States, Cities and Counties
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents covering state government, cities and counties.
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Tenn. Commerce & Insurance Dept.: Tennessee Joins Multiple States in Settlement Regarding Unregistered Offers and Sales of Digital Asset Investments
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Jan. 31 -- The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance issued the following news:
The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance's ("TDCI") Division of Securities announces its participation in a multistate financial settlement with Nexo Capital, Inc. ("Nexo") regarding unregistered offers and sales of securities to Tennessee investors.
The North American Securities Administrators Association ("NASAA") and the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission ("SEC") recently announced that a settlement in principle has been reached with Nexo. Tennessee is among the 17 state
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NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Jan. 31 -- The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance issued the following news:
The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance's ("TDCI") Division of Securities announces its participation in a multistate financial settlement with Nexo Capital, Inc. ("Nexo") regarding unregistered offers and sales of securities to Tennessee investors.
The North American Securities Administrators Association ("NASAA") and the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission ("SEC") recently announced that a settlement in principle has been reached with Nexo. Tennessee is among the 17 statesecurities regulators who agreed to the terms of a settlement with Nexo in order to resolve its past unregistered activities. Additional jurisdictions are expected to follow.
A Cayman Islands corporation established in 2018, Nexo provides virtual currency-related financial services to retail and institutional borrowers in the United States, including trading, borrowing, and lending services. Nexo is alleged to have failed to comply with state registration requirements. As a result, investors were sold unregistered securities in violation of state law and, additionally, they were deprived of critical information and disclosures necessary to understand the potential risks of its Earned Interest Product ("EIP").
Nexo offered and sold EIP accounts to over 93,000 investors in the United States, totaling over $800,000,000.
"Tennessee's securities laws were created to protect hard-working Tennessee investors, and the registration process is essential to investor protection," said TDCI Commissioner Carter Lawrence. "State securities regulators are the first line of defense for investors and lead the effort to ensure companies that offer digital asset investments always comply with laws and treat investors fairly. I am proud of our Securities team and their work on behalf of protecting Tennessee consumers."
The settlement is the culmination of work begun in 2022 by a group of state regulators who conducted a comprehensive investigation into Nexo's alleged offer and sale of unregistered securities in the form of its EIP. During the regulators' investigation, it was discovered that EIP investors could passively earn interest on digital assets by loaning those assets to Nexo. Nexo maintained total discretion over the revenue-generating activities utilized to earn returns for investors. The company offered and promoted the EIP and other products to investors in the U.S. via its website and social media channels suggesting in some instances that investors could obtain returns as high as 36%
"Working collaboratively allows regulators to maximize our resources to efficiently reach a settlement," said TDCI Assistant Commissioner for Securities Elizabeth Bowling. "This settlement is proof that state regulators and the SEC continue to work to ensure that investors have all the relevant information needed to understand the risks that come before making an investment."
Consumers can protect themselves when considering investing in digital offerings by following some simple tips available in a new blog post from Assistant Commissioner Bowling that is available here (https://www.tn.gov/commerce/blog/2023/1/30/always-use-caution-when-investing-in-cryptocurrency.html).
Nexo will pay a fine of $424,528.30 to each state participating in the settlement and cease offering and selling the EIP or accepting further investments in the EIP until such activities are compliant with applicable state and federal securities laws.
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Original text here: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/news/2023/1/30/tn-joins-multiple-states-in-settlement-regarding-unregistered-offers-and-sales-of-digital-asset-investments.html
Port of Seattle: $200,000 Available for Tourism Marketing Grants
SEATTLE, Washington, Jan. 31 -- Port of Seattle issued the following news:
The Port of Seattle announced that $200,000 is available to organizations applying for grants under its annual Marketing Support Program. The program provides matching support of up to $10,000 to non-profit destination marketing organizations (DMO's), attractions, cities, counties, and chambers of commerce which can effectively attract out of state visitors traveling through Port facilities.
In 2023, the program increases its emphasis on responsible outdoor tourism and inclusion. Half of the available funding will go specifically
... Show Full Article
SEATTLE, Washington, Jan. 31 -- Port of Seattle issued the following news:
The Port of Seattle announced that $200,000 is available to organizations applying for grants under its annual Marketing Support Program. The program provides matching support of up to $10,000 to non-profit destination marketing organizations (DMO's), attractions, cities, counties, and chambers of commerce which can effectively attract out of state visitors traveling through Port facilities.
In 2023, the program increases its emphasis on responsible outdoor tourism and inclusion. Half of the available funding will go specificallyto assist organizations in the development and growth of responsible tourism, eco/sustainable, or adventure/nature tourism projects and for the promotion of diversity and inclusion in marketing projects.
"People are drawn from around the country and world to experience the richness of Washington's natural and cultural diversity," said Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman. "The grants issued this year through the Port's Tourism Marketing Support Program emphasize the importance of recipients to inform visitors of the need to 'pack their sense of responsibility' if we are to preserve these delicate assets and experience."
The Port of Seattle's co-operative tourism marketing support program boosts economic opportunities in tourism, one of the state's most critical economic sectors and hardest hit by pandemic related challenges.
Over seven years the program has made over $1,960,000 in tourism marketing investments to 156 projects marketing Washington State destinations and Port travel gateways.
Applications are due February 23, 2023. More information is available at the Tourism Marketing Grants (https://www.portseattle.org/programs/tourism-marketing-support-program) webpage.
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Original text here: https://www.portseattle.org/news/200000-available-tourism-marketing-grants
N.Y. Public Service Department Issues Letter Involving ASC Energy Services
ALBANY, New York, Jan. 31 (TNSsro) -- The New York Department of Public Service issued the text of the following letter on Jan. 30, 2023:
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To: Riccardo Cincotta, ASC Energy Services, Inc., 1595 Ocean Ave, Suite A12, Bohemia, NY 11716, rick@ascenergyservices.com
RE: ASC Energy Services, Inc. - Annual Compliance 2023
Dear Riccardo Cincotta:
Thank you for your recent submittal pursuant to Section 2.D.1 of the New York State Department of Public Service's Uniform Business Practices (UBP). This letter is to inform you that the documentation submitted has been reviewed by Staff and determined
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, Jan. 31 (TNSsro) -- The New York Department of Public Service issued the text of the following letter on Jan. 30, 2023:
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To: Riccardo Cincotta, ASC Energy Services, Inc., 1595 Ocean Ave, Suite A12, Bohemia, NY 11716, rick@ascenergyservices.com
RE: ASC Energy Services, Inc. - Annual Compliance 2023
Dear Riccardo Cincotta:
Thank you for your recent submittal pursuant to Section 2.D.1 of the New York State Department of Public Service's Uniform Business Practices (UBP). This letter is to inform you that the documentation submitted has been reviewed by Staff and determinedto be in compliance with the UBP.
Be advised that to maintain your ESCO eligibility, you must notify Staff of any contact changes, substantive legal, financial, or business-related changes to your company as they occur. If your business plan changes and you decide to expand your service offerings, you must immediately submit the appropriate documentation for Staff review and determination of how it affects your current eligibility.
If you are using vendors to provide ESCO related services (e.g., EDI), the ESCO remains fully responsible for any activities the vendors perform. If you have not already done so, or if you have changed vendors since last reporting them to us, please provide Staff a list with contact information for all vendors that you are now using.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any further questions or concerns at (518) 474-4529 or nilay.kabaktepe@dps.ny.gov .
Sincerely,
Nilay Kabaktepe
Office of Consumer Services
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Original text here: https://documents.dps.ny.gov/public/Common/ViewDoc.aspx?DocRefId={3F7560D9-6144-4D0E-AF98-58D84268B648}
Kentucky PSC Issues Order Involving Knox County Utility Commission
FRANKFORT, Kentucky, Jan. 31 (TNSsro) -- The Kentucky Public Service Commission issued the following order (Case No. 2023-00003) on Jan. 30, 2023:
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In the Matter of: Electronic Application Of Knox County Utility Commission For Authorization To Execute An Assistance Agreement With The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority And For A Certificate Of Public Convenience And Necessity To Construct The Barbourville Connection-Ky 225 Project
ORDER
On January 24, 2023, Knox County Utility Commission (Knox County Commission) filed an application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN)
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FRANKFORT, Kentucky, Jan. 31 (TNSsro) -- The Kentucky Public Service Commission issued the following order (Case No. 2023-00003) on Jan. 30, 2023:
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In the Matter of: Electronic Application Of Knox County Utility Commission For Authorization To Execute An Assistance Agreement With The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority And For A Certificate Of Public Convenience And Necessity To Construct The Barbourville Connection-Ky 225 Project
ORDER
On January 24, 2023, Knox County Utility Commission (Knox County Commission) filed an application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN)for a proposed project to upgrade its connection to Barbourville Utility Commission by constructing a pump station and replacing the existing water main with larger pipes. The Commission, on its own motion, finds that a procedural schedule should be established for the orderly processing of this case. The procedural schedule is attached as Appendix A to this Order and is incorporated herein.
Further, the Commission finds that Knox County Commission shall respond to Commission Staff's First Request for Information, attached as Appendix B to this Order, on or before the date indicated in the request and shall respond to any future requests for information propounded by Commission Staff by the date or dates set forth on any such requests.
The Commission notes that Knox County Commission has waived hearing in this matter. However, in the event the Commission determines a hearing is necessary, Knox County Commission shall comply with the hearing requirements stated herein. Any hearing scheduled in this matter shall be held on the designated day or days and continued until called from the bench by the presiding officer. Pursuant to 807 KAR 5:001E, Section 2, if the hearing is not concluded on the designated day, the hearing may be continued upon verbal announcement by the presiding officer. A verbal announcement made by the presiding officer shall be proper notice of the continued hearing. Hearings are held in the Richard Raff Hearing Room at the offices of the Public Service Commission at 211 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, Kentucky. Witnesses who sponsor schedules, testimony, or responses to data requests are expected to participate in person at a hearing.
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that:
1. The procedural schedule set forth in Appendix A to this Order shall be followed. The schedule will be amended if any intervenors are joined to facilitate intervenor discovery.
2. On or before the date set forth in the procedural schedule, Knox County Commission shall file its responses to the Commission Staff's First Request for Information, attached to this Order as Appendix B.
3. Knox County Commission shall respond to additional requests for information propounded by Commission Staff as provided in those requests.
4. As set forth in 807 KAR 5:001E, Section 4(11)(a), a person requesting permissive intervention in a Commission proceeding is required to demonstrate either (1) a special interest in the proceeding that is not adequately represented in the case, or (2) that the person requesting permissive intervention is likely to present issues or develop facts that will assist the Commission in fully considering the matter without unduly complicating or disrupting the proceedings.
5. Any person requesting to intervene in a Commission proceeding must state with specificity the person's special interest that is not otherwise adequately represented, or the issues and facts that the person will present that will assist the Commission in fully considering the matter. A mere recitation of the quantity of utility service consumed by the movant or a general statement regarding a potential impact of possible modification of rates will not be deemed sufficient to establish a special interest.
6. Any motion to intervene filed after the date established in the procedural schedule shall also show good cause for being untimely. If the untimely motion is granted, the movant shall accept and abide by the existing procedural schedule.
7. Knox County Commission shall give notice of any scheduled hearing in accordance with the provisions set forth in 807 KAR 5:001E, Section 9(2). In addition, the notice of hearing shall include the following statement: "This hearing will be streamed live and may be viewed on the PSC website, psc.ky.gov"; and "Public comments may be made at the beginning of the hearing. Those wishing to make oral public comments may do so by following the instructions listing on the PSC website, psc.ky.gov." At the time the notice is mailed or publication is requested, Knox County Commission shall forward a duplicate of the notice and request to the Commission.
8. At any public hearing in this matter, neither opening statements nor summarization of direct testimonies shall be permitted.
9. Any hearing scheduled in this matter shall be held on the designated day or days and continued until called from the bench by the presiding officer. Pursuant to 807 KAR 5:001E, Section 2, if the hearing is not concluded on the designated day, the hearing shall be continued upon verbal announcement by the presiding officer. A verbal announcement made by the presiding officer shall be proper notice of the continued hearing.
10. Witnesses who sponsor schedules, testimony, or responses to data requests shall participate in person at any hearing scheduled in this matter.
11. Pursuant to KRS 278.360 and 807 KAR 5:001E, Section 9(9), a digital video recording shall be made of the hearing.
12. The Commission does not look favorably upon motions for continuance. Accordingly, motions for extensions of time with respect to the schedule herein shall be made in writing and will be granted only upon a showing of good cause.
13. The Commission does not look favorably upon motions to excuse witnesses from testifying at Commission hearings. Accordingly, motions to excuse a witness from testifying at a Commission hearing or from testifying in person at a Commission hearing shall be made in writing and will be granted only upon a showing of good cause.
14. Nothing contained herein shall prevent the Commission from entering further Orders in this matter.
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
Chairman
Vice Chairman
Commissioner
ATTEST:
Executive Director
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Original text here: https://psc.ky.gov/order_vault/Orders_2023/202300003_01302023.pdf
Governor Scott Appoints Farzana Leyva Orleans County State's Attorney
MONTPELIER, Vermont, Jan. 31 (TNSper) -- Gov. Phil Scott, R-Vermont, issued the following news release on Jan. 30, 2023:
Governor Phil Scott today announced the appointment of Farzana Leyva, of Westfield, as Orleans County state's attorney.
Farzana has served as acting state's attorney since Governor Scott appointed former state's attorney Jennifer Barrett to the superior court. Judge Barrett was the only candidate on the ballot for state's attorney and cannot assume the role, leaving the vacancy.
"Farzana is well respected in the community and has proven herself to be hard working and dedicated
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MONTPELIER, Vermont, Jan. 31 (TNSper) -- Gov. Phil Scott, R-Vermont, issued the following news release on Jan. 30, 2023:
Governor Phil Scott today announced the appointment of Farzana Leyva, of Westfield, as Orleans County state's attorney.
Farzana has served as acting state's attorney since Governor Scott appointed former state's attorney Jennifer Barrett to the superior court. Judge Barrett was the only candidate on the ballot for state's attorney and cannot assume the role, leaving the vacancy.
"Farzana is well respected in the community and has proven herself to be hard working and dedicatedto the role," said Governor Scott. "I'm confident she will continue to serve the people of Orleans County well as state's attorney."
Leyva has worked in the Orleans County state's attorney's office since 2018, first as a law clerk and then as a deputy state's attorney. Previously, she worked for the Vermont Judiciary in 2015. During her time with the State's Attorney's office, Leyva has prosecuted many cases including those involving domestic violence, sexual assault, DUIs, aggravated assault, robbery, juvenile cases, and Vermont Supreme Court appeals.
"I pledge to work hand in hand with the law enforcement officers of Orleans County to keep you and your families safe, and to hold offenders accountable," said Leyva. "I pledge to be transparent, communicative, and accessible to you - when you have concerns, I want to hear them. It is by listening to your voices that we can better serve you. You can count on my team of prosecutors for fair and consistent administration of justice. I am honored to serve our incredible community."
Leyva graduated from Howard College School of Law, South Africa in 2005. She was admitted as an attorney to the South African Bar in 2007. In 2018, she passed the New York Bar Exam and in 2019 was admitted to the Vermont Bar. Leyva is a resident of Westfield and has lived in Orleans County since 2014.
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Original text here: https://governor.vermont.gov/press-release/governor-phil-scott-appoints-farzana-leyva-orleans-county-states-attorney
Governor Mills Nominates Carlos Mello to Serve as CEO of the Finance Authority of Maine
AUGUSTA, Maine, Jan. 31 (TNSper) -- Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, issued the following news release on Jan. 30, 2023:
Governor Janet Mills today nominated Carlos R. Mello of Camden to serve as CEO of the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME). Mello - who brings more than thirty-five years of experience in banking, lending, investment, and finance to the position - has served in the role in an acting capacity since February 2021.
"As Acting CEO of FAME, Carlos has drawn upon his knowledge, experience, and financial acumen to effectively lead a crucially important financing agency for Maine people and
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AUGUSTA, Maine, Jan. 31 (TNSper) -- Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, issued the following news release on Jan. 30, 2023:
Governor Janet Mills today nominated Carlos R. Mello of Camden to serve as CEO of the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME). Mello - who brings more than thirty-five years of experience in banking, lending, investment, and finance to the position - has served in the role in an acting capacity since February 2021.
"As Acting CEO of FAME, Carlos has drawn upon his knowledge, experience, and financial acumen to effectively lead a crucially important financing agency for Maine people andbusinesses," said Governor Janet Mills. "I am pleased to nominate Carlos to serve as CEO so he can continue leading FAME's work to enhance economic and educational opportunities for Maine people."
"I'm greatly honored by the Governor's nomination and am excited to continue leading our dedicated team at FAME," said Carlos Mello. "Each day we work hard to provide, in partnership with other economic development and educational entities around the state, the financial tools Maine people and businesses need to succeed."
The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) is a quasi-independent State agency that provides financial solutions to help Maine people achieve business and higher education goals. The Authority administers a variety of business assistance programs, as well as Maine's higher education finance programs.
Prior to assuming the role of Acting CEO, Mello served for eight years as FAME's Chief Risk Officer. Mello joined FAME after serving as president and CEO of Prudential Bank & Trust, FSB. He has also held other senior-level roles at Prudential, as well as at the former People's United Bank. Mello is a certified financial planner and has held investment representative, investment advisors, and securities principal licenses, and is a former certified public accountant.
Mello currently serves as the Chair of the CEI Ventures Board of Directors. He received his B.S. in accounting from Boston College. Mello and his wife live in Camden and are the parents of three adult children.
Governor Mills also today nominated Blue Keim, Managing Director, Westbrook Facility, Sappi North America, for a second term on the FAME Board of Directors. Keim was first appointed to the Board by Governor Mills in 2019.
Both nominations are for four-year terms and are subject to review by the Maine Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business and confirmation by the Maine State Senate.
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/governor-mills-nominates-carlos-mello-serve-ceo-finance-authority-maine-2023-01-30
Florida Auditor General Issues Financial and Federal Single Audit on Liberty County District School Board
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Jan. 31 -- The Florida Auditor General released the following financial and federal single audit (No. 2023-101) on Jan. 26, 2023, involving Liberty County District School Board.
Here are excerpts:
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SUMMARY OF REPORT ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Our audit disclosed that the basic financial statements of the Liberty County District School Board (District) were presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with prescribed financial reporting standards.
SUMMARY OF REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL AND COMPLIANCE
Our audit did not identify any deficiencies in internal
... Show Full Article
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Jan. 31 -- The Florida Auditor General released the following financial and federal single audit (No. 2023-101) on Jan. 26, 2023, involving Liberty County District School Board.
Here are excerpts:
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SUMMARY OF REPORT ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Our audit disclosed that the basic financial statements of the Liberty County District School Board (District) were presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with prescribed financial reporting standards.
SUMMARY OF REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL AND COMPLIANCE
Our audit did not identify any deficiencies in internalcontrol over financial reporting that we consider to be material weaknesses.
The results of our tests disclosed no instances of noncompliance or other matters that are required to be reported under Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States.
SUMMARY OF REPORT ON FEDERAL AWARDS
We audited the District's compliance with applicable Federal awards requirements. The Education Stabilization Fund was audited as a major Federal program. The results of our audit indicated that the District materially complied with the requirements that could have a direct and material effect on the Education Stabilization Fund.
AUDIT OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE
Our audit objectives were to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole were free from material misstatements, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that included our opinions. Our audit objectives were also to obtain reasonable assurance about whether material noncompliance with applicable Federal awards requirements occurred, whether due to fraud or error, and to express an opinion on the District's compliance based on our audit. In doing so, we:
* Exercised professional judgment and maintained professional skepticism throughout the audit.
* Identified and assessed the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and designed and performed audit procedures responsive to those risks.
* Obtained an understanding of 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 District's internal control.
* Evaluated the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluated the overall presentation of the financial statements and accompanying Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards.
* Concluded whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the District's ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
* Examined various transactions to determine whether they were executed, in both manner and substance, in accordance with governing provisions of laws, rules, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements.
AUDIT METHODOLOGY
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America; applicable standards contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States; and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.
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To: The President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Legislative Auditing Committee
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements
Opinions
We have audited the financial statements of the governmental activities, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information of the Liberty County District School Board, as of and for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, and the related notes to the financial statements, which collectively comprise the District's basic financial statements as listed in the table of contents.
In our opinion, based on our audit and the report of other auditors, the accompanying 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 the Liberty County District School Board, as of June 30, 2022, and the respective changes in financial position thereof for the fiscal year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We did not audit the financial statements of the school internal funds, which represent 33 percent, 0 percent, 0 percent, 36 percent, 20 percent, and 25 percent, respectively, of the assets, liabilities, deferred inflows of resources, net position and fund balance, additions and revenues, and deductions and expenditures of the aggregate remaining fund information. Those statements were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for the school internal funds, is based solely on the report of the other auditors.
Basis for Opinions
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS) and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are required to be independent of the District 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.
Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and for 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.
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 District's ability to continue as a going concern for 12 months beyond the financial statement date, including any currently known information that may raise substantial doubt shortly thereafter.
Auditor's Responsibilities 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 and Government Auditing Standards 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 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 judgment made by a reasonable user based on the financial statements.
In performing an audit in accordance with GAAS and Government Auditing Standards, we:
* Exercise professional judgment 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 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 District'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.
* Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the District's ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
We are required to communicate with those charged 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.
Required Supplementary Information
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, the Budgetary Comparison Schedule - General and Major Special Revenue Funds, Schedule of Changes in the District's Total OPEB Liability and Related Ratios, Schedule of the District's Proportionate Share of the Net Pension Liability - Florida Retirement System Pension Plan, Schedule of District Contributions - Florida Retirement System Pension Plan, Schedule of the District's Proportionate Share of the Net Pension Liability - Health Insurance Subsidy Pension Plan, Schedule of District Contributions - Health Insurance Subsidy Pension Plan, and Notes to Required Supplementary Information, be presented to supplement the basic financial statements. Such information is the responsibility of management and, 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 GAAS, 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.
Supplementary Information
Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming opinions on the financial statements that collectively comprise the District's basic financial statements. The accompanying SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES OF FEDERAL AWARDS, as required by Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, is presented for purposes of additional analysis and is 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 GAAS. In our opinion, the accompanying SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES OF FEDERAL AWARDS is 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 January 24, 2023, on our consideration of the District's internal control over financial reporting and on our tests of its compliance with certain provisions of laws, rules, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements and other matters included under the heading 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. The purpose of that report is solely 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 of the District's 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 District's internal control over financial reporting and compliance.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherrill F. Norman, CPA
Tallahassee, Florida
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The report is posted at https://flauditor.gov/pages/pdf_files/2023-101.pdf.
[Category: TNSStaRep]
