TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), Separately Issued Financial Statements and the Federal Single Audit for the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2009. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), prepared by the Financial Management Department, contains audited financial information on all City funds for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 (FY 09) in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In accordance with Section 302(e) of the City Charter, the CAFR is submitted annually to the City Council. It is important to note that the CAFR is designed to report historical financial information only and is not designed to report financial projections or budgetary priorities.
We are pleased to report that the Independent Auditor's Report, found on page 1, concluded that the City's financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the City, and its related cash flow and budgetary information. The audit was conducted by KPMG LLP, a certified public accounting firm, under contract with the City Auditor.
The CAFR provides Basic Financial Statements that combine all of the City's assets and liabilities in one consolidated statement. Total City net assets, on an all funds basis, as shown on page 27, were $4.0 billion as of September 30, 2009, which included $3.3 billion for enterprise operations such as the Harbor Fund, Water Fund and Tidelands Fund. Net assets increased by $97.4 million from FY 08 and are in the form of buildings, real property, bond proceeds, funds reserved for capital projects, debt service and grants-funded programs. Most of these funds are restricted by federal or state law and are not available for discretionary use.
As of September 30, 2009, the unreserved fund balance for the General Fund reflects the Emergency Reserve of $39.6 million, comprised of $37.1 million designated by the City Council, plus $2.5 million required by the City Charter, which reflects 10 percent of total General Fund expenditures, consistent with the City Council's financial policy.
A separately issued Management Letter accompanying the CAFR provides certain recommendations from KPMG LLP on how the City can improve its financial reporting and internal controls. City management has reviewed KPMG's recommendations and has responded to each issue in the attached letter (Attachment A).
Finally, as a result of the professionalism and dedication of the Department of Financial Management, as well as finance professionals throughout the City who contribute a wide range of detailed and complex data and supporting documentation, the City has again been awarded the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the City's Fiscal Year 2008 CAFR. The receipt of the Certificate of Achievement attests to the City's desire to be fully accountable to its citizens. In addition, this recognition can be viewed as a positive factor by credit rating agencies and investment banks that underwrite the City's bonds.
Separately Issued Financial Reports and Statements
In addition to the CAFR, certain City funds, joint powers authorities, and other subsidiary entities are also required to submit audited annual financial statements under separate cover, including the Harbor Department, Water Department, Redevelopment Agency, Long Beach Housing Development Company, and the Aquarium of the Pacific. These separate reports are enclosed and are issued annually to meet distinct legal and financial requirements. The financial statement for Long Beach Transit, a discretely presented component unit of the City, for which the City is the sole shareholder, is also included.
Federal Single Audit
Lastly, the Federal Single Audit required by the Federal Office of Management and Budget for municipalities receiving over $500,000 annually in federal funds is also enclosed. We are pleased to report that due to the diligence of finance professionals throughout the City, Long Beach's designation as a "high risk" grantee has been removed.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
Action on this item is not time critical.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
LORI ANN FARRELL
DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT/CFO
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER