HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 58-23RECORD OF ORDINANCES
Dayton Legal Blank, Inc. Form No. 30043
Ordinance No. 58-23 Passed , 20
AUTHORIZING THE MODIFICATION OF THE CITY’S INVESTMENT
POLICY
WHEREAS, the City of Dublin (“Dublin”) has an Investment Policy that has been
adopted by City Council; and
WHEREAS, the Investment Policy establishes the policies and guidelines to be
followed for the investment of interim and inactive monies of the City; and
WHEREAS, it is recommended that the Investment Policy be modified to provide
clarification on certain investments, adopt a standard calculation for the percentage
of the City’s portfolio, and clarify the calculation of interim monies in the portfolio;
and
WHEREASE, it is recommended that the modified Investment Policy, once approved
by City Council, be placed into effect January 1, 2024.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Dublin, State
of Ohio, __“/ _ of the elected members concurring that:
Sectionl. The attached Investment Policy is hereby adopted and replaces previous
policies approved by City Council.
Section2. The Director of Finance remains relieved from any liability for the loss of
public monies deposited or invested pursuant to and in compliance with the City’s
Investment Policy.
Section 3. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the
earliest date provided by law.
Passed this JT day of Nove wbey , 2023.
To: Members of Dublin City Council
From: Megan O’Callaghan, City Manager
Date: November 7, 2023
Initiated By: Matthew L. Stiffler, Chief Financial Officer/Director of Finance
Jaime Hoffman, Director of Finance Operations
Re: Ordinance 58-23 Modifications to the Investment Policy
Background
Last year Council adopted Ordinance 63-22 modifying the City’s investment policy. That ordinance
made significant changes to the policy following meetings with the Finance Committee on September
21, 2021, June 23, 2022 and September 13, 2022.
The policy modifications made last year included:
• Updating terms and processes to be more consistent with today’s investment market
• Providing additional flexibility for certain types of investment assets with regard to issuer,
duration and credit rating
• Dissolution of the investment committee and instead requiring an annual review with the
Finance Committee to include:
o Investment policy compliance
o Reporting compliance
o Internal control compliance
o Sale of any security prior to the maturity date
o Liquidity concerns and investment inventory
o Transactions for the period
o Realized income
The Finance Committee met on April 11, 2023 to perform the annual review as required under the
newly modified investment policy. This review was performed by a contracted investment consultant
Redtree Investment Group. Following the annual review, the committee directed staff to make
several clarifying modifications to the investment policy as well as to consider the addition of a
benchmark to the policy. The Finance Committee, Redtree Investment Group and staff met again to
discuss the investment policy and benchmarking on September 12, 2023. At that time, it was
determined that Redtree Investment Group would provide benchmarking metrics to the committee
for review and awareness, but that the benchmark would not become a component of the investment
policy.
Ordinance 58-23 makes modifications to the investment policy that are generally clarifying in nature.
These modifications are further detailed in the Redtree Investment Group document attached to this
memo. Additionally, a clean version as well as a redlined version of the investment policy are
attached.
Recommendation
Staff recommend adoption of this ordinance at the second hearing on November 27, 2023. The
investment policy modifications will take effect on January 1, 2024.
Office of the City Manager
5555 Perimeter Drive • Dublin, OH 43017
Phone: 614.410.4400 Memo
City of Dublin Investment Policy Recommended Modifications
June 2023
Section
35.99
Authorized
Investments
Discovery ORC Reference Modifications
A/K Agency Mortgage-
Backed Pass Through
Securities (GNMA) and
non-Agency Mortgage
Backed Pass Throughs
Language not consistent with (K).
Language states Agency MBS
securities may have remaining
maturities greater than five years,
but not greater than 10 years. The
remaining life of any agency
mortgage-backed pass through will
be determined by the weighted
average life of the security.
Language in (K) states maximum
remaining maturity is five years or
less and a 5% limitation of the City’s
portfolio for mortgage-backed pass
through securities.
No reference to Agency or non- Agency
Mortgage-Backed Securities in ORC 135.14
or 135.35.
Clean up language to better
identify agency and non-agency
MBS. A non-agency MBS would
carry a higher degree of
perceived risk. Thus, the stricter
guidelines.
Remain consistent on the %
limitation calculation is based on
the City’s portfolio.
F Commercial Paper and
Bankers Acceptances
Language states the limit of both
combined shall not exceed 40% of
the average portfolio.
ORC 135.14 allows up to 40% of interim
funds for combined allocation of commercial
paper and bankers acceptances.
ORC 135.35 allows up to 40% of total
average portfolio to be allocated to
commercial paper and bankers acceptances.
ORC 135.01(F) defines Interim moneys
including the statement “that such moneys will
not be needed for immediate use but will be
needed before the end of the period of
designation.” Therefore, this calculation while
subject to various acceptable interpretations
is best calculated using the cash balance less
encumbrances expected to be immediately
used.
Suggest adopting standard %
calculations to be based on City
portfolio. Removes uncertainty
for how interim funds or average
portfolio is determined.
City of Dublin Investment Policy Recommended Modifications
June 2023
J Municipal Bonds
Language states City not to exceed
20% of interim monies.
ORC 135.14 refers to interim monies for the
% calculation.
ORC 135.35 does not require any limitations
Change interim monies to City
Portfolio.
L International Finance
Corporations
Language states limitation is 10% of
City’s portfolio.
No specific ORC reference. Leave % calculation
methodology unchanged.
H Corporate Bonds
Language states limitation is 30% of
the portfolio with five years or less
maturity.
Language states no more than 5% of
the total average portfolio shall be
invested in a single issuer.
ORC 135 allows for up to 15% of total
average portfolio in corporate bonds with
three-year maturity limit.
Adjust language to read City
portfolio for both the 30%
allocation and 5% per issuer.
Maturity limit is acceptable.
Define what is the
City’s portfolio:
- Does it include
all funds of
City?
- Limited to the
investment
accounts only?
INVESTMENT POLICY
§ 35.95 INTRODUCTION.
The purpose of this investment policy is to establish the definition(s) of eligible investments
of the City of Dublin, Ohio (hereinafter referred to as the "city"), including guidelines and
parameters regarding the investment management of the city's investment funds [hereinafter
referred to as the "portfolio"]. This investment policy, as approved by City Council, shall serve
to define authorized investments and eligible investment transactions of the city. Such eligible
investments may be derived from, or based upon R.C. § 135.14, and/or include certain other
investments not authorized or defined under R.C. § 135.14. Investments not defined under
R.C. § 135.14, but authorized pursuant to this investment policy, are considered as authorized
investments of the city. This subchapter shall take effect and be in force in accordance with
Section 4.04(b) of the Dublin City Charter. This policy includes [totally or partially] sections
of the statute to describe certain eligible investments. In some sections, the policy places
further limits upon the use eligible investments or investment transactions. Should the city elect
to use investment advisor(s), the advisor(s) will consider their respective funds managed as the total portfolio for
any calculation methodologies.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99)
§ 35.96 SCOPE.
This policy applies to all financial assets of the City of Dublin. Such funds are accounted for
in the city's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), and includes all funds of the
reporting entity.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99)
§ 35.97 INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES.
The investment objectives of the city, in priority order, include:
(A) Safety of principal. Safety of principal is the foremost objective of the investment
program. The investment of city funds shall be conducted in a manner that seeks to ensure
the preservation of capital within the context of the following criteria:
(1) Market risk (interest rate risk). The market value of securities in the city's portfolio
will increase or decrease based upon changes in the general level of interest rates. The effects
of market value fluctuations will be minimized by maintaining adequate liquidity so that
current obligations can be met without a sale of securities; diversification of maturities;
diversification of assets.
(2) Credit risk. Credit risk is the risk of loss due to the failure of a security issuer to pay
principal or interest, or the failure of the issuer to make timely payments of principal or
interest. Credit risk will be minimized by diversifying assets by issuer; ensuring that
required, minimum credit quality ratings exist and maintaining adequate collateralization of
certificates of deposit.
(B) Liquidity. The portfolio shall remain sufficiently liquid to meet all current obligations
of the city. Minimum liquidity levels [as a percentage of average investable funds] may be
established to meet all current obligations. The portfolio may also be structured so that
securities mature concurrently with cash needs.
(C) Yield return. The portfolio shall be managed to consistently attain a market rate of
return throughout budgetary and economic cycles. Whenever possible, and consistent with
risk limitations and prudent investment management, the city will seek to augment returns
above the market average rate of return through the implementation of active portfolio
management strategies.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99)
§ 35.98 STANDARDS OF CARE.
(A) Prudence.
(1) Investments shall be made with the exercise of that degree of judgement and care,
under circumstances then prevailing, which persons of prudence, discretion and intelligence
exercise in the management of their own affairs, not for speculation but for investment,
considering the probable safety of their capital as well as the probable income to be derived.
(2) The standard of prudence to be used by investments officials shall be the "prudent
person" standard and shall be applied within the context of managing an overall portfolio.
Investment officers or registered investment advisors, acting in accordance with established
procedures and the approved investment policy, and exercising due diligence, shall be relieved
of responsibility for an individual security's credit risk or market price changes, provided
deviations from expectations are reported in a timely fashion and appropriate action is taken
to control adverse developments.
(B) Delegation of authority. Management responsibility for the investment program is
hereby delegated to the Director of Finance pursuant to the City Charter. The Director of
Finance shall establish written procedures for the operation of the investment program
consistent with this investment policy. Such procedures shall include explicit delegation of
authority to persons responsible for investment transactions. No person may engage in an
investment transaction except as provided under the terms of this policy and the procedures
established by the Director of Finance. The Director of Finance shall be responsible for all
transactions undertaken and shall establish a system of internal controls to regulate the
activities of subordinate officials.
(C) Ethics and conflicts of interest. Officers and employees involved in the investment
process shall refrain from personal business activity that could conflict with the proper
execution of the investment program, or which could impair their ability to make impartial
investment decisions. Employees and investment officials shall disclose to the City Manager
any material financial interests in financial institutions with which they conduct business.
They shall further disclose any personal financial or investment positions that could be
related to the performance of the investment portfolio. Employees and officers shall refrain
from undertaking personal investment transactions with the same individual with whom
business is conducted on behalf of the city.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99)
§ 35.99 AUTHORIZED INVESTMENTS.
(A) U.S. Treasury Bills, Notes, and Bonds; various federal agency obligations including, but not
limited it, obligations of Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB), Federal Farm Credit Bank
(FFCB), Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA), and other agencies or
instrumentalities of the United States. Agency mortgage-backed, pass-through securities are
considered as eligible investments of the city. Individual mortgage-backed, pass-through
securities may have remaining maturities greater than five years, but in any event not
greater than ten years from the date of purchase. The remaining life of any agency mortgage-
backed, pass through security will be determined by the weighted-average life of the
security. Eligible investments include securities that may be "called" by the issuer prior to
the final maturity date. Any eligible investment may be purchased at a premium or a
discount.
(B) Interim deposits in the eligible institutions applying for interim moneys as provided
in R.C. § 135.08 and 135.12. Certificates of deposit in excess of the amount insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) must be collateralized with at least a 5%
excess market value amount to secure such certificates of deposit. The city may elect to use
either R.C. § 135.18 (individual assignment method) or R.C. § 135.181 (pooling method)
when requiring the pledge of eligible collateral to secure certificates of deposit or other
deposits of the city. The city may elect to require a higher percentage of excess market value
in pledged collateral to secure all deposits.
(C) No-load money market mutual funds, as defined in R.C. § 135.14(8)(5), rated in the
highest category by at least one nationally recognized rating agency, investing exclusively in
the same types of eligible securities as defined in R.C. § 135.14(8)(1) or (8)(2), and repurchase
agreements secured by such obligations. Eligible money market funds shall comply with R.C.
§ 135.01, regarding limitations and restrictions.
(D) Commercial paper issues of companies incorporated under the laws of the United
States, rated in the highest category by two nationally recognized rating agencies.
(E) Bankers acceptances issued by any bank domiciled in the State of Ohio or bankers
acceptances issued by any domestic bank, provided that such bank has a long term credit
rating of A, or the equivalent, by a nationally recognized rating agency at the time of
purchase.
(F) The combined total of commercial paper and bankers acceptances shall not exceed 40%
of the City’s total portfolio available for investment at time of purchase.
(G) Repurchase agreements with any eligible institution mentioned in R.C. § 135.03, or any
eligible securities dealer pursuant to R.C. § 135.14(M) of this section, except that such eligible
securities dealers shall be restricted to primary government securities dealers. Repurchase
agreements will settle on a delivery vs. payment basis with collateral held at a qualified
custodian or agent, designated by the city. Eligible repo collateral is restricted to securities
listed in R.C. § 135.14(B)(1) or (8)(2). The market value of securities subject to an overnight
written repurchase agreement must exceed the principal value of the overnight repurchase
agreement by at least 2%. A written repurchase agreement shall not exceed 30 days and the
market value of securities subject to a written repurchase agreement must exceed the principal
value of the written repurchase agreement by at least 2% and be market
to market daily. Prior to the execution of any repo transaction, a master repurchase
agreement will be signed by the city and the eligible parties.
(H) Medium-term notes, defined as all corporate and depository institution debt
securities with a maximum remaining maturity of five years or less, issued by corporations
organized and operating within the United States or by depository institutions licensed by
the United States or any state and operating within the United States. Notes eligible for
investment under this subdivision shall be rated in a rating category of "A" or its equivalent
or better by an NRSRO. Purchases of medium-term notes shall not exceed 30 percent of the
City’s total portfolio available for investment at the time of purchase
No more than 5% of the City’s total portfolio shall be invested in a single issuer available
for investment at time of purchase. Commercial paper and bankers acceptances shall be
considered when calculating the maximum holdings in any single issuer.
(I) The state treasurer's investment pool [STAR OHIO], pursuant to R.C. § 135.45, or any
other investment option offered to Ohio political subdivisions by the Treasurer of the State
of Ohio.
(J) Bonds and other obligations of the State of Ohio or any of the other 49 states, various
issuances of the agencies of the State of Ohio or agencies of any of the other 49 states, and
obligations or debt issuances of any Ohio political subdivision or political subdivision of any
of the other 49 states, including the City of Dublin, Ohio. Except for obligations of the City of
Dublin, Ohio, all such debt issuances will have a minimum credit rating of "AA", or the
equivalent, by a nationally recognized rating agency, at the time of purchase. Unrated
securities are acceptable if the underlying issuer meets the "AA" credit rating criteria. -
Obligations of the City of Dublin may be purchased as private placements. The aggregate
value of the bonds or other obligations does not exceed 20 percent of the City’s total portfolio
available for investment at the time of purchase. The bonds or other obligations mature within
ten years from the date of settlement.
(K) A non-agency mortgage passthrough security, collateralized mortgage obligation,
mortgage-backed or other pay-through bond, equipment lease-backed certificate, consumer
receivable passthrough certificate, or consumer receivable-backed bond. Securities
eligible for investment under this section shall be rated in a rating category of "AA" or its
equivalent or better by an NRSRO and have a maximum remaining maturity of five years or
less. Purchase of securities authorized by this subdivision shall not exceed 5 percent of the
City's total portfolio available for investment at the time of purchase
(L) United States dollar denominated senior unsecured unsubordinated obligations issued or
unconditionally guaranteed by the International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development, International Finance Corporation, or Inter-American Development Bank,
with a maximum remaining maturity of five years or less, and eligible for purchase and sale
within the United States. Investments under this subdivision shall be rated in a rating
category of "AA" or its equivalent or better by an NRSRO and shall not exceed 10 percent of
the City's total portfolio available for investment at the time of purchase.
(M) Except as otherwise defined in this policy, all eligible investments will mature within
five years from the date of settlement, unless the investment is matched to a specific obligation
or debt of the city, and the investment is specifically approved by the Director of Finance.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99; Am. Ord. 82-13, passed 11-4-13)
§ 35.100 SAFEKEEPING AND CUSTODY.
Securities purchased for the city will be held in safekeeping by a qualified trustee [hereinafter
referred to as the "custodian"), as provided in R.C. § 135.37. Securities held in safekeeping by
the custodian will be evidenced by a monthly statement describing such securities. The
custodian may safekeep the city's securities in Federal Reserve Bank book entry form;
Depository Trust Company (OTC) book entry form in the account of the custodian or the
custodian's correspondent bank; or Non-book entry (physical) securities held by the custodian
or the custodian's correspondent bank. All securities transactions will settle using standard
delivery-vs-payment (DVP) procedures. The records of the custodian shall identify such
securities in the name of the city. Broker/dealer firms used by the city or broker/dealer firms
used by the city's designated investment advisor to purchase or sell investment assets shall not
hold any such investment assets in safekeeping. All investment assets of the city will be held
in safekeeping by a custodian bank where such custodian bank and the city have entered into
a custodian agreement.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99; Am. Ord. 82-13, passed 11-4-13)
§ 35.101 DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE.
(A) The Director of Finance shall meet at least annually with the Finance Committee to
review the investment portfolio of the city. Specific areas of review include investment
policy compliance, reporting compliance, internal control compliance, sale of any
security prior to the maturity date, liquidity concerns, investment inventory, transactions
for the period, and realized income.
(B) The Director of Finance may seek additional investment advisory portfolio review
services to support the Finance Committee or City Council review process.
(C) Any amended policy that has been approved by the City Council shall be filed with the
Auditor of State.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99)
§ 35.102 INTERNAL CONTROLS.
(A) The Director of Finance is responsible for establishing and maintaining an internal
control structure designed to reasonably ensure that the investment assets of the city are
protected from loss, theft or misuse. The internal control structure shall be designed to
provide reasonable assurances that these objectives are met. The concept of reasonable
assurance recognizes that the cost of a control should not exceed the benefits likely to be
derived and, the valuation of costs and benefits requires estimates and judgments by
management.
(B) The Director of Finance shall establish a process for annual independent review by an
external auditor. This review will provide internal control by assuring compliance with
policies and procedures.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99; Am. Ord. 82-13, passed 11-4-13)
§ 35.103 POOLING OF FUNDS.
The Director of Finance is authorized to pool cash balances from the several different funds
of the city for investment purposes. Interest and other portfolio income will be credited to
the fund proportionate to the amount invested.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99)
§ 35.104 INVESTMENT ACCOUNTING AND PORTFOLIO REPORTING.
The city shall maintain an inventory of all portfolio assets. A description of each security
will include security type, issue/issuer, cost [original purchase cost or current book value],
par value [maturity value], maturity date, settlement date [delivery versus payment date of
purchased or sold securities], and any coupon [interest] rate. The investment report will also
include a record of all security purchases and sales. Regularly issued reports will include a
monthly portfolio report and a quarterly portfolio report to the Director of Finance, detailing
the current inventory of all securities, all investment transactions, any income received
[maturities, interest payments, and sales], and any expenses paid. The report will also
include the purchase yield of each security, the average-weighted yield and average-
weighted maturity of the portfolio. The portfolio report shall state the name(s) of any
persons or entity effecting transactions on behalf of the city. Any premium paid over par
may be amortized equally during the life of the investment as a deduction from semiannual
or annual interest payment(s) received each year, or such premium paid may be amortized
at the final maturity date of the investment. Any discount from par will be recognized at the
final maturity date of the investment.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99; Am. Ord. 82-13, passed 11-4-13)
§ 35.105 INVESTMENT ADVISORS, QUALIFIED DEALERS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
(A) The city may retain the services of a registered investment advisor. The investment
advisor will manage the city's portfolio, or a portion thereof, and will be responsible for the
investment and reinvestment of city's investment assets, including the execution of
investment transactions. Upon the request of the Director of Finance, the investment advisor will
attend meetings and/or City Council meetings to discuss all aspects of the city's portfolio,
including market conditions affecting the value of the city's investments. The investment
advisor will be required to issue monthly and quarterly portfolio reports as defined under §
35.102 of this subchapter.
(B) The investment advisor may transact business (execute the purchase and/or sale of
securities) with eligible Ohio financial institutions, primary securities dealers regularly
reporting to the New York Federal Reserve Bank, and regional securities firms or broker
dealers licensed with the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Securities, to transact
business in the State of Ohio.
(C) Broker/dealers and financial institutions transacting investment business with the
city are required to sign the approved investment policy as an acknowledgment and
understanding of the contents of said policy.
(D) Under no circumstance will brokers or broker/dealer firms act as an investment
advisor or in a similar capacity as an investment advisor, either directly or indirectly, if such
broker/dealers participate in transaction business (purchase and sale of securities) with the
city of the city's designated investment advisor.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99; Am. Ord. 82-13, passed 11-4-13)
§ 35.106 SALE OF SECURITIES PRIOR TO MATURITY.
(A) Portfolio assets may be liquidated or sold prior to maturity under the following
conditions:
(1) To meet additional liquidity needs;
(2) To purchase another security to increase yield or current income;
(3) To lengthen or shorten the portfolio's maturity;
(4) To realize any capital gains and/or income; or
(5) To adjust the portfolio's asset allocation.
(B) Such transactions may be referred to as a "sale and purchase" or a "bond swap". For
purposes of this section, redeemed shall also mean "called" in the case of a callable security. (Ord.
85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99; Am. Ord. 82-13, passed 11-4-13)
§ 35.107 PROCEDURES FOR THE PURCHASE AND SALE OF SECURITIES.
Securities will be purchased or sold through approved broker/dealers on a "best price and
execution" basis. All such investment transactions, executed by the city's designated
investment advisor, will be communicated electronically or by facsimile transmission to the
Director of Finance or to an authorized representative, designated by the Director of Finance.
A purchase or sale of securities will be represented by transaction advices issued by the city's
investment advisor which will describe the transaction, including par value, coupon (if any),
maturity date, and cost. A facsimile transmission or electronic advice will also be sent to the
city's designated custodian bank and will serve as an authorization to such custodian to
receive or deliver securities versus payment.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99; Am. Ord. 82-13, passed 11-4-13)
§ 35.108 STATEMENTS OF COMPLIANCE.
(A) This investment policy has been approved by City Council and filed with the Auditor
of State, pursuant to R.C. § 135.14(N)(l). Any amendments to this policy will be filed with the
Auditor of State within 15 days of the effective date of the amendment.
(B) The investment portfolio will be managed in accordance with the parameters specified
within this policy. Performance of the portfolio will be periodically monitored and compared
to an appropriate benchmark.
(C) The Director of Finance will be responsible for providing regular reports to City
Council. Such reports will accurately describe all portfolio assets, including transaction
activity for the period. The city's investment policy shall be adopted by ordinance and
modifications must be approved by City Council.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99)
INVESTMENT POLICY
§ 35.95 INTRODUCTION.
The purpose of this investment policy is to establish the definition(s) of eligible investments
of the City of Dublin, Ohio (hereinafter referred to as the "city"), including guidelines and
parameters regarding the investment management of the city's investment funds [hereinafter
referred to as the "portfolio"]. This investment policy, as approved by City Council, shall serve
to define authorized investments and eligible investment transactions of the city. Such eligible
investments may be derived from, or based upon R.C. § 135.14, and/or include certain other
investments not authorized or defined under R.C. § 135.14. Investments not defined under
R.C. § 135.14, but authorized pursuant to this investment policy, are considered as authorized
investments of the city. This subchapter shall take effect and be in force in accordance with
Section 4.04(b) of the Dublin City Charter. This policy includes [totally or partially] sections
of the statute to describe certain eligible investments. In some sections, the policy places
further limits upon the use eligible investments or investment transactio ns. Should the city elect
to use investment advisor(s), the advisor(s) will consider their respective funds managed as the total portfolio for
any calculation methodologies.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99)
§ 35.96 SCOPE.
This policy applies to all financial assets of the City of Dublin. Such funds are accounted for
in the city's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), and includes all funds of the
reporting entity.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99)
§ 35.97 INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES.
The investment objectives of the city, in priority order, include:
(A) Safety of principal. Safety of principal is the foremost objective of the investment
program. The investment of city funds shall be conducted in a manner that seeks to ensure
the preservation of capital within the context of the following criteria:
(1) Market risk (interest rate risk). The market value of securities in the city's portfolio
will increase or decrease based upon changes in the general level of interest rates. The effects
of market value fluctuations will be minimized by maintaining adequate liquidity so that
current obligations can be met without a sale of securities; diversification of maturities;
diversification of assets.
(2) Credit risk. Credit risk is the risk of loss due to the failure of a security issuer to pay
principal or interest, or the failure of the issuer to make timely payments of principal or
interest. Credit risk will be minimized by diversifying assets by issuer; ensuring that
required, minimum credit quality ratings exist and maintaining adequate collateralization of
certificates of deposit.
(B) Liquidity. The portfolio shall remain sufficiently liquid to meet all current obligations
of the city. Minimum liquidity levels [as a percentage of average investable funds] may be
established to meet all current obligations . The portfolio may also be structured so that
securities mature concurrently with cash needs.
(C) Yield return. The portfolio shall be managed to consistently attain a market rate of
return throughout budgetary and economic cycles. Whenever possible, and consistent with
risk limitations and prudent investment management, the city will seek to augment returns
above the market average rate of return through the implementation of active portfolio
management strategies.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99)
§ 35.98 STANDARDS OF CARE.
(A) Prudence.
(1) Investments shall be made with the exercise of that degree of judgement and care,
under circumstances then prevailing, which persons of prudence, discretion and intelligence
exercise in the management of their own affairs, not for speculation but for investment,
considering the probable safety of their capital as well as the probable income to be derived.
(2) The standard of prudence to be used by investments officials shall be the "prudent
person" standard and shall be applied within the context of managing an overall portfolio.
Investment officers or registered investment advisors, acting in accordance with established
procedures and the approved investment policy, and exercising due diligence, shall be re lieved
of responsibility for an individual security's credit risk or market price changes, provided
deviations from expectations are reported in a timely fashion and appropriate action is taken
to control adverse developments.
(B) Delegation of authority. Management responsibility for the investment program is
hereby delegated to the Director of Finance pursuant to the City Charter. The Director of
Finance shall establish written procedures for the operation of the investment program
consistent with this investment policy. Such procedures shall include explicit delegation of
authority to persons responsible for investment transactions. No person may engage in an
investment transaction except as provided under the terms of this policy and the procedures
established by the Director of Finance. The Director of Finance shall be responsible for all
transactions undertaken and shall establish a system of internal controls to regulate the
activities of subordinate officials.
(C) Ethics and conflicts of interest. Officers and employees involved in the investment
process shall refrain from personal business activity that could conflict with the proper
execution of the investment program, or which could impair their ability to make impartial
investment decisions. Employees and investment officials shall disclose to the City Manager
any material financial interests in financial institutions with which they conduct business.
They shall further disclose any personal financial or investment positions that could be
related to the performance of the investment portfolio. Employees and officers shall refrain
from undertaking personal investment transactions with the same individual with whom
business is conducted on behalf of the city.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99)
§ 35.99 AUTHORIZED INVESTMENTS.
(A) U.S. Treasury Bills, Notes, and Bonds; various federal agency obligations including, but not
limited it, obligations of Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB), Federal Farm Credit Bank
(FFCB), Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA), and other agencies or
instrumentalities of the United States. Agency mortgage-backed, pass-through securities are
considered as eligible investments of the city. Individual mortgage-backed, pass-through
securities may have remaining maturities greater than five years, but in any event not
greater than ten years from the date of purchase. The remaining life of any agency mortgage-
backed, pass through security will be determined by the weighted -average life of the
security. Eligible investments include securities that may be "called" by the issuer prior to
the final maturity date. Any eligible investment may be purchased at a premium or a
discount.
(B) Interim deposits in the eligible institutions applying for interim moneys as provided
in R.C. § 135.08 and 135.12. Certificates of deposit in excess of the amount insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) must be collateralized with at least a 5%
excess market value amount to secure such certificates of deposit. The city may elect to use
either R.C. § 135.18 (individual assignment method) or R.C. § 135.181 (pooling method)
when requiring the pledge of eligible collateral to secure certificates of deposit or other
deposits of the city. The city may elect to require a higher percentage of excess market value
in pledged collateral to secure all deposits.
(C) No-load money market mutual funds, as defined in R.C. § 135.14(8)(5), rated in the
highest category by at least one nationally recognized rating agency, investing exclusively in
the same types of eligible securities as defined in R.C. § 135.14(8)(1) or (8)(2), and repurchase
agreements secured by such obligations. Eligible money market funds shall comply with R.C.
§ 135.01, regarding limitations and restrictions.
(D) Commercial paper issues of companies incorporated under the laws of the United
States, rated in the highest category by two nationally recognized rating agencies.
(E) Bankers acceptances issued by any bank domiciled in the State of Ohio or bankers
acceptances issued by any domestic bank, provided that such bank has a long term credit
rating of A, or the equivalent, by a nationally recognized rating agency at the time of
purchase.
(F) The combined total of commercial paper and bankers acceptances shall not exceed 40%
of the City’s total portfolio available for investment at time of purchase.average portfolio,
based upon the calculation methodology approved by the Finance Director.
(G) Repurchase agreements with any eligible institution mentioned in R.C. § 135 .03, or any
eligible securities dealer pursuant to R.C. § 135.14(M) of this section, except that such eligible
securities dealers shall be restricted to primary government securities dealers. Repurchase
agreements will settle on a delivery vs. payment basis with collateral held at a qualified
custodian or agent, designated by the city. Eligible repo collateral is restricted to securities
listed in R.C. § 135.14(B)(1) or (8)(2). The market value of securities subject to an overnight
written repurchase agreement must exceed the principal value of the overnight repurchase
agreement by at least 2%. A written repurchase agreement shall not exceed 30 days and the
market value of securities subject to a written repurchase agreement must exceed the principal
value of the written repurchase agreement by at least 2% and be market
to market daily. Prior to the execution of any repo transaction, a master repurchase
agreement will be signed by the city and the eligible parties.
(H) Medium-term notes, defined as all corporate and depository institution debt
securities with a maximum remaining maturity of five years or less, issued by corporations
organized and operating within the United States or by depository institutions licensed by
the United States or any state and operating within the United States. Notes eligible for
investment under this subdivision shall be rated in a rating category of "A" or its equivalent
or better by an NRSRO. Purchases of medium-term notes shall not exceed 30 percent of the
City’s total portfolio available for investment at the time of purchase .
No more than 5% of the City’s total average portfolio shall be invested in a single issuer
available for investment at time of purchase . Commercial paper and bankers acceptances shall
be considered when calculating the maximum hol dings in any single issuer.
(I) The state treasurer's investment pool [STAR OHIO], pursuant to R.C. § 135.45, or any
other investment option offered to Ohio political subdivisions by the Treasurer of the State
of Ohio.
(J) Bonds and other obligations of the State of Ohio or any of the other 49 states, various
issuances of the agencies of the State of Ohio or agencies of any of the other 49 states, and
obligations or debt issuances of any Ohio political subdivision or political subdivision of any
of the other 49 states, including the City of Dublin, Ohio. Except for obligations of the City of
Dublin, Ohio, all such debt issuances will have a minimum credit rating of "AA", or the
equivalent, by a nationally recognized rating agency, at the time of purchase. Unrated
securities are acceptable if the underlying issuer meets the "AA" credit rating criteria. -
Obligations of the City of Dublin may be purchased as private placements. The aggregate
value of the bonds or other obligations does not exceed 20 percent of the City’s total portfolio
interim moneys available for investment at the time of purchase. The bonds or other
obligations mature within ten years from the date of settlement.
(K) A non -agency mortgage passthrough security, collateralized mortgage obligation,
mortgage-backed or other pay-through bond, equipment lease-backed certificate, consumer
receivable passthrough certificate, or consumer receivable-backed bond. Securities
eligible for investment under this section shall be rated in a rating category of "AA" or its
equivalent or better by an NRSRO and have a maximum remaining maturity of five years or
less. Purchase of securities authorized by this subdivision shall not exceed 5 percent of the
City's total portfolio available for investment at the time of purchase.
(L) United States dollar denominated senior unsecured unsubordinated obligations issued or
unconditionally guaranteed by the International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development, International Finance Corporation, or Inter-American Development Bank,
with a maximum remaining maturity of five years or less, and eligible for purchase and sale
within the United States. Investments under this subdivision shall be rated in a rating
category of "AA" or its equivalent or better by an NRSRO and shall not exceed 10 percent of
the City's total portfolio available for investment at the time of purchase.o.
(M) Except as otherwise defined in this policy, all eligible investments will mature within
five years from the date of settlement, unless the investment is matched to a specific obligation
or debt of the city, and the investment is specifically approved by the Director of Finance.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99; Am. Ord. 82-13, passed 11-4-13)
§ 35.100 SAFEKEEPING AND CUSTODY.
Securities purchased for the city will be held in safekeeping by a qualified trustee [hereinafter
referred to as the "custodian"), as provided in R.C. § 135.37. Securities held in safekeeping by
the custodian will be evidenced by a monthly statement describing such securities. The
custodian may safekeep the city's securities in Federal Reserve Bank book entry form;
Depository Trust Company (OTC) book entry form in the account of the custodian or the
custodian's correspondent bank; or Non-book entry (physical) securities held by the custodian
or the custodian's correspondent bank. All securities transactions will settle using standard
delivery-vs-payment (DVP) procedures. The records of the custodian shall identify such
securities in the name of the city. Broker/dealer firms used by the city or broker/dealer firms
used by the city's designated investment advisor to purchase or sell investment assets shall not
hold any such investment assets in safekeeping. All investment assets of the city will be held
in safekeeping by a custodian bank where such custodian bank and the city have entered into
a custodian agreement.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99; Am. Ord. 82-13, passed 11-4-13)
§ 35.101 DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE.
(A) The Director of Finance shall meet at least annually with the Finance Committee to
review the investment portfolio of the city. Specific areas of review include investment
policy compliance, reporting compliance, internal control compliance, sale of any
security prior to the maturity date, liquidity concerns, investment inventory, transactions
for the period, and realized income.
(B) The Director of Finance may seek additional investment advisory portfolio review
services to support the Finance Committee or City Council review process.
(C) Any amended policy that has been approved by the City Council shall be filed with the
Auditor of State.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99)
§ 35.102 INTERNAL CONTROLS.
(A) The Director of Finance is responsible for establishing and maintaining an internal
control structure designed to reasonably ensure that the investment assets of the city are
protected from loss, theft or misuse. The internal control structure shall be designed to
provide reasonable assurances that these objectives are met. The concept of reasonable
assurance recognizes that the cost of a control should not exceed the benefits likely to be
derived and, the valuation of costs and benefits requires estimates and judgments by
management.
(B) The Director of Finance shall establish a process for annual independent review by an
external auditor. This review will provide internal control by assuring compliance with
policies and procedures.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99; Am. Ord. 82-13, passed 11-4-13)
§ 35.103 POOLING OF FUNDS.
The Director of Finance is authorized to pool cash balances from the several different funds
of the city for investment purposes. Interest and other portfolio income will be credited to
the fund proportionate to the amount invested.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99)
§ 35.104 INVESTMENT ACCOUNTING AND PORTFOLIO REPORTING.
The city shall maintain an inventory of all portfolio assets. A description of each security
will include security type, issue/issuer, cost [original purchase cost or current book value],
par value [maturity value], maturity date, settlement date [delivery versus payment date of
purchased or sold securities], and any coupon [interest] rate. The investment report will also
include a record of all security purchases and sales. Regularly issued reports will include a
monthly portfolio report and a quarterly portfolio report to the Director of Finance, detailing
the current inventory of all securities, all investment transactions, any income received
[maturities, interest payments, and sales], and any expenses paid . The report will also
include the purchase yield of each security, the average -weighted yield and average-
weighted maturity of the portfolio. The portfolio report shall state the name(s) of any
persons or entity effecting transactions on behalf of the city. Any premium paid over par
may be amortized equally during the life of the investment as a deduction from semiannual
or annual interest payment(s) received each year, or such premium paid may be amortized
at the final maturity date of the investment. Any discount from par will be recognized at the
final maturity date of the investment.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99; Am. Ord. 82-13, passed 11-4-13)
§ 35.105 INVESTMENT ADVISORS, QUALIFIED DEALERS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
(A) The city may retain the services of a registered investment advisor. The investment
advisor will manage the city's portfolio, or a portion thereof, and will be responsible for the
investment and reinvestment of city's investment assets, including the execution of
investment transactions. Upon the request of the Director of Finance, the investment advisor will
attend meetings and/or City Council meetings to discuss all aspects of the city's portfolio,
including market conditions affecting the value of the city's investments. The investment
advisor will be required to issue monthly and quarterly portfolio reports as defined under §
35.102 of this subchapter.
(B) The investment advisor may transact business (execute the purchase and/or sale of
securities) with eligible Ohio financial institutions, primary securities dealers regularly
reporting to the New York Federal Reserve Bank, and regional securities firms or broker
dealers licensed with the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Securities, to transact
business in the State of Ohio.
(C) Broker/dealers and financial institutions transacting investment business with the
city are required to sign the approved investment policy as an acknowledgment and
understanding of the contents of said policy.
(D) Under no circumstance will brokers or broker/dealer firms act as an investment
advisor or in a similar capacity as an investment advisor, either directly or indirectly, if such
broker/dealers participate in transaction business (purchase and sale of securities) with the
city of the city's designated investment advisor.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99; Am. Ord. 82-13, passed 11-4-13)
§ 35.106 SALE OF SECURITIES PRIOR TO MATURITY.
(A) Portfolio assets may be liquidated or sold prior to maturity under the following
conditions:
(1) To meet additional liquidity needs;
(2) To purchase another security to increase yield or current income;
(3) To lengthen or shorten the portfolio's maturity;
(4) To realize any capital gains and/or income; or
(5) To adjust the portfolio's asset allocation.
(B) Such transactions may be referred to as a "sale and purchase" or a "bond swap". For
purposes of this section, redeemed shall also mean "called" in the case of a callable security. (Ord.
85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99; Am. Ord. 82-13, passed 11-4-13)
§ 35.107 PROCEDURES FOR THE PURCHASE AND SALE OF SECURITIES.
Securities will be purchased or sold through approved broker/dealers on a "best price and
execution" basis. All such investment transactions, executed by the city's designated
investment advisor, will be communicated electronically or by facsimile transmission to the
Director of Finance or to an authorized representative, designated by the Director of Finance.
A purchase or sale of securities will be represented by transaction advices issued by the city's
investment advisor which will describe the transaction, including par value, coupon (if any),
maturity date, and cost. A facsimile transmission or electronic advice will also be sent to the
city's designated custodian bank and will serve as an authorization to such custodian to
receive or deliver securities versus payment.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99; Am. Ord. 82-13, passed 11-4-13)
§ 35.108 STATEMENTS OF COMPLIANCE.
(A) This investment policy has been approved by City Council and filed with the Auditor
of State, pursuant to R.C. § 135.14(N)(l). Any amendments to this policy will be filed with the
Auditor of State within 15 days of the effective date of the amendment.
(B) The investment portfolio will be managed in accordance with the parameters specified
within this policy. Performance of the portfolio will be periodically monitored and compared
to an appropriate benchmark.
(C) The Director of Finance will be responsible for providing regular reports to City
Council. Such reports will accurately describe all portfolio assets, including transaction
activity for the period. The city's investment policy shall be adopted by ordinance and
modifications must be approved by City Council.
(Ord. 85-94, passed 10-3-94; Am. Ord. 89-96, passed 10-7-96; Am. Ord. 10-99, passed 2-16-
99)