Fair Value of Financial Instruments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

(12) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Generally accepted accounting standards in the U.S. require disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized on the face of the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. The assumptions used in the estimation of the fair value of Colony Bankcorp, Inc. and Subsidiary's financial instruments are detailed hereafter. Where quoted prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using discounted cash flows and other valuation techniques. The use of discounted cash flows can be significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. The following disclosures should not be considered a surrogate of the liquidation value of the Company, but rather a good-faith estimate of the increase or decrease in value of financial instruments held by the Company since purchase, origination or issuance.

Cash and Short-Term Investments – For cash, due from banks, bank-owned deposits and federal funds sold, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value and is classified as Level 1.

Investment Securities – Fair values for investment securities are based on quoted market prices where available. If quoted market prices are not available, estimated fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock – The fair value of Federal Home Loan Bank stock approximates carrying value.

Loans – The fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings. For variable rate loans, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Deposit Liabilities – The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts and certain money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date and is classified as Level 1. The fair value of fixed maturity certificates of deposit is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities and is classified as Level 2.

Federal Funds Purchased – The carrying value of federal funds purchased approximates fair value.

Subordinated Debentures – Fair value approximates carrying value due to the variable interest rates of the subordinated debentures.

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase and Other Borrowed Money – The fair value of other borrowed money is calculated by discounting contractual cash flows using an estimated interest rate based on current rates available to the Company for debt of similar remaining maturities and collateral terms. Other borrowed money is classified as Level 2 due to their expected maturities.

Unrecognized Financial Instruments – Fair values for off-balance sheet, credit-related financial instruments are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties' credit standing. The fees associated with these instruments are not material.

Disclosures of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or non-recurring basis, are required in the financial statements.

The carrying amount, estimated fair values, and placement in the fair value hierarchy of the Company's financial instruments as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are as follows:

	Fair Value Measurements at										Fair Value Measurements at
	September 30, 2012										December 31, 2011
	Carrying		Estimated		Level		Level		Level		Carrying		Estimated
	Value		Fair Value		1		2		3		Value		Fair Value
Assets
Cash and Short-Term Investments	$	74,233	$	74,233	$	74,233	$	---	$	---	$	112,329	$	112,329
Investment Securities Available for Sale		242,097		242,097		---		241,965		132		303,891		303,891
Investment Securities Held to Maturity		45		46		---		46		---		46		46
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock		3,139		3,139		3,139		---		---		5,398		5,398
Loans, Net		711,971		714,056		---		697,377		16,679		700,614		702,438
Liabilities
Deposits		941,204		944,051		421,662		522,389		---		999,985		1,003,648
Subordinated Debentures		24,229		24,229		24,229		---		---		24,229		24,229
Other Borrowed Money		30,000		33,922		---		33,922		---		71,000		74,720

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company's financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on many judgments. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Fair value estimates are based on existing on and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments include deferred income taxes and premises and equipment. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimates.