Review report, state of Georgia, Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, Savannah, Georgia, year ended June 30, 1997

REVIEW REPORT STATE OF GEORGIA SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY SAVANNAH, GEORGIA YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
STATE OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF AUDITS AND ACCOUNTS
254 WASHINGTON STREET
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30334-8400

SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY - TABLE OF CONTENTS -

SECTION I

FINANCIAL

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS COMBINED REPORT ON REVIEW OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

EXlllBITS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A COMBINED BALANCE SHEET

ALL FUND GROUPS

2

B COMBINED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN FUND BALANCES

~.'::%
d)

ALL FUND GROUPS

4

C STATEMENT OF CURRENT FUNDS REVENUES, EXPENDITURES,

AND OTHER CHANGES

6

D NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

7

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

E COMBINING BALANCE SHEET

CURRENT FUNDS - UNRESTRICTED

20

F COMBINING STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN FUND BALANCES

CURRENT FUNDS - UNRESTRICTED

21

G COMBINING STATEMENT OF CURRENT FUNDS REVENUES, EXPENDITURES,

AND OTHER CHANGES

UNRESTRICTED

22

SCHEDULES

SCHEDULES OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES COMPARED TO BUDGET

1

RESIDENT INSTRUCTION

23

2

OTHER ORGANIZED ACTIVITIES

24

3

LOTTERY FOR EDUCATION

25

4 CHANGES IN INVESTMENT IN PLANT

26

5 SCHEDULE OF FUND BALANCES

CURRENT FUNDS AND PLANT FUNDS

28

6 RECONCILIATION OF SALARIES AND TRAVEL

30

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

SIGDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY - TABLE OF CONTENTS -
SECTIONID CURRENT YEAR FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS

SECTION I FINANCIAL

CLAUDE L. VICKERS
STAlE AUDITOR
(404) 656-2174

DEPARTMENT OF AUDITS AND ACCOUNTS
254 Washington Street, S.w., Suite 214 Atlanta, Georgia 30334-8400
September 16, 1997

Honorable Zell Miller, Governor Members of the General Assembly of Georgia Members ofthe Board ofRegents ofthe University System of Georgia
and Honorable Herbert L. Windom, Director Skidaway Institute of Oceanography
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT'S COMBINED REPORT ON REVIEW OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have reviewed the accompanying financial statements (Exhibits A through D) of Skidaway Institute of Oceanography as of and for the year ended June 30, 1997, in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. All information included in these financial statements is the representation of the management of Skidaway Institute of Oceanography.
A review consists principally of inquiries ofInstitute personnel and analytical procedures applied to financial data. It is substantially less in scope than an audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our review, with the exception of the matters described in the fourth and fifth paragraphs, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying financial statements in order for them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
As disclosed in Note 1 to the financial statements, generally accepted accounting principles require encumbrances to be recorded as a reservation of fund balance. However, in accordance with Georgia Law and State budgetary policy, management recorded encumbrances as expenditures and liabilities. The effects of this departure from generally accepted accounting principles on the financial statements were not reasonably determinable.

97ARL-67

As disclosed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Institute did not report the liability and related expenditure for compensated absences in the current funds as required by generally accepted accounting pri~ciples. If compensated absences were reported, liabilities would be increased and fund balance would be decreased by $277,382.20 as of June 30, 1997, and the net change in fund balance for the year ended June 30, 1997, would be decreased by $39,312.70.
Our review was made for the purpose of expressing limited assurance that there are no material modifications that should be made to the financial statements in order for them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The accompanying supplementary information (Exhibits E through G and Schedules 1 through 6) is presented only for supplementary analysis purposes. Such information has been subjected to the inquiries and analytical procedures applied in the review of the financial statements, and except for the effects of the matters discussed in the fourth and fifth paragraphs, we are not aware of any material modifications which should be made thereto.
Respectfully submitted,

CLV:cm 97ARL-67

Claude 1. Vickers State Auditor

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - 1-

SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY COMBINED BALANCE SHEET ALL FUND GROUPS JUNE 30, 1997

ASSETS
Cash and Cash Equivalents Accounts Receivable Inventories Prepaid Items Due from Other Fund Groups Investment in Plant
Total Assets
LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCES
Liabilities Cash Overdraft Accounts Payable Deposits Held in Custody for Others Due to Other Fund Groups
Total Liabilities
Fund Balances Net Investment in Plant Restricted Unrestricted
Total Fund Balances
Total Liabilities and Fund Balances

CURRENT FUNDS UNRESTRICTED RESTRICTED

$

13,019,75

29,456.15 $ 540,116.19

183.23

6,225.00

199,008.52

$

247,892.65 $ 540,116.19

$ 233,538.20

$

234,977.56

199,008.52

$

234,977,56 $ 432,546.72

$ 107,569.47

$

12,915.09

$

12,915.09 $ 107,569.47

$

247,892.65 $ 540,116.19

See Independent Accountant's Combined Report on Review of Financial Statements and Supplementary Information.
The notes to the financial statements are an integral part of this statement.
-2-

EXHIBIT"A"

'UNEXPENDED

PLANT FUNDS RENEWALS AND REPLACEMENTS

INVESTMENT IN PLANT

AGENCY FUNDS

TOTAL (Memorandum
Only)

$

159,717.51

$ 172,737.26

$

45,255.00

$

10,668.28

625,495.62

183.23

6,225.00

199,008.52

_ _ _ _ _ _ $ 9,192,907.27

9,192,907.27

$

45,255.00 $

159,717.51 $ 9,192,907.27 $

10,668.28 $ 10,196,556.90

$

40,310.00

4,945.00 $

$

45,255.00 $

$

0.00 $

$

0.00 $

156,132.24 156,132.24

$

10,281.46 $ 284,129.66

2.57

396,057.37

384.25

384.25

199,008.52

$

10,668.28 $ 879,579.80

$ 9,192,907.27 3,585.27 3,585.27 $ 9,192,907.27

$ 9,192,907.27 107,569.47 16,500.36
$ 9,316,977.10

$

45,255.00 $

159,717.51 $ 9,192,907.27 $

10,668.28 $ 10,196,556.90

-3-

SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY COMBINED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN FUND BALANCES
ALL FUND GROUPS YEAR ENDED JUNE 30.1997

REVENUES AND OTHER ADDITIONS
Unrestricted Current Fund Revenues State Appropriations
Regular Lottery Proceeds Federal Grants and Contracts State Grants and Contracts Other States Grants and Contracts Private Gifts, Grants, and Contracts Investment Income Adjustments Prior Years' Expenditures/Accounts Payable Prior Years' Checks Voided Expended for Plant Facilities Current Funds Plant Funds
Unexpended Renewals and Replacements
Total Revenues and Other Additions
EXPENDITURES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
Educational and General Expenditures Auxiliary Enterprises Expenditures Indirect Costs Recovered Remittances to the Board of Regents of the
University System of Georgia Prior Year's Unrestricted Fund Balance (Surplus)
Expended for Plant Facilities Capitalized Noncapitalized
Disposals/Deletions/Adjustments
Total Expenditures and Other Deductions
TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS
Nonmandatory Renewals and Replacements Capital Projects
Total Transfers Between Funds
Net Increase/(Decrease) for the Year
FUND BALANCES JULY 1.1996
FUND BALANCES JUNE 30.1997
See Independent Accountant's Combined Report on Review of Financial Statements and Supplementary Information.
The notes to the financial statements are an integral part of this statement.
-4-

CURRENT FUNDS UNRESTRICTED RESTRICTED
$ 2,400,284.31
$ 2,511,585.45
171,100.99 227,685.86
43,242.26
2,272.62 20.00

$ 2,402,576.93 $ 2,953,614.56
$ 2,365,535.96 $ 2,240,163.83
19,566.47 708,552.07
852.12

$ 2,385,954.55 $ 2,948,715.90

$

-1,232.18

-19,606.81

$

-20,838.99

$

-4,216.61 $

4,898.66

17,131.70

102,670.81

,

$

12,915.09 $ 107,569.47

EXHIBIT"B"

UNEXPENDED

PLANT FUNDS RENEWALS AND REPLACEMENTS

INVESTMENT IN PLANT

TOTAL (Memorandum
Only)

$ $ 50,000.00
10,455:00
20,643.02

$

81,098.02 $

274,478.00
$ 274,478.00 $

$ 2,400,284.31

274,478.00 50,000.00 2,511,585.45 181,555.99 227,685.86 43,242.26 20,643.02

2,272.62 20.00

367,926.73

367,926.73

50,820.20 185,099.57

50,820.20 185,099.57

603,846.50 $ 6,315,614.01

$

4,774.53

50,820.20 $ 32,688.16

$ 88,282.89 $

$ 4,605,699.79 19,566.47
708,552.07

185,099.57 106,574.90
$
291,674.47 $

5,626.65

32,376.51

235,919.77 139,263.06 32,376.51

32,376.51 $ 5,747,004.32

$

$

2,410.34

$

2,410.34 $

$

-4,774.53 $

4?74.53

1,232.18 17,196.47

$

0.00

0.00

18,428.65

$

0.00

1,232.18 $ 571,469.99 $ 568,609.69

2,353.09 8,621,437.28 8,748,367.41

$

0.00 $=====3:0;,5=8=5=.2=7 $ 9,192,907.27 $ 9,316,977.10

-5-

SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY STATEMENT OF CURRENT FUNDS REVENUES, EXPENDITURES,
AND OTHER CHANGES YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997

EXHIBIT"C"

Net Increase/(Decrease) in Fund Balances

$

-4,216.61 $

4,898.66 $ ===6==:8=2=.0.5..

See Independent Accountant's Combined Report on Review of Financial Statements and Supplementary Information.
The notes to the financial statements are an integral part of this statement.
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SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 1997

EXHIBIT"D"

NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
REPORTING ENTITY Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, a unit of the University System of Georgia (an organizational unit of the State of Georgia), conducts oceanographic research that is coordinated with other marine research activities of the University of Georgia. The accompanying financial statements reflect the operations of Skidaway Institute of Oceanography as a separate reporting entity.
The Board of Regents has constitutional authority to govern, control and manage the University System of Georgia. This authority includes but is not limited to the power to designate management, the ability to significantly influence operations, the authority to control institutions' budgets, the power to determine allotments of State funds to member institutions and the authority to prescribe accounting systems and administrative policies for member institutions. Skidaway Institute of Oceanography does not have authority to retain unexpended State appropriations (surplus) for any given fiscal year. Accordingly, Skidaway Institute of Oceanography is considered an organizational unit of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia reporting entity for financial reporting purposes because of the significance of its legal, operational, and financial relationships with the Board of Regents as defined in Section 2100 of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board Codification of Governmental Accounting and Financial Reporting Standards.
FUND ACCOUNTING In order to ensure observance of limitations and restrictions placed on the use of the resources available to the Institute, the accounts ofthe Institute are maintained in accordance with the principles of fund accounting. This is the procedure by which resources for various purposes are classified for accounting and reporting purposes into funds that are in accordance with activities or objectives specified. Separate accounts are maintained for each fund; however, in the accompanying financial statements, funds that have similar characteristics have been combined into fund groups. Accordingly, all fmancial transactions have been recorded and reported by fund group.
Within each fund group, the Institute's fund balance allocations and designations represent those portions of the fund balances that are reserved, restricted and/or designated for specific future use by legal covenants, State policies, or institutional policies.
Fund groups and funds presented in the accompanying financial statements are as follows:
CURRENT FUNDS
UNRESTRICTED - The fund used to account for those economic resources over which the Institute retains full control to use for purposes of performing the primary functions of the Institute, e.g., research, institutional support and auxiliary enterprises.
RESTRICTED - The fund used to record externally restricted funds which may only be utilized in accordance with the purposes established by their source. Restricted current funds are recorded as revenues and expenditures when expended for current operating purposes.
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SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30,1997

EXHIBIT"D"

NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
FUND ACCOUNTING
PLANT FUNDS
UNEXPENDED - The fund used to account for financial resources utilized to acquire or to construct physical properties for institutional purposes.
RENEWALS AND REPLACEMENTS - The fund used to account for resources set aside for the renewal and replacement of institutional properties.
INVESTMENT IN PLANT - The fund which shows the total amounts representing the book value of all physical properties owned by the Institute. Net Investment in Plant is an equity account showing the total book value ofphysical properties belonging to the Institute less the amount of any indebtedness to others.
AGENCY FUNDS
The fund used to account for resources held by the Institute as custodian or fiscal agent for individual students, faculty, staff members, and organizations.
BASIS OF ACCOUNTING Except as otherwise disclosed in these notes, the financial statements are prepared on the modified accrual basis ofaccounting, which is materially the same as the accrual basis of accounting applicable to colleges and universities prescribed in the American Institute ofCertified Public Accountants' audit guide reporting model. The modified accrual basis ofaccounting is defined as that method ofaccounting in which expenditures, other than accrued interest on general long-term debt, are recorded at the time liabilities are incurred and revenues are recorded when available and measurable to finance expenditures of the fiscal period.
Contractual obligations for goods and services which have not been received at the end of the fiscal year are recognized as expenditures and liabilities in the accompanying financial statements. This accounting practice causes expenditure-driven grant revenues to be accrued based, in part, on the unexecuted portion of contracts for goods and services. The recognition of encumbrances as expenditures and liabilities is in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by statutes and regulations of the State of Georgia, but is not consistent with generally accepted accounting principles, which provide for the recording of encumbrances as a reservation of fund balance. Further, revenue recognition for expenditure-driven grants should be based upon expenditures determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Compensated absences represent obligations of the Institute relating to employees' rights to receive compensation for future absences based upon services already rendered. This obligation relates only to vesting accumulated annual leave in which payment is probable and can be reasonably estimated. The compensated absences liability of $277,382.20 and the related current year expenditure of$39,312.70 have not been reported in the current funds as required by generally accepted accounting principles.
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SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 1997

EXHIBIT"D"

NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF ACCOUNTING Prior period adjustments and certain other items are reported as additions to and deductions from fund balances of current funds in the accompanying financial statements. This presentation is in accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by statutes and regulations ofthe State of Georgia, but differs from generally accepted accounting principles in that immaterial adjustments should be reported as current period revenues and expenditures. The effect of this departure is deemed to be immaterial to the fair presentation ofthe financial statements.

To the extent that Current Funds and Plant Funds are used to finance plant assets, the amounts so provided are accounted for as expenditures. The balances shown on the Combined Balance Sheet as Net Investment in Plant reflect the accumulated expenditures made for plant facilities through Current Funds and Plant Funds and also include expenditures made for plant facilities expended by the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission on behalf ofthe Institute. Donated fixed assets are recorded at fair market value on the date donated. Disposals are deleted at recorded values. No depreciation has been provided on physical plant and equipment.

The Statement of Current Funds Revenues, Expenditures, and Other Changes is a statement of financial activities of current funds related to the current reporting period. It does not purport to present the results of operations or the net income or loss for the period as would a statement of income or a statement of revenues and expenses.

BUDGET The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia - Administrative Central Office receives State appropriation allotments for units ofthe University System of Georgia. The appropriated budget is adopted at the departmental level and represents appropriations provided by the Amended Appropriations Act of 19961997. The appropriated budget covers current funds and plant funds, except for Auxiliary Enterprises and Student Activities which are not subject to appropriation. The budget allocation and disbursement ofthese funds is made to the various organizational units by the Administrative Central Office. In addition, the organizational units receive Federal funds and other funds directly and include these funds in the budget filed with the Administrative Central Office.

A comparison of anticipated funds available and budgeted expenditures by budget unit object class indicates that the following object classes were overspent by the amounts identified below:

Resident Instruction Operating Expenses Education, General and Departmental Services Capital Outlay

$ 17,196.47 $ 23,053.36

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SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 1997

EXHIBIT"D"

NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BUDGET Other Organized Activities Personal Services Sponsored Operations Operating Expenses Education, General and Departmental Services

$ 250.724.99 $ 118.793.82

Lottery For Education Equipment, Technology and Construction Trust Fund

$ 10.455.00

These overexpenditures of budget constitute a violation of Board of Regents policy, but do not constitute statutory violations of budget authority. Statutory violations of budget authority are reported at the departmental level.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and Cash Equivalents consist of petty cash and demand deposits in authorized fmancial institutions.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Accounts receivable consist of allotments due from the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia - Administrative Central Office, reimbursements due from Federal, State, local, and private grants and contracts, and other receivables disclosed from information available. No provision has been made for an allowance for doubtful accounts within the accompanying fmancial statements.

INVENTORIES No inventories of expendable supplies are recorded in the current financial statements. Expendable supplies are recorded as expenditures at the time of purchase.

Inventories of goods for resale are valued at cost using the first-in, first-out method.

PREPAID ITEMS Prepaid items are payments made to vendors in advance ofthe receipt of goods and services that will benefit periods subsequent to the balance sheet date.

MEMORANDUM ONLY - TOTAL COLUMNS The total columns on the financial statements are captioned "Memorandum Only" because they do not represent consolidated financial information and are presented only to facilitate financial analysis. The columns do not present information that reflects fmancial position or changes in financial position in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Neither are such data comparable to a consolidation. Interfund eliminations have not been made in the aggregation of this data.

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SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 1997

EXHIBIT"D"

NOTE 2: CUSTODIAL CREDIT RISKS OF CASH DEPOSITS
STATE OF GEORGIA COLLATERALIZATION STATUTES AND POLICIES Funds belonging to the State of Georgia cannot be placed in a depository paying interest longer than ten days without the depository providing a surety bond to the State. In lieu of a surety bond, the depository may pledge as collateral anyone or more ofthe following securities as enumerated in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 50-17-59:
(l) Bonds, bills, certificates of indebtedness, notes, or other direct obligations of the United States or ofthe State of Georgia.
(2) Bonds, bills, certificates of indebtedness, notes, or other obligations of the counties or municipalities of the State of Georgia.
(3) Bonds of any public authority created by the laws ofthe State of Georgia, providing that the statute that created the authority authorized the use of the bonds for this purpose.
(4) Industrial revenue bonds and bonds of development authorities created by the laws of the State of Georgia.
(5) Bonds, bills, certificates of indebtedness, notes, 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.
(6) Guarantee or insurance of accounts provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
As authorized in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 50-17-53, the State Depository Board has adopted policies which allow agencies of the State of Georgia (which includes organizational units of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia) the option of exempting demand deposits from the collateral requirements.
The treasurer of the Board of Regents is responsible for all details relative to furnishing the required depository protection for all units of the University System of Georgia.
CATEGORIZATION OF DEPOSITS For purposes of analysis of custodial credit risk, cash deposits consist of all bank balances which include demand deposits and/or interest bearing accounts. The bank balances as of June 30, 1997, are categorized below in order to provide information about the extent to which such deposits are exposed to custodial credit risk:

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SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS JUNE 30. 1997

EXHIBIT"D"

NOTE 2: CUSTODIAL CREDIT RISKS OF CASH DEPOSITS

CATEGORIZATION OF DEPOSITS Category 1 - Amounts covered by depository insurance or collateralized with securities (at market value) held by the Institute or by its agent in the Institute's name.

Category 2 - Amounts collateralized with securities (at market value) held by the pledging financial institution's trust department or agent in the Institute's name.

Category 3 - Amounts collateralized with securities (at market value) held by the pledging financial institution, or by its trust department or agent but not in the Institute's name, and amounts uncollateralized.

Cash Deposits

Carrying Amount

Bank Balances

$ -112,39240 $ ]0675781 $

Risk Categories 2

100 000.00 $

000 $

3 675781

NOTE 3: INVESTMENT IN PLANT

The following is a summary of Investment in Plant fixed assets as of June 30, 1997:

Land Buildings Improvements Other Than Buildings Equipment Library Books and Collections

$ 449,460.00 1,892,798.36 1,923,331.65 4,774,848.96 152,468.30

Total Investment in Plant

$ 9,192.907.27

NOTE 4: RISK MANAGEMENT

Skidaway Institute of Oceanography is a participant in the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia Health Benefits Plan, which is a self-insurance program of health and dental benefits for employees and retirees of the University System of Georgia. The Institute and participating employees and retirees pay premiums to the Health Benefits Plan for this health insurance coverage. The Health Benefits Plan is included in the audit report of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia - Administrative Central Office. All writs ofthe University System of Georgia share the risk of loss for claims of the Health Benefits Plan. The Health Benefits Plan is considered a self-sustaining risk fund that provides health coverage for its members up to a maximum lifetime benefit of$I,OOO,OOO.OO per person and dental coverage up to an annual maximum of $1 ,000.00 per person. The Board of Regents has contracted with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia to process claims in accordance with the ~ealth Benefits Plan as established by the Board ofRegents.

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SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS JUNE 30, 1997

EXHIBIT "D"

NOTE 4: RISK MANAGEMENT
The Department ofAdministrative Services (DOAS) has the responsibility for the State of Georgia ofmaking and carrying out decisions that will minimize the adverse effects of accidental losses that involve State government assets. The State believes it is more economical to manage its risks internally and set aside assets for claim settlement. Accordingly, DOAS processes claims for risk of loss to which the State is exposed, including general liability, property and casualty, workers' compensation, unemployment compensation, and law enforcement officers' indemnification. Limited amounts of commercial insurance are purchased applicable to property, employee and automobile liability, fidelity and certain other risks. The Institute, as an organizational unit of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, is part of the State of Georgia reporting entity, and as such, is covered by the State of Georgia risk management program administered by DOAS. Premiums for the risk management program are charged to the various state organizations by DOAS to provide claims servicing and claims payment.
. A self-insured program of professional liability for its employees was established by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia under powers authorized by the Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 45-9-1. The program insures the employees to the extent that they are not immune from liability against personal liability for damages arising out ofthe performance of their duties or in any way connected therewith. The program is administered by DOAS as a Self-Insurance Fund.
NOTE 5: DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
The State of Georgia offers its employees a deferred compensation plan in accordance with Internal Revenue Code Section 457. The plan, available to employees of the State of Georgia'and county health departments, permits such employees to defer a portion of their salary until future years. Participation in the plan is optional. Participants choose the option or options in which they wish to participate. The deferred compensation is not available to employees until termination, retirement, death, or unforeseeable emergency. All amounts of compensation deferred under the plan, all property and rights purchased with those amounts, and all income attributable to those amounts, property, or rights are (until paid or made available to the employee or other beneficiary) solely the property and rights ofthe State of Georgia subject only to the claims of the State's general creditors. Participants' rights under the plan are equal to those of a general creditor of the State of Georgia in an amount equal to the fair market value of the deferred account for each participant. Financial information relative to the plan will be presented in the State of Georgia Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997.
A change in the Internal Revenue Code Section 457, effective August 20, 1996, requires that by January 1, 1999, all existing eligible deferred compensation plans must be held in trust for the exclusive benefit of participants and their beneficiaries. The State of Georgia's plan will be converted effective July 1, 1998.

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SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 1997

EXHIBIT"D"

NOTE6: RETffiEMENTPLANS
TEACHERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF GEORGIA
Plan Description Skidaway Institute ofOceanography participates in the Teachers Retirement System ofGeorgia (TRS), a costsharing multiple-employer public employee retirement system (PERS) established by the General Assembly of Georgia for the purpose ofproviding retirement allowances and other benefits for teachers of the State of Georgia.
TRS provides service retirement, disability retirement, and survivor's benefits for its members. A member is eligible for service retirement after the member (1) has attained the age of 60 years and has at least ten years 'of creditable service, or (2) has at least 25 years of creditable service. For those members with 30 years of service or those age 60 with at least ten years of service, normal retirement benefits are equal to 2% of the average ofthe member's two consecutive highest paid years of service multiplied by the number of years of creditable service up to 40 years. Early retirement benefits are reduced by the lesser of 1/12 of7% for each month the member is below age 60, or by 7% for each year or fraction thereof by which the member has less than 30 years of service. The normal retirement pension is payable monthly for life; however, options are available for distribution of the member's monthly pension at a reduced rate to a designated beneficiary on the member's death.
Retirement benefits also include death and disability benefits whereby the disabled member or surviving spouse is entitled to receive annually an amount equal to the member's service retirement benefit or disability retirement, whichever is greater. The benefit is based on member's creditable service (minimum of 10 years of service) and compensation up to the date of death or up to the time of disability.
Members become fully vested after ten years of service. If a member terminates with less than ten years of service, no vesting of employer contributions occurs, but the member's contributions are refunded with interest.
Funding Policy Employees of the Institute who are covered by TRS are required to pay 5% of their gross earnings to TRS. The Institute makes monthly employer contributions to TRS at rates adopted by the TRS Board of Trustees as advised by their independent actuary. For fiscal year 1997, the employer contribution rate was 11.81% for covered employees. In addition, the Institute contributed 4.24% to the TRS on behalf of employees electing to participate in the Regents Retirement Plan. The interest rate assumption (rate of return on investments) was 7.50%. The Institute's payroll for the year ended June 30, 1997, for employees covered by TRS was $1,698,352.77. The Institute's total payroll for all employees was $2,358,876.36.
Total contributions to the plan made during fiscal year 1997 amounted to $285,493.37, of which $200,575.57 was made by the Institute and $84,917.80 was made by employees. These contributions represented 11.81% (Institute) and 5% (employees) of covered payroll.

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SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 1997

EXIllBIT "D"

NOTE 6: RETffiEMENTPLANS
TEACHERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF GEORGIA
Funding Policy Total contributions from all employers to TRS for the year ended June 30, 1997, were $652,928,555.00. The Institute's contribution for the year ended June 30, 1997, of $200,575.57 was actuarially determined and represented .0308% of total contributions made by all participating employers.
Actuarial and Trend Information Actuarial and historical trend information is presented in the TRS June 30, 1997, financial report which can be obtained through TRS.
REGENTS RETIREMENT PLAN
Plan Description The State of Georgia provides optional pension benefits for eligible faculty and principal administrators through a defined contribution plan. In a defined contribution plan, benefits depend solely on amounts contributed to the plan plus investment earnings.
Funding Policy State legislation requires that prior to January 1, 1997, the employer contribute 4% of the participating employee's earnable compensation, and on and after January 1, 1997, an amount equal to the normal cost contribution determined by the TRS Board of Trustees. Since January 1, 1997, the employer contribution rate was 7.42%. Employees contribute 5% of their earnable compensation. Amounts attributable to all plan contributions are fully vested and non-forfeitable at all times. The Institute's payroll for employees covered by the Regents Retirement Plan for the year ended June 30, 1997, was $494,918.00. The Institute's total payroll for all employees was $2,358,876.36.
The Institute and the covered employees made the required contributions of $27,877.80 (5.6%) and $24,745.94 (5%), respectively.
GEORGIA DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN
Plan Description Skidaway Institute of Oceanography participates in the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan (GDCP) which is a single-employer defined contribution plan established by the General Assembly of Georgia for the purpose ofproviding retirement coverage for State employees who are temporary, seasonal, and part-time and are not members of a public retirement or pension system. GDCP is administered by the Board of Trustees of the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia.

- 15 -

SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS JUNE 30, 1997

EXHIBIT liD"

NOTE6: RETmEMENTPLANS
GEORGIA DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN
Benefits A member may retire and elect to receive periodic payments after attainment of age 65. The payment will be based upon mortality tables and interest assumptions to be adopted by the Board ofTrustees. If a member
has less than $ 3,500.00 credited to his/her account, the Board of Trustees has the option of requiring a lump
sum distribution to the member in lieu of making periodic payments. Upon the death of a member, a lump sum distribution equaling the amount credited to his/her account will be paid to the member's designated beneficiary. Benefit provisions are established by State statute.
The Employees' Retirement System of Georgia issues a financial report each fiscal year which may be obtained through ERS.
Contributions and Vesting Member contributions are seven and one-half percent (7.5%) of gross salary. There are no employer contributions. Contribution rates are established by State statute. Earnings are credited to each member's account in a manner established by the Board of Trustees. Upon termination of employment, the amount of the member's account is refundable upon request by the member. The Institute's payroll for the year ended June 30, 1997, for employees covered by GDCP was $26,864.22. The Institute's total payroll for all employees was $2,358,876.36.
Total contributions made by employees during fiscal year 1997 amounted to $2,014.83 which represents 7.5% of covered payroll. These contributions met the requirements of the plan.
NOTE 7: LEAVE POLICIES
Employees earn annual leave ranging from one and one-quarter days to one and three-quarter days each month depending upon the employees' length of continuous State service with maximum accumulation of forty-five days. Employees are paid for unused accumulated annual leave upon retirement or termination of employment. See Note 1- Basis of Accounting (Compensated Absences)
Employees earn one day of sick leave each month with no maximum accumulation established. Unused accumulated sick leave does not vest with the employee and is forfeited upon retirement or termination of employment.
NOTE 8: CONTINGENCIES
Amounts received or receivable from grantor agencies are subject to audit and adjustment by grantor agencies. This could result in refunds to the grantor agency for any expenditures which are disallowed under grant terms. The amount ofexpenditures which may be disallowed by the grantor cannot be determined at this time although the Institute expects such amounts, if any, to be immaterial to its overall financial position.
- 16-

SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS JUNE 30, 1997

EXHIBIT"D"

NOTE 8: CONTINGENCffiS
Litigation, claims and assessments filed against Skidaway Institute of Oceanography (an organizational unit ofthe Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia), if any, are generally considered to be actions against the State of Georgia. Accordingly, significant litigation, claims and assessments pending against the State of Georgia are disclosed in the State of Georgia Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1997.
NOTE 9: POSTEMPLOYMENTBENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSION BENEFITS
Pursuant to the general powers conferred by the Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 20-3-31, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia has established group health and life insurance programs for regular employees ofthe University System of Georgia. It is the policy ofthe Board of Regents to permit employees of the University System of Georgia eligible for retirement or that become permanently and totally disabled to continue as members ofthe group health and life insurance programs. Employees who are eligible for retirement or disability under the criteria established by the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia and who have at least ten years ofservice with the University System of Georgia are eligible for these postemployment health and life insurance benefits. Organizational units of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia pay the employer portion for group insurance for affected individuals.
As of June 30, 1997, there were 18 employees who had retired or were disabled that were receiving these postemployment health and life insurance benefits. For the year ended June 30, 1997, Skidaway Institute of Oceanography recognized as incurred $38,481.50 ofexpenditures, which was net of$12,693.52 ofparticipant contributions.

- 17 -

TIUS PAGE LEFT BLANK

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION - 19-

SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY COMBINING BALANCE SHEET
CURRENT FUNDS - UNRESTRICTED JUNE 30, 1997

EXHIBIT"E"

ASSETS
Cash and Cash Equivalents Accounts Receivable Inventories Prepaid Items Due from Other Fund Groups

RESIDENT INSTRUCTION

OTHER ORGANIZED ACTIVITIES

LOTIERYFOR AUXILIARY EDUCATION ENTERPRISES

TOTAL

$

0,00

$

12,156,80 $

862,95 $ 13,019.75

$

29,456.15

29,456.15

183.23

183.23

6,225.00

6,225.00

199,008.52

199,008.52

Total Assets

$

0.00 $ 234,689.67 $

12,156.80 $

1,046.18 $ 247,892.65

LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCES

Liabilities Accounts Payable

Fund Balances

Unrestricted

$

$ 222,820.76 $

12,156.80

0.00

11,868.91

0.00 $

$ 234,977.56

1,046.18

12,915.09

Total Liabilities and Fund Balances $

0.00 $ 234,689.67 $

12,156.80 $

1,046.18 $ 247,892.65

See accompanying notes and Independent Accountant's Combined Report on Review of Financial Statements and Supplementary Information.
- 20-

SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY COMBINING STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN FUND BALANCES
CURRENT FUNDS UNRESTRICTED YEAR ENDED JUNE 30. 1997

EXHIBIT"F"

FUND BALANCES JUNE 30. 1997

$

0.00 $ 11,868.91 $

0.00 $

1,046.18 $ 12,915.09

See accompanying notes and Independent Accountant's Combined Report on Review of Financial Statements and Supplementary Information.
- 21 -

SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY COMBINING STATEMENT OF CURRENT FUNDS REVENUES, EXPENDITURES,
AND OTHER CHANGES UNRESTRICTED
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30.1997

EXHIBIT"G"

RESIDENT INSTRUCTION

OTHER ORGANIZED ACTIVITIES

LOTIERYFOR

AUXILIARY

EDUCATION ENTERPRISES

TOTAL

REVENUES

State Appropriations

$

45,040,00 $ 1,519,510,00 $

76,000,00

Federal Grants and Contracts

582,941,54

State Grants and Contracts

52,144,49

Other States Grants and Contracts

56,410,99

Private Gifts, Grants, and Contracts

17,055,05

Sales and Services of Auxiliary Enterprises

$

Other Sources

29,654,31

$ 1,640,550,00

582,941,54

52,144.49

56,410,99

17,055,05

21,527,93

21,527,93

29,654,31

Total Revenues

$

45,040,00 $ 2,257,716.38 $

76,000,00 $

21,527,93 $ 2,400,284,31

EXPENDITURES

Educational and General Research Academic Support Institutional Support Operation and Maintenance of Plant
Auxiliary Enterprises Student Housing Other Service Units

$ 694,256,91

$

45,040.00

134,977.35 $

76,000.00

595,144,03

820,117,67

$

$ 694,256,91 256,017,35 595,144,03 820,117.67

19,531,47 35.00

19,531.47 35.00

Total Expenditures

$

45,040,00 $ 2,244,495,96 $

76,000.00 $

19,566.47 $ 2,385,102.43

OTHER TRANSFERS AND ADDITIONS/ <DEDUCTIONS)

Transfers for Renewals and Replacements Transfers for Capital Projects Prior Period Adjustments (Net) Remittances to the Board of Regents
of the University System of Georgia Prior Year's Unrestricted Fund Balance (Surplus)

$

-2,410.34

1,058.83

-852.12

$

-1,232.18 $ -1,232.18

-17,196.47

-19,606.81

1,233.79

2,292.62

-852.12

Total Other Transfers and Additions/(Deductions)

$

-2,203.63

$

-17,194.86 $ -19,398.49

Net Increase/(Decrease) in Fund Balances

$

0.00 $

11,016.79 $

0.00 $

-15,233.40 $ -4,216.61

See accompanying notes and Independent Accountant's Combined Report on Review of Financial Statements and Supplementary Information.
- 22-

SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY SCHEDULE OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES COMPARED TO BUDGET
RESIDENT INSTRUCTION YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,1997

SCHEDULE "1"

REVENUES
State Appropriations Other Revenues Retained

CURRENT FUNDS
UNRESTRICTED

PLANT FUNDS RENEWALS AND
UNEXPENDED REPLACEMENTS

TOTAL (Budget Basis)

BUDGET

VARIANCE FAVORABLE (UNFAVORABLE)

$

45,040,00

$

274,478,00 $ 319,518.00 $ 319,518,00 $

$

20,643,02

20,643.02

0.00

0.00 20,643.02

$

45,040.00 $

20,643.02 $

274,478,00 $ 340,161.02 $ 319,518.00 $

20.643,02

EXPENDITURES
Operating Expenses: Education, General and Departmental Services
Capital Outlay Special Funding Initiative

$

291,674,47 $ 291,674.47 $ 274,478.00 $

-17,196.47

$

23,053.36

23,053.36

0.00

-23,053,36

$

45.040,00

45,040,00

45.040.00

0.00

$

45,040.00 $

23,053.36 $

291,674,47 $ 359,767.83 $ 319,518,00 $

-40,249.83

Excess of Revenues over Expenditures $

0,00 $

-2,410,34 $

-17.196.47 $ -19.606.81

$

-19,606,81

See a=mpanying notes and Independent A=untant's Combined Report on Review of Financial Statements and Supplementary Information,
- 23-

SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY SCHEDULE OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES COMPARED TO BUDGET
OTHER ORGANIZED ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997

SCHEDULE "2"

REVENUES
State Appropriations Other Revenues Retained

CURRENT FUNDS

TOTAL

UNRESTRICTED RESTRICTED (Budget Basis)

BUDGET

VARIANCEFAVORABLE (UNFAVORABLE)

$

1,519,510.00

$ 1,519,510.00 $ 1.519,510.00 $

738,206,38 $ 2,240,163.83 2,978,370.21 3,024,270.00

0.00 -45,899.79

$

2,257,716.38 $ 2,240.163.83 $ 4,497.880.21 $ 4,543,780.00 $

-4. . ;. ;. :5. ;;.;89""'9.;.;.,7""-9

EXPENDITURES

Personal Services:

Education, General and Departmental

Services

$

1,570,961.14

$ 1,570,961.14 $ 1,739.039.00 $

Sponsored Operations

$ 1.411,799.99 1,411.799.99 1,161,075,00

Operating Expenses:

Education, General and Departmental

Services

673,534.82

673,534.82

554,741.00

Sponsored Operations

828,363.84

828,363.84 1,088,925.00

168,077.86 -250,724.99
-118,793.82 260.561.16

$

2,244,495.96 $ 2,240,163.83 $ 4,484,659.79 $ 4,543,780.00 $ _ _--0.59;..:.,.;.;.12""'0""'.2..:.,.1

Excess of Revenues over Expenditures

$

13.220.42 $

0.00 $ 13,220.42

$====13=,2=2=0=.4=2

See accompanying notes and Independent Accountant's Combined Report on Review of Financial Statements and Supplementary Information.
- 24-

SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY SCHEDULE OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES COMPARED TO BUDGET
LOTIERY FOR EDUCATION YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,1997

SCHEDULE "3"

REVENUES
State Appropriations Other Revenues Retained

CURRENT FUNDS PLANT FUNDS

TOTAL

UNRESTRICTED UNEXPENDED (Budget Basis)

BUDGET

VARIANCEFAVORABLE (UNFAVORABLE)

$

76,000,00 $

50,000.00 $ 126,000.00 $ 126,000.00 $

0.00

10,455.00

10,455.00

0.00

10,455.00

$

76,000.00 $ 60,455.00 $ 136,455.00 $ 126,000.00 $

10,455,00

EXPENDITURES

Equipment, Technology and Construction

Trust Fund

Special Funding Initiatives

$

$ 76,000.00

60,455.00 $

60,455.00 $ 50,000.00 $

76,000.00

76,000.00

-10,455.00 0.00

$

76,000.00 $

60,455.00 $ 136,455.00 $ 126,000.00 $

-10,455.00

Excess of Revenues over Expenditures $

0.00 $

0.00 $

0.00

$

0.00

See accompanying notes and Independent Accountant's Combined Report on Review of Financial Statements and Supplementary Information.
- 25-

SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY CHANGES IN INVESTMENT IN PLANT YEAR ENDED JUNE 30.1997

Land Buildings Improvements Other Than Buildings Equipment Library Books and Collections

ADDITIONS

BALANCE

CURRENT FUNDS

JULY 1,1996 UNRESTRICTED RESTRICTED

PLANT UNEXPENDED

$ 449,460.00

1,828,514.68

1,757,331.65 $

47,724.11

4,441,534.54

120,150.87 $ 192,179.86 $

50,820.20

144,596.41

7,871.89

$ 8,621,437.28 $

175,746.87 $ 192,179.86 $ ===50=,8:=2=0=.2=0

See accompanying notes and Independent Accountant's Combined Report on Review of Financial Statements and Supplementary Information.
- 26-

SCHEDULE "4"

FUNDS . RENEWALS AND REPLACEMENTS

DEDUCTIONS DISPOSALSI DELETIONSI ADJUSTMENTS

BALANCE JUNE 30, 1997

$ 449,460.00

$

64,283.68

1,892,798.36

118,275.89

1,923,331.65

2,540.00 $

32,376.51

4,774,848.96

152,468.30

$

185,099.57 $

32,376.51 $ 9,192,907.27

- 27-

SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY SCHEDULE OF FUND BALANCES
CURRENT FUNDS AND PLANT FUNDS JUNE 30,1997

RESIDENT INSTRUCTION

OTHER ORGANIZED ACTIVITIES

CURRENT FUNDS UNRESTRICTED
LOTTERY FOR AUXILIARY EDUCATION ENTERPRISES

NET INVESTMENT IN PLANT

Investment in Plant Facilities

RESTRICTED

Designated for Subsequent Years' Expenditures

UNRESTRICTED

Designated

For Inventory Reserve

$

183.23

For Renewals and Replacements Reserve

For SUbsequent Years' Expenditures

862,95

Surplus

Regular

$

0.00 $

11,868.91

Lottery for Education

$

0.00

$

0.00 $

11,868.91 $

0.00 $

1,046.18

$

0.00 $

11,868.91 $

0.00 $ ==,,;,!,1,=04=6...1..=8

See accompanying notes and Independent Accountant's Combined Report on Review of Financial Statements and Supplementary Information.
- 28-

SCHEDULE "5"

RESTRICTED

PLANT FUNDS

UNEXPENDED

LOTTERY FOR RENEWALS AND

REGULAR

EDUCATION REPLACEMENTS

INVESTMENT IN PLANT

TOTAL

$ 9,192,907.27 $ 9,192,907.27

$ 107.569.47

$ 107.569.47

$

0.00

_____ $

$

0.00 $

$ 107,569.47 $

0.00 $

$

3,585.27

$

183.23

3,585.27

862.95

....;;0....;;.0=-0 0.00 $ _ _-=3,=58=5=.2~7

11.868.91

0.00

$

16,500.36

0.00 $=====3,=58=5=.2:=.7 $ 9,192,907.27 $ 9,316,977.10

-29 -

SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY RECONCILIATION OF SALARIES AND TRAVEL
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,1997

SCHEDULE "6"

Totals per Annual Supplement

Adjustments

Shared Services on Jointly Staffed Personnel

Armstrong Atlantic State University

King,

Linda

Other

Frischner,

Marc

Totals per Report

DISTRIBUTION BY FUND
CURRENT FUNDS Unrestricted Resident Instruction Special Funding Initiative Other Organized Activities Auxiliary Enterprises Restricted Other Organized Activities
PLANT FUNDS Renewals and Replacements

SALARIES $ 2,370,241.46 $

TRAVEL 101,418.17

-4,715.10 -6,650,00
$ 2,358,876,36 $ 101,418,17

$

25,200.00 $

1,151,334,76

3,947.69

1,161,197.44

17,196.47

846.10 24,400.36
76,171.71

$ 2,358,876.36 $ 101,418.17

See accompanying notes and Independent Accountant's Combined Report on Review of Financial Statements and Supplementary Information.
- 30-

SECTION II AUDlTEE'S RESPONSE TO PRIOR YEAR FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS

SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY AUDITEE'S RESPONSE
SUMMARY SCHEDULE OF PRIOR YEAR FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997

PRIOR YEAR FINANCIAL STATEMENT FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS

FINDING CONTROL NUMBER AND STATUS

593-96-01

Unresolved - See Corrective Action/Responses

CORRECTIVE ACTIONIRESPONSES

ACCOUNTING CONTROLS (OVERALL) Inadequate Separation of Duties Finding Control Number 593-96-01

Skidaway Institute is a small operation with a total staff of only three employees in fiscal affairs office. This size staff makes it almost impossible to establish a logical work flow and satisfy the principle ofseparation of duties. Skidaway Institute will continue to review operations to determine if duties can be reassigned to achieve a higher degree of internal control with existing staff.

SECTION ill CURRENT YEAR FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS

SKIDAWAY INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND OUESTIONED COSTS
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30. 1997

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS

ACCOUNTING CONTROLS (OVERALL) Inadequate Separation of Duties Finding Control Number: FS-593-97-01

In the year under review, the Institute did not provide for adequate separation of duties in the performance of accounting functions and related procedures. This deficiency was a result of management's decision to limit the number of administrative staff responsible for accounting functions. Management should periodically review this decision to determine if employee duties can be reassigned to achieve a higher degree of internal control with existing staff. These weaknesses in internal control pertain to all funds and programs administered by the Institute. The control categories affected are as follows:

(1) Cash and Cash Equivalents

(3) Expenditures/Liabilities/Disbursements

(2) Revenues/Receivables/Receipts

(4) General Ledger

Separation of duties involving key accounting functions is the basis for achieving an adequate system of internal control.