CCP 05-13-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I. Note 1: I I I I I I . .- . . . I . . I. . . CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2001 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONTINUED Property Taxes The Council annually adopts a tax levy in December and certifies it to the County for collection in the following year. The County is responsible for collecting all property taxes for the City. These taxes attach an enforceable lien on taxable property within the City on Jannary I' and are payable by the property owners in two installments. The taxes are collected by the County Auditor and tax settlements are made to the City during January, July and December each year. Taxes payable on homestead property, as defmed by State statutes, are partially reduced by a homestead and agricultural credit aid. The credit is paid to the City by the State of Minnesota in lieu of taxes levied against homestead property. The State remits this credit in two equal installments in July and December each year. This aid was eliminated for years subsequent to 200 I with legislation passed during the 200 I Minnesota legislative session. Delinquent taxes receivable include the past six years' uncollected taxes. Delinquent taxes have been offset by a deferred revenue liability for delinquent taxes not received within 60 days after year end. Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable include amounts billed for services provided before year end. UnbiIled ntility enterprise fund receivables are also included for services provided in 2001. The City annually certifies delinquent water and sewer accounts to the County for collection in the following year. Therefore, there has been no allowance for doubtful accounts established. Special Assessments Special assessments represent the financing for public improvements paid for by benefiting property owners. These assessments are recorded as receivable upon certification to the County. Special assessments are recognized as revenue when they are received in cash or within 60 days after year end. All special assessments receivable are offset by a deferred revenue liability. Interfund Receivables and Payables Transactions between funds that arc representative of lendinglborrowing arrangements outstanding at the end of the fiscal year are referred to as either "interfund receivables/payables" (i.e., the current portion of inter fund loans) or "advances to/from other funds" (i.e., the non-current portion of interfund loans). All other outstanding balances between funds are reported as "due to/from other funds". Inventories and Prepaid Items The inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market on the fust-in, fust-ont (FIFO) method. Certain payments to vendors reflect costs applicable to future accounting periods and are recorded as prepaid items. -13-