6.1. SR 06-06-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY OF ELK RIVER, MINNESOTA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2015 Note 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONTINUED 8. Pensions For purposes of measuring the net pension liability, deferred outflows/inflows of resources, and pension expense, information about the fiduciary net position of the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) and additions to/deductions from PERA's fiduciary net position have been determined on the same basis as they are reported by PERA except that PERA's fiscal year is June 30. For this purpose, plan contributions are recognized as of employer payroll paid dates and benefit payments and refunds are recognized when due and payable in accordance with the benefit terms. Investments are reported at fair value. For purposes of measuring the net pension liability (asset), deferred outflows of resources and deferred inflows of resources related to pensions, and pension expense, information about the fiduciary net position of the defined benefit plan administered by Elk River Fire Relief Association and additions to and deductions from the plan's fiduciary net position have been determined on the same basis as they are reported by the plan. Investments are reported at fair value. 9. Unearned Revenue Unearned revenue arises when assets are recognized before revenue recognition criteria have been satisfied. Grants and entitlements received before eligibility requirements are met are also recorded as unearned revenue. At December 31, 2015, the balance reported in the governmental fund financial statements consists of $549,968 from unearned park dedication credits. 10. Long-term Obligations In the government -wide financial statements, and proprietary fund types in the fund financial statements, long-term debt and other long-term obligations are reported as liabilities in the applicable governmental activities, business -type activities, or proprietary fund type statement of net position. The recognition of bond premiums and discounts are amortized over the life of the bonds using the straight-line method. Bonds payable are reported net of the applicable bond premium or discount. Bond issuance costs are reported as an expense in the period incurred. In the fund financial statements, governmental fund types recognize bond premiums and discounts, as well as bond issuance costs, during the current period. The face amount of debt issued is reported as other financing sources. Premiums received on debt issuances are reported as other financing sources while discounts on debt issuances are reported as other financing uses. Issuance costs, whether or not withheld from the actual debt proceeds received, are reported as debt service expenditures. 11. Compensated Absences It is the City's policy to permit employees to accumulate earned but unused vacation and sick pay benefits. Unused vacation can be accrued by the employees up to a maximum of 200 hours, the limit of which is determined by years of service. All vacation pay is accrued when incurred in the government -wide and proprietary fund financial statements. A liability for these amounts is reported in governmental funds only if they have matured, for example, as a result of employee resignations and retirements. In the event a liability is recorded in the governmental funds, the General fund would be used to liquidate the compensated absences payable. Employees can also accrue an unlimited amount of unused sick leave. Employees with two or more years of service are entitled to receive severance pay equal to 50 percent of unused sick leave, up to a maximum of 480 hours. The liability for severance pay is accounted for the same as accrued vacation pay. -57-