2014 CAFR - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Factors Affecting Financial Condition The information presented in the financial statements is perhaps best understood when it is considered from the broader perspective of the specific environment within which the City of St. Anthony operates. Local economy: The Minneapolis -St. Paul metropolitan area has continued to experience a relatively stable economy. The market place for local products and services remains strong. St. Anthony is a fully developed City. However, continued long-term growth is anticipated as St. Anthony continues to pursue redevelopment opportunities. Long-term financial planning: The City maintains five capital funds for the replacement of equipment and various infrastructure assets. Each fund is managed by a comprehensive 15 year capital planning document. These documents include the City's current buildings, park improvements, operating equipment and fleet, along with future street, water, sanitary sewer and stormwater improvements. These plans estimate the replacement dates and cost for current and prospective equipment. Additionally the plans include projected future street, water, sanitary sewer and stormwater reconstruction costs. The plans also identify the funding sources for these capital expenditures. These sources include Capital levy, Enterprise funds operating income transfers, parkland dedication fees, stormwater charges, water and sewer connection fees, grants and donations, State aids, cost sharing agreements, bond proceeds and assessments. The City combines the use of goal setting and a comprehensive budget process to identify and prioritize City improvement projects. The 15 -year capital plans are updated annually by staff and are approved by the City Council. Cash management policies and practices: The City's foremost investment objective is to preserve capital. Secondary considerations are liquidity and lastly yield. Accordingly, deposits are either insured by federal depository insurance or collateralized. All temporary cash surpluses during the year are invested in various securities defined by Minnesota Statutes. The City's policy is to invest all available monies at competitive interest rates in accordance with the City's over-all fiscal plan and coordinate them with operating needs and programs projected over the ensuing 12 months. Risk Management: The City uses a proactive approach to limit its liability risk and insurance costs. To assist employees who are injured while on duty, Managed Care Program is used to reduce medical expenses and other costs relating to workplace injuries. The program assists employees with a treatment plan which reduces lost workdays, replacement workers, etc. In addition, a safety committee consisting of employees from every department meets monthly throughout the year to discuss safety related items, review accident reports and provide recommendations to reduce the City's exposure to liability. The City's general liability insurance is with the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust. In order to reduce the cost of insurance, a $10,000 per occurrence/$50,000 aggregate deductible is maintained and funded through insurance dividends paid by the League of Minnesota Cities. R