Tax-exempt leasing is one of the simplest and most successful ways to purchase essential equipment and facilities. In addition to qualifying for low interest rates, municipalities can conserve their cash while acquiring the equipment and facilities necessary for their day-to-day operation. Entering into a municipal lease may also be more cost effective because political subdivisions can purchase equipment or facilities at today’s prices, not next year’s price increase. This is in addition to the annual savings realized through decreased maintenance costs.
There are laws in all 50 states that restrict the ability of municipalities to borrow money. There are, however, very few restrictions on the ability of municipalities to enter into a lease. Leases represent a year-to-year commitment on the part of a municipality to make lease payments, not a commitment to pay debt service. In other words, leases are not considered debt and, therefore not subject to the limitations placed on debt by state and local laws.