Far West

WASHINGTON — Maryland issued $738.4 million of general obligation bonds this week, achieving its second-lowest interest rate since 1988, according to Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp.

Half Moon Bay, Calif., has settled a tax dispute with the Internal Revenue Service over $10.9 million of Build America Bonds it issued in 2009 by agreeing to make a one-time payment of $174,000 and to reduce its subsidy payment to 29% from 35% of interest cost over the life of the bonds.

The California state controller’s office launched a two-month investigation in Riverside on Monday that they characterized as a routine review of a transportation project.

Santa Ana, Calif., and Orange County Fire Authority leaders on Monday signed a contract to have the county fire department absorb the city’s 128-year-old fire department.

Los Angeles’ top financial official sent a letter to union officials Tuesday saying that the city cannot afford pay raises due nearly 20,000 workers July 1, according to published reports.

The City Council of troubled Hercules, Calif., voted Tuesday to put a half-cent sales tax on the June ballot.

San Jose city leaders voted Tuesday to ask residents to decide on pension reform.

SAN FRANCISCO — The National Federation of Municipal Analysts warned Wednesday that uncertainty surrounding California redevelopment agencies' $23 billion of debt could lead to further defaults.

A dispute over the revenue projections for the Dulles Toll Road provides the backdrop for a hearing the Fairfax County, Va., Board of Supervisors is preparing to hold March 20 to decide whether to approve the next phase of construction on an associated rail line.

LOS ANGELES — Officials from Los Angeles travel to San Francisco, Chicago and the East Coast twice a year to talk to investors, but this year city officials decided to host a conference of their own and invite investors to come to them.