New York, May 17, 2012 --
Moody's Rating
Issue: Water and Sewer System Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series
2012; Rating: A1; Sale Amount: $16,900,000;
Expected Sale Date: 5/17/2012; Rating Description: Revenue:
Government Enterprise
Issue: Stormwater System Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 2012;
Rating: Aa3; Sale Amount: $6,500,000;
Expected Sale Date: 5/17/2012; Rating Description: Revenue:
Government Enterprise
Opinion
Moody's Investors Service has assigned an initial A1 rating to the City
of Dunedin's (FL) $16.9 million Water and Sewer System Refunding
Revenue Bonds, Series 2012 and an initial Aa3 rating to the city's
$6.5 million Stormwater System Refunding Revenue Bonds,
Series 2012. The bonds are secured solely by the net revenues of
their respective systems. Proceeds from the water and sewer bonds
will be used to refund a portion of the city's 1993 Combined Utility
Revenue Bonds, finance a number of capital projects, and fund
the termination payment on the system's 2007 bonds. Proceeds
from the stormwater bonds will be used to refund the remaining portion
of the city's 1993 Combined Utility Revenue Bonds and finance system
improvements.
SUMMARY RATING RATIONALE
The A1 rating on the water and sewer system reflects the system's
modest size, satisfactory debt service coverage supported by adopted
rate increases, and the expectation of no near-term parity
obligations. The rating also considers the system's mature
nature and highly-residential customer base.
The Aa3 rating on the stormwater system reflects satisfactory debt service
coverage supported by adopted rate increases, and the expectation
of no near-term parity obligations. The rating also considers
the system's limited operating needs.
STRENGTHS
- Adequate water and sewer capacity with minimal projected growth
in capacity demands
- Above-average, mature service area with average
wealth levels
- Low debt burden
CHALLENGES
- Dislocation in the regional housing market has hampered customer
growth
WHAT COULD MAKE THE RATING GO UP
- Significant improvement in the systems' financial profiles
as evidenced by liquidity and/or coverage ratios
- Declines in debt ratio
WHAT COULD MAKE THE RATING GO DOWN
- Erosion of the systems' financial profiles as evidenced
by deterioration in coverage ratios or liquidity positions
- Sizable increases in debt ratios
PRINCIPLE METHODOLOGY USED
The principal methodology used in this rating was Analytical Framework
For Water And Sewer System Ratings published in August 1999. Please
see the Credit Policy page on www.moodys.com for a copy
of this methodology.
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The Global Scale Credit Ratings on this press release that are issued
by one of Moody's affiliates outside the EU are endorsed by Moody's
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London E 14 5FA, UK, in accordance with Art.4 paragraph
3 of the Regulation (EC) No 1060/2009 on Credit Rating Agencies.
Further information on the EU endorsement status and on the Moody's
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Dora Lee
Associate Analyst
Public Finance Group
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
250 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10007
U.S.A.
JOURNALISTS: 212-553-0376
SUBSCRIBERS: 212-553-1653
Julie Beglin
Vice President - Senior Analyst
Public Finance Group
JOURNALISTS: 212-553-0376
SUBSCRIBERS: 212-553-1653
Releasing Office:
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
250 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10007
U.S.A.
JOURNALISTS: 212-553-0376
SUBSCRIBERS: 212-553-1653
MOODY'S ASSIGNS INITIAL A1 RATING FOR DUNEDIN'S (FL) WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM REFUNDING REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2012 AND AN INITIAL Aa3 RATING TO STORMWATER SYSTEM REFUNDING REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2012