Pope Zeigler

Public Finance

Pope Zeigler attorneys have represented cities, counties, state departments and authorities, hospitals, schools and universities, joint water and sewer agencies, gas authorities, recreation commissions, airport commissions and other special-purpose districts in thousands of bond issues and related transactions. As nationally recognized bond counsel, underwriters, investors and rating agencies regularly accept the firm’s opinions as to the legality and authorization for bond issues and as to the tax-exempt status of issuances.

• Issuing general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, bond anticipation notes, tax anticipation notes, lease-purchase transactions and installment sales transactions.
• Investigating novel sources of funding for important projects, including capital sales taxes, accommodation and hospitality fees, front-foot assessments for utility services, municipal or county assessment districts for large new developments (and related development agreements), and special-source revenue bonds.
• Negotiating water, sewer, natural gas and other utility contracts. The rates and terms of these agreements are often of critical importance in issuing revenue bonds to finance utility infrastructure and support the long-term success of the utility system. This aspect of the firm’s work is discussed in more detail in the section entitled Public Utility Law.
• Selecting underwriters and financial advisers, preparing for presentations to rating agencies and in obtaining favorable ratings for their public issuance
• Reviewing outstanding bonds and other obligations to identify opportunities for savings where interest rates have declined.
• Advising clients on their rights and responsibilities under bond indentures and ordinances and other documents and in managing their relationships with bond trustees and rating agencies. 
  
  

  Pope Zeigler provides legal services only and does not provide financial advisory services to its clients.