KENTFIELD, Calif., Dec. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- College of Marin recently took advantage of rock-bottom interest rates to refinance previously issued general obligation bonds. In total, the bond refinancing represents a net present value savings to taxpayers of $6.36 million over the life of the bonds.

"As responsible stewards of the community's investment in the College, we recognized that refinancing of the bonds was the right thing to do at this time," said Dr. David Wain Coon, College of Marin Superintendent/President.

The College of Marin Board of Trustees approved the refinancing of previously issued bonds and sale of new bonds at its July 17, 2012, monthly meeting. The results of the refinancing are better than expected due to a drop in interest rates.

"The district was able to take advantage of today's historically low interest rates and achieve an exceptional result for taxpayers," said Sarah Hollenbeck, Director, Public Financial Management, Inc.

The $43.38 million refunding bonds sale took place on November 15, 2012. Eleven bids were received and the winning bidder was Guggenheim Securities. The bonds were originally financed at 4.9 percent. The refinanced rate is 2.11 percent (16-year debt).

According to Hollenbeck, the College also retains its high credit rating. Standard & Poor's reaffirmed the College's AA credit rating and Moody's reaffirmed the College's Aa1 rating for the bond refinancing.

"This is an excellent rating for the college and demonstrates outstanding fiscal management," said Hollenbeck.

Refunding bonds are used to refinance bonds that have higher interest rates. The proceeds from the sale of the refunding bonds are kept in an interest-bearing escrow account until the prior bond's maturity or redemption date. The monies in the escrow account are used to pay off the prior bonds, along with related interest and redemption costs. The refunding bonds will be serviced using the same property tax payments initially used to pay the prior bonds, but at a reduced overall cost.

In addition to refinancing prior bonds, College of Marin also sold a new series of bonds to fund additional facilities modernization projects approved under Measure C. The issuance of the new bonds was approved by the Board of Trustees at its meeting on August 21, 2012. On November 15, 2012, the College sold $46.995 million in Series D Bonds (new money) at a 3.13 percent interest rate (24-year debt). Ten bids were received and the winning bidder was Citigroup. The bond sale at the lower rate will result in a debt service of $79.5 million (compared with an estimate of $90.2 million presented to the Board of Trustees in July). With these results, the maximum tax rate on all Election of 2004 Bonds is projected at $21.30.

News Contact:
Cathy Summa-Wolfe, Executive Director
Communications, Community Relations and Advancement
415-485-9528

SOURCE College of Marin