HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 8/7/1996 - Finance and Personnel Committee �
FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES
August 7, 1996
Members Present: Chairman Lawson, Terry Locke and Bill Baird
Others Present: Mayor Cuda, City Clerk Althoff, City Administrator Jordan, City
Auditor John Eder. Alderman Bolger arrived at 7:00 P.M.
Alderman Lawson called the meeting to order at 6:35 P.M.
Chairman Lawson informed the committee that John Eder of Eder, Riedel &
Company was in attendance to review the 1995-96 audit. Copies of the audit
were distributed to all persons in attendance.
Mr. Eder noted as 1995-96 was the second year his firm conducted an audit for
the City of McHenry this year's audit report contained compariable totals for 1994-
95 and 1995-96. He stated overall the financial statements of the City of McHenry
present fairly, in all material respects, the true financial position of the City of
`- McHenry as of April 30, 1996. The cash flows of its proprietary fund types and
nonexpendable trust funds for the 1995-96 year are in conformity with the
generally accepted accounting principles. The City of McHenry financial
statements reflect a good solid financial position. Mr. Eder noted that all of last
year's managment letter comments, except for developing an accounting policy
and procedures manual, were addressed and corrected.
Mr. Eder also drew the committee's attention to the Police Pension Fund. He noted
as per GASB #25 Police Pension Fund investment values have been adjusted to
reflect fair market value as oppose to cash value. This change is required by the
regulatory agency for Police Pensions, the Department of Insurance. Eder also
informed the committee that the police actuarial is currently being conducted every
year as oppose to the previous procedure of once every other year. This allows a
mor� accurate reflection of the fund level. The 1996 acturial will be conducted
immediately upon the approval of this year's audit, as the actuarial requires figures
and information obtained during the audit.
Eder then reviewed the Government Fund and Proprietary Fund Revenue and
Expenditures Statement along with the Summary Balance Sheet. He noted no
individual fund stood out as a current problem and the City was in good financial
position overall.
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Finance Committee Minutes
`-- August 7, 1996
Page Two �
In response to Alderman Locke's inquiry Mr. Eder noted the project assessment and
the special assessment funds were in compliance with all required criteria.
Mr. Eder referenced his management letter of July 1 st. He noted his concern with
the Employee Insurance Internal Service Fund as this year's fund had an
approximatley 540,000 negative fund balance at April 30, 1996. This fund is
used to account for the financing of services provided by one department to other
departments on a cost-reimbursement basis. It was Mr. Eder's recommendation to
review this fund quarterly, but at a minimum, on a semi-annual basis.
Alderman Bolger arrived at 7:00 P.M.
City Clerk Althoff presented a written proposal from Mr. Eder regarding additional
accounting services his firm is asked to perform on an annual intermittent basis.
Mr. Eder charges S90/hour and noted these services would not cost in excess of
51 ,500. Clerk Althoff requested the committee consider and recommend to full
council the approval of this proposal. The services provided would include:
-audit adjustment assistance
L-- -review of each fund after April 30, 1996 adjusting entries completed
-review of each months financial statement to insure general ledger balance
-complete a six month review of the Insurance Fund
-complete a six mnth and year-end review of Pension reports and assistance
with accounting transactions as required by GASB #25
It was the consensus of the committee to place the additional services proposal on
the August 21 st council agenda with a recommendation for approval with a not to
exceed amount of S 1500.
Alderman Locke inquired as to changes in legislation allowing more flexibility in
investment of certain government funds. Mr. Eder did note opportunities exist
currently to invest funds at a higher level of interest, however the risk factor was
greater as well.
City Administrator Jordan noted currently the Parks and Recreation Fund was set
up as an Enterprise Fund and he was considering changing this procedure. He
recommended consideration of making the Parks and Recreation Fund part of the
General Fund. Mr. Eder noted this change was an approved acceptable accounting
practice, however substantial changes in the City's current accounting structure
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Finance Committee Minutes
`-- August 7, 1996
Page Three
will be required. Mr. Eder suggested if the committee made the determination to
include the Parks and Recreation Fund within the General Fund accounts it be a
binding decision for a minimum of three years as substantial adjustments in the
depreciation account as well as additional accounting adjustments will be required.
Motion by Baird, seconded by Locke to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 P.M.
Voting Aye: Baird, Locke, Lawson
Voting Nay: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
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