NEW YORK - Moody's Investors Service said it has downgraded to Aa3 from Aa2 the rating on Juneau (city and borough), Alaska's $148 million of outstanding general obligation debt.
The downgrade reflects the Juneau's weakened financial flexibility as a result of consecutive years of draws upon reserves in the general fund and other general operating funds.
The extension of the current solar net metering system could lower revenue for the utility.
The finance team is "marketing slices of risk" to raise money to refinance its debt, investors said.
Treasurer John Fleming is pushing back against a proposal in the state Legislature that would make changes to the way the state Bond Commission oversees the issuance of debt by cities, counties and local governments and entities.
Despite higher yields, muni to UST ratios remain rich. Ratios look "progressively richer" moving into the five- to 10-year part on the curve, with the 10-year spot "still far more attractive in taxables versus tax-exempts," J.P. Morgan said.
The growing federal debt level may pressure lawmakers to retract or reduce the tax-exemption for munis to generate revenue, some market participants argue.
It's a time of change, challenge and opportunity in the infrastructure and P3 space, Patrick Harder said.
