Board asks staff to study Bloomberg terminal, investment software and continuity options for $1B portfolio

After reviewing the investment policy updates, the Investment Review Board turned to treasury operations and tools. Staff described current resources — Sympro for investment tracking, Excel inputs, custodial services, and a list of authorized financial institutions — and identified possible upgrades as the portfolio grows.

"We're at about a $1 billion portfolio now," City Treasurer Christian Peacock said, arguing that improved market data, analytics and asset‑liability tools could pay for themselves. Peacock and staff recommended evaluating a Bloomberg terminal subscription, advanced investment‑management software, and targeted data analytics to support credit monitoring and pricing.

Board members raised continuity concerns (succession and backups) and the difference between discretionary and nondiscretionary advisory arrangements. Peacock said he has engaged advisors during seminars but has not found a compelling long‑term, paid advisory relationship yet; he also flagged the cost of advisory contracts (sometimes $80,000–$100,000 per year) and preferred a targeted, cost‑benefit approach.

A motion to further consider resources including a Bloomberg subscription and investment management tools — and to prepare budget justification and use cases for review during the fiscal budget cycle — passed unanimously. Staff will prepare a detailed cost‑benefit analysis and use‑case documentation for the City Manager and City Council as part of the upcoming budget process.