Far West

Jefferson County, Ala., is out of municipal bankruptcy but appeals of the bankruptcy plan and criminal prosecutions will keep the county in the spotlight.

Rebecca Harrigal, the new director of the Internal Revenue Service's tax-exempt bond office, said one of her goals is to streamline and improve the closing agreement or settlement process.

A Los Angeles County joint powers authority achieved $33.6 million in gross savings on its inaugural $145 million refunding in a program for redevelopment successor agencies.

Rebecca Harrigal, the new director of the Internal Revenue Service's tax-exempt bond office, said one of her goals is to streamline and improve the closing agreement or settlement process.

Carlo Savini Fowler, a California bond attorney in public finance for more than 45 years, died on Dec. 6. He was 81.

The Securities and Exchange Commission's enforcement division will be very active in the muni space in 2014, experts said, with emphasis on actions against municipal officials and underwriters.

The Securities and Exchange Commission's enforcement division will be very active in the muni space in 2014, experts said, with emphasis on actions against municipal officials and underwriters.

Fitch Ratings said it may downgrade the ratings on Sacramento City Unified School District, ahead of its $40 million refunding bond deal.

The Idaho Housing and Finance Association plans to price the final $82 million of a multi-year series totaling $857 million in grant anticipation revenue vehicle bonds on Jan. 14, amid concern that the Highway Trust Fund that provides subsidies might be unsustainable.

Municipal bond market participants, on guard against proposals to limit or eliminate the tax exemption, doubt 2014 will bring comprehensive tax reform.