U.S. securities industry economists remain divided on the timing of rate hikes from the U.S. Federal Reserve Board, according to the latest edition of a biannual survey of chief economists at U.S. financial firms. U.S. trade group the Securities and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) released the results of its latest economist survey, which was carried out between Nov. 15 and Dec. 3. The survey indicated that economists are evenly divided about whether the Fed will move on rates in the second, third or fourth quarter next year (29% each) — with a minority, 12%, who don’t see rate action until 2023. [...]

The City of Dodge City will be looking into addressing another shortage the city is lacking in — child care facilities. According to city staff, a request for qualifications were welcomed as of Dec. 1, with the purpose in soliciting and selecting a firm to provide architectural design services to develop a new child care facility in town. ... "Available funds will ultimately determine the final size, but we also want to ensure we cover the community's needs and meet the set regulations." Source: Dodge Globe

The issue of "admin time" at the Salina Fire Department is not being characterized as fraud by any individuals. That determination comes after Salina city manager Mike Schrage gave an update to the city commission Monday on the situation. ... The city hired BKD, an accounting firm, to do an audit on the issue, the findings of which were released earlier this year. ... Schrage said this new update was given to provide the commission and the public a little more background on what has happened since the BKD report was released. Source: Salina Journal

A labor shortage has all but shuttered the only recycling facility in Shawnee County, with 90% of its materials being processed elsewhere. Since mid- to late October, Waste Management of Kansas has taken all but about 10% of recyclables from the local Materials Recycling Facility by truck to be processed instead at the MRF it operates in Kansas City, Kan., said Lisa Disbrow, a spokeswoman for that company. Source: CJonline

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS "investment grade" yields. Every issuer's credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.