HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-033 CO Go Refund Imp Bond SaleDate: May 12, 2017
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Report No. 2017-033
City's most recent competitive General Obligation and Certificates of Obligation bond sales.
BACKGROUND:
The purpose of this report is to provide the City Council with details regarding the sale of Series
2017 General Obligation Refunding & Improvement Bonds and Certificates of Obligation
authorized on April 18, 2017.
DISCUSSION:
On May 9, 2017 the City along with its financial advisor, First Southwest Company, conducted a
competitive sale of $29,105,000 in General Obligation (GO) Refunding and Improvement Bonds
and $90,800,000 in Certificates of Obligation (CO). The delivery date of the funds to the City
will be on June 13, 2017. The participating underwriting firms for the GO bond sale were:
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.; Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC; Bank of America Merrill Lynch;
Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc.; Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.; J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and
Hutchinson, Shockey, Erley & Co. The participating underwriting firms for the CO sale were
the same bidders as above with the exclusion of the firm Hutchinson, Shockey, Erley & Co.
The GO bonds and the COs were awarded to Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. as the lowest true
interest cost bidder for each competitive sale.
The GO bonds included the issuance of $4.0 million to fund the fifth and final year of street
improvement and public art projects approved by voters in the November 2012 bond election,
$13.16 million to fund the third year of projects approved by voters in the November 2014 bond
election, and also refunded outstanding GO Refunding Bonds, Series 2007 for savings. As
approved by the City Council on April 18, 2017 the bond sale met all of the following required
parameters listed below:
1) The maximum principal amount of bonds shall not exceed $30,700,000;
2) Final stated maturity of February 15, 2037;
3) Maximum net effective interest rate of 3.50%
4) Refunding must produce savings of at least 3.00%;
5) The sale must occur prior to October 18, 2017.
The present value savings for the GO refunding was $828,732.85 or 6.38% of the refunded bond
amount, which was well in excess of the established criteria. The annual savings averages
approximately $144,000 over six years. The all-in true interest cost for the GO bonds, which
includes the cost of issuance, is 2.807%.
Concurrently the City also completed the competitive CO sale for general government, solid
waste, and electric projects. As approved by the City Council on April 18, 2017, the CO sale
met all of the following required parameters listed below:
Date: May 12, 2017
Report No. 2017-033
1) The maximum principal amount of the certificates of obligation shall not exceed
$102,000,000;
2) The final stated maturity shall not exceed February 15, 2047;
3) The maximum net effective interest rate shall not exceed 4.00%;
4) The sale must occur prior to October 18, 2017.
The all-in true interest cost for the COs is 3.372%, which factors in the cost of issuance. City
staff was pleased with the results of both sales.
In mid April, City staff and the City's financial advisor, First Southwest Company, participated
in conference calls with analysts from Fitch Ratings (Fitch) and Standard & Poor's (S&P) to
discuss the City's financial condition and intent to sell COs and GO bonds. As a result of these
conference calls, and a review of financial information, both S&P and Fitch assigned a rating of
`AA+' to the City's upcoming debt issuance. There is no change to either rating from the prior
year and both indicated a stable rating outlook for the City. For your review I have attached the
rating reports from Fitch and S&P.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions on the results of the City's
most recent debt issuance.
ATTACHMENT:
1. Fitch Credit Rating Report
2. Standard and Poor's Credit Rating Report
STAFF CONTACT:
Chuck Springer, Director of Finance
(940)-349-8260
Charles. Sprin .ger(a� cityofdenton.com
Denton, Texas
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Rati ngs
Long-Term Issuer Default Rating
New Issues
$94,485,000 Certificates of
Obligation, Series 2017
$29,220,000 General Obligation
Refunding and Improvement
Bonds, Series 2017
Outstanding Debt
Certificates of Obligation
General Obligation Bonds
Rating Outlook
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�'+ Sale Date: May 9, 2017.
Series: General Obligation Refunding and Improvement Bonds, Series 2017, and Certificates
�+ of Obligation, Series 2017.
Purpose: GO proceeds will be used to refund outstanding obligations for debt service savings
�+ and to fund street improvements and public safety facility improvements. Proceeds from the
certificates of obligation will be used for vehicle and equipment acquisitions, facility
�+ improvements, parking improvements, streets, and electric and solid waste disposal system
%�+ IlllpfOV@Ill@I1tS.
Security: Annual property tax levy, limited to $2.50 per $100 of taxable assessed valuation.
Stable
Analytical Conclusion: The 'AA+' IDR and GO bond rating reflect exceptionally strong
operating performance, supported by strong revenue growth prospects, ample revenue-raising
capacity and sound expenditure flexibility. The rating is also based on the expectation for a
moderate but slightly elevated long-term liability burden.
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Analysts
Rebecca Meyer
+1 512 215-3733
rebecca.meyer@fitchratings. com
Tim Morilla
+1 212 908-0547
tim.morilla@fdchratings. com
Economic Resource Base: Denton (the city) is located at the northern end of the Dallas-Fort
Worth metroplex and had a 2016 population of about 130,000. The local economy features
institutes of higher education, a regionally prominent medical sector, and a strong warehousing
and manufacturing base, leveraging Denton's multimodal transportation network.
Revenue Framework: 'aaa' factor assessment. Fitch Ratings expects Denton's diverse and
expanding tax base to continue to grow at a pace in excess of U.S. GDP over the medium term.
Strong revenue-raising capacity is supported by a tax rate well below the statutory cap.
Expenditure Framework: 'aa' factor assessment. The city's pace of spending is aligned with
revenue growth. Discretion with respect to workforce and other operating costs provides the
city with flexibility to address future uncertainties including economic slowdowns. Moderate
carrying costs do not pressure the budget.
Long-Term Liability Burden: 'a' factor assessment. Currently at 19% of estimated personal
income, Fitch expects the city's long-term liabilities to place a slightly elevated but still
moderate burden on the resource base over time considering likely debt issuance plans to
address regional growth needs. The city's net pension liability burden contributes a modest
amount to its long-term liability burden.
Operating Performance: 'aaa' factor assessment. Fitch anticipates Denton would maintain
strong financial flexibility in an economic downturn based on relatively stable revenues and
sound expenditure flexibility. The city consistently maintains a solid financial cushion.
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Liability Burden: The rating assumes that liability levels will remain generally consistent with
current levels, placing a slightly elevated but moderate burden on the resource base.
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Denton (TX)
Scenario Analysis
Reserve Safety Margin in an Unaddressed Stress
Actual " Scenario
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2014 2015 2016 Year1 Year2 Year3
Financial Resilience Subfac[or Assessment:
�Available Fund Balance ����^bbb ,^^^^^^^^^^��a ^^^^^^^aa -�aaa
GDP Assumption (% Change�
Expenditure Assumption (% Change�
Revenue Output(% Change�
Inherent Budget Flexibility
Total Revenues
% Changein Revenues
Total Expenditures
% Change in Expenditures
Transfers In and OtherSources
Transfers Out and Other Uses
NetTransfers
Bond Proceeds and Other One-Time Uses
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Fitch expects Denton to maintain solid financial performance through an
economic downturn. As demonstrated in Fitch's analytical sensitivitytool
(FAST) 1% decline in GDP scenario, the city has a strong financial cushion
to address a moderate economic downturn. Fitch expects the city would
maintain a satisfactory cushion given its ample ability to raise revenues
and sound expenditure flexibility.
The city completed fiscal 2016 with $28.2 million in unrestricted reserves,
28% of spending. Denton projects similarly strong fiscal 2017 results
based on brisk sales tax revenues. The city's five-year forecast reflects
moderate revenue growth, with maintenance of reserves at a level
consistent with the city's 20% of spending policy floor plus 5% resiliency
reserve (25% combined total).
(1.0'�) 0.5% 2.0%
2.0% 2.0% 2.0%
(1.0'�) 33% 5.8%
Superior ��
80,399 85,343 83,636 85,432 89,777 95,772 102,302 101,279 104,617 110,639
- 6.1% (2.0%� 2.1% 5.1% 6.7% 6.8% (1.0'�) 33% 5.8%
82,424 82,039 80,834 84,701 88,608 92,523 97,686 99,640 101,633 103,666
- (0.5%� (1.5%� 4.8% 4.6% 4.4% 5.6% 2.0% 2.0% 2.0%
185
421 516 1,557 950 1,171 1,840 3,982 4,062 4,143 4,226
757 (405� (1,390� (810� (1,086� (1,722� (3,811� (3,892) (3,%8) (4,041)
NetOperatingSurplus(+�/peficit(-�AfterTransfers (1,268� 2,899 1,412 (79� 83 1,527 805 (2,253) (984) 2,933
NetOperatingSurplus(+�/peficit(-�(%ofExpend.andTransfersOut� (1.5%� 3.5% 1.7% (0.1%� 0.1% 1.6% 0.8% (2.2%) (0.9'�) 2J%
Unrestricted/Unreserved Fund Balance (General Fund� 21,527 24,424 25,836 25,755 25,838 27,365 28,170 25,916 24,933 27,865
OtherAvailable Funds (Analyst Input� - - - - - - - - - -
Combined Available Funds Balance (GF+Analyst Input� 21,527 24,424 25,836 25,755 25,838 27,365 28,170 25,916 24,933 27,865
Combined Available Fund Bal. (% of Expend. and Transfers Out� 26.0% 29.6% 31.4% 30.1% 28.8% 29.0% 27.7% 25.0'� 23.6% 25.8%
Reserve Safety Margin (aaa)
Reserve Safety Margin (aa)
Reserve Safety Margin (a)
Reserve Safety Margin (bbb)
16.0% 8.0% 5.0% 3.0% 2.0%
12.0% 6.0% 4.0% 2.5% 2.0%
8.0% 4.0% 2.5% 2.0% 2.0%
3.0% 2.0% 2.0% 2.0% 2.0%
Notes: Scenario analysis representsan unaddressed stresson issuerfinances. Fitch'sdownturn scenarioassumesa -1.0%GDP dedine in thefirst year, followed by0.5%and 2.0% GDP
growth in Years 2 and 3, respectively. Expendituresare assumed to growat a 2.0% rate of inflation.Inherent budgetflexibility isthe analysYsassessmentof the issuer'sabilitytodeal
with fiscal stressthrough tax and spending policychoices, and determinesthe multiples used tocalculate the reserve safety margin. Forfurtherdetails, please see Fitch's USTax-
Supported RatingCriteria.
L7�ntan, T�xas 2
Apnl 25, 2017
Rating History—IDR,
GOs and COs
Outlook/
Rating Action Watch Date
qq+ Affirmed Stable 4/20/17
qq+ Assigned Stable 3/19/12
Related Research
Fitch Rates Denton, TX's $124MM GOs
and COs'AA+'; Outiook Stable (April 2017)
Related Criteria
U.S. Tax-Supported Rating Criteria (April
2016)
L7�ntan, T�xas
Apnl 25, 2017
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Denton's location at the convergence of interstate highway (IH) 35 East and IH 35 West and
ready access to air and rail transportation have contributed to the city's strong warehousing
and manufacturing base. The city is home to sizable distribution centers such as Target, Aldi,
Fastenal and WinCo. Its diverse manufacturers include Safran, Flowers Baking Company,
TetraPak and Peterbilt Motors. Denton is also known for its institutions of higher education
(University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University) and regionally prominent medical
sector. The city's growing heathcare facilities serve northern Texas and southern Oklahoma.
These institutions include Columbia Medical Center Denton, Texas Health Presbyterian
Hospital and The Heart Hospital Baylor Denton.
Denton's 8.2% annual fiscal 2017 taxable assessed valuation (TAV) compound annual rate of
growth (CAGR) outstripped the city's four-year CAGR of 7.2% realized between fiscal years
2012 and 2016. The city's first hotel and convention center is scheduled to open in November
2017 and to accompany further development within the city's Rayzor Ranch mixed-use Public
Improvement District. Additional development is reported across the city's commercial,
industrial and residential property base. The city's ample developable land positions it well for
ongoing solid growth over the medium term.
Revenue Framework
Denton's property taxes contributed 39% to fiscal 2016 operating revenues, followed by sales
taxes (32%). The city's revenues remained stable throughout the recession, benefitting from an
expanding regional economy.
The 3.9% CAGR of Denton's general fund revenues over the 10 years ending in fiscal
2016 reflects growth in excess of U.S. GDP, mirroring the expanding regional economy. Fitch
expects ongoing revenue strength based on the growth in the city's diverse local economy.
The city 's fiscal 2017 tax rate of $0.68 per $100 of TAV provides ample capacity below the
statutory cap of $2.50. If a proposed tax rate results in an 8% year-over-year levy increase
(based on the prior year's values), the rate increase may be subject to election if petitioned by
vote rs.
Expenditure Framework
Public safety accounts for 57% of fiscal 2016 general fund spending.
The pace of spending is likely to remain at the level of revenue growth based on the expected
moderate pace of population growth and the ongoing strength of revenues, incorporating a
diverse tax base and robust sales tax along the city's transportation corridors.
The city maintains flexibility with respect to headcount and salary arrangements and through
the discretionary nature of its pay-as-you-go capital spending program as well as its annual
contributions to funding street improvements. Carrying costs represent a moderate 19% of
governmental spending and reflect a 10-year debt amortization rate of 67%.
Long-Term Liability Burden
Fitch anticipates Denton's long-term liabilities, currently 19% of personal income, to rise to
somewhat elevated but still moderate levels (slightly over 20%) over the medium-term horizon
based on the impact of regional growth on direct and overlapping issuances. Overlapping debt
makes up the bulk of the burden.
+�
Denton's fiscal 2017 five-year capital improvement plan includes about $130 million of general
government needs between fiscal years 2017 and 2021, somewhat above the scheduled debt
to be retired over the same period. The city has $53.785 million of remaining GO authorization.
Denton's near-term enterprise priorities include the 220 MW quick-start Denton Energy Center
to support the city's transition to reliance on a greater amount of renewable energy.
The city's pensions are provided through the Texas Municipal Retirement System, an agenl
multiple-employer defined-benefit plan, and the Denton Firemen's Relief and Retirement Fund,
a single-employer plan. Under GASB Statement 68, the city reports a fiscal 2016 net pension
liability of $106.6 million for both plans combined, with fiduciary assets covering 78.60% of total
pension liabilities at the plans' 6.75% investment return assumption.
Operating Performance
Fitch expects Denton to maintain solid financial performance throughout an economic downturn.
For details, see Scenario Analysis, page 2.
Denton recently updated its reserve policy to include a 5% resiliency (25% combined total)
reserve component to safeguard against unexpected financial circumstances or economic
downturns. The city's financial flexibility is demonstrated by its practice of funding nonrecurring
expenditures with favorable revenue performance and taking advantage of economic upturns
to build the city's financial cushion.
L7�ntan, T�xas
Apnl 25, 2017
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compensated for the provision of the ratings.
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L7�ntan, T�xas
Apnl 25, 2017
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Denton, Texas; �eneral Obligation
Primary Credit Analyst:
Ann M Richardson, Dallas (214) 765-5878; ann.richardson@spglobal.com
Secondary Contact:
Sarah L Smaardyk, Dalias (1) 214-871-1428; sarah.smaardyk@spglobal.com
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Rationale
Outloak
Related Research
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US$29.22 mil G(7 rfdg and imp bnds dtd 05/O1/2017 due 02/ 15/2037
Long Term Rating AA+/Stable
Denton certs of oblig ser 2016 dtd 06/O1/2016 due 02/15/2046
Long Term Rating AA+/Stable
Denton GO
Long Term Rating
Denton GO
Long Term Rating
Denton GO
Long Term Rating
AA+/Stable
AA+/Stable
AA+/Stable
Denton GO rfdg bnds ser 2016 dtd 08/ 15/2016 due 02/ 15/2030
Long Term Rating AA+/Stable
Denton GO
Unenhanced Rating
Many issues are enhanced by bond insurance.
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AA+(SPUR)/Stable
New
Affirmed
Affrrmed
Affirmed
Affirmed
Affirmed
Affirmed
S&P Global Ratings assigned its 'AA+' lang-term rating to the City of Denton, Texas' series 2017 general obligation
(GO) refunding and improvement bonds and series 2017 certificates of obligation. At the same time, S&P Global
Ratings affirmed its 'AA+' rating on the city's GO debt outstanding. The outlook on all ratings is stable.
The series 2017 GO refunding and improvement bonds are payable from an ad valorem tax, levied within the limits
prescribed by law, on all taxable property in the city. The maximum allowable rate in Texas is $2.50 per $100 of
assessed value (AV) for all purposes, with the portion dedicated to debt service limited to $1.50. The city's current levy
is well below the maxirnum, at 68.33 cents, 21.66 cents of which is dedicated to debt service. We do not differentiate
between the limited tax pledge and the city's general obligation given the significant financial flexibility. We
understand that proceeds from the sale of the bonds will be used to refund a portion of the city's debt outstanding for
debt service savings and to fund various capital improvements.
The certificates constitute direct obligations of the city, payable from a combination of the levy and collection of a
continuing annual ad valorern tax, within the limits prescribed by law, an all taxable property within the city, and a
limited piedge (nat to exceed $1,000) of surplus net revenues of Denton's utility system. Despite the dual pledge, we
rate the series 2017 certificates based on the strength of the city's GO profile. We understand that proceeds from the
W WW.STANDARDAIVDPOORS.COM/RATYNGSDIRBCT
APRIL 25, 2017 2
1837631 � 302491964
Summary: Dcnt�ri, 1'exas; C;e7�zeral Obligczti�rz
sale of the certificates will alsa be used to fund various capital projects throughout the city and for enterprise system
improvements.
The 'AA+' rating reflects our opinion of the city's:
o Strong economy, with access to a broad and diverse metropolitan statistical area (MSA) and a local stabilizing
institutional influence;
o Very strong management, with "strang" financial policies and practices under our fnancial management assessment
(FMA) rnethodology;
• Strong budgetary performance, with a slight operating surplus in the general fund and an operating surplus at the
total governrnental fund level in fiscal 2016;
o Very strpng budgetary flexibility, with an available fund balance in fscal 2016 of 29% of operating expenditures;
• Very strong liquidity, with total government available cash at 1.7x total governmental fund expenditures and 12.6x
governmental debt service, and access to external liquidity we consider strong;
• Weak debt and contingent liability position, with debt service carrying charges at 13.8% of expenditures and net
direct debt that is 140.7% of total governmental fund revenue; and
• Strong institutional framework score.
Strong economy
We consider Denton's economy strong. The city, with an estimated populatian of 124,9$8, is located in Denton County
in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington MSA, which we consider to be broad and diverse. The city also benefits, in aur
view, from a stabilizing institutional influence. The city has a projected per capita effective buying income of 87.0% of
the national level and per capita market value of $72,947. Overall, the city's market value grew by 8.2% over the past
year to $9.1 billion in 2017. The county unemployrnent rate was 3.6% in 2015.
The city is about 35 miles north of downtown Dallas and Fart Worth, and is inf'luenced by the presence of two
universities, the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University, both af which we view as stabilizing
influences. The city's ongoing commercial and residential development has led ta a growing taxable base. For 2018,
we anticipate market growth to be in line with recent years due to continued growth in the commercial, office, retail,
and residential sectors, and management's conservative forecast model currently projects 4% annuai growth over the
next five years given the overall economic health and growing needs of the region. We believe the city will continue ta
experience significant residential growth over the next two years, given proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
Very strang management
We view the city's management as very strong, with "strong" financial policies and practices under our FMA
methodology, indicating financial practices are strong, well embedded, and likely sustainable.
Key palicies and practices include:
s Conservative revenue and expenditure assumptions when compiling the annual budget, which typically ailows for
favorable budget variance by fiscal year-end;
• Budget amendments that, if needed, can be rnade by the council, which is infnrmed quarterly about how the budget
is developing via budget-to-actual reports;
• Formal debt management and investment policies are reviewed annually, with quarterly investrnent reporting to the
city council;
W1W1Ai.STA�'(1DAYt1DADTY;I'Ot3iiS.COYWi/ttATYFIGSIiYRECT' APRIL 25, 2017 3
1837fi31 � 302,497969
Sumrnary: De�aton, Texas; General ObCigation
An annually updated long-range capital irnprovement plan and multiyear financiai farecast; and
A forrnal policy ta maintain a minimum unassigned fund balance in the general fund equal to 20% of budgeted
expenditures, and an additional 5% resiliency reserve (25% combined total) may be maintained to safeguard against
unusual financial circumstances ar economic downturns.
Strong budgetary performance
Denton's budgetary performance is strong in our opinion. The city had slight surplus aperating results in the general
fund af 0.6% of expenditures, and surplus results across all governmental funds of 6.6% in fiscal 2016. General fund
operating results of the city have been stable over the last three years, with a result at least break-even results the past
two years.
We adjust for recurring transfers aut of the general fund to other governmental funds, and for nonrecurring prajects
funded with bond proceeds. The city also transferred more than $3.8 million to its capital projects fund from its general
fund in fiscal 2016, which was not adjusted in our calculations. The transfer will fund future nonrecurring capital needs,
and was larger than previaus years, which we believe is an indication of positive financial performance. If we had
netted out the transfer to the capital projects fund, the city's general fund net operating result in fiscal 2016 would have
been 4.6%, or about a$4.5 million surplus. After property tax revenues, the second-largest source of revenue in the
general fund is sales tax, which accounted for approximately 32% of overall general fund revenue in fiscal 2016. Sales
tax receipts were up 6.6% in fiscal 2016 from prior-year callectians, which we believe contributed to the surplus in
fiscal 2016, alang with management's conservative budgeting techniques.
The fiscal 2017 adopted budget is balanced and was crafted with the assumption that sales tax revenue would increase
0.7% abpve the previous year. Current collections suggest that sales tax revenue will exceed budgeted 2017 estimates
as they are tracking 13.8% above budget, but a portion of the collections are tied to economic agreements that contain
rebate offers. First-quarter year-to-date actuals indicate a positive net performance result in the general f'und of' about
$400,000. Across all governmental funds, we do not anticipate any structural changes in fiscal 2017, and therefore
expect Denton will cantinue to demonstrate strong budgetary performance throughout the year. City of'ficials are
currently in the initial phase of budget development for fiscal 2018; however, we believe the final budget will once
again be balanced. As a result, and given management's dernonstrated ability to manage baianced operations, we do
nat anticipate any deterioration to Denton's budgetary performance in the future year.
Very strang budgetary flexibility
Denton's budgetary flexibility is very strong, in our view, with an available fund balance in fiscal 2016 of' 29% of'
operating expenditures, or $28.2 millian. Over the past three years, the total available fund balance has remained at a
consistent level overall, totaling 30% of expenditures in 2015 and 29% in 2014.
Denton's year-end available general fund balance has remained relatively stable on a nominai basis, ranging from
$25.8 million-$28.2 million over the past three audited fiscal years. As a percent of expenditures, the fund balance has
consistently been abaut 30�%. In 2017, based on current budgeted figures and year-to-date results, we believe the city's
reserve levels will remain what we consider to be very strong at more 25% of budgeted expenditures. We understand
the city has no plans to signifcantly reduce its reserve levels over the next two years, and therefare believe that
L7enton's budgetary flexibility will rernain very strong and in compliance with the city's formal fund balance policy.
'fAi' .S`1'A�itARilAAil)Pt70YiS.CO1NI/itATIi�fGSIDIREC'I' APFtIL 25, 2017 4
183%631 � 302491964
Sumnaary: Denton, I'exas; C7eyzcYczl Obligation
Very strong liquidity
In our apinion, Denton's liquidity is very strong, with total government available cash at 1.7x total governmental fund
expenditures and 12.6x governmental debt service in 2016. In our view, the city has strong access to external liquidity
if necessary.
The city's strong access to external liquidity is demonstrated thraugh its access ta the market in the past two decades.
17enton has issued GO- and revenue-backed bonds frequently in recent years. It has historically had what we consider
very strong cash balances and, given management's dernonstrated ability to maintain balanced operations, we do not
believe its cash position will worsen. Currently, all of the city's investments camply with Texas statutes and the city's
internal investment policy. At year-end fiscal 2016, the city's investments included U.S. treasury securities, commercial
paper, municipal bonds, and certificates of deposit, none of which we consider aggressive.
Weak debt and contingent liability profile
In our view, L7enton's debt and contingent liability profile is weak. Total governmental fund debt service is 13.8% of'
total governrnental fund expenditures, and net direct debt is 140.7% of total governmental fund revenue.
Debt supported through the city's enterprise fund has been adjusted in our direct debt-to-revenue calculations. Using
the city's total direct debt we estimate that about 58°/o of debt will be retired over the next 10 years, which is above
average. The city's overall net debt, hawever, is 9.6% of market value. Should this figure increase above 10%, our view
of the debt could be further weakened; however, should this occur, our view of the rating would likely be unchanged,
all else being equal. Excluding self-supported debt, the city's net tax debt to 2017 assessed value is less than 2%.
Management plans to issue abaut $54.8 million of additional tax-supported debt over the next two years, and about
$296 rnillion in self-supported debt. Despite the additional debt pians, we da nat believe the city's key debt ratios will
materially change our view of the debt profile.
I7enton's combined required pension and actual other postempinyment benefits (OPEB) cantributions totaled 13.3% of
total governmental fund expenditures in 2016. Of that amount, 12.7% represented required contributions to pension
obligations, and 0.6% represented OPEB payments. The city made its full annual required pension cantribution in
2016.
The city participates in the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS), which is administered by the State of Texas,
and is the city's largest plan. Denton's required pension contribution is its actuarially determined contribution, which is
calculated at the state level, based on an actuary study. Using updated reporting standards in accordance with
Governmental Accaunting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 68, the city's net pension liability was measured as
of Dec. 31, 2015, and was $$8.7 million. The TMRS plan maintained a funded level oF 79.3%, using the plan's tiduciary
net position as a percent of the total pension liability. For additianal details on GASB 67 and 68, see our repnrt,
"Incorporating GASB 67 And 68: Evaluating Pension/OPEB Obligations Under Standard & Pnor's U.S. Local
Governrnent GO Criteria," published Sept. 2, 2015, on RatingsDirect. The city also provides health care benefits to
retirees, which it funds on a pay-as-you-go basis. In addition, Denton provides pension benefits to firefighters through
the Denton Firemen's Relief and Retirement Fund and OPEB in the forrn of retiree health care, which it funds on a
pay-as-you-go basis.
Although the city's combined pension and OPEB costs equated to a high 13.3% of' fiscal 2016 adjusted total
r y��+ M � N;r� � r:.. .� .z. . ��i. ��.
1637631 � 30249i964
Sun�ynary: .De��ton, :C'exas,; General Obli�cztic��a
governmental fund expenditures, we view these charges as somewhat skewed because funds generated frorn the city's
ownership and operations of an electric utility system are used to offset the retiree costs oF the system's emplayees.
Most af Denton's peer cities, by contrast, do not benefit fram such an arrangement. When adjusting for retiree costs
attributed to utility funds, combined pension and OPEB costs for governrnental funds equate to a more manageable
7.9% of adjusted fiscal 2016 expenditures.
Strong institutional framework
The institutional framework score Texas municipalities is strong.
,, ,,
The outlook reflects our view of the city's very strong reserves and management's ability to historically operate within
a balanced budget. In addition, the outlook reflects our apinion that Denton will cantinue to benefit fram its
participatian in the braad and diverse Dallas-Fort Worth MSA, allowing for continued economic growth and
subsequent tax revenue gains. As a result, we do not expect to change the rating over the next two years.
Upside scenario
A higher rating would likely follow an expansian of the economic base, which enables the city's wealth and incorne
levels to compare favarably with those of similarly rated higher peers, and if the city sustains debt levels we consider
to be at least adequate.
Downside scenaria
We wnuld likely lower the rating if reserves deteriorated and fell to levels we viewed as adequate, triggered by a
weakening in the city's budgetary performance.
��..�1����� ����r°��
• S&P Public Finance Local GO Criteria: How We Adjust Data For Analytic Consistency, Sept. 12, 2013
• Incorporating GASB 67 And 68: Evaluating Pension/OPEB Obligations Under 5tandard & Poor's U.S. Local
Gavernrnent GO Criteria, Sept. 2, 2015
m 2016 Update Of Institutional Framework For U.S. Local Governrnents
Certain terms used in this report, particularly certain adjectives used to express our view on rating relevant f'actors,
have specific meanings ascribed to them in our criteria, and should therefare be read in conjunctian with such criteria.
Please see Ratings Criteria at www.standardandpoors.com f'nr f'urther information. Complete ratings information is
available to subscribers of RatingsDirect at www.globalcreditportal.com. All ratings affected by this rating action can
be found on the S&P Glabal Ratings' public website at www.standardandpnors.com. Use the Ratings search box
located in the left column.
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1837631 � 302491964
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1837631 � 302491964