October 2011
Inside The Advisor

Ehlers' Fiduciary Duty to You as Municipal Advisors

President and CEO

 

It's almost been a year since Ehlers first sent out a letter informing our clients Congress passed legislation that will change how financial advisory firms like Ehlers provide advisory services.   

 

The legislation mandates a fiduciary responsibility to you by Ehlers, which is how we have always viewed our relationship, as we act on your behalf as your "municipal advisor".   

 

Click here to continue reading.  

  

An "Official" Welcome to John Miller 

 

Some of you may know the name, and others may know the face. John Miller, who has been associated with Ehlers for many years now is coming on board as a regular employee.

 

John's expertise with bonds and financing tools adds another layer of service to the team and your community. 

 

We're thrilled to have John representing Ehlers and you, so please welcome him when you see him.

 

Ehlers Website Redesign 

   

What's with the new look? Ehlers recently redesigned our website to help you find what you need when you need it.

 

It's not so much about a new look as much as it is about providing organized content that helps you make informed decisions.  

 

On the home page, you'll read the latest news and about the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.   

 

Anyone can access our document library for information on bonds, economic development, financial planning and more. As one of our clients, you can request a password to access additional documents to help educate you and your community. 

 

You'll be seeing more changes in the future, so please check back often!

  

Click here to be directed to the Ehlers Website.
 

 

We encourage you to forward The Advisor to others who may be interested or ask them to sign up to receive their own copy.

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Ehlers
550 Warrenville Road
Suite 220
Lisle, IL 60532-4311

 

Phone: 630-271-3330
Greetings!

Welcome to the latest edition of The Advisor.

 

Illinois has specific property tax demands, so we're taking a look at how you can manage your tax rate with the Tax Cap. We'll also explore economic development in today's new economy.    

 

In the last issue of The Advisor, we began a three-part series focusing on opportunities for success in three communities. In this second of the series, we'll take a look at the Village of Park Forest.  

 

Finally, I am giving you an update with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act that was enacted last year and what it means to you.

 

And don't forget to check out our new website!   

 

 

Brad Townsend         

 

President and CEO 

 

Managing Your Tax Rate with the Tax Cap
by Steve Larson, Senior Financial Advisor 

(630) 271-3331

 

Steve Larson

Most Illinois local governments have realized some demands to maintain or lower property tax levels.  If your jurisdiction has already reduced costs due to budget pressures, this may be a tall order.   

Local governments subject to the "Tax Cap" are limited to increasing operating property tax levels to the Consumer Price Index ("CPI") plus new property.  For 2010 Taxes, the CPI is 2.7% and for the 2011 Taxes, the CPI is 1.5%.  Bond and interest tax levies approved by referendum are not subject to the Tax Cap.

Click here to continue reading.

Opportunities for Success: A Review of Three Communities - Part Two 
by Brad Townsend, Financial Advisor
(630) 271-3335

 

Brad Townsend

In the last issue of The Advisor, we began a series of three articles which highlight opportunities for success within three communities.  

 

We began by highlighting the Village of Forsyth as a community who created a strategic plan to best apply resources toward maintaining a quality community.  

 

In this issue, we turn our focus on the Village of Park Forest, who managed community population and economic development by taking a fresh look at all aspects of their community and its image. 

  

Click here to continue reading.

Economic Development in the New Economy
by Maureen Barry, Financial Advisor
(630) 271-3341
 
Maureen BarryDevelopment has been slow to restart in the "New Economy" and although there are signs of new life, the process and the projects have changed compared to before the "Great Recession".   

 

Banks have tightened their lending rules and developers are still having difficulty securing financing for their projects.  Projects that were in the pipeline before may no longer be viable.  

 

As a result, your community's economic development goals may need to be realigned.  

 

Click here to continue reading.

Ehlers Market Commentary

 

Are you up to date with current market trends? If not, be sure to check out the Ehlers Market Commentary, which is released every other week.   

 

Be sure to sign up to receive your email copy, or read past articles here

 

Congratulations Conference Raffle Winners!
Please join us in congratulating two raffle winners from recent conferences!

IGFOA Conference
Gloria P. Osborn
Director of Finance and Information Systems


IML Conference
David Beemsterboer
Trustee

And thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth to say hello! 
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