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.

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For announcements and resources related to ARPA funds and the impacts of COVID-19, visit our Local Government ARPA Resources page.

ARPA Resources

 

Click in the search box below to access blog archives or find blogs related to a particular subject matter.

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Compensated Absences Exposure Draft

LGC staff reviewed the proposed guidance contained in the Compensated Absences Exposure Draft published by the GASB Board in February 2021 and provided the comments below to the Board and to the Technical Director. We urge NC local governments to pay attention to the GASB project schedules and provide comments as requested by the Board whenever time and resources permit

ARPA Webinar with NCLM, NCACC, and DST

Join the North Carolina League of Municipalities and the NC Association of County Commissioners for a Q&A session with the N.C. State Treasurer's office staff about the ARP funding for local governments. The webinar will discuss the specifics of accounting for American Rescue Plan funds for local governments.

New ARPA Guidance and Resources for Local Governments

NEW RESOURCE FROM GFOA ON ESTIMATING LOST REVENUE

For those of you that are members of GFOA, they have a new revenue replacement calculator to assist you in calculating the amount of lost revenue you can replace with ARPA funds.  It is behind their paywall so available only to members. Log in at GFOA.org to check it out.

Help Available for Residents Behind on Rent and/or Utility Bills

The State recently reopened applications for rent and/or utility bill assistance through its HOPE program. Residents can apply for assistance at 888-9ASK-HOPE or at hope.nc.gov in 88 of the 100 counties in North Carolina.

ARPA Funds Accounting, Auditing, and Budgeting Guidance

While there isn’t a lot of firm guidance available on ARPA funds, some aspects have become a little clearer with the issuance of the Interim Final Rule by the UST on May 11, 2021. SLG staff, as well as SOG and NCPRO staff, have been receiving a number of questions on the accounting, auditing, and budgeting of these funds.

2021 Treasurer's Conference

Registration is now open for the 2021 State Treasurer's Auditing, Reporting, and Review Conference. As in 2020, this conference will be provided virtually and will span multiple days - June 15, June 22, and June 24 from 9:30am-12pm each day. Cost is $225 for the entire course.

LGC-129 Reports Issued

Local Government Commission staff has emailed statements of debt service obligations to local governments, as required by North Carolina General Statute 159-35.

American Rescue Plan Funding Webinar May 11

The North Carolina League of Municipalities is hosting an “American Rescue Plan: Accessing Funding” webinar on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, from 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm. The League will be joined by staff from the NC Pandemic Recovery Office for a Q&A about the ARP funding for cities and towns.  The webinar is free, but registration is required.

Utility Service Rates – Are Your Rate Structures in Compliance with NC General Statutes?

As more fully explained in Professor Kara Millonzi’s blog on utility rates, local governments and public authorities must have a utility-based reason for charging Customer A one rate and Customer B a different rate for the same type of service, such as water, sewer, or elect

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.