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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFY 21/22 Audited Financials Statements CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30,2022 AND 2021 CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30,2022 AND 2021 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Number(s) Independent Auditors' Report 1 — 3 Management's Discussion and Analysis 4— 8 Basic Financial Statements Statements of Net Position 9 Statements of Revenues,Expenses, and Changes in Net Position 10 Statements of Cash Flows 11 Notes to Financial Statements 12— 19 Schedule of Expenditures of State Financial Assistance 20 Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs 21 Independent Auditors' Report on Compliance for Each Major State Project and Report on Internal Controls Over Compliance Required by Chapter 10.550, Rules of the Auditor General 22—23 Independent Auditors' 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 24—25 Independent Auditors' Management Letter Required by Chapter 10.550,Rules of the State of Florida Office of the Auditor General 26—29 Independent Accountants' Examination Report 30 -i- JAM ES MOORE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT To the Board of Supervisors, Clay County Utility Authority: Report on the Financial Statements Opinion We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the Clay County Utility Authority (the Authority), as of and for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, and the related notes to the financial statements, which collectively comprise the Authority's basic financial statements as listed in the table of contents. In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Authority as of September 30, 2022 and 2021, and the changes in its financial position and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Basis for Opinion 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 Auditors' Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are required to be independent of the Authority 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 opinion. Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statements The Authority's 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, 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 Authority's ability to continue as a going concern for twelve months beyond the financial statement date, including any currently known information that may raise substantial doubt shortly thereafter. - 1 - Auditors'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 auditors' report that includes our opinion. 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 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,we: o Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. o 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. o 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 Authority's internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed. o 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. o Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Authority'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, as listed in the table contents, 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 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 audits 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. -2 - Supplementary Information Our audits were conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the financial statements that collectively comprise the Authority's basic financial statements. The accompanying schedule of expenditures of state financial assistance is presented for purposes of additional analysis as required by Section 215.97, Florida Statutes, Florida Single Audit Act, and is not a required part of the 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. Such information has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits 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 schedule of expenditures of state financial assistance is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the 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 December 16, 2022, on our consideration of the Authority's internal control over financial reporting and on our tests of its compliance with certain provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements and other matters. The purpose of that report is to describe the scope of our testing of internal control over financial reporting and compliance and the results of that testing, and not to provide an opinion on the 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 Authority's internal control over financial reporting and compliance. Daytona Beach, Florida December 16, 2022 - 3 - Management's Discussion and Analysis Managerial Philosophy and Strategic Objectives The senior management team of the Clay County Utility Authority (Authority) offers interested parties additional insight, a strategic perspective and further analysis of key operational factors that may help the reader gain a deeper understanding of the financial statements for the year ended September 30,2022. The Authority is an Independent Special District in the State of Florida.The Florida Legislature created the Authority on October 1, 1994 by special act(F.S. 94-491)to manage the water,wastewater, and reclaimed water systems in the unincorporated areas of Clay County, Florida. The Authority also serves adjacent jurisdictions per specific inter-local governmental agreements. The Authority serves customers in Clay, Duval, and Bradford Counties and uses proprietary fund accounting to report the Authority's financial position. The Authority operates, to the extent possible as a publicly owned utility, using sound business practices of private enterprise.We accept the responsibility of providing our customers with the best long-term value at the lowest reasonable cost. We recognize the Authority provides essential services that are central to public health, safety, and general welfare as well as essential to the quality of life for the communities we serve. We understand our responsibilities as good stewards of our water, environmental, and financial resources. The communities we serve depend on environmentally and economically sustainable water supplies. The Authority continues investment and development of advanced water treatment technologies, process, and techniques. The Authority began construction of a potable reclaimed water pilot project at the Mid- Clay Water Reclamation Facility(WRF). We anticipate the potable reclaimed pilot project to be complete in 2023. The Authority also completed testing of the stormwater harvesting pilot project. The Authority also recently completed an Integrated Water Resource Plan(IWRP)that evaluates available water supplies, alternative water supplies,and the potential timing of capital infrastructure to meet water demands from the growing population. The Authority continues to expand our reclaimed water system. Our reclaimed water distribution system includes seven storage and pumping facilities. The Authority serves a total of 17,200 customer accounts as of September 30,2022. Our reclaimed water customers irrigated their lawns with an average of 3.9 million gallons per day during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022. We continue to augment our reclaimed water supply through our partnership with the Town of Orange Park and the St. Johns River Water Management District.The Authority highlighted the importance of maintaining the reclaimed water supply in the IWRP. In addition, we are evaluating the rates, fees, and charges for reclaimed water services to cover costs as well as provide price signals to conserve the resource. As previously reported,Authority Management sees Clay County rapidly moving into a period marked by high growth due to anticipated completion of the First Coast Expressway by the Florida Department of Transportation in 2025. The Authority continues expansion of the utility systems through an increasing number of capital projects. This period of high growth is presenting challenges in developing and maintaining a highly trained professional staff along with inflationary pressures. Management continues to progress through a strategic planning process. We presented the Board of Supervisors the complete IWRP on December 6,2022. We are roughly 85%complete with the rate study of the Authority's rates, fees,and charges. We anticipate completion of the rate study early in 2023. We are also roughly 50%complete with the full Strategic Plan. We anticipate completion of the Strategic Plan by early to the middle of 2023. -4 - Financial Overview This discussion and analysis serves as an introduction to the Authority's basic financial statements. The information presented here should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and accompanying notes. The Authority's Board of Supervisors approved a 3.9% revenue increase from base and flow charges for potable water,wastewater, and reclaimed water services for fiscal year 2021/2022. The Authority kept the volume provided in each block consistent with previous fiscal years.The Authority realized revenue within 0.0% of the forecast. In addition, the Authority benefited from strength in housing and business growth. The Authority gained 1,229 active water accounts and 1,249 active sewer accounts which was stronger than the 1,200 new accounts budgeted. Condensed Statement of Net Position ($000) For the Year Ended September 30,2022 2022 2021 Change 2020 Change Capital assets-net 339,649 299,756 13.3 291,938 2.7 Current assets 22,297 31,149 (28.4) 34,326 (9.3) Investments, current 0 0 - 6,151 (100.0) Other non-current assets 13,604 15,226 (10.7) 9,939 53.2 Investments, non-current 52,627 52,054 1.1 40,066 29.9 Deferred Outflow of Resources 1,709 1,938 (11.8) 2,169 (10.7) Totals 429,886 400,123 7.4 384,589 4.0 Liabilities and fund equity Net position 324,403 293,106 10.7 270,358 9.5 Long-term liabilities,net 84,284 91,474 (7.9) 98,542 (7.2) Current liabilities, including restricted 21,199 15,543 36.4 15,689 (0.9) Totals 429,886 400,123 7.4 384,589 13.4 Capital Assets-Net Net Capital assets increased$39,893,000 during the fiscal year 2021/2022.The increase is mainly attributed to $52,677,000 of various utility expansions and dispositions, offset by $13,177,000 of depreciation expense. Developers contributed$12,575,474 of those assets. For the year 2021, capital assets increased$7,818,000. The increase is mainly attributed to $19,848,000 of various utility expansions and dispositions, offset by $12,674,000 of depreciation expense. Developers contributed$8,008,000 of those assets. Current Assets The change in current assets is due to the decrease in cash. Cash was used for to fund capital projects. - 5 - Net Position The net position can serve as a useful indicator of our financial position,with an increase of$31,297,000, the net investment in capital assets,the largest portion of the Authority's net position, 79%,reflects the net investment in capital assets (e.g., land, buildings, equipment, infrastructure, and intangible assets), these assets are used to provide services to customers; consequently, these assets are not available for future spending. The restricted portion of the net position, 2.0%, is capacity charges that are subject to capital improvements. Developer, and other contributions of $27,325,000 were received in fiscal year 2022, approximately $14,042,000 of which was cash. The unrestricted portion, 20%, decreased 5%. Net income is an unrestricted reserve used for future capital funding. Long-Term Debt-Net In fiscal year 2022, the net long-term debt decreased $7,190,000. The debt decreased due to scheduled payment of long-term debt on monies previously borrowed to fund budgeted capital projects due to projected growth in Clay County over the next 5— 10 years. Current Liabilities Current liabilities increased$5,656,000, due to the timing of Accounts Payable invoices due at year-end. Condensed Statement of Revenues,Expenses, and Changes in Net Position ($000) For the Year Ended September 30,2022 2022 2021 Change 2020 Change Operating revenues 53,992 49,449 9.2 48,064 2.9 Operating expenses (48,522) (44,914) 8.0 (42,384) 6.0 Operating income 5,470 4,535 20.6 5,680 (20.2) Non-operating(expenses),net (1,499) (1,638) (8.5) (1,938) (15.5) Contributions and grants 27,325 19,851 37.7 12,718 56.1 Increase in Net Position 31,296 22,748 37.62 16,460 38.2 Operating Revenues Operating revenue was within 0.0% of management projections. Operating revenue is 52% fixed through base charges and 48%is variable through usage charges. Consequently,climatic conditions such as rainfall and temperature will cause revenue fluctuations.A large majority(91.7%)of residential customers continue to use no more water than the second-tier allowance in fiscal 2022. In the prior year,operating revenue was within-0.6%of management projections.A large majority(91.5%) of residential customers did not use more water than the second-tier allowance in fiscal 2021. Operating Expenses The increase of$3,608,000 in operating expenses in 2022 is largely due to $1,254,469 increase in wages and related benefits, and depreciation expense increased$503,000. The increase of$2,530,000 in operating expenses in 2021,was largely due to $495,000 increase in wages and related benefits resulting from additional staffing,and a 2.0%cost of living allowance and merit. - 6 - Non-Operating Revenue and Expenses The decrease of$139,000 in non-operating revenue and expenses is due to a decrease of$51,000 in interest income, a decrease of$198,000 in interest expense, and a$8,000 decrease in gain on sale of assets. During fiscal 2021, the decrease of$300,000 in non-operating revenue and expenses is due to a decrease of$381,000 in interest income, a decrease of$137,000 in interest expense, a$114,000 increase in gain on sale of assets and no debt issuance costs ($429,000 in the prior year). Contributions in Aid of Construction Developers and others are required to contribute property(water,wastewater,and reclaimed water lines)in their developments and cash for their proportional share of existing water,wastewater,and reclaimed water plant capacity to connect to the Authority's systems. Contributed property was $12,575,474 in 2022, compared to$8,008,000 in 2021.Cash contributions totaled$14,750,000 in 2021,of which$2,855,000 was grant money compared to cash contributions of$11,843,000, of which $1,355,000 was grant money in 2021. Additionally,the Authority began deferring capacity charges for developers in 2016. At the end of Fiscal Year 2022 the pending deferred charges totaled,$11,175,000,with expected capacity fees from these charges at$4,284,598 in fiscal year 2023. Utility Service Demand Trend An Equivalent Residential Connection (ERC) is the equivalent flow that can be anticipated from one residential connection. The following table provides historical information on average annual usage per ERC, expressed in thousands of gallons. The calculation of ERCs is derived by dividing the Annual Base Revenue by the Annual Residential Base Rate. The usage per ERC is a calculation of the gallons used divided by the ERCs. Water Sewer Reuse Fiscal Yr Ending ERCs Use/ERC ERCs Use/ERC ERCs Use/ERC 9/30/2008 46,453 99.8 41,717 76.6 7,230 252.3 9/30/2009 46,267 90.7 41,643 71.0 7,392 203.7 9/30/2010 47,069 88.4 42,490 69.6 7,736 202.3 9/30/2011 46,423 94.6 41,750 75.2 6,769 215.5 9/30/2012 47,982 79.5 43,463 68.1 8,325 121.9 9/30/2013 48,364 74.2 43,729 65.7 8,706 107.4 9/30/2014 49,382 71.3 44,614 64.0 9,279 94.7 9/30/2015 49,810 73.5 45,017 64.8 9,640 103.2 9/30/2016 51,735 75.6 46,845 66.0 10,342 120.3 9/30/2017 52,419 76.0 47,613 66.2 10,860 131.6 9/30/2018 53,392 77.1 48,401 50.9 11,379 118.8 9/30/2019 54,192 81.7 49,146 54.8 11,914 140.4 9/30/2020 55,207 80.4 49,939 52.4 12,704 98.6 9/30/2021 56,466 77.0 51,138 49.1 13,658 99.6 9/30/2022 58,380 79.3 52,969 49.4 14,854 96.2 - 7 - Economic Factors and Next Year's Rate Our evaluation of customer water demand shows per capita water demand has remained stable with the Authority's tiered rate structure.In fiscal year 2021/2022,customers within the first two water use tiers(up to 12,000 gallons per month) accounted for 91.7% of the Authority's residential customers. We consider the Authority's conservation efforts have reached a mature level. In 2015,the Authority Board of Supervisors approved an Alternative Water Supply(AWS)initiative aimed at diversifying the water supply portfolio over time for greater resiliency and sustainability. The AWS initiative includes a surcharge per customer bill and a customer capacity fee. The AWS surcharge currently stands at $1.15 per water bill. The one-time AWS capacity charge for new customer connecting to the Authority systems now stands at$377 per new account. Through fiscal year 2022,the Authority spent over $3.5 million on AWS projects. The Authority continues to progress with the development of AWS.We completed sampling and testing of water quality and water quantity in the Storm Water Harvesting project with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). We anticipate reporting the findings of the Storm Water Harvesting pilot project testing in fiscal year 2023. As previously noted, the Authority began construction of a Potable Reclaimed Pilot Project at the Mid-Clay WRF evaluating and educating the public related to direct and indirect potable reclaimed water as an AWS. For additional information, please visit: https://www.clayutility.org/aws/default.aspx . As reported last fiscal year, the Authority entered into a settlement agreement in July 2021 with the SJRWMD regarding MFL's for Lakes Brooklyn and Geneva and the related Black Creek Water Resource Development (Black Creek) Project. By entering into the settlement agreement, the Authority joins the SJRWMD by financially participating in the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Black Creek Project. The Authority agreed to financially participate in the Black Creek Project at$7,264,866 to address existing and future customer water demand impacts.To date,the Authority has paid SJRWMD$3,652,438 for the project. The Authority and the SJRWMD agreed to the First Amendment to the agreement to delay the second payment until the SJRWMD had bid all phases of their project. The settlement agreement specifies a future water demand of 24 Million Gallons per Day (MGD) for Authority customers which includes existing and future customer water demands. The Authority Board of Supervisors continues the cost recovery plan for the costs associated with the Black Creek Project.The Authority is recovering the costs associated with participation in the Black Creek Project through the SJRWMD Black Creek Water Resource Development Project Surcharge for existing customers. We will complete the cost recovery for participation from existing customer by September 30, 2023. The Authority will continue to recover costs associated with future customers through the SJRWMD Black Creek Water Resource Development Project Connection Charge. Request for Information The Authority staff designed this financial report to provide a general overview of the Authority's finances. Please address questions concerning any of the information provided in this report or requests for additional financial information to Jeffrey S. Wesselman, CPA, Chief Financial Officer, 3176 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg,Florida, 32068. - 8 - CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY STATEMENTS OF NET POSITION SEPTEMBER 30,2022 AND 2021 2022 2021 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 13,286,253 $ 23,456,604 Restricted cash and cash equivalents 6,540,074 1,810,372 Investments 52,788,559 52,150,057 Accounts receivable,net 4,595,952 3,195,540 Prepaid items and inventory 935,329 878,085 Total current assets 78,146,167 81,490,658 Non-current assets Restricted cash and cash equivalents 10,081,416 16,607,617 Notes receivable 301,710 330,340 Utility plants 480,380,363 454,684,469 Construction in process 43,959,904 16,978,476 Accumulated depreciation (184,691,211) (171,907,307) Total non-current assets 350,032,182 316,693,595 Total Assets $428,178,349 $398,184,253 DEFERRED OUTFLOWS OF RESOURCES Deferred loss on bond refunding $ 1,708,823 $ 1,938,184 LIABILITIES Current liabilities Accounts and retainage payable $ 1,749,094 $ 1,463,223 Accrued expenses 1,340,107 995,120 Unearned revenues 502,696 553,385 Customer deposits 3,879,356 3,686,258 Liabilities payable from current restricted assets: Accounts and retainage payable 5,720,276 913,862 Interest payable 819,798 896,510 Current portion of long-term debt 7,188,555 7,034,886 Total current liabilities 21,199,882 15,543,244 Non-current liabilities Non-current portion of long-term debt 84,284,066 91,472,863 Total Liabilities $105,483,948 $107,016,107 NET POSITION Net investment in capital assets $249,885,258 $203,186,073 Restricted for: Capital projects 5,408,103 12,049,318 Debt service 4,673,313 4,558,299 Unrestricted 64,436,550 73,312,640 Total Net Position $324,403,224 $293,106,330 The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these statements. -9- CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY STATEMENTS OF REVENUES,EXPENSES,AND CHANGES IN NET POSITION FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,2022 AND 2021 2022 2021 Operating revenues Charges for services $ 52,104,198 $ 47,790,436 Miscellaneous revenues 1,887,947 1,658,726 Total operating revenues 53,992,145 49,449,162 Operating expenses Wages and related benefits 16,775,133 15,520,664 Operating expenses 11,929,650 10,196,390 Subcontractors 4,294,125 4,372,607 In lieu of taxes 2,345,846 2,150,140 Depreciation expense 13,176,983 12,674,300 Total operating expenses 48,521,737 44,914,101 Operating income 5,470,408 4,535,061 Nonoperating revenues(expenses) Interest income 674,690 726,180 Interest expense (2,285,685) (2,484,113) Gain(loss)on sale of assets 112,278 120,287 Total nonoperating revenues(expenses) (1,498,717) (1,637,646) Income(loss)before capital contributions 3,971,691 2,897,415 Capital contributions and grants Developer and other contributions 24,469,772 18,495,838 Capital grants 2,855,431 1,355,529 Total capital contributions 27,325,203 19,851,367 Change in net position 31,296,894 22,748,782 Net position,beginning of year 293,106,330 270,357,548 Net position,end of year $ 324,403,224 $293,106,330 The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these statements. - 10- CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,2022 AND 2021 2022 2021 Cash flows from operating activities Receipts from customers $ 52,762,772 $ 48,909,014 Payments to suppliers (15,995,148) (14,316,498) Payment in lieu of taxes (2,345,846) (2,150,140) Payments to employees (16,430,146) (15,531,142) Net cash provided by(used in)operating activities 17,991,632 16,911,234 Cash flows from capital and related financing activities Principal paid on long-term debt (7,035,128) (6,919,568) Interest paid on long-term debt (2,133,036) (2,314,749) Payments to acquire and construct plant property (35,576,235) (13,041,859) Capital contributions 11,894,298 10,487,632 Capital grants 2,855,431 1,355,529 Net cash provided by(used in)capital and related financing activities (29,994,670) (10,433,015) Cash flows from investing activities Purchases of investments (52,627,982) (50,538,463) Sales of investments 51,989,480 44,851,779 Interest income 674,690 726,180 Net cash provided by(used in)investing activities 36,188 (4,960,504) Net increase(decrease)in cash and cash equivalents (11,966,850) 1,517,715 Cash and cash equivalents,beginning of year 41,874,593 40,356,878 Cash and cash equivalents,end of year $ 29,907,743 $ 41,874,593 Cash and cash equivalents classified as: Unrestricted $ 13,286,253 $ 23,456,604 Restricted 6,540,074 1,810,372 Restricted-noncurrent 10,081,416 16,607,617 Total cash and cash equivalents $ 29,907,743 $ 41,874,593 Reconciliation of operating income to net cash provided by(used in)operating activities Cash flows from operating activities Operating income $ 5,470,408 $ 4,535,061 Adjustments to reconcile operating income to net cash provided by(used in)operating activities: Depreciation expense 13,176,983 12,674,300 Changes in assets and liabilities Decrease(Increase)in accounts and notes receivable (1,371,782) (785,683) Decrease(Increase)in prepaid items and inventory (57,244) 43,572 Increase(Decrease)in accounts and retainage payable 285,871 208,927 Increase(Decrease)in accrued expenses 344,987 (10,478) Increase(Decrease)in unearned revenue (50,689) 122,765 Increase(Decrease)in customer deposits 193,098 122,770 Total adjustments 12,521,224 12,376,173 Net cash provided by(used in)operating activities $ 17,991,632 $ 16,911,234 Supplemental schedule of noncash investing,capital,and financing activities Deferred loss on refunding amortization $ 229,361 $ 230,731 Utility plant property contributed by developers 12,575,474 8,008,206 The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these statements. - 11 - CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30,2022 AND 2021 (1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: The accounting policies of the Clay County Utility Authority (the Authority) conform to generally accepted accounting principles applicable to governmental units. The following is a summary of significant policies. (a) Reporting entity The Authority is an independent special district established on October 1, 1994, pursuant to Chapter 94-491, Laws of Florida (1994), to provide Clay County, Florida and other territorial limits near the County with certain publicly owned water, wastewater and reclaimed water facilities. The governing body of the Authority consists of seven members acting as the Board of Supervisors. The Authority has adopted Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Codification and has determined that there are no component units that meet the criteria for inclusion in the Authority's financial statements. (b) Measurement focus, basis of accounting, and financial statement presentation The accounts of the Authority are organized and reported as a proprietary fund type Enterprise Fund. The operations of this fund are accounted for with a set of self-balancing accounts that comprise its assets, liabilities, net assets, revenues and expenses. Enterprise Funds are used to account for operations that are financed and operated in a manner similar to private business enterprises where the intent of the governing body is that the costs (expenses, including depreciation) of providing goods or services to the general public on a continuing basis are financed or recovered primarily through user charges. The principal operating revenues of the Authority are charges for water, wastewater, and reclaimed water services, and operating expenses include the cost of sales and services, administrative expenses, and depreciation on capital assets. All revenues and expenses not meeting this definition are reported as non-operating revenues and expenses. Basis of accounting refers to when revenues and expenses are recognized in the accounts and reported in the financial statements. Basis of accounting relates to the timing of the measurements made, regardless of the measurement focus applied. The Authority uses the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with the GASB Codification. Revenues are recognized when earned and measurable, and expenses are recognized when incurred. (c) Cash and cash equivalents—Cash and cash equivalents consists of cash on hand, demand deposits, and short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less from the date of acquisition. (d) Investments—Investments consist of certificates of deposit and US Treasury Notes and are valued at cost plus accrued interest,which approximates fair value. (e) Accounts receivable—The Authority's accounts receivable consists of amounts due from consumers. The Authority performs account evaluations on their consumers and requires collateral deposits. (0 Inventories and prepaid items The cost of inventory is accounted for on the consumption basis wherein inventories are charged as expenditures when used, rather than when purchased. All inventories are valued at cost. Certain payments to vendors reflect costs applicable to future accounting periods and are recorded as prepaid items. (g) Restricted assets and net position—Certain assets are required to be segregated from other assets due to various bond indenture agreements and restricted revenue streams. These assets are legally restricted for specific purposes such as debt service, construction, and renewals and replacements. The remaining excess of restricted assets over liabilities is reflected as restricted net position. - 12 - CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30,2022 AND 2021 (1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: (Continued) (h) Property and plant—Property and plant are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation, except contributed assets which are recorded at acquisition value on the date of contribution. Expenditures of $1,000 or more are capitalized. Depreciation, on a straight-line basis, is charged over estimated useful lives as follows: Buildings and Building Improvements 25 years Water,Wastewater,and Reclaimed Water Lines 40 years Equipment 7, 15,25 years (i) Bond discounts, premiums, and deferred amounts—Bond discounts, premiums, and deferred amounts, consisting of deferred outflows from loss on refunding of long-term debt, are deferred and amortized over the term of the bonds using the effective interest method. (j) Deferred outflows/inflows of resources—In addition to assets, the statements of net position will sometimes report a separate section for deferred outflows of resources. This separate financial statement element represents a consumption of net position that applies to a future period(s) and so will not be recognized as an outflow of resources (expense/expenditure) until then. The Authority has only one item, deferred loss on bond refunding, which qualifies for reporting in this category. A deferred charge on refunding results from the difference in the carrying value of refunded debt and its reacquisition price. This amount is deferred and amortized over the shorter of the life of the refunded or refunding debt. 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 represents an acquisition of net position that applies to a future period and will not be recognized as an inflow of resources (revenue)until that time. The Authority had no deferred inflows at September 30,2022 and 2021. (k) Net position flow assumption—Sometimes the Authority will fund outlays for a particular purpose from both restricted and unrestricted resources. In order to determine amounts reported as restricted and unrestricted net position, it is the Authority's policy to consider restricted net position to have been used before unrestricted net position is applied. (1) Revenue recognition—Operating revenue consists primarily of charges for services, which are billed to customers for water, wastewater, and reclaimed water service. Billings are included in revenue as meters are read each month. Unbilled revenues are accrued based on estimated consumption of the most recent billing. (m) Capital contributions—Capital contributions represent contributions of certain water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Such contributions are recognized as increases in net position in the period they are received. (n) Use of estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, and changes therein, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. - 13 - CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30,2022 AND 2021 (2) Deposits and Investments: (a) Deposits and Investments—In addition to insurance provided by the Federal Depository Insurance Corporation, deposits are held in banking institutions approved by the State Treasurer of the State of Florida to hold public funds. Under Florida Statutes Chapter 280, Florida Security for Public Deposits Act, the State Treasurer requires all Florida qualified public depositories to deposit with the Treasurer or another banking institution eligible collateral. In the event of failure of a qualified public depository,the remaining public depositories would be responsible for covering any resulting losses. The Authority's deposits at year end are considered insured for custodial credit risk purposes. At September 30,2022,the Authority's cash and investments consisted of the following: Credit Types of Cash and Investments Average Maturity Quality Amount Investments and restricted investments Certificates of deposit 2.49 years N/A $ 28,403,564 US Treasury Notes 2.24 years AAA 24,384,995 Cash on deposit 29,907,743 Total cash and investments(unrestricted and restricted) $ 82,696,302 At September 30,2021,the Authority's cash and investments consisted of the following: Credit Types of Cash and Investments Average Maturity Quality Amount Investments and restricted investments Certificates of deposit 0.29 years N/A $ 52,150,057 Cash on deposit 41,874,593 Total cash and investments(unrestricted and restricted) $ 94,024,650 (b) Custodial credit risk—For an investment, custodial credit is the risk that, in the event of the failure of the counterparty, the Authority will not be able to recover the value of its investments or collateral securities that are in the possession of an outside party. In order to manage the custodial credit risk, the Authority's investment policy specifies certain requirements to pre-qualify financial institutions and brokers/dealers and an annual review of the institutions used. (c) Credit risk—Credit risk is the risk that an issuer or other counter party to an investment will not fulfill its obligations. The Authority does have a formal investment policy that limits its investments to high quality investments to control credit risk, which requires diversification of investments, limited investments in securities with higher credit risks, investing in securities with varying maturities, and continuously investing a portion of the portfolio in readily available funds such as local government investment pools or money market funds. (d) Interest rate risk—Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates will adversely affect the fair value of an investment. The Authority has no formal policy relating to a specific investment-related risk. In accordance with the provisions of the state statutes governing allowable investments, the Authority manages its exposure to declines in fair values by limiting the maturity of specific investments to provide sufficient liquidity to pay obligations as they come due. - 14 - CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30,2022 AND 2021 (3) Accounts and Notes Receivable: Unbilled receivables represent amounts earned which have not yet been billed, along with other amounts which can be invoiced upon completion or attainment of contract objectives. Allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated by analysis of accounts receivable balance over 60 days, and historical collection trends. Accounts receivable at September 30,2022 and 2021, consist of the following: 2022 2021 Billed customer receivables $ 2,146,263 $ 1,651,557 Unbilled customer receivables 1,599,681 1,326,115 Notes receivable—current portion 38,983 42,711 Other receivables 1,030,001 351,486 Gross accounts receivable 4,814,928 3,371,869 Less:Allowance for uncollectibles (218,976) (176,329) Total accounts receivable,net $ 4,595,952 $ 3,195,540 As part of the notes receivable included above, many such agreements have a long-term portion based on extended payment schedules. The long-term balance of the notes receivables totaled $301,710 and $330,340 at September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Based on an assessment of interest rates and repayment schedules, management does not believe any calculated discount to the gross receivable amount would be material, and no such provision has been made. (4) Capital Assets: Changes in the Authority's capital assets for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, were as follows: Balance Balance October 1, September 30, 2021 Increases Decreases 2022 Capital assets not being depreciated: Land $ 5,268,724 $ 213,593 $ - $ 5,482,317 Construction in progress 16,978,476 40,318,584 (13,337,156) 43,959,904 Total capital assets not being depreciated 22,247,200 40,532,177 (13,337,156) 49,442,221 Capital assets being depreciated: Machinery and equipment 440,618,389 20,938,974 (18,548) 461,538,815 Buildings 8,797,356 1,324,938 (415,501) 9,706,793 Intangibles - 3,652,438 - 3,652,438 Accumulated depreciation (171,907,307) (13,217,953) 434,049 (184,691,211) Total capital assets being depreciated,net 277,508,438 12,698,397 - 290,206,835 Capital Assets,net $299,755,638 $ 53,230,574 $(13,337,156) $339,649,056 - 15 - CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30,2022 AND 2021 (4) Capital Assets: (Continued) Balance Balance October 1, September 30, 2020 Increases Decreases 2021 Capital assets not being depreciated: Land $ 5,268,724 $ - $ - $ 5,268,724 Construction in progress 22,050,766 14,336,304 (19,408,594) 16,978,476 Total capital assets not being depreciated 27,319,490 14,336,304 (19,408,594) 22,247,200 Capital assets being depreciated: Machinery and equipment 418,973,172 22,639,652 (994,435) 440,618,389 Buildings 5,522,526 3,274,830 - 8,797,356 Accumulated depreciation (159,877,006) (12,743,603) 713,302 (171,907,307) Total capital assets being depreciated,net 264,618,692 13,170,879 (281,133) 277,508,438 Capital Assets,net $291,938,182 $ 27,507,183 $(19,689,727) $299,755,638 Depreciation expense for 2022 and 2021 was $13,176,983 and $12,674,300, respectively. Additional depreciation amounts of$40,970 and $69,303 in 2022 and 2021, respectively, related to equipment used for construction in progress and was capitalized as part of the cost of construction in progress. Commitments on outstanding construction contracts for improvements and maintenance of the utility systems totaled$24,741,927 and$11,125,559 at September 30, 2022 and 2021,respectively. (5) Compensated Absences: Paid time off(PTO) is earned on a bi-weekly basis (regular 80 hours worked) at established rates based upon years of service. Employees with one full year of service or more are required to take no less than forty consecutive hours of PTO each calendar year. In December of each year, employees are paid for any hours in excess of forty hours (eighty at employee's request) in their PTO accrual account. Employees with less than six(6)months of service are not eligible for payment of unused PTO. Because PTO accruals exceeds limitations on compensated absence balances at calendar year-end, all balances are considered to be current, and no long-term portion has been calculated. As such, these amounts have not been included in the long-term debt activity summary in Note(6). Outstanding compensated absences, included in accrued expenses on the statements of net position, totaled$779,988 and$699,544 at September 30, 2022 and 2021,respectively. - 16 - CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30,2022 AND 2021 (6) Bonds and Notes Payable: Long-term debt at September 30,2022 and 2021, is comprised of the following: 2022 2021 $42,210,677 Utility System Revenue and Refunding Note, Series 2015; with variable payment amounts due semi-annually and principal payments due from 2016 through 2031. Interest is fixed at 2.82%. $34,964,955 $36,895,642 $48,495,000 Utility System Revenue and Refunding Note, Series 2019; with variable payment amounts due semi-annually and principal payments due from 2020 through 2039. Interest is fixed at 2.03%. 41,130,000 44,035,000 $10,236,041 Utility System Revenue and Refunding Bonds, Series 2012; due in annual installments varying from $237,103 to $1,901,056 plus interest payable semi-annually at 1.86%through 2024. 3,293,841 4,510,637 $12,788,239 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan with maximum $14,179,180 available balance; due in semi-annual installments of $399,298 through 2039 including interest at 0.94% until the payment amount is adjusted by amendment. 11,086,278 11,704,626 $1,735,142 Clean Water State Revolving Fund; due in semi-annual installments of$54,020 including interest ranging from 1.29%to 3.10%, beginning on January 15, 2017,through 2032. 721,547 819,331 $1,430,069 payable to a software vendor in conjunction with a server and enterprise software licensing agreement; due in annual installments of $286,013 including interest ranging from 0% to 4.20%, beginning on February 1, 2019,through 2023. 276,000 542,513 Bonds and notes payable 91,472,621 98,507,749 Less: Current portion of bonds and notes payable (7,188,555) (7,034,886) Long-term bonds and notes payable,net $ 84,284,066 $ 91,472,863 - 17 - CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30,2022 AND 2021 (6) Bonds and Notes Payable: (Continued) Activity in bonds and notes payable for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, is as follows: Beginning Ending Due Within Balance Additions Reductions Balance One Year 2022 $ 98,507,749 $ - $ (7,035,128) $ 91,472,621 $ 7,188,555 2021 $105,427,317 $ - $ (6,919,568) $ 98,507,749 $ 7,034,886 Debt service requirements to maturity are as follows at September 30,2022: Total Debt September 30 Principal Interest Service 2023 $ 7,188,555 $ 1,994,374 $ 9,182,929 2024 7,059,158 1,842,498 8,901,656 2025 7,209,282 1,673,039 8,882,321 2026 7,371,352 1,506,042 8,877,394 2027 7,542,026 1,335,031 8,877,057 2028—2032 37,032,517 3,924,319 40,956,836 2033—2037 12,937,529 1,135,970 14,073,499 2038—2039 5,132,202 133,953 5,266,155 Totals $ 91,472,621 $ 13,545,226 $ 105,017,847 Net revenues of the water,wastewater, and reclaimed water utility system are pledged as collateral for the revenue bonds and the Clean Water State Revolving Funds. (7) Retirement Benefits: The Authority provides retirement benefits for all of its full-time employees through the Clay County Utility Authority Employees Plan (the Plan), which is a defined contribution plan administered by a financial institution. The Authority has the right to amend the Plan at any time, provided that no amendment or modification shall reduce the account balances of any participant. The Plan's benefits depend solely on amounts contributed plus investment income. The covered-employee payroll for employees covered by this plan for the years ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, was $12,036,142 and $11,142,225, respectively, and the total payroll was $12,045,306 and $11,204,387 for the same years, respectively. Participants are fully vested after 5 years of service; rollovers from other qualified plans are 100% vested. No employee contributions are allowed by the Plan. The Authority contributes an amount equal to 10% of the participant's compensation for the year to the Plan. The Authority contributed $1,203,614 and$1,114,223 for the years ended September 30,2022 and 2021,respectively. (8) Deferred Compensation Plan: The Authority offers its employees a deferred compensation plan created in accordance with Internal Revenue Code Section 457 and administered by a financial institution. Participation is on a voluntary basis and contributions are made via payroll deduction. The plan permits deferral of compensation until future years. According to the plan, the deferred compensation is not available until termination, retirement, death, or an unforeseeable emergency. All plan assets are held in trust by the financial institution, and as such, no provision for plan assets or liabilities has been recorded on the Authority's financial statements. - 18 - CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30,2022 AND 2021 (9) Risk Manjgement: The Authority is exposed to various risks of loss related to torts; theft of, damage to, and destruction of assets; errors and omissions; injuries to employees; and natural disasters for which the Authority purchases commercial insurance. During the year ended September 30, 2022,the Authority did not reduce insurance coverage levels in place as of September 30, 2021. The Authority has no settled claims resulting from these risks that exceeded its commercial coverage in any of the past three fiscal years. (10) Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB): Retirees and their dependents are permitted to remain covered under the Authority's respective health care plans as long as they pay a full premium applicable to the coverage elected. This conforms to the minimum required of Florida governmental employers per Chapter 112.08 of Florida Statutes. According to the Authority's employee handbook,retirees are defined as"Any full time employee age sixty-five(65) or older with at least five(5)years of continuous eligible service at the time of his/her retirement." The Authority has previously engaged an actuary to calculate the outstanding liability for certain post- employment healthcare benefits provided by the Authority. Based on the Authority's policies, the OPEB liability was actuarially determined to be zero. There have been no changes to the Authority's policies or state statutes since that time which management believes would impact this determination as of September 30,2022.As such,no OPEB liability has been recorded. (11) Commitments and Contingencies: In accordance with the Master Utility Services Agreement between the Authority and a developer, the Authority has granted connection fee credits which can be used by the developer or its assignee toward future connections in the specified development. As part of this agreement,the developer contributed land valued at $2,091,708 during the year ended September 30, 2016. In return, the developer received connection fee credits for future connections within the development equal to the agreed-upon value of the contributed land; however, should the developer cease plans to develop the land, no amounts will be due to the developer from the Authority,nor will the contributed property revert back to the developer. At September 30, 2022, no connections have been made in this development and total future connection fee credits available to the developer totaled$2,091,708. (12) New Accounting Pronouncements: The Governmental Accounting Standards Board ("GASB") has issued several pronouncements that have effective dates that may impact future financial statements. Listed below are pronouncements with required implementation dates effective for subsequent fiscal years that have not yet been implemented. Management has not currently determined what, if any, impact implementation of the following will have on the Authority's financial statements: (a) GASB issued Statement No. 96, Subscription-Based Information Technology Arrangements, in May 2020. GASB 96 provides guidance on the accounting and financial reporting for subscription-based information technology arrangements (SBITAs) for government end users (governments). This Statement (1) defines a SBITA; (2) establishes that a SBITA results in a right-to-use subscription asset-an intangible asset-and a corresponding subscription liability; (3) provides the capitalization criteria for outlays other than subscription payments, including implementation costs of a SBITA; and (4) requires note disclosures regarding a SBITA. To the extent relevant, the standards for SBITAs are based on the standards established in Statement No. 87, Leases, as amended. The provisions in GASB 96 are effective for periods beginning after June 15,2022. - 19 - CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES OF STATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,2022 State Grantor/Pass- CSFA Contract/ Project/Award Through Grantor/Project Title Number Grant Number Amount Expenditures State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection Direct Programs: Statewide Water Quality Restoration Projects 37.039 LPA0057 $ 1,500,000 $ 341,687 Statewide Water Quality Restoration Projects 37.039 LPA0058 1,500,000 1,364,597 Passed through St.Johns River Water Management District: Statewide Water Quality Restoration Projects 37.039 35200 1,500,000 1,108,498 Total Statewide Water Quality Restoration Projects 2,814,782 Passed through St.Johns River Water Management District: Alternative Water Supply 37.100 35385 448,784 40,649 Total Expenditures of State Financial Assistance $ 2,855,431 Notes: 1) Basis of Presentation: The accompanying Schedule of State Financial Assistance includes state financial assistance activity of Clay County Utility Authority and is presented on the accrual basis of accounting.The information in this schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 10.550,Rules of the Florida Auditor General. 2) Subrecipients: The Authority provided no state awards to subrecipients during the year ended September 30,2022. -20- CLAY COUNTY UTILITY AUTHORITY SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS SEPTEMBER 30,2022 A. Summary of Auditors' Results: Financial Statements: Type of audit report issued on the financial statements: Unmodified Internal control over financial reporting: Material weakness(es)identified? yes X no Significant deficiency(ies)identified? yes X none reported Noncompliance material to financial statements noted? yes X no State Financial Assistance: Internal control over major state projects: Material weakness(es) identified? yes X no Significant deficiency(ies)identified? yes X none reported Type of auditors' report issued on compliance for major state projects: Unmodified Any audit findings disclosed that are required to be reported for state financial assistance projects in accordance with Chapter 10.550? yes X none reported Dollar threshold used to distinguish between type A and type B programs: $750,000 Identification of major state projects: CSFA Number Project Name 37.039 Statewide Water Quality Restoration Projects B. Financial Statement Findings:None. C. State Financial Assistance Findings and Questioned Costs:None. D. Summary Schedule of Prior Audit Findings: N/A as there were no audit findings for the year ended September 30, 2021. E. Corrective Action Plan: Not applicable as there are no current year comments related to internal control and/or compliance over financial reporting or state awards. -21 - JAM ES MOORE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT ON COMPLIANCE FOR EACH MAJOR STATE PROJECT AND REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER COMPLIANCE REQUIRED BY CHAPTER 10.550,RULES OF THE AUDITOR GENERAL To the Board of Supervisors, Clay County Utility Authority: Report on Compliance for Each Major State Project We have audited Clay County Utility Authority's (the Authority) compliance with the types of compliance requirements described in the Department of Financial Services' State Projects Compliance Supplement that could have a direct and material effect on each of the Authority's major state projects for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. The Authority's major state projects are identified in the summary of auditors' results section of the accompanying schedule of findings and questioned costs. Management's Responsibility Management is responsible for compliance with State statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions applicable to its State projects. Auditors'Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on compliance for each of the Authority's major State projects based on our audit of the types of compliance requirements referred to above. We conducted our audit of compliance in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America; the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States; and Chapter 10.550, Rules of the Auditor General. Those standards and Chapter 10.550, Rules of the Auditor General,require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether noncompliance with the types of compliance requirements referred to above that could have a direct and material effect on a major state project occurred. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence about the Authority's compliance with those requirements and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion on compliance for each major state project. However, our audit does not provide a legal determination of the Authority's compliance. Opinion on Each Major State Project In our opinion, the Authority complied, in all material respects, with the types of compliance requirements referred to above that could have a direct and material effect on each of its major state projects for the year ended September 30,2022. -22 - Report on Internal Control over Compliance Management of the Authority is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over compliance with the types of compliance requirements referred to above. In planning and performing our audit, we considered the Authority's internal control over compliance with the types of requirements that could have a direct and material effect on each major state project to determine the auditing procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances for the purpose of expressing an opinion on compliance for each major state project and to test and report on internal control over compliance in accordance with Chapter 10.550, Rules of the Auditor General, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of internal control over compliance. Accordingly, we do not express an opinion on the effectiveness of the Authority's internal control over compliance. A deficiency in internal control over compliance exists when the design or operation of a control over compliance does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent, or detect and correct, noncompliance with a type of compliance requirement of a state project on a timely basis. A material weakness in internal control over compliance is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over compliance, such that there is a reasonable possibility that material noncompliance with a type of compliance requirement of a state project will not be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely basis. A significant deficiency in internal control over compliance is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over compliance with a type of compliance requirement of a state project that is less severe than a material weakness in internal control over compliance, yet important enough to merit attention by those charged with governance. Our consideration of internal control over compliance was for the limited purpose described in the first paragraph of this section and was not designed to identify all deficiencies in internal control over compliance that might be material weaknesses or significant deficiencies. We did not identify any deficiencies in internal control over compliance that we consider to be material weaknesses. However, material weaknesses may exist that have not been identified. The purpose of this report on internal control over compliance is solely to describe the scope of our testing of internal control over compliance and the results of that testing based on the requirements of Chapter 10.550, Rules of the Auditor General. Accordingly, this report is not suitable for any other purpose. A Daytona Beach,Florida December 16, 2022 -23 - JAM ES MOORE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' 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 To the Board of Supervisors, Clay County Utility Authority: We have audited, in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in the Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States of America, the financial statements of the Clay County Utility Authority(the Authority) as of and for the year ended September 30, 2022, and the related notes to the financial statements, which collectively comprise the Authority's basic financial statements, and have issued our report thereon dated December 16, 2022. Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting In planning and performing our audits of the financial statements, we considered the Authority's internal control over financial reporting (internal control) as a basis for designing procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances for the purpose of expressing our opinion on the financial statements, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Authority's internal control. Accordingly,we do not express an opinion on the effectiveness of the Authority's internal control. A deficiency in internal control exists when the design or operation of a control does not allow management or employees in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent, or detect and correct misstatements on a timely basis. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the entity's financial statements will not be prevented, or detected and corrected on a timely basis. A significant deficiency is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control that is less severe than a material weakness, yet important enough to merit attention by those charged with governance. Our consideration of internal control was for the limited purpose described in the first paragraph of this section and was not designed to identify all deficiencies in internal control that might be material weaknesses or significant deficiencies. Given these limitations, during our audit we did not identify any deficiencies in internal control that we consider to be material weaknesses. However, material weaknesses may exist that have not been identified. Report on Compliance and Other Matters As part of obtaining reasonable assurance about whether the Authority's financial statements are free of material misstatement, we performed tests of its compliance with certain provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements,noncompliance with which could have a direct and material effect on the financial statements. However, providing an opinion on compliance with those provisions was not an objective of our audits and, accordingly, we do not express such an opinion. The results of our tests disclosed no instances of noncompliance or other matters that are required to be reported under Government Auditing Standards. -24 - Purpose of this Report The purpose of this report is solely to describe the scope of our testing of internal control and compliance and the results of that testing, and not to provide an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's internal control or on compliance. This report is an integral part of an audit performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards in considering the entity's internal control and compliance. Accordingly, this communication is not suitable for any other purpose. a4"t4 MAW 4 ( Daytona Beach,Florida December 16, 2022 -25 - JAMESMOORE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' MANAGEMENT LETTER REQUIRED BY CHAPTER 10.550,RULES OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF THE AUDITOR GENERAL To the Board of Supervisors, Clay County Utility Authority: Report on the Financial Statements We have audited the basic financial statements of the Clay County Utility Authority (the Authority), as of and for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, and have issued our report thereon dated December 16, 2022. Auditors' Responsibility We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America; the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States; and Chapter 10.550,Rules of the Auditor General. Other Reporting Requirements We have issued our Independent Auditors' Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and on Compliance and Other Matters Based on an Audit of the Financial Statements Performed in Accordance with Government Auditing Standards; Independent Auditors' Report on Compliance for Each Major State Project and Report on Internal Control over Compliance in Accordance with Chapter 10.550,Rules of the Auditor General; Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs; and Independent Accountants' Report on an examination conducted in accordance with AICPA Professional Standards, AT-C Section 315, regarding compliance requirements in accordance with Chapter 10.550, Rules of the Auditor General. Disclosures in those reports and schedule, which are dated December 16, 2022, should be considered in conjunction with this management letter. Prior Audit Findings Section 10.554(1)(i)1., Rules of the Auditor General,requires that we determine whether or not corrective actions have been taken to address findings and recommendations made in the preceding annual financial audit report. The Authority has no uncorrected prior audit findings that are required to be identified pursuant to the Rules of the Auditor General. Official Title and Legal Authority Section 10.554(1)(i)4., Rules of the Auditor General, requires that the name or official title and legal authority for the primary government and each component unit of the reporting entity be disclosed in this management letter, unless disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. The Clay County Utility Authority was established by special act by the Florida Legislature. There are no component units related to the Authority. -26 - Financial Condition and Management Sections 10.554(1)(i)5.a. and 10.556(7), Rules of the Auditor General, require us to apply appropriate procedures and communicate the results of our determination as to whether or not the Authority has met one or more of the conditions described in Section 218.503(1), Florida Statutes, and to identify the specific condition(s) met. In connection with our audits, we determined that the Authority did not meet any of the conditions described in Section 218.503(1),Florida Statutes. Pursuant to Sections 10.554(1)(i)5.b. and 10.556(8), Rules of the Auditor General, we applied financial condition assessment procedures for the Authority. It is management's responsibility to monitor the Authority's financial condition, and our financial condition assessment was based in part on representations made by management and the review of financial information provided by same. Section 10.554(1)(i)2.,Rules of the Auditor General,requires that we communicate any recommendations to improve financial management. In connection with our audit,we had no such recommendations. Special District Component Units Section 10.554(1)(i)5.c., Rules of the Auditor General, requires, if appropriate, that we communicate the failure of a special district that is a component unit of a county, municipality, or special district, to provide the financial information necessary for proper reporting of the component unit within the audited financial statements of the county, municipality, or special district in accordance with Section 218.39(3)(b), Florida Statutes. In connection with our audit, we did not note any special district component units; therefore,we did not note any such component units that failed to provide the necessary information. Specific Special District Information—Clay County Utility Authority The following items have been provided to us to comply with state reporting requirements and have not been audited by us. We did not audit the following information within this section, nor were we required to perform any procedures to verify the accuracy or the completeness of the information provided by management. We do not express an opinion, a conclusion,nor provide any form of assurance on this data. As required by Section 218.39(3)(c), Florida Statutes, and Section 10.554(1)(i)6, Rules of the Auditor General,the Authority reported the following unaudited data: a) The total number of district employees compensated in the last pay period of the district's fiscal year: 169. b) The total number of independent contractors to whom nonemployee compensation was paid in the last month of the district's fiscal year: 15. c) All compensation earned by or awarded to employees, whether paid or accrued, regardless of contingency: $11,950,468. d) All compensation earned by or awarded to nonemployee independent contractors,whether paid or accrued,regardless of contingency: $89,328. e) Each construction project with a total cost of at least $65,000 approved by the district that is scheduled to begin on or after October 1 of the fiscal year being reported, together with the total expenditures for such project as: -27 - Construction Project Amount Knight Boxx/Old Jennings Force Main Extension $ 450,000 Lucy Branch Maintenance Building Repairs and Renovations 109,260 Rehab SP WW Clarifer#1/under drain 1-2 1,485,000 Lake Asbury WM Improvements(602 Lake Asbury Road&Aldersgate St.) 170,000 Wesley RD WM Improvements(Brans comb Road to Arthur Moore Drive) 200,000 ERP Software Replacement 1,400,000 SCADA System 1,260,048 Meadowbrook WTP Upgrades-(GST#3 repair,Transfer switch,GST#2 roof repair,Aerator repair,replace 4 of the 5 HSP skids) 2,000,000 Meadowbrook Well Rehab 350,000 Ridgecrest WTP-Replace Softstart&Cross line Starters with VFD's 940,574 Ridaught WTP-Phase I GST Upgrades 802,000 Ridaught WRF Upgrades(Install Micro-screen,Grit Removal Equipment,and Influent,Rehabilitiation of Clarifier No.2) 2,625,000 Keystone Heights-Lakeside Street/Hilltop Street Water Main Rehabilitation 237,600 Fleming Oaks WTP Electrical Upgrades&Hydro Tank 190,000 Pace Island WTP:Electrical&Hydro Tank Upgrades(Replace Hydrotank Tank#1 and Electrical) 220,000 Fleming island WRF electrical upgrades/Vault upgrades 296,171 Miller WRF Electrical Upgrades 125,005 Rehab PS 4 800,000 Rehab PS 62,Manifold 67 320,000 Upgrade Lift Stations 11,41,69,51 542,000 Upgrade Lift Station 56 125,000 Lift Station#2-Upgrade 2,822,678 Lift Station#3 Foxbay-Upgrade 849,703 WTP Ground Storage Tanks:add Handrails 576,000 Fleming WRF Clarifier No.1 Upgrade 908,000 Water Plant Meters Retrofits 108,000 Gravity Sewer Lining 1,000,000 Lift Station Bypass Pump 200,000 Keystone Heights High School WM relocation 143,000 Manhole Rehab 150,000 FH and Gate Valve replacement 105,000 Potable and Reclaimed Water Meter and backflow device replacement 761,250 Governor's Park WTP Design and Build 4,925,000 Meadow Lake WTP-New Ground Storage Tank and Electrical Service upgrade 1,163,793 Saratoga Spring WTP,WRF&offsite Mains 9,591,000 Mid Clay WWTP-Phase II Plant Expansion 2,750,000 Fleming Island Reg.WWTP-2nd BCR Plant,Two Tanks 3,300,000 Doctors'Lake Septic to Sewer Phase II 1,883,333 CCUA Storage Building and Site Improvements 1,539,608 CCUA Administrative Building Phase I 4,000,000 CCUA Administrative Building Phase II 350,000 North Campus Driveway 750,000 Aquarius Concourse Relocation Utility Relocations 195,000 North Middleburg Water&Sewer Extension and Interconnection(Water Interconnect,Forcemain extension and pump station) 2,600,000 Infill Projects 100,000 Peters Creek WTP Well 3&2nd GST 2,900,000 Peters Creek WWTP-Land Acquisition 3,000,000 Peters Creek WRF-Phase II 24,181,127 Ravines to Henly Road Water Main Extension 2,000,000 Spencers WTP-Ground Storage&High Service Pump 565,000 Water System Interconnects-Mis c 675,000 Longbay Rd.Master Pump Station and Force Main 200,000 -28 - Swimming Penn Creek WM Interconnect 2,000,000 Sandridge Parallel Sewer FM(PS#110 to RVZ Park via Creekview Tr.—5,000 LF 1,000,000 Reinhold Projects FJW interconnect#1 (W,WW&Reclaimed Mains from FCE interchange along west extension of FC Connector)W of expressway 3,000,000 Reinhold Projects F/W interconnect #2(W,WW&Reclaimed Mains along FC Connector East of interchange)-2 segments of main 2,000,000 Reinhold Projects N/S interconnect#1 Saratoga WM to West of 1st Coast Expressway(11,200 If 18-inch WM)also 18"reclaimed main 3,700,000 16-inch WM Challenger Dr Interconnect to Atlantis dr.-Atlantis to Brannan mill(2-Segments) 1,000,000 16-inch WM Atlantis to Kindlewood 500,000 FDOT 447180-1:US17 from Eagle Harbor to Doctors Inlet Bridge 310,000 CR-220 at Old Hard Rd.Intersection 410,000 Tanglewood Neighborhood Water Main Relocations 85,000 Habitat Drive Water Main Relocations 265,000 CR218 widening from Pine Tree Lane to Cosmos 250,000 Sandridge Road widening from Henley to CR209 40,000 CR 220 widening Baxley to Henley Rd 175,000 CR220 widening from Henley to Knightbox 50,000 CR315 widening-Utility Relocation(design FY23 construct FY24) 922,000 CR220 Quadrant Intersection 578,000 College Drive RRR 200,000 Irrigation CUP 510,000 Public Access Reuse Storage 2,042,000 Purified Water Pilot Study 4,450,000 f) A budget variance based on the budget adopted under Section 189.016(4),Florida Statutes,before the beginning of the fiscal year being reported if the district amends a final adopted budget under Section 189.016(6), Florida Statutes, as follows: there were no amendments between the original and final total district expenditure budget. Additional Matters Section 10.554(1)(i)3., Rules of the Auditor General, requires us to communicate noncompliance with provisions of contracts or grant agreements, or abuse, that have occurred, or are likely to have occurred, that have an effect on the financial statements that is less than material but which warrants the attention of those charged with governance. In connection with our audit,we did not note any such findings. Purpose of this Letter Our management letter is intended solely for the information and use of the Legislative Auditing Committee, members of the Florida Senate and the Florida House of Representatives, the Florida Auditor General, Federal and other granting agencies, and applicable management and the Board of Supervisors, and is not intended to be and should not be used by anyone other than these specified parties. aw/' Val lei. I �•h Daytona Beach,Florida December 16, 2022 -29 - JAM ES MOORE INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT To the Board of Supervisors, Clay County Utility Authority: We have examined the Clay County Utility Authority's (the Authority) compliance with Section 218.415, Florida Statutes, Local Government Investment Policies, for the year ended September 30, 2022. The Authority's management is responsible for the Authority's compliance with those requirements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Authority's compliance based on our examination. Our examination was conducted in accordance with attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Those standards require that we plan and perform the examination to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the Authority complied with Section 218.415, Florida Statutes, Local Government Investment Policies, for the year ended September 30, 2022, in all material respects. An examination involves performing procedures to obtain evidence about the Authority's compliance with those requirements. The nature,timing, and extent of the procedures selected depend on our judgment, including an assessment of risks of material noncompliance with those requirements, whether due to fraud or error. We believe that the evidence we obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. We are required to be independent and to meet our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with relevant ethical requirements relating to the engagement. In our opinion, the Clay County Utility Authority complied, in all material respects, with the aforementioned requirements for the year ended September 30,2022. c)9, ,& ibleflt 41 6`. ?.I- • Daytona Beach,Florida December 16, 2022 -30 -