The Balance Sheet
The Balance Sheet
The Balance Sheet is the blog of the Local Government Commission staff. Click below to sign up to receive email alerts when new blog posts are released.
For announcements and resources related to ARPA funds and the impacts of COVID-19, visit our Local Government ARPA Resources page.
Click in the search box below to access blog archives or find blogs related to a particular subject matter.
Budgeting for Debt- and Grant-Funded Capital Projects
Most local governments will embark on a capital project periodically, whether the project is for utilities, streets, or other purposes.
RAISE Grants from U.S. DOT
Please see this announcement from the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant opportunities.
ARPA Pre-Award Guidance
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has issued pre-award guidance for state and local governments with regard to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Please refer to their webpage for details.
Free HR Training Available from SERCAP
This course is currently full. Please see this blog post for details on a second section being offered on June 2.
GASB 87 (Leases) Course
The UNC School of Government and LGC staff are pleased to offer a virtual course: Leases – Implementation of GASB Statement 87. The two-day course will be held from 10am-12pm on Tuesday May 18 and Thursday May 20.
Free Training on Tax Treatment of Fringe Benefits
The Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division of the IRS is offering a free webinar on Taxable Fringe Benefits. Please see the announcement below from the FSLG Newsletter:
SERCAP Water and Wastewater Financial Management Workshops
The Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project (SERCAP) is offering two regional workshops addressing water and wastewater utility finance.
GASB Financial Reporting Model Project Documents
LGC staff are developing responses to the GASB Board related to the four GASB financial reporting model project documents located at https://gasb.org/exposuredocuments.
Water and Wastewater Finance Strategies Workshop
UNC School of Government’s Environmental Finance Center is hosting its annual "Water and Wastewater Finance Strategies Workshop" on Feb. 24 – 26, 2021. The virtual workshop will cover a variety of important topics including Viable Utility Reserve legislation, COVID-related funding and issues, DWI and USDA funding programs, planning, utility financial management, and more.
Upcoming Audit Report Deadline
Reminder - The extended due date for local government audit reports with a June 30, 2020 fiscal year end is January 31, 2021 at 11:59 pm. Note that although the 31st falls on a Sunday, the due date remains the 31st at 11:59 pm.
Local Government Finance Course – Openings and Overview
Interested in learning more about the pre-audit function? The budget development process? The role of the finance officer and governing board in the annual audit?
Beginning this month, local government finance employees have many options to learn more about these topics – and many more – through the “Local Government Finance in North Carolina – A Practical Approach,” course.
Compliance Supplement Addendum
The federal government has issued the 2020 Compliance Supplement Addendum that many auditors have been waiting for to finish up compliance audits. Please see the addendum here.
New 1099 Form for 2020
Local governments need to be aware that there is a new 1099 form for 2020 filing – the 1099 NEC. NEC stands for non-employee compensation and this new form must be used in lieu of a 1099 MISC for reporting payments to individuals other than employees. The $600 reporting minimum still applies, as does the "no minimum" requirement for attorneys and health care providers.