Material weaknesses noted in county’s comprehensive financial report
News July 13, 2022
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Chris McKellar of the CPA firm Mauldin and Jenkins presented the FY 2021 Comprehensive Annual Finance Report to the Board of Commissioners Tuesday and despite some noted weaknesses and several recommendations said, the County is to be commended since the reporting “goes above and beyond the information that is required.”
The report shows the County has $2.8 billion in total assets and $722.1 million in liabilities for a net financial position of about $2 billion.
Among the weaknesses reported, the Forsyth County Public Library did not record a reimbursable expenditure of $53,609. The firm recommended that “management establish procedures to review its reimbursable expenditures on a periodic basis to ensure any resulting revenues are recorded.”
McKellar also noted that an audit adjustment of $500,497 was required in the E911 Fund “in order to properly record revenue and receivables as of Dec. 31, 2001.” The firm recommended the County strengthen its internal controls over the revenue and receivables in accordance with General Accepted Accounting Procedures.”
There were also material weaknesses noted relating to the County’s compliance with the US Department of Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance Program and the US Department of Treasury Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund.
Regarding the Rental Assistance Program, McKellar said the County did not complete and submit a monthly report for August 2021 and none of the monthly reports were submitted in a timely manner.
Regarding the Coronavirus Recovery Fund, he noted the report was prepared and submitted by only one member of the county staff and was not subject to review prior to submission.
McKellar recommended for both material weaknesses that the County take neyecessary steps to ensure those responsible for the program are aware of reporting requirements and have a process in place to ensure that all reports are completed and submitted timely manner.
He stated, “The federal government wanted to get the money out to local government as quick as possible and their reporting requirements changed several times. Commissioner Cindy Mills said, “The County received the grant money before it received requirements of how to report it.”
There was also a drawdown of $154,638 from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority grant that was not included. He recommended the County Financial staff implement procedures to ensure that all drawdowns are reported to the grant staff.
BOC to review 2021 financial report Tuesday
News July 11, 2022
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The accounting firm of Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC will present the 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and the Board of Commissioners will consider a series of budget resolutions regarding the 2021 budget during a work session Tuesday, July 12.
Resolutions to be considered include the transfer of available funds from the General Fund to the Capital Outlay Fund with approval of an additional one-time transfer based on the General Fund’s Unassigned Fund Balance in the December 31, 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
Other items to be considered include:
- A Budget Resolution to rebudget encumbered and carryover items from 2021;
- A Budget Resolution for the final Budget Amendment to close the 2021 Fiscal Year
- A revised Forsyth County Policy and Procedures regarding Pauper Burials;
- A presentation regarding an action plan to make the Polo Fields property sufficient for
public use; - Approval of a Development Agreement between Forsyth County, Frances Janette Robinson, and Joyce Croy;
- Approval of a Change Order with New World Restoration LLC in the amount of $15,330.00 for drywall repairs at Sexton Hall and Public Safety;
- Approval to award Bid 22-53-3150 to provide all materials, equipment, and labor for the resurfacing of 51.48 miles of roads to Blount Construction in the amount of $8,061,997;
- Approval of a Sewer Reservation Agreement with Cheer Investments, Inc. for 1,178 gallons per day (gpd) of Sewer Capacity with authorization for the Department of Water and Sewer to purchase said Capacity from the City of Cumming;
- Approval of a Sole Source Purchase from Aerzen USA Corporation for a Bioreactor Blower in the amount of $208,253.00 for the Fowler Water Reclamation Facility Phase II Expansion for the Department of Water and Sewer; Water and Sewer;
- Approval of a Sole Source Purchase from SUEZ Treatment Solutions, Inc. for a Membrane Treatment System in the amount of $2,978,000.00 for the Fowler Water Reclamation Facility Phase II Expansion for the Department of Water and Sewer;
- Approval of a Sole Source Purchase from Trojan Technologies for a UV Disinfection Unit in the amount of $290,600 for the Fowler Water Reclamation Facility Phase II Expansion for the Department of Water and Sewer;
- Approval of a Change Order with G.P.’s Enterprises, Inc. in the amount of $548,902.50 regarding the Ronald Reagan Boulevard Project for the addition and revision of erosion control BMP’s;
- Amendments to the Unified Development Code related to the Comprehensive Plan Update within Chapter 12
- A County-Initiated Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for an open storage yard at Highland Ridge 3 – Parcel 018-216;
- Approval to enter into a Master Consulting Agreement with Solutionbuilt Inc. for professional services for the design and implementation of a mobile platform for county employees;
- Authorization for the Chair to execute a Right-of-Way Permit issued by the United States Department of the Interior to authorize the continued location and insertion of the Shakerag underground pipe and outfall structure.