2019 City of Shakopee Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

The city completed an Alternative Urban Area Review (AUAR) Plan for the West End that includes all of the area to be annexed into the Jackson Township. Long-Term Financial Planning Historically, the city has issued only limited debt, in the form of bonds and internal funding for planned infrastructure projects, expansion specific to streets, underground utilities, trails and sidewalk expansion. A portion of the long-term debt is funded by special assessments against benefited properties. The city applies special assessments against benefitted properties at a rate of 30% of the assessable project costs. This limited amount of special assessment revenue does require the city to clearly define the other recognized components of the payment of project costs. The city does not assess for overlays, which then requires funding from the tax levy or other regional revenues sources. The City Council has recently allowed for the use of inter-fund transfers, use of existing fund balance position, as well as review of charges and fees that may be applicable to the projects, and currently not tapped for future funding sources. In addition, the City Council passed an ordinance effective January 1, 2017 assessing the private gas and electric utilities a franchise tax based on three percent of energy sales. This franchise tax generated approximately $855,000 in 2019, with revenue dedicated to the Capital Improvement Fund. City capital and equipment needs are currently identified and funded in a manner that will not place an undue burden or single year expense fluctuation on the taxpayers. The planned CIP clearly identifies the needs for current projects as well as future use. This is based on known and anticipated programs and mandates, such as environmental program adjustments and possible community expansion and growth. The capital and equipment needs of the city require constant appraisal for replacement cost, life span and the assurance that the insurance coverage is providing for the most comprehensive, yet affordable, coverage. Relevant Financial Policies The city’s target General Fund balance is to maintain an unassigned level between 35% and 50% of expenditures. This level is to provide working capital for cash flow, expected declines in revenues, and for unforeseen expenditures such as natural disasters, or for unforeseen but urgent requests. Replenishing the fund balance when it falls below the target level shall be accomplished by inter-fund transfers, or adjusting of expenditures or revenues, over a period not to exceed three years. The city historically receives no local government aid (LGA). Annual legislative actions may impact the financial position of those cities that are currently reliant on these and other government derived revenue sources, which leaves them vulnerable to the economies of the State as a whole. As of this writing, it was not anticipated that actions by the Minnesota Legislature would negatively impact the city and its operations and planning. The standard budget process, which provides for the presentation and approval of the property tax levies for the General fund (including Economic Development), debt service and referendum debt, will be consistent with prior year actions. The accounting, auditing and financial reporting policies are designed to maintain a system of financial monitoring, control and reporting for all operations and funds to provide effective means of ensuring

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