Resources & Articles

Monterey County Mosquito Abatement District Celebrates New Facility Funded Through CSDA Finance Corporation In April, the Monterey County Mosquito Abatement District (MCMAD) www.montereycountymosquito.com celebrated a major milestone with an Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at their new state-of-the-art administration and operations facility in Salinas. Over 100 guests, including prominent government officials and representatives from neighboring mosquito districts, were in attendance to celebrate the occasion. The event provided an opportunity for guests to take a tour of the new read more

This article first appeared in California Special Districts Magazine, March-April issue, Money Matters section.  By Ian Berg, Eide Bailly Special District Advisory Services The foundation of a successful government district is embedded in guiding policies. In particular, financial management policies are key to providing clarity and enhancing decision-making related to fiscal health. The absence of sound financial management policy leaves board members, management and staff to rely on assumptions and could result in a free-for-all decision making process. Common financial management policies read more

This article was originally published in California Special Districts Magazine , January-February 2023 issue. In June 2022, the San Miguel Consolidated Fire Protection District closed a $25.9 million lease financing with First Foundation Bank at an interest rate of 3.99%. The proceeds of the loan were used to pay off roughly 60% of the District’s Unfunded Accrued Liability (UAL) with CalPERS and established a new debt repayment shape that was more predictable and smooth, and at a lower level than the previous CalPERS schedule. While the refinancing is expected to generate savings to the read more

By Ian Berg, CPA, Special Districts Consulting Senior Manager   It’s no secret that many pension plans are underfunded by government agencies throughout California. With fewer assets than liabilities, these underfunded pension plans are not projected to have enough money to pay out benefits that have been promised to plan members. The question becomes, what is the best way to address these underfunded pension plans? Many agencies are seeing pension liabilities grow on their balance sheet year after year and are recognizing sizable pension expenses as a result. The reality is that pension read more

Co-authored by Sara Mares, Director, NBS; and Rick Brandis, Managing Director, Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.   The Community Facilities District (CFD) may be the most flexible funding and financing tool available to California’s local governmental agencies. This flexibility is demonstrated by the following attributes: A wide variety of facilities and services can be funded The special taxes can be apportioned simply on a reasonable basis, as opposed to the stringent benefit requirements of special assessments Flexibility is strengthened by utilizing zones, annexation areas, and improvement read more