Financial Advisory Services

The City is seeking proposals for Financial Advisory services for a diverse scope of services including but not necessarily limited to: (1) assisting the City in the review of debt policies and guidelines for the deployment of various debt strategies on tax exemption and arbitrage; (2) providing financial planning services related to debt management and reduction alternatives; (3) providing advice on proposed program/issue related debt strategies; (4) providing consultation and assistance to the City related to various debt issues/decisions and related business transactions with the financial community; and (5) providing pricing/transaction comfort to ensure effective exercise of market opportunities for the City.

The City is currently considering bond financing for undergrounding power lines. If this debt were undertaken, the amount to be issued would likely be in the $25,000,000 to $50,000,000 range. Debt service costs would be paid from electric service fees. There are no debt issuances contemplated in the City's five-year capital improvement plan.

The City, incorporated in 1887, is located in Central Florida in north Orange County and is considered part of the Orlando Metropolitan Area. The City operates under the commission-manager form of government. Policy-making and legislative authority are vested in the City Commission (Commission), consisting of the Mayor and four (4) commissioners. The Commission is responsible, among other things, for passing ordinances and resolutions, adopting the budget, appointing committees, and hiring both the City Manager and Attorney. The City Manager is responsible for carrying out the policies and ordinances of the Commission, for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the City, and for appointing the heads of various departments. The Commission is elected on a non-partisan basis. Commission members serve three-year staggered terms, with two (2) commission seats or the mayor’s seat up for election each year. The mayor and commissioners are elected at large.

The City provides a full range of services, including police and fire protection; the construction and maintenance of streets, sidewalks and infrastructure; engineering; planning and community development; code enforcement; general administration and support services; and recreational activities and cultural events. In addition, the City operates two (2) enterprises: water and sewer service and electric service.