Laserfiche WebLink
CITY OF ST. ANTHONY, MINNESOTA <br />NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS <br />December 31, 2013 <br />L. CAPITAL ASSETS <br />Capital assets, which include property, plant, equipment and infrastructure assets (e.g., roads, bridges, <br />sidewalks, and similar items) and intangible assets such as easements and computer software, are <br />reported in the applicable governmental or business -type activities columns in the government -wide <br />financial statements. Capital assets are defined by the City as assets with an initial, individual cost of <br />more than $5,000 (amount not rounded) and an estimated useful life in excess of one year. Such assets <br />are recorded at historical cost or estimated historical cost if purchased or constructed. Donated capital <br />assets are recorded at estimated fair market value at the date of donation. <br />Pursuant to GASB Statement 34, in the case of the initial capitalization of general infrastructure assets <br />(i.e. those reported by governmental activities), the City chose to capitalize retroactively to 1980. <br />These assets are reported at estimated historical cost. The City estimated historical cost for the initial <br />reporting of these assets through analysis of original bonding documents. As the City constructs or <br />acquires additional infrastructure assets each period, they will be capitalized and reported at historical <br />cost. <br />The costs of normal maintenance and repairs that do not add to the value of the asset or materially <br />extend assets lives are not capitalized. <br />Major outlays for capital assets and improvements are capitalized as projects are constructed. Interest <br />incurred during the construction phase of capital assets of business -type activities is included as part of <br />the capitalized value of the assets constructed. For the year ended December 31, 2013, no interest was <br />capitalized in connection with construction in progress. <br />The City implemented GASB Statement No. 51, Accounting and Financial Reportingfor Intangible <br />Assets effective January 1, 2010 which required the City to capitalize and amortize intangible assets. <br />Pursuant to GASB Statement 51, in the case of initial capitalization of intangible assets, the City chose <br />to include such items regardless of their acquisition date, except for permanent easements and <br />internally generated software. The City has already accounted for computer software and temporary <br />easements at historical cost and therefore retroactive reporting was not necessary. <br />Property, plant and equipment of the primary government, as well as the component units, are <br />depreciated/amortized using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: <br />Assets <br />Buildings and structures <br />5 — 40 years <br />Furniture, fixtures and equipment (including software) <br />3 — 20 years <br />Distribution and collection systems <br />20 — 50 years <br />Streets <br />20 — 50 years <br />Storm sewers <br />25 years <br />49 <br />