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TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL - FINANCIAL AUDIT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009Memorandum Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council 4000 Gateway Centre Boulevard, Suite 100 Pinellas Park, FL 33782 Phone (727) 570-5151 / FAX (727) 570-5118 ..................................................... .. ....................................................................................................................................................... RECEIVED To: Elected Officials and Administrators MAR 16 2010 Regional Planning Council Executive Directors OFFICIAL RECORDS AND From: Commissioner Larry Bustle, Secretary/Treasurer LECISL4TfyE SRVCS DEPT Subject: Transmittal of Fiscal Year 2009 Audit Date: March 15, 2010 Attached is a copy of the financial audit of the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council for the period ended September 30, 2009. If you have any questions, please contact Council's Executive Director, Manny Pumariega (ext.17), or John Jacobsen, Accounting Manager (ext.19). TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Basic Financial Statements September 30, 2009 TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Table of Contents Page Report of Independent Auditors' ..........................................................................................................1 Management Discussion and Analysis ..................................... ......................................................2-8 Basic Financial Statements Government-Wide Financial Statements: Statement of Net Assets .........................................................................................................9 Statement of Activities ......................................................................... Fund Financial Statements: Balance Sheet - General Fund ............................................ ........................................................11 Reconciliation of the Balance Sheet of General Fund to the Statement of Net Assets ....................................................................................................12 Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances - General Fund ...................................... ........................................................13 Reconciliation of the Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance of the General Fund to the Statement of Activities .................... ............................. .14 'Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances - Budget and Actual - General Fund ....... ........................................................15 Notes to Financial Statements ............................................. .................................................16 - 26 Independent Auditors' Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and on Compliance and Other Matters Based on an Audit of Financial Statements Performed in Accordance with Government Auditing Standards ....................................................................... .................................................28 - 29 Independent Auditors' Management Letter ........................... .................................................30 - 31 Appendix A - Management Letter Comments ...................... ........................................................32 Appendix B - Summary Schedule of Prior Audit Findings .... ........................................................33 Report of Independent Auditors' Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council Tampa, Florida We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities and the major fund of the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (the Council) as of and for the year ended September 30, 2009, which collectively comprise the Council's basic financial statements as listed in the table of contents. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Council's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these basic financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position of the governmental activities and the major fund of the Council as of September 30, 2009, and the respective changes in financial position, and the respective budgetary comparison of the general fund for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In accordance with Government Auditing Standards, we have also issued our report dated February 17, 2010 on our consideration of the Council's internal control over financial reporting and on our tests of its compliance with certain provisions of laws, regulations, contracts and grant agreements and other matters. The purpose of that report is to describe the scope of our testing of internal control over financial reporting and compliance and the results of that testing, and not to provide an opinion on the internal control over financial reporting or on compliance. That report is an integral part of an audit performed in accordance with Govemment Auditing Standards and should be considered in assessing the results of our audit. The management's discussion and analysis as listed in the table of contents is not a required part of the basic financial statements but is supplementary information required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. We have applied certain limited procedures, which consisted principally of inquiries of management regarding the methods of measurement and presentation of the required supplementary information. However, we did not audit this information and express no opinion on it. Tampa, Florida February 17, 2010 TAMPA SAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Management's Discussion and Analysis As management of Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (the Council), we offer readers of the Council's financial statements this narrative overview and analysis of the financial activities of the Council for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. We encourage readers to read the information presented here in conjunction with additional information that we have furnished in the Council's financial statements, which follow this narrative. Financial Highlights • The assets of the Council exceeded its liabilities at the close of the fiscal year by $1,437,029 (net assets). • The government's total net assets decreased by $66,270 due to reductions in federal, state & local funding as well as membership dues. • At the end of the current fiscal year, unreserved fund balance for the General Fund was $1,390,194, or 56.0 percent of total general fund expenditures for the fiscal year. The unreserved fund balance consists of $808,282 that is designated and $581,912 that is undesignated. The Council's total long term liabilities decreased by $123,652 compared to the prior fiscal year. The key factor in this decrease is the payment of principal of the Revenue Note. Overview of the Financial Statements This discussion and analysis are intended to serve as an introduction to the Council's basic financial statements. The Council's basic financial statements consist of three components; 1) government- wide financial statements, 2) fund financial statements, and 3) notes to the financial statements (see Figure 1). The basic financial statements present two different views of the Council through the use of government-wide statements and fund financial statements. In addition to the basic financial statements, this report contains other supplemental information that will enhance the reader's understanding of the financial condition of the Council. 2 TAMPA SAY REGIONAL ]PLANNING COUNCIL Management's Discussion and Analysis Required Components of Annual Financial Report Figure 1 Management's Discussion and Analysis Government-wide Financial Statements Basic Financial Statements Fund Financial Statements Basic Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements The first two statements (Page 9 and 10) in the basic financial statements are the Government-wide Financial Statements. They provide both short and long-term information about the Council's financial status. The next statements (Pages 11 through 15) are Fund Financial Statements. These statements focus on the activities of the individual parts of the Council's government. These statements provide more detail than the government-wide statements. The Fund Financial Statements are comprised of the governmental funds statements. The next section of the basic financial statements is the notes to the financial statements. The notes to the financial statements explain in detail some of the data contained in those statements. Government-wide Financial Statements The government-wide financial statements are designed to provide the reader with a broad overview of the Council's finances, similar in format to a financial statement of a private-sector business. The government-wide statements provide short and long-term information about the Council's financial status as a whole. The two government-wide statements report the Council's net assets and how they have changed. Net assets are the difference between the Council's total assets and total liabilities. Measuring net assets is one way to gage the Council's financial condition. The government-wide statements include the governmental activities category. The governmental activities include most of the Council's basic services such as Council and Program activities. Federal and state grants, charges for services and membership dues fund most of these activities. TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Management's Discussion and Analysis Fund Financial Statements The fund financial statements provide a more detailed look at the Council's most significant activities. A fund is a grouping of related accounts that is used to maintain control over resources that have been segregated for specific activities or objectives. The Council, like all other governmental entities, uses fund accounting to ensure and reflect compliance (or non-compliance) with finance-related legal requirements, such as the Council's budget adoption. All of the funds of the Council are included in only one category: governmental funds. Governmental Funds - Governmental funds are used to account for those functions reported as governmental activities in the government-wide financial statements. All of the Council's basic services are accounted for in governmental funds. These funds focus on how assets can readily be converted into cash flow in and out, and what monies are left at yearend that will be available for spending in the next year. Governmental funds are reported using modified accrual accounting which provides a current financial resources focus. As a result, the governmental fund financial statements give the reader a detailed short-term view that helps determine the amount of financial resources available to finance the Council's programs. The relationship between government activities (reported in the Statement of Net Assets and the Statement of Activities) and governmental funds is described in a reconciliation that is a part of the fund financial statements. The Council adopts an annual budget for its General Fund. The budgetary statement provided for the General Fund demonstrates how well the Council complied with the budget and whether or not the Council succeeded in providing the services as planned when the budget was adopted. The budgetary comparison statement uses the budgetary basis of accounting and is presented using the same format, language, and classifications as the legal budget document. The statement shows four columns: 1) the original budget as adopted by the. board; 2) the final budget as amended by the board; 3) the actual resources, charges to appropriations, and ending balances in the General Fund; and 4) the difference or variance between the final budget and the actual resources and charges. Notes to the Financial Statements - The notes provide additional information that is essential to a full understanding of the data provided in the government-wide and fund financial statements. The notes to the financial statements are on pages 16 - 26 of this report. 4 TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Management's Discussion and Analysis Government-Wide Financial Analysis The Council's net assets for the past two fiscal years are summarized as follows. Primary Governmental Activities Current and other assets Capital assets Total assets 2008 $1,960,159 2,496,333 4,456,492 Increase (Decrease) 13nno $1,687,844 2,396,502 4,084,346 $ (272,315) (99,831) (372,146) Long-term liabilities outstanding 2,460,137 2,331,791 (128,346) Other liabilities 493,056 315,526 (177,530) Total liabilities 2,953,193 2,647,317 (305,876) Net assets: Invested in capital assets, net of related debt 169,655 108,157 (61,498) Unrestricted 1,333,6M 1,328,872 (4,772) Total net assets $_1,503,299 $1,437,029 $ (66,270) The decrease in current and other assets is offset by the decrease in long term and other liabilities. The decrease in capital assets is the result of the current year's depreciation. 5 TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Management's Discussion and Analysis Revenues: Program revenues: Charges for services Operating grants and contributions General revenues: Miscellaneous Membership dues Rental income Interest Total revenues Functions/Program Expenses: Financial and administration Comprehensive planning Public safety Physical environmental Debt service-interest and debt service amortization Total functions/program expenses Change in net assets Governmental Activities 2008 2009 $ 936,821 915,539 $ 704,727 539,779 44,286 940,978 181,423 44,230 $ 3,063,277 263,935 1,407,552 773,395 291,070 34,210 914,213 180,513 22,765 $ 2,396,207 257,512 1,304,623 473,115 332,339 Increase (Decrease) $ (232, 094) (375,760) (10,076) (26,765) (910) 21,465 $ (667,070) (6,423) (102,929) (300,280) 41,269 106,306 94,888 11,418 2,842,258 2,462,477 (379,781) $ 221,019 $ __(66,270) $ (287,289) Net assets may serve over time as one useful indicator of a government's financial condition. The Council's net assets decreased by $66,270 for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. The decrease is primarily due to the following: 0 Reductions in federal and state grants and local contracts. • Decreases in membership dues and interest income. Financial Analysis of the Council's Funds As noted earlier, the Council uses fund accounting to ensure and demonstrate compliance with finance-related legal requirements. Governmental Funds - The focus of the Council's governmental funds is to provide information on near-term inflows, outflows, and balances of usable resources. Such information is useful in assessing the Council's financing requirements. Specifically, unreserved fund balance can be a useful measure of a government's net resources available for spending at the end of the fiscal year. 6 TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Management's Discussion and Analysis The general fund is the chief operating fund of the Council. At the end of the current fiscal year, unreserved fund balance of the General Fund was $1,390,194. The total unreserved, designated fund balance of the General Fund was $808,282 which represents amounts designated by the board for specific purposes. Balance Sheet Figure 4 Governmental Funds 2008 2009 Increase (Decrease) Current and other assets $ 1,876,837 $1,610,381 $ 266,456 Liabilities and fund balance Liabilities 371,397 189,173 (182,224) Fund balance: Reserved 35,705 31,014 (4,691) Unreserved 1,469,735 1,390,194 (79,541) Total 1,505,440 1,421,208 (84,232) Total liabilities and fund balance $ 1,876,837 $_1,610,381 $ (266,456) General Fund Budgetary Highlights: During the fiscal year, the Council revised the budget on several occasions. Generally, budget amendments fall into one of three categories: 1) amendments made to adjust the estimates that are used to prepare the original budget once exact information is available; 2) amendments made to recognize new funding amounts from external sources, such as Federal and State grants, contracts, etc.; and 3) increases in appropriations that become necessary to maintain services. Total amendments to the General Fund decreased revenues by $72,935. Federal grants & fees & contracts increased; while state grants declined. Capital Asset and Debt Administration Capital assets - The Council's investment in capital assets for its governmental activities as of September 30, 2009 totals $2,396,502, net of accumulated depreciation of $695,351. These assets include land of $470,041, building of $1,609,996 (net), building components of $175,252 (net), landscaping of $34,343 (net), and equipment, furniture and fixtures of $106,870 (net). Additional information on the Council's capital assets can be found in Note 5 of the basic financial statements. Long-Term Debt - As of September 30, 2009 the Council's long term obligations consisted of a note payable for $2,288,345 and accrual for compensated absences of $169,799. Additional information regarding the Council's long-term debt can be found in Note 9 on pages 25 - 26 of this report. 7 TAMPA SAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Management's Discussion and Analysis Economic Factors and Next Year's Budgets and Rates The following economic factors will have an impact on the Council's 2009/2010 budget: • The decline in the CPI to a 1.3% decrease for the last twelve months provides a positive impact in keeping operating costs at a manageable level. • Investment balances have declined and market interest rates on investments have also dropped, resulting in lower interest income. • The Council's per capita dues rate remains at $30. This calculates to a $2,397 increase as compared to the prior year's assessment. The Council has been able to absorb most increased costs through contract and grant awards. • The recent increase in Regional Planning Council funding by the Department of Community Affairs to the $2.5 million level, increases the Council allocation by $8,337 over the contract period. Budget Highlights for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2010 Several changes to programs will impact the Council's 2009/2010 budget: • Several programs completed in 2008/2009 will not impact the 2009/2010 budget. They include: Eckerd College Mitigation Plan, RDSTF TTX, Statewide Exercise Evaluation, Economic Analysis - Natural Disaster and Pinellas County LMS. These programs accounted for $103,000 of funding in 2008/2009. Disaster Recovery Guide, RDSTF Planning, Statewide Regional Evacuation Plan, Florida Catastrophic Planning, Host Community Relocation Plan, and Economic Analysis & Disaster Resiliency have been renewed; or are continuing. These programs are included in the 2009/2010 initial budget accounting for $427,000 of funding. The initial 2009/2010 budget anticipated approximately $2,657,000 in expenditures. Additionally, several programs, not anticipated in the initial budget, are pending final approval. The funding level of these programs is still to be determined. Requests for Information This report is designed to provide an overview of the Council's finances for those with an interest in this area. Questions concerning any of the information found in this report or requests for additional information should be directed to the Executive Director, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, 4000 Gateway Centre Boulevard, Suite 100, Pinellas Park, Florida 33782. 8 TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Statement of Net Assets September 30, 2009 Primary Government and Governmental Activities Assets Cash $ 807,528 Investments 410,004 Receivables: Federal and state grants 168,230 Local government 173,712 Other receivables 19,893 Prepaid expenses and other assets 108,477 Capital assets _ 2,396,502 Total assets 4,084,346 Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Unearned revenue Long-term liabilities: Due within one year Due in greater than one year Total liabilities Net assets Invested in capital assets, net of related debt Unrestricted Total net assets 83,859 105,314 126,353 2,331,791 2,647,317 108,157 1,328,872 $ 1,437,029 The notes to the financial statements are an integral part of this statement. 9 TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Statement of Activities Year Ended September 30, 2009 Program Revenues Operating Charges for Grants and Net (Expense) Revenue and Changes in Net Assets Primary Government Governmental Functions/Programs Expenses Services Contributions Activities Primary government: Governmental activities: General government: Financial and administration $ 257,512 $ 64,526 $ - $ (192,986) Comprehensive planning 1,304,623 301,300 315,679 (687,644) Public safety 473,115 214,173 164,131 (94,811) Physical environment 332,339 124,728 59,969 (147,642) Debt service -interest and debt service amortization 94,888 - - (94,888) Total governmental activities 2,462,477 704,727 539,779 (1,217,971) Total primary government $2,462,477 $ 704,727 $ 539,779 (1,217,971) General revenues: Miscellaneous 34,210 Membership dues 914,213 Rental income 180,513 Interest 22,765 Total general revenues 1,151,701 Change in net assets (66,7.70) Net assets - beginning 1,503,299 Net assets - ending $ 1,437,029 The notes to the financial statements are an integral part of this statement. 10 TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Balance Sheet General Fund September 30, 2009 Assets Cash $ 807,528 Investments 410,004 Receivables: Federal and state grants 168,230 Local government 173,712 Other receivables 19,893 Prepaid expenditures 31,014 Total assets $ 1,610,381 Liabilities and fund balances Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 83,859 Deferred revenues 105,314 Total liabilities 189,173 Fund balances: Reserved for: Prepaid expenditures 31,014 Unreserved: Designated Grant matching funds 250,000 Development of regional impact and other council activities 125,000 Specialty license plate expenditures 63,483 Compensated absences 169,799 Long term building renewal and replacement 200,000 Undesignated 581,912 Total fund balances 1,421,208 Total liabilities and fund balances $ 1,610,381 The notes to the financial statements are an integral part of this statement. 11 TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Reconciliation of the Balance Sheet of General Fund to the Statement of Net Assets September 30, 2009 Amounts reported for governmental activities in the statement of net assets are different because: Total fund balance - General Fund $ 1,421,208 Capital assets used in governmental activities are not financial resources and, therefore, are not reported in the General Fund. 2,396,502 Debt issuance costs are not available to pay for current-period 77,463 expenditures, and therefore are expensed in future periods. Long-term liabilities are not due and payable In the current period and therefore, are not reported as liabilities in the General Fund. Long-term liabilities at year end consists of: Liability for compensated absences $ (169,799) Note payable (2,288,345) _ (2_,458,144) Total net assets - Governmental Activities $ 1,437,029 The notes to the financial statements are an integral part of this statement. 12 TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance General Fund Year Ended September 30, 2009 Revenues Federal grants $ 231,251 State grants 303,515 Membership dues 914,213 In-kind services 5,013 Fees/contracts 704,727 Other revenues 34,383 Interest 22,765 Rental income 180,513 Total revenues 2,396,380 Expenditures Current: General government: Finance and administration 240,572 Comprehensive planning 1,248,587 Public safety 450,189 Physical environment 323,362 Capital outlay 7,221 Debt service: Interest 89,026 Principal 121,655 Total expenditures 2,480,612 Deficiencyof revenues over expenditures (84,232) Fund balance - beginning 1,505,440 Fund balance - ending $ 1,421,208 The notes to the financial statements are an integral part of this statement. 13 TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Reconciliation of the Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance of the General Fund to the Statement of Activities Year Ended September 30, 2009 Net change in fund balances _ total general fund Amounts reported for governmental activities in the statement of activities are different because: The General Fund reports capital outlays as expenditures. However, in the statement of activities the cost of those assets is allocated over their estimated useful lives and reported as depreciation expense. This is the amount by which depreciation of $107,052 exceeded capital outlay of $7,221 in the current period. Repayment of revenue note principal is an expenditure in the General Fund, but the repayment reduces long-term liabilities in the statement of net assets. In the statement of activities, debt issuance costs are amortized over the life of the related debt. In the statement of activities, the cost of compensated absences is measured by the amounts earned during the year, while in the General Fund expenditures are recognized based on the amounts actually paid for leave used. This is the net amount of vacation, sick leave and other incremental salary-related payments earned in excess of the amount used in the current period. Change in net assets of governmental activities $ (84,232) (99,831) 121,655 (5,859) 1.997 $ (66,270) The notes to the financial statements are an integral part of this statement- 14 TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances Budget and Actual - General Fund Year Ended September 30, 2009 Revenues Federal grants State grants Membership dues In-kind services Fees/contracts Other revenues Interest Rental income Total revenues Expenditures Current: Direct personnel service Indirect casts Other direct costs Publications, subscriptions and dues Travel/conferences Legal expenses Printing/graphics Contract services/consultants Occupancy costs Equipment lease/maintenance Auditing Administrative in-kind Other operating expenditures Capital outlay Debt service: Interest Principal Total expenditures Deficiency of revenues over expenditures Fund balance - beginning Fund balance - ending Variance With Final Original Final Positive Budget Budget Actual (Negative) $ 162,970 $ 248,007 231,251 $ (16,756) 499,928 307,025 303,515 (3,510) 914,213 914,213 914,213 - - 5,013 5,013 - 670,485 718,396 704,727 (13,669) 31,000 31,883 34,383 2,500 45,000 23,000 22765 (235) 177,388 180,512 180,513 1 2,500,984 2,428,049 2,396,380 (31,669) 1,617,409 1,498,390 1,494,864 3,526 65,000 51,000 41,910 9,090 31,850 34,305 30,861 3,444 55,625 63,995 60,188 3,807 33,370 30,949 28,628 2,321 72,875 69,858 58,367 11,491 183,300 266,901 245,316 21,585 126,369 123,378 81,758 41,620 81,103 82,400 78,131 4,269 18,500 21,000 20,998 2 - 5,013 5,013 - 98,500 134,128 116,676 17,452 15,000 8,000 7,221 779 89,026 89,026 89,026 - 110,218 121,659 121,655 4 2,598,145 2,600,002 2,480,612 119,390 (97,161) (171,953) (84,232) 87,721 1,505,440 1,505,440 1,505,440 - $ 1,408,279 $ 1,333,487 $ 1,421,208 $ 87,721 The notes to the financial statements are an integral part of this statement- 15 TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Notes to Financial Statements September 30, 2009 Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The financial statements of the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (the Council) have been designed to conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America as applicable to governmental units. The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) is the accepted standard-setting body for establishing governmental accounting and financial reporting principles. The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies. A - Reporting Entity The Council is a tax-exempt association of cities and counties, which is organized to assist governmental and private agencies in the planning and administration of government-aided programs in the Tampa Bay area. The Council was established by interlocal agreement September 8, 1975 pursuant to the authority of Section 163.01, Florida Statutes. The basic operations of the Council, as reflected in the accompanying statement of revenues and expenditures, are financed by dues charged to member governments. In evaluating how to define the Council for financial reporting purposes, management has considered all potential component units. The decision to include a potential component unit in the reporting entity was made by applying the criteria set forth in Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The basic, but not the only, criterion for including a potential component unit within the reporting entity is the governing body's ability to exercise oversight responsibility. The most significant manifestation of this ability is financial interdependency. Other manifestations of the ability to exercise oversight responsibility include, but are not limited to, the selection of governing authority, the designation of management, the ability to significantly influence operations and accountability for fiscal matters. The other criterion used to evaluate potential component units for inclusion or exclusion from the reporting entity is the existence of special financing relationships, regardless of whether the Council is able to exercise oversight responsibilities. Based upon the application of these criteria, the following component unit was identified. Regional Cooperative Alliance, Inc. Regional Cooperative Alliance, Inc., a tax exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, was formed by the Council for the exclusive purpose of researching, identifying, developing and disseminating strategies to regional issues. The Council's executive board is the governing board of Regional Cooperative Alliance, Inc. In the current year, there was no activity in the component unit to include in the reporting entity's basic financial statements as of September 30, 2009. 16 TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Notes to Financial Statements September 30, 2009 Note 1- Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) B - Basis of Presentation - Basis of Accounting Basis of Presentation Govemment-wide Statements: The statement of net assets and the statement of activities display information about the primary government (the Council). These statements include the financial activities of the overall government. These statements distinguish between the governmental activities of the Council. Governmental activities generally are financed through taxes, intergovernmental revenues, and other non-exchange transactions. The statement of activities presents a comparison between direct expenses and program revenues for each function of the Council's governmental activities. Direct expenses are those that are specifically associated with a program or function and, therefore, are clearly identifiable to a particular function. Indirect expense allocations that have been made in the funds have been reversed for the statement of activities. Program revenues include (a) fees and charges paid by the recipients of goods or services offered by the programs and (b) grants that are restricted to meeting the operational or capital requirements of a particular program. Revenues that are not classified as program revenues are presented as general revenues. Fund Financial Statements: The fund financial statements provide information about the Council's General Fund, which accounts for all of the Council's operations. Measurement Focus. Basis of Accounting Government-wide Financial Statements: The government-wide financial statements are reported using the economic resources measurement focus and are reported using the accrual basis of accounting. Revenues are recorded when earned and expenses are recorded at the time liabilities are incurred, regardless of when the related cash flows take place. Non-exchange transactions, in which the Council gives (or receives) value without directly receiving (or giving) equal value in exchange, include grants, entitlements, and donations. Revenues from grants and entitlements are recognized in the fiscal year in which all eligibility requirements have been satisfied. Amounts reported as program revenues include 1) charges to customers or applicants for goods, services, or privileges provided, 2) operating grants, and 3) capital grants, including special assessments. Internally dedicated resources are reported as general revenues rather than as program revenues. General Fund Financial Statements. The General Fund is reported using the current financial resources measurement focus and the modified accrual basis of accounting. Under this method, revenues are recognized when measurable and available. Revenues are considered to be available when they are collectible within the current period or soon enough thereafter to pay liabilities of the current period. Expenditures are recorded when the related fund liability is incurred, except for principal and interest on general long-term debt and compensated absences, which are recognized as expenditures to the extent they have matured. General capital asset acquisitions are reported as expenditures in governmental funds. Proceeds of general long-term debt and acquisitions under capital leases are reported as other financing sources. 17 TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Notes to Financial Statements September 30, 2009 Note 1- Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Under the terms of grant agreements, the Council funds certain programs by a combination of specific cost-reimbursement grants, categorical block grants, and general revenues. Thus when program expenses are incurred, there are both restricted and unrestricted net assets available to finance the program. It is the Council's policy to first apply cost-reimbursement grant resources to such programs, followed by categorical block grants, and then by general revenues. All governmental activities of the Council follow FASB Statements and Interpretations issued on or before November 30, 1989, including the Accounting Principles Board Opinions, and Accounting Research Bulletins, unless those pronouncements conflict with GASB pronouncements. C - Budgetary Data An annual budget is adopted for the General Fund by the Council at the June meeting preceding the fiscal year end. All annual appropriations lapse at the fiscal year end. Midyear and year-end amendments are made to the budget as necessary. The budget is prepared and controlled at the project activity level. The Council's budget for the general fund is prepared under a budgetary basis. There were no adjustments necessary to convert the results of operations at end of the year from the budgetary basis of accounting to the GAAP basis of accounting for the general fund. D - Assets, Liabilities and Fund Equity Investments Investments are recorded at fair value, except for amounts invested with the State Board of Administration's Local Government Surplus Funds Trust Fund, a 2a7-like investment pool, which are recorded at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Capital Assets Capital assets, which include furniture, fixtures, equipment and a building are reported in the government-wide financial statements. Capital assets are defined by the government as assets with an initial, individual cost of more than $500 and an estimated useful life in excess of two years. Such assets are recorded at historical cost or estimated historical costs if purchased or constructed. The cost of normal maintenance and repairs that do not add to the value of the asset or materially extend assets' lives are not capitalized. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Years Building 40 Building components 10-25 Landscaping 15 Equipment, furniture and fixtures 3-10 18 TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Notes to Financial Statements September 30, 2009 Note 1- Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Compensated Employee Absences Sick leave - Employees with five years of service become eligible to receive 25% of accumulated sick leave upon termination, limited to 150 hours of compensation. Employees with ten years of service become eligible to receive 50% of accumulated sick leave upon termination, limited to 200 hours of compensation. Employees with twenty years of service become eligible to receive 50% of accumulated sick leave upon termination, limited to 250 hours of compensation. Employees with thirty years of service become eligible to receive 50% of accumulated sick leave upon termination, limited to 300 hours of compensation. Other sick pay benefits are paid only in the event of actual sickness. As of September 30, 2009, the total accumulated sick leave pay benefit was $344,236 for all employees. Of this amount, an accrual representing vested benefits of $81,574 has been reported in the government-wide financial statements at September 30, 2009. Vacation pay - Employees can accumulate up to 1 1/2 times the normal amount earned for one year and is payable, if not used, upon termination. At September 30, 2009, accrued vacation payable of $66,822 has been reported in the government-wide financial statements. The liability for compensated absences includes an accrual for incremental salary-related payments. These include the Council's share of social security and Medicare payroll taxes and the Council's required contribution to the Florida Retirement System. At September 30, 2009 accrued salary- related payments totaling $21,403 has been reported in the government-wide financial statements. The amount of accrued compensated absences expected to be paid from current resources is not significant. Em to ee Benefits Indirect Costs and Direct Charge Allocations The Council uses cost allocations to share common or joint institutional costs. Costs are accumulated in pools and are equitably distributed among the programs based on a allocation method that demonstrate compliance with fair and objective cost-sharing among programs, including grant funded programs. Leave benefits consist of annual leave accrued and other types of leave paid (i.e. sick, military, holiday, and administrative leave). Leave costs are accumulated in an organizational leave pool and distributed to programs based on year-to-date in-service salary costs. In-service salaries include salaries paid for regular time, excluding leave benefit costs. This results in all programs bearing an equitable share of leave costs and diminishes the circumstantial effects of timing associated with leave usage. Actual leave benefit costs for the year ended September 30, 2009 are as follows: Leave benefit costs allocated $ 183,611 In-service salaries $ 976,474 Actual rate 18.80% Actual leave rates by employee classification (which reflects leave eligibility) are developed and applied to the year-to-date base of in-service salaries in each program to determine its share of leave costs. In the aggregate, $1,160,085 was charged among all programs operated during the fiscal year. Separate classes of employees are maintained to charge programs in accordance with each employee's leave benefit eligibility. 19 TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Notes to Financial Statements September 30, 2009 Note 1- Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Employee Benefits. Indirect Costs and Direct Charge Allocations (continued) 2. Employees are defined by class based upon fringe benefit eligibility. Employee fringe benefits are accumulated in an organizational pool and are prorated by employee class (i.e. eligibility) based on a year-to-date proportionate share of total year-to-date organizational salaries. Organizational salaries include salaries paid for regular time, overtime and leave benefit costs. Actual fringe benefit costs for the year ended September 30, 2009 are as follows: Fringe benefit costs allocated $ 334,779 Organizational salaries $1,160,085 Actual rate 28.86% 3. Indirect costs consist of joint or common costs supporting all programs such as communication, office supplies, postage, depreciation and risk insurance. Indirect costs are accumulated in an organizational pool and distributed to programs based on year-to-date organizational salaries plus fringe benefits. Actual indirect costs for the year ended September 30, 2009 are as follows: Indirect cost allocated (including $ 78,773 depreciation of $36,862) Organizational salaries plus fringe benefits costs allocated $1,494,864 Actual rate 5.27% 4. Direct costs consist of building occupancy costs, equipment lease and maintenance expense, audit and internal services (printing, library, accounting and data processing). Direct costs are allocated to programs based on year-to-date organizational salaries plus fringe benefits. 5. Financial reporting Programs completed during the fiscal year may have reported interim costs to grantor agencies, pending the determination of final costs at September 30, 2009. Interim reports may show higher or lower allocated costs which reflect changing rates after program termination. Final costs for completed programs can only be determined at the end of the fiscal year. Net Assets/Fund Balances Net Assets Net assets in government-wide financial statements are classified as invested in capital assets, net of related debt, restricted and unrestricted. It is the Council's policy to first apply restricted resources when an expense is incurred for the purpose for which both restricted and unrestricted net assets are available. 20 TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Notes to Financial Statements September 30, 2009 Note 1- Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) Fund Balances In the governmental fund financial statements, reservations or restrictions of fund balance represent amounts that are not appropriable or are legally segregated for a specific purpose. Designations of fund balance represent tentative management plans that are subject to change. The governmental fund types classify fund balances as follows: Reserved Reserved for prepaid expenditure - portion of fund balance that is not expendable and not an available resource. Unreserved Designated for grant matching funds - portion of fund balance not available for appropriation because it represents the year-end fund balance reserved for local expenditures related to grant programs. Designated for development of regional impact and other council activities - portion of fund balance not available for appropriation because it represents the year-end resources reserved for development of regional impact and council activities. Designated for specialty licenses plate expenditures - portion of fund balance reserved for the specialty license plate program. Designated for compensated absences - portion of fund balance reserved for compensated absences. Designated for long term building renewal and replacement - portion of fund balance reserved for the long term renewal and replacement of the Gateway Centre. Undesignated - portion of total fund balance available for appropriation that is uncommitted at year- end. Accounting Estimates - The preparation of the basic financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the basic financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Note 2 - Deposits and Investments A - Deposits and Concentration of Credit Risk At September 30, 2009, the book balance of deposits was $807,528 and the bank balance was $834,586. The Council's bank balances include insured deposits under FDIC and the remaining balances are collateralized pursuant to Chapter 280 of the Florida Statutes. 21 TAMPA SAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Notes to Financial Statements September 30, 2009 Note 2 - Deposits and Investments (continued) IB - Investments Florida Statutes authorize the Council to invest in the State Board of Administration's Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP), certain obligations of the U.S. Treasury and U.S. Agencies, repurchase agreements, and interest-bearing time deposits and savings accounts held in banks and savings and loans. As of September 30, 2009, the Council had Certificates of Deposit totaling $351,206, which mature on December 4, 2009. The Council invests funds throughout the year with the Local Government Surplus Funds Trust Fund (SBA), under the regulatory oversight of the State of Florida. Investments in the SBA consist of the Florida PRIME and the Fund B Surplus Trust Fund ("Fund B"). The Florida PRIME has met the criteria as a "2a7-like" pool; this pool was assigned a rating of "AAAm" by the Standard and Poor's Rating Service. As of September 30, 2009, the Council had a balance of $17,555 in the Florida PRIME. Fund B is accounted for using a fluctuating net asset value pool. The fair value factor at September 30, 2009 was .54915069, and the weighted average. life (based on expected cash flows) of Fund B investments is 6.69 years at September 30, 2009. However, because Fund B consists of restructured or defaulted securities, there is a considerable uncertainty regarding the weighted average life. This pool is not rated by any nationally recognized rating agency. As of September 30, 2009, the Council had a Fund B balance of $75,104 that was recorded at a fair value of $41,243. Interest Rate Risk - TBRPC has no specific policy regarding interest rate risk. Note 3 - Receivables - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts At September 30, 2009, there was no allowance for doubtful accounts since all receivable were considered to be collectible. Note 4 - Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts payables and accrued liabilities at September 30, 2009, were as follows: Accounts payable $ 42,266 Accrued payroll and related liabilities 31,338 Accrued interest payable 4,755 Other 5,500 $ 83,859 22 TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Notes to Financial Statements September 30, 2009 Note 5 -- Capital Assets Capital asset activity for the year ended September 30, 2009 was as follows: Beginning Ending Balance Increases Decreases Balance Governmental activities: Capital assets not being depreciated Land $ 470,041 $ - $ - $ 470,041 Total capital assets not being depreciated 470,041 - - 470,041 Capital assets being depreciated: Equipment, furniture and fixtures 398,490 7,221 (469) 405,242 Landscaping 55,195 - - 55,195 Building components 286,570 - - 286,570 Building 1,874,805 - - 1,874,805 Total capital assets being depreciated 2,615,060 7,221 (469 2,621,812 Less accumulated depreciation for. Equipment, furniture and fixtures (262,150) (36,691) 469 (298,372) Landscaping (17,172) (3,680) - (20,852) Building components (91,532) (19,786) - (111,318) Building (217,914) (46,895) - (264,809) Total accumulated depreciation (588,768) (107,052) 469 (695,351) Total capital assets being depreciated, net 2,026,292 (99,831) - 1,926,461 Governmental activities capital assets, net $ 2,496,333 $ (99,831) $ - $ 2,396,502 Depreciation was charged to the following functions: General government Financial and administration $ 21,443 Comprehensive planning 56,832 Public safety 19,550 Physical environmental 9,227 Total $ 107,052 23 TAMPA BAS' REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Notes to Financial Statements September 30, 2009 Note 6 - Unearned Revenue Unearned revenues in the government-wide and fund financial statements at September 30, 2009 were as follows: Development Regional Impact application fees $ 47,910 Advance - grants and contracts 37,404 Other 20,000 $ 105,314 Note 7 - Operating Leases The Council has entered into operating lease agreements for office equipment and an automobile. Minimum noncancellable lease commitments are as follows: 2010 $ 21,626 2011 7,548 2012 7,548 2013 6,290 Total rental expense for all operating lease agreements for the year ended September 30, 2009 was $19,912. Note 8 - Pension Plan All regular Council employees are participants in the Florida Retirement System (the System). The System is a cost-sharing multiple-employer defined benefit plan which is controlled by the State Legislature and administered by the State of Florida, Department of Administration, Division of Retirement. Benefit provisions are established under Chapter 121, Florida Statutes, which may be amended by the Florida Legislature. For regular class employees, the System provides for vesting of benefits after 6 years of creditable service. Normal retirement benefits are available to regular and senior class employees who retire at or after age 62 with 6 or more years of service or who retire after 30 years of creditable service regardless of age. For senior management class employees, the System provides for vesting of benefits after 6 years of creditable service. Early retirement is available any time after vesting with a 5% reduction of benefits for each year prior to the normal retirement age. Retirement benefits are based upon age, average compensation and years-of-service credit where average compensation is computed as the average of an individual's five highest years of earnings. Certain disability and survivor benefits are also available from the System. There are no required contributions from individual plan members. The System funding policy provides for monthly participating employer contributions at actuarially determined rates that, expressed as percentages of annual covered payroll, are adequate to accumulate sufficient assets to pay benefits when due. Level percentage of payroll employer contribution rates, established by state law, is determined using the entry-age actuarial funding method. Future plan benefit changes, assumption changes, and methodology changes are amortized within 30 years, using level dollar 24 TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Notes to Financial Statements September 30, 2009 Note 8 - Pension Plan (continued) amounts. Except for gains reserved for rate stabilization, future actuarial gains and losses are amortized on a rolling 10% basis, as a level dollar amount. Following are the contribution rates. The rate applied to regular employee salaries was 9.85%. The rate applied to senior management salaries was 13.12%. These rates include a 1.11 % health insurance subsidy. Total payroll for the Council employees covered by the system was approximately $1,195,012 for the year ended September 30, 2009. The Council's total payroll for the same period was $1,160,085. The Council's contribution to the System plan for the years ended September 30, 2009, 2008, and 2007 were $126,738, $127,681, and $124,911 respectively. These amounts are equal to the required contribution for each year. The Council has no responsibility to the System other than to make the periodic payments required by state statutes. The State of Florida annually issues a publicly available financial report that includes financial statements and required supplementary information for the FRS. The most recent available report is for the plan year ended June 30, 2007. That report may be obtained by writing to Division of Retirement, P.O. Box 9000, Tallahassee, FL 32315-9000, or by calling (877) 377-1737, or accessing their internet site at www.frs.state.fl.us. Note 9 - Long-Term Liabilities In September 2008, a $2,410,000 Revenue Note, Series 2008 (the Note) was issued by Mercantile Bank of Florida, N.A. to refinance the $2,800,000 Revenue Note, Series 2002. The Note is payable in monthly installments of $17,578 with a final maturity date of September 2023, and bears interest at a fixed rate of 3.74%. The Note is secured by a lien upon the Council's pledged revenues which includes fees, rents, other revenues and the income and investment held in funds and accounts created by the note. For the current year, principal and interest paid was $210,681 and total pledged revenue was approximately $1.8 million. The future debt service requirements of the Revenue Note, Series 2008 are as follows: Fiscal Year Principal Interest Total 2010 $ 126,353 $ 84,582 $ 210,935 2011 131,229 79,706 210,935 2012 136,083 74,852 210,935 2013 141,543 69,392 210,935 2014 147,004 63,930 210,934 2015-2019 824,444 230,223 1,054,667 2020-2023 781,689 62,050 843,739 $2,288,345 $ 664,735 $2,953,080 25 TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Notes to Financial Statements September 30, 2009 Note 9 - Long-Term Liabilities (continued) Debt issuance costs are reported in other assets on the Statement of Net Assets and are amortized over the life of the Revenue Note. A summary of changes in long-term liabilities follows: Balance Balance October 1, September 30, Current 2008 Additions Reductions 2009 Portion Compensated absences $ 171,796 126,377 (128,374) 169,799 $ - Note payable - Series 2008 2,410,000 - (121,655) 2,288,345 126,353 $2,581,796 126,377 (250,029) 2,458,144 $126,353 Note 10 - Contingency Expenditures incurred by the Council associated with the execution of various grants are subject to audit and possible disallowances by the grantor agency. Management believes that if audited, any adjustment for disallowed expenditures would be immaterial. 26 Supplemental Financial Information Independent Auditors' Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and on Compliance and Other Matters Based on an Audit of Financial Statements Performed in Accordance With AvveramentAudltlyg Standards Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council Tampa, Florida We have audited the financial statements of the governmental activities and the major fund of the Tampa Ray Regional Planning Council (the Council) as of and for the year ended September 30, 2009, which collectively comprise the Council's basic financial statements, and have issued our report thereon dated February 17, 2010. We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. Internal Control Over Financial Reporting In planning and performing our audit, we considered the Council's internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing our auditing procedures for the purpose of expressing our opinion on the financial statements, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Council's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we do not express an opinion on the effectiveness of the Council's internal control over financial reporting. A control deficiency exists when the design or operation of a control does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis. A significant deficiency is a control deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, that adversely affects the Council's ability to initiate, authorize, record, process, or report financial data reliably in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles such that there is more than a remote likelihood that a misstatement of the Council's financial statements that is more than inconsequential will not be prevented or detected by the Council's internal control. A material weakness is a significant deficiency, or combination of significant deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the financial statements will not be prevented or detected by the Council's internal control. Our consideration of internal control over financial reporting was for the limited purpose described in the first paragraph of this section and would not necessarily identify all deficiencies in internal control that might be significant deficiencies and, accordingly, would not necessarily disclose all significant deficiencies that are also considered to be material weaknesses. We did not identify any deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting that we consider to be a material weakness as defined above. 28 Compliance and Other Matters As part of obtaining reasonable assurance about whether the Council's financial statements are free of material misstatement, we performed tests of its compliance with certain provisions of laws, regulations, contracts and grant agreements, noncompliance with which could have a direct and material effect on the determination of financial statement amounts. However, providing an opinion on compliance with those provisions was not an objective of our audit and, accordingly, we do not express such an opinion. The results of our tests disclosed no instances of noncompliance or other matters that are required to be reported under Government Auditing Standards. We noted a certain matter that we have reported to the management of the Council in a separate letter dated February 17, 2010. This report is intended for the information and use of the budget committee, Council members, management, and applicable federal and state agencies, and is not intended to be and should not be used by anyone other than these specified parties. Tampa, Florida February 17, 2010 29 Independent Auditors' Management Letter Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council Tampa, Florida We have audited the financial statements of the governmental activities and the major fund of the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (the Council), as of and for the year ended September 30, 2009, and have issued our report thereon dated February 17, 2010. We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. We have issued our Independent Auditor's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and on Compliance and Other Matters Based on an Audit of Financial Statements Performed in Accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Disclosures in that report, which is dated February 17, 2010, should be considered in conjunction with this management letter. Additionally, our audit was conducted in accordance with Chapter 10.550, Rules of the Auditor General, which governs the conduct of local government entity audits performed in the State of Florida. This letter includes the following information, which is not included in the aforementioned report: Section 10.554(1)(i)1, Rules of the Auditor General, requires that we determine whether or not corrective actions have been taken to address findings and recommendations made in the preceding annual financial audit report. See Appendix B for an update on the prior year's material weakness in the Schedule of Finding's and Questioned Costs. Section 10.554(1)(i)2, Rules of the Auditor General, requires our audit to include a review of the provisions of Section 218.415, Florida Statutes, regarding the investment of public funds. In connection with our audit, nothing came to our attention that would cause us to believe that the Council was in noncompliance with Section 218.415 regarding the investment of public funds. Section 10.554(1)(i)3, Rules of the Auditor General, requires that we address in a management letter any recommendations to improve financial management. In connection with our audit, we did not have any such recommendations. Section 10.554(1)(i)4, Rules of the Auditor General, requires that we address violations of provisions of contracts or grant agreements, or abuse that have an effect on the financial statement that is less than material but more than inconsequential. In connection with our audit, we did not have any such findings. 30 Section 10.554(1)(i)5, Rules of the Auditor General, provides that an auditor may based on professional judgment, report the following matters that have an inconsequential effect on the financial statements, considering both quantitative and qualitative factors: (1) violations of provisions of contracts or grant agreements, fraud, illegal acts, or abuse, and (2) control deficiencies that are not significant deficiencies. See Appendix A for management letter comments with recommendations in connection with internal controls. We did not audit the Council's response to this matter, which is also provided in Appendix A and, accordingly, we express no opinion on it. Section 10.554(1)(i)6, Rules of the Auditor General, requires that the name or official title and legal authority for the primary government and each component unit of the reporting entity be disclosed in the management letter, unless disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. Such disclosure is included in the notes to financial statements. Section 10.554(1)(i)7.a., Rules of the Auditor General, requires a statement be included as to whether or not the Council has met one or more of the financial emergency conditions described in Section 218.503 (1), Florida Statutes, and the identification of the specific conditions met. In connection with our audit of the financial statements of the Council, the results of our tests did not indicate the Council met and of the specified conditions of a financial emergency contained in Section 218.503 (1). However, our audit does not provide a legal determination on the Council's compliance with this requirement. Section 10.554(1)(i)7.b., Rules of the Auditor General, requires that we determine whether the annual financial report for the Council for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, filed with the Florida Department of Financial Services pursuant to Section 218.32(1)(a), Florida Statutes, is in agreement with the annual financial audit report for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. Our comparison of the financial report filed with the Department of Financial Services to the Council's 2009 audited financial statements resulted in no material differences. Pursuant to Sections 10.554(1)(i)7.c. and 10.556(7), Rules of the Auditor General, we applied financial condition assessment procedures. It is management's responsibility to monitor the Council's financial condition, and our financial condition assessment was based in part on representations made by management and the review of financial information provided by the same. The financial condition assessment procedures described above disclosed no deteriorating financial conditions. Pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, this management letter is a public record and its distribution is not limited. Auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America require us to indicate that this letter is intended solely for the information and use of management, and the Florida Auditor General, and is not intended to be and should not be used by anyone other than these specified parties. Tampa, Florida February 17, 2010 31 TAMPA BAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Appendix A - Management Letter Comments September 30, 2009 In planning and performing our audit of the financial statements of the governmental activities and the major fund of the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (the "Council"), as of and for the year ended September 30, 2009, which collectively comprise the Council's basic financial statements, we considered its internal control in order to determine our auditing procedures for the purpose of expressing our opinions on the basic financial statements and not to provide assurance on internal control. Current Year Observations and Recommendations: Revenue Recognition Observation: We noted that approximately $20,000 of deferred/unearned revenue should have been recognized as revenue in the year ended September 30, 2009 relating to certain reimbursement based grant agreements. This amount is offset by the effect of the prior year passed adjustment of approximately $24,000. Recommendation: We recommend that the Council design and implement controls to ensure that revenue is recognized in the appropriate fiscal year based on the contract or grant provisions and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Management's Response: The Council makes every effort to recognize revenue in the appropriate fiscal year. The revenue in question relates to two contracts that cross fiscal years. The Council had planned on recognizing a proportionate amount of contract revenue in each of the fiscal year's of the contracts. In the future, the Council will recognize the contract revenue based on the contract provisions and the requirements of generally accepted accounting principles. 32 TAMPA SAY REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL Appendix S - Summary Schedule of Prior Audit Findings September 30, 2009 Financial Statement Finding - Material Weakness Finding 2008-1: Revenue Recognition Criteria: Revenue should be recognized in accordance with the contract or grant agreement provisions and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Condition: Approximately $134,000 of deferred/unearned revenue should have been recognized as revenue in the year ended September 30, 2007 on a performance based contract that had been completed. As a result, a prior period adjustment was made for the year ended September 30, 2008 to reduce deferred/unearned revenue and increase net assets/fund balance at the beginning of the year by $134,000. Recommendation: The Council should design and implement controls to ensure that revenue is recognized in the appropriate fiscal year based on the contract or grant provisions and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Current status: There was a similar finding for the year ended September 30, 2009 that was considered to be a control deficiency. 33