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Considerable care went into the study to assure as objective <br />measure as possible. Example of such factors include crime rates, <br />crime clearance rates, population, property value, and civilian <br />support staff. Each factor was measured, a significance weighting <br />established and a score calculated. The data was then placed <br />within a regression model to test the correlation accuracy. The <br />results did indicate a strong correlation within the comparative <br />group. <br />The study did provide management with significant data to monitor <br />established goals, to assist with future budgetary preparation <br />and law enforcement programming. <br />Financial Information <br />Accountina Svstem and Budgetary Control <br />The accounting system provides for a complete, self-balancinq <br />account group for each fund of the City. Accounting records are <br />maintained on the modified accrual basis for the governmental <br />type funds and trust and agency fund, and the accrual basis of <br />accounting is utilized for the proprietary type funds, as defined <br />in the notes to the financial statements. <br />In developing and altering the City's accounting system, <br />consideration is given to the adequacy of internal accounting <br />controls. Internal accounting controls are designed to provide <br />reasonable, but not absolute, assurance regardinq the <br />safeguarding of assets against loss from unauthorized use or <br />disposition and the reliability of financial records for <br />preparing financial statements and maintaining accountability for <br />assets. The concept of reasonable assurance recognizes the cost <br />of a control should not exceed the benefits likely to be derived, <br />and the evaluation of costs and benefits requires estimates and <br />judgments by management. All internal control evaluations occur <br />within the above framework. We believe that the City's internal <br />accounting controls adequately safeguard assets and provide <br />reasonable assurance of proper recording of financial <br />transactions. <br />A budgetary system of accounts is maintained for the general and <br />special revenue funds. Control is maintained by the use of a <br />purchase order system and the continuing review of actual <br />expenditures compared to budgeted amounts. Budget revisions are <br />done upon approval of a resolution by the City Council. The <br />financial statements of revenue and expenditures compared with <br />the budget in this report would reflect these revisions. Reserve <br />for encumbrances is reported as part of the fund balance at the <br />end of the fiscal year. <br />4 <br />