HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem #24 - Discussion ItemJoseph R. Grassie
City iianayer
ones E. Gurruerson
irector of Finance
November 18, 1977
Cash Management
Tne following contains some background information and my recommendations for
improving tne City's casn management. These recommendations are predicated on an
objective of improving casn flows, maximizing the city's income on investment and
increasing the participation in minority banks. This memo is split into tnree
parts:
1. Background
a) Legal framework
b) Present cash management system
2. Short -tern recommendation
3. Long -tern reconnnenuation
1. (a) background - Legal frame\lork
Tne City Charter specifies that "wanking institutions...shall agree to pay the
hignest rate of interest" and that "the commission snail provide by ordinance for the
prompt... deposit of all city monies". (2) Tne ordinance mentioned in the charter
was enacted and it calls for:
"time ueposits (to be made)... in all the national and state banks
located '':itnin the city... such time deposits snail be prorated among
such banks... provided, that the interest rate to be paid to the city...
shall be not less tear, tne highest offer by any bank... the aggregate
time deposits... (snoul d be) nut less than one million two hundred
fifty tnousana dollars." (12)
A permanent rotation scheme among nine Miami banks for a demand deposit
account with a minimum ":corking fund valance of at least six hundred
fifty tnousand dollars". (12)
Note: Purentnetical numuers refer to the attached Compendium of
Lagai References.
Page 1 of 4
1. (b) background - Present Cash Management System
The present cash management system can best be described as a "seat of the pants"
operation. Deficiencies in the present system are:
. Simplified, one montn in the future, casn budgeting is performed.
I• nvestments are made only in Certificates of Deposit, Repurchase
Agreements and Treasury bills. (Thereby excluding investments
sucn as: Turnpike Project bonds (lo), Puerto Rican bonds (4),
Treasury Notes and Bonds, and a multitude of U.S. Agency Securities.)
. Due to inadequate casn budgeting, a conservative investment philosophy
is used so that the city treasury does not "run out of money".
. Accounting for investments .iitn tne present system is burdensome,
tnereby :►asting payroll dollars ors clerical vs. analytical work. This
paperwork loaa also creates an atmosphere in conflict with investment
goals. (The placing of numerous investment transactions many times
will produce nigger returns, but these alternatives may be scratched
in light of the volume of paperwork these transactions would require).
. Cash flows are slowed by transporting checks from tne downtown central
collections cashier to Dinner Key and pack downtown to the bank.
. The Treasurer's Pooled Investment capability in the F.A.M.I.S. system
is not oeinq usea to its fullest potential. Investment flexibility is
utcreasea by not using this F.A.1.I.S. feature.
. Most investments are placed with local banks, consistent with the
hignest interest rate concept (9), but reducing tne City's marketplace
for investment opportunities.
. Most investments are neld to maturity, tnereby not making us available
for "straps and trades" and "riding the yield curve".
. The rotation system is a permanent one and it has two more years before
completes its first cycle. This scheme is inefficient in that:
.. The bank may not be convenient.
.. All state and national wanks located in Miami are not included
on the rotation list.
.. The bank knows it will only nave us for a year and thereby is
not motivated to provide superior service.
There is MO attempt at ,watching the float. Disbursements in many cases
are made prior to requirements and funding of those disbursements in all
cases are made ignoring float.
eiNNE
2. Short-term recommendation
Within the framework of tne charter provision it is recommended that the foliowing
criteria be established:
. Terminate the bank rotation system in fiscal year 1978.
. Maximum interest income.
. Accurate and timely data processing services including reconciliations
and portfolio accounting.
. A single depository acting as fiscal agent.
Minority bank participation.
Minimum five year program on a bid basis.
. Use of warrants.
The above mentioned criteria .Mould be set forte in a Request for Proposals to all
Miami banks to submit oids to act in the capacity of the City's depository for a five
year perioa.
Based on the above banking relationship, internal improvements including the
following will Pc implemented:
r, time deposit of 525U,JUU.Ou will be made into each of the four
minority banks, renewable semi-annually, paying interest at the
then legal "passbook savings account" rate.
. Cash ouugeting.
. Expansion of investment instruments.
. Moving the deposit function downtown to decrease lag time in deposits.
. Investments made on a pooled investment basis.
. Expansion of the investment marketplace.
. Monitoring float and delaying cash disbursements to meet requirements.
3. Long-term recommendation
Implementation of a Computerized Cash Management System which would:
. Enable tne city Lo make swaps and trades.
Ease tne accounting for cash.
. Increase casn budgeting prediction.
. Produce meaningful investment reports.
Page 3 of 4
There are several computerized investment systems available. One
such system is called MONEYMAX. This system is presently installed in
some 25 counties and municipalities. The estimated first year cost is
$75,000.00 - $85,000.00; the second vear and thereafter it is S14,000.00
$19,000.00. Based on our portfolio size, the .i0NEY \:X minimum increased
return on investment would be $725,000.00 - S450,000.00 annually. I
recommend that the City Commission authorize the City Manager to return
to the Commission with a proposal to purchase such a system.
CUPENDI UM OF LEGAL REFERENCES
FEDERAL
(1) Circular No. A-102 Revised - Federal Register, Volume 42, No, 176 = Monday,
September 12, 1977.
Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants -in -Aid to State and Local
Governments
STATE
(2) Constitution of the State of Florida; Article VII, Section 10. Pledging Credit
Statutes:
Chapter 518: Investment of Fidaiary Funds:
(3) Chapter 516.15. bonds on ;rotor vehicle tax. Anticipation certificates
legal investments gnu security.
(4) Chapter 510.152. Puerto Rican bonds or obligations, legal investments and
securities.
(5) Cnapter 516.16. Chapter cunanulative.
Chapter 65): Banking Code, Second Part:
(6) Cnapter b53. CO. Invest;;i nts.
(7) Chapter bb9.24. Depositories of public moneys and pledge of assets.
Cnapter 16o: Municipalities:
(8) Chapter 166.101. Definitions.
(9) Cnapter 166.122. Establisiment of sinking funds.
Chapter 340: Turnpike Projects:
(10) Chapter 340.21. Bonds eligible for investment
a
NEW
CITY
(11) Charter of City of Miami, Florida; Section 47, Collection of money. by. Director
of Finance; payment into city treasury; deposits; interest.
Code of City of Miami, Florida:
Section 16; Finance:
(12) Section 16-2. Depositories for City funds. Designated; rotation of checking
accounts; Interest on time deposits.
(13) Section 16-3. Kind of Security.
(14) Section 16-4. What Ueposited.
(15) Section 16-47. Self Insurance and Insurance Trust Fund. Created. Sources.
(16) Section 89. Pension funds
(17) Motion Number 75-261, Narcn 25, 1975.
A motion accepting, for a period of six months, the recomendation of the City
Manager v l cn respect to minority banks and deposits of city funds.