AGENDA DATE: 1/6/2021
TITLE:
Title
Recommended Revisions to the County’s Financial Management Policies
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Approval of Revisions to the County’s Financial Management Policies and approval of the County’s Investment Policy Document
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Kamptner, Birch, Allshouse, Bessette
PRESENTER (S): Nelsie Birch and Lori Allshouse
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: According to the Government Financial Officers Association (GFOA) guidelines and the County’s financial advisors, financial policies should be reviewed periodically to ensure they are current and effective. The County’s Financial Policies were initially adopted by the Board of Supervisors on October 5, 1994, with amendments approved by the Board on October 11, 2000, August 1, 2012, March 13, 2013, and September 6, 2017, with the September 6, 2017 amendment being the County’s last major update to the County’s Financial Management Policies. On November 6, 2017, the Board approved a revision to the Fund Balance or Reserves Policies Section of the County’s Financial Management Polices to include a Budget Stabilization Reserve.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission: To enhance the well-being and quality of life for all citizens through the provision of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds
DISCUSSION: Over the past several months, staff has conducted a careful review of the County’s Financial Management Policies and recommends several updates. These recommendations have been reviewed by the County’s financial advisors, Davenport and Company, LLC. and are attached (Attachment A).
Recommendations include revisions to ensure the Financial Management Policies accurately reflect the County’s current processes and approaches, to clarify policy language, and to ensure the use of consistent terminology.
The Investment Policies section of the County’s Financial Policies references the County’s Investment Policy Document, which includes additional investment guidelines, and is attached for the Board’s approval. (Attachment B.)
Staff will review these recommendations with the Board during the January 6, 2021 Board meeting.
BUDGET IMPACT: The County’s Financial Policies provide guidance to the County’s budget development and fiscal management processes.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the revised Financial Management Policies as set forth in Attachment A and the County’s Investment Policy Document as set forth in Attachment B.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Recommended Revisions to the County’s Financial Management Policies
Attachment B: County’s Investment Policy Document