SOUTH CAROLINA APPALACHIAN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2015

SOUTH CAROLINA APPALACHIAN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2015

SOUTH CAROLINA APPALACHIAN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2015 TABLE OF CONTENTS Independent Auditorʹs Report 1 3 Management s Discussion and Analysis 4 8 PAGE Basic Financial Statements Government wide Financial Statements Statement of Net Position 9 Statement of Activities 10 Fund Financial Statements Balance Sheet Governmental Funds 11 Reconciliation of the Balance Sheet of Governmental Funds to the Statement of Net Position 12 Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances Governmental Funds 13 Reconciliation of the Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances of Governmental Funds to the Statement of Activities 14 Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance Budget and Actual General Fund and Annually Budgeted Major Special Revenue Fund 15 Notes to Financial Statements 16 33 Required Supplementary Information Schedule of Pension Plan Contributions 34 Schedule of Proportionate Share of the Net Pension Liability 35 Notes to Required Supplementary Information 36 Other Supplementary Information Individual Program Schedules Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures Transportation Programs 37 Schedule of Budgeted to Actual Cost Transportation Programs 38 40 Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures Aging Programs 41

Single Audit Section Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards 42 45 Notes to the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards 46 48 Independent Auditor s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and on Compliance and Other Matters Based on an Audit of Financial Statements Performed in Accordance with Government Auditing Standards 49 50 Independent Auditor s Report on Compliance for Each Major Program and on Internal Control over Compliance Required by OMB Circular A 133 51 53 Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs 54 55 Summary Schedule of Prior Audit Findings 56

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR S REPORT The Board of Directors South Carolina Appalachian Council of Governments Greenville, South Carolina Report on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information of South Carolina Appalachian Council of Governments as of and for the year ended June 30, 2015, and the related notes to the financial statements, which collectively comprise the Council s basic financial statements as listed in the table of contents. Management s Responsibility for the Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Auditor s Responsibility Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with 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. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement. An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity s preparation and fair R America Counts on CPAs Members American Institute of Certified Public Accountants S.C. Association of Certified Public Accountants Suite 225 555 North Pleasantburg Drive Greenville, South Carolina 29607-2191 (864) 233-1800 Fax (864) 232-6971 www.mckinleycooper.com

The Board of Directors South Carolina Appalachian Council of Governments November 6, 2015 presentation of the financial statements 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 entity s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. Opinion In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position of the governmental activities, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information of South Carolina Appalachian Council of Governments, as of June 30, 2015, and the respective changes in financial position, and the respective budgetary comparison for the General Fund and the Special Revenue Fund, for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Other Matters Required Supplementary Information Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that the management s discussion and analysis be presented to supplement the basic financial statements. Such information, although not a part of the basic financial statements, is required by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, who considers it to be an essential part of financial reporting for placing the basic financial statements in an appropriate operational, economic, or historical context. We have applied certain limited procedures to the required supplementary information in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, which consisted of inquiries of management about the methods of preparing the information and comparing the information for consistency with management s responses to our inquiries, the basic financial statements, and other knowledge we obtained during our audit of the basic financial statements. We do not express an opinion or provide any assurance on the information because the limited procedures do not provide us with sufficient evidence to express an opinion or provide any assurance. Other Information Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the financial statements that collectively comprise South Carolina Appalachian Council of Governments basic financial statements. The supplemental schedules identified in the table of contents are presented for purposes of additional analysis and are not a required part of the basic financial statements. The schedule of expenditures of federal awards is presented for purpose of additional analysis as required by U. S. Office of Management and Budget Circular A 133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non Profit Organizations, and is also not a required part of the basic financial statements. 2

The Board of Directors South Carolina Appalachian Council of Governments November 6, 2015 The supplemental schedules identified in the table of contents and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards are the responsibility of management and were derived from and relate directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the basic financial statements. Such 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 schedules and the schedule of expenditures of federal awards are fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the basic financial statements as a whole. Other Reporting Required by Government Auditing Standards In accordance with Government Auditing Standards, we have also issued our report dated November 6, 2015, on our consideration of South Carolina Appalachian Council of Governments 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 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 South Carolina Appalachian Council of Governments internal control over financial reporting and compliance. Greenville, South Carolina November 6, 2015 3

SOUTH CAROLINA APPALACHIAN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS MANAGEMENT S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2015 Management of the South Carolina Appalachian Council of Governments presents the following overview of the financial performance of the Council for the year ended June 30, 2015. This information should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the accompanying notes. Financial Highlights The position of the Council at the close of the most recent fiscal year was $(1,400,290). The net position of the Council decreased by $57,174 from the previous year before a prior period adjustment of $(3,789,123) to restate beginning net position as a result of the implementation of GASB 68. As of the close of the fiscal year, the Council s governmental funds reported combined ending fund balances of $1,659,911, an increase of $639 from the prior year. A total of $395,107 is nonspendable or assigned, resulting in an unassigned balance of $1,264,804. The Council s fiscal obligation for accumulated annual leave and salary related fringe benefits was $111,906. The Council recorded a prior period adjustment to the Government wide financial statements to record net pension liability and restate beginning net position associated with the implementation of GASB Statement No. 68. The adjustment reduced net position by $3,789,123. This is a significant change from the prior year. The adjustment did not affect the cash flow or current period operations of the Council. Overview of the Financial Statements The Council s basic financial statements consist of three parts: government wide financial statements, fund financial statements, and notes to the financial statements. Government wide Financial Statements The government wide statements present a view of the Council s finances as a whole. There are two government wide financial statements: Statement of Net Position: This statement presents information on all of the Council s assets and liabilities, both short term (current) and long term (non current). It also reports the differences between assets and liabilities as net position. Over time, increases or decreases in net position may indicate whether the Council s financial position is improving or deteriorating. Statement of Activities: This statement presents information showing how the Council s overall net position changed during the year. The government wide financial statements are shown on pages 9 10 of this report. Fund Financial Statements The fund financial statements provide more detailed information about the Council s funds, focusing on its most significant or major funds not the entity as a whole. Funds are accounting devices used to keep track of specific sources of funding and spending for particular purposes. 4

Governmental funds are used to account for the same Council activities reported in the government wide financial statements. However, unlike the government wide financial statements, governmental fund financial statements focus on how money flows in and out of the funds and the balances left at year end that are available for spending. These funds are reported based on the modified accrual method of accounting, which measures cash and all other financial assets that can readily be converted to cash. Governmental fund statements provide a short term view of the Council s financial operations. Because the focus of governmental funds is narrower than that of government wide financial statements, it may be useful to compare the information presented for governmental funds with similar information presented for governmental activities in the government wide financial statements. Both the governmental fund balance and statement of revenues, expenditures, and changes in funds balances provide a reconciliation to facilitate this comparison. The Council s governmental funds consist of the General Fund and Special Revenue Fund, which are reported as major funds. The General Fund is the general operating fund used to account for all financial resources except those required to be accounted for in another fund. The Special Revenue Fund is used to account for the proceeds of specific revenue sources that are restricted to specific purposes. Information is presented separately in the governmental balance sheet and statement of revenues, expenditures, and changes in fund balances for each of these funds. The fund financial statements are shown on pages 11 15 of this report. Notes to Financial Statements The notes to the financial statements provide required disclosures and other information that are essential to a full understanding of material data provided in the statements. These notes present information about the accounting policies, significant account balances and activities of the Council. Other Information In addition to the financial statements and accompanying notes, this report also presents certain supplemental schedules. Government wide Financial Analysis The government wide financial statements are condensed in the following two tables: Table 1: Condensed Statement of Net Position Table 2: Change in Net Position 5

Table 1 Condensed Statement of Net Position Governmental Activities (Total) June 30, June 30, 2015 2014 Assets Current and other assets $ 3,293,128 $ 3,032,956 Capital assets, net 915,809 976,624 Total assets 4,208,937 4,009,580 Deferred Outflows of Resources 332,909 Liabilities Current liabilities 1,678,696 1,419,163 Noncurrent liabilities 3,939,423 3,933,533 Total liabilities 5,618,119 5,352,696 Deferred Inflows of Resources 324,017 Net Position Net investment in capital assets 793,565 808,901 Unrestricted (2,193,855) (2,152,017) Total net position $ (1,400,290) $ (1,343,116) As noted earlier, net position may serve over time as one useful indicator of a government s financial condition. The liabilities of the Council exceeded assets by $1,400,290 as of June 30, 2015. The Council s net position decreased by $57,174 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015. Table 2 Change in Net Position Governmental Activities Fiscal Year Fiscal Year 2015 2014 Revenues Program revenues Charges for services $ 628,393 $ 520,235 Operating grants and contributions 9,821,908 7,884,681 General revenues 645,201 645,897 Total revenues all sources 11,095,502 9,050,813 Program Expenses Administration 159,837 141,110 Government services 429,354 364,031 Grant administrative services 367,975 272,845 Aging services 5,848,135 4,412,365 Planning and economic development services 590,347 713,822 Workforce services 3,757,028 3,099,662 Loan services 15,146 Total expenses 11,152,676 9,018,981 Increase (decrease) in net position $ (57,174) $ 31,832 6

Financial Analysis of Council s Funds As noted earlier, the Council uses fund accounting to ensure and demonstrate compliance with financerelated legal requirements. Governmental Funds: The focus of the Council s governmental funds is to provide information on nearterm inflows, outflows and balances of usable resources. Such information is useful in assessing the Council s financing requirements. Specifically, unreserved fund balance can be a useful measure of a government s net resources available for spending at the end of the fiscal year. The General Fund is the chief operating fund of the Council. At the end of the fiscal year, total fund balance of the General Fund was $1,659,911, of which $59,628 is nonspendable, $335,479 has been assigned for equipment replacement, debt retirement, and building maintenance and repair. $1,264,804 is unassigned. The building maintenance and repair fund was restored to $175,000 after $4,207 in FY15 expenditures at the Workforce Development facility in Clemson, South Carolina. General Fund Budgetary Highlights: During the fiscal year, the Council revised the budget to adjust the estimates used to prepare the original budget, to add or delete funding sources used in the original budget, and to add or delete projected expenditures based on changing funding sources. Operating revenues actually exceeded expenditures by $4,846, a decrease of $6,285 under the final budget projection of $11,131. However, netted against non operating building maintenance and repair outlays of $4,207, the actual increase to the Council s fund balance for FY2015 was $639. Capital Assets The Council s capital assets, net of accumulated depreciation, consisted of the following at June 30, 2015 and 2014: 2015 2014 Land $ 400,961 $ 400,961 Land improvements 10,013 12,724 Buildings 445,599 511,040 Furniture and equipment 23,719 16,544 Grant fund assets 17,690 22,221 Automobiles 17,827 13,134 Total capital assets $ 915,809 $ 976,624 Major capital asset transactions during the year included additions of $37,546 and disposals of $26,144. The additions consisted of miscellaneous furniture and equipment and an automobile. The deletions consisted of miscellaneous items of furniture and equipment. The gain on assets which were sold during the year was $100. 7

Long term Obligations The Council s long term obligations are made up of the following at June 30, 2015 and 2014: 2015 2014 Accrued compensated absences $ 131,283 $ 118,143 Notes payable 122,244 167,723 253,527 285,866 Less: current portion (157,385) (141,456) Total long term obligations $ 96,142 $ 144,410 Requests for Financial Information This report is designed to provide a general overview of the Council s finances and to show accountability for the money it receives. Questions concerning any of the information provided in this report or requests for additional information should be directed to: Steve Pelissier, Executive Director or Don Zimmer, Finance Director South Carolina Appalachian Council of Governments 30 Century Circle Greenville, SC 29607 8

SOUTH CAROLINA APPALACHIAN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS STATEMENT OF NET POSITION JUNE 30, 2015 Primary Government Governmental Activities ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,315,830 Due from other governments Federal, state, and local 1,916,094 Due from other sources 1,576 Prepaid items 59,628 Capital assets, not being depreciated: Land 400,961 Capital assets, net of accumulated depreciation: Land improvements 10,013 Buildings 445,599 Furniture and equipment 23,719 Grant fund assets 17,690 Automobiles 17,827 Total assets 4,208,937 DEFERRED OUTFLOWS OF RESOURCES Difference between expected and actual expenditures related to pensions 108,902 Contributions subsequent to measurement date related to pensions 224,007 Total deferred outflows of resources 332,909 LIABILITIES Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities 1,287,918 Unearned revenue 233,393 Noncurrent liabilities: Due within one year 157,385 Due in more than one year 96,142 Net pension liability 3,843,281 Total liabilities 5,618,119 DEFERRED INFLOWS OF RESOURCES Difference between expected and actual expenditures related to pensions 324,017 Total deferred inflows of resources 324,017 NET POSITION Net investment in capital assets 793,565 Unrestricted (2,193,855) Total net position $ (1,400,290) The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 9

SOUTH CAROLINA APPALACHIAN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2015 Functions / Programs Primary Program Revenues Government Operating Capital Charges for Grants and Grants and Governmental Expenses Services Contributions Contributions Activities Governmental activities Administration $ 159,837 $ - $ - $ - $ (159,837) Government services 429,354 80,084 170,501 - (178,769) Grant administrative services 367,975 253,037 66,750 - (48,188) Aging services 5,848,135-5,696,057 - (152,078) Planning and economic development services 590,347 295,272 143,650 - (151,425) Workforce services 3,757,028-3,744,950 - (12,078) Total Governmental Activities $ 11,152,676 $ 628,393 $ 9,821,908 $ - (702,375) General revenues State appropriation 98,256 Local government dues 435,687 Unrestricted earnings 107,176 Interest and sundry 4,082 Total general revenues 645,201 Change in net position (57,174) Net position - beginning 2,446,007 Prior period adjustment (3,789,123) Net position - beginning - as restated (1,343,116) Net position - ending $ (1,400,290) The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 10

SOUTH CAROLINA APPALACHIAN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS BALANCE SHEET GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS JUNE 30, 2015 Total Special Governmental General Revenue Funds ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,147,899 $ 167,931 $ 1,315,830 Due from other governments Federal, state, and local 30,810 1,885,284 1,916,094 Due from other funds 421,923 421,923 Due from other sources 76 1,500 1,576 Prepaid items 59,628 59,628 Total assets $ 1,660,336 $ 2,054,715 $ 3,715,051 LIABILITIES Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 425 $ 1,399,399 $ 1,399,824 Due to other funds 421,923 421,923 Unearned revenue 233,393 233,393 Total liabilities 425 2,054,715 2,055,140 FUND BALANCES Nonspendable Prepaid items 59,628 59,628 Assigned for Equipment replacement 50,000 50,000 Debt retirement 110,479 110,479 Building maintenance and repair 175,000 175,000 Unassigned 1,264,804 1,264,804 Total fund balances 1,659,911 1,659,911 Total liabilities and fund balances $ 1,660,336 $ 2,054,715 $ 3,715,051 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 11

SOUTH CAROLINA APPALACHIAN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS RECONCILIATION OF THE BALANCE SHEET OF GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS TO THE STATEMENT OF NET POSITION JUNE 30, 2015 Total fund balances - governmental funds $ 1,659,911 Amounts reported for governmental activities in the statement of net position are different because: Capital assets used in governmental activities are not financial resources and, therefore, are not reported in the funds. 915,809 Some liabilities, including net pension obligations, are not due and payable in the current period and, therefore, are not reported in the funds. (3,984,902) Deferred outflows and inflows of resources are applicable to future periods and, therefore, are not reported in the funds. Deferred outflows of resources 332,909 Deferred inflows of resources (324,017) Net position of government activities $ (1,400,290) The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 12

SOUTH CAROLINA APPALACHIAN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCES GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2015 Total Special Governmental General Revenue Funds REVENUES Intergovernmental Federal $ - $ 7,523,748 $ 7,523,748 State of South Carolina 98,256 2,298,160 2,396,416 Local 435,687-435,687 Contracts and fees 107,176 628,393 735,569 Interest and other 4,082-4,082 Total revenues 645,201 10,450,301 11,095,502 EXPENDITURES Current Management activities 48,415 15,928 64,343 Government services - 421,085 421,085 Grant administrative services - 363,586 363,586 Aging services - 5,834,615 5,834,615 Planning & economic development services - 583,256 583,256 Workforce services - 3,744,953 3,744,953 Capital outlay 33,642 3,904 37,546 Debt service Principal 45,479-45,479 Total expenditures 127,536 10,967,327 11,094,863 Excess (deficiency) of revenues over (under) expenditures 517,665 (517,026) 639 OTHER FINANCING SOURCES (USES) Operating transfers from (to) other funds (517,026) 517,026 - Net change in fund balance 639-639 Fund balances - beginning 1,659,272-1,659,272 Fund balances - ending $ 1,659,911 $ - $ 1,659,911 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 13

SOUTH CAROLINA APPALACHIAN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS RECONCILIATION OF THE STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCES OF GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS TO THE STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2015 Net change in fund balances - total governmental funds $ 639 Amounts reported for governmental activities in the statement of activities are different because: Governmental funds report capital outlays as expenditures. However, in the statement of activities, the cost of capital assets is allocated over their estimated useful lives and reported as depreciation expense. This is the change in capital assets, net of depreciation. (60,815) The issuance of long-term debt provides current financial resources to governmental funds, while the repayment of the principal of long-term debt consumes the current financial resources of the governmental funds. Neither transaction has any effect on net discounts and similar items when debt is first issued, whereas these amounts are deferred and amortized in the statement of activities. This amount is the net effect of these differences in the treatment of longterm debt and related items. 48,268 Governmental funds report pension contributions as expenditures, however, in the statement of activities, the cost of pension benefits earned, net of employee contributions is reported as pension expense. Pension contributions of the Council 224,007 Cost of benefits earned, net of employee contributions (269,273) Change in net position of governmental activities $ (57,174) The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 14

SOUTH CAROLINA APPALACHIAN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCE - BUDGET AND ACTUAL GENERAL FUND AND ANNUALLY BUDGETED MAJOR SPECIAL REVENUE FUND YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2015 General Fund Special Revenue Fund Budgeted Amounts Variance with Budgeted Amounts Variance with Original Final Actual Final Budget Original Final Actual Final Budget Revenues Intergovernmental: Federal $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 7,364,913 $ 7,704,653 $ 7,523,748 $ (180,905) State of South Carolina 98,256 98,256 98,256-2,199,909 2,301,390 2,298,160 (3,230) Local 435,685 435,685 435,687 2 - - - - Contracts and fees 105,350 105,350 107,176 1,826 501,652 550,297 628,393 78,096 Interest and other 2,000 2,000 4,082 2,082 - - - - Total revenues 641,291 641,291 645,201 3,910 10,066,474 10,556,340 10,450,301 (106,039) Expenditures Current Management activities 46,125 49,713 48,415 1,298 15,200 15,200 15,928 (728) Government services - - - - 384,833 403,163 421,085 (17,922) Grant administrative services - - - - 286,622 313,044 363,586 (50,542) Aging services - - - - 5,946,336 5,807,847 5,834,615 (26,768) Planning & economic development services - - - - 627,883 667,327 583,256 84,071 Workforce services - - - - 3,273,842 3,843,726 3,744,953 98,773 Loan services - - - - 58,044 - - - Capital outlay 22,000 39,800 33,642 6,158 1,400 1,200 3,904 (2,704) Debt service Principal 45,480 45,480 45,479 1 - - - - Total expenditures 113,605 134,993 127,536 7,457 10,594,160 11,051,507 10,967,327 84,180 Excess (deficiency) of revenues over (under) expenditures 527,686 506,298 517,665 11,367 (527,686) (495,167) (517,026) (21,859) Other financing sources (uses) Operating transfers from (to) other funds (527,686) (495,167) (517,026) (21,859) 527,686 495,167 517,026 21,859 Revenues and other financing sources over expenditures $ - $ 11,131 639 $ (10,492) $ - $ - - $ - Fund balances - beginning 1,659,272 - Fund balances - ending $ 1,659,911 $ - The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 15

SOUTH CAROLINA APPALACHIAN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS JUNE 30, 2015 I. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES A. Reporting Entity The South Carolina Appalachian Council of Governments (the Council ) was formed by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina in 1971. The purpose of the Council is to increase the capacity of local governments in the Appalachian region of South Carolina to guide and promote the development of the region to optimize the quality of life in the six counties of Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens and Spartanburg. The Council strives to accomplish this purpose through a comprehensive planning and research program, the promotion of cooperative actions among local governments, the provision of technical assistance and information, the administration of grant in aid programs and assistance to member governments as their representatives determine to be appropriate within the scope of South Carolina Act 363. The accounting policies of the Council conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America as applicable to governmental units. The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (ʺGASBʺ) is the accepted standard setting body for establishing governmental accounting and financial reporting principles. The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies. B. Basis of Presentation Government wide Financial Statements The government wide financial statements (i.e., the statement of net position and the statement of activities) report information on all of the nonfiduciary activities of the primary government. For the most part, the effect of interfund activity has been removed from these statements. Governmental activities are normally supported by intergovernmental revenues and other non exchange transactions. The statement of activities demonstrates the degree to which the direct expenses of a given function or segment are offset by program revenues. Direct expenses are those that are clearly identifiable with a specific function or segment. Program revenues include 1) charges to customers or applicants who purchase, use, or directly benefit from goods, services, or privileges provided by a given function or segment and 2) grants and contributions that are restricted to meeting the operational or capital requirements of a particular function or segment. Revenues that are not classified as program revenues, including member dues, are reported instead as general revenues. C. Basis of Presentation Fund Financial Statements The fund financial statements provide information about the Council s funds. The emphasis of fund financial statements is on major governmental funds, each displayed in a separate column. 16

The government reports the following major governmental funds: The general fund is the general operating fund of the Council. It is used to account for all financial resources except those required to be accounted for in another fund. The special revenue fund is used to account for the proceeds of specific revenue sources that are legally restricted to specified purposes. D. Measurement Focus and Basis of Accounting All funds of the Council are maintained during the year using the modified accrual basis of accounting. Government wide Financial Statements. The government wide financial statements are reported using the economic resources measurement focus and the accrual basis of accounting. Revenues are recorded when earned and expenses are recorded at the time liabilities are incurred, regardless of when the related cash flows take place. Non exchange transactions, in which the Council gives (or receives) value without directly receiving (or giving) equal value in exchange, include grants. Revenue from grants is recognized in the fiscal year in which all eligibility requirements have been satisfied. Governmental Fund Financial Statements. Governmental funds are reported using the current financial resources measurement focus and the modified accrual basis of accounting. Under this method, revenues are recognized when measurable and available. Expenditures are recorded when the related fund liability is incurred, except for principal and interest on general long term debt, and claims and judgments, which are recognized as expenditures to the extent they have matured. General capital asset acquisitions are reported as expenditures in governmental funds. Proceeds of general long term debt and acquisitions under capital leases are reported as other financing sources. Under the terms of grant agreements, the Council funds certain programs by a combination of specific cost reimbursement grants and general revenues. Thus when the program expenses are incurred, there are both restricted and unrestricted net assets available to finance the program. It is the Council s policy to first apply cost reimbursement grant resources to such programs and then general revenues. The Council considers all revenues available if they are collected within 60 days after year end. Grant revenues that are unearned at year end are recorded as unearned revenues. Those revenues susceptible to accrual are member dues, investment earnings, and federal and state restricted intergovernmental revenues. Expenditure driven grants are recognized as revenue when the qualifying expenditures have been incurred and all other grant requirements have been satisfied. During the course of operations, the Council has activity between funds for various purposes. Any residual balances outstanding at year end are reported as due from/to other funds. While these balances are reported in fund financial statements, certain eliminations are made in the preparation of the government wide financial statements. Balances between the funds included in governmental activities (i.e., the governmental and internal service funds) are eliminated so that only the net amount is included as internal balances in the governmental activities column. 17

Further, certain activity occurs during the year involving transfers of resources between funds. In fund financial statements these amounts are reported at gross amounts as transfers in/out. While reported in fund financial statements, certain eliminations are made in the preparation of the government wide financial statements. Transfers between the funds included in governmental activities are eliminated so that only the net amount is included as transfers in the governmental activities column. When both restricted and unrestricted resources are available for use, it s the government s policy to use restricted resources first, then unrestricted resources as they are needed. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates. The estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenditures during the reporting period. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates. E. Assets, Liabilities and Net Position/Fund Balance 1. Cash and Equivalents The Council s cash and cash equivalents are considered to be cash on hand, demand deposits, and shortterm investments with original maturities of three months or less from the date of acquisition. 2. Prepaid Items Certain payments to vendors reflect cost applicable to future accounting periods and are recorded as prepaid items in both the government wide and fund financial statements. The cost of prepaid items is recorded as expenditures/ expenses when consumed rather than when purchased. 3. Capital Assets Purchased or constructed capital assets are reported at cost or estimated historical cost. Donated capital assets are recorded at their estimated fair value at the date of donation. Minimum capitalization costs are $1,000 for all asset categories. The costs of normal maintenance and repairs that do not add to the value of the assets or materially extend assets lives are not capitalized. Capital assets are depreciated using the straight line method over the following estimated useful lives: Estimated Asset Class Useful Lives Building and improvements 10 20 Furniture and equipment 10 Computer equipment 3 Automobiles 3 5 4. Compensated Absences Employees are granted compensated annual leave in varying amount as services are provided. They may accumulate, subject to certain limitations, unused annual leave earned and, upon retirement, termination, or death, may be compensated for the authorized, unused annual leave earnings 18

accumulated to their credit. It is the Council s policy to recognize compensated absences as an expense in the period earned rather than the period such benefit is paid. The balance of vested compensated absences earned and not taken by June 30, 2015, in the amount of $131,283 is included in accrued liabilities as of June 30, 2015. 5. Long term Obligations In the government wide financial statements, long term debt and other long term obligations are reported as liabilities in the governmental activities statement of net assets. In fund financial statements, the face amount of debt issued is reported as other financing sources. 6. Deferred Outflows/ Inflows of Resources In addition to assets, the statement of financial position will sometimes report a separate section for deferred outflows of resources. This separate financial statement element, deferred outflows of resources, represents a consumption of net position that applies to future periods and so will not be recognized as an outflow of resources (expense/expenditure) until then. In addition to liabilities, the statement of financial position will sometimes report a separate section for deferred inflows of resources. This separate financial statement element, deferred inflows of resources, represents an acquisition of net position that applies to future periods and so will not be recognized as an inflow of resources (revenue) until that time. 7. Unearned Revenues Unearned revenues arise from the receipt of funds prior to expenditure for the stated purpose of such funds. The unearned revenue is recognized as revenue when the related expenditure is made. 8. Net Position Sometimes the Council will fund outlays for a particular purpose from both restricted (e.g., restricted bond or grant proceeds) and unrestricted resources. In order to calculate the amounts to report as restricted net position and unrestricted net position in the government wide financial statements, a flow assumption must be made about the order in which the resources are considered to be applied. It is the Council s policy to consider restricted net position to have been depleted before unrestricted net position is applied. Classifications of net position in government wide statements are net investment in capital assets, restricted, and unrestricted. Restricted net position represents constraints on resources that are either externally imposed by creditors, grantors, contributors, laws or regulations of other governments or imposed by law through state statute. 9. Fund Balance Policies Fund balance of governmental funds is reported in various categories based on the nature of any limitations requiring the use of resources for specific purposes. The government itself can establish limitations on the use of resources through either a commitment (committed fund balance) or an assignment (assigned fund balance). 19

Fund balance is classified in five categories as follows: Nonspendable Nonspendable fund balances include amounts that are not in spendable form or are legally required to remain intact. Restricted Restricted fund balances include amounts that have external restrictions by either grantors, debt covenants, laws, or other governments. Committed Committed fund balances include amounts that are committed to a specific purpose by Board resolution. Assigned Assigned fund balances include amounts that are constrained by limitations resulting from intended uses as established by the Board of Directors or management. Unassigned Unassigned fund balance includes amounts that have not been assigned to any purpose. Unless specifically designated otherwise, fund expenditures and encumbrances are from restricted fund balance to the extent of restricted fund balance revenue, followed by committed fund balance, assigned fund balance, and unassigned fund balance, respectively. 10. Indirect Cost Plan The Council follows the provisions of OMB Circular A 87 that provides for the identification of allowable indirect costs and the accumulation and distribution of these costs to the applicable federal, state, and local grants and programs based on the benefits the programs received for the services the costs represent. F. New Pronouncements Implementation of GASB Statement on Pensions The GASB (Government Accounting Standards Board) issued Statement No. 68, Accounting and Financial Reporting for Pensions in June, 2012. Statement No. 68 is effective for the Council for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, and has been implemented in these financial statements. The primary objective of this Statement is to improve accounting and financial reporting by state and local governmental entities for pensions. It also improves information provided by state and local governmental employers about financial support for pensions that is provided by other entities. Employers who participate in a cost sharing multiple employer plan are now required to recognize a liability for the employer s proportionate share of the net pension liability of that plan. It is GASB s intention that GASB No. 68 will provide citizens and other users of the financial statements with a clearer picture of the size and nature of the Council s financial obligations to current and former employees for past services rendered. 20

The Council is required to report a net pension liability (and related deferred outflows and inflows of resources) for its participation in the SCRS on financial statements prepared on the economic resources measurement focus and accrual basis of accounting (i.e., the Statement of Net Position) and present more extensive note disclosure. II. RECONCILIATION OF GOVERNMENT WIDE AND FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS A. Explanation of certain differences between the governmental fund balance sheet and the government wide statement of net position. The governmental fund balance sheet includes a reconciliation between fund balance total governmental funds and net position governmental activities as reported in the government wide statement of net position. The net adjustment of ($3,060,201) consists of several elements as follows: Capital assets used in governmental activities are not financial resources and, therefore, are not reported in the funds (total capital assets on government wide statement in governmental activities column): $ 2,574,283 Less: accumulated depreciation 1,658,474 Net capital assets 915,809 Liabilities that, because they are not due and payable in the current period, do not require current resources to pay and are therefore not recorded in the fund statements: Notes payable (122,244) Long term compensated absences (19,377) Net pension liability (3,843,281) (3,984,902) Deferred outflows and inflows of resources related to pensions are applicable to future periods and, therefore, are not reported in the funds: Deferred outflows of resources related to pensions 332,909 Deferred inflows of resources related to pensions (324,017) 8,892 Total adjustment $ (3,060,201) B. Explanation of certain differences between the governmental fund statement of revenues, expenditures, and changes in fund balance and the government wide statement of activities. The governmental fund statement of revenues, expenditures, and changes in fund balances includes a reconciliation between net changes in fund balances total governmental funds and changes in net position of governmental activities as reported in the government wide statement of activities. There are several elements of that total adjustment of $(57,813) as follows: 21

Capital outlay expenditures recorded in the fund statements but capitalized as assets in the statement of activities. Depreciation expense, the allocation of those assets over their useful lives, that is recorded on the statement of activities but not in the fund statements. Principal payments on debtowed are recorded as a use of funds on the fund statements but again affect only the statement of net position in the government wide statements. Expenses reported in the statement of activities that do not require the use of current resources to pay are not recorded as expenditures in the fund statements: $ 37,546 (98,361) 45,479 Compensated absences are accrued in the government wide statements but not in the fund statements because they do not use current resources. 2,789 Governmental Funds report pension contributions as expenditures. However, in the statement of activities, the cost of pension benefits earned net of employee contributions is reported as pension expense: Pension contributions of the Council 224,007 Cost of benefits earned, net of employee contributions (269,273) Total Adjustments $ (57,813) III. STEWARDSHIP, COMPLIANCE, AND ACCOUNTABILITY Budgetary Practices Budgets for the various areas of Council activity are adopted by the Board of Directors annually to provide for the operation of the Council. Budgets are adopted on the same basis of accounting used for preparation of the financial statements. The Board of Directors approves changes within the budget during the year. The budget disclosed in these financial statements is presented as amended. The Council has operated within budget requirements prescribed by the various grantor agencies. Excess of Expenditures Over Appropriations During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, the Council s budget to actual within the Special Revenue Fund is as follows: Budget Actual Variance Special Revenue Fund Management activites $ 15,200 $ 15,928 $ (728) Government services 403,163 421,085 (17,922) Grant administrative services 313,044 363,586 (50,542) Aging services 5,807,847 5,834,615 (26,768) Capital outlay 1,200 3,904 (2,704) Program expenditure deficiencies or excesses to budget have correlating program revenue deficiencies or excesses. 22

IV. DETAIL NOTES ON ALL FUNDS A. Deposits and Investments The State of South Carolina General Statutes permit the Council to invest in certain types of financial instruments. In addition, the State has a Local Government Investment Pool (where the fair value of the position in the pool is the same as the value of the pool shares) which invests in the types of instruments allowed under state laws. Cash is maintained in demand deposits or savings accounts, certificates of deposits, repurchase agreements, or U.S. Government Securities. There were no deposit or investment transactions during the year that were in violation of either the state statutes or the policy of the Council. Following are the components of the Council s book values for cash and investments at June 30, 2015: Cash $ 664,625 Cash equivalents South Carolina Local Government Investment Fund 651,205 $ 1,315,830 The Council s cash equivalents are comprised of funds deposited with the South Carolina Local Government Investment Pool. The pool is a money market fund which is collateralized by underlying securities held by third party banks for the fund. The Council s bank balances totaled $947,149 at June 30, 2015, and were insured as follows: Amount insured by FDIC $ 250,000 Amount collateralized with securities held by pledging financial institutions trust department or agent in the entityʹs name Amount collateralized with securities held by pledging financial institutions trust department or agent not in the entityʹs name 697,149 Uncollateralized $ 947,149 Interest rate risk. The Council manages its exposure to declines in fair values by limiting its investments to the State s investment pools which do not normally have maturity dates and can be withdrawn on demand. Credit risk. As of June 30, 2015, the Council s investment with the S.C. Local Government Investment Pool is overseen by the State, which invests in instruments allowed under state laws. Concentration of credit risk. The Council s investment policy currently does not involve investment in any individual issuers. 23

Custodial credit risk deposits. In the case of deposits, this is the risk that in the event of a bank failure, the Council s deposits may not be returned to it. The Council s policy is that all deposits in excess of federal insurance amounts be collateralized with securities held by the pledging financial institution s trust department or agent in the Council s name. As of June 30, 2015, all deposits are either insured or fully collateralized. Custodial credit risk investments. For an investment, this is the risk that, in the event of the failure of the counterparty, the Council will not be able to recover the value of its investments or collateral securities that are in the possession of an outside party. The Council s investment in the state investment pool is not subject to custodial credit risk. B. Grants, Other Receivables and Unearned Revenues from Federal, State and Local Governments Amounts due from other governments and unearned revenues consist of the following at June 30, 2015: Unearned Receivables Revenues Federal $ 1,137,495 $ 233,393 State 426,131 Local 352,468 Total $ 1,916,094 $ 233,393 C. Capital Assets The following is a summary of changes in capital assets: Primary Government July 1, June 30, Governmental Activities: 2014 Increases Decreases 2015 Capital assets not being depreciated: Land $ 400,961 $ $ $ 400,961 Total capital assets not being depreciated 400,961 400,961 Capital assets being depreciated: Land improvements 64,567 64,567 Buildings 1,433,491 1,433,491 Furniture and equipment 293,860 15,313 (9,138) 300,035 Grant fund assets 248,264 3,904 (17,006) 235,162 Automobiles 121,738 18,329 140,067 Total capital assets being depreciated 2,161,920 37,546 (26,144) 2,173,322 Less accumulated depreciation for: Land improvements 51,843 2,711 54,554 Buildings 922,451 65,441 987,892 Furniture and equipment 277,316 8,138 (9,138) 276,316 Grant funded assets 226,044 8,434 (17,006) 217,472 Automobiles 108,603 13,637 122,240 Total accumulated depreciation 1,586,257 98,361 (26,144) 1,658,474 Total capital assets being depreciated, net 575,663 (60,815) 514,848 Governmental activities capital assets, net $ 976,624 $ (60,815) $ $ 915,809 24