This investment policy applies to all moneys
and other financial resources available for investment on its own
behalf or on behalf of any other entity or individual.
The primary objectives of the local government's
investment activities are, in priority order:
A. To conform with all applicable federal, state and
other legal requirements;
B. To adequately safeguard principal;
C. To provide sufficient liquidity to meet all operating
requirements; and
D. To obtain a reasonable rate of return.
The governing board's responsibility for administration
of the investment program is delegated to the Controller, who shall
establish written procedures for the operation of the investment program
consistent with these investment guidelines. Such procedures shall
include an adequate internal control structure to provide a satisfactory
level of accountability based on a database or records incorporating
description and amounts of investment, transaction dates and other
relevant information and regulate the activities of subordinate employees.
It is the policy of the City of Amsterdam to
diversify its deposits and investments by financial institution, by
investment instrument, and by maturity scheduling.
[Amended 3-19-2013 by Res. No. 12/13-220]
The banks and trust companies authorized for
the deposit of monies up to the following maximum amounts are:
A. Key Bank: $12,000,000.
[Amended 12-21-2021 by L.L. No. 2-2021]
B. MBIA, NYCLASS: $5,000,000.
In accordance with the provisions of General
Municipal Law § 10, all deposits of the City of Amsterdam,
including certificates of deposit and special time deposits, in excess
of the amount insured under the provisions of the Federal Deposit
Insurance Act shall be secured:
A. By a pledge of eligible securities with an aggregated
market value, or provided by General Municipal Law § 10,
equal to the aggregated amount of deposits.
B. By an eligible irrevocable letter of credit issued
by a qualified bank other than the bank with the deposits in favor
of the government for a term not to exceed 90 days with an aggregate
value equal to 140% to the aggregate amount of deposits and the agreed-upon
interest, if any. A qualified bank is one whose commercial paper and
other unsecured short-term debt obligations are rated in one of the
three highest rating categories by at least one nationally recognized
statistical rating organization or by a bank that is in compliance
with applicable federal minimum risk-based capital requirements.
C. By an eligible surety bond payable to the government
for an amount at least equal to 100% of the aggregate amount of deposits
and the agreed-upon interest, if any, executed by an insurance company
authorized to do business in New York State, whose claims-paying ability
is rated in the highest rating category by at least two nationally
recognized statistical rating organizations.
The City of Amsterdam shall maintain a list
of financial institutions and dealers approved for investment purposes
and establish appropriate limits to the amount of investments, which
can be made with each financial institution or dealer. All financial
institutions with which the local government conducts business must
be credit worthy. Banks shall provide their most recent Consolidated
Report of Condition (Call Report) at the request of the City of Amsterdam.
Security dealers not affiliated with a bank shall be required to be
classified as reporting dealers affiliated with the New York Federal
Reserve Bank, as primary dealers. The Controller is responsible for
evaluating the financial position and maintaining a listing of proposed
depositaries, trading partners and custodians. Such listing shall
be evaluated at least annually.