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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-04-11; City Council; 13105; Credit rating upgrade6 z 3 0 0 EXHIBITS: 1. 2. Letters from Standard and Poor's regarding change in credit rating. Press release issued by Standard and Poor's. e 0 i Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, A Division of McGraw-Hill, Inc. Public Finance Department 25 Broadway New York, New York 10004-1064 Robert A. Fuller Managing Director Telephone 21 2/208-1807 March 9, 1995 Ms. Lisa Hildabrand Finance Director City of Carlsbad 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 Re: $7,555,000 Carlsbad Public Improvement Corporation, California, CertiiJicates of Participation (Hospital Grove), Series 1988, dated: June 1, 1988 Dear Ms. Hildabrand: We have reviewed the latest financial report and other relevant data on the above debt. After such review, we have changed the rating to ‘A-’ from ‘BBBp’. The rating was changed primarily because of a resilient and diverse local economy that is exhibiting strong growth after slowing somewhat during the statewide recession, and very strong financial management in a challenging fiscal environment. The removal of the provisional ’p’ reflects the comple- tion and acceptance of the project finance by the certificates of participation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Very truly yours, ed cc: Mr. Jim Cervantes Stone & Youngberg 15260 Ventura Blvd. - Suite 900 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 a 0 a Standard & Poor‘s Ratings Group, A Division of McGraw-Hill, Inc. Public Finance Department 25 Broadway New York, New York 10004-1 064 Robert A. Fuller Managing Director Telephone 21 2/208-1807 March 9, 1995 Ms. Lisa Hildabrand Finance Director City of Carlsbad 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 Re: Dear Ms. Hildabrand: We have reviewed the latest financial report and other relevant data on the above debt. After such review, we have changed the rating to ‘A-’ from ‘BBB’. The rating was changed primarily because of a resilient and diverse local economy that is exhibiting strong growth after slowing somewhat during the statewide recession, and very strong financial management in a challenging fiscal environment. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. $250,000 Carlsbad Parking Authority, California, Lease Series 1969 ed cc: Mi-. Jim Cewainies Stone & Youngberg 15260 Ventura Blvd. - Suite 900 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 $!I I e a ID: P26 TIK: HEADLINE; S&P Raises Carlsbad Pub Imp & Parking Auth Rtgs To A- Improvement Corp., calif.'s certificates of participation (COP) series 1988 dated June 1, 1988, issued for Hosp Grove, to Single-'A'-m5.nUS from triple-'B'. revenue bonds series 1969 to single-'A'-hinus from triple-'B'. Both leases are general fund obligations of the city of Carlsbad, Calif. is exhibiting strong growth after slowing somewhat during the recent statewide recession. Also factored in the upgrade is the city's very strong financial management in a challenging fiscal environment characterized by recessionary pressure on revenues and state actions that shifted property taxes and other revenues away from the city. miles north of San Diego); high wealth and income levels: a strong financial position, with a high fund balance and available financial flexibility; and a moderate debt burden with manageable capital needs. The series 1988 COP rating also incorporates the moderate essentiality OP Hosp Grove, an open space project, and strong legal provisions, while the Parking Authority lease rating includes the high essentiality of the project and slightly weaker legal provisions. Carlsbad's economy held up well. Carlsbad was one of only four cities in the counfy to gain jobs between 1990-1992. The city's economic base is diverse, with strengths in retail, manufacturing, and a growing group of golf equipment producers. Economically sensitive revenues have rebounded strongly from the recession, with an 18% jump in sales tax collections in fiscal 1994 and a 1.7% increase in transient occupancy (hotel) taxes. Both these revenues continued to show gains in the first half of fiscal 1995. Revenues from building also have rebounded, and building permits were up 95% in the first half of 1995. However, property taxes continue to lag, falling 1.1% in 1994 and a further 2.5% in 1995 because of aggressive assessment appeals by some of the city's commercial and industrial property owners. As a result of strong fiscal management, the city's financial position remains solid despite negative revenue growth since 1990. The unreserved general fund balance ended fiscal 1994 at $11.3 million, or 31% of expenditures, about the same as 1990, and substantially higher than the levels maintained in the 1980s. The fiscal 1995 budget is balanced, although a moderate drawdown of reserves is planned for one-time expenditures including early debt retirement. 2.48 of true value. Debt service carrying charges comprise a manageable 7.4% of expenditures. Amortization is rapid, with the Parking Authority lease maturing in 1996 and the Hosp Grove COPS due in 14 years. NY -- StP Creditwire 3/8/95 -- SCP xaises its rating on Carlsbad Public S&P also raises its rating on Carlsbad Parking Authority, Calif.'s lease The ratings upgrades are based on a resilient and diverse local economy that Other credit factors include the city's location on the Pacific Coast (35 Although the recession slowed building and job creation in the city, The debt burden is moderate, with overall net debt at $2,058 per capita, or OUTLOOK: Stable. Stability is demonstrated by the city's economic resiliency during a period of severe recessionary stress and management's continued commitment to balanced budgets despite negative revenue growth, SBP said. -- CreditWire Contact: Liz Sweeney (212) 208-8311, Steve Nelli (212) 208-8975. TOTAL P. 02