CAFR 2013 FINAL (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Budgetary Control The County maintains budgetary controls to ensure that legal provisions of the annual budget are complied with and that those expenditures do not exceed budgeted amounts. Activities of the general fund and special revenue funds are included in the annual appropriated operating budget. Project -length financial plans are adopted for the capital projects fund. Budgetary control is established at the department level. Formal budgetary integration is employed as a management control device for the general fund, special revenue funds, and the capital projects fund. Budgetary control for the debt service fund is achieved through general obligation bond indenture provisions. The basis of accounting used for the budgets of the general and special revenue funds differs from generally accepted accounting principles. Intergovernmental revenues are recognized when awarded by the granting agency, encumbrances and unexpended allotments are treated as expenditures for purposes of determining legal compliance with the annual budget, all leases are treated as operating leases, and accounts payable are not accrued. The County also maintains an encumbrance accounting system as one technique of accomplishing budgetary control. Encumbrances outstanding at fiscal year end are included in the various fund balance categories based on whether the resources are restricted, committed or assigned and do not constitute expenditures or liabilities because they will be honored during the following year. As demonstrated by the statements and schedules included in the financial section of this report, the County continues to meet its responsibility for sound financial management. Cash Management Cash temporarily idle during the year was invested in savings accounts, money market mutual funds, certificates of deposit, repurchase agreements, and agency notes. The average yield on deposits and investments was .18%. The County's policy is to minimize credit and market risks while maintaining a competitive yield on its portfolio. Accordingly, with the exception of $264,173 held by a rental management agent, deposits were either insured by federal depository insurance, collateralized, or secured by irrevocable letters of credit. All collateral on deposit was held for safe keeping with a County -designated agent in the County's name. Financial Highlights As a result of another year of declining property values which negatively impacted real property tax revenues, the County was again faced with the dilemma of balancing its budget. To avoid negatively impacting the local economy, the County worked diligently to lower its operating costs while continuing to service the community and its people rather than raise real property taxes. -5-