Ben Hill County Board of Education, Fitzgerald, Georgia, report on audit of the financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
FITZGERALD, GEORGIA REPORT ON AUDIT
OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2007
STATE OF GEORGIA
DEPARTMENT OF AUDITS AND ACCOUNTS
Russell W. Hinton State Auditor

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION - TABLE OF CONTENTS -

SECTION I

FINANCIAL

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S COMBINED REPORT ON BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION - SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES OF FEDERAL AWARDS

EXHIBITS

BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DISTRICT-WIDE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A

STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS

1

B

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES

2

FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

C

BALANCE SHEET

GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS

4

D

RECONCILIATION OF THE GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS BALANCE SHEET

TO THE STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS

5

E

STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES

IN FUND BALANCES

GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS

6

F

RECONCILIATION OF THE GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS STATEMENT

OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND

BALANCES TO THE STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES

7

G

STATEMENT OF FIDUCIARY NET ASSETS

FIDUCIARY FUNDS

8

H

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN FIDUCIARY NET ASSETS

FIDUCIARY FUNDS

9

I

NOTES TO THE BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

10

SCHEDULES

REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

1 SCHEDULE OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES

IN FUND BALANCES - BUDGET AND ACTUAL

GENERALFUND

27

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

2 SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES OF FEDERAL AWARDS

28

3 SCHEDULE OF STATE REVENUE

30

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION - TABLE OF CONTENTS -

SECTION I

FINANCIAL

SCHEDULES

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

4 SCHEDULE OF APPROVED LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX PROJECTS

31

5 ALLOTMENTS AND EXPENDITURES

GENERAL FUND - QUALITY BASIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS (QBE)

BY PROGRAM

33

SECTION II
COMPLIANCE AND INTERNAL CONTROL REPORTS
REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING AND ON COMPLIANCE AND OTHER MATTERS BASED ON AN AUDIT OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PERFORMED IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERNMENT AUDITING STANDARDS
REPORT ON COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO EACH MAJOR PROGRAM AND ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER COMPLIANCE IN ACCORDANCE WITH 0MB CIRCULAR A-133

SECTION III AUDITEE'S RESPONSE TO PRIOR YEAR FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS SUMMARY SCHEDULE OF PRIOR YEAR FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS

SECTION IV FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS

SECTION I FINANCIAL

Russell W. Hinton
STATE AUDITOR
(404) 656-2174

DEPARTMENT OF AUDITS AND ACCOUNTS
270 Washington Street, S.W., Suite 1-156 Atlanta, Georgia 30334-8400
January 28, 2008

Honorable Sonny Perdue, Governor Members of the General Assembly Members of the State Board of Education
and Superintendent and Members of the Ben Hill County Board of Education
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S COMBINED REPORT ON BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION - SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES OF FEDERAL AWARDS
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have audited the accompanying financial statements ofthe governmental activities, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information (Exhibits A through I) of the Ben Hill County Board of Education, as of and for the year ended June 30, 2007, which collectively comprise the Board's basic financial statements as listed in the table of contents. These financial statements are the responsibility ofthe Ben Hill County Board ofEducation's management. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States ofAmerica and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General ofthe United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Ben Hill County Board of Education's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

2007ARL-11

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position of the governmental activities, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information ofthe Ben Hill County Board ofEducation, as ofJune 30, 2007, and the respective changes in financial position thereof for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The Ben Hill County Board ofEducation has not presented Management's Discussion and Analysis that accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America has determined is necessary to supplement, although not to be part of, the basic financial statements.
In accordance with Government Auditing Standards, we have also issued our report dated January 28, 2008, on our consideration of the Ben Hill County Board of Education's internal control over financial reporting and on our tests of its compliance with certain provisions of laws, regulations, contracts and grant agreements and other matters. The purpose ofthat report is to describe the scope of our testing of internal control over financial reporting and compliance and the results of that testing, and not to provide an opinion on the internal control over financial reporting or on compliance. That report is an integral part of an audit performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards and should be considered in assessing the results of our audit.
The Schedule of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances - Budget and Actual, as presented on page 27, is not a required part of the basic financial statements but is supplementary information required by the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. We have applied certain limited procedures, which consisted principally of inquiries of management regarding the methods ofmeasurement and presentation ofthe required supplementary information. However, we did not audit the information and express no opinion on it.
Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming opinions on the financial statements that collectively comprise the Ben Hill County Board of Education's basic financial statements. The accompanying supplementary information which consist of Schedules 2 through 5, which includes the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards as required by U.S. Office of Management and Budget Circular A-133, Audits ofStates, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations, are presented for purposes of additional analysis and are not a required part of the basic financial statements. Such information has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements, and in our opinion, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.
A copy of this report has been filed as a permanent record in the office of the State Auditor and made available to the press of the State, as provided for by Official Code of Georgia Annotated section 50-6-24.
Respectfully submitted,
~-,<&l-0.~
Russell W. Hinton, CPA, CGFM State Auditor
RWH:gp
2007ARL-11

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS JUNE 30, 2007
ASSETS
Cash and Cash Equivalents Investments Accounts Receivable, Net
Taxes State Government Federal Government Other Inventories Capital Assets Land Construction in Progress Land Improvements Buildings Equipment Less: Accumulated Depreciation
Total Assets
LIABILITIES
Accounts Payable Salaries and Benefits Payable Deposits and Deferred Revenues Long-Term Liabilities
Due Within One Year Due in More Than One Year
Total Liabilities
NET ASSETS
Invested in Capital Assets, Net of Related Debt Restricted for
Continuation of Federal Programs Debt Service Capital Projects Unrestricted
Total Net Assets
Total Liabilities and Net Assets

EXHIBIT"A"

GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITIES

$

5,784,521

14,724,839

187,003 2,217,667
608,987 10,767 30,741

126,126 140,608 1,403,413 27,469,043 3,838,793 -11 640 147

$===44-,9.0..2='=36=1=

$

280,843

3,230,275

11,277

385,000 12,820,000

$

16,727,395

$

21,337,836

614,159 288,833 2,474,042 3,460,096

$

28,174,966

$ ===4=4=,9..,02='=36=1=

The notes to the basic financial statements are an integral part of this statement. - 1-

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2007

GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITIES
Instruction Support Services
Pupil Services Improvement of Instructional Services Educational Media Services General Administration School Administration Business Administration Maintenance and Operation of Plant Student Transportation Services Central Support Services Other Support Services Operations of Non-Instructional Services Enterprise Operations Food Services Interest on Short-Term and Long-Term Debt
Total Governmental Activities
General Revenues Taxes Property Taxes For Maintenance and Operations For Debt Services Sales Taxes Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax For Capital Projects Intangible Recording Tax Grants and Contributions not Restricted to Specific Programs Investment Earnings Miscellaneous
Total General Revenues
Change in Net Assets
Net Assets - Beginning of Year
Net Assets - End of Year

EXPENSES

CHARGES FOR SERVICES

$

21,011,312 $

919,676 888,269 469,965 785,984 1,951,707 318,685 1,892,274 1,115,557
96,961 214,570

195,203 1,706,447
512,020

$

32,078,630 $

392,843
254,546 647 389

The notes to the basic financial statements are an integral part of this statement. -2-

EXHIBIT"B"

PROGRAM REVENUES

OPERATING

CAPITAL

GRANTS AND

GRANTS AND

CONTRIBUTIONS CONTRIBUTIONS

NET {EXPENSES) REVENUES
AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

$

15,962,758

192,613 530,641 369,959 542,191 764,057
4,713 919,928 506,135 $

135,353

1,384,375

$

21,312,723 $

$ 287,904 287,904 $

-4,655,711
-727,063 -357,628 -100,006 -243,793 -1,187,650 -313,972 -972,346 -321,518
-96,961 -79,217
-195,203 -67,526
-512 020
-9,830,614

$

4,554,843

-2,599

2,431,524 74,902
3,013,909 893,876 536 408

$

11,502,863

$

1,672,249

26,502,717

$ =====28..,,1=7==4=,9=66=

-3-

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION BALANCE SHEET
GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS JUNE 30, 2007

EXHIBIT "C"

ASSETS
Cash and Cash Equivalents Investments Accounts Receivable, Net
Taxes State Government Federal Government Other Inventories

GENERAL FUND

DISTRICTWIDE
CAPITAL PROJECTS
FUND

DEBT SERVICE
FUND

TOTAL

$

1,895,761 $

4,062,334

3,059,801

11,491,464 $

68,272 2,217,667
608,987 10,767 30 741

422,926

$
173,574

5,958,095 14,724,839
491,198 2,217,667
608,987 10,767 30 741

Total Assets

$

7,891,996 $ 15,976,724 $

173 574 $ ===2=4="'0=4=-2529=4=

LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCES
LIABILITIES
Cash Overdraft Accounts Payable Salaries and Benefits Payable Deposits and Deferred Revenue
Total Liabilities
FUND BALANCES
Reserved for: Continuation of Federal Programs Debt Service Inventories Capital Projects
Unreserved Designated for Self-Insurance Designated for Student Activities Undesignated Reported in: General Fund
Total Fund Balances

$

$

280,843

3,230,275

11 277

$

3,522,395

$

$

583,418

$

277,150 $

30,741

15,699,574

3,714 53,898

3,697,830

$

4,369,601 $ 15,976,724 $

173,574 $ 173 574 $
$
0
0 $

173,574 280,843 3,230,275
11 277
3,695,969
583,418 277,150
30,741 15,699,574
3,714 53,898
3 697 830
20,346,325

Total Liabilities and Fund Balances

$

7,891,996 $ 15,976,724 $

173 574 $ ==~24;;.,0~4~2.,;;2;,;;;94~

The notes to the basic financial statements are an integral part of this statement. -4 -

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION RECONCILIATION OF THE GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS BALANCE SHEET
TO THE STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS JUNE 30, 2007

EXHIBIT"D"

Total Fund Balances - Governmental Funds (Exhibit "C")
Amounts reported for Governmental Activities in the Statement of Net Assets are different because:
Capital Assets used in Governmental Activities are not financial resources and therefore are not reported in the funds. These assets consist of:
Land Construction in Progress Land Improvements Buildings Equipment Accumulated Depreciation
Total Capital Assets
Some of the School District's property tax revenues will be collected after year-end but are not available soon enough to pay for the current period's expenditures.
Long-Term Liabilities, including Bonds Payable, are not due and payable in the current period and therefore are not reported as liabilities in the funds.

$ 20,346,325

$

126,126

140,608

1,403,413

27,469,043

3,838,793

-11,640,147.

21,337,836

-304,195 -13,205,000

Net Assets of Governmental Activities (Exhibit "A")

$ 28,174,966

The notes to the basic financial statements are an integral part of this statement. -5-

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCES
GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2007

EXHIBIT"E"

REVENUES
Property Taxes Sales Taxes State Funds Federal Funds Charges for Services Investment Earnings Miscellaneous
Total Revenues
EXPENDITURES
Current Instruction Support Services Pupil Services Improvement of Instructional Services Educational Media Services General Administration School Administration Business Administration Maintenance and Operation of Plant Student Transportation Services Central Support Services Other Support Services Enterprise Operations Food Services Operation
Capital Outlay Debt Services
Principal Interest
Total Expenditures
Excess of Revenues over (under) Expenditures
OTHER FINANCING SOURCES (USES)
Transfers In Transfers Out
Total Other Financing Sources (Uses)
Net Change in Fund Balances
Fund Balances - Beginning
Fund Balances - Ending

GENERAL FUND

DISTRICTWIDE
CAPITAL PROJECTS
FUND

DEBT SERVICE
FUND

TOTAL

$ 5,124,735

$

74,902 $ 2,431,524

20,389,751

4,224,785

647,389

160,154

723,439

536,408

$ 31,158,124 $ 3,154,963 $

296 $
10,283 10 579 $

5,125,031 2,506,426 20,389,751 4,224,785
647,389 893,876 536,408
34,323,666

$ 21,014,505

$ 21,014,505

919,676 888,269 442,307 782,611 1,951,707 317,989 $ 1,912,712 1,197,036 96,961 214,570 195,203 1,643,538

696 255,649

919,676 888,269 442,307 782,611 1,951,707 318,685 1,912,712 1,197,036 96,961 214,570 195,203 1,643,538 255,649

$ 2,575,000 512,020

2,575,000 512,020

$ 31,577,064 $ 256,345 $ 3,087,020 $ 34,920,449

$ -418,960 $ 2,898,618 $ -3,076,441 $

-596,783

$

8,000 $ 2,777,897 $ 2,785,897

$

-8 000

-2,777,897

-2,785,897

$

-8 000 $ -2,769,897 $ 2,777,897 $

0

$ -426,960 $ 128,721 $ -298,544 $

-596,783

4,796,561

15,848,003

298,544

20,943,108

$ 4,369,601 $ 15,976,724 $

0 $ 20,346,325

The notes to the basic financial statements are an integral part of this statement. -6-

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION RECONCILIATION OF THE GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS STATEMENT OF
REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCES TO THE STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES JUNE 30, 2007

EXHIBIT"F"

Total Net Change in Fund Balances - Governmental Funds (Exhibit "E")
Amounts reported for Governmental Activities in the Statement of Activities are different because:
Capital Outlays are reported as expenditures in Governmental Funds. However, in the Statement of Activities, the cost of Capital Assets is allocated over their estimated useful lives as depreciation expense. In the current period, these amounts are:
Capital Outlay Depreciation Expense
Excess of Capital Outlay over Depreciation Expense
Because some property taxes will not be collected for several months after the School District's fiscal year ends, they are not considered "available" revenues.
Repayment of Long-Term Debt is reported as an expenditure in Governmental Funds, but the repayment reduces Long-Term Liabilities in the Statement of Net Assets. In the current year, these amounts consist of Bond Principal Retirements.

$

-596,783

$ 995,256 -728,437

266,819 -572,787

2,575,000

Change in Net Assets of Governmental Activities (Exhibit "B")

$ ====1='6=72=,2=4=9

The notes to the basic financial statements are an integral part of this statement. -7-

ASSETS
Cash and Cash Equivalents Investments
.Certificate of Deposit

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION STATEMENT OF FIDUCIARY NET ASSETS
FIDUCIARY FUNDS JUNE 30, 2007

EXHIBIT"G"

PRIVATE PURPOSE TRUSTS

AGENCY FUNDS

$ $ _ _ _4-,3_29_

72,483

Total Assets
LIABILITIES Funds Held for Others
NET ASSETS Held in Trust for Private Purposes

$

4 329 $ ====72=,4=83=

$

72,483

$ _ _ _4..:.L.;:;;.;32=9'-

Total Liabilities and Net Assets

$

4,329 $ ==7=2=.4=83=

The notes to the basic financial statements are an integral part of this statement. -8-

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN FIDUCIARY NET ASSETS
FIDUCIARY FUNDS YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2007

EXHIBIT"H"

ADDITIONS Investment Earnings Interest
DEDUCTIONS None Noted Change in Net Assets
Net Assets - Beginning
Net Assets - Ending

PRIVATE PURPOSE TRUSTS

$

77

$

0

$

77

4252

$ ===4=3=29=

The notes to the basic financial statements are an integral part of this statement. -9-

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION NOTES TO THE BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2007

EXHIBIT "I"

Note 1: DESCRIPTION OF SCHOOL DISTRICT AND REPORTING ENTITY
REPORTING ENTITY
The Ben Hill County Board of Education (School District) was established under the laws of the State of Georgia and operates under the guidance of a school board elected by the voters and a Superintendent appointed by the Board. The Board is organized as a separate legal entity and has the power to levy taxes and issue bonds. Its budget is not subject to approval by any other entity. Accordingly, the School District is a primary government and consists of all the organizations that compose its legal entity.
Note 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The School District's basic financial statements are collectively comprised of the District-wide financial statements, fund financial statements and notes to the basic financial statements ofthe Ben Hill County Board of Education.
District-wide Statements: The Statement ofNet Assets and the Statement ofActivities display information about the financial activities ofthe overall School District, except for fiduciary activities. Eliminations have been made to minimize the double counting of internal activities. Governmental activities generally are financed through taxes, intergovernmental revenues, and other nonexchange transactions.
The Statement of Activities presents a comparison between direct expenses and program revenues for each function of the School District's governmental activities.
Direct expenses are those that are specifically associated with a program or function and, therefore, are clearly identifiable to a particular function. Indirect expenses (expenses of the School District related to the administration and support ofthe School District's programs, such as office and maintenance personnel and accounting) are not allocated to programs.
Program revenues include (a) charges paid by the recipients ofgoods or services offered by the programs and (b) grants and contributions that are restricted to meeting the operational or capital requirements of a particular program. Revenues that are not classified as program revenues, including all taxes, are presented as general revenues.
Fund Financial Statements: The fund financial statements provide information about the School District's funds, including fiduciary funds. Eliminations have been made to minimize the double counting ofinternal activities. Separate statements for each category (governmental and fiduciary) are presented. The emphasis of fund financial statements is on major governmental funds, each displayed in a separate column.

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION NOTES TO THE BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2007

EXHIBIT "I"

Note 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The School District reports the following major governmental funds:
General Fund is the School District's primary operating fund. It accounts for all financial resources ofthe School District, except those resources required to be accounted for in another fund.
District-wide Capital Projects Fund accounts for financial resources including Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) and Bond Proceeds to be used for the acquisition, construction or renovation of major capital facilities.
Debt Service Fund accounts for taxes (property and sales) legally restricted for the payment of general long-term principal, interest and paying agent's fees.
The School District reports the following fiduciary fund types:
Private Purpose Trust fund reports a trust arrangement, Cumbee-McCall Trust Fund, under which income is to be used for the purpose of providing for the care and support of under privileged children.
Agency funds account for assets held by the School District as an agent for various funds, governments or individuals.
BASIS OF ACCOUNTING
The basis ofaccounting determines when transactions are reported on the financial statements. The District-wide governmental and fiduciary fund financial statements are reported using the economic resources measurement focus and the accrual basis of accounting. Revenues are recorded when earned and expenses are recorded at the time liabilities are incurred, regardless ofwhen the related cash flows take place. Nonexchange transactions, in which the School District gives (or receives) value without directly receiving (or giving) equal value in exchange, include property taxes, sales taxes, grants and donations. On an accrual basis, revenue from property taxes is recognized in the fiscal year for which the taxes are levied. Revenue from sales taxes is recognized in the fiscal year in which the underlying transaction (sale) takes place. Revenue from grants and donations is recognized in the fiscal year in which all eligibility requirements have been satisfied.
The School District uses funds to report on its financial position and the results of its operations. Fund accounting is designed to demonstrate legal compliance and to aid financial management by segregating transactions related to certain governmental functions or activities. A fund is a separate accounting entity with a self-balancing set of accounts.

- 11 -

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION NOTES TO THE BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2007

EXHIBIT "I"

Note 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Governmental funds are reported using the current financial resources measurement focus and the modified accrual basis ofaccounting. Under this method, revenues are recognized when measurable and available. The School District considers all revenues reported in the governmental funds to be available if they are collected within sixty days after year-end. Property taxes, sales taxes and interest are considered to be susceptible to accrual. Expenditures are recorded when the related fund liability is incurred, except for principal and interest on general long-term debt, which are recognized as expenditures to the extent they have matured. Capital asset acquisitions are reported as expenditures in governmental funds. Proceeds ofgeneral long-term liabilities are reported as other financing sources.
The School District funds certain programs by a combination ofspecific cost-reimbursement grants, categorical grants, and general revenues. Thus, when program costs are incurred, there are both restricted and unrestricted net assets available to finance the program. It is the School District's policy to first apply grant resources to such programs, followed by cost-reimbursement grants, then general revenues.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
COMPOSITION OF DEPOSITS Cash and cash equivalents consist ofcash on hand, demand deposits and short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less from the date of acquisition in authorized financial institutions. Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 45-8-14 authorize the School District to deposit its funds in one or more solvent banks or insured Federal savings and loan associations.
INVESTMENTS
COMPOSITION OF INVESTMENTS Investments made by the School District in nonparticipating interest-earning contracts (such as certificates ofdeposit) and repurchase agreements are reported at cost. Participating interest-earning contracts and money market investments with a maturity at purchase ofone year or less are reported at amortized cost. Both participating interest-earning contracts and money market investments with a maturity at purchase greater than one year are reported at fair value. The Official Code ofGeorgia Annotated Section 36-83-4 authorizes the School District to invest its funds. In selecting among options for investment or among institutional bids for deposits, the highest rate ofreturn shall be the objective, given equivalent conditions of safety and liquidity. Funds may be invested in the following:
(1) Obligations issued by the State of Georgia or by other states,
(2) Obligations issued by the United States government,
(3) Obligations fully insured or guaranteed by the United States government or a United States government agency,
- 12 -

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION NOTES TO THE BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2007

EXHIBIT "I"

Note 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(4) Obligations of any corporation of the United States government,

(5) Prime banker's acceptances,

(6) The Local Government Investment Pool administered by the State of Georgia, Office of Treasury and Fiscal Services,

(7) Repurchase agreements, and

(8) Obligations of other political subdivisions of the State of Georgia.

The School District does not have a formal policy regarding investment policies that address credit risks, custodial credit risks, concentration ofcredit risks, interest rate risks or foreign currency risks.

RECEIVABLES

Receivables consist of amounts due from property and sales taxes, grant reimbursements due on Federal, State or other grants for expenditures made but not reimbursed and other receivables disclosed from information available. Receivables are recorded when either the asset or revenue recognition criteria has been met. Receivables recorded on the basic financial statements do not include any amounts which would necessitate the need for an allowance for uncollectible receivables.

PROPERTY TAXES

The Ben Hill County Board of Commissioners fixed the property tax levy for the 2006 tax digest year (calendar year) on July 27, 2006 (levy date). Taxes were due on December 20, 2006 (lien date). Taxes collected within the current fiscal year or within 60 days after year-end on the 2006 tax digest are reported as revenue in the governmental funds for fiscal year 2007. The Ben Hill County Tax Commissioner bills and collects the property taxes for the School District, withholds 2.5% oftaxes collected as a fee for tax collection and remits the balance of taxes collected to the School District. Property tax revenues, at the fund reporting level, during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, for maintenance and operations amounted to $5,124,735 and for school bonds amounted to $296.

The tax millage rate levied for the 2006 tax year (calendar year) for the Ben Hill County Board of Education was as follows (a mill equals $1 per thousand dollars of assessed value):

School Operations

15 .482 mills

- 13 -

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION NOTES TO THE BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2007

EXHIBIT "I"

Note 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SALES TAXES

Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, at the fund reporting level, during the year amounted to $2,431,524 and is to be used for capital outlay for educational purposes or debt service. This sales tax was authorized by local referendum and the sales tax must be re-authorized at least every five years.

INVENTORIES

FOOD INVENTORIES On the basic financial statements, inventories of donated food commodities used in the preparation ofmeals are reported at their Federally assigned value and purchased foods inventories are reported at cost (first-in, first-out). The School District uses the consumption method to account for inventories whereby donated food commodities are recorded as an asset and as revenue when received, and expenses/expenditures are recorded as the inventory items are used. Purchased foods are recorded as an asset when purchased and expenses/expenditures are recorded as the inventory items are used.

CAPITAL ASSETS

Capital assets purchased, including capital outlay costs, are recorded as expenditures in the fund financial statements at the time of purchase (including ancillary charges). On the District-wide financial statements, all purchased capital assets are valued at cost where historical records are available and at estimated historical cost based on appraisals or deflated current replacement cost where no historical records exist. Donated capital assets are recorded at estimated fair market value on the date donated. Disposals are deleted at depreciated recorded cost. The cost of normal maintenance and repairs that do not add to the value ofassets or materially extend the useful lives of the assets is not capitalized. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. The School District does not capitalize book collections or works ofart. During the fiscal year under review, no events or changes in circumstances affecting a capital asset that may indicate impairment were known to the School District.

Capitalization thresholds and estimated useful lives of capital assets reported in the District-wide statements are as follows:

Capitalization Policy

Estimated Useful Life

Land Land Improvements Buildings and Improvements Equipment Construction in Progress

Any Amount

$

50,000

$

50,000

$

5,000

$

50,000

NIA 15 years 60 to 75 years 5 to 25 years NIA

- 14 -

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION NOTES TO THE BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2007

EXHIBIT "I"

Note 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Depreciation is used to allocate the actual or estimated historical cost of all capital assets over estimated useful lives.
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
The School District issues general obligation bonds to provide funds for the acquisition and construction of major capital facilities. Bond issuance costs are recognized in the financial statements during the fiscal year bonds are issued. In addition, general obligation bonds have been issued to refund existing general obligation bonds. General obligation bonds are direct obligations and pledge the full faith and credit of the government. The outstanding amount of these bonds is recorded in the Statement of Net Assets.
NET ASSETS
The School District's net assets in the District-wide Statements are classified as follows:
Invested in capital assets, net of related debt - This represents the School District's total investment in capital assets, net ofoutstanding debt obligations related to those capital assets. To the extent debt has been incurred but not yet expended for capital assets, such amounts are not included as a component of invested in capital assets, net of related debt.
Restricted net assets - These represent resources for which the School District is legally or contractually obligated to spend resources for continuation of Federal programs, debt service and capital projects in accordance with restrictions imposed by external third parties.
Unrestricted net assets - Unrestricted net assets represent resources derived from property taxes, sales taxes, grants and contributions not restricted to specific programs, charges for services, and miscellaneous revenues. These resources are used for transactions relating to the educational and general operations of the School District, and may be used at the discretion of the Board to meet current expenses for those purposes.
Note 3: DEPOSITS AND INVESTMENTS
COLLATERALIZATION OF DEPOSITS Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) Section 45-8-12 provides that there shall not be on deposit at any time in any depository for a time longer than ten days a sum of money which has not been secured by surety bond, by guarantee of insurance, or by collateral. The aggregate ofthe face value of such surety bond and the market value of securities pledged shall be equal to not less than 110 percent ofthe public funds being secured after the deduction ofthe amount ofdeposit insurance. Ifa depository elects the pooled method (OCGA 45-8-13 .1) the aggregate ofthe market value ofthe securities pledged to secure a pool ofpublic funds shall be not less than 110 percent ofthe daily pool balance.

- 15 -

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION NOTES TO THE BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2007

EXHIBIT "I"

Note 3: DEPOSITS AND INVESTMENTS
Acceptable security for deposits consists of any one of or any combination of the following:
(1) Surety bond signed by a surety company duly qualified and authorized to transact business within the State of Georgia,
(2) Insurance on accounts provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,
(3) Bonds, bills, notes, certificates of indebtedness or other direct obligations of the United States or of the State of Georgia,
(4) Bonds, bills, notes, certificates of indebtedness or other obligations of the counties or municipalities of the State of Georgia,
(5) Bonds of any public authority created by the laws of the State of Georgia, providing that the statute that created the authority authorized the use of the bonds for this purpose,
(6) Industrial revenue bonds and bonds of development authorities created by the laws of the State of Georgia, and
(7) Bonds, bills, notes, certificates of indebtedness, or other obligations of a subsidiary corporation of the United States government, which are fully guaranteed by the United States government both as to principal and interest or debt obligations issued by the Federal Land Bank, the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Federal Intermediate Credit Bank, the Central Bank for Cooperatives, the Farm Credit Banks, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Association, and the Federal National Mortgage Association.
CATEGORIZATION OF DEPOSITS At June 30, 2007, the bank balances were $10,090,752. The amounts of the total uninsured bank balances are classified into three categories of custodial credit risk:
Category 1 - Uncollateralized, Category 2 - Cash collateralized with securities held by the pledging financial institution, or Category 3 - Cash collateralized with securities held by the pledging financial institution's
trust department or agent but not in the School District's name.
The School District's uninsured deposits are classified by custodial credit risk category at June 30, 2007, as follows:

- 16 -

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION NOTES TO THE BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2007

EXHIBIT "I"

Note 3: DEPOSITS AND INVESTMENTS

Custodial Credit Risk Category

Bank Balance

1

$

0

2

8,465,813

3

924,939

Total

$ 9,390,752

CATEGORIZATION OF INVESTMENTS The School District's investments as of June 30, 2007, are presented below. All investments are presented by investment type and debt securities are presented by maturity.

Investment Type
Debt Securities U.S. Agencies Implicitly Guaranteed
Investment Pools Office of Treasury and Fiscal Services Georgia Fund 1
Total Investments

Fair Value

Investment Maturity

Less Than

1-5

1 Year

Years

$ 6,966,624 $ 6,500.827 $ 465.797

4,524,840 $ 11,491.464

The Local Government Investment Pool administered by the State of Georgia, Office of Treasury and Fiscal Services is not required to be categorized since the School District did not own any specific identifiable securities in the pool. The investment policy ofthe State ofGeorgia, Office of Treasury and Fiscal Services for the Local Government Investment Pool (Primary Liquidity Portfolio) does not provide for investment in derivatives or similar investments. Additional information on the Local Government Investment Pool is disclosed in the State of Georgia Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. This audit can be obtained from the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts at http://www.audits.state.ga.us/internet/searchRpts.html.

The Primary Liquidity Portfolio consists ofGeorgia Fund 1 which is not registered with the SEC as an investment company but does operate in a manner consistent with the SEC's Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. The investment is valued at the pool's share price, $1.00 per share. The pool is an AAAm rated investment pool by Standard and Poor's. The weighted average maturity of Georgia Fund 1 may not exceed 60 days. The weighted average maturity for Georgia Fund 1 on June 30, 2007, was 15 days.

- 17 -

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION NOTES TO THE BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2007

EXHIBIT "I"

Note 3: DEPOSITS AND INVESTMENTS

Interest Rate Risk Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates ofdebt investment will adversely affect the fair value ofan investment. The School District does not have a formal policy for managing interest rate risk.

Custodial Credit Risk Custodial credit risk for investments is the risk that, in the event ofthe failure ofthe counterparty to a transaction, the School District will not be able to recover the value ofthe investment or collateral securities that are in the possession ofan outside party. The School District does not have a formal policy for managing custodial credit risk.

Credit Quality Risk Credit quality risk is the risk that an issuer or other counterparty to an investment will not fulfill its obligations. The School District does not have a formal policy for managing credit quality risk.

The investments subject to credit quality risk are reflected below:

Rated Debt Investments

Fair Value

Quality Ratings AAA

Debt Securities U.S. Agencies Implicitly Guaranteed

$ 6,966.624 $ 6,966,624

Concentration of Credit Risk Concentration of credit risk is the risk of loss attributed to the magnitude of a government's investment in a single issuer. The School District does not have a formal policy for managing concentration ofcredit risk. More than 5% ofthe School District's investments are in Federal Home Loan Bank Agency Coupons, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Medium Term Notes, and Federal National Mortgage Association Agency Coupons. These investments are 38%, 6% and 16%, respectively, of the School District's total investments.

Note 4: NON-MONETARY TRANSACTIONS

The School District receives food commodities from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for school breakfast and lunch programs. These commodities are recorded at their Federally assigned value. See Note 2 - Inventories

- 18 -

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION NOTES TO THE BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2007

EXHIBIT "I"

Note 5: CAPITAL ASSETS

The following is a summary of changes in the Capital Assets during the fiscal year:

Balances July 1, 2006

Increases

Decreases

Balances June 30, 2007

Governmental Activities Capital Assets, Not Being Depreciated:
Land Construction in Progress

$ 126,126 2,828,236 $

$ 500,084 $ 3,187,712

126,126 140,608

Total Capital Assets Not Being Depreciated $ 2,954,362 $ 500,084 $ 3,187,712 $ 266,734

Capital Assets Being Depreciated Buildings and Improvements Equipment Land Improvements

$ 24,108,947 $ 3,795,122 1,403,413

3,360,096 322,788 $

$ 27,469,043

279,117

3,838,793

1,403,413

Less Accumulated Depreciation for: Buildings and Improvements Equipment Land Improvements

7,494,261 2,471,073 1,225,493

439,562 246,650
42,225

279,117

7,933,823 2,438,606 1,267,718

Total Capital Assets, Being Depreciated, Net $ 18,116,655 $ 2,954,447 $

0 $ 21,071,102

Governmental Activity Capital Assets - Net $ 21,QZ 1,Q 11 $ 3,454,531 $ 3,181,112 $ 21,331,836

Current year depreciation expense by function is as follows:

Instruction Support Services
Educational Media Services General Administration Maintenance and Operation of Plant Student Transportation Services Food Services

$ 456,563

$

23,886

2,913

6,444

184,302

217,545 54,329

$==7==="2""'='8,==43'='=7
Note 6: RESTRICTED ASSETS
Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), general obligation bond proceeds, Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission (GSFIC) funds, and property tax levied specifically for retirement of outstanding bond principal, interest and paying agent's fees (Debt Service Funds) are reported as restricted assets in the Statement ofNet Assets because their use is limited by applicable bond covenants or statutory provisions. Restricted assets at June 30, 2007, were as follows:

- 19 -

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION NOTES TO THE BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2007

EXHIBIT "I"

Note 6: RESTRICTED ASSETS

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents: Debt Services Capital Acquisitions
Restricted Investments: Debt Services Capital Acquisitions

District-wide Capital Projects

Bond

SPLOST

Proceeds

GSFIC

Debt Service Funds

$

277,150

$ 1,459,616 $ 2,177,870 $

$ 11,491,464

147,698 $

173,574

Note 7: INTERFUND TRANSFERS

Interfund transfers for the year ended June 30, 2007, consisted of the following:

Transfer to

Transfers From

District-wide

General

Capital

Fund

Projects

District-wide Capital Projects Debt Service Fund

$

8,000

$ 2,777.897

Total

$=====8-,0=0=0 $ 2,777.897

Transfers are used to move tax revenues collected by the District-wide Capital Projects Fund as supplemental funding source for capital construction projects and to move sales tax revenues collected by the District-wide Capital Projects Fund to the Debt Service Fund to pay bond principal and interest payments.
Note 8: RISK MANAGEMENT
The School .District is exposed to various risks of loss related to torts; theft of, damage to, and destruction of assets; errors or omissions; job related illness or injuries to employees; acts of God; unemployment compensation and dental coverage.
The School District has obtained commercial insurance for risk ofloss associated with torts, assets, errors or omissions and job related illness or injuries to employees. The School District has neither significantly reduced coverage for these risks nor incurred losses (settlements) which exceeded the School District's insurance coverage in any of the past three years.

-20-

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION NOTES TO THE BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2007

EXHIBIT "I"

Note 8: RISK MANAGEMENT

The School District has elected to self-insure for all losses related to acts of God. The School District has not experienced any losses related to this risk in the past three years.

The School District is self-insured with regard to unemployment compensation claims. The School District accounts for claims within the General Fund with expenses/expenditures and liability being reported when it is probable that a loss has occurred, and the amount of that loss can be reasonably estimated.

Changes in the unemployment compensation claims liability during the last two fiscal years are as follows:

2006 2007

Beginning of Year Liability

Claims and Changes in Estimates

$

378 $

3,012 $

$

2,256 $

9 248 $

Claims Paid

End of Year Liability

1 134 $ 8 304 $

2,256 3,200

The School District has established a limited risk management program for dental coverage of its employees and their dependents. Estimated claims are budgeted by management based on known claims and prior experience. The employees contribute a premium to the fund and the School District funds any deficits. In connection with this program, a self-insurance reserve has been established within the General Fund by the School District.

Claims in dental claims liability during the last two fiscal years are as follows:

Beginning of Year Liability

Claims and Changes in Estimates

Claims Paid

End of Year Liability

2006 2007

$

0 $

119,308 $

119,308 $

0

$

0 $

134,522 $

134,522 $

0

The School District has purchased surety bonds to provide additional insurance coverage as follows:

- 21 -

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION NOTES TO THE BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2007

EXHIBIT "I"

Note 8: RISK MANAGEMENT

Position Covered

Amount

Superintendent Military Property Custodian Each Principal Director of Budget and Finance Each Lunchroom Manager and Assistant Manager Each Secretary and Bookkeeper Payroll Administrator Each Employee

$

99,000

$

24,000 ~

$

9,000

$

8,000

$

4,000

$

4,000

$

3,000

$

25,000

Note 9: OPERATING LEASES

Ben Hill County Board of Education has entered into various leases as lessee for copiers. These leases are considered for accounting purposes to be operating leases. Lease expenditures for the year ended June 30, 2007, for governmental funds amounted to $99,956. Future minimum lease payments for these leases are as follows:

Year Ending

Governmental Funds

2008

$ 100,717

2009

77,681

2010

1 087

Total Note 10: LONG-TERM DEBT

$======1===79='=.4=="8"=5

GENERAL OBLIGATION DEBT OUTSTANDING General Obligation Bonds currently outstanding are as follows:

Purpose

Interest Rates

Amount

General Government - Refunding - Series 2004 1.15% - 2.40%

General Government - Series 2006

3.85% - 5.00%

$ 385,000 12,820,000

$ 13,205.000

The changes in Long-Term Debt during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, were as follows:

-22 -

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION NOTES TO THE BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2007

EXHIBIT "I"

Note 10: LONG-TERM DEBT

Governmental Funds General
Obligation Bonds

Balance July 1, 2006

$ 15,780,000

Deductions Debt Retired

2,575,000

Balance June 30, 2007

$ 13,205.000

Portion of Long-Term Debt Due within One Year

$ 385,000

At June 30, 2007, payments due by fiscal year which includes principal and interest for these items are as follows:

Fiscal Year Ended June 30

General Obligation

Debt

Principal

Interest

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 - 2017 2018 - 2022

$ 385,000 $ 1,365,000 1,800,000 1,855,000 1,915,000 5,045,000 840,000

554,300 517,760 454,460 381,360 305,960 632,445
18,900

Total Principal and Interest

$ 13,205.000 $ 2,865,185

Note 11: ON-BEHALF PAYMENTS

The School District has recognized revenues and costs in the amount of $483,322 for health insurance and retirement contributions paid on the School District's behalf by the following State Agencies.

Georgia Department of Education Paid to the Georgia Department of Community Health For Health Insurance of Non-Certified Personnel
In the amount of $468,231

- 23 -

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION NOTES TO THE BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2007

EXHIBIT "I"

Note 11: ON-BEHALF PAYMENTS

Paid to the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia For Teachers Retirement System {TRS) Employer's Cost In the amount of $11,663

Office of Treasury and Fiscal Services Paid to the Public School Employees Retirement System For Public School Employees Retirement (PSERS) Employer's Cost In the amount of $3,428

Note 12: SIGNIFICANT COMMITMENTS

The following is an analysis of a significant outstanding construction contract executed by the School District as of June 30, 2007:

Project

Unearned Executed Contracts

JROTC Reroofing

$=====6-,1==2==0

The amount described in this note is not reflected in the basic financial statements.

Note 13: SIGNIFICANT CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Amounts received or receivable principally from the Federal government are subject to audit and review by grantor agencies. This could result in requests for reimbursement to the grantor agency for any costs which are disallowed under grant terms. The School District believes that such disallowances, if any, will be immaterial to its overall financial position.

The School District is a defendant in various legal proceedings pertaining to matters incidental to the performance ofroutine School District operations. The ultimate disposition ofthese proceedings is not presently determinable, but is not believed to be material to the basic financial statements.

Note 14: RETIREMENT PLANS

TEACHERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF GEORGIA (TRS)

TRS PLAN DESCRIPTION Substantially all teachers, administrative and clerical personnel employed by local school systems are covered by the Teachers Retirement System ofGeorgia (TRS), which is a cost-sharing multiple employer defined benefit pension plan. TRS provides service retirement, disability retirement and survivors benefits for its members in accordance with State statute. The Teachers Retirement System of Georgia issues a separate stand alone financial audit report and a copy can be obtained from the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts.

-24-

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION NOTES TO THE BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2007

EXHIBIT "I"

Note 14: RETIREMENT PLANS

TRS CONTRIBUTIONS REQUIRED AND MADE Employees ofthe School District who are covered by TRS are required by State statute to contribute 5% of their gross earnings to TRS. The School District makes monthly employer contributions to TRS at rates adopted by the TRS Board of Trustees in accordance with State statute and as advised by their independent actuary. The required employer contribution rate is 9.28% and employer contributions for the current fiscal year and the preceding two fiscal years are as follows:

Fiscal Year

Percentage Contributed

Required Contribution

2007 2006 2005

100% 100% 100%

$ 1,551,591 $ 1,441,200 $ 1,394,678

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(This page left intentionally blank)

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION GENERAL FUND
SCHEDULE OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND ACTUAL CHANGES IN FUND BALANCES BUDGET AND ACTUAL
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2007

SCHEDULE "1"

REVENUES
Property Taxes Sales Taxes State Funds Federal Funds Charges for Services Investment Earnings Miscellaneous
Total Revenues
EXPENDITURES
Current Instruction Support Services Pupil Services Improvement of Instructional Services Educational Media Services General Administration School Administration Business Administration Maintenance and Operation of Plant Student Transportation Services Central Support Services Other Support Services Enterprise Operations Food Services Operation
Total Expenditures
Excess of Revenues over (under) Expenditures
OTHER FINANCING SOURCES {USES)
Other Sources Other Uses
Total Other Financing Sources (Uses)
Net Change in Fund Balances
Fund Balances - Beginning
Adjustments

NONAPPROPRIATED BUDGETS

ORIGINAL (1)

FINAL(1)

ACTUAL AMOUNTS

$

4,803,569 $

4,803,569 $

5,124,735

85,000

85,000

74,902

19,187,801

19,601,086

20,389,751

4,823,455

4,304,165

4,224,785

404,011

404,011

647,389

143,685

143,685

160,154

629189

629189

536 408

$

30 076 710 $

29,970,705 $

31158124

$

21,004,429 $

20,834,737 $

21,014,505

1,002,848 1,023,055
421,233 630,445 1,882,043 289,274 1,884,292 1,172,967 110,000 151,470 197,401 1 641 140

986,469 875,993 421,233 682,483 1,830,221 289,274 1,884,292 1,440,078 102,000 149,558 197,401 1 641 140

919,676 888,269 442,307 782,611 1,951,707 317,989 1,912,712 1,197,036
96,961 214,570 195,203 1 643 538

$

31410597 $

31 334 879 $

31 577 084

$

-1 333 887 $

-1 364 174 $

-418 960

$

-95,000 $

-95,000

95 000

95 000 $

-8 000

$

0 $

0 $

-8 000

$

-1,333,887 $

-1,364,174 $

-426,960

4,730,985

4,730,985

4,796,561

-11 732

-11 732

Fund Balances - Ending

$

3,385,366 $

3 355 079 $ ===4~3=6=9=60=1=

Notes to the Schedule of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balances Budget and Actual
(1) Original and Final Budget amounts do not include budgeted revenues or expenditures of the various principal accounts.
The accompanying schedule of revenues, expenditures and changes in fund balances budget and actual is presented on the modified accrual basis of accounting which is the basis of accounting used in the presentation of the fund financial statements.
See notes to the basic financial statements.
- 27 -

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES OF FEDERAL AWARDS
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2007

SCHEDULE "2"

FUNDING AGENCY PROGRAM/GRANT
Agriculture, U.S. Department of Child Nutrition Cluster Pass-Through From Georgia Department of Education Food Services School Breakfast Program National School Lunch Program
Total Child Nutrition Cluster
Other Programs Pass-Through From Georgia Department of Education Food Donation (1)
Total U. S. Department of Agriculture
Education, U. S. Department of Special Education Cluster Pass-Through From Georgia Department of Education Special Education Grants to States Preschool Grants
Total Special Education Cluster
Other Programs Pass-Through From Georgia Department of Education English Language Acquisition Grants Enhancing Education Through Technology Program Even Start Improving Teacher Quality State Grants Migrant Education Rural Education Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities - National Programs State Grants for Innovative Programs Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Vocational Education - Basic Grants to States
Total U. S. Department of Education
Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Pass-Through From Children and Youth Coordinating Council Abstinence Education
Defense, U.S. Department of Direct Department of the Army R.O.T.C. Program

CFDA NUMBER

PASSTHROUGH
ENTITY ID
NUMBER

EXPENDITURES IN PERIOD

* 10.553 * 10.555

NIA NIA $
$

(2) 1,507,759
1,507,759

10.550

NIA $

43 061 1,550,820

84.027 84.173

NIA $ NIA
$

588,808 45510
634,318

84.365 84.318 84.213 * 84.367 84.011 84.358 84.186 84.298 84.010 84.048

NIA NIA NIA NIA NIA NIA NIA NIA NIA NIA
$

19,795 122,044 220,503 307,490
6,450 85,143 19,162 6,305 1,280,894 52145
2,754,249

93.235

NIA $

143,289

$

40137

Total Federal Financial Assistance
NIA= Not Available

$ ===4=',4=8=8=,4=95=

- 28-

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION SCHEDULE OF EXPENDITURES OF FEDERAL AWARDS
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2007

SCHEDULE "2"

Notes to the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards
(1) The amount shown for the Food Donation Program represents the Federally assigned value of nonmonetary assistance for donated commodities received and/or consumed by the School District during the current fiscal year.
(2) Expenditures for the funds earned on the School Breakfast Program {$323,249) were not maintained separately and are included in the 2007 National School Lunch Program.
Major Programs are identified by an asterisk {*) in front of the CFDA number.
The School District did not provide Federal Assistance to any Subrecipient.
The accompanying schedule of expenditures of Federal awards includes the Federal grant activity of the Ben Hill County Board of Education and is presented on the modified accrual basis of accounting which is the basis of accounting used in the presentation of the fund financial statements.

See notes to the basic financial statements.

- 29-

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION SCHEDULE OF STATE REVENUE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2007

AGENCY/FUNDING
GRANTS Bright From the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Pre-Kindergarten Program
Education, Georgia Department of Quality Basic Education Direct Instructional Cost Kindergarten Program Kindergarten Program - Early Intervention Program Primary Grades (1-3) Program Primary Grades - Early Intervention (1-3) Program Upper Elementary Grades (4-5) Program Upper Elementary Grades - Early Intervention (4-5) Program Middle Grades (6-8) Program High School General Education (9-12) Program Vocational Laboratory (9-12) Program Students with Disabilities Gifted Student - Category VI Alternative Education Program Remedial Education Program English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Media Center Program 20 Days Additional Instruction Staff and Professional Development Indirect Cost Central Administration School Administration Facility Maintenance and Operations Categorical Grants Pupil Transportation Regular Bus Replacement Sparsity Nursing Services Principal Supplements Mid-term Adjustment Hold-Harmless Education Equalization Funding Grant Food Services Vocational Education Amended Formula Adjustment Other State Programs Communities in Schools Program Comprehensive Academic Performance System Health Insurance Middle School Remediation and Intervention National Teacher Certification Preschool Handicapped Program Pupil Transportation - State Bonds Statewide K-8 Reading and Mathematics Program Teachers' Retirement Virtual Schools
Office of Treasury and Fiscal Services Public School Employees Retirement

See notes to the basic financial statements.

- 30-

SCHEDULE "3"

GOVERNMENTAL FUND TYPE GENERAL FUND

$

679,895

1,462,079 155,755
2,515,150 409,112
1,246,878 91,833
2,080,494 1,547,569
776,346 1,550,597
310,016 163,484
5,183 127,540 361,011 113,577
64,688
489,728 669,190 884,638
436,778 37,904 20,000 73,611 10,765 32,884
3,014,139 92,718
128,666 -305,879
196,500 40,075 468,231
2,707 22,823 95,443 250,000 52,282 11,663
250
3428
$ ===2=0=,3=89.,.,=75=1=

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION SCHEDULE OF APPROVED LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX PROJECTS
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2007

SCHEDULE "4"

PROJECT
Funding the modification, remodeling, renovation, improving and making additions to existing educational facilities of the School District and to require system-wide technology improvements for educational purposes.
To retire up to $1,294,528 of principal and interest on previously incurred general obligation debt with regard to the series 1993 Ben Hill County School District bonds previously issued by the School District.
(i) Acquiring, constructing and equipping a new elementary school and related facilities, including necessary furnishings, fixtures, and equipment; (ii) renovating, extending, repairing, and equipping Ben Hill Primary School and Pre-K Center, including necessary furnishings, fixtures, and equipment; (iii) acquiring, constructing, and equipping a new transportation shop; (iv) renovating, extending, repairing, and equipping existing School District facilities to include roof repairs; (v) acquiring and installing system-wide instructional administrative technology, safety and security equipment; (vi) acquisition of school buses and transportation equipment; (vii) acquisition of music, vocational, and physical education/athletic equipment; (viii) acquiring any necessary property therefore, both real and personal; (ix) paying capitalized interest through August 1, 2007; and (x) paying expenses incident to accomplish the foregoing.
Fund the payment of Principal and Interest on the outstanding Series 2004 Bonds commencing on June 1, 2007, through June 1, 2008.

ORIGINAL ESTIMATED
COST (1)

CURRENT ESTIMATED COSTS (2)

AMOUNT EXPENDED IN CURRENT YEAR (3) (4)

AMOUNT EXPENDED
IN PRIOR YEARS (3) (4)

PROJECT STATUS

$ 12,701,791 $ 12,701,791 $

221,750 $ 8,047,233 Completed

1,294,528

2,082,687

391,550

1,691,137 Completed

15,101,140

15,101,140

488,815

398,860

398,860

Ongoing Ongoing

$ 29,496,319 $ 30,284,478 $

1102115$

9,738,370

(1) The School District's original cost estimate as specified in the resolution calling for the imposition of the Local Option Sales Tax.

(2) The School District's current estimate of total cost for the projects. Includes all cost from project inception to completion.

(3) The voters of Ben Hill County approved the imposition of a 1% sales tax to fund the above projects and retire associated debt. Amounts expended for these projects may include sales tax proceeds, state, local property taxes and/or other funds over the life of the projects.

(4) In addition to the expenditures shown above, the School District has incurred interest to provide advance funding for the above projects as follows:

Prior Years

$

830,500

Current Year

41250

Total

$ ===87;..1=7=5=0

See notes to the basic financial statements.

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BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION GENERAL FUND- QUALITY BASIC EDUCATION PROGRAM (QBE)
ALLOTMENTS AND EXPENDITURES BY PROGRAM YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2007

SCHEDULE "5"

DESCRIPTION
Direct Instructional Programs Kindergarten Program Kindergarten Program-Early Intervention Program Primary Grades (1-3) Program Primary Grades-Early Intervention (1-3) Program Upper Elementary Grades (4-5) Program Upper Elementary Grades-Early Intervention (4-5) Program Middle Grades (6-8) Program High School General Education (9-12) Program Vocational Laboratory (9-12) Program Students with Disabilities Category II Category Ill Category IV CategoryV Gifted Student - Category VI Remedial Education Program Alternative Education Program English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
TOTAL DIRECT INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS
Media Center Program Staff and Professional Development
TOTAL QBE FORMULA FUNDS

ALLOTMENTS FROM GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (1) (2)

ELIGIBLE QBE PROGRAM COSTS

SALARIES OPERATIONS

TOTAL

$

1,605,697 $ 1,559,743 $

38,450 $

1,598,193

165,267

238,645

238,645

2,760,155

2,733,311

63,720

2,797,031

429,717

457,638

457,638

1,358,171

1,308,690

40,493

1,349,183

102,626 2,283,791 1,696,905
855,594 1,730,903
327,818 8,429
179,188 142 714

293,657 2,273,770 2,554,278
885,431
538,845 1,655,253
129,380 191,492
357,060 215,396

45,558 147,340 184,560
2,660 29,031
9,971 3,019
7,600 360

293,657 2,319,328 2,701,618 1,069,991
541,505 1,684,284
139,351 194,511
364,660 215 756

$

13,646,975 $ 15,392,589 $

572,762 $ 15,965,351

395,498 71 256

374,096

43,145

417,241 27 605

$

14113 729 $ 15,766,685 $

615 907 $ 16,410,197

(1) Comprised of State Funds plus Local Five Mill Share. (2) Allotments do not include the impact of the State amended formula adjustment.

See notes to the basic financial statements.

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SECTION II COMPLIANCE AND INTERNAL CONTROL REPORTS

Russell W. Hinton
STATE AUDITOR
(404) 656-2174

DEPARTMENT OF AUDITS AND ACCOUNTS
270 Washington Street, S.W., Suite 1-156 Atlanta, Georgia 30334-8400
January 28, 2008

Honorable Sonny Perdue, Governor Members of the General Assembly Members ofthe State Board of Education
and Superintendent and Members of the Ben Hill County Board of Education
REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING AND ON COMPLIANCE AND OTHER MATTERS BASED ON AN AUDIT OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PERFORMED IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERNMENT AUDITING STANDARDS
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have audited the financial statements of the governmental activities, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information ofBen Hill County Board ofEducation as ofand for the year ended June 30, 2007, which collectively comprise Ben Hill County Board of Education's basic financial statements and have issued our report thereon dated January 28, 2008. We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States ofAmerica and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
In planning and performing our audit, we considered Ben Hill County Board ofEducation's internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing our auditing procedures for the purpose of expressing our opinions on the financial statements, but not for the purpose ofexpressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Ben Hill County Board of Education's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we do not express an opinion on the effectiveness of the Ben Hill County Board of Education's internal control over financial reporting.
A control deficiency exists when the design or operation ofa control does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis. A significant deficiency is a control deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, that adversely affect the Ben Hill County Board of Education's ability to initiate, authorize, record, process, or report financial data reliably in accordance with generally
2007YB-10

accepted accounting principles such that there is more than a remote likelihood that a misstatement ofthe Ben Hill County Board of Education's financial statements that is more than inconsequential will not be prevented or detected by the Ben Hill County Board of Education's internal control.
A material weakness is a significant deficiency, or combination of significant deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement ofthe financial statements will not be prevented or detected by the Ben Hill County Board of Education's internal control.
Our consideration of the internal control over financial reporting was for the limited purpose described in the first paragraph ofthis section and would not necessarily disclose all deficiencies in internal control that might be significant deficiencies or material weaknesses. We did not identify any deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting that we consider to be material weaknesses, as defined above.
Compliance and Other Matters
As part of obtaining reasonable assurance about whether Ben Hill County Board of Education's financial statements are free of material misstatement, we performed tests of its compliance with certain provisions oflaws, regulations, contracts and grant agreements, noncompliance with which could have a direct and material effect on the determination of financial statement amounts. However, providing an opinion on compliance with those provisions was not an objective of our audit, and accordingly, we do not express such an opinion. The results of our tests disclosed no instances of noncompliance or other matters that are required to be reported under Government Auditing Standards.
We noted certain matters that we have reported to management of Ben Hill County Board of Education in a separate letter dated January 28, 2008.
This report is intended solely for the information and use ofthe management, members ofthe Ben Hill County Board of Education, Federal awarding agencies and pass-through entities and is not intended to be and should not be used by anyone other than these specified parties.
Respectfully submitted,
w~~
Ru ell W. Hinton, CPA, CGFM State Auditor
RWH:gp 2007YB-10

Russell W. Hinton
STATE AUDITOR
(404) 656-2174

DEPARTMENT OF AUDITS AND ACCOUNTS
270 Washington Street, S.W., Suite 1-156 Atlanta, Georgia 30334-8400
January 28, 2008

Honorable Sonny Perdue, Governor Members of the General Assembly Members of the State Board of Education
and Superintendent and Members of the Ben Hill County Board of Education
REPORT ON COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO EACH MAJOR PROGRAM AND ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER COMPLIANCE IN ACCORDANCE WITH 0MB CIRCULAR A-133
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Compliance
We have audited the compliance of Ben Hill County Board of Education with the types of compliance requirements described in the U.S. Office ofManagement and Budget (0MB) Circular A-133 Compliance Supplement that are applicable to each ofits major Federal programs for the year ended June 30, 2007. Ben Hill County Board ofEducation's major Federal programs are identified in the Summary of Auditor's Results Section of the accompanying Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs. Compliance with the requirements of laws, regulations, contracts and grants applicable to each of its major Federal programs is the responsibility of Ben Hill County Board of Education's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on Ben Hill County Board of Education's compliance based on our audit.
We conducted our audit of compliance in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States ofAmerica; the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General ofthe United States; and 0MB Circular A133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations. Those standards and 0MB Circular A-133 require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether noncompliance with the types of compliance requirements referred to above that could have a direct and material effect on a major Federal program occurred. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence about the Ben Hill County Board of Education's compliance with those requirements and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. Our audit does not provide a legal determination on Ben Hill County Board of Education's compliance with those requirements.
2007SA-10

In our opinion, the Ben Hill County Board of Education complied, in all material respects, with the requirements referred to above that are applicable to each ofits major Federal programs for the year ended June 30, 2007.
Internal Control Over Compliance
The management of Ben Hill County Board of Education is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over compliance with requirements of laws, regulations, contracts and grants applicable to Federal programs. In planning and performing our audit, we considered Ben Hill County Board of Education's internal control over compliance with requirements that could have a direct and material effect on a major Federal program in order to determine our auditing procedures for the purpose ofexpressing our opinion on compliance, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of internal control over compliance. Accordingly, we do not express an opinion on the effectiveness of the Ben Hill County Board of Education's internal control over compliance.
A control deficiency in an entity's internal control over compliance exists when the design or operation ofa control does not allow management or employees, in the normal course ofperforming their assigned functions, to prevent or detect noncompliance with a type ofcompliance requirement of a Federal program on a timely basis. A significant deficiency is a control deficiency, or combination ofcontrol deficiencies, that adversely affects the entity's ability to administer a Federal program such that there is more than a remote likelihood that noncompliance with a type of compliance requirement of a Federal program that is more than inconsequential will not be prevented or detected by the entity's internal control.
A material weakness is a significant deficiency, or combination of significant deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that material noncompliance with a type of compliance requirement of a Federal program will not be prevented or detected by the entity's internal control.
Our consideration ofthe internal control over compliance was for the limited purpose described in the first paragraph of this section and would not necessarily identify all deficiencies in internal control that might be significant deficiencies or material weaknesses. We did not identify any deficiencies in internal control over compliance that we consider to be material weaknesses, as defined above.
This report is intended solely for the information and use of the management, members of the Ben Hill County Board of Education, Federal awarding agencies and pass-through entities and is not intended to be and should not be used by anyone other than these specified parties.
Respectfully submitted,
~n~ State Auditor
RWH:gp 2007SA-10

SECTION III AUDITEE'S RESPONSE TO PRIOR YEAR FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION AUDITEE'S RESPONSE
SUMMARY SCHEDULE OF PRIOR YEAR FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2007

PRIOR YEAR FINANCIAL STATEMENT FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS

FINDING CONTROL NUMBER

AUDITEE'S RESPONSE/STATUS

FS-6091-05-01 FS-6091-06-01 FS-6091-06-02

Further Action Not Warranted Previously Reported Corrective Action Implemented Previously Reported Corrective Action Implemented

PRIOR YEAR FEDERAL AWARD FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS

FINDING CONTROL NUMBER

AUDITEE'S RESPONSE/STATUS

SEE AUDITOR'S COMMENTS

F A-6091-06-01

Further Action Not Warranted

(1)

AUDITOR'S COMMENTS

(1) Findings/internal control deficiencies ofthis nature, that are not deemed significant deficiencies or material weaknesses and do not require reporting in the audit report in accordance with Office ofManagement and Budget (0MB) Circular A-133, will be communicated in a management letter in subsequent periods.

SECTION IV FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS

BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2007
I SUMMARY OF AUDITOR'S RESULTS
1. Type of Report Issued on the Financial Statements The auditor's opinion on the Ben Hill County Board ofEducation's financial statements was unqualified.
2. Significant Deficiencies in Internal Control Disclosed by the Audit ofthe Financial Statements The audit report for the Ben Hill County Board ofEducation did not disclose any significant deficiencies related to the financial statements.
3. Noncompliance Material to the Financial Statements The audit of the Ben Hill County Board of Education disclosed no instances of noncompliance that were deemed to be material to the financial statements.
4. Significant Deficiencies in Internal Control Over Major Programs The audit report for the Ben Hill County Board ofEducation did not disclose any significant deficiencies in internal control over major programs.
5. Type of Report Issued on Compliance for Major Programs The auditor's opinion on the Ben Hill County Board of Education's report on compliance with requirements applicable to major programs was unqualified.
6. Audit Findings Required to be Reported by Section .510(a) ofOMB Circular A-133 The Ben Hill County Board of Education's audit did not disclose audit findings required to be reported by section .510(a) ofOMB Circular A-133.
7. Major Programs Federal awards audited as major programs are as follows: 10.553 Food Services - School Breakfast Program 10.555 Food Services - National School Lunch Program 84.367 Improving Teacher Quality State Grants
8. Type "A" Program Dollar Threshold The dollar threshold for type "A" programs was $300,000.
9. LowRiskAuditee The Ben Hill County Board of Education qualified as a low risk auditee as defined by Section .530 of 0MB Circular A-133.
II FINANCIAL STATEMENT FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
No matters were reported.
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BEN HILL COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2007 III FEDERAL AWARD FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS No matters were reported.
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