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Revenue-Based Development Incentives Property Tax Revenues Bob Rychlicki Kane, McKenna and Associates, Inc. I. “Upfront” Review. Review Project Economics Basic assumptions: Background of applicant, experience, track record, etc.
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Revenue-Based Development Incentives Property Tax Revenues Bob Rychlicki Kane, McKenna and Associates, Inc.
I. “Upfront” Review Review Project Economics Basic assumptions: • Background of applicant, experience, track record, etc. • Review of market information – feasibility studies, commitments, etc. • Detailed sources and uses of funds • Project pro forma review • Review Need for TIF Assistance
I. Review the Assumptions Developer Background: • Demonstration of prior experience or track record. • Can references be provided including credit references or evidence of financial capacity? • Identify other team members or support personnel and their experience. • What is their experience in other municipalities?
I. Review the Assumptions Market Analysis: • Compare project assumptions regarding rents, absorption, sales prices, etc. to project market studies. Determine if independent studies are needed. • Is appraisal data available to support acquisition prices or costs, are the amounts in line with the data? • Are there leases or other commitments in place – what are the relevant provisions regarding timing, occupancy, anchor tenants, etc.?
I. Review the Assumptions Need for TIF Assistance • Is the amount of TIF assistance reasonable in relation to the total project costs and private financing? • Is the project TIF request supported by incremental revenues? • Can the project be implemented in a timely manner? • Are “benchmarks” or criteria negotiated that protect the municipality (redevelopment agreement)?
I. “Upfront” Review: Municipal Needs What are the municipal costs/constraints? Identify: • Ongoing TIF administration or project review • Any new or additional services • Needs for infrastructure or utilities • Other taxing districts – any new services? • Impacts of assistance on current or projected credit position of the municipality.
II. TIF Financing Options Starting Point in TIF Financial Analysis Basic options: • Bonds are issued upfront • “Pay as you go” or Notes - performance based structure is utilized • Combination of the above
II. TIF Financing Options Identify Project Financial Requirements • Timing for TIF financing – when are the dollars needed ? • Sizing – how many TIF dollars are needed? • Need for TIF Dollars – identify true public and private funding requirements and compare to TIF dollars
II. TIF Financing Options Preparation of the TIF Analysis • Prepare TIF revenue projections • Identify community needed public improvements • Complete “but for” or gap analysis • Identify critical project assumptions related to the receipt of TIF revenues • Identify other sources of revenues or funds that could complement the financing
II. TIF Financing Options Other Requirements: • Review/calculate any school district payments or intergovernmental agreements, if applicable • Identify other TIF obligations or liens • Identify any administrative or ongoing monitoring requirements that need annual funding
III. Refining the Analysis Risk Assessment • What is the financial position of the municipality- can bonds be issued and not negatively impact ongoing or future financings ? • What are the municipal policies and fiscal position relating to G.O. debt financing ? • What is the likelihood that TIF revenues will be available: has sensitivity analysis (with any coverage requirements) been factored into the analysis ? • Are any guarantees necessary, and if so, what are the implications for tax exempt or taxable financing?
III. Refining the Analysis Risk Assessment ( continued) • What is the track record of the developer or entity that is responsible for the project implementation ? • Has the redevelopment agreement included adequate protections and timetables for performance ? • Have the valuation estimates been compared to market data or similar uses in the area ? • Will the financing establish a precedent for future developments, will criteria be identified ?
III. Refining the Analysis Upfront Financing Options General Obligation vs. Revenue Bonds • The different interest rates, coverage requirements, and other purchaser requirements will affect the net financing amounts supported by the project. Taxable vs.Tax Exempt Interest Rates • What is the trade off in interest cost compared to the greater certainty of repayment through letters of credit, insurance, or other forms of guarantee ?
III. Refining the TIF Analysis Upfront Financing Options (continued) • Revenue bond purchasers have more stringent requirements in relation to G.O. purchasers • The revenue bond market is narrower and may not be available for all projects • G.O. bonds provide a lower interest rate, but additional risks are borne by the municipality
III. Refining the TIF Analysis “Pay as you go” options • Shift risk to developer or private entity • Private sector financing will need to include upfront costs that are reimbursed by annual incremental revenues • Interest costs could be higher in relation to municipal borrowings (tax exempt or taxable) • Provide for Developer Note take out, if and when TIF revenues are “seasoned”
V. Policy Considerations Prior to finalizing the deal: • Review municipal services that may be required to implement the project on an ongoing basis • Integrate taxing district feedback or requests • Carefully review funding mechanism and municipal fiscal condition • Develop monitoring/feedback process in order to evaluate the project and the financing associated with the redevelopment area
V. Policy Considerations Prior to finalizing the deal (con’t): • Determine if an independent feasibility report or market studies are required • Review the redevelopment agreement in order to include key business points • Review all necessary project commitments and budgets associated with the redevelopment project
V. Policy Considerations Follow up Items • Monitor revenues and project performance ( annually or more often) • Prepare TIF annual reports or continuing disclosure reports ( as required by bond documents) • Identify any tax protests or tax collection discrepancies • Monitor development timetable and benchmarks
VI. Summary Important Steps • Match financing to revenues after a thorough examination and testing of all assumptions • Evaluate the proposed financing in relation to the overall municipal fiscal picture • Carefully assess risk in relation to the project characteristics and development variables – how many variables are subject to change ?