SUBJECT: Ordinance authorizing, approving, confirming and ratifying certain matters relating to the City of Houston, Texas, General Obligation Commercial Paper Notes, Series G-2
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve an Ordinance authorizing, approving, confirming and ratifying certain matters relating to the City of Houston, Texas, General Obligation Commercial Paper Notes, Series G-2, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $125,000,000 for the purpose of providing money for certain authorized purposes; Approving and authorizing certain authorized officers and employees to act on behalf of the City in the selling and delivery of such notes, within the limitations and procedures specified herein and making certain covenants and agreements in connection therewith.
SPECIFIC EXPLANATION:
Starting in 1993, City Council created commercial paper programs to provide appropriation capacity and “on time” funding for various capital expenditures of the City funded with proceeds of general obligation debt. The issuance of commercial paper has provided an expedient, cost-effective method of providing interim financing. Commercial paper notes are later refinanced with fixed rate bonds with maturities matching the useful lives of the projects or equipment being financed.
The existing letter of credit that supports the Series G-2 CP program has an upcoming expiration date of November 28, 2017. The Series G-2 CP program currently supports the City's Capital Improvement Program.
Barclays Bank PLC will provide a replacement direct-pay letter of credit for the Series G-2 program in the amount of $125 million, plus interest. The liquidity facility will have a 4-year term, with a commitment fee of 34 basis points per annum based on the City’s current long-term ratings.
The Finance Working Group (the “FWG”) also recommends U.S. Bank National Association as paying agent, and Bracewell LLP and Edgardo E. Colon, P.C. as co-bond counsel. JP Morgan, Loop Capital Markets Inc., Ramirez & Co. and Williams Capital Group are recommended as dealers.
This transaction was presented to the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee on August 2, 2017.
Recommendation
The FWG recommends approval of this transaction.