HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020/11/17 - State Auditor Exit Conference Packet pR 0F''
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Office of the Washington State Auditor
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Pat McCarthy_
Exit Conference: Mason County
The Office of the Washington State Auditor's vision is increased trust in government. Our mission is to provide
citizens with independent and transparent examinations of how state and local governments use public funds, and
develop strategies that make government more efficient and effective.
The purpose of this meeting is to share the results of your audit and our draft reporting. We value and appreciate
your participation.
Audit Reports
We will publish the following reports:
• Accountability audit for January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019—see draft report.
• Financial statement and federal grant compliance audits for January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019
—see report.
Audit Highlights
We would like to thank all County staff for their assistance throughout the audit.
Recommendations not included in the Audit Reports
Exit Items
We have provided exit recommendations for management's consideration.Exit items address control deficiencies
or non-compliance with laws or regulation that have an insignificant or immaterial effect on the entity, or errors
with an immaterial effect on the financial statements. Exit items are not referenced in the audit report.
Communications required by audit standards
In relation to our financial statement audit report, we would like to bring to your attention:
• Uncorrected misstatements in the audited financial statements are summarized on the attached schedule.
We agree with management's representation that these misstatements are immaterial to the fair
presentation of the financial statements.
• There were no material misstatements in the financial statements corrected by management during the
audit.
Finalizing Your Audit
Report Publication
Audit reports are published on our website and distributed via e-mail in an electronic .pdf file. We also offer a
subscription service that allows you to be notified by email when audit reports are released or posted to our
website. You can sign up for this convenient service at: https://portal.sao.wa.gov/SAOPortal/
Management Representation Letter
We have included a copy of representations requested of management.
Audit Cost
At the entrance conference, we estimated the cost of the audit to be $100,600 and actual audit costs will
approximate that amount.
Your Next Scheduled Audit
Your next audit is scheduled to be conducted in July 2021 and will cover the following general areas:
• Accountability for Public Resources
• Financial Statement
• Federal Programs
The estimated cost for the next audit based on current rates is $107,400 plus travel expenses. This preliminary
estimate is provided as a budgeting tool and not a guarantee of final cost.
Working Together to Improve Government
Audit Survey
When your report is released you will receive an audit survey from us. We value your opinions on our audit
services and hope you provide feedback.
Local Government Support Team
This team provides support services to local governments through technical assistance, comparative statistics,
training, and tools to help prevent and detect a loss of public funds. Our website and client portal offers many
resources, including a client Help Desk that answers auditing and accounting questions. Additionally this team
assists with the online filing of your financial statements.
The Center for Government Innovation
The Center for Government Innovation of the Office of the Washington State Auditor is designed to offer services
specifically to help you help the residents you serve at no additional cost to your government. What does this
mean? We provide expert advice in areas like Lean, peer-to-peer networking and culture-building to help local
governments find ways to be more efficient, effective and transparent. The Center can help you by providing
assistance in financial management, cybersecurity and more. Check out our best practices and other resources
that help local governments act on accounting standard changes, comply with regulations, and respond to
recommendations in your audit. The Center understands that time is your most precious commodity as a public
servant, and we are here to help you do more with the limited hours you have. If you are interested in learning
how we can help you maximize your effect in government, call us at (564) 999-0818 or email us at
Center@sao.wa.gov.
Questions?
Please contact us with any questions about information in this document or related audit reports.
Chelcie Robinson,Audit Lead, (360) 895-6133, Chelcie.Robinson(ibsao.wa.gov
Cheryl Friesen,Assistant Audit Manager, (360) 895-6133, Cheryl.Friesen(&sao.wa.gov
Carol Ehlinger Audit Manager, (360) 790-6848, Carol.Ehlinger(—sao.wa.gov
Tina Watkins, CPA,Assistant Director of Local Audit, (360)260-6411 Tina.Watkins(-,sao.wa.gov
Kelly Collins, CPA,Director of Local Audit, (564) 999-0807,Kelly.CollinsAsao.wa.gov
Summary of Uncorrected Items
a° Statement,./ Schedule _a . Description
Fund 501: ER&R revenues from other funds for rental of
C-4 vehicles were all coded to revenue code 362, rather than
code 348 that is designated for internal service fund
revenue
Fund 502: revenues were coded to 341 instead of 348,
C-4 internal service fund revenues. This error is not refleted
on the C-4 as all 340s are totaled together on the C-4
Washington State Auditor's Office Page 1 of 1
p4 w� 411 N 5th Streat
Paddy McGuire PO Box 400
Shelton,WA98584
Mason County Auditor Phone(360)427-9670
nTro�° Fax(360)427.1753
October 6,2020
Chelcie Robinson
Assistant State Auditor
Office of the Washington State Auditor
451 SW Sedgwick Rd, Suite 200
Port Orchard, WA 98367
To the Office of the Washington State Auditor:
We are providing this letter in connection with your audit of Mason County for the period from
January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019. Representations are in relation to matters existing
during or subsequent to the audit period up to the.date of this letter.
Certain representations in this letter are described as being limited to matters that are
significant or material. Information is considered significant or material if it is probable that it
would change or influence the judgment of a reasonable person.
We confirm,to the best of our knowledge and belief, having made appropriate inquires to be
able to provide our representations,the following representations made to you during your
audit. If we subsequently discover information that would change our representations related
to this period,we will notify you in a timely manner.
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General Representations:
1. We have provided you with unrestricted access to people you wished to speak with and
made available all relevant and requested information of which we are aware, including:
a. Financial records and related data.
b. Minutes of the meetings of the governing body or summaries of actions of recent
meetings for which minutes have not yet been prepared.
c. Other internal or external audits, examinations, investigations or studies that might
concern the objectives of the audit and the corrective action taken to address
significant findings and recommendations.
d. Communications from regulatory agencies, government representatives or others
concerning possible material noncompliance, deficiencies in internal control or other
matters that might concern the objectives of the audit.
e. Related party relationships and transactions.
f. Results of our internal assessment of business risks and risks related to financial
reporting, compliance and fraud.
2. We acknowledge our responsibility for compliance with requirements related to
confidentiality of certain information, and have notified you whenever records or data
containing information subject to any confidentiality requirements were made available.
3. We acknowledge our responsibility for compliance with applicable laws, regulations,
contracts and grant agreements.
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4. We have identified and disclosed all laws, regulations, contracts and grant agreements
that could have a direct and material effect on the determination of financial statement
amounts, including legal and contractual provisions for reporting specific activities in
separate funds.
5. Except as discussed with you, we have complied with all material aspects of laws,
regulations, contracts and grant agreements.
6. We acknowledge our responsibility for establishing and maintaining effective internal
controls over compliance with applicable laws and regulations and safeguarding of public
resources, including controls to prevent and detect fraud.
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7. Except as discussed with you, we have established adequate procedures and controls to
provide reasonable assurance of safeguarding public resources and compliance with
applicable laws and regulations.
8. We have no knowledge of any loss of public funds or assets or other illegal activity,or any
allegations of fraud or suspected fraud involving management or employees.
9. In accordance with RCW 43.09.200, all transactions have been properly recorded in the
financial records, notwithstanding immaterial uncorrected items referenced below.
10. We are responsible for, and have accurately prepared, the summary schedule of prior
audit findings to include all findings, and we have provided you with all the information
on the status of the follow-up on prior audit findings.
11. We are responsible for taking corrective action on audit findings and have developed a
corrective action plan.
Additional representations related to the financial statements:
12. We acknowledge our responsibility for fair presentation of the financial statements and
believe financial statements are fairly presented in accordance with the Budgeting,
Accounting and Reporting Standards Manual (BARS Manual), which is a comprehensive
basis of accounting other than accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America.
13. We acknowledge our responsibility for establishing and maintaining effective internal
control over financial reporting.
14. The financial statements properly classify all funds and activities.
15. Revenues are appropriately classified by fund and account in accordance with the BARS
Manual.
16. Expenses are appropriately classified by fund and account, and allocations have been
made on a reasonable basis.
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17. Ending cash and investments are properly classified as reserved and unreserved.
18. Significant assumptions we used in making accounting estimates are reasonable.
19. The following have been properly classified, reported and disclosed in the financial
statements. as applicable:
a. Interfund, internal, and intra-entity activity and balances.
b. Related-party transactions, including sales, purchases, loans,transfers, leasing
arrangements, and guarantees, and amounts receivable from or payable to related
parties.
c. Joint ventures and other related organizations.
d. Guarantees under which the government is contingently liable.
e. All events occurring subsequent to the fiscal year end through the date of this letter
that would require adjustment to, or disclosure in,the financial statements.
f. Effects of all known actual or possible litigation, claims, assessments,violations of
laws, regulations, contracts or grant agreements and other loss contingencies.
20. We have accurately disclosed to you all known actual or possible pending or threatened
litigation, claims or assessments whose effects should be considered when preparing the
financial statements. We have also accurately disclosed to you the nature and extent of
our consultation with outside attorneys concerning litigation, claims and assessments.
21. We acknowledge our responsibility to include all necessary and applicable disclosures
required by the BARS Manual, including:
a. Description of the basis of accounting, summary of significant accounting policies
and how this differs from Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
b. Disclosures similar to those required by GAAP to the extent they are applicable to
items reported in the financial statements.
c. Any additional disclosures beyond those specifically required by the BARS Manual
that may be necessary for the statements to be fairly presented.
22. We acknowledge our responsibility for reporting supplementary information (the
Schedule of Liabilities and the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards) in accordance
with applicable requirements and believe supplementary information is fairly presented,
in both form and content in accordance with those requirements.
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23. We have disclosed to you all significant changes to the methods of measurement and
presentation of supplementary information, reasons for any changes and all significant
assumptions or interpretations underlying the measurement or presentation.
24. We believe the effects of uncorrected financial statement misstatements summarized in
the schedule of uncorrected items provided to us by the auditor are not material, both
individually and in the aggregate,to the financial statements taken as a whole.
25. We acknowledge our responsibility not to publish any document containing the audit
report with any change in the financial statements,supplementary and other information
referenced in the auditor's report. We will contact the auditor if we.have any needs for
publishing the audit report with different content included.
26. We considered the qualifications of the WA Office of the State Actuary(OSA)to create an
electronic tool for determining the County's liability for PEBB / LEOFF 1 other post-
employment benefits (OPEB) under the GASB 75 alternative method and agree with the
results of the electronic tool, which are reflected in financial statement amounts and
disclosures. In using the tool, we input correct and complete information into the
electronic spreadsheet, and did not enter any inaccurate information with respect to the
amounts or assumptions,or modify cells in the OSA spreadsheet, in an attempt to change
the outcome of the calculation. Further, we are not aware of any other external matters
that would have had an impact on the appropriateness of using the alternative method
or assumptions used by the OSA's tool.We confirm that we are a PEBB/LEOFF 1 employer
and we had fewer than 100 plan members (active and retired) as of the beginning of the
reporting period and are,therefore, eligible to use the tool.
Additional representations related to expenditures under federal grant programs:
27. We acknowledge our responsibility for complying, and have complied, with the
requirements of 2 CFR § 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and
Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.
28. With regards to your audit of federal grant programs,we have made available all relevant
and requested information of which we are aware, including:
a. All federal awards and related grant agreements (including amendments, if any),
contracts with pass-through entities,service organizations and vendors, and
correspondence.
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b. All communications from federal awarding agencies, vendors,service organizations
or pass-through entities concerning possible noncompliance.
c. All information regarding corrective actions taken and management decisions or
follow-up work performed by federal or pass-through agencies on any findings
reported in the past.
d. All documentation related to the compliance requirements, including information
related to federal program financial reports and claims for advances and
reimbursements.
e. Interpretations or other support for any situations where compliance with
requirements might be questionable or unclear.
29. Except as reported by the audit, we have identified and complied with all direct and
material compliance requirements of federal awards.
30. Management is responsible for establishing effective internal control and has, except as
reported by the audit, maintained sufficient control over federal programs to provide
reasonable assurance that awards are managed in compliance with laws, regulations,
contracts or grant agreements that could have a material effect on each of our federal
awards.
31. Federal program financial reports and claims for advances and reimbursements are
supported bythe accounting records from which the basic financial statements have been
prepared, and are prepared on a basis consistent with the Schedule of Expenditures of
Federal Awards.
32. Copies of federal program reports provided to you are true copies of the reports
submitted,or electronically transmitted,to federal agencies or pass-through agencies, as
applicable.
33. We are responsible for, and will accurately prepare, the auditee section of the Data
Collection Form as required by the Uniform Guidance.
Additional representations related to federal grants passed through to subreciplents•
34. We have advised our subreciplents of requirements imposed on them by Federal laws,
regulations,contracts or grant agreements as well as any supplemental requirements we
impose as a condition of receiving Federal awards.
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35. We have monitored the activities of our subrecipients as necessary to ensure that Federal
awards are used for authorized purposes in compliance with laws, regulations, contracts
or grant agreements.
Sharon Trask Paddy McGuire
Board Chair County Auditor
Leo Kim
Chief Finance Manager
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UPDATING LETTER OF REPRESENTATION TO BE TYPED ON CLIENT
LETTERHEAD
November 17, 2020
Office of the Washington State Auditor
451 SW Sedgwick Rd
Port Orchard, WA 98367
To the Office of the Washington State Auditor:
We re-affirm the representations made in our previous letter dated October 6, 2020 up to
the date of this letter,which was provided to you in connection with your audit of Mason County
for the period from January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019.
We confirm again, to the best of our knowledge and belief, having made appropriate inquiries to
be able to provide our representations, those representations made to you during your audit and
included in our previous letter as referred to above.
If we subsequently discover information that would change our representations related to this
audit,we will notify you in a timely manner.
Sharon Trask Paddy McGuire
Board Chair County Auditor
Leo Kim
Chief Finance Manager
NOTES TO THE PREPARER
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® Accountability Audit Report
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For the period January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019
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Thank you for the opportunity to work with you to promote accountability, integrity and openness
in government. The Office of the Washington State Auditor takes seriously our role of providing
,U state and local governments with assurance and accountability as the independent auditor of public
I accounts.In this way,we strive to help government work better,cost less,deliver higher value and
rp earn greater public trust.
® Independent audits provide essential accountability and transparency for County operations. This
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information. is valuable to management, the governing body and public stakeholders when
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Attached is our independent audit report on the County's compliance with applicable requirements
and safeguarding of public resources for the areas we examined. We appreciate the opportunity to
work with your staff, and we value your cooperation during the audit.
0 Sincerely,
IPat McCarthy
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State Auditor
®. Olympia,WA
Americans with Disabilities
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will make this document available in
alternative formats. For more information, please contact our Office at (564) 999-0950, TDD
Relay at (800) 833-6388, or email our webmaster at webmaster@sao.wa.gov.
Insurance Building,P.O.Box40021 •Olympia,Washington 98504-0021 •(564)999-0950•Pat.McCarthy@sao.wa.gov
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
AuditResults...................................................................................................................................4
Related Reports--------------------------------.--------_—. 6
Iut000utkou about the County.........................................................................................................7
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Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 3
RESULTSAUDIT
Results in brief
This report describes the overall results and conclusions for the areas we examined. In those
selected areas, County operations complied, in all material respects, with applicable state laws,
V regulations, and its own policies, and provided adequate controls over the safeguarding of public
resources.
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p In keeping with general auditing practices, we do not examine every transaction, activity,policy,
internal control, or area. As a result, no information is provided on the areas that were not
= examined.
About the audit
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d This report contains the results of our independent accountability audit of Mason County from
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a Management is responsible for ensuring compliance and adequate safeguarding of public resources
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V from fraud, loss or abuse. This includes the design, implementation and maintenance of internal
pcontrols relevant to these objectives.
�O This audit was conducted under the authority of RCW 43.09.260,which requires the Office of the
State Auditor to examine the financial affairs of all local governments. Our audit involved
toobtaining evidence about the County's use of public resources, compliance with state laws and
41 regulations and its own policies and procedures, and internal controls over such matters. The
procedures performed were based on our assessment of risks in the areas we examined.
� Based on our risk assessment for the year ended December 31, 2019, the areas examined were
an those representing the highest risk of fraud, loss, abuse, or noncompliance. We examined the
following areas during this audit period:
• Cash receipting—timeliness and completeness of deposits,voids and adjustments at the
.= landfill and Auditor's office
• Accounts payable—credit cards, and electronic funds transfers
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Q� • Superior Court—adjustments, collections, and cash receipting
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I, • Sheriff's Office—citation reconciliations, cash receipting, and contract monitoring
• Parks and Fair—cash receipting, and tracking and monitoring of theft sensitive assets
• Assessor's Office—property tax valuations and billings, exemptions and deferrals
• Use of restricted funds — hotel/motel taxes, rural sales and use tax, and Auditor's
Operations and Maintenance fund
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 4
• Equipment rental and replacement—establishment of rates
• Budget compliance
• Self-insurance for unemployment
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RELATEDREPORTS
Financial
Our opinion on the County's financial statements and compliance with federal grant program
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requirements is provided in a separate report, which includes the County's financial statements.
That report is available on our website, http://portal.sao.wa.gov/ReportSearch.
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Federal grant programs
We evaluated internal controls and tested compliance with the federal program requirements, as
applicable, for the County's major federal programs, which are listed in the Schedule of Findings
and Questioned Costs .section of the separate financial statement and single audit report. That
report includes a federal finding regarding reporting requirements for special tests reported. That
report is available on our website,http://portal.sao.wa.gov/Rel2ortSearch.
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Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 6
INFORMATIONABOUT
Mason County serves approximately 61,800 citizens.
The County operates under an elected, three-member Board of Commissioners, which is
H responsible for the adoption of the annual budget and establishment of local ordinances and
V policies. Additional elected officials include Assessor, Auditor, Clerk, Coroner, Prosecutor,
Sheriff, Treasurer and judges for the District and Superior Courts. Nearly 350 County employees
No provide an array of services including public safety, District and Superior Courts, health, water
and sewer utilities, solid waste transfer sites, planning, roads, public works, building, fair, parks
and other general governmental services. For 2019, the County had an annual budget of
J2 approximately$114 million.
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Contact information related to this report
Address: Mason County
411 N. 5th Street
sm P.O. Box 400
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e. Shelton, WA 98584
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'O Contact: Leonard Kim, Chief Finance Manager
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p Website: www.co.mason.wa.us
Information current as of report publish date.
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Audit history
You can find current and past audit reports for, Mason County at
ihttp://portal.sao.wa.gov/ReportSearch.
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Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 7
A#0VT THE STATF AUDITOR'S
The State Auditor's Office is established in the state's Constitution and is part of the executive
branch of state government. The State Auditor is elected by the citizens of Washington and serves
four-year terms.
® We work with our audit clients and citizens to achieve our vision of government that works for
citizens, by helping governments work better, cost less, deliver higher value, and earn greater
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V public trust.
In fulfilling our mission to hold state and local governments accountable for the use of public
40
resources, we also hold ourselves accountable by continually improving our audit quality and
O operational efficiency and developing highly engaged and committed employees.
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.� As an elected agency, the State Auditor's Office has the independence necessary to objectively
perform audits and investigations. Our audits are designed to comply with professional standards
as well as to satisfy the requirements of federal, state, and local laws.
Our audits look at financial information and compliance with state, federal and local laws on the
3 part of all local governments, including schools, and all state agencies, including institutions of
higher education. In addition, we conduct performance audits of state agencies and local
0 governments as well as fraud;state whistleblower and citizen hotline investigations.
® The results of our work are widely distributed through a variety of reports,which are available on
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40 our website and through our free, electronic subscription service.
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40 We take our role as partners in accountability seriously, and provide training and technical
assistance to governments, and have an extensive quality assurance program.
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Contact information for the State Auditor's Office
Public Records requests PublicRecords(2sao.wa.gov
C Main telephone (564) 999-0950
r Toll-free Citizen Hotline (866) 902-3900
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Website www.sao.n a.gov
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Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 8
,;5• - tea. OfficeoftheWashington State • •
P-at McCarthy
Financial Statements and Federal Single Audit
Report
Mason County
For the period January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019
Published October 12, 2020
0 0
Report No. 1027119 •
Office of the Washington State Auditor
Pat McCarthy
October 12, 2020
Board of Commissioners
Mason County
Shelton, Washington
Report on Financial Statements and Federal Single Audit
Please find attached our report on Mason County's financial statements and compliance with
federal laws and regulations.
We are issuing this report in order to provide information on the County's financial condition.
Sincerely,
7ae IW40
Pat McCarthy
State Auditor
Olympia, WA
Americans with Disabilities
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will make this document available in
alternative formats. For more information, please contact our Office at(564) 999-0950, TDD
Relay at (800) 833-6388, or email our webmaster at webmaster@sao.wa.gov.
Insurance Building,P.O.Box 40021 •Olympia,Washington 98504-0021 •(564)999-0950•Pat.McCarthy@sao.wa.gov
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs...................................................................................4
Schedule of Audit Findings and Responses.................................................................................... 6
Schedule of Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs........................................................ 10
Summary Schedule of Prior Audit Findings.................................................................................. 13
'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................................................................................................... 15
Independent Auditor's Report on Compliance for Each Major Federal Program and Report on
Internal Control Over Compliance in Accordance With the Uniform Guidance ......................... 18
Independent Auditor's Report on Financial Statements................................................................22
FinancialSection...........................................................................................................................26
Corrective Action Plan for Findings Reported Under Uniform Guidance ................................... 63
About the State Auditor's Office................................................................................................... 65
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 3
SCHEDULE 1 1 QUESTIONED COSTS
Mason County
January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019
SECTION I — SUMMARY OF AUDITOR'S RESULTS
The results of our audit of Mason County are summarized below in accordance with Title 2 U.S.
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost
Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards(Uniform Guidance).
Financial Statements
We issued an unmodified opinion on the fair presentation of the County's financial statements in
accordance with its regulatory basis of accounting. Separately, we issued an adverse opinion on
the fair presentation with regard to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America (GAAP) because the financial statements are prepared using a basis of accounting
other than GAAP.
Internal Control over Financial Reporting:
• Significant Deficiencies: We reported no deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
control over financial reporting that we consider to be significant deficiencies.
• Material Weaknesses: We identified no deficiencies that we consider to be material
weaknesses.
We noted no instances of noncompliance that were material to the financial statements of the
County.
Federal Awards
Internal Control over Major Programs:
• Significant Deficiencies: We reported no deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
control over major federal programs that we consider to be significant deficiencies.
• Material Weaknesses: W iden�ti ied defcenc�ies fhat w consider to be matel'al
weaknesses.
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 4
We issued an unmodified opinion on the County's compliance with requirements applicable to
each of its major federal programs.
We reported findings that are required to be disclosed in accordance with 2 CFR 200.516(a).
Identification of Major Federal Programs
The following programs were selected as major programs in our audit of compliance in accordance
with the Uniform Guidance.
CFDA No. Program or Cluster Title
10.665 Forest Service Schools and Roads Cluster—Schools and Roads—Grants
to States
20.205 Highway Planning and Construction Cluster—Highway Planning and
Construction
93.563 Child Support Enforcement
97.036 Disaster Grants—Public Assistance (Presidentially Declared Disasters)
The dollar threshold used to distinguish between Type A and Type B programs, as prescribed by
the Uniform Guidance,was $750,000.
The County did not qualify as a low-risk auditee under the Uniform Guidance.
SECTION II — FINANCIAL STATEMENT FINDINGS
See 6017 f,J&001.
SECTION III — FEDERAL AWARD FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED
COSTS
See Fi�nd�in 2019-00+2.
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 5
SCHEDULE 1IT FINDINGS AND RESPONSES
Mason County
January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019
2019-001 The declining financial conditions of the Belfair Sewer Fund and
Rustlewood Water and Sewer Fund put the utilities at risk of not
meeting their financial obligations.
Background
Belfair Sewer Fund began operating in 2012, and is currently charging customers
$96 a month for each Equivalent Residential Unit(ERU).The Belfair Sewer project
was financed through loans issued by the Department of Ecology and a general
obligation bond. At the end of 2019, the Belfair Sewer Fund had $9.3 million in
outstanding debt.
Rustlewood Water and Sewer Fund began operating in the early 1970s, and is
currently charging customers$96 per month for each ERU. The Rustlewood Water
and Sewer project was financed through loans issued by the Department of Ecology
and a general obligation bond. At the end of 2019, Rustlewood Water and Sewer
Fund had$1.2 million in outstanding debt.
The County received findings in the prior four audits regarding the declining
financial conditions of Belfair Sewer Fund and the Rustlewood Water and Sewer
Fund.
Description of Condition
Belfair Sewer Fund
Belfair Sewer Fund continues to not generate enough revenue to meet scheduled
debt payments. The County subsidized Belfair Sewer Fund in 2019 with
$1.25 million in Real Estate Excise Taxes (BEET) and sales tax revenues to help
make the required debt payments. Including the 2019 transfer,the County has used
$4.2 million in REET and sales tax revenues to support Belfair Sewer Fund since
2016.
In 2019, the County worked with an outside financial consulting firm to determine
the best method to expand the current system to become self-sufficient. The plan
included potential paths to becoming self-sustaining including higher rates, more
ERUs and some combinations of the two. The County has determined that
expansion is the best path to pursue in order to become self-sufficient.
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 6
The County is currently in the process of completing a General Sewer Plan to
develop the plan and design for the expansion.The County has secured$2.5 million
in Commerce grants and up to $8 million in a Commerce Loan designed to
construct a sewer extension and increase the number of ERUs. The County plans
to have the General Sewer plan completed by the end of 2020.
Rustlewood Water and Sewer Fund
Rustlewood Water and Sewer Fund's utility piping is nearly 50 years old and is at
the end of its useful life. The Fund has not generated enough revenue and does not
have adequate reserves to complete the needed capital improvements. Without the
use of REET funds, Rustlewood Water and Sewer would not generate enough
revenue to cover operating expenditures. To maintain a positive fund balance, the
County has subsidized a total of$917,500 in REET funds since 2017.
Additionally, Rustlewood Water and Sewer's operating expenditures continued to
exceed revenues as follows:
Fiscal year 2016 2017 2018 2019
Operating Revenues 229,114 267,402 254,017 255,669
Operating Expenses 201,561 228,678 306,992 269,778
Net gain (loss) 27,583 38,724 (52,975) (14,109)
The County has not yet adopted a formal financial plan for Rustlewood Water and
Sewer Fund. However, the County recently used REET funding to add water
meters, and is in the process of implementing a usage-based system for water
charges instead of the current flat monthly fee. The County projects this change
will result in lower operating costs through reduced consumption and more prompt
identification of leaks. The County plans to have this usage-based system fully
implemented in early 2021.The County also plans to decrease the amount of REET
funds used to subsidize the Sewer from about$200,000 a year to $60,000 in 2020.
Cause of Condition
Belfair Sewer Fund
In 2012, the Belfair Sewer Fund project anticipated more customers than actually
materialized. In 2015, the County created a financial plan to improve Belfair
Sewer's financial condition and expand the number of customers to make the Fund
self-sustaining by 2018. However,the goals of this plan were not met.
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 7
Rustlewood Water and Sewer Fund
Before 2017, the County was not aware of the declining financial condition and
therefore did not monitor or implement a financial plan to ensure the aging system
would be able to continue.
Effect of Condition
Belfair Sewer Fund
If its financial position continues to decline,Belfair Sewer Fund will not be able to
repay the $9.3 million of debt, pay for significant maintenance or repairs, nor
support its operations without continued subsidies from REET and sales tax
revenues. At the end of 2019,the fund had an ending cash balance of$348,349.
Rustlewood Water and Sewer Fund
If its financial position continues to decline, Rustlewood Water and Sewer Fund
will not be able to repay the $1.2 million of debt, pay for significant maintenance
or repairs, nor support its operations without continued subsidies from REET
revenue. At the end of 2019,the fund had an ending cash balance of$170,222.
Recommendation
We recommend the Board of County Commissioners continue to:
• Update the formal financial plan for Belfair Sewer to reflect actual planned
activity and to address how it will improve Belfair Sewer's financial
condition and expansion
• Address Rustlewood Water and Sewer's financial condition by
implementing a usage-based system and revise the plan as needed to ensure
that the desired results are achieved
County's Response
Belfair Sewer Fund
We concur with the auditor's finding. The County engaged a consultant who has
provided scenarios and recommendations to assist our development of a financial
plan that will reduce reliance on REST and sales tax revenues. We are evaluating
that information in development of a financial plan that we expect to finalize during
the 2020 fiscal year. The County continues our effort toward attaining financial
stability of the Belfair Sewer through system expansion, controlling operating costs
and updating rates charged to customers of the utility.
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 8
Rustlewood Water and Sewer Fund
We concur with the auditor's finding. We are evaluating the scenarios and
assumptions in development of a financial plan that will eliminate reliance on
REET and sales taxes by Rustlewood Water and Sewer. We expect to finalize our
financial plan during development of the County's budget for 2021 fiscal year.
Auditor's Remarks
We appreciate the County's commitment to resolving this finding and thank it for
its cooperation and assistance during the audit.We will review the corrective action
taken during our next regular audit.
Applicable Laws and Regulations
Government Auditing Standards, -December 2011 Revision, paragraph 4.23
establishes reporting requirements related to significant deficiencies or material
weaknesses in internal control,instances of fraud or abuse,and noncompliance with
provisions of law,regulations, contracts, or grant agreements.
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants defines. significant
deficiencies and material weaknesses in its Codification of Statements on Auditing
Standards,section 265,Communicating Internal Control Related Matters Identified
in an Audit,paragraph 7.
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 9
SCH9DULE OF FEDERAL AWARD FINDINGS AND
-QUESTIONED COSTS
Mason County
January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019
2019-002 The County did not have adequate internal controls to ensure
compliance with federal reporting requirements.
CFDA Number and Title: 10:665 Schools and Roads—Grants to
States
Federal Grantor Name: Department of Agriculture
Federal Award/Contract Number: N/A
Pass-through Entity Name: Washington State Treasurer
Pass-through Award/Contract PL106-393,PL110-343
Number:
Questioned Cost Amount: N/A
Description of Condition
The County received $155,044 in federal schools and roads funds during 2019,
which includes $23,092 in Title III funds. The Department of Agriculture shares
federal receipts from the national forests with the states in which national forests
are situated. Federal Title I funds are generally to be used for the benefit of public
schools and public roads of the county or counties in which the national forest is
situated. Federal Title III portion of the funds are paid to participating counties to
carry out activities under the Firewise Communities program, reimburse for search
and rescue or other emergency services or develop community wildfire protection
plans.
Federal regulations require grant recipients to establish and maintain internal
controls to ensure compliance with program requirements. These controls include
understanding grant requirements and monitoring the effectiveness of established
program controls.
Federal regulations require the County to submit an annual Certification of Title III
Expenditures and Unobligated Funds financial report to the granting agency
certifying the County spent the funds received for authorized purposes. The
certification must also include a description of the use of amounts spent and the
amount of Title III funds not obligated by September 30 of the previous year. The
County did not have adequate internal controls in place to ensure compliance with
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 10
this reporting requirement. The County did not accurately prepare its certification
of expenditures and unobligated funds report, did not adequately support amounts
reported, and did not ensure the report included all accounts, activity.and netted
items.
We consider this deficiency in internal control to be a material weakness.This issue
was not reported as a finding in the prior audit.
Cause of Condition
The County mistakenly used a general ledger report that did_not include all Title III
expenditures, as the grantor requires,when it prepared the certification. .
Effect of Condition
On the 2019 certification, the County reported unobligated funds of$65,876 and
amounts expended of $29,537 but actual amounts were $33,076 and $37,426,
respectively. Because the County did not submit an accurate financial report to the
grantor, it could.affect future funding.
The County submitted a corrected annual certification after our audit discovered
the errors on the report.
Recommendation
We recommend the County establish and follow internal controls, such as a
secondary review,to ensure it prepares and submits accurate and complete financial
reports to the grantor.
County's Response
The DEMManager mistakenly used the general ledger report that did not include
all Title III expenditures; when it prepared the certification form._
Prior to signing the Certification of the Title III Expenditures and Unobligated
Funds form, the Budget Manager and Emergency Management Manager will
review and determine the actual expense, and unobligated balance in our
accounting system prior to compiling the certification.
The anticipated date to complete the corrective action is effective immediately and
ongoing.
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 11
Auditor's Remarks
We appreciate the County's commitment to resolving this finding and thank it for
its cooperation and assistance during the audit.We.will review the corrective action
taken during our next regular audit.
Applicable Laws and Regulations
Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)Part 200, Uniform Administrative
Requirements,. Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for. Federal Awards
(Uniform Guidance), section 516, Audit findings, establishes reporting
requirements for audit findings.
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants defines significant
deficiencies and material weaknesses in its Codification of Statements.on Auditing
Standards, section 935, Compliance Audits,paragraph 11.
Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 303, Internal controls, describes
the requirements for auditees to maintain internal controls over federal programs
and comply with federal program requirements.
Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 302 Financial management,
establishes requirements for preparing financial reports.
16 U.S. Code 7143, Certification, establishes the requirements to prepare and
submit the annual certification.
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 12
MASON COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
100 W PUBLIC WORKS DRIVE
SHELTON, WASHINGTON 98584
Phone(360)427-9670 ext.450
Fax(360)427-7783
SUMMARY SCHEDULE OF PRIOR AUDIT FINDINGS
Mason County
January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019
This schedule presents the status of federal findings reported in prior audit periods.
Audit Period: Report Ref, No.: Finding Ref. No.:
January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018 1024703 2018-001
Finding Caption:
The declining financial conditions of the Belfair Sewer Fund and Rustlewood Water and Sewer
Fund put the utilities at risk of not meeting their financial obligations
Background:
Belfair Sewer: The Sewer continues to not generate enough revenues to meet scheduled debt
payments The County subsidized Belfair Sewer in 2018 with 1.25 million in Real Estate Excise
Taxes and sales tax funds to help make the capital and debt payments. Including the 2018
transfer,the County has used$2.5 million in REET and sales tax funds to support Belfair Sewer
Fund since 2016.
Rustlewood Water and Sewer Fund: Rustlewood Water and Sewer Fund has not generated
enough revenue and does not have adequate reserves to make the capital improvements needed.
Without the use of REET funds, Rustlewood Water and Sewer would not generate enough
revenue to cover operating expenditures.
Status of Corrective Action: (check one)
❑ Fully ❑ Partially ❑ Finding is considered no
Corrected Corrected ❑x Not Corrected longer valid
Corrective Action Taken:
• We are using the recommendations of a 2019 consultant study engaged to advise the
County on sewer extension planning to expand our customer base and improve the Belfair
Sewer fund's financial condition.
• We continue to develop measures to monitor funds'financial performance, monitor, and
adjust accordingly for both Belfair and Rustlewood as part of the year 2021 County
budget development process.
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 13
• The County continues its effort to achieve financial stability of both Belfair and
Rustlewood Sewer Funds through a mix of debt restructuring, rate increases and reducing
operating cost.
• We continue to develop our asset management efforts and operations and summarize in a
formal financial plan for Rustlewood as part of the year 2021 County budget development
process.
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 14
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S
OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING 1 ON COMPLIANCE AND
OTHER MATTERS BASED ON AN AUDIT
PERFORMEDSTATEMENTS IN ACCORDANCEWITH
GOVERNMENT AUDITING STANDARDS
Mason County
January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019
Board of Commissioners
Mason County
Shelton, Washington
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 Government Auditing
Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States, the financial statements of
Mason County, as of and for the year ended December 31,.2019, and the related notes to the
financial statements, which collectively comprise the County's financial statements, and have
issued our report thereon dated October 6, 2020.
We issued an unmodified opinion on the fair presentation of the County's financial statements in
accordance with its regulatory basis of accounting. We issued an adverse opinion on the fair
presentation with regard to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America (GAAP) because the financial statements are prepared by the County using accounting
practices prescribed by state law and the State Auditor's Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting
System (BARS)manual described in Note 1,which is a basis of accounting other than GAAP.The
effects on the financial statements of the variances between the basis of accounting described in
Note 1 and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, although not
reasonably determinable, are presumed to be material.
Our report includes information about the status of the County's financial condition. This
information is more fully described in Finding 2019-001 in the Schedule of Audit Findings and
Responses. The County's response to the finding was not subjected to the auditing procedures
applied in the audit of the financial statements and, accordingly, we express no opinion on the
response.
As discussed in Note 8 to the financial statements, in February 2020, a state of emergency was
declared that could have a negative financial effect on the County.
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 15
INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
In planning and performing our audit of the financial statements, we considered the.County's
internal control over financial reporting (internal control) to determine the audit procedures that
are appropriate in the circumstances for the purpose of expressing our opinions on the financial
statements, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the County's
internal control. Accordingly, we do not express an opinion on the effectiveness of the County'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 County'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.
COMPLIANCE AND OTHER MATTERS
As part of obtaining reasonable assurance about whether the County's financial statements are free
from material misstatement, we performed tests of the County's compliance with certain
provisions of laws, regulations, contracts and grant agreements,noncompliance with which could
have a direct and material effect on the determination of financial statement amounts. However,
providing an opinion on compliance with those provisions was not an objective of our audit, and
accordingly,we do not express such an opinion.
The results of our tests disclosed no instances of noncompliance or other matters that are required
to be reported under Government Auditing Standards.
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 16
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
County'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 County's internal control and
compliance.Accordingly,this communication is not suitable for any other purpose.However,this
report is a matter of public record and its distribution is not limited. It also serves to disseminate
information to the public as a reporting tool to help citizens assess government operations.
Pat McCarthy
State Auditor
Olympia, WA
October 6, 2020
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 17
INDEPENDENT AUDIT-.,.OR'.S RE-PORT ON, COMPLIANCE FOR
MAJOREACH FEDERAL YROGRAM
INTERNALCONTROL OVER. COMPLIANCE IN ACCORDANCE
WITII THE UNIFORM GUIDANCE
Mason County
January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019
Board of Commissioners
Mason County
Shelton, Washington
REPORT ON COMPLIANCE FOR EACH MAJOR FEDERAL
PROGRAM
We have audited the compliance of Mason County, with the types of compliance requirements
described in the U.S. Office of Management and Budget(OMB) Compliance Supplement that could
have a direct and material effect on each of the County's major federal programs for the year ended
December 31, 2019. The County's major federal programs are identified in the accompanying
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs.
Management's Responsibility
Management is responsible for compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and
conditions of its federal awards applicable to its federal programs.
Auditor's Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on compliance for each of the County's major federal
programs 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 the audit
requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards(Uniform Guidance).
Those standards and the Uniform Guidance require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether noncompliance with the types of compliance requirements
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 18
referred to above that could have a direct and material effect on a major federal program occurred.
An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence about the County'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
federal program. Our audit does not provide a legal determination on the County's compliance.
Opinion on Each Major Federal Program
In our opinion, the County 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
federal programs for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Other Matters
The results of our auditing procedures disclosed an instance of noncompliance with those
requirements, which is required to be reported in accordance with the Uniform Guidance and
which is described in the accompanying Schedule of Federal Award Findings and Questioned
Costs as Finding 2019-002. Our opinion on each major federal program is not modified with
respect to these matters.
County's Response to Findings
The County's response to the noncompliance findings identified in our audit is described in the
accompanying Schedule of Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs.The County's response
was not subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of compliance and, accordingly,
we express no opinion on the response.
REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER COMPLIANCE
Management of the County 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 of compliance, we considered the County's internal control over
compliance with the types of requirements that could have a direct and material effect on each
major federal program in order to determine the auditing procedures that are appropriate in the
circumstances for the purpose of expressing an opinion on compliance for each major federal
program and to test and report on internal control over compliance in accordance with the Uniform
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 19
Guidance, 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 County'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 federal program 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 federal program 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 federal program 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 and therefore,
material weaknesses or significant deficiencies may exist that were not identified. We identified
certain deficiencies in internal control over compliance, as described in the accompanying
Schedule of Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs as Finding 2019-002 that we consider
to be a material weakness.
County's Response to Findings
The County's response to the internal control over compliance findings identified in our audit is
described in the accompanying Schedule of Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs. The
County's response was not subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of compliance
and, accordingly, we express no opinion on the response.
Purpose of this Report
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 the Uniform Guidance. Accordingly, this report is not suitable for any other
purpose.However,this report is a matter of public record and its distribution is not limited. It also
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 20
serves to disseminate information to the public as a reporting tool to help citizens assess
government operations.
Pat McCarthy
State Auditor
Olympia, WA
October 6;2020
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 21
INDEPENDENTO . REPORT
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Mason County
January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019
Board of Commissioners
Mason County
Shelton, Washington
REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Mason County, for the year ended
December 31,2019, and the related notes to the financial statements,which collectively comprise
the County's financial statements, as listed on page 26.
Management's Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements
in accordance with the financial reporting provisions of state law and the Budgeting, Accounting
and Reporting System (BARS) manual prescribed by the State Auditor described in Note 1. This
includes determining that the basis of accounting is acceptable for the presentation of the financial
statements in the circumstances. Management is also responsible for the design, implementation
and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial
statements that are free from material misstatement,whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor's Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements based on our audit. We
conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States
of America and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing
Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. Those standards require that
we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free from material misstatement.
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 22
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts. and
disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor's judgment,
including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements,whether
due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control
relevant to the County's preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to
design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of
expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the County's internal control. Accordingly, we
express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting
policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as
well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis
for our audit opinions.
Unmodified Opinion on Regulatory Basis of Accounting (BARS Manual)
As described in Note 1,Mason County has prepared these financial statements to meet the financial
reporting requirements of state law using accounting practices prescribed by the State Auditor's
Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System (BARS) manual. Those accounting practices differ
from accounting principles generally .accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The
differences in these accounting practices are also described in Note 1.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects,
the cash and investments of Mason County, and its changes in cash and investments, for the year
ended December 31, 2019, on the basis of accounting described in Note 1.
Basis for Adverse Opinion on U.S. GAAP
Auditing standards issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
require auditors to formally acknowledge when governments do not prepare their financial
statements, intended for general use, in accordance with GAAP. The effects on the financial
statements of the variances between GAAP and the accounting practices the County used, as
described in Note 1, although not reasonably determinable, are presumed to be material. As a
result, we are required to issue an adverse opinion on whether the financial statements are
presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with GAAP.
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 23
Adverse Opinion on U.S. GAAP
The financial statements referred to above were not intended to, and in our opinion they do not,
present fairly, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America, the financial position of Mason County, as of December 31, 2019, or the changes in
financial position or cash flows thereof for the year then ended, due to the significance of the
matter discussed in the above"Basis for Adverse Opinion on U.S. GAAP"paragraph.
1Vlatteis of Em, .basis
As dtscssed zn N.ot 8 to f11e fii% -;statements aad described°_'tn Fucltnzi 20�19 ®0)l� in the
Sehedulee o�'1Aidit F,ind�m�s"and Responses, two of the Courity's enterpi,�se��fun_d�s�lla�re` su�ffere`ci
recuirfn`lossesfrom<o, efatrons aid receive>sul�sidies fro other funds inoid�rtoxinaae to ufl,ed
debt a` MA,d,contfniie o eratians.:1V1�afia ejanerit's evaluation;of the.leventsaricl co< <ll,�ons
acid mai a emetat's fans to,,mrti ate.these in, are also dese6becl in Note 8` Our�o anion rsxiotx.
inodifiecl with,%s, ect,to,this m ati.er
As also.discussed in Ntote 8;`in Feli'ruary2' 20 a'srate of emergency.wa clec'larecl fihatc®u91d�1iave'
d h ative financial effect on the-,Q. Our j" ion is not M odified wlili,110 sec Vthis matter:
Other Matters
County's Response to Finding
The County's response to the finding identified above is described in the accompanying Schedule
of Audit Findings and Responses. The County's response was not subjected to the auditing
procedures applied in the audit of the financial statements and, accordingly,we express no opinion
on the response.
Supplementary and Other Information
Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the financial statements taken
as a whole. The Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards is presented for purposes of
additional analysis as required by Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200,
Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal
Awards (Uniform Guidance). The Schedule of Liabilities is presented for purposes of additional
analysis, as required by the prescribed BARS manual. These schedules are 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
financial statements. The information has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 24
audit of the financial statements and certain additional procedures, including comparing and
reconciling such information directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to
prepare the financial statements or to the financial statements themselves, and other additional
procedures in accordance with auditing standards _generally accepted in the United States of
America. In our opinion, the information is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the
financial statements taken as a whole.
OTHER REPORTING REQUIRED BY GOVERNMENT AUDITING
STANDARDS
In accordance with Government Auditing Standards, we have also issued our report dated
October 6,2020 on our consideration of the County'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 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 County's internal control over financial reporting and compliance.
lr_� �
Pat McCarthy
State Auditor
Olympia,WA
October 6, 2020.
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 25
FINANCIAL SECTION
Mason County
January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Fund Resources and Uses Arising from Cash Transactions—2019
Fiduciary Fund Resources and Uses Arising from Cash Transactions—2019
Notes to Financial Statements—2019
SUPPLEMENTARY AND OTHER INFORMATION
Schedule of Liabilities—2019
Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards—2019
Notes to the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards—2019
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 26
i<
MASON COUNTY
v - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
100 W PUBLIC WORKS DRIVE
SHELTON, WASHINGTON 98584
Phone(360)427-9670 ext.450-
Fax(360)427-7783
CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN FOR FINDINGS REPORTED UNDER
UNIFORM GUIDANCE
Mason County
January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019
This schedule presents the corrective action planned by the County for findings reported in this
report in accordance with Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform
Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards
(Uniform Guidance).
Finding ref number: Finding caption:
2019-001 The declining financial conditions of the Belfair Sewer Fund and
Rustlewood Water and Sewer Fund put the utilities at risk of not meeting
their financial obligations.
Name, address,and telephone of County contact person:.
Richard Dickinson
Deputy Director,Utilities and Waste Management
100 West Public Works Drive
Shelton, WA 98584
(360) 427-9670 ext. 652
Corrective action the auditee plans to take in response to the finding:
Belfair Sewer Fund
We concur with the auditor's finding. The County engaged a consultant who has provided
scenarios and recommendations to assist our development of a financial plan that will reduce
reliance on REET and sales tax revenues. We are evaluating that information in development of
a financial plan that we expect to finalize during development of the County's budget for 2021
fiscal year: The County continues our effort toward attaining financial stability of the Belfair
Sewer through system expansion, controlling operating costs and updating rates charged to
customers of the utility.
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 63
Rustlewood Water and Sewer Fund
We concur with the auditor's finding. We are evaluating the scenarios and assumptions in
development of a financial plan that will eliminate reliance on REST and sales taxes by
Rustlewood Water and Sewer. We expect to finalize our financial plan during development of the
County's budget for 2021 fiscal year.
Anticipated date to complete the corrective action: December 30, 2020
Finding ref number: Finding caption:
2019-002 The County did not have adequate internal controls to ensure compliance
with federal reporting requirements.
Name, address, and telephone of County contact person:
G. Ross McDowell
100 W.Public Works Drive
Shelton, WA 98584
(360)427-9670 ext 806
Corrective action the auditee plans to take in response to the finding:
The DEM Manager mistakenly used the general ledger report that did not include all Title III
expenditures, when it prepared the certification form.
Prior to signing the Certification of the Title III Expenditures and Unobligated Funds form, the
Budget Manager and Emergency Management Manager will review and determine the actual
expense and unobligated balance in our accounting system prior to compiling the certification.
Anticipated date to complete the corrective action:
Effective immediately and on going
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 64
ABOUT THE STATE AUDITOR'S
The State Auditor's Office is established in the state's Constitution and is part of the executive
branch of state government. The State-Auditor is elected by the citizens of Washington and serves
four-year terms.
We work with our audit clients and citizens to achieve our vision of government that works for
citizens, by helping governments work better, cost less, deliver higher value, and earn greater
public trust.
In fulfilling our mission to hold state and local governments accountable for the use of public
resources, we also hold ourselves accountable by continually improving our audit quality and
operational efficiency and developing highly engaged and committed employees.
As an elected agency, the State Auditor's Office has the independence necessary to objectively
perform audits and investigations. Our audits are designed to comply with professional standards
as well as to satisfy the requirements of federal, state, and local laws.
Our audits look at financial information and compliance with state, federal and local laws on the
part of all local governments, including schools, and all state agencies, including institutions of
higher education. In addition, we conduct performance audits of state agencies and local
governments as well as fraud, state whistleblower and citizen hotline investigations.
The results of our work are widely distributed through a variety of reports, which are available on
our website and through our free, electronic subscription service.
We take our role as partners in accountability seriously, and provide training and technical
assistance to governments, and have an extensive quality assurance program.
Contact information for the State Auditor's Office
Public Records requests PublicRecords@sao.wL.gov
Main telephone (564) 999-0950
Toll-free Citizen Hotline (866) 902-3900
Website www.sao.wa.gov
Office of the Washington State Auditor Page 65
Exit Recommendations
tc Mason County
Audit Period Ending: 12/31/2019
We are providing the following exit recommendations for management's consideration. They are
not referenced in the audit report. We may review the status of the following exit items in our next
audit.
Accountability:
Equipment Rental and Revolving Fund
The County ER&R department provides maintenance services to outside governments such as
fire districts and the Washington State Patrol. The County bills direct costs such as supplies and
direct labor for these services but does not include all allocable overhead costs such as indirect
administrative labor,therefore not all costs associated with these services are recovered.
We recommend that the County ensure all costs, direct and indirect, are recovered to ensure that
there is not a gift of public funds.
Auditor's Operation and Maintenance Fund
Per RCW 36.22.170,the Auditor's Operation and Maintenance (O&M) fund is required to be
used to fund ongoing preservation of historical documents of all county office's and departments.
The Auditor's Office records 50%of the Recording Manager's salary to the O&M fund, however
there was not adequate support to demonstrate 50%of the Recording Manager's time was spent
on activities for the fund.
We recommend that the County ensure all expenses charged to restricted funds are supported by
adequate documentation to demonstrate they are allowable.
Rural County Sales Tax
RCW 82.14.370 requires the projects funded with Rural County Sales and Use tax to be listed in
the economic development section of the County's comprehensive plan. The Belfair Sewer
project was not specifically listed in the economic development section as required but was
specifically listed in the capital facilities section of the comprehensive plan.
We recommend that the County ensure all projects funded by the Rural Sales and Use Tax are
included in the economic development section of the County's comprehensive plan.
Assessor's Office
During our review of the Assessor's Office we found that the office did not retain detail to
support the number of properties inspected/revalued reported to the Department of Revenue
(DOR)to show how they met inspection deadlines. The Office was able to run new reports and
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r Exit Recommendations
Mason County
�""`0�• Audit Period Ending: 12/31/2019
get to within 2% of figures.
We recommend the Assessor's Office retain detailed support for amounts reported to DOR to
demonstrate compliance with reporting requirements.
Clerk's Office
The Clerk's office has established past due account collection policies and procedures to ensure
past due accounts are sent to collections. However,they have not sent the past due accounts to
collections since.2017.
We continue to recommend that the Clerk's Office send past due accounts to collections in
accordance with their established policies and procedures.
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