Title
INFORMATION ONLY: Consider and take action on a resolution authorizing a five-year agreement with Hilltop Securities Inc. for municipal advisory services (Director of Finance)
Posted: September 17, 2025 Regular Meeting Agenda - Agenda Item 6A
Background:
This item was noticed in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act on September 11, 2025. The additional background and attachments are meeting materials to inform the public:
Approval of this item will authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Hilltop Securities to provide municipal advisory services. Public entities engage municipal advisors to assist in the planning, issuance and monitoring of debt. Municipal advisors work with the City staff to minimize the cost of debt through the proper timing and structure of bond sales. The firm will also work with staff to maximize the City's opportunity for credit rating improvement, further reducing the cost of debt. By monitoring outstanding debt relative to market conditions on an ongoing basis, the municipal advisor will look for opportunities to refund (refinance) that debt at lower interest rates to further reduce costs. An ever-increasing role of the municipal advisor is to assist staff in monitoring federal compliance and reporting issues related to municipal debt.
In July, staff put together a request for proposal for municipal advisory services, specifically focusing on the evaluation criteria and the weight of each performance measure. The following are the evaluation criteria included in the municipal services RFP:
25 points 1) Experience and capability of the firm and its assigned consultants in performing financial advisory services for municipal governments.
20 points 2) Understanding of the City’s financial condition and needs.
20 points 3) Demonstrated competence and provided references on similar or related services.
10 points 4) Cost of Services (lowest bid/other bid x 10 = Proposer’s Price Score).
15 points 5) E...
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