PFM to launch special district company

BY SourceMedia | MUNICIPAL | 04:59 PM EDT By Robert Slavin

Municipal advisor PFM Financial Advisors LLC will launch on Wednesday an independent company to provide service to special districts.

The new company, PFM Management Services LLC will provide management and administrative services to special districts across the country.

Special districts are local government units that deliver public services, maintain infrastructure and usually have the authority to levy assessments and issue debt.

"The formation of PFM Management Services LLC allows this team to focus exclusively on the evolving needs of special districts while maintaining the high standard of service our clients expect," said Brent Wilder, managing director and president of PFM Management Services. "This move positions the organization for long-term growth, deeper specialization and greater flexibility in serving districts of all sizes and complexities."

John Hallacy, president of John Hallacy Consulting, said, "Special districts have a whole range of very particular requirements that are not always present in other government entities. Bringing specific expertise in the segment saves time and precious funds. The broader PFM is there to assist with bond origination. This enterprise will continue to find success."

PFM CEO JoAnne Carter said, "Special districts operate in a highly regulated environment and require hands-on, experienced management. Launching PFM Management Services as its own entity enhances our ability to deliver first-rate client-focused services to special districts."

PFM Management Services LLC will provide a full suite of district management services to special districts, including financial coordination and reporting, economic and fiscal impact analysis, operational accounting, tax roll services, compliance support, board administration and public meeting management.

In general the bond market is volatile, and fixed income securities carry interest rate risk. (As interest rates rise, bond prices usually fall, and vice versa. This effect is usually more pronounced for longer-term securities.) Fixed income securities also carry inflation risk and credit and default risks for both issuers and counterparties. Unlike individual bonds, most bond funds do not have a maturity date, so avoiding losses caused by price volatility by holding them until maturity is not possible.

Lower-quality debt securities generally offer higher yields, but also involve greater risk of default or price changes due to potential changes in the credit quality of the issuer. Any fixed income security sold or redeemed prior to maturity may be subject to loss.

Before investing, consider the funds' investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Contact Fidelity for a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus containing this information. Read it carefully.

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