make recommendations for all financing
team members, with the Board providing final approval. Financing team
members may include a financial advisor, bond counsel, disclosure counsel
(which may be the same firm as bond counsel), and underwriter. Selection of
those financing team members shall be in accordance with Professional Service
and Consultant provisions of the District's procurement policies, and consistent
with Chapter 2.36 "Purchasing and Materials Policy" of the District Code. In the
event of a competitive bond sale, the District's debt will be offered to the
underwriter providing the most cost advantageous proposal to the District.
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B. Financial Advisor
The District may utilize a financial advisor to assist in its debt issuance and debt
administration processes as is deemed prudent and necessary by management
and in compliance with Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MS RB}
regulations.
Financial advisory services provided to the District may include, but will not be
limited to the following:
Evaluation of risks and opportunities associated with debt issuance
Monitoring market opportunities
Evaluation of proposals submitted to the District by investment banking
firms
Structuring, pricing, and timing of sales
• Preparation and evaluation of requests for proposals for other financial
services such as trustee and paying agent services, printing, credit
facilities, remarketing, agent services, etc.
Advice, assistance and preparation for presentations with rating agencies
and investors
• Assisting in review of all legal documents related to the District's bond
issues
• Reviewing and updating the long-term financial plan
Being available at reasonable times for consultation to render advice
regarding the financial aspects of the Districts debt program as may be
requested by the Board, the General Manaaer, or the Director of Finance
and Administration.
Other activities in connection with debt issuance Including preparing the
financing schedule, monitoring the progress of financing team participants,
facilitating and coordinating the completion of tasks and responsibilities in
accordance with schedule and revising the schedule as necessary.
The District also expects that its financial advisor will provide the District with
objective advice and analysis, maintain the confidentiality of District financial
plans, and be free from any conflicts of interest, as required by the as specified in
the Municipal Advisor("MA') rules promulgated by the Municipal Securities
Rulemaking Board (MSRB), Dodd—Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer
Protection Act, and the SEC.
C. Bond Counsel
District debt will include a written opinion by legal counsel affirming that the
District is authorized to issue the proposed debt and that the District has met all
constitutional and statutory requirements necessary for issuance and a
determination of the proposed debt's federal income tax status. The approving
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Page 16 of 20
opinion and other documents relating to the issuance of debt will be prepared by
counsel with extensive experience in public finance and tax issues.
The services of bond counsel may include, but are not limited to:
Rendering a legal opinion with respect to authorization and valid issuance
of debt obligations including whether the interest paid on the debt is tax
exempt under federal and State of California law,-
Preparing all necessary legal documents in connection with authorization,
sale, issuance and delivery of bonds and other obligations;
Assisting in the preparation of the preliminary and final official statements
and offering memoranda;
Participating in discussions with potential investors, insurers and credit
rating agencies, if requested,- and
Providing continuing advice, as requested, on the proper use and
administration of bond proceeds under applicable laws and the bond
documents.
D. Disclosure Counsel
The District may utilize a separate firm to serve as disclosure counsel as it
deems necessary. If cost effective, bond counsel may also serve as disclosure
counsel.
E. Underwriter
The District will have the right to select a senior manager for a proposed
negotiated sale, as well as co-managers and selling group members, as
appropriate.
F. Conflict of Interest Disclosure by Financing Team Members
All financing team members will be required to provide full and complete
disclosure, relative to agreements with other financing team members and
outside parties. The extent of disclosure may vary depending on the nature of the
transaction. However, in general terms, no agreements will be permitted which
could compromise the firm's ability to provide independent advice that is solely in
the District's interests (to the extent the firm's role involves a duty to do so) or
which could reasonably be perceived as a conflict of interest.
X111. INITIAL AND CONTINUING DISCLOSURE COMPLIANCE
A. Disclosure Coordinator and Overall Requirements for Initial and Continui
Disclosu re
The Director of Finance and Administration (or as designated, the Finance
Manager) for the District shall be the disclosure coordinator of the District
(Disclosure Coordinator). The Disclosure Coordinator shall perform the following
f unctions:
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• Ensure that any Official Statement meets appropriate standards and is approved
by the Board as required.
• Ensure that initial and continuing disclosure obligations undertaken by the District
related to each debt issuance are met, including State of California requirements,
and MSRB requirements that the District commits to undertake in the Continuing
Disclosure Certificate or Agreement over the life of the bonds to investors.
0 Initial Disclosure requirements include preparation of the Bond Official
statement and reports on the issuance to the CDIAC.
0 Ongoing disclosure requirements include annual reports with the IVISRB
Electronic Municipal Market Access (EMMA) system and the CDIAC-
B. Review and Approval of Official Statements
• The Disclosure Coordinator of the District shall review any Official Statement
prepared in connection with any debt issuance by the District in order to ensure
there are no misstatements or omissions of material information in any sections
that contain descriptions of information prepared by the District.
In connection with review of the Official Statement, the Disclosure Coordinator
may consult with third parties, including outside professionals assisting the
District, and relevant members of District staff, to the extent that the Disclosure
Coordinator concludes they should be consulted so that the Official Statement
will include all "material"information (as defined for purposes of federal securities
law).
As part of the review process, the Disclosure Coordinator shall submit all Official
Statements to the Board for approval.
The approval of an Official Statement by the Board shall be agendized as a new
business matter and shall not be approved as a consent item, The Board shall
undertake such review as deemed necessary, following consultation with the
Disclosure Coordinator, to fulfill the Board's responsibilities under applicable
federal and state securities laws. In this regard, the Disclosure Coordinator shall
consult with the District's disclosure counsel to the extent the Disclosure
Coordinator considers appropriate.
• Under the continuing disclosure undertakings that the District has entered into in
connection with Its debt offerings, the District is required each year to Ne annual
reports with the MSRB Electronic Municipal Market Access ("EMMA') system in
accordance with such undertakings. Such annual reports are required to include
certain updated financial and operating information, and the District's audited
financial statements.
■ The District is also required under its continuing disclosure undertakings to file
notices of certain events with EMMA.
• The Disclosure Coordinator is responsible for establishing a system (which may
involve the retention or one or more consultants) by which:
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the District will make the annual filings required by its continuing
disclosure undertakings on a complete and timely basis, and
0 the District will file notices of enumerated events on a timely basis.
C. California Debt and Investment Advisory Commission (CDIA ) Initial and Ongoing
Disclosure.
SB 1029 requires California public agencies that issue debt to provide certain initial
and ongoing disclosures to CDIAC, including.-
1. Report not later than 30 days prior to the sale, of any debt issue to include.
• Certification by the issuer that it has adopted local debt policies
concerning the use of debt and that the contemplated debt
issuance is consistent with those local debt policies, to include:
a. - The purposes for which the debt proceeds may be used.
b. The types of debt that may be issued.
c. The relationship of the debt to, and integration with, the issuer's
capital improvement program or budget, if applicable.
d. Policy goals related to the issuer's planning goals and objectives.
e. The internal control procedures that the issuer has implemented, or
will implement to ensure that the proceeds of the proposed debt
issuance will be directed to the intended use.
2. Deport not later than 21 days after the sale of the debt, a final report on
the sale to include:
a Final official statement or other disclosure document.
b Indenture,
C Installment sales agreement.
d Loan agreement.
e Promissory note,
f Bond purchase contract.
9 Resolution authorizing the Issue.
h Bond specimen.
3. An Annual report not later than seven months from the end of the
reporting period of July I to June 30.
The annual report shall consist of the following information:
a Debt authorized during the reporting period, which shall include the
following:
0 Debt authorized at the beginning of the reporting period.
10 Debt authorized and issued during the reporting period.
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• Debt authorized but not issued at the end of the reporting
period.
• Debt authorized at the beginning of the reporting period.
b Debt outstanding during the reporting period, which shall include
the following.-
Principal balance at the beginning of the reporting period.
• Principal paid during the reporting period.
• Principal outstanding at the end of the reporting period.
c The use of proceeds of issued debt during the reporting period,
which shall include the following:
• Debt proceeds available at the beginning of the reporting period.
• Proceeds spend during the reporting period and the purposes
for which it was spent.
0 Debt proceeds remaining at the end of the reporting period.
Compliance with this subdivision shall be required for each issue of debt with
outstanding debt, debt that has been authorized but not issued, or both, during the
reporting period.
D. Public Statements Regarding Financial Information
Whenever the District makes statements or releases information relating to its finances
to the public that are reasonably expected to reach investors and the trading markets,
the District is obligated to ensure that such statements and information are complete,
true, and accurate in all material respects.
E, Training
• The Disclosure Coordinator shall ensure that the members of the
District staff involved in the initial or continuing disclosure process,
the Board, and staff are properly trained to understand and perform
their responsibilities.
• The Disclosure Coordinator shall arrange for disclosure training
sessions conducted by the District's disclosure counsel. Such
training sessions shall include education on these Disclosure
Policies, the District's disclosure obligations under applicable
federal and state securities laws and the disclosure responsibilities
and potential liabilities of members of the District-'s staff and
members of the Board. Such training sessions may be conducted
using a recorded presentation.
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F. District's Website
The District may maintain an investor information section on the District's website.
Disclosure Documents that are material to the District's securities, and no other
information, shall be posted to the investor information section of the District's website
following review and approval by the Director of Finance and Administration. Any
investor information on the District's website shall include currently appropriate
disclaimer statements of the nature indicated below."
"The only information on this Web site that is posted with the intention of reaching the
investing public, including bondholders, rating analysts, investment advisors, or any
other members of the investment communityy, is located on the investor information web
pages. Other than the specific information presented in the investor information web
pages, no other information on the District's website is intended to be the basis of or
should be relied upon in making an investment decision. Because each security issued
by the District or its related entities may involve different sources of payment and
security, you should refer for additional information to the official statement and
continuing disclosure filings for the particular security. The information posted in the
investor information web pages speaks only as of its date.ry
XVII. EXCEPTIONS
In the event there are any deviations or exceptions from the Debt Policy when a certain
bond issue is structured, those exceptions will be discussed in the staff reports when
the bond issue is a,gendized for Board consideration.
XVIII. POLICY CONSIDERATION
This policy shall be reviewed on a bi-annual basis. Any changes must be approved by
the Board after review by the Administration Committee, as well as the individual(s)
charged with maintaining internal controls.
[Original Retained by the Secretary of the District]