R-97-09-25-13C - 9/25/1997policy and has determined same to be in compliance with the Act,
Now Therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROUND ROCK,
WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 2256, Texas Government Code
( "the Act ") the City Council desires to adopt a written investment
policy and investment strategy regarding the investment of City
funds/
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the attached updated
TEXAS,
That the attached updated investment policy for the investment
of City funds is hereby approved and adopted.
RESOLVED this 25th day of September, 1997.
ATTEST:
iliticu
E
K \ WYKOCS \KKSOLVrr\KS7092sc.wPD /kg
LAND, City Secretary
RESOLUTION NO. R- 97- 09- 25 -13C
CHARLES PPER, Mayor
City of Round Rock, Texas
invpol4
City of Round Rock, Texas
Investment Policy
September 25, 1997
City of Round Rock, Texas
Investment Policy
September 25, 1997
Section Page
Introduction 3
II. Scope and Legal Requirements 3
Scope
State Statute
Delegation of Authority
III. Investment Objectives 4
Safety of Principal
Maintenance of Adequate Liquidity
IV. Standard of Care 5
V. Investment Strategy 5
VI. Authorized Investments 5
Authorized Investments
Unacceptable Investments
Protection of Principal
Diversification by Investment Type
Diversification by Investment Maturity
VII. Relationships With Financial Institutions and Firms 9
Depositories
Selection and Compliance of Investment Providers
VIII. Custodial Safekeeping 10
IX. Depository and Contractual Trading Requirements 10
Wire Transfer Authorizations
Collateralization Requirement
X. Portfolio Valuation and Reporting 11
Reporting
Internal Controls
External Audit
XI. Quality and Capability of Investment Management 12
Training
Limitation of Liability
Ethics
XII. Review and Amendment 13
XIII. Conclusion 13
Appendix
Investment Strategy 14
Addendum A 18
Page 2
"I'm not as concerned about the return on my principal as I am about the return of my
principal. "
Will Rogers
I. Introduction
The Investment Policy of the City of Round Rock, Texas, is adopted in accordance with
Chapter 2256, Texas Government Code, the Public Funds Investment Act. This Policy
establishes guidelines for the Investment Officers with regard to how City funds will be
invested. This Policy also establishes guidelines for periodic review and reporting of the
investments.
H. Scope And Legal Requirements
A. Scope
City of Round Rock, Texas
Investment Policy
September 25, 1997
This Investment Policy for the City of Round Rock, Texas applies to the financial assets of
all funds, including the following City funds:
1) General Fund
2) Special Revenue Funds
3) Debt Service Funds
4) Capital Project Funds
5) Enterprise Funds
6) Internal Service Funds
7) Trust and Agency Funds
8) Reserve Fund
Page 3
9) Any new funds created by the City and any funds managed by the City of
Round Rock, Texas, as trustee or agency, unless exempted by law. In addition to this
Policy, bond funds established by bond ordinances shall be managed by their
governing ordinances and all applicable State and Federal Law.
B. State Statute
All funds covered by this Investment Policy shall be invested in accordance with the Public
Funds Investment Act of 1987 as amended from time to time. (Texas Government Code,
Ch. 2256.)
C. Delegation of Authority
The Director of Finance, the Assistant Director of Finance, the Accounting Manager, and
the Accountant II are hereby designated as the Investment Officers of the City of Round
Rock, Texas, and are responsible for investment decisions and activities consistent with
this Investment Policy.
The Investment Officers shall be responsible for all transactions and compliance with the
internal controls, insure all safekeeping, custodial, and collateral duties consistent with this
Investment Policy, as well as establishing and maintaining written procedures for cash
management. The Investment Officers shall maintain timely, accurate and systematic
records of all investments, maturities and earnings. Bonding of all staff with financial
signatory authority is required and such bonding requirements will also apply to those
individuals authorized to place, purchase or sell investment instruments. Bonding will
protect the public against Loss from possible embezzlement and malfeasance.
III. Investment Objectives
A. Safety of Principal
The primary objective of all investment activity is the preservation of capital and the safety
of principal in the overall portfolio. Each investment transaction shall seek to ensure first
that capital losses are avoided, whether they have resulted from securities defaults or
erosion of market value.
With foremost emphasis on safety of principal (i.e. avoidance of capital losses), the
Investment Officers will ensure that preservation of capital and protection of principal in the
overall portfolio is maintained. Speculation is prohibited.
Page 4
B. Maintenance of Adequate Liquidity
The investment portfolio will remain sufficiently liquid to meet the cash flow requirements
that might be reasonably anticipated. Liquidity shall be achieved by matching investment
maturities with anticipated cash flow requirements; investing in securities with active
secondary markets; and maintaining appropriate portfolio diversification.
IV. Standard of Care
Investments shall be made with judgment and care, under prevailing circumstances, that a
person of prudence, discretion and intelligence would exercise in the management of the
person's own affairs, not for speculation, but for investment, considering the probable
safety of capital and the probable income to be derived. The standard of care shall be
applied to the context of managing the overall portfolio.
V. Investment Strategy
In conjunction with the annual Policy review, the City Council shall review the separate
written investment strategy for each of the City's funds. The investment strategy must
describe the investment objectives for each particular fund according to the following
priorities:
1) Investment suitability,
2) Preservation and safety of principal,
3) Liquidity,
4) Marketability prior to maturity of each investment,
5 Diversification and
6) Yield.
VI. Authorized Investments
A. Authorized Investments
The following is a list of authorized and legal investment options:
Page 5
1) Obligations of the United States or its agencies and instrumentalities;
2) Direct obligations of the State of Texas or its agencies and instrumentalities;
3) Other obligations the principal and interest of which are unconditionally guaranteed or
insured by, or backed by the full faith and credit of, the State of Texas or the United States
or their respective agencies and instrumentalities;
4) Obligations of states agencies, counties, cities and other political subdivisions of any
state rated as to investment quality by a nationally recognized investment rating firm not
less than "A" or its equivalent.
5) Certificates of Deposit as authorized under Section 2256.010 Public Funds Investment
Act.
6) Repurchase Agreements which are fully collateralized and are as authorized under
Section 2256.011 Public Funds Investment Act.
7) Commercial Paper as authorized under Section 2256.013 Public Funds Investment Act.
8) No -Load Money Market Mutual Funds as authorized under Section 2256.014 Public
Funds Investment Act.
9) Investment Pools as authorized under Section 2256.016 Public Funds Investment Act
and, provided the Investment Pools are in compliance with the requirements of the Public
Funds Investment Act and, provided objectives of the pool include a stable net asset value
of $1.00.
B. Unacceptable Investments
This Policy bestows the authority upon the Investment Officer to determine certain
investment instruments as unsuitable for the City even though those investments may be
authorized by this Policy and/or the Public Funds Investment Act. Additionally, certain
investments are expressly prohibited by the Public Funds Investment Act.
An inveslrtient that requires a minimum rating under this Policy and/or the Public Funds
Investment Act does not qualify as an authorized investment during the period the
investment does not have the minimum rating. The City shall take all prudent measures
that are consistent with its Investment Policy to liquidate an investment that does not have
the minimum rating.
Page 6
C. Protection of Principal
The City shall seek to control the risk of loss due to the failure of a security issuer or
grantor. Such risk shall be controlled by investing only in the safest types of securities as
defined in this Policy; by qualifying the broker, dealer and financial institution with whom
the City will transact; by collateralization as required by law; and through portfolio
diversification by maturity and type.
The purchase of individual securities shall be executed "delivery versus payment" through
the City's safekeeping agent. By so doing, City funds are not released until the City has
received, through the safekeeping agent, the securities purchased.
D. Diversification by Investment Type
Diversification by investment type is primarily intended to reduce the credit risk inherent to
a particular issuer or investment type. The City will diversify its investments by security
type and institution. With the exception of U.S. Treasury securities and authorized pools,
and the percentage limitations listed below, no more than 50% of the City's total investment
portfolio will be invested in a single security type or with a single financial institution.
Investment Type Portfolio Limitation
1) States, Agencies, Counties, Cities and Other 35%
2) Commercial Paper 20%
Bond proceeds may be invested in a single security or investment if the Investment Officers
determine that such an investment is necessary to comply with Federal arbitrage restrictions
or to facilitate arbitrage recordkeeping and calculation.
E. Diversification by Investment Maturity
In order to minimize risk of loss due to interest rate fluctuations, investment maturities will
not exceed the anticipated cash flow requirements of the funds. Maturity guidelines by fund
are as follows:
1) Operating Funds
Maturity Limitation: The weighted average days to maturity for the operating fund
portfolio shall be less than 270 days and the maximum allowable maturity shall be two
years.
Page 7
2) Capital Project Funds
3) Debt Service Funds
Maturity Limitation: Funds used for construction programs have reasonably predictable
draw down schedules. Therefore, investment maturities shall generally follow the
anticipated cash flow requirements. Bond proceeds (excluding reserve and debt service
funds) shall generally be limited to the cash flow requirements or the "temporary period" as
defined by Federal tax law. During the temporary period bond proceeds may be invested at
an unrestricted yield. After the expiration of the temporary period, bond proceeds subject to
yield restriction shall be invested considering the anticipated cash flow requirements of the
funds and market conditions to achieve compliance with the applicable regulations.
Debt Service Funds shall be invested to ensure adequate funding for each consecutive debt
service payment.
Maturity Limitation: The Investment Officers shall invest in such a manner as not to
exceed an "unfunded" debt service date with the maturity of any investment. An unfunded
debt service date is defined as a coupon or principal payment date that does not have cash or
investment securities available to satisfy said payment.
4) Debt Service Reserve Funds
Market conditions, Bond Ordinance constraints and Arbitrage regulation compliance will be
considered when formulating Reserve Fund strategy.
Maturity Limitation: Maturities shall generally not exceed the call provisions of the Bond
Ordinance and shall not exceed the final maturity of the bond issue. All Debt Service
Reserve Fund investment maturities shall not exceed five years.
City funds that are considered "bond proceeds" for arbitrage purposes will be invested using
a more conservative approach than the standard investment strategy when arbitrage rebate
rules require refunding excess earnings. All earnings in excess of the allowable arbitrage
earnings will be made available for any necessary payments to the U.S. Treasury.
Page 8
VII. Relationships With Financial Institutions and Firms
A. Depositories
Depositories shall be selected through the banking service procurement process, which shall
include a formal request for proposals no less than every five (5) years. In selecting the
depository, the creditworthiness of institutions shall be considered and the Investment
Officers shall conduct a comprehensive review of prospective depositories' credit
characteristics and financial history. The City depository contract and other financial
relationships for banking services are outside the scope of this Investment Policy.
B. Selection And Compliance Of Investment Providers
An investment firm offering to engage in an investment transaction withthe City must
execute a written instrument stating that the qualified representative has received and
thoroughly reviewed the Investment Policy of the City. The qualified representative also
must acknowledge that the firm has implemented reasonable procedures and controls to
preclude transactions conducted between the City and the firm that are not authorized by
the City's investment policy, except to the extent that this authorization is dependent on an
analysis of the makeup of the City's entire portfolio, or requires an interpretation of
subjective investment standards.. The Investment Officers may not acquire or otherwise
obtain any authorized investment from a person who has not delivered to the City an
instrument in substantially the form described above. The following institutions or firms
qualify under this section:
1) Security Dealers and Dealer Banks which are the approved and designated
Dealers of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York "Primary Dealers ".
2) Security Dealers, Dealer Banks and Savings and Loans which are not
designated as "Primary Dealers" but which are approved individually by the
City Council.
3) Banks and Savings and Loans Associations domiciled in the State of Texas
(for the placement of insured and collateralized certificates of deposit).
Addendum A is the List of brokers /dealers who have qualified and are hereby approved to
conduct business with the City as required by Section 2256.025 of the Public Funds
Investment Act. The qualified broker /dealer list must be reviewed and approved at least
annually.
Page 9
VIII. Custodial Safekeeping
To protect against potential fraud and embezzlement, investments shall be secured through
third party custody and safekeeping procedures. All security purchases and trades
conducted for the City of Round Rock will be settled and protected by the City's third party
custodial agent.
The City shall contract with a third party custodial agent for the safekeeping of securities
either owned by the City as part of its investment portfolio or held as collateral to secure
deposits or repurchase agreements. The use of the Delivery Versus Payment (DVP)
procedure will be continually used for investment securities transactions, purchases and
sales. The City shall authorize the release of DVP funds only after its safekeeping agent has
received securities or receipt for same into the City's safekeeping account.
Safekeeping procedures shall be reviewed annually by the independent auditor.
IX. Depository and Contractual Trading Requirements
A. Wire Transfer Authorizations
Whenever possible, the City will use pre - formatted wire transfer to restrict the transfer of
funds to pre - authorized accounts only. Dual authorization forms shall be in continual use
for all wire transfers. Secondary authorization for all wires will be required by the City.
B. Collateralization Requirement
The City, in accordance with state statute, requires all City funds held by financial
institutions above the FDIC insurable limit to be collateralized with securities pledged to the
City. Those securities shall have a market value equaling at least 102% of the market value
of City funds held and shall be placed with a third party custodial agent. Collateral may be
substituted or released only with the written authorization of an Investment Officer.
Allowable collateral may consist of those securities or instruments permitted as suitable
investments under the Public Funds Collateral Act (Texas Government Code, Ch. 2257)
Financial institutions serving as City Depositories will be required to sign a Depository
Agreement with the City.The "Security for Deposits" portion of the Agreement shall define
Page 10
the City's rights to the collateral in case of default, bankruptcy or closing and shall establish
a perfected security interest in compliance with Federal and State regulations, including:
1. the Agreement must be in writing
2. the Agreement has to be executed by the Depository and the City contemporaneously
with the acquisition of the asset;
3. the Agreement must be approved by the Board of Directors or the loan committee of the
Depository and a copy of the meeting minutes must be delivered to the City;
4. the Agreement must be part of the Depository's "official record" continuously since its
execution.
X. Portfolio Valuation And Reporting
A. Reporting
As required by law, the Investment Officers shall submit a written investment report,
prepared in accordance with GAAP, signed by each Investment Officer of the City within a
reasonable time after the end of each fiscal quarter to the City Council detailing the
investment position for the previous quarter. Quarterly market values will be obtained from
the City's financial advisor, or other source believed to be reliable, in order to monitor the
portfolio's position.
1.) For pooled investments -
a. the report must state the beginning book value and market value of the pool
portfolio for the reporting period,
b. changes to the book value and market value during the reporting period
c. the ending book value and market value of the portfolioand
d. the fully accrued interest for the reporting period.
2.) For separately invested assets -
a. the report must state the book value and market value for each investment at the
beginning and end of the reporting period
b. the report also must disclose the stated maturity date for each separate investment
and
c. must show the specific fund from which moneys were received to purchase the
investment.
3.) The report must state compliance of the investment portfolio with the City's Investment
Strategy and relevant provisions of the Public Funds Investment Act.
B. Internal Controls
Page 11
The Investment Officers shall establish a system of intemal controls, which shall be
documented in writing and reviewed periodically by the City auditors. The controls shall
be designed to prevent and control losses of public funds arising from fraud, employee
error, misrepresentation by third parties, unanticipated changes in financial markets or
imprudent actions. Dual controls of all investment activities will consistently be maintained
by the Investment Officers.
The Investment Officers shall develop and maintain written administrative procedures for
the operation of the investment and cash management program, consistent with this
Investment Policy.
C. External Audit
In accordance with the Public Funds Investment Act, in conjunction with the City's annual
financial audit, a compliance audit of management controls on investments and adherence
to the City's established investment policies shall be performed. An annual review of the
City's quarterly reports will also be performed by an independent auditor with the results
being presented to the City Council.
XI. Quality and Capability of Investment Management
A. Training
It is the City's policy to provide training required by the Public Funds Investment Act
Section 2256.008(a)(2) through courses and seminars offered in compliance with the Act in
order to insure the quality and capability of the Investment Officers in making investment
decisions.
B. Limitation of Liability ,
The Investment Officers acting in accordance with this Policy and the City's Investment
Strategy and exercising due diligence shall be relieved of personal responsibility for an
individual security's performance provided that deviations from expectations are reported in
a timely fashion and appropriate action is taken to control adverse development.
C. Ethics
The Investment Officers involved in the investment process shall refrain from personal
business activity that could conflict with proper execution of the investment program, or
which could impair their ability to make impartial investment decisions. Furthermore, in
Page 12
accordance with the Public Funds Investment Act, an Investment Officer who has a
personal business relationship with a firm or is related to individuals seeking to sell to the
Investment Officer must disclose such relationships in accordance with Section 2256.005 of
the Public Funds Investment Act.
XII. Review and Amendment
This Policy shall be reviewed annually by the City Council. Amendments must be
approved by the Investment Officers and adopted by the City Council.
XIII. Conclusion
The Investment Officers will adhere to this Investment Policy in all investment decisions
for the City of Round Rock, Texas. The City will review the Investment Policy every year
because of the dynamic nature of the financial markets. If changes are necessary because of
changes to the fmancial markets and State law, the City Council will consider the changes
recommended by the Investment Officers.
Page 13
In order to minimize risk of loss due to interest rate fluctuations, investment maturities will
not exceed the anticipated cash flow requirements of the funds. The investment strategy for
all funds is established according to the following priorities:
1) Investment suitability,
2) Preservation and safety of principal,
3) Liquidity,
4) Marketability prior to maturity of each investment,
5) Diversification and
6) Yield.
Investment guidelines by fund -type are as follows:
1. Operating Funds
' City of Round Rock, Texas
Investment Strategy
The current operating funds are used for day -to -day operating activities and, accordingly,
require short-term liquidity.
Suitability - Any investment eligible in the Investment Policy is suitable for the Operating
Funds.
Safety of Principal - All investments are to be of high quality instruments with no perceived
default risk. Market price fluctuations will, however, occur. By managing the weighted
average days to maturity for the Operating Funds portfolio to less than 270 days and
restricting the maximum allowable to two years, the price volatility of the overall portfolio
will be minimized.
Marketability - Securities with active and efficient secondary markets are necessary in the
event of an unanticipated cash requirement. An efficient market is generally defined as a s
bid -asked price relationship being no greater than 1/4 of 1 percent of principal value.
Liquidity - Short term investment pools and money market mutual funds shall provide daily
liquidity and may be utilized as a competitive yield alternative to fixed maturity
Page 14
investments.. Reserves established in accordance with the City's cash reserves policy or
designated for specific purposes and time frames may be invested for longer terms.
Diversification - Diversified investment maturities shall provide monthly cash flow based
on the anticipated operating needs of the City. Short term investment pools, money market
mutual funds and staggered maturities of securities shall provide timely liquidity and may
be utilized.
Yield - Attaining a competitive market yield for comparable security-types and portfolio
restrictions is the desired objective. The comparative yield of a like -term treasury bill shall
be the minimum yield objective.
2. Debt Service Funds
Suitability - Any investment eligible in the Investment Policy is suitable for the Debt
Service Funds.
Safety of Principal - All investments are to be of high quality instruments with no perceived
default risk. Market price fluctuations will, however, occur. By managing the Debt Service
Fund's portfolio to not exceed the debt service payment schedule, the market risk of the
overall portfolio will be minimized.
Marketability - Securities with active and efficient secondary markets are not necessary as
the event of an unanticipated cash requirement is not probable.
Liquidity - Short term investment pools and money market mutual funds shall provide daily
liquidity and may be utilized as a competitive yield alternative to fixed maturity
investments.
Diversification - Short term investment pools, money market mutual funds and staggered
maturities of securities shall provide timely liquidity and may be utilized.
Yield - Attaining a competitive market yield for comparable security-types and portfolio
restrictions is the desired objective. The comparative yield of a like -term treasury bill shall
be the minimum yield objective.
3. Capital Project Funds
Suitability - Any investment eligible in the Investment Policy is suitable for the Capital
Improvement Funds.
Page 15
Safety of Principal - All investments are to be of high quality instruments with no perceived
default risk. Market price fluctuations will, however, occur. By managing the Capital
Project Fund's portfolio to anticipate the construction and or acquisition cash flow
requirements, the market risk of the overall portfolio will be minimized.
Marketability - Securities with active and efficient secondary markets are necessary in the
event of an unanticipated cash requirement.
Liquidity - Funds used for construction programs have reasonably predictable draw down
schedules. Therefore, investment maturities shall generally follow the anticipated cash flow
requirements. Because of the potential for variance from the anticipated draw down
schedule and actual expenditures most investment securities shall have active and efficient
secondary markets. Investment pools and money market mutual funds are suitable for
providing readily available funds.
Diversification - Diversified investment maturities shall provide monthly cash flow based
on the anticipated operating needs of the City. Short term investment pools, money market
mutual funds and staggered maturities of securities shall provide timely liquidity and may
be utilized. Bond proceeds may be invested in a single security or investment if the
Investment Officers determine that such an investment is necessary to comply with Federal
arbitrage restrictions or to facilitate arbitrage recordkeeping and calculation.
Yield - Attaining a competitive market yield for comparable security-types and portfolio
restrictions is the desired objective. The comparative yield of a like -term treasury bill shall
be the minimum yield objective.
4. Debt Service Reserve Funds
Suitability - Any investment eligible in the Investment Policy is suitable for the Debt
Service Funds Bond ordinance constraints and insurance company restrictions may create
issue - specific considerations in addition to the Investment Policy.
Safety of Principal - All investments are to be of high quality instruments with no perceived
default risk. Market price fluctuations will, however, occur. By managing the Debt Service
Reserve fund's portfolio to not exceed five years or maturity provisions or, generally, the
call provisions of the bond issue, the market risk of the overall portfolio will be minimized.
Marketability - Securities with active and efficient secondary markets are not necessary for
Debt Service Reserve funds.
Liquidity - Debt Service Reserve funds have no anticipated expenditures. Therefore,
liquidity up to the maturity date or call date is of minor importance.
Page 16
Diversification - Market conditions and the arbitrage regulations influence the attractiveness
of staggering the maturity of fixed rate investments for Debt Service Reserve funds. At no
time shall the final debt service payment date of the bond issue be exceeded in an attempt to
bolster yield.
Yield - Attaining a competitive market yield for comparable security -types and portfolio
restrictions is the desired objective. The comparative yield of a like -term treasury bill shall
be the minimum yield objective. Arbitrage regulations should be heeded in investing for
yield.
Page 17
CITY OF ROUND ROCK, TEXAS
AUTHORIZED LIST OF BROKER/DEALERS
1. First Southwest Company*
1700 Pacific Avenue, Suite 1300
Dallas, TX 75201 -4652
800 -575 -3792
2. Chase Securities, Inc.
700 Lavaca
P.O. Box 550
Austin, TX 78789
512- 479 -2865
3. Merrill Lynch, Inc.
2121 San Jacinto, 11th Floor
Dallas, TX 75201
800 -574 -1610
4. First Tennessee Bank, N.A.
5949 Sherry Lane, Suite 810
Dallas, TX 75225
800 - 804 -6309
*Financial Advisors
Addendum A
Primary Dealer
Primary Dealer
Page 18
DATE: September 19, 1997
SUBJECT: City Council Meeting, September 25, 1997
ITEM: 13. C. Consider a resolution adopting an updated City of Round Rock Investment
Policy and Investment Strategy.
STAFF RESOURCE PERSON: David Kautz
In accordance with the Public Funds Investment Act, the City Council must review the City's
Investment Policy annually. The attached policy reflects recent statutory requirements as well
as operating changes desired by staff.
The changes are minor in nature and are in the City's best interest but do not materially affect the
conservative nature in which the City investments are made.
Proposed Changes to Investment Policy:
SECTION CHANGED: PAGE #
1. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY: Page 4
Add Accountant II as Investment Officer
2. SELECTION AND COMPLIANCE OF INVESTMENT PROVIDERS:
a. Change "registered principal" to "qualified representative ".
b. Change wording to reflect new wording in PFIA Page% t
Delete "imprudent Investment activities" and add new phrase
"that are not authorized by the City's investment policy, except to
the extent that this authorization is dependent on an analysis of
the makeup o f the City's entire portfolio, or requires an
interpretation of subjective investment standards"
c. Add Addendum of approved broker /dealer list Page 9
3. WIRE TRANSFER AUTHORIZATIONS Paged' I 0
a. Delete "Call backs" and add "Secondary Authorizations"
b. Delete the referral to a separate wire transfer agreement
4. COLLATERALIZATION REQUIREMENT Page 10
Add "102% of market value" to be collateralized
5. REPORTING Page 10
a. Add that the report will be prepared "in accordance with GAAP ". Page 1 r r
b. Add that the City will obtain quarterly market values in order to
monitor the portfolio's position
c. Add for pooled investments - the fully accrued interest for Page 10
reporting period
6. EXTERNAL AUDIT 1 Page 12
Add an annual review of the quarterly reports by an independent
auditor with the results being reported to Council.
7. TRAINING Page 12
Add "Section 2256.008 (a)(2)"
Page 1
invpol4
City of Round Rock, Texas
Investment Policy
September 25,1997Mar-e"-6
City of Round Rock, Texas
Investment Policy
September 25,1997Mor
Section Page
I. Introduction 3
II. Scope and Legal Requirements 3
Scope
State Statute '
Delegation of Authority
III. Investment Objectives 4
Safety of Principal
Maintenance of Adequate Liquidity
IV. Standard of Care 5
V. Investment Strategy ' 5
VI. Authorized Investments 5
Authorized Investments
Unacceptable Investments
Protection of Principal
Diversification by Investment Type
Diversification by Investment Maturity
VII. Relationships With Financial Institutions and Firms 8.
Depositories
Selection and Compliance of Investment Providers
VIII. Custodial Safekeeping 9
IX. Depository and Contractual Trading Requirements 9
Wire Transfer Authorizations
Collateralization Requirement
X. Portfolio Valuation and Reporting 10
Reporting
Internal Controls
External Audit
XI. Quality and Capability of Investment Management 11
Training
Limitation of Liability
Ethics
XII. Review and Amendment 12
XIII. Conclusion 12
Appendix
Investment Strategy 13
Page 24
t �'
1
I. Introduction
City of Round Rock, Texas
Investment Policy
September 25, 1997^^ -r h6
"I'm not as concerned about the return on my principal as I am about the return of my
principal."
Will Rogers
The Investment Policy of the City of Round Rock, Texas, is adopted in accordance with
Chapter 2256, Texas Government Code, the Public Funds Investment Act. This Policy
establishes guidelines for the Investment Officers with regard to how City funds will be
invested. This Policy also establishes guidelines for periodic review and reporting of the
investments.
II. Scope And Legal Requirements
A. Scope
This Investment Policy for the City of Round Rock, Texas applies to the financial assets of
all funds, including the following City funds:
1) General Fund
2) Special Revenue Funds
3) Debt Service Funds
4) Capital Project Funds
5) Enterprise Funds
6) Internal Service Funds
7) Trust and Agency Funds
8) Reserve Fund
Page 34
9) Any new funds created by the City and any funds managed by the City of
Round Rock, Texas, as trustee or agency, unless exempted by law. In addition to this
Policy, bond funds established by bond ordinances shall be managed by their
goveming ordinances and all applicable State and Federal Law.
B. State Statute
All funds covered by this Investment Policy shall be invested in accordance with the Public
Funds Investment Act of 1987 as amended from time to time. (Texas Government Code,
Ch. 2256.)
C. Delegation of Authority
The Director of Finance, the Assistant Director of Finance -ate the Accounting Manager,
and the Accountant II are hereby designated as the Investment Officers of the City of ._
Round Rock, Texas, and are responsible for investment decisions and activities consistent
with this Investment Policy.
The Investment Officers shall be responsible for all transactions and compliance with the
internal controls, insure all safekeeping, custodial, and collateral duties consistent with this
Investment Policy, as well as establishing and maintaining written procedures for cash
management. The Investment Officers shall maintain timely, accurate and systematic
records of all investments, maturities and earnings. Bonding of all staff with financial
signatory authority is required and such bonding requirements will also apply to those
individuals authorized to place, purchase or sell investment instruments. Bonding will
protect the public against loss from possible embezzlement and malfeasance.
III. Investment Objectives
A. Safety of Principal
The primary objective of all investment activity is the preservation of capital and the safety
of principal in the overall portfolio Each investment transaction shall seek to ensure first
that capital losses are avoided, whether they have resulted from securities defaults or
erosion of market value.
With foremost emphasis on safety of principal (i.e. avoidance of capital losses), the
Investment Officers will ensure that preservation of capital and protection of principal in the
overall portfolio is maintained. Speculation is prohibited.
B. Maintenance of Adequate Liquidity
Page 44
The investment portfolio will remain sufficiently liquid to meet the cash (low requirements
that might be reasonably anticipated. Liquidity shall be achieved by matching investment
maturities with anticipated cash flow requirements; investing in securities with active
secondary markets; and maintaining appropriate portfolio diversification.
IV. Standard of Care
Investments shall be made with judgment and care, under prevailing circumstances, that a
person of prudence, discretion and intelligence would exercise in the management of the
person's own affairs, not for speculation, but for investment, considering the probable
safety of capital and the probable income to be derived. The standard of care shall be
applied to the context of managing the overall portfolio.
V. Investment Strategy
In conjunction with the annual Policy review, the City Council shall review the separate
written investment strategy for each of the City's funds. The investment strategy must
describe the investment objectives for each particular fund according to the following
priorities:
1) Investment suitability,
2) Preservation and safety of principal,
3) Liquidity,
4) Marketability prior to maturity of each investment,
5 Diversification and
6) Yield.
VI. Authorized Investments'
A. Authorized Investments
The following is a list of authorized and legal investment options:
1) Obligations of the United States or its agencies and instrumentalities;
2) Direct obligations of the State of Texas or its agencies and instrumentalities;
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3) Other obligations the principal and interest of which are unconditionally guaranteed or
insured by, or backed by the full faith and credit of, the State of Texas or the United States
or their respective agencies and instrumentalities;
4) Obligations of states agencies, counties, cities and other political subdivisions of any
state rated as to investment quality by a nationally recognized investment rating firm not
less than "A" or its equivalent.
5) Certificates of Deposit as authorized under Section 2256.010 Public Funds Investment
Act.
6) Repurchase Agreements which are fully collateralized and are as authorized under
Section 2256.011 Public Funds Investment Act.
7) Commercial Paper as authorized under Section 2256.013 Public Funds Investment Act.
8) No -Load Money Market Mutual Funds as authorized under Section 2256.014 Public
Funds Investment Act.
9) Investment Pools as authorized under Section 2256.016 Public Funds Investment Act
and, provided the Investment Pools are in compliance with the requirements of the Public
Funds Investment Act and, provided objectives of the pool include a stable net asset value
of $1.00.
B. Unacceptable Investments
This Policy bestows the authority upon the Investment Officer to determine certain
investment instruments as unsuitable for the City even though those investments may be
authorized by this Policy and/or the Public Funds Investment Act. Additionally, certain
investments are expressly prohibited by the Public Funds Investment Act.
An investment that requires a minimum rating under this Policy and/or the Public Funds
Investment Act does not qualify as an authorized investment during the period the
investment does not have the minimum rating. The City shall take all prudent measures
that are consistent with its Investment Policy to liquidate an investment that does not have
the minimum rating.
C. Protection of Principal
The City shall seek to control the risk of loss due to the failure of a security issuer or
grantor. Such risk shall be controlled by investing only in the safest types of securities as
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defined in this Policy; by qualifying the broker, dealer and financial institution with whom
the City will transact; by collatemlization as required by law; and through portfolio
diversification by maturity and type.
The purchase of individual securities shall be executed "delivery versus payment" through
the City's safekeeping agent. By so doing, City funds are not released until the City has
received, through the safekeeping agent, the securities purchased.
D. Diversification by Investment Type
Diversification by investment type is primarily intended to reduce the credit risk inherent to
a particular issuer or investment type. The City will diversify its investments by security
type and institution. With the exception of U.S. Treasury securities and authorized pools,
and the percentage limitations listed below, no more than 50% of the City's total investment
portfolio will be invested in a single security type or with a single financial institution.
Investment Tvpe Portfolio Limitation
1) States, Agencies, Counties, Cities and Other 35%
2) Commercial Paper 20%
Bond proceeds may be invested in a single security or investment if the Investment Officers
determine that such an investment is necessary to comply with Federal arbitrage restrictions
or to facilitate arbitrage recordkeeping and calculation.
E. Diversification by Investment Maturity
In order to minimize risk of loss due to interest rate fluctuations, investment maturities will
not exceed the anticipated cash flow requirements of the funds. Maturity guidelines by fund
areas follows:
1) Operating Funds
Maturity Limitation: The weighted average days to maturity for the operating fund
portfolio shall be less than 270 days and the maximum allowable maturity shall be two
years.
2) Capital Project Funds
Maturity Limitation: Funds used for construction programs have reasonably predictable
draw down schedules. Therefore, investment maturities shall generally follow the
anticipated cash flow requirements. Bond proceeds (excluding reserve and debt service
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funds) shall generally be limited to the cash flow requirements or the "temporary period" as
defined by Federal tax law. During the temporary period bond proceeds may be invested at
an unrestricted yield. After the expiration of the temporary period, bond proceeds subject to
yield restriction shall be invested considering the anticipated cash flow requirements of the
funds and market conditions to achieve compliance with the applicable regulations.
3) Debt Service Funds
Debt Service Funds shall be invested to ensure adequate funding for each consecutive debt
'" service payment.
Maturity Limitation: The Investment Officers shall invest in such a manner as not to
exceed an "unfunded" debt service date with the maturity of any investment. An unfunded
debt service date is defined as a coupon or principal payment date that does not have cash or
investment securities available to satisfy said payment.
4) Debt Service Reserve Funds
Market conditions, Bond Ordinance constraints and Arbitrage regulation compliance will be
considered when formulating Reserve Fund strategy.
Maturity Limitation: Maturities shall generally not exceed the call provisions of the Bond
Ordinance and shall not exceed the final maturity of the bond issue. All Debt Service,,_
Reserve Fund investment maturities shall not exceed five years.
City funds that are considered "bond proceeds" for arbitrage purposes will be invested using
a more conservative approach than the standard investment strategy when arbitrage rebate
Hiles require refunding excess eamings. All earnings in excess of the allowable arbitrage
earnings will be made available for any necessary payments to the U.S. Treasury.
VII. Relationships With Financial Institutions and Firms
A. Depositories
Depositories shall be selected through the banking service procurement process, which shall
include a formal request for proposals no less than every five (5) years. In selecting the
depository, the creditworthiness of institutions shall be considered and the Investment
Officers shall conduct a comprehensive review of prospective depositories' credit
characteristics and financial history. The City depository contract and other financial
relationships for banking services are outside the scope of this Investment Policy.
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B. Selection And Compliance Of Investment Providers
An investment firm offering to engage in an investment transaction withwhn,ch. -sell
investments to the City must execute a written instrument stating that the qualified
representativercgistcrcd principal has received and thoroughly reviewed the Investment
Policy of the City. The qualified representative principal also must acknowledge that the
firm has implemented reasonable procedures and controls to preclude
activities arising out of investment transactions conducted between the City and the firm
that are not authorized by the City's investment policy, except to the extent that this
authorization is dependent on an analysis of the makeup of the City's entire portfolio, or
requires an interpretation of subiective investment standards.. The Investment Officers may
not acquire or otherwise obtain any authorized investment buy any in est-- ent from a
person who has not delivered to the City an instrument in substantially the form described
above. The following institutions or firms qualify under this section:
1) Security Dealers and Dealer Banks which are the approved and designated
Dealers of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York "Primary Dealers ".
2) Security Dealers, Dealer Banks and Savings and Loans which are not
designated as "Primary Dealers" but which are approved individually by the
City Council.
3) Banks and Savings and Loans Associations domiciled in the State of Texas
(for the placement of insured and collateralized certificates of deposit).
Addendum A is the list of brokers /dealers who have qualified and are hereby approved to
conduct business with the City as required by Section 2256.025 of the Public Funds
Investment Act. The qualified broker /dealer list must be reviewed and approved at least
annually.
VIII. Custodial Safekeeping
To protect against potential fraud and embezzlement, investments shall be secured through
third party custody and safekeeping procedures. All security purchases and trades
conducted for the City of Round Rock will be settled and protected by the City's third party
custodial agent.
The City shall contract with a third party custodial agent for the safekeeping of securities
either owned by the City as part of its investment portfolio or held as collateral to secure
deposits or repurchase agreements. The use of the Delivery Versus Payment (DVP)
procedure will be continually used for investment securities transactions, purchases and
sales. The City shall authorize the release of DVP funds only after its safekeeping agent has
received securities or receipt for same into the City's safekeeping account.
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Safekeeping procedures shall be reviewed annually by the independent auditor.
IX. Depository and Contractual Trading Requirements
A. Wire Transfer Authorizations
Whenever possible, the City will use pre - formatted wire transfer to restrict the transfer of
funds to pre - authorized accounts only. Dual authorization forms shall be in continual use
for all wire transfers.
empleyee }Secondary authorization for all wires will be required by the City. F ermore,
a separate wiro funds transfer agreement will be entered into between the City and tho
Pepositofy-bank7
B. Collateralization Requirement
The City, in accordance with state statute, requires all City funds held by financial
institutions above the FDIC insurable limit to be collateralized with securities pledged to the
City. Those securities shall have a market value equaling at least the102 %of the market
value of City funds held and shall be placed with a third party custodial agent. _Collateral
may be substituted or released only with the written authorization of an Investment Officer.
Allowable collateral may consist of those securities or instruments permitted as suitable
investments under the Public Funds Collateral Act (Texas Government Code, Ch. 2257)
a nd thi l evest nt P
Financial institutions serving as City Depositories will be required to sign a Depository
Agreement with the City.The "Security for Deposits" portion of the Agreement shall define
the City's rights to the collateral in case of default, bankruptcy or closing and shall establish
a perfected security interest in compliance with Federal and State regulations, including:
1. the Agreement must be in writing
2. the Agreement has to be executed by the Depository and the City contemporaneously
with the acquisition of the asset;
3. the Agreement must be approved by the Board of Directors or the loan committee of the
Depository and a copy of the meeting minutes must be delivered to the City;
4. the Agreement must be part of the Depository's "official record" continuously since its
execution.
X. Portfolio Valuation And Reporting
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A. Reporting
As required by law, the Investment Officers shall submit a written investment report,
prepared in accordance with GAAP, signed by each Investment Officer of the City within a
reasonable time after the end of each fiscal quarter to the City Council detailing the
investment position for the previous quarter. Ouarterly market values will be obtained from
the City's financial advisor, or other source believed to be reliable, in order to monitor the
portfolio's position.
1.) For pooled investments -
a. the report must state the beginning book value and market value of the pool
portfolio for the reporting period,
b. changes to the book value and market value during the reporting period and
c. the ending book value and market value of the portfolio:and
d. the fully accrued interest for the reporting period.
2.) For separately invested assets -
a. the report must state the book value and market value for each investment at the
beginning and end of the reporting period
b. the report also must disclose the stated maturity date for each separate investment
and
c. must show the specific fund from which moneys were received to purchase the
investment.
3.) The report must state compliance of the investment portfolio with the City's Investment
Strategy and relevant provisions of the Public Funds Investment Act.
B. Internal Controls
The Investment Officers shall establish a system of intemal controls, which shall be
documented in writing and reviewed periodically by the City auditors. The controls shall
be designed to prevent and control Losses of public funds arising from fraud, employee
error, misrepresentation by third parties, unanticipated changes in financial markets or
imprudent actions. Dual controls of all investment activities will consistently be maintained
by the Investment Officers.
The Investment Officers shall develop and maintain written administrative procedures for
the operation of the investment and cash management program, consistent with this
Investment Policy.
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C. External Audit
In accordance with the Public Funds Investment Act, in conjunction with the City's annual
financial audit, a compliance audit of management controls on investments and adherence
to the City's established investment policies shall be performed. An annual review of the
City's quarterly reports will also be performed by an independent auditor with the results
being presented to the City Council.
XI. Quality and Capability of Investment Management
A. Training
It is the City's policy to provide training required by the Public Funds Investment Act
Section 2256.008(a)(2) through courses and seminars offered in compliance with the Act in
order to insure_the quality and capability of the Investment Officers in making investment
decisions."
B. Limitation of Liability
The Investment Officers acting in accordance with this Policy and the City's Investment
Strategy and exercising due diligence shall be relieved of personal responsibility for an
individual security's performance provided that deviations from expectations are reported in
a timely fashion and appropriate action is taken to control adverse development.
C. Ethics
The Investment Officers involved in the investment process shall refrain from personal
business activity that could conflict with proper execution of the investment program, or
which could impair their ability to make impartial investment decisions. Furthermore, in
accordance with the Public Funds Investment Act, an Investment Officer who has a
personal business relationship with a firm or is related to individuals seeking to sell to the
Investment Officer must disclose such relationships in accordance with Section 2256.005 of
the Public Funds Investment Act.
XII. Review and Amendment
This Policy shall be reviewed annually by the City Council. Amendments must be
approved by the Investment Officers and adopted by the City Council.
XIII. Conclusion
The Investment Officers will adhere to this Investment Policy in all investment decisions
for the City of Round Rock, Texas. The City will review the Investment Policy every year
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because of the dynamic nature of the financial markets. If changes are necessary because of
changes to the financial markets and State law, the City Council will consider the changes
recommended by the Investment Officers.
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City of Round Rock, Texas
Investment Strategy
In order to minimize risk of loss due to interest rate fluctuations, investment maturities will
not exceed the anticipated cash flow requirements of the funds. The investment strategy for
all funds is established according to the following priorities:
1) Investment suitability,
2) Preservation and safety of principal,
3) Liquidity,
4) Marketability prior to maturity of each investment,
5) Diversification and
6) Yield.
Investment guidelines by fund -type are as follows:
1. Operating Funds
The current operating funds are used for day -to -day operating activities and, accordingly,
require short-term liquidity.
Suitability - Any investment eligible in the Investment Policy is suitable for the Operating
Funds.
Safety of Principal - All investments are to be of high quality instruments with no perceived
default risk. Market price fluctuations will, however, occur. By managing the weighted
average days to maturity for the Operating Funds portfolio to less than 270 days and
restricting the maximum allowable to two years, the price volatility of the overall portfolio
will be minimized
Marketability - Securities with active and efficient secondary markets are necessary in the
event of an unanticipated cash requirement. An efficient market is generally defined as a s
bid -asked price relationship being no greater than 1/4 of 1 percent of principal value.
Liquidity - Short term investment pools and money mutual funds shall provide daily
liquidity and may be utilized as a competitive yield alternative to fixed maturity
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Suitability - Any investment eligible in the Investment Policy is suitable for the Debt
• Service Funds.
investments.. Reserves established in accordance with the City's cash reserves policy or
designated for specific purposes and time frames may be invested for longer terms.
Diversification - Diversified investment maturities shall provide monthly cash flow based
on the anticipated operating needs of the City. Short term investment pools, money market
mutual funds and staggered maturities of securities shall provide timely liquidity and may
be utilized.
Yield - Attaining a competitive market yield for comparable security-types and portfolio
restrictions is the desired objective. The comparative yield of a like -term treasury bill shall
be the minimum yield objective.
2. Debt Service Funds
Safety of Principal - All investments are to be of high quality instruments with no perceived
default risk. Market price fluctuations will, however, occur. By managing the Debt Service
Fund's portfolio to not exceed the debt service payment schedule, the market risk of the
overall portfolio will be minimized.
Marketability - Securities with active and efficient secondary markets are not necessary as
the event of an unanticipated cash requirement is not probable.
Liquidity - Short term investment pools and money market mutual funds shall provide daily
liquidity and may be utilized as a competitive yield alternative to fixed maturity
investments.
Diversification - Short term investment pools, money market mutual funds and staggered
maturities of securities shall provide timely liquidity and may be utilized.
Yield - Attaining a competitive market yield for comparable security-types and portfolio
restrictions is the desired objective. The comparative yield of a like -term treasury bill shall
be the minimum yield objective.
3. Capital Project Funds
Suitability - Any investment eligible in the Investment Policy is suitable for the Capital
Improvement Funds.
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Safety of Principal - All investments are to be of high quality instruments with no perceived
default risk. Market price fluctuations will, however, occur. By managing the Capital
Project Fund's portfolio to anticipate the construction and or acquisition cash flow
requirements, the market risk of the overall portfolio will be minimized.
Marketability - Securities with active and efficient secondary markets are necessary in the
event of an unanticipated cash requirement.
Liquidity - Funds used for construction programs have reasonably predictable draw down
schedules. Therefore, investment maturities shall generally follow the anticipated cash flow
requirements. Because of the potential for variance from the anticipated draw down
schedule and actual expenditures most investment securities shall have active and efficient
secondary markets. Investment pools and money market mutual funds are suitable for
providing readily available funds.
Diversification - Diversified investment maturities shall provide monthly cash flow based
on the anticipated operating needs of the City. Short term investment pools, money market
mutual funds and staggered maturities of securities shall provide timely liquidity and may
be utilized. Bond proceeds may be invested in a single security or investment if the
Investment Officers determine that such an investment is necessary to comply with Federal
arbitrage restrictions or to facilitate arbitrage recordkeeping and calculation.
Yield - Attaining a competitive market yield for comparable security and portfolio
restrictions is the desired objective. The comparative yield of a like -term treasury bill shall
be the minimum yield objective.
4. Debt Service Reserve Funds
Suitability - Any investment eligible in the Investment Policy is suitable for the Debt
Service Funds. Bond ordinance constraints and insurance company restrictions may create
issue - specific considerations in addition to the Investment Policy.
Safety of Principal - All investments are to be of high quality instruments with no perceived
default risk. Market price fluctuations will, however, occur. By managing the Debt Service
Reserve fund's portfolio to not exceed five years or maturity provisions or, generally, the
call provisions of the bond issue, the market risk of the overall portfolio will be minimized.
Marketability - Securities with active and efficient secondary 'markets are not necessary for
Debt Service Reserve funds.
Liquidity - Debt Service Reserve funds have no anticipated expenditures. Therefore,
liquidity up to the maturity date or call date is of minor importance.
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Diversification - Market conditions and the arbitrage regulations influence the attractiveness
of staggering the maturity of fixed rate investments for Debt Service Reserve funds. At no
time shall the final debt service payment date of the bond issue be exceeded in an attempt to
bolster yield.
Yield - Attaining a competitive market yield for comparable security -types and portfolio
restrictions is the desired objective. The comparative yield of a like -term treasury bill shall
be the minimum yield objective. Arbitrage regulations should be heeded in investing for
yield.
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Notes:
1. Bankers acceptances - not comfortable with these; these have been eliminated as
acceptable because of the huge proliferation of foreign banks providing these.
2. Commercial Paper - these are acceptable and the intent is to use only top grade corporate
issuances such as Ford and General Electric; to date no losses have resulted from
investment in Commercial Paper which has a maturity limitation of 120 days or
less, is properly rated and purchased
3. Mutual Funds - those which have a variable NAV have been eliminated; the average
investment maturity is longer with these, making the fund more volatile; MM
Mutual funds are required to have a stable NAV of $1
4. Investment firms which sell to the City must execute in writing a statement Texpool
says this does not apply; however, we should send the request to them and at least
get their typical response (see VII B - Selection and compliance of investment
providers)
Notes:
1. Money Market mutual funds - SEC regulated funds are required to have a separate funds
custodian to determine /insure that NAV of !.00 consistently maintained
2. Money Market mutual funds used in conjunction with control disbursement account at
bank can allow for a 10 am to 12pm recon of account balances and a late MM
deposit (as late as 4pm) vs 10 am deposit requirement of Texpool; even a 2pm
recon at the bank would work;
3. Alternative would be a sweep account at Bank One into a repo or into a MM
4. Texpool and the requirement of VII. If Texpool does not comply, should the City move
money out?
5. Efficient Markets - defined - pricing services like Bloomberg and others offer easily
accessible, easily determined pricing; this provides for an efficient market in which
a security can be easily priced and subsequently traded.
6. VI. D : Language came (in part) from the sample language offered by the Municipal
Treasurers Assn of US and Canada. See Investment -Notes file in Archives.
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CITY OF ROUND ROCK, TEXAS
AUTHORIZED LIST OF BROKER/DEALERS
1. First Southwest Company*
1700 Pacific Avenue, Suite 1300
Dallas, TX 75201 -4652
800 -575 -3792
2. Chase Securities, Inc.
700 Lavaca
P.O. Box 550
Austin, TX 78789
512- 479 -2865
3. Merrill Lynch, Inc.
2121 San Jacinto, 1 lth Floor
Dallas, TX 75201
800 -574 -1610
4. First Tennessee Bank, N.A.
5949 Sherry Lane, Suite 810
Dallas, TX 75225
800 - 804 -6309
*Financial Advisors
Addendum A
Primary Dealer
Primary Dealer
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