HomeMy WebLinkAbout18-034 Establishing Finance and Budget Policy Guidlines and Repealing Resolution 16-042Resolution I8-034
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RESOLUTION NO. 18-034
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND,
WASHINGTON, ESTABLISHING FINANCE AND BUDGET POLICY GUIDELINES
AND REPEALING RESOLUTION 16-042
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted a set of Financial Policies and Budget Guidelines
relating to Revenues, Expenditures, Reserves and general Budget goals and guidelines in
Resolution 99-051; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted an updated set of Financial Policies and Budget
Guidelines relating to Revenues, Expenditures, Reserves and general Budget goals and guidelines
in Resolution 14-042; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted an updated set of Financial Policies and Budget
Guidelines relating to Revenues, Expenditures, Reserves and general Budget goals and guidelines
in Resolution 16-042; and
WHEREAS, the State Auditor's Office and the Government Finance Officers Association
recommends the adoption of Financial Policies and the periodic updates of these policies; and
WHEREAS, the City's Finance and Budget Committee has reviewed the Comprehensive
Financial Policies at its April 24, 2018 meeting; and
WHEREAS, the City's Finance and Budget Committee recommend moving these updated
policies forward to Council for review and adoption;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Port
Townsend, Washington, as follows:
Section 1. Resolution 16-042 is repealed and replaced by the attached Comprehensive
Financial Policy Guidelines (Exhibit A to this Resolution);
Section 2. The annual budget ordinance and supplemental ordinances shall be considered as
a part of and implementing document for the City's Finance and Budget Policy Guidelines.
Resolution 18-034
Page 2 of
ADOPTED by the City Council of Port Townsend, WA at a regular meeting thereof, held
this 16th day of July 2018.
Attest.,
Joanna Sanders, OMC
City Clerk
- - --------------- --------- -
Deborah S. StU011
Mayor
Approved as to form:
"wood I
Gree cc wood
City Attorney
Exhibit A to Resolution 18-034
Comprehensive Financial Management Policy Guidelines
Page 1 of 23
Policy uJr"Uldelilles
Exhibit A to Resolution 18-034
Comprehensive Financial Management Policy Guidelines
Page 2 of 23
Comprehensive Financial Management Policies Index
I. FINANCIAL POLICY GUIDELINES ................................................ ............. ............. .....3
II. ORGANIZATION................................................................................................................3
III. ACCOUNTING, AUDITING AND FINANCIAL REPORTING......................................4
IV. FUND STRUCUTURE & FUND RESERVE GUIDELINES............................................6
V. REVENUE POLICIES ................................. ................ ......... ......... ...........................9
VI. OVERHEAD COST RECOVERY (COST ALLOCATION)...........................................11
VII. GENERAL BUDGET POLICIES -.... ........ ................... ........ -- ... ,...............,,.....,.12
VIII. FINANCIAL PLANNING POLICIES...........................................................................14
IX. ENTERPRISE FUNDS.....................................................................................................14
X. CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROGRAM PLAN POLICIES..............................................15
XI. DEBT MANAGEMENT POLICY ..................................... ........... ,,.......... ..,,.........,..,......
15
XII. PURCHASING POLICY.................................................................................................17
XIII. GRANTS MANAGEMENT POLICY ... ................ ................ ............ ....... --- ....... .......
17
Exhibit A to Resolution 18-034
Comprehensive Financial Management Policy Guidelines
Page 3 of 23
I. FINANCIAL POLICY GUIDELINES
The financial policies outlined in this document have been developed in accordance with
the Government Finance Officers Association's "Best Practices". These policy guidelines
are intended to aid the City Council and City management in financial decision making.
These policy guidelines also provide a means to test short term financial and budget
decisions to help ensure the City is able to meet its immediate and long term financial
service objectives and obligations.
The City of Port Townsend is accountable to its citizens for the use of public funds.
Municipal resources must be wisely used to ensure adequate funding for services, public
facilities and infrastructure needed to meet the community's present and future needs.
These policies are designed to help safeguard the fiscal stability required to achieve the
City's goals and objectives.
The City's Comprehensive Financial Policies have the following objectives:
• To guide the City Council and management policy decisions that have significant
financial impact.
• To set forth operating principles which minimize the cost of government and
financial risk to the City.
• To employ balanced, consistent and fair revenue policies that provide adequate
funding for desired programs.
• To promote sound financial management by providing accurate and timely
information on the City's financial condition.
• To protect the City's credit rating and provide for adequate resources to meet the
provision of the City's debt obligations for all municipal debt.
• To ensure the legal use of financial resources through an effective system of
internal controls.
II. ORGANIZATION
The City provides municipal services for its citizens, including protection of life and
property, public health and welfare, and improved quality of life. The City Council deems
it a high priority to deliver municipal services in the manner consistent for all citizens,
and with maximum efficiency and financial prudence.
The Council, as the legislative and governing body, sets the City's Financial and Budget
Policy Guidelines, and through its Finance and Budget Committee, monitors and reviews
the City's overall financial performance.
The City Manager, as the City's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Budget Officer, is
responsible to the Council for managing City operations and program services, and
preparation of the City's Annual Budget consistent with established Financial and Budget
Policy Guidelines.
Exhibit A to Resolution 18-034
Comprehensive Financial Management Policy Guidelines
Page 4 of 23
The Director of Finance and Administrative Services, as the City's Chief Financial
Officer and Chief Auditing Officer, is responsible to the City Manager for the preparation
of accurate and timely financial and budget reporting. Additional responsibilities include
human resource and information technology administration, general accounting, business
license/tax administration and utility billing operations, =rant federal & state fundiri
compliance, purchasin drain stratiot , as well as policy advice to the City Manager and
Council.
The Department Heads are responsible to the City Manager for dDepartment 29perations
&& budggto�bsL:r al1gg., an4-cCapital pp-roject management, pu� ,and grants
administration. Department Heads monitor related revenue performance and expenditure
control with the assistance of the Finance Department.
The City must prioritize its services and, should revenues become constrained, the
following services are considered priorities in the following general order:
1. Public Life, Health and Safety: Police, fire, emergency medical services; building
inspections; and traffic control; water, sewer, and storm drainage service and
streets infrastructure maintenance.
2. Legal Mandates: Accounting/auditing/financial reporting; land -use planning;
required staff certifications and training.
3. City Facilities and Property: maintenance of parks, buildings, public rights of
way, and City equipment (including information technology equipment);
4. Council and community goals, both annual and long-range, including strategic
plan goals.
III. ACCOUNTING, AUDITING AND FINANCIAL REPORTING
The City will maintain a system of financial monitoring, control and reporting for all
operations and funds in-efle-r--to provide effective means of ensuring that overall City
goals and objectives are met.
Accounting Records and Reporting — The City will maintain its accounting records in
accordance with state and federal regulations. Budgeting, accounting and reporting
activities will conform to the Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System (BARS) for
Governments as prescribed by the Washington State Auditor. The City maintains its
accounting and btid >et� i egg records on a cash basis and adheres to the cash basis BARS
manual.
Ca lital Assets As a cash basis entity, the City records and reports only inflows and
outflows of cash. When a capital asset is purchased the entire expenditure is recorded
when the cash is expended and depreciation is not recorded. The City considers capital
assets to be real and intangible assets above $5,000 in value that have an anticipated life
of one year or more. Capital assets are tracked by the Finance Department as a fixed asset
inventory list. Items that are no longer needed or no longer functional will be disposed
according to the City surplus policy and state law.
Exhibit A to Resolution 18-034
Comprehensive Financial Management Policy Guidelines
Page 5 of 23
Capital assets that are purchased with grant funds may be subject to additional
compliance requirements. The department obtaining the grant is responsible for
understanding any compliance requirements related to acquiring, inventorying, tracking
and disposing of assets obtained through these types of funds.
Small and .attractive Assets _ The City identifies small and attractive assets as items
with a cost greater than $300 but less than $5,000. These items have a life expectancy of
more than one year AND are not likely to be immediately missed upon disappearance.
These items are generally mobile in nature and may be easily transported from the
workplace. Some exceptions to the $300 minimum include tablets, phones agrsgnLll
computers and other lower cost items that have ongoing maintenance or service costs
associated with them. Department Heads are accountable for the security of these items
and are responsible for following the Small and Attractive Assets Policy and Procedures
that have been adopted by Council. The Finance and Administrative Services Director
has oversight responsibility for this policy and the associated inventory of these items.
Auditing — The State Auditor will perform the City's financial, federal single audit and
accountability/compliance audits in accordance with state and federal laws. Results of the
audit will be provided to the Council in a timely manner.
Cash Mana ement — The Finance & Administrative Services Director will ensure that
cash management systems are developed to ensure accurate and timely accounting for all
cash and security of all cash assets.
Careful financial control of the City's daily operations is an important part of the City's
overall fiscal management practices. Achieving adequate cash management and
investment control requires sound financial planning to ensure that sufficient revenues are
available to meet the current expenditures of any operating period.
The City's cash management and investment guidelines are as follows:
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prudcrat investment of its,available cash.
«� The Finance & Administrative Services Director Finance Director serves as the
investment officer of the City of bort 'T"ownsend. The Finance Director is
authorizedto oversee the investment program and to develo o tin
m°ocedures to administer the prograni, The Finance Director may delegate the
authority to conduct investment transactions and manage the operation of the
investnient_portfolio to one or raaor-e subordinates as outlined in the investment
program p i p participants i1pocess
ro gram o.,eratrra � tocctlrric� 111 �rr•tit,r grants ara the t.,ic� s rnvcstnrrcnt
shall act responsibly as custodians of the public trust.
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Exhibit A to Resolution 18-034
Comprehensive Financial Management Policy Guidelines
Page 6 of 23
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• As permitted by law and City ordinances and to maximize the effective
investment of assets, all funds needed for general obligations may be pooled into
one account for investment purposes. The income derived from this account will
be distributed to the various funds based on their average fund balances on a
periodic basis.
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IV. FUND STRUCUTURE & FUND RESERVE GUIDELINES
The City's accounting and budgeting systems are organized and operated on a fund basis.
Funds are accounting entities used to record revenues and expenditures. By definition,
balanced funds mean that total revenues equal total expenditures. The budgeted funds are
Exhibit A to Resolution 18-034
Comprehensive Financial Management Policy Guidelines
Page 7 of 23
grouped into categories: General, Special Revenue, Debt Service, Capital Projects,
Enterprise, and Internal Service.
The following provides a brief description of the fund types and reserve guidelines for
each fund. The numbers in parentheses represent the BARS manual fund series
numbering scheme.
GENERAI, FUN1 010 -- This is the primary operating fund or current expense fund
of the City. To maintain the City's credit rating and meet seasonal cash flow, the budget
shall provide for an anticipated undesignated fund balance between 8% and 15% of
estimated annual revenues for general government fund types. The fund balance shall be
exclusive of all reserves not anticipated to be readily available for use in emergencies and
contingencies. Should the fund balance fall below 8% of revenues, a plan for expenditure
reductions and/or revenue increases shall be submitted by the City Manager to the
Council. If, at the end of a fiscal year, the fund balance falls below 8%, then the City
shall rebuild the balance within a period not to exceed three fiscal years.
GENERAL FUND COUNCIL RESERVE Included in the General Fun — In
addition to the Fund balance and the Contingency Fund, the budget for the General Fund
shall provide for a "Council Reserve" equivalent to approximately I% of estimated
operating revenues in the General Fund (010). Only the General Fund shall maintain a
"Council Reserve." The Council Reserve is established to provide for non-recurring
community requests or unanticipated needs deemed necessary by Council. The Council
Reserve shall be suspended during times of significant economic downturn, especially
during years when the General Fund ending fund balance falls below 5%. The Council
Reserve is a budgeted appropriation expected to be specifically allocated at the Council's
discretion.
SPECIAL REVENUE 'FUNDS 101-199 -- These funds account for revenues derived
from special taxes, grants or other restricted sources designed to finance particular
activities. Apart from any unrestricted General Fund contributions to a Special Revenue
Fund, the unexpended ending fund balances carry over year to year and should retain
enough revenue to cover operating cash flow and anticipated major project or program
obligations of the fund.
Of these funds, the Street, Library, and Community Services funds are of an operations
nature. The Street and Community Services Funds reserve balance will be equivalent to
2-3% of fund expenditures. The Library Fund reserve is set at 5-8% of Library property
tax revenue.
Other Special Revenue Funds are more cyclical or project related and only need retained
ending fund balances or transfers in to cover anticipated obligations: Drug Enforcement,
Lodging Tax, Fire/EMS, Affordable Housing, and CDBG Grants.
CONTI NG ENC° 102 — While classified as a Special Revenue Fund, the City's
Contingency Fund is more of a strategic reserve to meet emergency conditions or to help
Exhibit A to Resolution 18-034
Comprehensive Financial Management Policy Guidelines
Page 8 of 23
maintain essential services during periods of economic downturn. Each fund should
retain enough in its own Ending Fund Balance Reserves to offset minor non-recurring or
unanticipated expenses during the budget year. The City's Contingency Fund is intended
for major events and should be maintained at no less than 2% of the General Fund annual
operating revenues. If the contingency falls below 2% of operating revenue, the City will
initiate a plan that will restore the balance to the required level over a three-year period.
DEBTSERVICES FUN I) 20II"
— These funds are used to pay general government debt.
The City shall retain or transfer in funds sufficient to cover the annual debt service
obligations, and retain such "coverage" amounts to comply with bond covenants or other
loan restrictions.
CAPI'T'AL PROJECTS FUNDS 300 — These funds are established for the acquisition
or construction of general government (non-utility) capital improvements. Ending Fund
Balance Reserves should be maintained at levels sufficient to cover anticipated annual
expenditures with transfers in from supporting funds (General, REET, etc.) to cover
project needs.
ENTERPRISE FUNDS 400 — These funds are the proprietary or "business -like" funds
for operations providing services to the general public supported primarily through user's
fees (Water, Sewer, Stormwater, and Utility Revenue Bond). The Ending Fund Balances
of these funds should be equal to or greater than 60 days of operating expenditures and
any additional amounts needed to build towards future project cash or debt payment
needs. To the extent that the reserved Fund Balance and operating cash flow are not
adequate to fund needed utility system improvements, additional rate increases or
surcharges may be adopted by Council. Included in the Enterprise funds are Debt Service
Reserve Funds, Utility Capital Project Funds and System Development Fund.
Revenue bonds may be issued by the Enterprise Funds. Investors may require additional
lending requirements or covenants. The ending fund balance of the Enterprise Funds
should include a reserve to cover any additional covenant requirements
INTERNAL SERVICE FtJNDS '500 — These funds are also internal "business -like"
funds for operations providing services to other City departments (funds) on a direct cost -
reimbursement basis (e.g. Equipment Rental including Information Technology services
and equipment, Public Works AAdministaratioi and internal Engineering Services). Fund
balances should break even, after set aside of funds for future capital equipment
replacements.
FIDUCIARY FUNDS 600 — These funds account for assets held by the City as a
trustee or as an agent on behalf of others. Ending Fund Balances and any transfers in
should be maintained consistent with fund restrictions.
ENDING FUND BALANCE, RESERVES, CONTINGENCY SUMMARY
Exhibit A to Resolution 18-034
Comprehensive Financial Management Policy Guidelines
Page 9 of 23
The following is a summary of the reserves guidelines. Guidelines will be reviewed
annually as a part of the Budget process:
• General Fund ...........................................
8-15% of operating revenue
• Library .....................................................
5-8% of property tax
• Street .......................................................
2-3% of expenditures
• Community Services ...............................
2-3% of expenditures
• Other Special Revenue Funds .................
Sufficient to meet obligations
• Contingency ............................................
No less than 2% of operating revenue
• Debt Service ............................................
Sufficient to meet obligations
• General Capital ........................................
Sufficient to meet obligations
• Enterprise Funds ......................................
60 days of operating expenditures
• System Development Charges Fund (Enterprise)
.... Sufficient to meet obligations
• Internal Service .......................................fir
w, „a :.,,. vL-flue-Sufficient to
me t 0 i - atg i ons
• Fiduciary Funds .......................................
Sufficient to meet obligations
The undesignated General Fund Balance (the balance not tied to a known project) will be
maintained at a level that provides the City with sufficient working capital and a
comfortable margin of safety to address emergencies and unexpected declines in revenue
without borrowing. The City should not use the undesignated General Fund Balance to
finance recurring operating expenditures. Annual General Fund revenues should be equal
to or greater than annual regular operating expenditures.
Reserves above the target can be used for new, expenditures, with emphasis placed on one
time uses that achieve future gRgLgting cost reductions. _JOtl at oii mi slit bpi
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., .
General Fund revenues will be used for general government, street and community
service programs only. General Fund revenue for other purposes will require approval by
the City Council.
General Fund revenues will not be used to subsidize utility or enterprise operations,
which will be self-supporting through user rates.
V. REVENUE POLICIES
General Revenue Policies - The City will strive to maintain a diversified and stable
revenue system to shelter the government from short -run fluctuations in any one revenue
source and ensure its ability to provide ongoing service.
Restricted revenue shall only be used for the purposes legally permissible and in a
fiscally responsible manner. Programs and services funded by restricted revenue will be
clearly designated as such.
Exhibit A to Resolution 18-034
Comprehensive Financial Management Policy Guidelines
Page 10 of 23
One-time revenues shall support one-time expenditures.
County, state or federal funding will be used to finance only those capital improvements
that are consistent with the capital improvement plan and local government priorities, and
whose operation and maintenance costs have been included in operating budget forecasts.
Enter rise Fund Revenue Policies - Enterprise funds will be operated in a manner that
maintains a minimum ending fund balance that is not less than t)O days q,f QPg_ t_ i
ex pepditures-5-41/1r,*l4-ot l opefatt"venues.
Utilities will be self-supporting through user rates and charges.
Utility user charges for each of the City utilities will be based on cost of service (i.e., set
to full support the total direct, indirect, and capital costs) and established so that the
operating revenues of each utility are at least equal to its operating expenditures and
annual debt service obligations. The user rates of a utility shall be designated so that a
portion covers replacement of the utility's facilities.
'1"ire LJ,ti lity will condLtct a study orits user rates no less than every -yc rs s� side+
' -1-dy-* imwov eat�ito ensure rates are
adequate to fund egr ations and meet future needs,. -and. -Io -Am 1 -
Fund balances may be used to temporarily offset rate increases, after sufficient funds
have been accumulated for identified capital improvement needs or alternative fuinding
for moiects has been secured.
Fees and Charges Non-Utifi - All fees for licenses, permit, fines, and other
miscellaneous charges shall be set to recover the City's expense in providing the
attendant service. Average cost or actual cost methodology may be used. These fees will
be reviewed periodically and will be incorporated into the budget process for possible
action by Council.
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-oor-iiieastir+�-a,s-de, min y wi,474o , Ffees and charges for services
will generally be set to recover the actual cost of service delivery.Fees that erre set lower
then tthe cost of service deliver v will be reviewed at least every other year to determine if
those fees are still appropriate based_on. City finances and the community needs.
Exhibit i Resolution 18-034
Comprehensive Financial Management Policy Guidelines
Page
•:eal whi � h induded King,
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Where direct beneficiaries of a city program or services can be identified, fees will be
established to recover the costs of that program or service. Fees will also be set in a
manner that protects tax payers from subsidizing special service users. A fee shall be
charged for any service that benefits limited interests within the community, except for
human needs type services to persons with limited ability to pay.
Rental fees will be established to recover full cost of use of the property or facility. Fees
related to the rental of City properties may be waived only throu h a roval of the City
Manager, The waiver of fees will only^ be provided if the air ose of the rental or it
associated event will benelt the community at lame.
Some services provide greater benefit to the community. When a greater community
benefit is identified, the Council may choose to subsidize, either whole or in part, such
services.
Park and Pool Fees – The Pool division will strive to recover 50% of Pool costs by
generating revenues through special programs, fees, charges, donations and/or designated
use of City -operated facilities. l. _arl-ht nt1�1w
ye�gY�
Through a volunteer recruitment program, the Parks will seek to minimize the subsidy
required for partial and minimum fee support programs.
Solicitation of funds through donations, fund raising events, non-traditional sources, and
various other modes will be encouraged by the City through its park and pool user
groups. Funds collected for any special purpose shall be earmarked for that purpose.
VI. OVERHEAD COST RECOVERY (COST ALLOCATION)
As provided in the State Auditor's Office guidelines, "Cost allocation is a method to
determine and assign the cost of central services to the internal -government users of those
services. Cost allocation thereby enables local governments to more accurately account
for the complete cost of the services it provides to the public—and to better assess the
fees it should charge them." Included in cost allocation are direct costs (not otherwise
charged to budget units) and indirect costs. Direct Costs are those costs that can be
specifically identified with a particular service or unit if not already charged directly (e.g.
facilities, janitorial, etc.) Indirect Costs are costs incurred for common or joint purposes,
Exhibit A to Resolution 18-034
Comprehensive Financial Management Policy Guidelines
Page 12 of 23
benefiting more than one unit, not readily assignable to a specific unit (e.g. legal, human
resources, administration, clerk, etc.).
The term "allocation" implies that there is no overly precise method available for direct
charging a cost to a unit, so the City is using the most appropriate method available for
doing so. However, a cost allocation plan should be designed and used to provide a
reasonable, consistent and equitable means to allocate costs. Inequitable charges result in
questionable charges to grant, utilities and restricted funds. For grant purposes, costs that
benefit the public at large cannot be included and should follow the OMB A-87 and/or
2CFR Part 200 guidelines.
The Council adopted a Cost Allocation Plan in Resolution 14-035 on June 25, 2014. In
addition to using the overhead cost recovery model to assess the appropriate amount of
overhead to utilize for establishing user fees, the model will be used to apply charges to
Departments/Funds for City-wide overhead indirect cost recovery where allowed
(Council, City Manager, City Clerk, City Attorney and Finance).
The Council may authorize waiver of the overhead cost -recovery in all or part if Council
determines doing so will provide a general benefit to the citizens, taxpayers or utility rate
payer. If a portion of the overhead cost -recovery is waived, the General Fund must absorb
these costs; waived costs may not be absorbed by or reallocated to a Special Revenue or
Enterprise Fund.
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VII. GENERAL BUDGET POLICIES
Annual Budget – 441"nmjal opefalking and
Co nei4--a+rd
the - it -y. mThe Ci 's annual budget will be developed in accordance with the
dies and 2r i.tie5_s tJorth in the com preliensive plan the City Council's strate is
plan, City Council sol gnd__12Ap i .ies the reeds oftkae coininunit , and federal and state
laws.
In general, budgeted revenues must meet or exceed budgeted appropriations each year.
Current year operating expenses, maintenance costs and direct and indirect costs of
services provided will be covered by current year revenues. One-time expenditures may
be appropriated if one-time revenues or excess fund balance (in excess of reserve
requirements) are available.
The City budget appropriations are adopted at the fund level. Department heads are
responsible for preparing a budget that reflects realistic expense projections and that
adhere to guidelines within this policy document.
Exhibit A to Resolution 18-034
Comprehensive Financial Management Policy Guidelines
Page 13 of 23
Expense (Appropriation) riationPolicies — Operating expenditures will be pm -o L�cib iAed
at a level that will be supported by ongoing annual operating revenues.
Staffing g Bud et Salary and benefit costs are the City's most significant operating
expense. The City will strive to provide a total compensation package that is comparable
to other cities and similar type positions within the same labor market or other cities of a
similar size with comparable type and quality services in order to recruit and retain high
quality staff.
The City Manager's proposed budget will identify staffing levels and provide
justification for any increases or decreases in overall City staffing.
Union Contract negotiations may impact budget expenditures annually. However, if a
collective bargaining agreement is, or will be, under negotiation, a specific amount will
not be included in the budget from potential wage adjustments resulting from the
negotiation, other than a base COLA adjustment. This is to protect the City from any
claims of not "bargaining in good faith". Funding for unknown contract terms must be
considered in balancing ongoing revenues with ongoing expenses.
E ui meat Replacement & Maintenance - Equipment replacement and maintenance
projections will be updated each year. Replacement of items with a cost of in
$5,000 or more will be reviewed to time such expenditures at stable intervals to preserve
cash flow, when possible. Deferment of regular repair and maintenance will not be used
to balance the budget.
Trainin and Travel — City employees or others on official City business or training
may be required to travel outside the City to conduct their business or training for the
City. City employees and officials will be reimbursed for reasonable and customary
expenses incurred in the conduct of their business for the City, including food, lodging
and travel expenses while away, excluding any expenses for personal entertainment or
alcoholic beverages, as provided in the City's Personnel Policies Manual for business or
training travel. Such training or travel shall be as provided either specifically or generally
in the annual budget.
Training is seen as an investment in maintaining the certifications and skills of the City's
employees. At least 1% of the department's budgeted salary expense will be allocated for
certifications and skills training. The City will also include a targeted amount of 1% of
City-wide salaries for organizational development and process improvement.
Investments that Forestall Adding Permanent Staff- Since personnel -related
expenditures represent the largest portion of the City's budget, funding of technology or
process improvements that increase efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of City
services should receive priority funding.
Budget Monitoring-
Exhibit A to Resolution 18-034
Comprehensive Financial Management Policy Guidelines
Page 14 of 23
The Finance & Administrative Services Director will maintain a system for monitoring
the City's budget performance. This system will provide timely information to
Department Heads and the City Manager in order to ensure accuracy of financial data and
compliance with budget appropriations. The Council will receive (at a minimum)
quarterly reports regarding fund level revenues and expenditure performance compared to
budget.
Significant financial issues that need to be addressed between regular monitoring reports
will be provided to Council as warranted.
The Finance Director will monitor unanticipated needs or emergency expenditures and
prepare budget amendments in compliance with State Law.
VIII. FINANCIAL PLANNING POLICIES
FINANCIAL FORECAST — The City will develop a 5 -year Financial Plan and Forecast
Model based on these financial policy guidelines and a best estimate of likely revenues
and expenditures. The model will be used to test the policies against likely surrounding
economic conditions. The model will be used for long-range financial planning and is not
a replacement for budgeting.
The City's financial planning will include the current year budget plus five additional
years of projected data. The City may elect to extend its planning horizon further if
conditions warrant.
The long range financial plan operating revenues and expenses will include data for the
General Fund, Contingency Fund, Library Fund and Community Services Fund. In
addition to ongoing revenues and expenses, this forecast will utilize assumptions that
forecast general obligation debt and general fund contributions to capital projects.
The long range financial plan should present trends and projections in key financial
indicators, such as:
• Revenues and expenses per capita including nominal and inflation adjusted data.
• Staffing levels per 1,000 population: total and by major department.
• Projected annual growth rates of revenues and expenses including personnel
costs.
The long range financial plan may include comparisons to other cities and benchmarks,
recognizing that the data for comparable cities may reflect differences in service delivery,
financial structure and financial policies. Comparative information may include:
• Comparative revenues and expenses by major type to include:
o Total revenues and expenses per capita.
o Taxes per capita by tax source.
IX. ENTERPRISE FUNDS
Exhibit A to Resolution 18-034
Comprehensive Financial Management Policy Guidelines
Page 15 of 23
The Water, Sewer and Stormwater utilities will be managed as self-supporting business
enterprises. Each utility will be managed in a professional manner in accordance with
applicable laws and standards. The long range financial plan model for each utility will
analyze rate revenues, rate structure, operating costs, replacement capital costs, debt
service and other utility considerations (special rate programs, paybacks, etc). The City
may utilize specialized rate consultants to evaluate the rate and cost structure of the
utilities.
X. CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROGRAM PLAN POLICIES
General Policy Considerations - The major resources for funding capital improvement
and capital maintenance programs are revenues, grants and debt. Financing planned
capital replacement costs are an ongoing challenge. Preparing for the challenges of
infrastructure replacement or enhancements demands a long-term view of replacement
needs. In order to plan for these needs the City will develop a six-year Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP) for adoption by Council as required by the Washington's
Growth Management Act. The CIP will be consistent with the Capital Facilities Element
of the City's Comprehensive Plan. A c ital . ro ect over$15,000 with a minimuni of a
five-year _anticiafe will be included in the CIP.
-Nl . -1 99 p� r m` - " � ( r to 11I ter [4" " . .
it r -1P
XI. DEBT MANAGEMENT POLICY
Long Term Debt - The City will manage its long-term debt in a manner designed to
utilize its credit to optimize City services while balancing overall debt levels and annual
debt service obligations. Long-term debt includes Bonds, Federal or State loans (e.g.
PWTF, FHA), or private placement financing. The City shall only use long-term debt for
capital projects that cannot be financed out of current revenues. Annual debt payments
should not exceed 15% of the total of annual General Government operating revenues
plus budgeted transfers from capital funding sources. General Government Funds include
the General Fund, Contingency Fund and Special Revenue Funds.
Debt financing will generally be limited to one-time capital improvement projects and
only under the following circumstances:
• When the project's useful life will exceed the term of the financing;
• When project revenue or specific resources as identified will be sufficient to
service the debt;
• When projects cannot be cash funded.
Debt financing will not be considered appropriate for:
• Current operating and maintenance expenses (except for issuing short-term
instruments such as revenue anticipation notes or tax anticipation notes); and any
recurring purpose (except as indicated above).
Exhibit A to Resolution 18-034
Comprehensive Financial Management Policy Guidelines
Page 16 of 23
Tax anticipation debt will be retired annually, and bond anticipation notes will be retired
within six months of the completion of the project. Short-term debt outstanding at the end
of the year will not exceed 5% of net operating revenue (including tax anticipation notes
but excluding bond anticipation notes.)
The City's Limited (non -voted) General Obligation (LTGO) Debt Capacity per State Law
is 1.5% of total assessed value. The City should seek to retain 5-10% of its LTGO Debt
Capacity for unforeseeable catastrophic emergencies.
Options for Interim or `Bridge" financing may include:
• Bond Anticipation Notes (BANS)
• Tax Anticipation Notes (TANS)
• Lines of Credit with major financial institutions
• Interfund Loans
Short Term. Debt — Transfers and Interfund Loans — General Fund transfers to other
funds are intended as payments for the support of specific programs or services. Amounts
not needed to support such specific program or service expenses will remain in the
General Fund's fund balance. For example, the General Fund may make transfers to the
Debt Fund to fund annual debt service payments or to the Community Services Fund to
support parks or service programs.
Interfund loans are temporary in nature. The requirements for interfund loans are as
follows:
• The Council must approve all interfund loans by resolution. The resolution will
include a planned schedule of repayment of the loan principal as well as setting a
reasonable rate of interest to be paid to the lending fund.
• The borrowing fund must reasonably be able to anticipate sufficient revenue to
repay the principal and interest payments as required by the authorizing
resolution.
• The rate of interest should not be lower than the "opportunity cost" if the funds
were otherwise invested, such as the LGIP (Llocal Government Investment Pool)
rate or a bank CD rate for a similar term; not higher than the external rate
available to the municipality.
• Interest is not required in the following circumstances:
o If the borrowing fund has no independent source of revenue other than the
lending fund;
o The lending fund is the General Fund, which, being unrestricted, can
provide interest free loans to other funds.
• The term of the interfund loan will not exceed three years. Any interfund loans
that are not repaid within three years will be scrutinized for a "permanent
diversion" of moneys. (Note: These restrictions and limitations do not apply to
those funds which are legally permitted to support one another through
appropriations, transfers, advances, etc.)
Exhibit A to Resolution 18-034
Comprehensive Financial Management Policy Guidelines
Page 17 of 23
For short-term cash deficits in non -General Fund operating funds during the course of the
year, City interfund loans are preferable to outside short-term or private sector lines of
credit.
XII. PURCHASING POLICY
Purchases of goods, services and capital items will be made consistent with the annual
budget appropriations, state and federal law, the City's Purchasing Ordinance and the
State Auditor's requirements. The City's Purchasing Ordinance will outline the City
Manager's spending and contracting authority. Any purchases or contracts above those
authority limits must be authorized in advance by City Council (some exceptions for
public emergencies will apply). The City Manager may delegate spending authority
(within his/her limits) to Department Heads to facilitate operating efficiency.
The City Manager and Department Heads purchase goods and services at a reasonable
cost, using an open, fairly documented and competitive process whenever reasonable and
possible. The Finance & Administrative Services Director is charged with developing
administrative/operating procedures to implement sound purchasing policies. These
procedures will be based on guidelines provided in State Law and by the State Auditor's
Office. All purchase made by the City will ultimately be approved by the Council through
the voucher approval process.
XIII. GRANTS MANAGEMENT POLICY
Leveraging City and community resource with external financial assistance can enhance
the quality and level of public services, facilities and infrastructure. City Policy is to seek
and accept grants and other financial assistance consistent with the City's strategic plan.
External assistance also carries with it the goals and restrictions of the grantor. Grant
relationships are partnerships where the goals of both the City and grantor must be in
alignment. The benefits, costs and long-term implications of the partnership must be
considered prior to formal application. The City's Grants Management Policy involves
the following steps:
Search — City departments staff and officials are encouraged to actively search out and
identify potential grants which may further the City's vision and goals, within the City's
financial limitations.
Pre -Application — Department Directors and staff shall pursue grants within their
purchasing authority identified in City Purchasing Policies. The City Manager shall be
advised of all grant considerations over a $10,000 total.
Formal Application — Formal applications directly by the City, or indirectly by other
agencies involving the City, must fall within Departmental Purchasing levels.
Exhibit A to Resolution 18-034
Comprehensive Financial Management Policy Guidelines
Page 18 of 23
All grants will seek reimbursement of direct cost departmental and City wide indirect or
administrative costs to the maximum extent allowable by the grantor.
Grants by other agencies involving the City or by the City involving other grantees must
have City Manager, or Council approval beyond the $60,000 Purchasing levels.
Award and Conti -act — Upon formal Notice of Grant Award (NOGA) or informal
notification, a written contract must be approved prior to any City commitment, formal or
otherwise. All grant contracts must be within the City's Purchasing levels. Any needed
budget amendments for grant match not otherwise within general budget authority shall
be adopted prior to formal grant acceptance and contract signing.
Accountine and Re portin — City departments shall coordinate with Finance to assure
that grants comply with Federal, State and local requirements for timely reimbursements,
monitoring of vendors and sub recipients, as well as City Purchasing Policies. Any
notification of audit of grant programs or funds should be sent to the Director of Finance
and Administrative Services even if the audit is coordinated in another department.
Close Out — Multi-year grants shall have periodic accounting reviews not less than at the
close of each fiscal year. Upon conclusion of each grant, the Department grant manager
shall prepare a grant close-out report in coordination with the City's Finance Department.
A complete grants management file record shall be maintained per City policy, either in
the Department, Finance or Clerk's Office.
The City Council Adoi)ted Federal. Awards Standards Procurement Policy and Code of
Conduct Policy for all Federal Loans and A' nts on July_ 10, 2017, Standards [or federal
awards are detailed in Appendix AA.
=4- ;ITA-INa -V--1 'S MLZN - POLK2
APPENDIX A: INVESTMENT POLICY —
To the extent possible, funds not needed for o erations should be invested in approved
roved
investment vehicles. Investments shall be madewith`u,dannent and care, under
circumstances thenrevailin that -persons of.prudescretion and intelligence in the
Ln Li ei,nent oil"their owra al"fairs t, of lo�g�,t!l tipj l q orwinve tmnt, considering the
m (_Ih lbi_ s l"ty o f their ca ital as well as the probable income to be derived.
The standard o f prudence to be used by investments officials shall be the prudent person
standard and shall be amlied in the context of manning the overall portfolio,,.
Investment � fficers actin in accordance with written rocedures and the investments
policy and exercising due diligence shall be relieved of personal respoij!ii ail�ty 9tjiL4n
individual's security's, credit risk of market price changes, provided deviations from
expectations are re ortcdin a timely fashion and aimrooriate action is taken to control
adverse developments,
Exhibit A to Resolution 18-034
Comprehensive Financial Management Policy Guidelines
Page 19 of 23
The City will strive to maximize the return on its investments, with the priniary objective
of preservin �e a Udin diversification.
prudent investment practices incl
Investments will be made in accordance with the following objectives:
1) Lelgal e "w " i t ' h the , " R , evised Code of
Washington (RCW)the BARS. manual, these policies and any gpplicable administrative
arogecltare.
2) Safety: Investments of the City will be Undertaken in a manner that seeks to ensure the
preservation of clDital in the overall portfolio. To attain this obiective, diversification is
reouired in order that potential losses on individual securities do no exceed the income
g.e q ated by other investments.
,icLuidjt,y,Ljjie City's investments will remain sufficiotly liquid to enable the Ceity t
rnect all operating reg uirernents that might be reasonably anticil2ated.
)Yield: '"I'he City's investments wil I be designed with the objective of attaining a market
rate of return throughout budgetary and economic cycles, taking into account the City'
investment risk constraints and cash flow characteristics.
"Hie Finance & Administrative Services Director will approve financial iiistitutions to be
�"Iilmmble to conduct investment business witli the Cityin accordance with Washington
State Law.
The Finance & Administrative Services Director will periodically furnish the City
M�araa to seed Coaancil with a ac aoat that shall include the amount of interest earned to
date. At least annually, a report surnmarizing, investment activity and rate of return will
be provided.
APPENDIX B- CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND FEDERAL AWARDS
STANDARDS, PROCUREMENT POLICY & CODE OF CONDUCT
CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND FEDERAL AWARD STANDARDS
ran 9-01M,
I.."stablisli and maintain internal controls that provide reasonable assurance that Federal
awards are being managed in compliance with all federal regulations and with the terms
and conditions of the award. The Cit v of Port "Fownsend will Ballow the Uniform
Guidance, the LqgM AgDxy Q'L�a&Ijncs (L.AQ) distributed byThe Washington State
Devartment of 1'ransportation (WSD6T), and the City of Port Townsend's
Coin rehensive Financial ManaggMggtj!&cy I ( uidelines.
INTERNAL CONTROLS
The City of Port Townsend ...wild maintain effective internal control over the Federal
Exhibit A to Resolution 18-034
Comprehensive Financial Management Policy Guidelines
Page 20 of 23
awardid that the City of Port Townsend is niana
gin
pj(L) .......... _in ' reasonable assurance that _..— — port —
the Federal award in co iance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms
and conditions of the Federal award.
• Take prompt action when instances of noncompliance are identified
includitig norpcorn liar ce identified in audit findings.
• Take reasonable measures to safe guard pip.,r.!!&.personaljy identifiable
information and other information the Federal g��ding..agency -qr-pass-
through entity nates as serpsitive.
ADVANCE PAYMENTS AND REIMBURSEMENTS
Payment methods must niinirnize the time "elapsing between the transfer of funds from
the United States TreaStIrY or the pass-through et2jjjy_�� disbursement by the City
of Port Townsend whether the payment is niade by electronic funds transfe
issuance or redeMption tion warrants, or Dayment by other means.
• Advanced pqymencs must be limited to the minimum amounts needed and be
timed to be in accordance with the aKLLija, immediate„ cash requirements of the
...........................
(I.ity qjLj'� )E.....o.-.
q.Townsend to carr out the purpose of thea pj�)� ....-
project, Any yaqq�AV4 rents must be consolidated to cover antici ed
_Ad _y..t
cash needs.
• The-K:jjyQf* Port Townsend shall minimize the time elapsed between receipt of
federal aid funds and subse(I Uent pqyment of incurred costs.
ALLOWABLE COSTS
Federal awards will meet the followin2 gencral criteria to be allowable excepLtwhene..,
otherwise authorized by statute:
• Be necessary nd reasonable for tile performance of the Federal award,
Conforill to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in
the Federal award as totypes or amount of cost items;
• Be consistent with oficies and procedures that av uniformly to both
Federally- financed and other activities of the City of Port Townsend;
• Be accorded consistept treatnicnt,
Not be included as cost or used to meet -cost sharing or matching
re(mirements of any other Federally . ....
fin:4nq jTroram in either the Current
q�i a.priqLper:iod,
- Be adqqjjajeI documented.
y
Exhibit A to Resolution 18-034
Comprehensive Financial Management Policy Guidelines
Page 21 of 23
PROCUREMENT
When piggiging oPert and services under a Federal award the City of Port
Townsend will follow 2 CFR _200.318 General procurement standards through
200.326 Contract provisions or City of Port Townsend purchasing procedures
whichever is more restrictive. The following table outlines procurement requirement
when Mina Federal funds..
Procurement
Goods
Services
Method
Micro -Purchase - No
$3„ 000 e
m 0 or less
required pates.
However
Must use more restrictive
Must use more
$3,000 federal threshold
must consider orrice as
mu�._.�p
restrictive $3,000 federal
reasonable and to the
threshold
extent practical
distribute
ouital?l' arrto
su Pliers.
Small Purchase
$3,000 - $40,000 (Single
$3,000 - $40,000 (Single
trade), $3,000 - $65,000
Procedures
trader $3,000 - $65,000
trade -,$3,000-
(Multi trade' � $1 "3, tt0 -
informal Obtain/(Multi
document quotes
0,,0!Ou_(Nott-'UbJ ,
$5 0AQQ l iota Public
from a reasonable
'"orksria oje ts)
Works project
number
of uualified sources at
Must use more
Must use more
least thr !).
restrictive Cit thresholciw
restrictive tiv it ° threshold
instead of $150 000„
instead of $150,000
Federal threshold
Federal threshold
Sealed Bids / Competitive
$40„000 or inore_(Sin
$40,000 or mote (S ._
rnie
trade); $65,000 or more
i iris (i clrm zl'
trade); $0,5 000 or more
. Multi trgdc t $50,000 war
(Multi tr cio ..$.50 OQ
nor (1 17 I"Liblio
t�-ore on Public
Works Projects
Works Protects
Must use more
Must use more
restrictive
restrictive
City
City
threshold
threshold
instead of
instead of
$150,000
$150,000
Federal
Federal
threshold
threshold
orrtrtr�amca �:psalms
Used when conditions ar e noimana
1 ratcw forM theuse of
sealed bids.
*.... Must publicize re uest
for, peals
Exhibit A to Resolution I8-034
Comprehensive Financial Management Policy Guidelines
Page 22 of 23
woJCttj ftpM an adequate number m of
qualified source;
• Maintain written method for conducting
technical evaluations
• Contract must be awarded to the responsive and
responsible firm
whose a Js most;, advantgtgeogs to the
ro ram_ _
icor coinpct�tir�e....._............... Appropriate only when:
proposals • Available onlv from a sin le source; or
• ...
Public crne�and
• Ex ressl authorized by awarding orass-
throu'l� axle c in response to written request
itmoin the C Port Townsend; of
• After soliciting a number of sources competition
is decined inadequate.-
Contracts
nadeqgate.
Contracts for more than the simplified acquisition threshold currents set at $1.50,000
must address administrative contractual or legal remedies in instances where
contractors violate or _breach contract terms and provide for such sanctions and
penalties aha :a trig e.
mmmm �J 10.0 rcip tat city N
��uht��e�11
Contracts an sub -grants �- grants of arour�t in r:�x�css of1
Townsend will comply with all applicable standard r . rgpulati ns issued
uprsuant to the Clean Air Act and the Federal `Nater Pollution Control Act..
Ctty of PortTownsend will nionit r procurements to avoid duplicative p rchases
and exhaust all mandated sources before soliciting new sources. The City will also
continue to enter into inter gilt 'it q rcer�rents to realize cost savings for :"
� " savings shared _ goods
and services when o sible,
The City will verify and documentthatvendors are not suspended or debarred from
doing business with the Federal government.
SINGLE AUDIT ACT
The City of Peart "Townsend as a recipient of Federal funds shall adhere to the Federal
�......... ...........
Ecnt.a-tions outlined in 2 CFR 200.501 as well as all a licable Federal and µState
statutes and regulations,
CLOSURE
iviect y reement end date will be established in accordance with 2 (.;.TI? x'200.309, Any
costs rnctrrd afo�tlac, ent tdate ark, not eli ible Ibr P ecera
-_._
reimbursement.
Exhibit A to Resolution 18-034
Comprehensive Financial Management Policy Guidelines
Page 23 of 23
CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND CODE OF CONDUCT
PURPOSE
Thq DUr )ease of the Code of Conduct is to ensure the efficient, fair and professional
administration of federal.. grant funds in compliance with 2 CFR 200.112 2 CFR
§200.318 and other applicable federal and state standards, regulations. and laws.,
APPLICATION
This Code of Conduct applies to all elected officials, gnplq c s or_jgof
-tLe.. ",4y
of Port "fownsciid cunyed in the award or administration of contracts supported by
federal grant funds.
REQUIREMENTS
No elected official, employee or agent of the Cit of Port Townsend shallDarticit)ate in
the selection, award or adiniiiistration of a contract sqp Li(Lqted b j2I funds it'
__�L Lg�a fu
_
a conflict oaf interest real or apparent, would be involved. Such a conflict would arise
- - -.ttz!�
when any of the followin2 has a financial or other interest in the firm selected for
award:
• The City employee, elected official, or agent; or
• Any member of fficir immediate famjjy;_jH
• 'I'heir parLner; or
• An organization which employs, or is about to eMplqy any of the above.
The Cit of Port Townsend's elected officials, employees or agents shall neither
solicit nor acceplZratuifies
, favors, or an3lhing of monetary value from contractors,
Potential contractors or subcontractors.
REMEDIES
I , o the extent Mitte(Lby federal, state or local laws or regulations, violatim of these
standards m!qy cgliseTenallies, sanctions or other disciplinary actions_( to and
............ . . —
including; employment or contract terminatioil, to be taken aiLainst the City of Port
. . ...........
Towtisejid's elected qEficjqjs
nlRcs eai gggjts, cab_the copractors _—
eptial
contractors
Subcontractors or their agents. _ALIY._pqtgj corillict of interest will bc
disclosed in writing to the Federal awardipZ_4genc y_qr,pass-through entity in
accordance with applicable Federal award qqqy -.)IL
_pL qy.,