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Executive Summary
The City of Port Republic's audit report for the year ended December 31, 2023, includes an independent auditor's report with an adverse opinion on U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) due to the financial statements being prepared on a regulatory basis prescribed by the New Jersey Division of Local Government Services. However, the report presents fairly, in all material respects, the regulatory basis balances sheets and account group as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the regulatory basis statements of operations for the years then ended and the regulatory basis statements of revenues and expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2023 in accordance with the basis of financial reporting prescribed by the Division of Local Government Services, Department of Community Affairs, State of New Jersey. The audit was conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS), Government Auditing Standards, and audit requirements prescribed by the Division of Local Government Services, Department of Community Affairs, State of New Jersey.
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--- Document: 2023 Audit Document ---
CITY OF PORT REPUBLIC
ATLANTIC COUNTY
NEW JERSEY
AUDIT REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2023
Exhibit
Page
PART 1
Independent Auditor's Report
1 - 3
CURRENT FUND
Comparative Balance Sheet - Regulatory Basis
A
4 - 5
Comparative Statement of Operations and Change in
Fund Balance - Regulatory Basis
A-1
6 - 7
Statement of Revenues -Regulatory Basis
A-2
8 - 10
Statement of Expenditures - Regulatory Basis
A-3
11 - 15
TRUST FUND
Comparative Balance Sheet - Regulatory Basis
B
16
CAPITAL FUND
Comparative Balance Sheet - Regulatory Basis
C
17
Schedule of Fund Balance - Regulatory Basis
C-1
18
GENERAL FIXED ASSETS ACCOUNT GROUP
Balance Sheet - Regulatory Basis
G
19
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
20 - 35
SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Independent Auditor's Report - Government Auditing Standards
36-37
CURRENT FUND
Schedule of Cash - Treasurer
A-4
38
Schedule of Taxes Receivable and Analysis of
Property Tax Levy
A-5
39
Schedule of Tax Title Liens
A-6
40
Schedule of Revenue Accounts Receivable
A-7
41
Schedule of Appropriation Reserves
A-8
42
CITY OF PORT REPUBLIC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Exhibit
Page
CITY OF PORT REPUBLIC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Schedule of Local District School Tax
A-9
43
Schedule of State Grants Receivable
A-10
44
Schedule of Reserve for State Grants - Appropriated
A-11
45
Schedule of Reserve for State Grants - Unappropriated
A-12
46
TRUST FUNDS
Schedule of Cash - Treasurer
B-1
47
Schedule of Reserve for Dog Expenditures
B-2
48
Schedule of Amount Due to/(from) Current Fund - Dog License Fund
B-3
49
Schedule of Amount Due to State of New Jersey - Department of Health
B-4
49
Schedule of Due to/(From Current Fund
B-5
50
Schedule of Miscellaneous Reserves
B-6
51
CAPITAL FUNDS
Schedule of Cash - Treasurer
C-2
52
Analysis of Cash
C-3
53
Schedule of Capital Improvement Fund
C-4
54
Schedule of Deferred Charges to Future Taxation - Funded
C-5
55
Schedule of Deferred Charges to Future Taxation - Unfunded
C-6
56
Statement of Improvement Authorizations
C-7
57
Schedule of General Serial Bonds
C-8
58
Schedule of Bond Anticipation Notes
C-9
59
Schedule of Bonds and Notes Authorized but Not Issued
C-10
60
PART II
General Comments
61-63
Findings and Recommendations
64
Status of Prior Recommendations
64
Recommendations
64
CITY OF PORT REPUBLIC
PART I
REPORT ON AUDIT OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
{THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK}
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
To the Honorable Mayor and
Members of City Council
City of Port Republic
County of Atlantic, New Jersey
Report on the Financial Statements
Opinions
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets - regulatory basis of the various funds and account
group of the City of Port Republic, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 the related statement of operations
and changes in fund balance - regulatory basis for the years then ended, and the related statement of
revenues - regulatory basis and statement of expenditures - regulatory basis of the various funds for the
year ended December 31, 2023 and the related notes to the financial statements, which collectively
comprise the City’s basic financial statements as listed in the table of contents.
Adverse Opinion on U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
In our opinion, because of the significance of the matter discussed in the “Basis for Adverse Opinion on
U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” paragraph, the financial statements referred to above do
not present fairly, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America, the financial position of each fund of the City of Port Republic as of December 31, 2023 and
2022, or changes in financial position for the years then ended.
Opinion on Regulatory Basis of Accounting
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the
regulatory basis balances sheets and account group as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the regulatory
basis statements of operations for the years then ended and the regulatory basis statements of revenues
and expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2023 in accordance with the basis of financial
reporting prescribed by the Division of Local Government Services, Department of Community Affairs,
State of New Jersey as described in Note 1.
Basis for Opinions
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of
America (GAAS), the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing
Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States and the audit requirements prescribed
by the Division of Local Government Services, Department of Community Affairs, State of New Jersey
(the “Division”). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s
Responsibilities for the Audit of Financial Statements section of our report. We are required to be
independent of the City of Port Republic and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with
the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we have
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions.
1
Basis for Adverse Opinion on U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
As described in Note 1 of the financial statements, the financial statements are prepared by the City of
Port Republic on the basis of the financial reporting provisions prescribed by the Division of Local
Government Services, Department of Community Affairs, State of New Jersey, which is a basis of
accounting other than accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, to meet
the requirements of New Jersey.
The effects on the financial statements of the variances between the regulatory basis of accounting
described in Note 1 and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America,
although not reasonably determinable, are presumed to be material.
Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in
accordance with the basis of accounting prescribed by the Division of Local Government Services,
Department of Community Affairs, State of New Jersey. Management is also responsible for the design,
implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of
financial statements that are free from material misstatements, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or
events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the City of Port Republic’s ability
to continue as a going concern for twelve months beyond the financial statement date, including any
currently known information that may raise substantial doubt shortly thereafter.
Auditor’s Responsibility for the Audit of the Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements, as a whole,
are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that
includes our opinions. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance
and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS, Government Auditing
Standards and audit requirements prescribed by the Division of Local Government Services will always
detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting
from fraud is higher than for one resulting from an error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery,
intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are
considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would
influence the judgement made by a reasonable user based on the financial statements.
In performing an audit in accordance with GAAS, Government Auditing Standards and audit requirements
prescribed by the Division of Local Government Services, we:
•
exercise professional judgement and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.
•
Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether
due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks.
Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements.
•
Obtain an understanding of the internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing
an opinion on the effectiveness of the City of Port Republic’s internal control. Accordingly, no
such opinion is expressed.
•
Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of
significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall
presentation of the financial statements.
2
•
Conclude whether in our judgement there are conditions or events considered in the
aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the City of Port Republic’s ability to continue as
a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
We are required to communicate with those charge with governance regarding, among other matters, the
planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control – related
matters that we identified during the audit.
Supplementary Information
Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming opinions on the financial statements that collectively
comprise the City of Port Republic basic financial statements. The supplementary information listed in the
table of contents and the letter of comments and recommendations section are presented for purposes of
additional analysis and are not a required part of the basic financial statements. Such information is the
responsibility of management and was derived from and relates directly to the underlying accounting and
other records used to prepare the basic financial statements. The information has been subjected to the
auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements and certain additional
procedures, including comparing and reconciling such information directly to the underlying accounting
and other records used to prepare the basic financial statements or to the basic financial statements
themselves, and other additional procedures in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in
the United States of America. In our opinion, the supplemental information listed in the table of contents is
fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the regulatory basis financial statements as a whole.
The letter of comments and recommendations section has not been subject to the auditing procedures
applied in the audit of the basic financial statements, and accordingly, we do not express an opinion or
provide any assurance on it.
Other Reporting Required by Government Auditing Standards
In accordance with Government Auditing Standards, we have also issued our report dated July 3, 2024,
on our consideration of the City of Port Republic’s internal control over financial reporting and on our tests
of its compliance with certain provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements and other
matters. The purpose of that report is to describe the scope of our testing of internal control over financial
reporting and compliance and the results of that testing, and not to provide an opinion on the
effectiveness internal control over financial reporting or on compliance. That report is an integral part of
an audit performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards in considering the City of Port
Republic’s internal control over financial reporting and compliance.
Ford, Scott & Associates, L.L.C.
FORD, SCOTT & ASSOCIATES, L.L.C.
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Nancy Sbrolla
Nancy Sbrolla
Certified Public Accountant
Registered Municipal Accountant
No. 542
July 3, 2024
3
{THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK}
EXHIBIT A - CURRENT FUND
{THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK}
Exhibit A
Sheet 1
2023
2022
ASSETS
Regular Fund:
Cash:
Cash Treasurer
$
1,533,887.05
1,475,269.69
Cash - Change
150.00
150.00
Total Cash
1,534,037.05
1,475,419.69
Receivables and Other Assets with Full Reserves:
Delinquent Property Taxes Receivable
28,258.67
42,486.11
Tax Title and Other Liens
13,487.92
12,259.39
Property Acquired for Taxes -
at Assessed Valuation
882,801.00
882,801.00
Property Deeded to the City
386,300.00
386,300.00
Revenue Accounts Receivable
-
-
Interfund Receivable:
General Capital
33,609.71
36,127.90
Grant Fund
-
-
Dog Trust
4,017.08
4,017.08
Other Trust Funds
300.51
300.51
Total Receivables and Other Assets
1,348,774.89
1,364,291.99
Deferred Charges:
Special Emergency Appropriation
-
-
Total Deferred Charges
-
-
Total Regular Fund
2,882,811.94
2,839,711.68
Federal and State Grant Fund:
Cash
248,751.25
54,590.19
Federal and State Grants Receivable
835,960.36
726,010.11
Total Federal and State Grant Fund
1,084,711.61
780,600.30
Total Current Fund
$
3,967,523.55
3,620,311.98
CURRENT FUND
COMPARATIVE BALANCE SHEET - REGULATORY BASIS
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement
4
Exhibit A
Sheet 2
2023
2022
LIABILITIES, RESERVES AND FUND BALANCE
Regular Fund:
Liabilities:
Appropriation Reserves
$
126,944.80
111,684.30
Reserve for Encumbrances
39,167.73
32,228.70
Prepaid Taxes
68,676.56
90,531.52
Overpaid Taxes
1,693.02
1,401.60
Local School Tax Payable
624,029.94
578,489.94
County Added Tax Payable
4,510.16
6,586.17
Due to State:
Marriage Licenses
128.00
103.00
DCA Fees
-
-
Veterans and Senior Citizens
13,899.00
13,399.00
Reserve for Tax Map
700.00
700.00
Reserve for Revaluation
3,469.20
3,469.20
Reserve for Municipal Relief Aid
18,394.00
9,196.86
Interfund Payable:
Open Space Trust
138,796.34
115,375.04
Trust other
5.46
5.46
General Capital
-
-
1,040,414.21
963,170.79
Reserve for Receivables and Other Assets
1,348,774.89
1,364,291.99
Fund Balance
493,622.84
512,248.90
Total Regular Fund
2,882,811.94
2,839,711.68
Federal and State Grant Fund:
Unappropriated Reserves
2,430.75
29.01
Appropriated Reserves
1,081,848.32
679,022.35
Encumbrances Payable
432.54
101,548.94
Due to Current Fund
-
-
Total Federal and State Grant Fund
1,084,711.61
780,600.30
Total Current Fund
$
3,967,523.55
3,620,311.98
CURRENT FUND
COMPARATIVE BALANCE SHEET - REGULATORY BASIS
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement
5
Exhibit A - 1
Sheet 1
2023
2022
Revenue and Other Income Realized
Fund Balance
$
324,000.00
326,000.00
Miscellaneous Revenue Anticipated
749,228.72
518,905.55
Receipts from Delinquent Taxes
42,736.11
28,947.14
Receipts from Current Taxes
3,596,142.86
3,445,166.84
Non Budget Revenue
152,269.32
100,260.30
Other Credits to Income:
-
Unexpended Balance of Appropriation Res.
99,995.30
98,640.73
Interfund Returned
2,518.19
-
Total Income
4,966,890.50
4,517,920.56
Expenditures
Budget and Emergency Appropriations:
Appropriations Within "CAPS"
Operations:
Salaries and Wages
377,300.00
353,550.00
Other Expenses
593,251.00
582,400.00
Deferred Charges & Statutory Expenditures
66,262.00
60,120.00
Appropriations Excluded from "CAPS"
Operations:
Other Expenses
521,950.00
306,730.99
Capital Improvements
79,910.00
87,000.00
Debt Service
-
-
Deferred Charges
19,000.00
19,000.00
Local District School Tax
2,168,064.00
2,076,984.00
County Tax
807,848.10
759,590.23
County Share of Added Tax
4,510.16
6,586.17
Municipal Open Space Taxes
23,421.30
23,180.04
Interfund Created
31,935.24
Total Expenditures
4,661,516.56
4,307,076.67
Excess in Revenue
305,373.94
210,843.89
CURRENT FUND
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES
IN FUND BALANCE - REGULATORY BASIS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement
6
Exhibit A - 1
Sheet 2
2023
2022
Adjustments to Income before Fund Balance:
Expenditures included above which are by
Statute Deferred Charges to Budgets of
Succeeding Year
-
Emergency Appropriation
Total Adjustments
-
-
Statutory Excess to Fund Balance
305,373.94
210,843.89
Fund Balance January 1
512,248.90
627,405.01
817,622.84
838,248.90
Decreased by:
Utilization as Anticipated Revenue
324,000.00
326,000.00
Fund Balance December 31
$
493,622.84
512,248.90
IN FUND BALANCE - REGULATORY BASIS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
CURRENT FUND
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement
7
Exhibit A-2
Excess or
Budget
N.J.S. 40A:4-87
Realized
(Deficit)
Fund Balance Anticipated
$
324,000.00
324,000.00
-
Total Fund Balance Anticipated
324,000.00
-
324,000.00
-
Miscellaneous Revenues:
Section A: Local Revenues
Fines and Costs:
Municipal Court
10,700.00
12,352.88
1,652.88
Interest and Costs on Taxes
10,600.00
11,867.48
1,267.48
Interest Earned on Investments
1,600.00
9,108.62
7,508.62
Communication Tower Rental - Bell Atlantic Nynex & Sprint
44,500.00
46,595.88
2,095.88
Total Section A: Local Revenues
67,400.00
-
79,924.86
12,524.86
Section B: State Aid Without Offsetting Appropriations
Energy Receipts Tax
176,307.00
176,307.00
-
Municipal Relief Funds
9,196.86
9,196.86
-
Total Section B: State Aid Without Offsetting Appropriations
185,503.86
-
185,503.86
-
CURRENT FUND
STATEMENT OF REVENUES - REGULATORY BASIS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
Anticipated
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement
8
Exhibit A-2
Excess or
Budget
N.J.S. 40A:4-87
Realized
(Deficit)
CURRENT FUND
STATEMENT OF REVENUES - REGULATORY BASIS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
Anticipated
Section F: Special Items - Public and Private Programs
Off-Set with Appropriations
Stormwater Grant
25,000.00
25,000.00
-
Spotted Lantern Fly
15,000.00
15,000.00
-
Clean Communities
4,000.00
4,000.00
-
Sustainable Jersey - Environmental Stewardship
2,000.00
2,000.00
-
NJ DOT 2023
160,202.49
160,202.49
-
NJ DOT 2022
207,597.51
207,597.51
-
Local Recreation Grant
70,000.00
70,000.00
-
Total Section F: Special Items - Public and Private Programs
Off-Set with Appropriations
-
483,800.00
483,800.00
-
Section G: Special Items of Revenue Anticipated with Prior
Written Consent of Director
Total Section G: Special Items of Revenue Anticipated with Prior
-
-
-
-
Written Consent of Director
Total Miscellaneous Revenues:
252,903.86
483,800.00
749,228.72
12,524.86
Receipts from Delinquent Taxes
39,000.00
42,736.11
3,736.11
Amount to be Raised by Taxes for Support of Municipal Budget
Local Tax for Municipal Purposes
605,259.14
638,999.30
33,740.16
Total Amount to be Raised by Taxes for Support of Municipal Budget
605,259.14
-
638,999.30
33,740.16
Budget Totals
1,221,163.00
483,800.00
1,754,964.13
50,001.13
Non- Budget Revenues:
Other Non- Budget Revenues:
152,269.32
152,269.32
1,221,163.00
483,800.00
1,907,233.45
202,270.45
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement
9
Exhibit A - 2
Sheet 3
Analysis of Realized Revenues
Allocation of Current Tax Collections:
Revenue from Collections
3,596,142.86
$
Less: Reserve for Tax Appeals Pending
-
Net Revenue from Collections
3,596,142.86
Allocated to:
School, County and Other Taxes
3,003,843.56
Balance for Support of Municipal Budget Appropriations
592,299.30
Increased by:
Appropriation "Reserved for Uncollected Taxes"
46,700.00
Amount for Support of Municipal Budget Appropriations
638,999.30
Receipts from Delinquent Taxes:
Delinquent Tax Collection
42,736.11
Tax Title Lien Collections
-
Total Receipts from Delinquent Taxes
42,736.11
Analysis of Non-Budget Revenue:
Miscellaneous Revenue Not Anticipated:
Construction Fees
27,625.00
Reimbursements
16,760.80
Atlantic Comm LLC
36,084.58
Settlement
17,414.03
Miscellaneous
54,384.91
Total Miscellaneous Revenue Not Anticipated:
152,269.32
$
Non-Budget Revenue:
Non-cash
17,000.00
Cash
135,269.32
152,269.32
$
CURRENT FUND
STATEMENT OF REVENUES - REGULATORY BASIS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement
10
Exhibit A - 3
(Over expended)
Unexpended
Budget After
Paid or
Balance
Budget
Modifications
Charged
Encumbered
Reserved
Cancelled
OPERATIONS WITHIN "CAPS"
GENERAL GOVERNMENT:
Mayor and Council
Salaries and Wages
$
7,000.00
7,000.00
6,333.37
666.63
-
Other Expenses
2,000.00
2,000.00
1,395.39
604.61
-
Municipal Clerk
Salaries and Wages
139,250.00
139,250.00
139,250.00
-
-
Other Expenses
35,000.00
35,000.00
27,005.10
1,036.59
6,958.31
-
Financial Administration
Salaries and Wages
16,200.00
16,200.00
14,806.89
1,393.11
-
Other Expenses
9,600.00
11,600.00
10,356.92
1,154.00
89.08
-
Audit Services
Other Expenses
26,750.00
26,750.00
26,750.00
-
-
Revenue Administration (Tax Collector)
Salaries and Wages
16,850.00
16,850.00
16,800.11
49.89
-
Other Expenses
5,600.00
5,600.00
3,639.68
100.00
1,860.32
-
Tax Assessment Administration
Salaries and Wages
12,000.00
12,000.00
11,981.23
18.77
-
Other Expenses
2,200.00
2,200.00
1,450.20
749.80
-
Legal Services
Other Expenses
30,000.00
24,500.00
14,345.90
2,319.59
7,834.51
-
Liquidation of Tax Title Liens and Foreclosed Property
Other Expenses
100.00
100.00
-
100.00
-
Engineering Services and Costs
Other Expenses
12,600.00
12,600.00
3,075.20
9,524.80
-
LAND USE ADMINISTRATION
Planning Board
Salaries and Wages
2,200.00
2,200.00
1,080.74
1,119.26
-
Other Expenses
2,000.00
2,000.00
1,795.50
204.50
-
Appropriations
Expended
CURRENT FUND
STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES - REGULATORY BASIS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement
11
Exhibit A - 3
(Over expended)
Unexpended
Budget After
Paid or
Balance
Budget
Modifications
Charged
Encumbered
Reserved
Cancelled
Appropriations
Expended
CURRENT FUND
STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES - REGULATORY BASIS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
INSURANCE
Disability Insurance
400.00
400.00
224.17
175.83
-
Liability Insurance
55,000.00
55,000.00
54,950.72
49.28
-
Group Insurance Plan for Employees
74,000.00
80,000.00
77,413.56
2,586.44
-
PUBLIC SAFETY
Police
Salaries and Wages
15,000.00
15,000.00
3,750.00
11,250.00
-
Other Expenses
15,000.00
15,000.00
1,828.88
13,171.12
(0.00)
-
911 Services
2,000.00
2,000.00
2,000.00
-
-
Emergency Management Services
Salaries and Wages
-
-
-
Other Expenses
-
-
-
Aid to Volunteer Fire Company
30,000.00
30,000.00
30,000.00
-
-
First Aid Organization - Contribution
10,000.00
10,000.00
10,000.00
-
-
PUBLIC WORKS
Streets and Road Maintenance
Salaries and Wages
107,000.00
107,000.00
106,480.20
519.80
-
Other Expenses
31,000.00
31,000.00
21,823.27
8,691.20
485.53
-
Grant Writer
Other Expenses
10,000.00
10,000.00
6,020.00
3,980.00
-
Garbage and Trash Removal
Salaries and Wages
-
-
Other Expenses
90,000.00
85,000.00
74,913.66
10,086.34
-
Monitoring Wells
6,000.00
7,200.00
7,195.00
5.00
-
Buildings and Grounds
Other Expenses
49,500.00
49,500.00
40,294.86
6,624.85
2,580.29
-
Stormwater
Salaries and Wages
15,000.00
15,000.00
10,612.50
4,387.50
-
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Dog Regulation
Other Expenses
2,600.00
2,600.00
1,620.00
980.00
-
Aid to Outreach
1.00
1.00
-
1.00
-
PARKS AND RECREATION
Parks and Playgrounds
Salaries and Wages
20,000.00
20,000.00
16,594.25
3,405.75
-
Other Expenses
Miscellaneous Other Expenses
20,000.00
20,000.00
16,990.48
3,009.52
-
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement
12
Exhibit A - 3
(Over expended)
Unexpended
Budget After
Paid or
Balance
Budget
Modifications
Charged
Encumbered
Reserved
Cancelled
Appropriations
Expended
CURRENT FUND
STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES - REGULATORY BASIS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
UNIFORM CONSTRUCTION CODE
Construction Official
Salaries and Wages
12,000.00
12,000.00
11,750.40
249.60
-
Other Expenses
1,000.00
1,000.00
290.77
45.00
664.23
-
Plumbing Inspector
Salaries and Wages
2,700.00
2,700.00
2,692.80
7.20
-
Building Inspector
Salaries and Wages
2,700.00
2,700.00
2,692.80
7.20
-
Electrical Inspector
Salaries and Wages
4,290.00
4,290.00
4,202.40
87.60
-
Code Enforcement
Salaries and Wages
5,110.00
5,110.00
5,100.00
10.00
-
UNCLASSIFIED
Celebration of Public Events
12,000.00
12,000.00
10,206.80
604.86
1,188.34
-
UTILITY EXPENSES AND BULK PURCHASES
Electric
200.00
200.00
-
200.00
-
Street Lighting
35,000.00
35,000.00
26,212.35
3,630.51
5,157.14
-
Telephone
12,000.00
12,000.00
8,693.35
209.52
3,097.13
-
Heating Oil
3,000.00
3,000.00
70.00
2,930.00
-
Motor Fuel
10,000.00
10,000.00
5,639.80
455.49
3,904.71
-
TOTAL OPERATIONS WITHIN "CAPS"
971,851.00
970,551.00
840,329.25
38,042.73
92,179.02
-
Contingent
-
TOTAL OPERATIONS INCLUDING
CONTINGENT WITHIN "CAPS"
971,851.00
970,551.00
840,329.25
38,042.73
92,179.02
-
Detail:
Salaries and Wages
377,300.00
377,300.00
354,127.69
-
23,172.31
-
Other Expenses
594,551.00
593,251.00
486,201.56
38,042.73
69,006.71
-
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement
13
Exhibit A - 3
(Over expended)
Unexpended
Budget After
Paid or
Balance
Budget
Modifications
Charged
Encumbered
Reserved
Cancelled
Appropriations
Expended
CURRENT FUND
STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES - REGULATORY BASIS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
DEFERRED CHARGES AND STATUTORY
EXPENDITURES:
Statutory Expenditures:
Contributions to:
Public Employees' Retirement System
36,312.00
36,912.00
36,898.35
13.65
-
Social Security System (O.A.S.I.)
27,500.00
27,500.00
27,073.22
426.78
-
Unemployment Compensation Insurance
500.00
1,000.00
499.92
500.08
-
DCRP
650.00
850.00
719.88
130.12
-
TOTAL DEFERRED CHARGES AND
STATUTORY EXPENDITURES:
64,962.00
66,262.00
65,191.37
-
1,070.63
-
TOTAL GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR
MUNICIPAL PURPOSES WITHIN "CAPS"
1,036,813.00
1,036,813.00
905,520.62
38,042.73
93,249.65
-
OPERATIONS - EXCLUDED FROM "CAPS"
(A) Operations - Excluded from "CAPS"
LOSAP Contribution - Fire
16,150.00
16,150.00
15,200.00
950.00
-
Shared Service Agreements
Municipal Court
22,000.00
22,000.00
21,897.63
102.37
-
Group Insurance Plan for Employees
-
-
-
38,150.00
38,150.00
37,097.63
-
1,052.37
-
(A) Public and Private Programs Off-Set by
Revenues
Stormwater Grant
25,000.00
25,000.00
-
-
Spotted Lantern Fly
15,000.00
15,000.00
-
-
Clean Communities
4,000.00
4,000.00
-
-
Sustainable Jersey - Environmental Stewardship
2,000.00
2,000.00
-
-
NJ DOT 2023
160,202.49
160,202.49
-
-
NJ DOT 2022
207,597.51
207,597.51
-
-
Local Recreation Grant
70,000.00
70,000.00
-
-
Total Public and Private Programs Off-Set by
Revenues
-
483,800.00
483,800.00
-
-
-
Total Operations - Excluded from "CAPS"
38,150.00
521,950.00
520,897.63
-
1,052.37
-
Detail:
Other Expenses
38,150.00
521,950.00
520,897.63
-
1,052.37
-
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement
14
Exhibit A - 3
(Over expended)
Unexpended
Budget After
Paid or
Balance
Budget
Modifications
Charged
Encumbered
Reserved
Cancelled
Appropriations
Expended
CURRENT FUND
STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES - REGULATORY BASIS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
(C) Capital Improvements
Capital Improvement Fund
10,000.00
10,000.00
10,000.00
-
-
Equipment
34,000.00
34,000.00
10,767.22
23,232.78
-
Office Equipment
4,500.00
4,500.00
3,375.00
1,125.00
-
-
Firefighter Equipment
22,000.00
22,000.00
22,000.00
-
-
Road Repairs
10,000.00
10,000.00
590.00
9,410.00
-
Total Capital Improvements
80,500.00
80,500.00
46,732.22
1,125.00
32,642.78
-
(E) Deferred Charges
Ordinance 02-2020
19,000.00
19,000.00
19,000.00
-
-
Total Deferred Charges
19,000.00
19,000.00
19,000.00
-
-
-
TOTAL GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR
MUNICIPAL PURPOSES EXCLUDED
FROM "CAPS"
137,650.00
621,450.00
586,629.85
1,125.00
33,695.15
-
SUBTOTAL GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS
1,174,463.00
1,658,263.00
1,492,150.47
39,167.73
126,944.80
-
(M) Reserve for Uncollected Taxes
46,700.00
46,700.00
46,700.00
-
TOTAL GENERAL APPRORIATIONS
$
1,221,163.00
1,704,963.00
1,538,850.47
39,167.73
126,944.80
-
Budget
1,221,163.00
Cancelled
-
Appropriations by 40A:4-87
483,800.00
Overexpended
-
Emergency Appropriations
-
1,704,963.00
-
Reserve for Uncollected Taxes
46,700.00
Federal and State Grants
483,800.00
Deferred Charges
19,000.00
Disbursements
989,350.47
1,538,850.47
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement
15
EXHIBIT B - TRUST FUNDS
{THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK}
Exhibit B
ASSETS
2023
2022
Dog License Fund:
Cash
$
4,261.28
4,346.48
Due from State of New Jersey
33.40
33.40
4,294.68
4,379.88
Length of Service Award Program
Investments held for LOSAP
314,375.51
291,591.03
314,375.51
291,591.03
Other Funds:
Cash - Treasurer
167,797.90
167,978.97
Due from Current Fund - Open Space
138,796.34
115,375.04
306,594.24
283,354.01
625,264.43
579,324.92
LIABILITIES, RESERVES AND FUND BALANCE
Dog License Fund:
Due to Current Fund
4,017.08
4,017.08
Reserve for Dog Fund Expenditures
277.60
362.80
4,294.68
4,379.88
Length of Service Award Program
Reserve for LOSAP
314,375.51
291,591.03
314,375.51
291,591.03
Other Funds:
Due to Current Fund
295.05
295.05
Other Accounts Payable
702.49
Miscellaneous Reserves
305,596.70
283,058.96
306,594.24
283,354.01
$
625,264.43
579,324.92
TRUST FUND
COMPARATIVE BALANCE SHEET - REGULATORY BASIS
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement
16
{THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK}
EXHIBIT C - GENERAL CAPITAL FUND
{THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK}
Exhibit C
2023
2022
ASSETS
Cash
$
55,173.35
45,173.35
Deferred Charges to Future Taxation -
Funded
-
-
Unfunded
74,249.00
93,249.00
Interfunds and Receivables
Due from Current Fund
-
-
129,422.35
138,422.35
LIABILITIES, RESERVES AND FUND BALANCE
Due to Current Fund
33,609.71
36,127.90
Encumbrances Payable
-
-
Improvement Authorizations:
Funded
14,955.88
26,346.00
Unfunded
59.26
5,150.95
Capital Improvement Fund
50,880.50
40,880.50
Fund Balance
29,917.00
29,917.00
$
129,422.35
138,422.35
There were bonds and notes authorized but not issued at December 31,
2022
93,249.00
2023
74,249.00
GENERAL CAPITAL FUND
COMPARATIVE BALANCE SHEET - REGULATORY BASIS
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
The accompanying NOtes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement
17
Exhibit C - 1
2023
2022
Beginning Balance January 1
$
29,917.00
29,917.00
No current year activity
Ending Balance December 31
$
29,917.00
29,917.00
GENERAL CAPITAL FUND
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF FUND BALANCE -
REGULATORY BASIS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
The accompanying NOtes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement
18
EXHIBIT G - GENERAL FIXED ASSETS
{THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK}
Exhibit G
GENERAL FIXED ASSETS ACCOUNT GROUP
STATEMENT OF GENERAL FIXED ASSETS - REGULATORY BASIS
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
2023
2022
General Fixed Assets:
Land
$
2,060,028.00
2,060,028.00
Buildings
1,239,981.91
1,239,981.91
Equipment and Transportation
318,068.97
312,420.71
Total General Fixed Assets
3,618,078.88
3,612,430.62
Investment in General Fixed Assets
$
3,618,078.88
3,612,430.62
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement
19
{THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK}
CITY OF PORT REPUBLIC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
Note 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
A. Reporting City
Except as noted below, the financial statements of the City of Port Republic include every board,
body, office or commission supported and maintained wholly or in part by funds appropriated by
the City of Port Republic, as required by N.J.S. 40A:5-5.
Component units are legally separate organizations for which the City is financially accountable.
The City is financially accountable for an organization if the City appoints a voting majority of the
organization’s governing board and (1) the City is able to significantly influence the programs or
services performed or provided by the organization; or (2) the City is legally entitled to or can
otherwise access the organization’s resources; the City is legally obligated or has otherwise
assumed the responsibility to finance the deficits of or provide financial support to the organization;
or the City is obligated for the debt of the organization. Component units may also include
organizations that are fiscally dependent on the City in that the City approves the budget, the
issuance of debt or the levying of taxes. The Board of Education of the City is a component unit.
However, under the regulatory basis of accounting in New Jersey, the component unit is neither
blended nor shown in a discrete presentation in the financial statements of the City. The Board of
Education does have an independent audit performed and a copy is available at the Board’s
offices.
B. Description of Funds
The accounting policies of the City of Port Republic conform to the accounting principles applicable
to municipalities which have been prescribed by the Division of Local Government Services,
Department of Community Affairs, State of New Jersey. Such principles and practices are
designed primarily for determining compliance with legal provisions and budgetary restrictions and
as a means of reporting on the stewardship of public officials with the respect to public funds.
Under this method of accounting, the City of Port Republic accounts for its financial transactions
through the following separate funds:
Current Fund -- resources and expenditures for governmental operations of a general nature,
including Federal and State grant funds.
Trust Funds -- receipts, custodianship and disbursement of funds in accordance with the purpose
for which each reserve was created.
General Capital Fund -- receipt and disbursement of funds for the acquisition of general facilities,
other than those acquired in the Current Fund.
General Fixed Assets Account Group -- All fixed assets used in governmental fund type operations
(general fixed assets) are accounted for in the general fixed assets account group, rather than in
governmental funds.
20
CITY OF PORT REPUBLIC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
C. Basis of Accounting
The accounting principles and practices prescribed for municipalities by the State of New Jersey
differ in certain respects from generally accepted accounting principles applicable to local
governmental units. The more significant policies in New Jersey follow.
A modified accrual basis of accounting is followed with minor exceptions.
Revenues -- are recorded as received in cash except for certain amounts, which are due from
other governmental units. Receipts from Federal and State grants are realized as revenue when
anticipated in the City budget. Receivables for property taxes are recorded with offsetting reserves
on the balance sheet of the City's Current Fund, accordingly, such amounts are not recorded as
revenue until collected. Other amounts that are due to the City which are susceptible to accrual are
also recorded as receivables with offsetting reserves and recorded as revenue when received.
Expenditures -- are recorded on the "budgetary" basis of accounting. Generally expenditures are
recorded when an amount is encumbered for goods or services through the issuance of a
purchase order in conjunction with the Encumbrance Accounting System. Outstanding
encumbrances at December 31 are reported as a cash liability in the financial statements.
Appropriation reserves covering unencumbered appropriation balances are automatically created
at December 31st of each year and recorded as liabilities, except for amounts which may be
canceled by the Governing Body. Appropriation reserves are available, until lapsed at the close of
the succeeding year, to meet specific claims, commitments or contracts incurred during the
preceding fiscal year. Lapsed appropriation reserves are recorded as income. Appropriations for
principal payments on outstanding general capital bonds and notes are provided on the cash basis;
interest on general capital indebtedness is on the cash basis. Compensated absences are treated
on a pay as you go basis with no amount charged to operations in the year incurred.
Foreclosed Property -- Foreclosed property is recorded in the Current Fund at the assessed
valuation when such property was acquired and is fully reserved.
Interfunds -- Interfund receivables in the Current Fund are recorded with offsetting reserves which
are created by charges to operations. Income is recognized in the year the receivables are
liquidated. Interfund receivables in the other funds are not offset by reserves.
Inventories of Supplies - The cost of inventories of supplies for all funds are recorded as
expenditures at the time individual items are purchased. The cost of inventories is not included on
the various balance sheets.
General Fixed Assets -- The City has developed a fixed assets accounting and reporting system,
as promulgated by the Division of Local Government Services, which differs in certain respects
from generally accepted accounting principles.
As required by New Jersey Statutes, foreclosed property is reported in the current operating fund
of the municipality.
21
CITY OF PORT REPUBLIC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
Fixed assets used in governmental operations (general fixed assets) are accounted for in the
General Fixed Assets Account Group. Public domain ("infrastructure") general fixed assets
consisting of certain improvements other than buildings, such as roads, bridges, curbs and gutters,
streets and sidewalks and drainage systems are not capitalized.
All fixed assets are valued at historical cost or estimated historical cost if actual historical cost is
not available except for land which is valued at estimated market value on the date of acquisition.
Expenditures for long lived assets with an original cost in excess of $5,000 are capitalized.
No depreciation has been provided for in the financial statements.
Expenditures for construction in progress are recorded in the Capital funds until such time as the
construction is completed and put into operation.
Fixed assets acquired through grants in aid or contributed capital have not been accounted for
separately.
Levy of Taxes -- The County Board of Taxation certifies the tax levy of the municipality each year.
The tax levy is based on the assessed valuation of taxable property within the municipality. Taxes
are payable on the first day of February, May, August, and November. Any taxes that have not
been paid by 11th day of the 11th month in the fiscal year levied are subject to being included in
the tax sale and the lien enforced by selling the property in accordance with NJSA 54:5 et. seq.
The municipality is responsible for remitting 100% of the school and county taxes to the respective
agency. The loss for delinquent or uncollectible accounts is borne by the municipality and not the
school district or county.
Interest on Delinquent Taxes – It is the policy of the City of Port Republic to collect interest for the
nonpayment of taxes or assessments on or before the date when they would become delinquent.
The Tax Collector is authorized to charge eight percent (8%) per annum on the first $1,500.00 of
taxes becoming delinquent after due date and eighteen percent (18%) per annum on any amount
of taxes in excess of $1,500.00 becoming delinquent after due date and if a delinquency is in
excess of $10,000.00 and remains in arrears beyond December 31st, an additional penalty of six
percent (6%) shall be charged against the delinquency. There is a ten day grace period.
Capitalization of Interest -- It is the policy of the City of Port Republic to treat interest on projects as
a current expense and the interest is included in the current operating budget.
Use of Estimates -- The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles or the statutory basis of accounting requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results
could differ from those estimates.
22
CITY OF PORT REPUBLIC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
D. Required Financial Statements
The State of New Jersey requires the following financial statements to be presented for each fund
on the regulatory basis of accounting: Balance Sheet, Statement of Operations and Changes in
Fund Balance, Statement of Revenue and Statement of Expenditures. These statements differ
from those presented under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, which requires a Statement
of Net Position and Statement of Activities in addition to the fund financial statements.
E. Comparative Data
Comparative total data for the prior year has been presented in the accompanying Balance Sheets
and Statement of Operations in order to provide an understanding of changes in the City's financial
position. However, comparative (i.e., presentation of prior year totals by fund type) data have not
been presented in the Statement of Revenue-Regulatory Basis and Statement of Expenditures-
Regulatory Basis since their inclusion would make the statements unduly complex and difficult to
read.
F. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Effective
In April 2022, the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) issued Statement No. 99,
“Omnibus 2022”. This statement is effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2022 and June
15, 2023, and will not have any effect on the City’s financial reporting.
In June 2022, the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) issued Statement No. 100,
“Accounting Changes and Error Corrections – an amendment of GASB Statement No. 62”. This
statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2023, and will not have any effect on
the City’s financial reporting.
In June 2022, the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) issued Statement No. 101,
“Compensated Absences”. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 2023, and will not have any effect on the City’s financial reporting.
Note 2: BUDGETARY INFORMATION
Under New Jersey State Statutes, the annual budget is required to be a balanced cash basis
document. To accomplish this, the municipality is required to establish a reserve for uncollected
taxes. The 2023 and 2022 statutory budgets included a reserve for uncollected taxes in the
amount of $46,700 and $59,918.15. To balance the budget, the municipality is required to show a
budgeted fund balance. The amount of fund balance budgeted to balance the 2023 and 2022
statutory budgets was $324,000 and $326,000.
The Chief Financial Officer has the discretion of approving intra department budgetary transfers
throughout the year. Inter department transfers are not permitted prior to November 1. After
November 1 these transfers can be made in the form of a resolution and approved by City Council.
There were no significant budget transfers during the 2023 or 2022 calendar years.
NJSA 40A:4-87 permits special items of revenue and appropriations to be inserted into the annual
budget when the item has been made available by any public or private funding source and the
23
CITY OF PORT REPUBLIC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
item was not determined at the time of budget adoption. During 2023 and 2022, the following
significant budget insertions were approved:
Budget Category
2023
2022
Clean Communities
4,000.00
$
4,000.00
American Rescue Plan
110,111.32
Recycling Tonnage Grant
1,988.67
Sustainable Jersey - Environmental Stewardship
2,000.00
2,000.00
Community Development Block Grant
150,000.00
Stormwater Grant
25,000.00
Spotted Lantern Fly
15,000.00
Local Recreation Grant
70,000.00
NJ DOT 2023
160,202.49
NJ DOT 2022
207,597.51
Note 3: INVESTMENTS
Interest Rate Risk. The municipality does not have a formal investment policy that limits
investment maturities as a means of managing its exposure to fair value losses arising from
increasing interest rates. However, New Jersey Statutes 40A:5-15.1(a) limits the length of time for
most investments to 397 days.
Credit Risk. New Jersey Statutes 40A:5-15.1(a) limits municipal investments to those specified in
the Statutes. The type of allowable investments are Bonds of the United States of America or of
the local unit or school districts of which the local unit is a part of: obligations of federal agencies
not exceeding 397 days; government money market mutual funds; the State of New Jersey Cash
Management Plan; local government investment pools; or repurchase of fully collateralized
securities.
Concentration of Credit Risk. The municipality places no limit on the amount the City can invest
in any one issuer.
Note 4: CASH
Custodial Credit Risk – Deposits. Custodial credit risk is the risk that in the event of a bank
failure, the government’s deposits may not be returned to it. The municipality’s policy is based on
New Jersey Statutes requiring cash be deposited only in New Jersey based banking institutions
that participate in the New Jersey Governmental Depository Protection Act (GUDPA) or in qualified
investments established in New Jersey Statutes 40A:5-15.1(a) that are treated as cash
equivalents. Under the act, all demand deposits are covered by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation (FDIC). Public funds owned by the municipality in excess of FDIC insured amounts
are protected by GUDPA. However, GUDPA does not protect intermingled trust funds such as
salary withholdings, bail funds or fund that may pass to the municipality relative to the happening of
a future condition. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, $0 of the municipality’s bank balance of
$1,967,305.18 and $1,736,253.74 was exposed to custodial credit risk.
24
CITY OF PORT REPUBLIC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
Note 5: FIXED ASSETS
The following schedules are a summarization of the changes in general fixed assets for the
calendar years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Balance
Retirements/
Balance
12/31/2022
Additions
Adjustments
12/31/2023
Land
2,060,028.00
$
2,060,028.00
Building
1,239,981.91
1,239,981.91
Equipment
312,420.71
10,767.22
5,118.96
318,068.97
3,612,430.62
$
10,767.22
5,118.96
3,618,078.88
Balance
Balance
12/31/2021
Additions
Retirements
12/31/2022
Land
2,060,028.00
$
2,060,028.00
Building
1,239,981.91
1,239,981.91
Equipment
206,014.86
106,405.85
312,420.71
3,506,024.77
$
106,405.85
-
3,612,430.62
Note 6: SHORT-TERM OBLIGATIONS
Lease Liability
The City entered into agreements to lease certain equipment. The lease agreements quality as
other than short-term leases under GASB 87 and, therefore, have been recorded at present value
of the future minimum lease payments as of the date of their inception. The City has determined
the accumulated amortization to be immaterial to the government-wide financial statements and
has elected to record the remaining payments in full.
Agreement for mail machine was executed in August 2019 and matures in December 2024. The
remaining liability as of December 31, 2023 is $347.40.
The future minimum lease obligations as of December 31, 2023, are as follows:
Year Ending
June 30,
2024
$
347.40
25
CITY OF PORT REPUBLIC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
Summary of Municipal Debt
Year 2023
Year 2022
Year 2021
Issued:
General - Bonds and Notes
$ - - -
Total Issued
- - -
Authorized but not issued:
General - Bonds and Notes
74,249.00
93,249.00
112,249.00
Total Authorized But Not Issued
74,249.00
93,249.00
112,249.00
Total Bonds & Notes Issued and
Authorized But Not Issued
$ 74,249.00 93,249.00 112,249.00
Summary of Statutory Debt Condition - Annual Debt Statement
The summarized statement of debt condition which follows is prepared in accordance with the
required method of setting up the Annual Debt Statement and indicates a statutory net debt of
.063%.
Gross Debt
Deductions
Net Debt
Local School District Debt
-
$
-
-
General Debt
74,249.00
-
74,249.00
74,249.00
$
-
74,249.00
Net Debt $74,249 ÷ Equalized Valuation Basis per N.J.S.A. 40A:2-2 as amended, $163,384,309.33
= .045%.
Borrowing Power Under N.J.S.A. 40A:2-6 as Amended
3 1/2% of Equalized Valuation Basis ( Municipal)
5,718,450.83
$
Net Debt
74,249.00
Remaining Borrowing Power
5,644,201.83
$
The City of Port Republic School District, as a K-8 school district, is permitted to borrow up to 3%
of the average equalized valuation for the past three years. State statutes allow a school district to
exceed the districts limitation with voter approval. Any amount approved by the voters in excess of
the limit is treated as an impairment of the municipal limit.
26
CITY OF PORT REPUBLIC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
Note 7: FUND BALANCES APPROPRIATED
Fund balances at December 31, 2023 and 2022, which were appropriated and included as
anticipated revenue in their own respective funds for the year ending December 31, 2024 and 2023
were as follows:
2024
2023
Current Fund
$
325,000
324,000
Note 8: SCHOOL TAXES
Local District School Taxes have been raised and a liability deferred by statute, resulting in the
school tax payable set forth in the Current Fund liabilities as follows:
12/31/2023
12/31/2022
Balance of Tax
1,084,029.94
$
1,038,489.94
Deferred
460,000.00
460,000.00
Tax Payable
624,029.94
$
578,489.94
Note 9: TAXES COLLECTED IN ADVANCE
Taxes collected in advance are recorded as cash liabilities in the financial statements. Following is
a comparison of the liability for the previous two years:
Balance
12/31/23
Balance
12/31/22
Prepaid Taxes
68,676.56
$
90,531.52
Cash Liability for Taxes Collected in Advance
68,676.56
$
90,531.52
Note 10: PENSION FUNDS
Description of Plans
Substantially all of the City's employees participate in the Public Employees' Retirement System
(PERS) cost sharing multiple-employer defined benefit pension plan which has been established
by State Statute and are administered by the New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits
(Division). According to the State of New Jersey Administrative Code, all obligations of the System
will be assumed by the State of New Jersey should the system terminate. The Division issues a
publicly available financial report that includes the financial statements and required supplementary
information for the systems. This report may be obtained by writing to the Division of Pension and
Benefits, PO Box 295, Trenton, New Jersey 08625 or the report can be accessed on the internet at
- http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/annrprts.shtml.
Public Employees’ Retirement System
27
CITY OF PORT REPUBLIC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
The Public Employees' Retirement System was established in January, 1955 under the provisions
of N.J.S.A. 43:15A to provide retirement, death, disability and medical benefits to certain qualified
members. The PERS is a cost-sharing multiple-employer plan. Membership is mandatory for
substantially all full time employees of the State or any county, municipality, school district or public
agency provided the employee is not required to be a member of another State-administered
retirement system.
Funding Policy
The contribution policy is set by N.J.S.A. 43:15A, Chapter 62, P.L. of 1994, Chapter 115, P.L. of
1997 and N.J.S.A. 18:66, and requires contributions by active members and contributing
employers. Plan member and employer contributions may be amended by State of New Jersey
legislation. PERS provided for employee contributions of 7.50% of employee’s annual
compensation, as defined. Employers are required to contribute to an actuarially determined rate
in PERS. The City’s contributions to PERS for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and
2021 were $36,312, $33,120.00, and $32,117.00, respectively. The total payroll for the year
ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $361,606.44, $330,311.12, and $335,242.89,
respectively. Payroll covered by PERS was $228,664.00, $210,198.00, and $212,314.00.
Significant Legislation
Chapter 78, P.L. 2011, effective June 28, 2011 made various changes to the manner in which the
Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) and the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System
(PFRS) operate and to the benefit provisions of those systems.
Chapter 78’s provisions impacting employee pension and health benefits include:
New members of the PERS hired on or after June 28, 2011 (Tier 5 members) will need 30
years of creditable service and age 65 for receipt of the early retirement benefit without a
reduction of ¼ of 1% for each month that the member is under age 65.
The eligibility age to qualify for a service retirement in the PERS is increased from age 63 to
65 for Tier 5 members.
The annual benefit under special retirement for new PFRS members enrolled after June 28,
2011 (Tier 3 members), will be 60% instead of 65% of the member’s final compensation
plus 1% for each year of creditable service over 25 years but not to exceed 30 years.
Increases in active member contribution rates. PERS active member rates increase from
5.5% of annual compensation to 6.5% plus an additional 1% phased-in over 7 years; PFRS
active member rate increase from 8.5% to 10%. For fiscal year 2013, the member
contribution rates increased in October 2011. The phase-in of the additional incremental
member contribution rates for PERS members will take place in July of each subsequent
fiscal year.
The payment of automatic cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) additional increases to current
and future retirees and beneficiaries is suspended until reactivated as permitted by this law.
New employee contribution requirements towards the cost of employer-provided health
benefit coverage. Employees are required to contribute a certain percentage of the cost of
coverage. The rate of contribution is determined based on the employee’s annual salary
and the selected level of coverage. The increased employee contributions will be phased in
over a 4-year period for those employed prior to Chapter 78’s effective date with a minimum
contribution required to be at least 1.5% of salary.
28
CITY OF PORT REPUBLIC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
In addition, this new legislation changes the method for amortizing the pension systems’
unfunded accrued liability (from a level percent of pay method to a level dollar of pay).
Chapter 1, P.L. 2010, effective May 21, 2010, made a number of changes to the State-
administered retirement systems concerning eligibility, the retirement allowance formula, the
definition of compensation, the positions eligible for service credit, the non-forfeitable right to a
pension, the prosecutor’s part of the PERS, special retirement under the PFRS, and employer
contributions to the retirement systems.
Also, Chapter 1, P.L. 2010 changed the membership eligibility criteria for new members of PERS
from the amount of annual compensation to the number of hours worked weekly. Also, it returned
the benefit multiplier for new members of PERS to 1/60th from 1/55th, and it provided that new
members of PERS have the retirement allowance calculated using the average annual
compensation for the last five years of service instead of the last three years of service. New
members of PERS will no longer receive pension service credit from more than one employer.
Pension service credit will be earned for the highest paid position only. This law also closed the
Prosecutors Part of the PERS to new members and repealed the law for new members that
provided a non-forfeitable right to receive a pension based on the laws of the retirement system in
place at the time 5 years of pension service credit is attained. The law also requires the State to
make its full pension contribution, defined a 1/7th of the required amount, beginning in fiscal years
2012.
Chapter 3, P.L. 2010, effective May 21, 2010, replaced the accidental and ordinary disability
retirement for new members of the PERS with disability insurance coverage similar to that provided
by the State to individuals enrolled in the State’s Defined Contribution Retirement Program.
Chapter 92, P.L. 2007 implemented certain recommendations contained in the December 1, 2006
report of the Joint Legislative Committee on Public Employee Benefits Reform; established a
DCRP for elected and certain appointed officials, effective July 1, 2007; the new pension loan
interest rate became 4.69% per year, and an $8.00 processing fee per loan was charged, effective
January 1, 2008. The legislation also removed language from existing law that permits the State
Treasurer to reduce employer pension contributions needed to fund the Funds and Systems when
excess assets are available.
Note 11: PENSION LIABILITIES
In 2012, the Governmental Accounting Standards Board issued GASB statement 68. This
statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2014. This statement changes the
method of reporting the municipality’s pension liabilities. However, due to the fact that the
municipality reports on the regulatory basis of accounting, no financial statement impact will be
recognized.
The following represents the municipality’s pension liabilities as June 30, 2022:
Public Employees’ Retirement System
The Municipality has a liability of $434,558.00 for its proportionate share of the net pension liability.
The net pension liability was measured as of June 30, 2022, and the total pension liability used to
calculate the net pension liability was determined by an actuarial valuation as of July 1, 2021 that
29
CITY OF PORT REPUBLIC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
was rolled forward to June 30, 2022. The Municipality’s proportion of the net pension liability was
based on a projection of the Municipality’s long-term share of contributions to the pension plan
relative to the projected contributions of all participating employers, actuarially determined. At
June 30, 2022, the Municipality’s proportion would be 0.00287950970%, which would be an
increase of 1.82% from its proportion measured as of June 30, 2021.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Municipality would have recognized pension expense
of $(33,757.00). At December 31, 2022, the Municipality would report deferred outflows of
resources and deferred inflows of resources related to PERS from the following sources:
Deferred Outflows
Deferred Inflows
of Resources
of Resources
Differences between expected & actual experience
3,136.00
$
(2,766.00)
Changes of assumptions
1,346.00
(65,070.00)
Changes in proportion
23,452.00
(22,911.00)
Net difference between projected and actual earnings
on pension plan investments
17,986.00
-
Total
45,920.00
$
(90,747.00)
Amounts that would be reported as deferred outflows of resources and deferred inflows of
resources related to pensions would be recognized in pension expense as follows:
Year ended
June 30,
2023
(40,974)
$
2024
(15,091)
2025
(1,060)
2026
12,395
2027
(96)
Total
(44,827)
$
Actuarial Assumptions
The total pension liability for the June 30, 2022 measurement date was determined by an actuarial
valuation as of July 1, 2021, which was rolled forward to June 30, 2022. This actuarial valuation
used the following assumptions, applied to all periods in the measurement:
Inflation rate
Price
2.75%
Wage
3.25%
Salary increases:
2.75% – 6.55% (based on years of service)
Investment rate of return:
7.00%
30
CITY OF PORT REPUBLIC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
Pre-retirement mortality rates were based on the Pub-2010 General Below-Median Income
Employee mortality table with an 82.2% adjustment for males and 101.4% adjustment for females,
and with future improvement from the base year of 2010 on a generational basis. Post-retirement
mortality rates were based on the Pub-2010 General Below-Median Income Healthy Retiree
mortality table with a 91.4% adjustment for males and 99.7% adjustment for females, and with
future improvement from the base year of 2010 on a generational basis. Disability retirement rates
used to value disable retirees were based on the Pub-2010 Non-Safety Disabled Retiree mortality
table with a 127.7% adjustment for males and 117.2% adjustment for females, and with future
improvement from the base year of 2010 on generational basis. Mortality improvement is based
on Scale MP-2021.
The actuarial assumptions used in the July 1, 2021 valuation were based on the results of an
actuarial experience study for the period July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021.
In accordance with State statute, the long-term expected rate of return on plan investments (7.00%
at June 30, 2022) is determined by the State Treasurer, after consultation with the Directors of the
Division of Investments and Division of Pensions and Benefits, the board of trustees and the
actuaries. The long term expected rate of return was determined using a building block method in
which best-estimate ranges of expected future real rates of return (expected returns, net of pension
plan investment expense and inflation) are developed for each major asset class. These ranges
are combined to produce the long-term expected rate of return by weighting the expected future
real rates of return by the target asset allocation percentage and by adding expected inflation.
Best estimates of arithmetic real rates of return for each major asset class included in PERS’s
target asset allocation as of June 30, 2022 are summarized in the following table:
Long-Term
Target
Expected Real
Asset Class
Allocation
Rate of Return
US equity
27.00%
8.12%
Non-U.S. developed markets equity
13.50%
8.38%
Emerging markets equity
5.50%
10.33%
Private equity
13.00%
11.80%
Real estate
8.00%
11.19%
Real assets
3.00%
7.60%
High yield
4.00%
4.95%
Private Credit
8.00%
8.10%
Investment grade credit
7.00%
3.38%
Cash equivalents
4.00%
1.75%
U.S. Treasuries
4.00%
1.75%
Risk mitigation strategies
3.00%
4.91%
Discount Rate
The discount rate used to measure the total pension liability was 7.00% as of June 30, 2022. The
projection of cash flows used to determine the discount rate assumed that contributions from plan
31
CITY OF PORT REPUBLIC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
members will be made at the current member contribution rates and that contributions from
employers will be made based on 100% of the actuarially determined contributions for the State
employer and 100% of actuarially determined contributions for local employers. Based on those
assumptions, the plan’s fiduciary net position was projected to be available to make all projected
future benefit payments of current plan members. Therefore, the long-term expected rate of return
on plan investments was applied to all projected benefit payments in determining the total pension
liability.
Sensitivity of the Municipality’s proportionate share of the net pension liability to changes in the
discount rate.
The following presents the Municipality’s proportionate share of the net pension liability calculated
using the discount rate as disclosed above, as well as what the Municipality’s proportionate share
of the net pension liability would be if it were calculated using a discount rate that is 1-percentage
point lower or 1-percentage point higher than the current rate:
1%
Current Discount
1%
Decrease
Rate
Increase
(6.00%)
(7.00%)
(8.00%)
Municipality's proportionate share of
the net pension liability
521,124
$
434,558.00
360,968.61
Pension plan fiduciary net position.
Detailed information about the pension plan’s fiduciary net position is available in the separately
issued PERS financial report.
Note 12: POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Plan Description The City of Port Republic contributes to the State Health Benefits Program
(SHBP) a cost-sharing, multi-employer defined benefit post-employment healthcare plan
administered by the State of New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits. The SHBP was
established in 1961 under N.J.S.A. 52:14-17.25 et seq. to provide health benefits to State
employees, retirees, and their dependents.
The SHBP was extended to employees, retirees, and dependents of participating local public
employers in 1964. Local employers must adopt a resolution to participate in the SHBP. Rules
governing the operation and administration of the program are found in Title 17, Chapter 9 of the
New Jersey Administrative Code. SHBP provides medical, prescription drugs, mental
health/substance abuse, and Medicare Part B reimbursement to retirees and their covered
dependents.
The State Health Benefits Commission is the executive body established by statute to be
responsible for the operation of the SHBP. The State of New Jersey Division of Pensions and
Benefits issues a publicly available financial report that includes financial statements and required
supplementary information for the SHBP. That report may be obtained by writing to: State of New
Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits, P.O. Box 295, Trenton, NJ 08625-0295 or by visiting
their website at to http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/shbp.htm
32
CITY OF PORT REPUBLIC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
Funding Policy Participating employers are contractually required to contribute based on the
amount of premiums attributable to their retirees. Post-retirement medical benefits under the plan
have been funded on a pay-as-you-go basis since 1994. Prior to 1994, medical benefits were
funded on an actuarial basis.
Contributions to pay for the health premiums of participating retirees in the SHBP are billed to the
City of Port Republic on a monthly basis. The rates charged by the system for the year ended
December 31, 2023 vary according to the type of coverage selected by the retiree and range from
$378 to $1,770 monthly per retiree.
The City of Port Republic contributions to SHBP for post-retirement benefits for the year ended
December 31, 2023 and 2022, were $0 and $0 respectively, which equaled the required
contribution for the year.
Note 13: ACCRUED SICK AND VACATION BENEFITS
The City has permitted employees to accrue unused vacation and sick pay, which may be taken as
time off. The City allows the employees to accumulate a maximum of 24 days of sick time and 7
days of vacation time. The City has no policy of payments to employees at retirement or
termination.
Note 14: ECONOMIC DEPENDENCY
The City of Port Republic is not economically dependent on any one business or industry as a
major source of tax revenue for the City.
Note 15: RISK MANAGEMENT
The City is exposed to various risks of loss related to torts; theft of, damage to, and destruction of
assets; errors and omissions; injuries to employees; and natural disasters.
Property and Liability Insurance - The City maintains commercial insurance coverage for
property, liability and surety bonds. During the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 the City
did not incur claims in excess of their coverage and the amount of coverage did not significantly
decrease.
The City is a member of the Atlantic County Joint Insurance Fund (JIF) and the Municipal Excess
Liability Fund (MEL) which also includes other municipalities throughout the region. The City is
obligated to remit insurance premiums into these funds for sufficient insurance coverage. There is
an unknown contingent liability with the Atlantic County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund if there is a
catastrophic insurance claim from any member of the fund. The City has a general liability limit of
$100,000 under JIF, which increases to $5,000,000 under MEL.
33
CITY OF PORT REPUBLIC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
New Jersey Unemployment Compensation Insurance – The City has elected to fund its New
Jersey Unemployment Compensation Insurance under the “Benefit Reimbursement Method”.
Under this plan, the City is required to reimburse the New Jersey Unemployment Trust Fund for
benefits paid to its former employees and charged to its account with the State. The City is billed
quarterly for amounts due to the State. The following is a summary of City contributions, employee
contributions, reimbursements to the State for benefits and the ending balance of the City’s trust
fund for the previous three years:
Calendar
Year
City
Contributions
Employee
Contributions
Amount
Reimbursed
Ending
Balance
2023
-
$
842.11
83.91
10,252.39
2022
-
848.19
9,494.19
2021
-
815.37
93.11
8,646.00
Note 16: LENGTH OF SERVICE AWARDS PROGRAM
In 2001, the voters of the City of Port Republic approved the establishment of a Length of Service
Awards Program (LOSAP) Deferred Compensation Plan. This plan is made available to all bona
fide eligible volunteers who are performing qualified services which are defined as fire fighting and
prevention services, emergency medical services, and ambulance services pursuant to Section
457 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, except for provisions added by reason of
the LOSAP as enacted into federal law in 1997. The establishment of this LOSAP will also comply
with New Jersey Public Law 1997, Chapter 388 and the LOSAP document.
Note 17: DEFERRED COMPENSATION
Employees of the City of Port Republic may participate in a deferred compensation plan adopted
under the provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 457 (Deferred Compensation Plans With
Respect to Service for State and Local Governments). The deferred compensation plan is
available to all employees of the City. Under the plan, employees may elect to defer a portion of
their salaries and avoid paying taxes on the deferred portion until the withdrawal date. The
deferred compensation amount is not available for withdrawal by employees until termination,
retirement, death, or unforeseeable emergency.
An unrelated financial institution administers the deferred compensation plan. Under the terms of
an IRC Section 457 deferred compensation plan, all deferred compensation and income
attributable to the investment of the deferred compensation amounts held by the financial
institution, until paid or made available to the employees or beneficiaries, are the property of the
employees.
As part of its fiduciary role, the City has an obligation of due care in selecting the third party
administrator. In the opinion of the City's legal counsel, the City has acted in a prudent manner
and is not liable for losses that may arise from the administration of the plan.
Note 18: CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
From time to time, the City is a defendant in legal proceedings relating to its operations as a
municipality. In the best judgment of the City’s management, the outcome of any present legal
proceedings will not have any adverse material effect on the accompanying financial statements.
34
CITY OF PORT REPUBLIC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
Note 19: INTERFUND BALANCES
During the most current calendar year ended December 31, 2023, the following interfunds were
included on the balance sheets of the various funds of the City of Port Republic:
Due
Due
From
To
Current Fund:
Open Space Trust
138,796.34
Dog Trust
4,017.08
Other Trust Funds
300.51
5.46
General Capital
33,609.71
Animal Control Fund:
Current Fund
4,017.08
Trust Fund:
Current - Open Space Trust
138,796.34
Current - Other Trusts
5.46
300.51
General Capital Fund:
Current Fund
33,609.71
176,729.10
$
176,729.10
The interfunds occurred since the Grant and the Capital funds do not have separate bank
accounts. The interfund with the Animal Control Fund is due to the statutory excess resulting
during the current year. The interfund in the other trust funds is due to interest earnings that were
not transferred to the Current Fund prior to December 31 and bills paid by the Current Fund.
Note 20: OPEN SPACE TAXING DISTRICT
The voters of the City approved the establishment of an Open Space, Recreation, Farmland and
Historic Preservation Trust Fund Taxing District effective January 1, 2005. The amount assessed
each year, $.02 per $100 of assessed valuation, will be placed in an interest bearing account for
the acquisition, development, capital maintenance and payment of debt service on lands acquired
for recreation and conservation purposes. During 2023, $24,265.65 was raised and was paid to
the Open Space Trust Fund.
Note 21: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The City has evaluated subsequent events July 3, 2024, the date which the financial statements
were available to be issued and identified no events requiring disclosure.
35
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
{THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK}
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING AND ON COMPLIANCE AND OTHER
MATTER BASED ON AN AUDIT OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PERFORMED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH GOVERNMENT AUDITING STANDARDS
To the Honorable Mayor and
Members of the City Counsel
City of Port Republic
County of Atlantic, New Jersey
We have audited, in accordance with the auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of
America and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards
issued by the Comptroller General of the United States, the financial statements – regulatory basis, as
listed in the accompanying table of contents, of the City of Port Republic, State of New Jersey, as of and
for the year ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes to the financial statements, which
collectively comprise the City’s basic financial statements, and have issued our report thereon dated July
3, 2024, which was adverse due to being presented in accordance with the New Jersey Regulatory Basis
of Accounting. Our report disclosed that, as described in Note 1 to the financial statements, the City of
Port Republic prepares its financial statements on a basis of accounting prescribed by the Division of
Local Government Services, Department of Community Affairs, State of New Jersey (the “Division”), that
demonstrates compliance with a modified accrual basis of accounting and the budget laws of the State of
New Jersey.
Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
In planning and performing our audit of the financial statements, we considered the City’s control over
financial reporting (internal control) as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the
circumstances for the purpose of expressing our opinions on the financial statements but not for the
purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of City’s internal control. Accordingly, we do not
express an opinion on the effectiveness of the City’s internal control.
A deficiency in internal control exists when the design or operation of a control does not allow
management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent, or
detect and correct, misstatements on a timely basis. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a
combination of deficiencies, in internal control, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material
misstatement of the entity’s financial statements will not be prevented, or detected and corrected on a
timely basis. A significant deficiency is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control
that is less severe than a material weakness, yet important enough to merit attention by those charged
with governance.
Our consideration of internal control was for the limited purpose described in the first paragraph of this
section and was not designed to identify all deficiencies in internal control that might be material
weaknesses or significant deficiencies. Given these limitations, during our audit we did not identify any
deficiencies in internal control that we consider to be material weaknesses. However, material
weaknesses may exist that have not been identified.
36
Report on Compliance and Other Matters
As part of obtaining reasonable assurance about whether the City’s financial statements are free from
material misstatement, we performed tests of its compliance with certain provisions of laws, regulations,
contracts, and grant agreements, noncompliance with which could have a direct and material effect on
the financial statements. However, providing an opinion on compliance with those provisions was not an
objective of our audit, and accordingly, we do not express such an opinion. The results of our tests
disclosed no instances of noncompliance or other matters that are required to be reported under
Government Auditing Standards.
Purpose of this Report
The purpose of this report is solely to describe the scope of our testing of internal control and compliance
and the results of that testing, and not to provide an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal
control or on compliance. This report is an integral part of an audit performed in accordance with
Government Auditing Standards in considering the entity’s internal control and compliance. Accordingly,
this communication is not suitable for any other purpose.
Ford, Scott & Associates, L.L.C.
FORD, SCOTT & ASSOCIATES, L.L.C.
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Nancy Sbrolla
Nancy Sbrolla
Certified Public Accountant
Registered Municipal Accountant
No. 542
July 3, 2024
37
A-4
Balance December 31, 2022
$
1,475,269.69
Increased by Receipts:
Taxes Receivable
3,493,861.34
Delinquent Taxes
42,736.11
Revenue Accounts Receivable
256,231.86
Miscellaneous Revenue
135,269.32
Prepaid Taxes
68,676.56
Overpayments Created
291.42
Due to Capital
2,518.19
State of New Jersey
Senior Citizens and Veterans
11,809.66
Marriage Licenses
25.00
DCA Fees
1,164.00
Reserve for Municipal Relief Aid
18,394.00
4,030,977.46
5,506,247.15
Decreased by Disbursements:
Current Year Appropriation
989,350.47
Prior Year Appropriations
43,917.70
County Taxes
807,848.10
Local District School Taxes
2,122,524.00
County Added Taxes
6,586.17
Refund Overpayments
969.66
Due to State of New Jersey
DCA Fees
1,164.00
3,972,360.10
Balance December 31, 2023
$
1,533,887.05
Current Fund
CURRENT FUND
SCHEDULE OF CASH - TREASURER
38
Exhibit A - 5
Transferred
Balance
Current
To Tax
Balance
Year
Dec. 31, 2022
Year Levy
Added Taxes
2022
2023
Adjustments
Title Lien
Arrears
Dec. 31, 2023
2021 $
384.29
384.29
0.00
2022
42,101.82
42,351.82
(250.00)
(0.00)
42,486.11
-
-
-
42,736.11
(250.00)
-
-
(0.00)
3,625,148.71
90,531.52
3,505,611.34
(481.35)
1,228.53
28,258.67
-
$
42,486.11
3,625,148.71
-
90,531.52
3,548,347.45
(731.35)
1,228.53
-
28,258.67
3,536,597.45
Cash Receipts
11,750.00
Senior Citizens and Veterans
3,548,347.45
Analysis of Current Year Tax Levy
Tax Yield:
General Property Tax
3,625,148.71
Added Taxes (54:4-63.1 et. Seq.)
-
3,625,148.71
Tax Levy:
General County Taxes
715,654.69
County Library Taxes
50,676.56
County Open Space Taxes
8,206.73
County Health Taxes
33,310.12
County Added and Omitted Taxes
4,510.16
Municipal Open Space Tax
23,421.30
Total County Taxes
835,779.56
Local School District Tax
2,168,064.00
Local Tax for Municipal Purposes
605,259.14
Add: Additional Tax Levied
16,046.01
621,305.15
3,625,148.71
CURRENT FUND
SCHEDULE OF TAXES RECEIVABLE AND ANALYSIS OF PROPERTY TAX LEVY
Collections by Cash
39
Exhibit A - 6
Balance December 31, 2022
$
12,259.39
Increased by:
Transfers from Taxes Receivable
1,228.53
Interest and Costs Accrued by Sale
1,228.53
13,487.92
Decreased by:
Collections
-
Cancellation
-
-
Balance December 31, 2023
$
13,487.92
CURRENT FUND
SCHEDULE OF TAX TITLE AND OTHER LIENS
40
Exhibit A - 7
Balance
Accrued
Collected by
Balance
Dec. 31, 2022
in 2023
Treasurer
Dec. 31, 2023
Interest on Taxes
$
-
11,867.48
11,867.48
-
Fines and Costs:
Municipal Court
-
12,352.88
12,352.88
Energy Receipts Tax
-
176,307.00
176,307.00
-
Municipal Relief Funds
-
9,196.86
9,196.86
-
Communication Tower Rental
-
46,595.88
46,595.88
-
Investment Interest
-
9,108.62
9,108.62
-
Miscellaneous Revenue Not Anticipated
152,269.32
152,269.32
-
$
-
417,698.04
417,698.04
-
Reserves
9,196.86
Cash
408,501.18
417,698.04
CURRENT FUND
SCHEDULE OF REVENUE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
41
Exhibit A - 8
Balance
Balance
After
Paid or
Balance
Over-
Dec. 31, 2022
Transfers
Charges
Lapsed
Expended
OPERATIONS WITHIN "CAPS"
GENERAL GOVERNMENT:
Mayor and Council
Other Expenses
$
100.00
100.00
82.50
17.50
-
Municipal Clerk
Other Expenses
492.11
492.11
492.11
-
-
Financial Administration
Other Expenses
331.45
331.45
331.45
-
-
Tax Collector
Other Expenses
790.32
790.32
693.20
97.12
-
Legal Services and Costs
Other Expenses
9,342.46
9,342.46
954.59
8,387.87
-
MUNICIPAL COURT
Other Expenses
-
-
-
LAND USE ADMINISTRATION
Planning Board
Other Expenses
1,522.50
1,522.50
594.00
928.50
-
PUBLIC SAFETY
Police
Other Expenses
2,941.29
2,941.29
279.58
2,661.71
-
Emergency Management Services
Other Expenses
3,400.00
3,400.00
2,030.36
1,369.64
-
PUBLIC WORKS
Streets and Road Maintenance
Other Expenses
4,473.52
4,473.52
3,733.64
739.88
-
Grant Writer
Other Expenses
10,880.00
10,880.00
6,760.00
4,120.00
-
Garbage and Trash Removal
Other Expenses
26,009.14
26,009.14
14,706.63
11,302.51
-
Building and Grounds
Other Expenses
11,657.96
11,657.96
9,735.05
1,922.91
-
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Dog Regulation
Other Expenses
1,115.00
1,115.00
135.00
980.00
-
UTILITY EXPENSES AND BULK PURCHASES
Street Lighting
453.28
453.28
29.12
424.16
-
Telephone
2,342.65
2,342.65
1,537.03
805.62
-
Gasoline
2,635.31
2,635.31
1,036.07
1,599.24
-
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Office Equipment/Building Upgrades
7,719.74
7,719.74
256.37
7,463.37
-
Road Repairs
10,000.00
10,000.00
531.00
9,469.00
-
Other accounts with no change
47,706.27
47,706.27
47,706.27
-
$
143,913.00
143,913.00
43,917.70
99,995.30
-
CURRENT FUND
SCHEDULE OF APPROPRIATION RESERVES - PRIOR YEAR
42
Exhibit A - 9
Balance December 31, 2022
School Tax Payable
$
578,489.94
School Tax Deferred
460,000.00
1,038,489.94
$
Increased by:
Levy - School Year July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023
2,168,064.00
3,206,553.94
Decreased by:
Payments
2,122,524.00
Balance December 31, 2023
School Tax Payable
624,029.94
School Tax Deferred
460,000.00
1,084,029.94
Current Year Liability for Local School District School Tax:
Tax Paid
2,122,524.00
Tax Payable Ending
624,029.94
2,746,553.94
Less: Tax Payable Beginning
578,489.94
Amount charged to Current Year Operations
2,168,064.00
$
CURRENT FUND
SCHEDULE OF LOCAL DISTRICT SCHOOL TAX
43
Exhibit A - 10
Transferred
Balance
From 2023
Balance
Purpose
Dec. 31, 2022
Revenues
Received
Adjustments
Dec. 31, 2023
FEDERAL GRANTS:
Help America Vote Act
$
8,575.00
8,575.00
Community Development Block Grant
188,600.00
188,600.00
Total Federal Grants
197,175.00
-
-
-
197,175.00
STATE GRANTS:
New Jersey Transportation Grant
Church
88,383.50
88,383.50
Mill Road
7,088.11
7,088.11
Blake
66,735.00
66,735.00
Pomona Ave
-
-
NJDOT - 2020 (Wilson Avenue)
130,433.00
97,824.75
32,608.25
NJDOT - 2023
160,202.49
120,151.87
40,050.62
NJDOT - 2022
207,597.51
148,048.13
59,549.38
Clean Communities Program
-
4,000.00
4,000.00
-
Wetland Preservation Park
6,508.00
6,508.00
Dept. of Environmental Protection
1,705.00
1,705.00
NJDEP
1,150.00
1,150.00
Sustainable Jersey
-
2,000.00
2,000.00
-
American Rescue Plan
-
-
Atlantic County Municipal Alliance
14,500.00
14,500.00
Atlantic County Open Spaces
61,804.00
61,804.00
Atlantic County Open Spaces - 6
2,983.50
2,983.50
Atlantic County Open Spaces - 8
147,545.00
147,545.00
Spotted Lantern Fly
15,000.00
1,825.00
13,175.00
Stormwater Grant
25,000.00
25,000.00
Total State Grants
528,835.11
413,800.00
373,849.75
-
568,785.36
LOCAL GRANTS
Local Recreation Grant
70,000.00
70,000.00
Total Local Grants
-
70,000.00
-
-
70,000.00
$
726,010.11
483,800.00
373,849.75
-
835,960.36
Cash
373,849.75
Unappropriated Reserves
-
373,849.75
CURRENT FUND
SCHEDULE OF FEDERAL AND STATE GRANTS RECEIVABLE
44
Exhibit A - 11
Reserve for
2023
Prior Encumbrances/
Balance
Appropriated
Encumbrances
Appropriations
Disbursed
Encumbrances
Canceled
Dec. 31, 2023
FEDERAL GRANTS:
Help America Vote Act
$
8,575.00
8,575.00
Houing and Urban Development
Community Development Block Grant
187,075.00
61,249.00
125,826.00
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Municipal Stormwater Regulation
4,444.31
4,444.31
American Rescue Plan
104,111.32
3,504.25
100,607.07
Total Federal Grants
304,205.63
-
-
64,753.25
-
-
239,452.38
STATE GRANTS:
Recycling Tonnage
17,856.66
1,590.23
16,266.43
Clean Communities Grant
7,463.86
4,000.00
183.30
11,280.56
New Jersey Transportation Grant
Church
43,510.24
43,510.24
Mill Road
7,088.11
7,088.11
Blake
63,734.25
16,916.75
46,817.50
Wilson
-
95,564.37
-
(101,548.94)
5,984.57
NJDOT 2023
160,202.49
160,202.49
NJDOT 2022
-
207,597.51
207,597.51
NJDEP
1,150.00
1,150.00
Comcast Technology
3,059.33
3,059.33
Atlantic County Drug Alliance - County
30,477.98
30,477.98
Atlantic County Drug Alliance - Local
27,377.88
27,377.88
Atlantic County Open Spaces - 4
30,992.41
30,992.41
Atlantic County Open Spaces - 9
139,625.00
139,625.00
Safety Grant
481.00
481.00
Sustainable Jersey
2,000.00
2,000.00
3,515.07
484.93
Spotted Lanter Fly
15,000.00
15,000.00
Stormwater Grant
25,000.00
25,000.00
Total State Grants
374,816.72
-
413,800.00
117,769.72
-
(101,548.94)
772,395.94
LOCAL GRANTS
Local Recreation Improvement
70,000.00
70,000.00
Total Local Grants
-
-
70,000.00
-
-
-
70,000.00
679,022.35
-
483,800.00
182,522.97
-
(101,548.94)
1,081,848.32
CURRENT FUND
SCHEDULE OF APPROPRIATED RESERVES FOR FERERAL AND STATE GRANTS
Balance December 31, 2022
45
Exhibit A - 12
Transferred
Balance
To 2023
Balance
Purpose
Dec. 31, 2022
Approproriations
Received
Adjustments
Dec. 31, 2023
STATE GRANTS:
Recycling Tonnage Grant
29.01
$
2,401.74
2,430.75
American Rescue Plan
-
-
Total State
29.01
$
-
2,401.74
-
2,430.75
CURRENT FUND
SCHEDULE OF FEDERAL AND STATE GRANTS - UNAPPROPRIATED RESERVES
46
Exhibit B-1
SCHEDULE OF CASH - TREASURER
Dog Licenses
Other
Balance December 31, 2022
$
4,346.48
167,978.97
Increased by Receipts:
Dog License Fees 2023
184.80
Due to State of New Jersey
61.20
Other
-
1,546.84
Due from Dog
Miscellaneous Trust Reserves
8,279.51
Due to Current
246.00
9,826.35
4,592.48
177,805.32
Decreased by Disbursements
Statutory Expenditures
270.00
Due to State of New Jersey
61.20
Miscellaneous Trust Reserves
10,007.42
Due to Other Trusts
Due to Current
-
-
331.20
10,007.42
Balance December 31, 2023
$
4,261.28
167,797.90
TRUST FUND
47
Exhibit B-2
SCHEDULE OF RESERVE FOR DOG FUND EXPENDITURES
Balance December 31, 2022
$
362.80
Increased by:
Dog License Fees Collected
184.80
Other
184.80
547.60
Decreased by:
Statutory Excess
Expenditures under N.J.S. 4:19-15:11
270.00
270.00
Balance December 31, 2023
$
277.60
License Fees Collected:
Year
Amount
2022
$
241.60
2021
204.00
$
445.60
TRUST FUND
48
Exhibit B-3
SCHEDULE OF AMOUNT DUE TO CURRENT FUND - DOG LICENSE FUND
Balance December 31, 2022
$
4,017.08
Increased by:
Statutory Excess
-
4,017.08
Decreased by:
Payment
Balance December 31, 2023
$
4,017.08
Exhibit B-4
SCHEDULE OF AMOUNT DUE TO(FROM) STATE OF NEW JERSEY - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Balance December 31, 2022
$
(33.40)
Increased by:
2023 State License Fees
61.20
61.20
27.80
Decreased by:
Disbursements to the State
61.20
Balance December 31, 2023
$
(33.40)
TRUST FUND
TRUST FUND
49
Exhibit B-5
Increased by
Collections
2023
made by
Balance
Budget
Current
Balance
Reserve
Dec 31, 2022
Receipts
Disbursements
Appropriation
Fund
Dec 31, 2023
Other Trust Funds
$
295.05
295.05
-
$
295.05
-
-
-
-
295.05
Decreased by
TRUST - OTHER FUNDS
SCHEDULE OF DUE TO/(FROM) CURRENT FUND
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
50
Exhibit B-6
Collections
Payments
made by
Receipts
Disbursments
made by
Balance
Interfunds
Current
Held in
Interfunds
Held in
Current
Balance
Reserve
Dec 31, 2022
Created
Fund
Trust
Cancelled
Trust
Fund
Dec 31, 2023
Unemployment Compensation
$
9,494.19
842.11
83.91
10,252.39
TTL Redemption
0.01
0.01
Escrow Deposits
1,787.71
5,184.60
2,672.62
4,299.69
Recycling Trust
2,751.64
2,751.64
Open Space Trust
259,944.58
24,265.65
284,210.23
Recreation Trust
244.98
1,347.80
610.00
982.78
Historical
4,250.77
905.00
5,155.77
-
Quality Properties Esrow
2,851.48
2,851.48
Gravel Security
0.48
0.48
Bart Anderson
1,200.00
952.00
248.00
Robert Adams
145.62
145.62
(0.00)
James Van Daley
387.50
387.50
-
$
283,058.96
24,265.65
-
8,279.51
-
10,007.42
-
305,596.70
TRUST - OTHER FUNDS
SCHEDULE OF MISCELLANEOUS RESERVES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
Increased by
Decreased by
51
Exhibit C - 2
Balance December 31, 2022
$
45,173.35
Increased by:
Capital Improvement Fund
10,000.00
Interest
10,000.00
55,173.35
Decreased by:
interest to Current Fund
-
Balance December 31, 2023
$
55,173.35
GENERAL CAPITAL FUND
SCHEDULE OF CASH - TREASURER
52
Exhibit C - 3
Balance
Improvement
Balance
Dec. 31, 2022
Miscellaneous
Debt Issued
Authorizations
Miscellaneous
From
To
Dec. 31, 2023
Fund Balance
$
29,917.00
29,917.00
Capital Improvement Fund
57,454.00
10,000.00
16,573.50
-
50,880.50
Due from Current Fund
36,127.90
16,481.81
19,000.00
33,609.71
Encumbrances Payable
-
-
Improvement Authorizations:
-
-
05-14
Computer/Equipment
(36,189.74)
(36,189.74)
02-13
Construction of New City Hall
-
-
03-11
Construction of New City Hall/Backhoe
-
-
01-02
Construction of Park and Landfill Closure
9,772.50
9,772.50
02-20
Purchase of Dump Truck
(51,908.31)
19,000.00
(32,908.31)
02-21
Public Works Equipment
16,573.50
16,481.81
91.69
$
45,173.35
43,055.31
-
-
33,055.31
19,000.00
19,000.00
55,173.35
GENERAL CAPITAL FUND
ANALYSIS OF CASH
Receipts
Disbursements
Transfers
53
Exhibit C - 4
Balance December 31, 2022
$
40,880.50
Increased by:
Budget Appropriation
10,000.00
10,000.00
50,880.50
Decreased by:
No Current Year Activity
-
-
Balance December 31, 2023
$
50,880.50
GENERAL CAPITAL FUND
SCHEDULE OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND
54
Exhibit C - 5
Balance December 31, 2022
$
-
No current year activity
Balance December 31, 2023
$
-
GENERAL CAPITAL FUND
SCHEDULE OF DEFERRED CHARGES TO FUTURE TAXATION - FUNDED
55
Exhibit C - 6
Raised in
Bond
Unexpended
Balance
2023
2023
Balance
Anticipation
Improvement
Dec. 31, 2022
Authorizations
Budget
Debt Issued
Dec. 31, 2023
Notes
Expenditures
Authorizations
Computer/Equipment
$
36,249.00
36,249.00
36,189.74
59.26
Purchase of Dump Truck
57,000.00
-
19,000.00
38,000.00
38,000.00
-
$
93,249.00
-
19,000.00
-
74,249.00
-
74,189.74
59.26
Improvement Authorizations Unfunded
59.26
Less:
Unexpended Proceeds of Bond
Anticipation Notes Issued:
Ord. Number
-
-
59.26
$
2020-2
2014-5
GENERAL CAPITAL FUND
SCHEDULE OF DEFERRED CHARGES TO FUTURE TAXATION - UNFUNDED
Improvement Description
Ord #
Analysis of Balance
56
Exhibit C - 7
Deferred
Charges to
Ord.
Other
Future
Paid or
Date
Amount
Funded
Unfunded
Funding
Taxation
Charged
Funded
Unfunded
Computer/Equipment
6/17/2014
38,157.00
$
59.26
59.26
Construction of Park and Landfill Closure
3/15/2003
14,000.00
9,772.50
9,772.50
Purchase of Dump Truck
3/10/2020
100,000.00
5,091.69
-
5,091.69
-
Public Works Equipment
4/13/2021
16,573.50
16,573.50
16,481.81
91.69
$
26,346.00
5,150.95
-
-
16,481.81
14,955.88
59.26
Disbursements
16,481.81
Encumbrances
16,481.81
GENERAL CAPITAL FUND
SCHEDULE OF IMPROVEMENT AUTHORIZATIONS
Ord #
Improvement Description
Balance December 31, 2023
2020-2
Authorizations
2014-5
Balance December 31, 2022
2002-1
57
Exhibit C - 8
Amount of
Date of
Original
Interest
Balance
Balance
Issue
Issue
Date
Amount
Rate
Dec. 31, 2022
Increased
Decreased
Dec. 31, 2023
No Current Year Activity
$
$
-
-
-
-
Maturities of Bonds
Outstanding
December 31, 2023
Purpose
GENERAL CAPITAL FUND
SCHEDULE OF GENERAL SERIAL BONDS
58
Exhibit C - 9
Date of
Ordinance
Original
Date of
Date of
Interest
Balance
Balance
Number
Issue
Issue
Maturity
Rate
Dec. 31, 2022
Increased
Decreased
Dec. 31, 2023
No Current Year Activity
-
-
$
-
-
-
-
GENERAL CAPITAL FUND
SCHEDULE OF BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES
Improvement Description
59
Exhibit C - 10
Ordinance
Balance
2023
Debt
Balance
Number
Dec. 31, 2022
Authorizations
Issued
Other
Dec. 31, 2023
2014-5
Computer/Equipment
$
36,249.00
36,249.00
2020-2
Purchase of Dump Truck
57,000.00
-
(19,000.00)
38,000.00
$
93,249.00
-
-
(19,000.00)
74,249.00
GENERAL CAPITAL FUND
SCHEDULE OF BOND AND NOTES AUTHORIZED BUT NOT ISSUED
Improvement Description
60
{THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK}
CITY OF PORT REPUBLIC
PART II
LETTER OF COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
{THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK}
GENERAL COMMENTS
Contracts and Agreements Required to be Advertised for N.J.S. 40A:11-4
N.J.S.A. 40A:11-4 states, “Every contract awarded by the contracting agent for the provision or performance
of any goods or services, the cost of which in the aggregate exceeds the bid threshold, shall be awarded
only by resolution of the governing body of the contracting unit to the lowest responsible bidder after public
advertising for bids and bidding therefore, except as is provided otherwise in this act or specifically by any
other law. Due to the City having a Qualified Purchasing Agent, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-3(a), the
maximum bid threshold is $44,000.
The governing body of the City of Port Republic has the responsibility of determining whether the
expenditures in any category will exceed $44,000 within the fiscal year. Where question arises as to whether
any contract or agreement might result in violation of the statute, the City’s counsel's opinion should be
sought before a commitment is made.
The minutes indicate that bids were requested for the following by public advertising:
ADA Improvements
Road Reconstruction
The minutes indicate resolutions were adopted and advertised authorizing the awarding of contracts or
agreements for “Professional Services” per N.J.S. 40A:11-5.
Inasmuch as the system of records did not provide for an accumulation of payments for categories for the
performance of any work or hiring of any materials or supplies, the results of such an accumulation could not
reasonably be ascertained. Disbursements were reviewed, however, to determine whether any clear cut
violations existed.
Our examination of expenditures did not reveal any payments in excess of $44,000 "for the performance of
any work or the furnishing or hiring of any materials or supplies" other than those where bids had been
previously sought by public advertisement or where a resolution had been previously adopted under the
provisions of N.J.S. 40A:11-6.
Collection of Interest on Delinquent Taxes and Assessments
The statute provides the method for authorizing interest and the maximum rates to be charged for the
nonpayment of taxes or assessments on or before the date when they would become delinquent.
The governing body, on January 3, 2023, adopted the following resolution authorizing interest to be charged
on delinquent taxes:
"BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Port Republic, in accordance with N.J.S.A.
54:4-67, which authorizes the Governing Body to fix the rate of interest to be charged, in the City of Port
Republic, for the nonpayment of taxes and assessments, said rate of interest shall be and is hereby fixed at
eight percent (8%) per annum on the first $1,500 of taxes becoming delinquent after due date and eighteen
percent (18%) per annum on any amount in excess of $1,500 of the delinquent to be calculated from the
date when the taxes and assessments become delinquent. There will be a ten (10) day grace period of
quarterly tax payments made by cash, check or money order.”
Our examination of interest collected on delinquent taxes did not reveal any charges that were not in
agreement with the above resolution.
61
Delinquent Taxes and Tax Title Liens
No tax sale was necessary for 2023.
The following comparison is made of the number of tax title liens receivable on December 31st of the last
three years:
Year
Number
2023 3
2022 3
2021
3
It is essential to good management that all means provided by statute be utilized to liquidate tax title liens in
order to get such properties back on a taxpaying basis.
Verification of Delinquent Taxes and Other Charges
A test verification of delinquent charges and current payments was made in accordance with the regulations
of the Division of Local Government Services, including the mailing of verification notices as follows:
Type
Number Mailed
Payments of 2024 and 2023 Taxes
5
Delinquent Taxes
3
As of the date of this audit report, all verifications have not been returned. However, no problems were
noted with those that have been returned.
Comparison of Tax Levies and Collections Currently
A study of this tabulation could indicate a possible trend in future tax levies. A decrease in the percentage of
current collection could be an indication of a probable increase in future tax levies.
Cash
Percentage of
Year
Tax Levy
Collections
Collections
2023
3,625,149
3,596,890
99.22%
2022
3,488,459
3,445,167
98.76%
2021
3,313,693
3,258,706
98.34%
2020
3,210,064
3,171,313
98.79%
2019
3,097,729
3,032,214
97.89%
Comparative Schedule of Tax Rate Information
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Tax Rate
3.079
2.984
2.842
2.774
2.681
Apportionment of Tax
Rate:
Municipal
0.517
0.516
0.505
0.510
0.509
Municipal Open Space
0.020
0.020
0.019
0.020
0.019
County
0.690
0.655
0.632
0.607
0.570
Local School
1.852
1.793
1.686
1.637
1.583
Assessed Valuation
117,106,500
115,900,200
115,784,100
115,141,900
115,501,800
62
Delinquent Taxes and Tax Title Liens
This tabulation includes a comparison, expressed in percentage, of the total delinquent taxes and tax title
liens, in relation to the tax levies of the last five years.
Tax Title
Delinquent
Total
of Tax
Year
Liens
Taxes
Delinquent
Levy
2023
13,488
$
28,259
41,747
1.15%
2022
12,259
42,486
54,745
1.57%
2021
11,064
29,081
40,145
1.21%
2020
9,930
33,626
43,556
1.36%
2019
8,818
60,739
69,557
2.25%
63
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
None
STATUS OF PRIOR RECOMMENDATIONS
None
FINDINGS
None
The problems and weaknesses noted in my review were not of such magnitude that they would affect my ability to
express an opinion on the financial statements taken as a whole.
Should any questions arise as to my comments or recommendations, or should you desire assistance in
implementing my recommendations, please do not hesitate to call.
Very truly yours,
Ford, Scott & Associates, LLC
FORD, SCOTT & ASSOCIATES, L.L.C.
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Nancy Sbrolla
Nancy Sbrolla
Certified Public Accountant
Registered Municipal Accountant
No. 542
July 3, 2024
64
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