Pueblo County Treasurer Kim Archuleta presented a multi‑year plan May 8 to consolidate the county’s investment holdings, increase short‑term liquidity and move the county’s reserve portfolio toward a conservative 0–3 year U.S. Treasury benchmark.

The presentation, led by advisers from Chandler Asset Management, explained why the county’s current holdings — largely callable federal agency bonds bought during the near‑zero interest‑rate period — yield below 1% on average and expose the county to losses if sold today. Julie Hughes, senior portfolio strategist at Chandler Asset Management, said the firm consolidated disparate brokered holdings into a single custody relationship with U.S. Bank and conducted a three‑year historical and forward cash‑flow analysis to determine how much must remain liquid for day‑to‑day needs.

Hughes said, “we consolidated all of those positions and holdings with one entity, which was U.S. Bank,” and described that step as essential to better reporting and oversight. She told commissioners the firm and the treasurer’s office settled on a target benchmark — the ICE BofA 0–3 year U.S. Treasury index — with an average maturity and duration near 1.5 years and a strongly conservative profile.

Why it matters: county staff said limited liquidity forced some early sales to meet payroll and vendor obligations, producing realized losses. Chandler advised an ‘‘organic’’ transformation — allowing existing securities to mature and reinvesting proceeds — rather than immediate, large‑scale sales that would lock in significant losses.

Key facts presented

- Investment policy: Chandler said Pueblo’s formal investment policy had not been updated since 2011 and was revised during the past year to reflect statutory updates and industry best practices, including a new cap on callable securities.

- Custody and reporting: Holdings previously were split among multiple brokers; Chandler consolidated positions under U.S. Bank custody to simplify oversight and reporting.

- Benchmark and strategy: The chosen benchmark is a 0–3 year U.S. Treasury index (ICE BofA 0–3 Year U.S. Treasury), with a target average duration near 1.5 years.

- Current holdings and yields: Chandler described the existing portfolio as concentrated in callable federal agency securities (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Federal Home Loan Bank and Farm Credit) bought during the COVID era when short‑term yields were near zero. The firm reported the portfolio’s average purchase yield at about 0.99% and an average market yield of about 4.18% as of March 31, 2025.

- Maturities and liquidity: Presentations noted roughly $15 million of securities will mature by year end, representing a significant portion of the portfolio; Chandler also cited about $3 million coming due by Sept. 2 to provide near‑term cash. The firm estimated the full portfolio value discussed was about $38 million (Chandler figure presented as of March 31).

- Realized‑loss risk: Chandler said liquidating the entire portfolio as of the March 31 report would show roughly $1.1 million in unrealized losses on the roughly $38 million portfolio; the firm also provided more granular loss estimates for nearer‑term tranches as they approached maturity and noted those numbers would change as market yields move.

Discussion, direction and next steps

- Decision/direction: County staff and Chandler said they agreed not to immediately reinvest certain May maturities to preserve a liquidity cushion; they also described the chosen path as an organic transition — letting holdings roll off and reinvesting proceeds into the new benchmark rather than selling large positions now. Chandler recommended building and maintaining a liquidity cushion and returning to a more diversified, short‑duration portfolio over time.

- Reporting: Chandler said it will provide regular quarterly reports to the treasurer’s office; they and Treasurer Archuleta said they communicate more frequently when cash needs or opportunities arise.

- Timeline and outlook: Chandler estimated the portfolio will be materially improved within two years as maturing low‑yield instruments are reinvested; Archuleta characterized full restoration to an ‘‘optimal’’ structure as likely to take multiple years and said the process could span four to six years.

What commissioners said

County commissioners welcomed the plan and the increased oversight. Commissioner Paula McPheeters said, “I know that the numbers don't look perfect right now, but to know we have a plan moving forward, it just takes a load off my mind.” Other commissioners noted the county often has significant revenue seasonality tied to property tax collections and that improved liquidity should prevent future forced sales to meet payroll or vendor payments.

Bottom line: The treasurer’s office and Chandler Asset Management presented a step‑by‑step approach to reduce operational risk and improve yields by consolidating custody, updating policy and steering reserves toward a conservative short‑term benchmark while maintaining liquidity. The board gave verbal support for the approach; Chandler will deliver formal quarterly reporting and the treasurer’s office will continue day‑to‑day cash management while the transition proceeds.