Bond Counsel Services

The City of Winter Park, Florida, is soliciting proposals for bond counsel services in connection with potential bond financing to support the undergrounding of power lines, with a likely issuance amount between $25 million and $50 million. These bonds would be repaid through electric service fees, although no debt issuances for this purpose are currently included in the City's five-year capital improvement plan. The City, governed by a commission-manager structure with a Mayor and four commissioners, provides a comprehensive range of municipal services including police, fire, infrastructure maintenance, planning, and utilities. Notably, it operates two key enterprise services: water and sewer, and electric service, which are essential components of the City's operational framework. This solicitation, posted in January 2026 by the City's Finance Department, requires bond counsel expertise to navigate complex legal requirements and ensure compliance with applicable federal laws and regulations. The governance structure mandates elected officials on staggered terms who oversee policy and budgetary decisions, while the City Manager handles day-to-day operations and departmental appointments. The procurement process is guided by federal and state mandates, including compliance with the Build America, Buy America Act provisions, which emphasize domestic content requirements, and adherence to cost or price analysis policies outlined for federal assistance programs. The bond counsel must also ensure that contracts incorporate necessary federal aid provisions such as nondiscrimination, labor standards, safety, and environmental regulations, reflecting the City's commitment to legal and regulatory compliance throughout the bond issuance process. Key contacts for this solicitation include the Director Wes Hamil and Contract Agent Rebecca Watt.