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1 t <br /> of satisfactory finances, and manageable debt burden. <br /> EXPANDING TAXBASE IN FAVORABLE TWIN CITIES AND STRONG WEALTH <br /> INDICES <br /> Moody's expects the economy to remain strong for this affluent, mature, first-tier <br /> suburb located within Hennepin County (Aaa) mainly due to its proximity to the <br /> Twin Cities metropolitan area. The city's small, primarily residential, tax base of <br /> $460 million has been experiencing modest growth over the last five years reflecting <br /> in part some new residential and commercial development. Similar to many mature <br /> cities in the midwest, the population has declined since 1970, although the state <br /> census for 2000 shows a 3.7% jump since 1990. Wealth levels have historically <br /> been well above the state average. Unemployment rates of 3.2%, in December <br /> 2002, are below the state average of 3.7%. <br /> SATISFACTORY FINANCIAL POSITION <br /> Moody's expects the financial position of the city to continue to be satisfactory <br /> following five years of operating surpluses. In FY 2001, the General Fund balance <br /> was $1,042,706, or 30.4% of General Fund revenues compared to $976,000, or <br /> 29.0% in FY 2000. Unaudited financial statements show a slight operating surplus <br /> for FY 2002, and officials report that the city intends to keep their reserve levels in <br /> the 30% range. The city is expecting State Aid reductions of $267,000 and <br /> $375,000 for FY 2003 and 2004, respectively. The city expects to maintain <br /> adequate reserve levels in order to provide the flexibility needed to meet cash flow <br /> needs and to offset the anticipated reductions in State Aid as well as unanticipated <br /> expenditures increases. Moody's believes that the increased revenues from the <br /> growth in the taxbase and prudent budgeting will help the city maintain its <br /> satisfactory financial position. <br /> MANAGEABLE DEBT LEVELS WITH MODEST FUTURE BORROWING PLANS <br /> Moody's expects the city's average debt burden of 4.1% to remain manageable due <br /> to modest future borrowing needs and significant support from non-levy sources for <br /> debt service. Principal retirement is above average with 66.8% of total debt retired <br /> in 10 years and 90% within 15 years. Additional borrowing is anticipated next year <br /> to finance the city's building of a new fire department. Proceeds from this issue, <br /> supported by special assessments and secured by the city's general obligation, <br /> unlimited tax pledge, will finance various capital improvement projects. <br /> KEY STATISTICS <br /> 2000 population: 8,012 <br /> Unemployment (Hennepin County 12/02): 3.2% <br /> 2001 Full valuation: $460 million <br /> 2001 Full valuation per capita: $60,900 <br /> 1999 Median family income: $62,500 <br /> 1999 Per capita income: $26,290 <br /> Debt burden: 4.1% <br /> Payout of principal (10 years): 66.8% <br /> FY 2001 General Fund balance: $1.04 million (30.4% of General Fund revenues) <br /> Post sale parity debt: $14.9 million <br />