Fair Value Measurement

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurement

9.     Fair Value Measurement

The Company groups assets and liabilities at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value.  These levels are:

Level 1 –Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.

Level 2 –Level 2 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.

Level 3 –Level 3 – Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market.  These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.  Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques

Following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities which are either recorded or disclosed at fair value.

Cash and Cash Equivalents-The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Time Deposits Held in Banks-Fair values for fixed-rate time deposits are estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis that applies interest rates currently being offered on time deposits of similar terms of maturity.

Securities Available-for-Sale-Securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available.  If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security's credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions.  Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange and U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter market funds.  Securities are classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy when the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service.  The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information, and the bond's terms and conditions, among other things. Level 2 inputs are used to value U.S. Agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, municipal securities, single issue trust preferred securities, certain pooled trust preferred securities, and certain equity securities that are not actively traded.

Other Investments-The carrying value of other investments is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Loans-For disclosure purposes, 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.  The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis.  No adjustment to fair value is taken related to illiquidity discounts.  However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses is established.  Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired.  Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management uses one of three methods to measure impairment, which, include collateral value, market value of similar debt, and discounted cash flows.  Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans.  Impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral or where the loan balance has been charged down to fair value require classification in the fair value hierarchy.  When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, the Company records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 2.  When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and adjusts the appraisal value by taking an additional discount for market conditions and there is no observable market price, the Company records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 3.

For non-performing loans, collateral valuations currently in file are reviewed for acceptability in terms of timeliness and applicability.  Although each determination is made based on the facts and circumstances of each credit, generally valuations are no longer considered acceptable when there has been physical deterioration of the property from when it was last appraised, or there has been a significant change in the underlying assumptions of the appraisal.  If the valuation is deemed to be unacceptable, a new appraisal is ordered.  New appraisals are typically received within 4-6 weeks.  While awaiting new appraisals, the valuation in the file is utilized, net of discounts.  Discounts are derived from available relevant market data, selling costs, taxes, and insurance.  Any perceived collateral deficiency utilizing the discounted value is specifically reserved (as required by ASC Topic 310) until the new appraisal is received or charged off.  Thus, provisions or charge-offs are recognized in the period the credit is identified as non-performing.

The following sources are utilized to set appropriate discounts: market real estate agents, current local sales data, bank history for devaluation of similar property, Sheriff's valuations and buy/sell contracts.  If a real estate agent is used to market and sell the property, values are discounted 10% for selling costs.  Additional discounts may be applied if research from the above sources indicates a discount is appropriate given devaluation of similar property from the time of the initial valuation.

Other Real Estate-Other real estate properties are adjusted to fair value upon transfer of the loans to other real estate, and annually thereafter to insure other real estate assets are carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value.  Exceptions to obtaining initial appraisals are properties where a buy/sell agreement exists for the loan value or greater, or where we have received a Sheriff's valuation for properties liquidated through a Sheriff sale.  Fair value is based upon independent market prices, appraised values of the collateral or management's estimation of the value of the collateral.  When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, the Company records the other real estate as nonrecurring Level 2.  When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and adjusts the appraisal value by taking an additional discount for market conditions and there is no observable market prices, the Company records the other real estate asset as nonrecurring Level 3.

Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance Policies-Fair value for life insurance cash surrender value is based on cash surrender values indicated by the insurance companies.

Deposits-The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts, NOW accounts, and money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date.  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.  The estimated fair value does not include customer related intangibles.

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase-The fair value approximates the carrying value of securities sold under agreements to repurchase due to their short-term nature.

Junior Subordinated Debentures-For junior subordinated debentures that bear interest on a floating basis, the carrying amount approximates fair value.  For junior subordinated debentures that bear interest on a fixed rate basis, the fair value is estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis that applies interest rates currently being offered on similar types of borrowings.

Commitments to Extend Credit, Standby Letters of Credit and Credit Card Guarantees-Because commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are generally short-term and made using variable rates, the carrying value and estimated fair value associated with these instruments are immaterial.

Assets Recorded at Fair Value

Below is a table that presents information about certain assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

	Assets / Liabilities Measured at Fair Value		Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2011 using:
Description	at September 30, 2011		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Available-for-sale securities:
U.S. Government sponsored enterprises	$	81,976	$	-	$	81,976	$	-
Obligations of state and political subdivisions		97,971		-		97,971		-
GSE mortgage-backed securities		79,519		-		79,519		-
Collateralized mortgage obligations: residential		39,915		-		39,915		-
Collateralized mortgage obligations: commercial		26,355		-		26,355		-
	$	325,736	$	-	$	325,736	$	-

	Assets / Liabilities Measured at Fair Value		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2010 using:
Description	at December 31, 2010		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Available-for-sale securities:
U.S. Government sponsored enterprises	$	117,698	$	-	$	117,698	$	-
Obligations of state and political subdivisions		108,852		-		108,852		-
GSE mortgage-backed securities		11,472		-		11,472		-
Collateralized mortgage obligations: residential		22,688		-		22,688		-
Collateralized mortgage obligations: commercial		3,099		-		3,099		-
	$	263,809			$	263,809	$

Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and are included in the table below (in thousands).  Impaired loans are level 2 assets measured using appraisals from external parties of the collateral less any prior liens.  Other real estate properties are also level 2 assets measured using appraisals from external parties.

	Assets / Liabilities Measured at Fair Value		Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2011 using:
Description	at September 30, 2011		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Impaired loans	$	2,970	$	-	$	2,970	$	-
Other real estate	$	7,278	$	-	$	7,278	$	-

	Assets / Liabilities Measured at Fair Value		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2010 using:
Description	at December 31, 2010		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Impaired loans	$	12,841	$	-	$	12,841	$	-
Other real estate	$	1,206	$	-	$	1,206	$	-

Limitations

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.

The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments are as follows at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

	September 30, 2011				December 31, 2010
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	97,802	$	97,802	$	91,907	$	91,907
Time deposits held in banks		-		-		5,164		5,206
Securities available-for-sale		325,736		325,736		263,809		263,809
Securities held-to-maturity		43,736		44,114		1,588		1,608
Other investments		5,057		5,057		5,062		5,062
Loans, net		666,097		675,497		571,999		580,033
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies		4,813		4,813		4,698		4,698
Financial liabilities:
Non-interest-bearing deposits		222,937		222,937		199,460		199,460
Interest-bearing deposits		766,073		768,973		601,312		602,188
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		55,078		55,078		43,826		43,826
Junior subordinated debentures		15,465		17,342		15,465		16,031