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process, it appears that assessments will significantly increase, then all property owners should <br />be notified of the increase. While not a formal requirement, a 10 percent or more increase in the <br />cost should trgger special informational meetings. <br />Once the contractor has been selected and the contract documents executed, interim financing <br />usually is required, by inter -fund loan or formal borrow'.ng (notes and warrants). Sometimes i; <br />may be necessaryto obtain interim financing eariier, such as when. consulting engineers are used <br />to perform preliminary design or facilitate informatiorai meetings, it may also be necessary to <br />obtain interim financing fora special benefit study or right of -way acquisition. For these reasons, <br />many cities will begin the interim financing process once the protestlappeal period has expired. <br />Alternatives for the city to obtain interim financing for the project include internal financing, <br />issuing warrants or issuing notes. There are other alternatives that can be utilized. Provisions for <br />the method of interim financing may be incorporated into the ordinance creating the LID, or may <br />be provided for by separate ordinance. <br />Recommendations for financing alternatives are usually made by the finance department, often <br />with the assistance of an investment banker and/or bond counsel. Factors such as interest cost, <br />term, flexibility and Internal Revenue Service regulations (taxableftaxaxempt) are analyzed as part <br />of the determination. If the city elects to seek outsidefinancing, a financial statement is prepared <br />which describes the project, the cost, the security for repayment and other relevant factors <br />important to a financial institution. Often the statement is prepared by the finance department, <br />but it is sometimes prepared by the LID administrator or investment banker. <br />During the warrant process, once the financial statement has been approved by the city's legal <br />and financial officials, itis sentto the banks. Although the banks may be asked to respond within <br />seven days and make a bid on the interestto be charged to loan the money for interim financing, <br />it is better to allow two to four weeks. <br />An alternative to warrants are bond anticipation notes (BANs), which are actually short-term <br />notes, since all needed funds are obtained at the time the notes are issued, while warrants <br />provide funds as project costs are incurred. Most BAN 9nanciai statements are prepared by the <br />investment banker. BANS are different than warrants. The LID team should meet with an <br />investment banker to discuss and become familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of <br />both methods of financing. <br />As stated earlier, it is both wise and prudent for a city to consult with an investment banker and <br />bond counsel in the formative stages of the LID to assure that financing can be secured for the <br />proposed project, because not all projects can be financed. An investment banker will be able <br />to provide early information concerning interest a nd other costs for interim or long term financing. <br />Financing costs need to be included and considered in the estimated project costs. <br />Interim financing may be obtained through a negotiated sale or a public sale where a call for bids <br />is used. Both methods are used extensively by municipalities in Washington. <br />UD Closeout Process <br />The LID closeout process begins when construction is completed and all the bills and costs are <br />submitted. Atthis time, total projectcosts must be established, including contract administration, <br />32 Local and Road Improvement Districts Manual for Washington state Skh Edman <br />