HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-052 - Res. Amending Res. 2021-034 Establishing Financial Reserve and Contingency Policy RESOLUTION NO. 2022-052
AMENDING RESOLUTION 2021-034
IN THE MATTER OF ESTABLISHING A FINANCIAL RESERVE AND CONTINGENCY
POLICY FOR MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
WHEREAS, the Mason County Board of County Commissioners, as the county legislative
authority and the Mason County Finance Committee deem it to be fiscally responsible to maintain
cash flow reserves in the County Funds and to provide sufficient reserve funds as required by law to
cover bond covenants, the smooth running of the County and pay current obligations;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mason County Board of County
Commissioners that the Financial Reserve and Contingency Policy be adopted as part of the County
Budget process to achieve the goals outlined.
A. General Policy
The County shall maintain reserves required by law, ordinance and/or bond covenants. All
expenditures drawn from reserve accounts shall require prior Board approval unless previously
authorized by the Board for expenditure within the County's annual budget.
The County Finance Committee will review annually the required reserve levels necessary to meet
the reserves established herein. If it is determined that the reserves should be adjusted, the County
Finance Committee shall propose an amendment to these policies.
If reserves and/or fund balances fall below required levels as set by this policy,the County shall
include within its annual budget a plan to restore reserves and/or fund balance to the required levels.
The County's annual general fund budget will be adopted in the positive with expenditures not
exceeding revenues, excluding beginning and ending fund balances unless any of the following
conditions exist: the Mason County Board of County Commissioners develop a plan to restore the
shortfall to the reserve balances within one calendar year; the offset of expenditures over revenue is
due to "one-time" expenditures, or; the offset is due to conservative budgeting and the net revenue
over expenditures for the previous calendar year is at least equal to the amount of the excess in
expenditures over revenues in the current budget year.
The County will allocate any funds from unanticipated excess revenues and/or unexpended budget
authority in the year following the actual recognition of these funds first to funding reserves as set
out in this policy then to other unanticipated expenditures.
All reserves will be presented in the County's annual budget.
B. General Fund Operating Reserves
The County will maintain a General Fund Operating Reserve to provide for adequate cash flow,
budget contingencies, and insurance reserves. Under this policy, General Operating Reserves will
be budgeted in the range of 15% - 25%of the prior year's actual expenditures, excluding beginning
and ending fund balances.
C. General Fund Contingency Reserve
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The County will maintain a Contingency Fund and shall maintain a reserve equal to $1,000,000 to
provide a financial cushion to cover revenue shortfalls resulting from unexpected economic changes
or recessionary periods or to provide funds in the event of major unplanned expenditures the County
could face.
D. General Fund Technology Replacement Reserves
The County will maintain a Technology Replacement Reserve for replacement of costs entity wide
to cover computer hardware, software, or telephone equipment identified in the County's
Technology Replacement listing. The required level of reserve will equal each year's scheduled
costs. For example, if the 2019 equipment costs are budgeted at $100,000 the fund reserve balance
must equal or exceed $100,000. Contributions will be made through assessments to the using funds
and departments and maintained on a per asset basis.
E. General Fund Equipment and Vehicle Replacement Reserves
The County will maintain a General Fund reserve for the replacement of vehicles and equipment
identified on the County's equipment replacement listing. The required level of reserves will equal
each year's scheduled replacement costs. For example, if the 2019 equipment replacement costs are
budgeted at $100,000, the fund reserve balance must equal or exceed $100,000. Contributions will
be made through assessments to the using funds and departments and maintained on a per asset
basis.
F. General Fund Accrued Leave Reserve
The County will maintain an Accrued Leave Reserve to cover the cost of the liability in its Accrued
Leave Account. The reserve will be at least sufficient to cover one years estimated accrued leave
payout as well as any accrued leave payouts known and required to be paid out in future years.
G. General Fund Capital Facilities Reserve
The County will maintain a Capital Facilities Reserve equal to $5,000,000, or other amount set by
the Board and adopted during the annual budget process. The purpose of the reserve is to pay for
capital costs or future debt payments included in the Capital Facilities Plan.
H. Sales and Use Tax Fund Reserve
The County will maintain a Sales and Use Tax Fund Reserve equal to 15% to 25%of the prior
year's actual expenditures, excluding beginning and ending fund balances.
I. County Road Fund Operating Reserves
The County will maintain a County Road Fund Operating Reserve to provide for adequate cash
flow. Under this policy, General Operating Reserves will be budgeted in the range of 15%- 25%of
the prior year's actual expenditures, excluding beginning and ending fund balances.
J. County Road New Road Projects Fund Reserve
The County will maintain a County Road New Road Projects Fund Reserve equal to $4,000,000, or
other amount set by the Board and adopted during the annual budget process.
K. REET 2 Fund Reserve
The County will maintain a REET 2 Fund Reserve to provide for future debt payments within the
Belfair Wastewater& Water Reclamation Fund. The reserve will increase each year, economic
conditions permitting, by up to one-half of the scheduled transfer amount from the REET 2 Fund
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into the Belfair Sewer Fund until the reserve is equal to $3,000,000, or other amount set by the
Board and adopted during the annual budget process.
L. Equipment Rental & Revolving Fund Reserve
The County will maintain an Equipment Rental & Revolving Fund Balance Reserve equal to 15% -
25%of the prior year's actual expenditures, excluding beginning and ending fund balances.
Approved this L{Iay of QQj& , 2022.
Mason County Board of Commissioners
Kevin Shu y, Chair
Sharon Tr sk, Commissioner
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Rand eatherlin, Commissioner
Approved this
.Tuay of , 2022.
Mason County Finance Committee
Li alliazier, a n County Treasurer, Chair
Paddy McGuire, Mason County Auditor, Secretary
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Kevin S utty, ason County Commissioner
Attest:
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McKenzie S ith
Clerk of the Board
Approved as to form:
im Whi ead
Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
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