HomeMy WebLinkAboutAuditing Services PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL
AUDITING SERVICES TO
TR UCKEE DONNER
PUBLIC UTILITYDISTRICT
FOR THE YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31, 2005
AND THE TWO SUBSEQUENT YEARS
PRESENTED BY:
KAFOURY, ARMSTRONG & CO., LLP
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUVTANTS
CONTACT:
FELICIA R. O'CARROLL, CPA, MST
PARTNER
6140 PLUMAS STREET
RENO, NEVADA 89509-6060
(775) 689-9100
October 11, 2005
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL i-ii
z., FIRM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE AND COMMITMENT 1-4
OTHER PERTINENT CRITERIA 5
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ENGAGEMENT TEAM 6-8
STATEMENT OF INTEREST AND QUALIFICATIONS 9-18
FEE INFORMATION Provided Separately
ATTACHMENTS:
ATTACHMENT I —Resumes 19-22
s" ATTACHMENT 2 —Peer Review Opinion 23-26
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A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
CERIIHED PUBLIC ACCOt NTANTS
6140 PLUMS STREET
RENO,NEVADA 89509-6060
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October 11, 2005
Mary Chapman
Administrative Services Manager.Treasurer
Truckee Donner Public Utility District
11570 Donner Pass Road
Truckee, CA 96161
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Dear Mary:
We appreciate the opportunity to propose professional auditing services to the
Truckee Donner Public Utility District. The enclosed proposal demonstrates how Kafoury;
Armstrong & Co_, LLP (KAC, LLP) is the firm most qualified to deliver professional
services to the Truckee Donner Public Utility District.
We understand the scope of the engagement requires a financial audit of the Truckee
Donner Public Utility District for the period ending December 31,2005 and a Single Audit
of the federal awards for the period ending December 31, 2005. The audit is to be
conducted in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America, generally accepted governmental auditing standards,the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Audit and Accounting Guide "Audits of State and
' Local Governments,"
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At KAC, LLP, a large part of our practice focuses on providing the highest level of
auditing and consulting services to the governmental sector. A team of knowledgeable
professionals experienced in governmental audits will provide you with service far
exceeding other accounting and consulting firms. Some of the reasons that we are the most
logical and best choice for providing service to you are as follows:
• You will have a, client service team dedicated to your engagement that
will provide service continuity throughout the duration of the
engagement.
• All members of the proposed engagement team have extensive experience
in auditing and consulting for governmental entities.
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Mary Chapman, Administrative Services Manager/Treasurer
Truckee Donner Public Utility District
October 11, 2005
Page 2
• You will receive high quality, individual service with a focus on close
personal attention and the proactive service delivery for which we are
noted.
• We will be available to consult with the Truckee Donner Public Utility
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District throughout the year.
• You will have our guarantee that fees billed for your audit will not be
higher than fees quoted even if the time required to conduct the
engagement is greater than anticipated (unless the scope of the
engagement is expanded).
Our estimated fee is based upon the assumption that the Truckee Donner Public
Utility District's accounting staff will provide reasonable assistance in the preparation of
working papers,analysis, schedules, and will pull supporting documents for our review.Our
fee estimate is also predicated on the assumption that the auditor selected will prepare the
financial statements. A detail of our fee structure is presented in a separate attachment to
this proposal.
We are always available to consult with the Truckee Donner Public Utility District
during the audit engagement and throughout the year. We believe issues are best dealt with
when they arise and our close proximity to your offices ensures that we can provide timely,
personal service.
Felicia R. O' Carroll,engagement partner located at the address indicated on the title
page, is authorized to make representations on behalf of the Firm and her signature with
respect to contracts or other documents will bind the Firm. This proposal is a firm and
irrevocable offer for auditing services for the fiscal year December 31, 2005 and the
subsequent two years.
With best regards,
KAFOURY, ARMSTRONG &CO., LLP
Felicia R. O'Carroll,Partner
FRO:ds
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KHOURY,ARMSTRONG&CO.,UP
A PROF2SSIDNAL CORPORATION
j Proposal for Professional Services Truckee Donner Public Utility District
F''IRM QUALIFICATIONS And EXPERIENCE And COMMITMENT
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WHAT MAKES KAFOURY ARMS TRONG& CO. LLP
THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR THE
`i TRUCKEE DOXIVER PUBLIC UTILITYDISTRICT?
• Local Firm Culture
t' As a wholly owned subsidiary ofKafoury,Armstrong, &Co.,the largest public accounting firm
in Nevada, servicing the area since 1941, KAC, LLP has earned a reputation for quality,
'i reliability and personal service. Providing an extensive range of accounting, auditing and
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consulting services to a number of governments and industries from all of our Nevada locations,
we offer the advantage of close personal involvement and attention that only a local firm culture
can provide. Our local presence throughout the state also provides us with an intimate and
extensive knowledge of the areas in which we work. The economic climate in Truckee closely
parallels that in Northern Nevada,while at the same time exhibiting characteristics unique to a
mountain destination locale.
• Partners, Management, and Staffing to Meet All Your Needs
With approximately 100 staff members statewide,we are able to provide the expertise to meet
all your requirements. We also can provide the unique capability of meeting your engagement
staffing requirements at the time during the year that best suits your schedule. This means that
work will be conducted at a time that best meets your business andlor personal needs. We
believe that the financial and compliance audits are performed most effectively together and our
proposal is based on this premise.
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In staffing the audit of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District, the KAC, LLP Reno office
will provide the majority of the audit team. The concurring partner review will be performed
F by a partner specifically experienced with the provision of retail electric services.
• Continuing Education
All members of our proposed engagement team receive more than the minimum required
education wider professional standards. Under Govermnent Auditing Standards, all partners,
managers, and senior auditors are required to receive at least 24 hours of governmental related
training every two years and at least 80 hours in audit and accounting training every two years.
This 80-hour requirement was recently mandated to ensure governmental auditors receive
training pertinent to the governmental audit environment. In addition,all of our staff receives in
excess of 40 hours per year in total continuing education,which exceeds the requirements under
state law.
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Proposal for Professional Services Truckee Donner Public Utility District
• Quality Review
KAC, LLP began with the premise that the quality of our service was the only foundation on
t which to build. In the selection and promotion of our partners and staff, in providing for their
continuing education, in constantly monitor ng the timeliness of our services,we are dedicated
first to quality. Consistent with this commitment, the Firm has elected to participate in and
conform to the requirements of the Center for Public Company Audit Firms of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Central to this decision was our judgment that the
independent peer review of our practice, compelled by that membership, is essential to the
maintenance of the standards of performance we have set for ourselves.
We subjected ourselves to periodic peer review early on under the supervision of the SEC
y Practice Section Division of Firms and have always received unqualified opinions that our
system of quality control meets the established standards of our profession. The most recent
review was conducted in July 2004 and included a number of governmental audits. A copy of
our latest peer review opinion is included as Attachment 2.
KAC, LLP has no record of substandard work with any State Board of Accountancy or the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). In addition,KAC, LLP has not
had any disciplinary actions imposed upon it by the AICPA, any other State Board of
Accountancy, the SEC, or any other regulatory body. We are not aware of any pending or
threatened litigation against the Firm. In addition,no federal or state desk reviews of our audits
have been conducted that have resulted in any substandard reports issued to our Firm.
• Continuity and Availability of Staff
We strive to maintain client staff assignments so that your time is not involved in retraining staff
`. assigned to your engagement. This translates into both time and dollar savings for you, and
results in increased productivity and efficiency. Our staff is available to conduct work when you
desire to have your engagement carried out. We optimize our staff scheduling to meet client
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• Proactive Client Service Orientation
When providing an audit, or any other type of service, the premium value that we provide is
much greater than a financial statement. We accompany our reports with actionable advice and
a complete graphical presentation of the financial statements, if requested. Helping you realize
your full potential is a natural extension of a comprehensive business relationship. You are
given recommendations that we feel would improve your efficiency and we look for
opportunities that you may capitalize upon. All this is done in a professional manner, making
certain that each member of your management team and your staff are treated courteously and
with the utmost respect.
Proposal for Professional Services Truckee Donner Public Utility District
• Extensive Range of Services—Audit and Accounting
The Audit and Accounting Department at KAC,LLP is extensive. We focus on the following
key performance parameters:
Provide the most beneficial management letter possible—The training given to our upper
level staff in management advisory skills is unique and valuable.
Provide excellent client service — We are dedicated to meet the ongoing needs of our
clients. We go to great lengths to customize our services to fit our clients' needs.
Develop strong client relationships—We have an excellent client retention record and our
reputation in the State of Nevada and Northern California is superior.
Be efficient—We continue to strive to train our audit staff on audit efficiency principles.
i" Maximize partner involvement—Our partners are involved in the planning and fieldwork
stages, in addition to reviewing the work of the engagement team. The audit team consists
of members at all levels within our Finn.
t • Guaranteed Pricing on Quoted Fees
One of the most important benefits that we provide is our guaranteed pricing on quoted fees.We
extend this guarantee to you. You will pay only the amount of our engagement proposal quotes
even if the hours we provide go beyond the amount that is quoted. You can be assured that
there will be no surprises related to fee increases. You have our commitment that M additional
t services relative to scope changes will be negotiated before commencement of the work.
Our quoted fee assumes that staff from the Truckee Donner Public Utility District will be
available to provide us with the following assistance:
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♦ Preparation of cash and other confirmation requests;
♦ Documents pulled as necessary for testing procedures;
i" ♦ Schedules and reconciliations of account balances.
• Equal Opportunity
KAC, LLP is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action. We recruit, employ and
promote without regard to race,religion, age, sex, national origin or disability.
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Proposal far Professional Services Truckee Donner Public Utility District
' • Unparalleled Experience in Providing Auditing Services to Governmental Entities
KAC, LLP is a leader in providing audits to govermmental local entities within the State of
Nevada. All six of our offices maintain significant auditing practices,which provides expertise
on a statewide basis to draw from. We are confident that our clients have benefited from our
expertise and our years of experience in dealing effectively with the wide variety of accounting,
i reporting information systems, and tax issues facing governments today. Our statement of
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t:. interest and qualifications is incorporated into this proposal and demonstrates our extensive
governmental audit experience.
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Proposal for Professional Services Truckee Donner Public t tinily District
OTHER PERTINENT CRITERIA
}- • Independence
KAC, LLP meets the independence standards of generally accepted auditing standards and
the General Accounting Office's(GAO) Government Auditing Standards(2003 Revision).
KAC,LLP requires each employee to make a formal affirmative statement of independence
on a regular basis. By review of these statements of independence, we have determined
KAC, LLP is independent with regard to the Truckee Donner Public Utility District.
' • License to Practice
KAC, LLP is licensed as a partnership to engage in public accounting in the State of
California (California license number 6243).
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Proposal for Professional Services Truckee Donner Public Utility District
ENGAGEMENT TEAM
In staffing the audit of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District, the KAC, LLP Reno office will
provide the partner in charge of the engagement, the project manager,the audit managers in charge
of the fieldwork, and the staff auditors, as necessary.
Our proposed engagement team includes;
Years of
Audit
Exgerienee
Engagement Partner, Felicia R. O'Carroll 30
t Compliance Partner, Laurel D. Jackson 15
--• Project Manager, Kristen Burgess I l
Compliance Audit Manager, Debra J.S. Clark 7
Financial Audit Manager, Sheri Russell 7
A detailed outline of the engagement responsibilities is included in the following pages. In addition,
profiles of the engagement team are included as Attachment i_
Engagement
Compliance Partner Project
Parh�er Manager
Administrative
'^ Audit
Staff Managers
Staff
Auditors
• Responsibilities
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Proposal for Professional Services Truckee Donner Public Utility District
• Responsibilities
Engagement Partner—Felicia R.O'Carroll
The engagement partner has the ultimate responsibility for assuring that the audit is
performed properly and in a timely fashion. She will serve as a consultant to the engagement
team,review the more technical areas of fieldwork and obtain and review periodic reports on
the audit progress. She has primary responsibility for the review of workpapers and for the
reports issued.
Compliance Partner—Laurel A Jackson
The compliance partner has the responsibility of providing an independent review of the final
draft of the audit reports for their format,content and compliance with required standards of
,., reporting and disclosure. The compliance review is performed by someone denoted in the
firm as an "expert" in the industry and is performed after all fieldwork and financial
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statement work has been completed.
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Project Manager—Kristen Burgess
The project manager will oversee all of the audit activities and be responsible for contact
with the Truckee Donner Public Utility District The project manager will provide the
technical review and assist on the more specialized and complex portions of the engagement.
The manager will be responsible for the execution of the fieldwork and will coordinate and
direct the entire engagement including the supervision of the audit managers and staff
auditors. She will be present at all conferences to discuss the audit plan,progress, and the
draft report with management.
Audi Managers—Sheri Russell and Debra S.T. Clark
The audit managers auditor will assist the project manager, as necessary, including the
supervision of staff auditors. In addition,the audit managers will perform the more complex
areas of the financial and compliance audit functions as required.
StaffAuditors
The staff auditors will be assigned to the audit full time, as necessary and have the
responsibility of professional performance of the work areas assigned by the audit managers
as detailed by the audit programs.
Proposal for Professional Services Truckee Donner Public Utility District
Administrative Staff
The clerical staff has the responsibility of typing the financial statements, including
footnotes, the supplementary data, the management letter; and correspondence. They also
support the audit team, as necessary.
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Proposal for Professional Services Truckee Donner Public Utility District
STATEMENT OF INTEREST And QliALIFICATIONS
1
The following is our Statement of Interest and Qualifications previously submitted:
1. Kafoury,Armstrong&Co. is a Professional Corporation functioning as a public accounting firm
with six offices in Nevada: Reno,Elko,Fallon,Las Vegas,Winnemucca,and Yerington. KAC,
LLP is a wholly owned subsidiary ofKafoury,Armstrong&Co. formed to conduct business in
California. KAC,LLP is interested in providing auditing services to the Truckee Dormer Public
Utility District.
2. The number of staff employed by the Finn as of July 1, 2005, is as follows:
Las
s Reno Elko Fallon Vegas Winnemucca Yerineton Total
Certified
' Shareholders 6 3 4 3 3 2 21
Senior Managers 2 1 2 0 0 0 5
Managers 6 0 0 4 0 0 10
Seniors 0 2 0 0 0 0 2
Staff Accountants 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Consultants(P/T)* 3 1 0 0 0 0 4
Total Certified 17 7 6 7 3 2 42
Noncertified
IT 4 0 0 0 0 0 4
Seniors 1 0 0 0 0 0 1
Staff Accountants 8 2 1 5 3 1 20
Paraprofessional 6 3 3 2 3 1 18
Secretarial and
Other Office 8 3 4 2 2 2 21
Other Nonprofessional 5 0 0 0 0 0 5
Consultants(P/T) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total Noncertitied 32 8 8 9 8 4 69
Grand Total 2 15 14 16 11 -6 1U
*Consultants include former shareholders wonting under contract for Kafoury,Armstrong&Co.
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Proposal for Professional Services Truckee Donner-Public Utility District
;. The following is a list of shareholders, senior managers and managers with Federal, State, and
local government audit responsibilities including involvement with Federal grant audits.
Resumes of the individual marked with an asterisk, the proposed upper level audit team, are
attached(see Attachment 1).
Reno Office
Felicia O'Carroll, Shareholder*
Pam Dory-Truss, Senior Manager
Kristen Burgess, Senior Manager*
,.. Kelly Koliha, Manager
Dan Rushin, Manager
Debbie Clark, Manager*
-" Tammy Love, Manager
Sheri Russell, Manager*
1 Christy Ochsner, Manager
Elko Office
Bob Heguy, Shareholder
Jeri Norton, Shareholder
Teri Gage, Shareholder
William Morris, Senior Manager
Fallon Office
Jim Johnson, Shareholder
Laurel Jackson, Shareholder
Lynne Parsons, Senior Manager
Las Vegas Office
Tom Brooker, Shareholder
Tami Miramontes, Shareholder
Anna Danchik,Manager
Jessica Colvin,Manager
Winnemucca Office
Brian Belanger, Shareholder
Shelly Drake, Shareholder
Andree Rose, Shareholder
Yerington Office
Mark Arrighi, Shareholder
Joan Sciarani, Shareholder
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Proposal for Professional Services Truckee Donner Public Utility District
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4. OMB Circular A-133 audits of Federal grants and governmental agencies completed by
Kafoury, Armstrong& Co. in the recent past (2004 and/or 2003):
Unincorporated
Counties Cities Towns School Districts
Washoe Henderson Minden Washoe County
Carson City Sparks Gardnerville Clark County
Douglas Elko Genoa Carson City
Mineral Lovelock Hawthorne Humboldt County
Pershing Winnemucca Mina Churchill County
Elko Carlin Luring Elko County
i„ Humboldt Fallon Lander County
Churchill Fernley
Lander
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#..` Eureka
Clark
t Other Local Governmental units or Districts:
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (currently under audit)
' Clark County Health District
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Clark County Regional Flood Control District
Truckee Meadows Water Authority ✓
> Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District
Lovelock Meadows Water District L/
North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District
South Truckee Meadows General Improvement District
Walker Lake General Improvement District
West Wendover Recreation District
Douglas County Paramedic Ambulance District
East Fork Fire Protection District
Lovelock Valley Weed Control District
Mineral County Economic Development Authority
Mineral County Television District#1
Reno/Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority
Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility
Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency
Churchill County Economic Development Authority
Elko County Recreation District
Elko Convention Center
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Proposal for Professional Services Truckee Donner Public Utility District
Golcanda Fire Protection District
North Lyon County Fire Protection District
Henderson District Public Libraries
Western Nevada Community College Foundation
Cheat Basin College Foundation
Humboldt General Hospital
Pershing County Tourism Authority
Most all of the counties, cities and the Special Districts indicated in bold include
utility district operations.
.' State of Nevada agencies audited by Kafoury, Armstrong&Co. during 2004 andlor
2003:
Local Government Investment Pool
N-VEST
s Nevada Higher Education Tuition Trust Fund
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Sierra Forest Fire Protection District
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In addition,in 2004 and 2003 we completed both the financial and compliance audits
of the State of Nevada and completed numerous OMB A-133 compliance audits of
nonprofit organizations.
5. Our last peer review was completed as of July 2004 and we received an unmodified report, a
copy of which is included as Attachment 2.
6. Kafoury, Armstrong & Co. has issued consent letters in connection with bond issues for the
following during 2004 and/or 2003:
State of Nevada
Washoe County
Clark County
City of Henderson
Airport Authority of Washoe County
Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority
City of Sparks
Washoe County School District
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Proposal for Professional Services Truckee Donner Public. Utility District
7. The following is an overview of our audit methodology:
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Methodolotry:
Audit Policies and Procedures:
Our staff and shareholders continually search for the most innovative ways to implement
r transformational change, while continuing to make audits more value-added. We have
sjoined a number of other regional firms from around the country who participate in
AuditWatch. AuditWatch is the leading consulting firm in the nation providing consulting
+. services to CPA firms interested in leading the profession with innovative audit techniques.
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While we have strived to give all of our clients our best performance in the past, we
continue to look for new solutions and cutting edge information in order to enhance our
ability to serve our clients on a timely basis.
We focus on the following when developing our audit policies and procedures:
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➢ Areas of business and operational risk.
Control measures in place to mitigate such risk.
` ➢ The effectiveness of those controls.
Audit Work Plan:
We have customized our audit procedures to ensure our clients have first-hand experience
of our commitment to provide the most efficient and timely service, as well as provide
constructive information for future success. Our goals are to provide clients with the kind
of attention that will result in early detection and identification of problems and assist in
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developing a Ian to solve them. We also strive to maintain an communication o P � P
allowing for continual brainstorming of ideas among all members of the audit team.
Our experience auditing governments over the past fifty years provides a reliable tool for
developing our audit work plan. We may make modifications to the timing of the audit
based on discussions with various client personnel prior to commencing the engagement,
but will be sure to communicate these changes when appropriate. This thorough planning
process is important as it ensures the best people are available to work on the job at all
times. As you know, it's advantageous to all individuals involved that there be as little
disruption as possible to the daily operations of the entity. With our unparalleled
commitment to provide returning staff, we are confident we can achieve this goal.
You can expect a progress report along with a progress billing,to be delivered each month
from the date of the award until each final report has been delivered.
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Proposal for Professional Services Truckee Donner Public Utility District
Financial Audit:
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Advance Planning and Continuing Audit Management—November-December:
z As we map out the audit plan we involve all members of the audit team. However, the
primary responsibility lies with the Engagement Partner and the Project Manager. We will
prepare a risk assessment to assist us in identifying internal and external factors that may
impact our assessment of organizational risk.
During this advance planning stage, we will initiate the requirements of SAS 99,
"Consideration of Fraud in a Financial Statement Audit." The required elements of SAS 99
will involve all members of the financial audit team and will include:
➢ Brainstorming and discussing the risk of material misstatement due to fraud.
➢ Inquiry of selected individuals about the risk of fraud and awareness of any
occurrences of fraud.
➢ Designing audit tests that are not predictable and are performed in areas that
might otherwise be considered low risk,including procedures that respond to
" the risk of management override.
In addition, we will perform preliminary analytical review procedures. As defined by
Statement on Auditing Standards(SAS)No. 56,analytical procedures are required in both
i the planning and overall review stages of an audit. They may also be used as a substantive
test of account balances. Preliminary analytical review is conducted for the purpose of
assisting in planning the nature, timing and extent of our auditing procedures. These
analytical procedures help our staff in enhancing their understanding of the entity's
., operations,transactions, and events that have occurred since the previous audit. They also
help us identify any areas that could present specific risks relevant to the audit. These
preliminary analytical procedures will primarily consist of reviewing changes in account
balances from the prior year, analyzing five-year trends in account balances and meeting
with various departments when appropriate.
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ProPosal.for Professional Services Truckee Donner Public Utility District
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Evaluation and Documentation of Internal Controls (Accounting and IT)—November-
December:
Our familiarity with the inner workings of local governments,particularly those similar in
size and nature to Truckee Donner Public Utility District (District) means less time will
need to be spent updating our permanent records on internal controls and control
procedures in years after the first. This will allow us to focus our attention and document
areas of change with respect to internal controls and control procedures. We can then be
assured that our consideration of internal controls is based on up-to-date information.
Development of the Audit Program—November-December:
Once the internal control phase is complete, we will begin refining our strategy for
approaching the audit. We will develop and refine a specialized audit portfolio of
procedures customized to the District based upon our previous experience with similar
' entities. It will then be customized further for items specific to the District.
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We will begin the preliminary fieldwork and revise these procedures as needed. It is at thus
time we have found audit perspective to be most sharply focused. As noted above, steps
will be modified based upon the special needs of the District.
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Interim Testing and Preliminary Work—November-December:
Internal control testing supports our conclusions about the internal controls on which we
intend to rely and is generally conducted prior to year end. This testing covers the
following areas:
Cash receipts
Cash disbursements
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➢ Payroll and personnel
Inherent to the systems of internal control are the laws and regulations of the area(in the
case of the District,the State of California Public Utility District Act) and various internal
policies and procedures. During our control testing, we examine transactions to assure
proper observance of these internally and externally mandated fiscal requirements. We
have customized our audit programs to incorporate these requirements so they may be
addressed early in the preliminary fieldwork segment.
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Proposal for-Professional Services Truckee Donner Public Utility District
Final Field Work and Review of Financial Statements -Februarv-March:
Final fieldwork consists primarily of substantive testing and documentation of balances and
other information presented in the financial statements.
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The timing of final fieldwork for the financial audit will, to a large extent, depend on the
timetable established by the client. Final fieldwork will be accomplished under the
s' following approach:
➢ Several large audit areas are susceptible to cross-fund and/or cross-department
_•>.� testing such as cash and investments, interest receivable, accounts payable,
contracts and retentions payable and accrued payroll. Testing of these areas will
begin in mid-to-late February.
.�� ➢ Testing can commence once all of the material adjustments have been posted.
We will clear any open items from the internal control testing over payroll and
disbursements.
➢ We will test the revenue cycle from the meter-reading phase through collections.
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Any control work over revenue performed during interim fieldwork will be
supplemented with year end cut-off testing.
➢ We will substantiate capital asset additions, analyze disposals, and test
depreciation.
➢ We will prepare(or review, as appropriate)the financial statements and the notes
, to the financial statements. We will review the required supplementary
information, including Managements Discussion and Analysis.
£'( Compliance Audit:
Compliance Audit Plannine—November-December:
We will develop a methodology custom tailored to the District for applying the risk-based
approach to identifying major programs, mandated by OMB Circular A-133. We will
request a preliminary Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards and from this a
calculation will be made to define the threshold for determining Type A and Type B
programs. The threshold for Type A programs will be the greater of 5300,000 or 3% of
total federal expenditures. All federal programs other than Type A programs will be
classified as Type B.
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Proposal for Professional Services Truckee Donner Public Utility District
Risk assessments will be performed on all Type A programs. Factors such as prior audit
experience, size of program,federal oversight,and complexityof compliance requirements
will be evaluated. In addition, OMB Circular A-133 stipulates that in order for a Type A
program to be determined low risk,it must have been audited as a major program in at least
one of the two most recent audit periods and have had no findings that would be
categorized as reportable conditions or material weaknesses. All Type A programs
i assessed as high risk will be audited as major programs.
Type B programs will then be analyzed. Risk assessments will be performed to identify
high-risk Type B programs. One of two methods will be used to replace low risk Type A
�. programs with high-risk Type B programs. Low risk Type A programs can be replaced
one-for-one with high-risk Type B programs or one-half of the high-risk Type B programs
can be audited in place of the low risk Type A programs. The specific option used will
depend on the number of Type B programs and will be based on our experience. In
assessing which of the Type B programs are high risk, consideration will be given to the
higher dollar programs. In addition to these procedures, we will check the most recent
OMB Compliance Supplement and will inquire of the District if notification has been
4 received from any federal agency requiring a program to be assessed as high risk and tested
as a major program.
{- The final determination of major programs will be evaluated to ensure the required level of
coverage is achieved.
Compliance Audit Testing—February-March:
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Once a program has been determined to be a major program, the process of auditing the
program begins. The following procedures are performed:
°` ➢ We contact the individual responsible for administering the program and
schedule an entrance conference.
,_ ➢ We obtain the compliance supplement for the program,if one has been issued.
If a compliance supplement has not been issued, we obtain relevant grant
information from the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, the Notice of
Grant Award, and other pertinent grant documents.
Based on the information learned in the entrance conference, the compliance
supplement, and the grant documents we develop our understanding of the
purpose and restrictions of the grant.
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Proposal for Professional,Services Truckee Donner Public Utility District
➢ We detemime which of the fourteen OMB Circular A-133 compliance
requirements are applicable to the grant. For the applicable requirements, we
determine if they are "direct and material' to the grant. This is a subjective
determination that requires the auditor to assess the likelihood that
noncompliance with the requirement would result in a questioned cost or in the
grantor taking action.
r ➢ For those compliance requirements deemed direct and material,we evaluate the
internal control procedures in place to ensure compliance. We must plan our
testing of the internal control procedures to achieve a low level of control risk.
Internal control testing is most often accomplished through a combination of
.. sampling, observation and inquiry.
r%< ➢ Once our internal control testing is complete, we test the District's compliance
with those requirements deemed direct and material. Our compliance tests
must provide us with sufficient evidential matter to document that the District
materially complied with the compliance requirements applicable to each major
program.
➢ Once the testing phase is complete,we assess the degree of any noncompliance
and the adequacy of internal controls. If the noncompliance is material in
relation to a compliance requirement or the internal controls are not adequate to
ensure compliance, a finding is reported in the Schedule of Findings and
Questioned Costs. If the finding relates to internal control,it will be classified
as either a reportable condition or a material weakness, depending on the
severity of the finding. If the finding is compliance in nature,it will generally
be accompanied by a questioned cost. If the noncompliance is not material,we
:= verbally communicate the results of our testing to the appropriate grant
personnel.
Concurrine Review Financial Audit and Compliance Audit—March:
The financial statements of the District will be reviewed by a partner independent of the
fieldwork. This partner is particularly skilled in the financial reporting requirements of
governmental entities and will ensure the financial statements comply with standards of
presentation and disclosure.
Exit Conference (Financial)—March:
We will review the results of the audit process with the District Board and present to them,
' if requested.
18
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Attachment 1
i
t
-- PROFILE
Felicia R. O'Carroll, CPA, MST En,-a,Qement Partner
Education: B.S. Business Administrations
s University of Nevada, Reno
Masters of Science in Taxation,
Golden Gate University
1
5
Experience. 30 years with Kafoury, Armstrong &Co,
Government Experience: 30 years
<.l OVERVIEW
Felicia is a Partner in the Reno office whose practice includes many ofKafoury Armstrong&Co.'s
governmental audit clients. She has served as a member of the Special Review Committee of the Government
Finance Officers Association.
As the Engagement Partner, Felicia will be responsible for assuring that the audit is performed
properly and in a timely fashion. She will serve as a consultant to the engagement team, review the more
£ technical areas of fieldwork and obtain and review periodic reports on the audit process. She has primary
responsibility for the review of work papers and for the reports issued. She will be present at the entrance,
t progress, and exit conferences and will be on-site or available during field work. She is known for her
g .
diligence in maintaining high standards for work produced during an audit.
1
Felicia has been the engagement shareholder for the following engagements:
Single Audits of: Financial Audits of:
➢State of Nevada ➢South Truckee Meadows
�,Washoe County General Improvement District
➢City of Lovelock ➢Reno-Sparks Convention &
Carson City Visitors Authority
;t City of Henderson
➢Pershing County
➢Truckee Meadows Water Authority
Memberships:
➢AICPA
➢Nevada Society of CPAs
➢Government Finance Officers Association
➢Nevada Government Finance Officers Association
19
x
Attachment 1
PROFILE
Kristen Burgess, CPA Project Manager
Education: B.S. Business Administration,
California State University, Northridge
Experience: 1 I years with Kafoury, Armstrong & Co.
. � r
Government Experience: I years
------------
OVERVIEW
F
Kristen is a senior manager in the Reno office and has served as the financial audit manager for many
of the Firm's largest governmental clients. Kristen will assist the Engagement Partner in organizing and
carrying out the financial audit. She will maintain contact with the various departments and perform the more
f; Y g P
difficult and complicated financial functions. She will also be responsible for review of the work product
s prepared by the senior and staff auditors. Kristen is known for her commitment to strong client
communications and a consistent work ethic.
.. Kristen has served as lead auditor on the following engagements:
Single Audits of: Financial Audits and/or Consulting Encagemems for:
➢Truckee Meadows Water Authority ➢Public Employees Retirement System of
t. ➢State of Nevada Nevada(PERS)
➢City of Sparks r,Heritage Bank of Nevada
9Carson City 9Board of Continuing Legal Education
➢Pershing County
Memberships:
�,AICPA
➢Nevada Society of CPAs
➢Nevada Government Finance Officers Association
20
v. Attachment I
PROFILE
r
Debra J.S. Clark, CPA ComnlianceAudit Mana:er
Education: B,S. in Business Administration,
s University of Nevada, Reno
Experience: 7 years with Kafoury, Armstrong&Co.
Government Experience: 7 years -
i
OVERVIEW
Debra is currently a manager in the Reno office. Debra will be responsible for coordinating the audit
.? of the District's major progams under OMB Circular A-133. Debra's knowledge of the Single Audit
requirements makes her a key member of the compliance audit team. Debra is known for her team approach
and conscientious efforts.
Debra has coordinated Single Audits on the following engagements:
Single Audits of:
➢State of Nevada
➢City of Reno
- 9 Washoe County School District
➢City of Sparks
➢Washoe County
9Pershing County
➢Reno Tahoe Airport Authority
tez
Memberships:
➢AICPA
➢Nevada Society of CPAs
' ➢Nevada Government Finance Officers Association
21
x-.
Attachment i
- PROFILE
Sheri Russell, CPA Financial Audit ManapeP
Education: B.S. Business Administration, a-
University of Nevada, Reno r
Experience: 7 years with Kafoury, Armstrong& Co.
{ Government Experience: 7 years
x OVERVIEW
»; Sheri is a manager in the Reno office. Sheri will be assigned to the financial audit and have the
responsibility of professional performance of the work as detailed by the audit programs. Sheri's experience
with California requirements makes her a key member of the financial audit team. Sheri is known for her
willingness to accept responsibility and her perseverance.
Sheri serves as manager on the following engagements:
t '
Single Audits of. Financial Audits and/or Consultin¢Engagements for:
9State of Nevada ➢Northern Nevada Trust Funds
iCity of Sparks ➢Western Title Co.
f ➢Carson City
.';,Pershing County
➢Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
Memberships:
s
>AICPA
➢Nevada Society of CPAs
➢:Nevada Government Finance Officers Association
22
\
\ ATTACak£¥I 2
\
\ Peer Review Opinion
\
\
\
\
\
\
gS
3.
Attachment 2
t
Postlethwaite &Netterville
A Professional A=o M. g Corpomiion
.Asscdntd Offims,n Principal Cities of the United St tes
www.pncpa.com -
z ,
t' I
r To the Shareholders
LKafoury, Armstrong&Co.
and the Center for Public Company Audit Firms Peer Review Committee
" We have reviewed the system of quality control for the accounting and auditing practice of Kafoury, Armstrong
& Co_ (the firm) applicable to non-SEC issuers in effect for the year ended December 31, 2003. The firm has
f`
x-, informed us that it did not audit SEC-issuers for the year ended December 31,2003. A system of quality contra
encompasses the firm's organizational structure and the policies adopted and procedures established to provide
it with reasonable assurance of complying with professional standards. The elements of quality control are
2>; described in the Statements on Quality Control Standards issued by the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants (the AICPA). The design of the system, and compliance with it,are the responsibilities of the firm.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the design of the system, and the firm's compliance with that
system based on our review.
y '
". Our review was conducted in accordance with standards established by the Peer Review Committee of the
Center for Public Company Audit Firms and included procedures to plan and perform the review that are
summarized in the attached description of the peer review process. Our review would not necessarily disclose
all weaknesses in the system of quality control or all instances of lack of compliance with it since it was based
on selective tests. Because there are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of quality control,
departures from the system may occur and not be detected. Also, projection of any evaluation of a system of
quality control to future periods is subject to the risk that the system of quality control may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may
deteriorate.
f'
z In our opinion, the system of quality control for the accounting and auditing practice applicable to the non-SEC
issuers of Kafoury, Armstrong&Co. in effect for the year ended December 31, 2003 has been designed to meet
the requirements of the quality control standards for an accounting and auditing practice established by the
xh AICPA, and was complied with during the year then ended to provide the firm with reasonable assurance of
r+
complying with applicable professional standards.
As is customary in a peer review, we have issued a letter under this date that sets forth continents relating to
certain policies and procedures or compliance with them. The matters described in the letter were not
considered to be of sufficient significance to affect the opinion expressed in this report.
Baton Rouge,Louisiana
July 13,2004
23
2 15 St. Patrick St. ^ P.O. Box 1190 Donaldsonville, IA 70346 • Tel:225.473.4179 Fax:225.473.7204
Attachment 2
i
Attachment to the Peer Review Report of Kafourv.Armstrong& Co.
Description of the Peer Review Process
5'
r.. Overview
Firms enrolled in the AICPA Center for Public Company Audit Firms (the Center)Peer Review Program have
3; their system of quality control periodically reviewed by independent peers. These reviews are system and
compliance oriented with the objectives of evaluating whether:
� The reviewed finn's system of quality control for its accounting and auditing practice applicable to non-
SEC issuers has been designed to meet the requirements of the Quality Control Standards established by
the AICPA.
o;
The reviewed firm's quality control policies and procedures applicable to non-SEC issuers were being
complied with to provide the firm with reasonable assurance of complying with professional standards.
�s
A peer review is based on selective tests and directed at assessing whether the design of and compliance with
the firm's system of quality control for its accounting and auditing practice applicable to non-SEC issuers
provides the firm with reasonable, not absolute, assurance of complying with professional standards.
Consequently a peer review on the firm's system of quality control is not intended to, and does not, provide
assurance with respect to any individual engagement conducted by the firm or that none of the financial
statements audited by the firm should be restated.
fF
The Center's Peer Review Committee (PRC) establishes and maintains peer review standards. At regular
meetings and through report evaluation task forces, the PRC considers each peer review, evaluates the
reviewer's competence and performance, and examines every report, letter of comments, and accompanying
response from the reviewed firm that states its corrective action plan before the peer review is finalized. The
' Center's staff plays a key role in overseeing the performance of peer reviews working closely with the peer
review teams and the PRC.
f`
ks Once the PRC accepts the peer review reports, letters of comments, and reviewed firms' responses, these
documents are maintained in a file available to the public. In some situations, the public file also includes a
signed undertaking by the firm agreeing to specific follow-up action requested by the PRC.
Firms that perform audits or play a substantial role in the audit of one or more SEC issuers, as defined by the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), are required to be registered with and have their
accounting and auditing practice applicable to SEC issuers inspected by the PCAOB. The firm did not audit
'- SEC issuers for the year ended December 31,2003.
Kafoury, Armstrong & Co. was never registered with the PCAOB. The firm resigned, declined to stand for
reelection, or has been dismissed as auditor of all SEC-issuers prior to the PCAOB's requirement that firms
discussed above be registered with the PCAOB by October 22, 2003. Therefore, during the year under review,
the firm's accounting and auditing practice applicable to SEC issuers, was not subject to the scope of this peer
review or the PCAOB's inspection.
24
Attachment 2
't
Planning the Review for the Firm's Accounting and Auditing Practice Applicable to Non-SEC Issuers
To plan the review of Kafoury, Armstrong& Co., we obtained an understanding of(1) the nature and extent of
the firm's accounting and auditing practice, and(2) the design of the firm's system of quality control sufficient
to assess the inherent and control risks implicit in its practice. Inherent risks were assessed by obtaining an
F.., understanding of the firm's practice, such as the industries of its clients and other factors of complexity in
z serving those clients, and the organization of the firm's personnel into practice units. Control risks were
assessed by obtaining an understanding of the design of the firm's system of quality control, including its audit
methodology, and monitoring procedures.Assessing control risk is the process of evaluating the effectiveness of
the reviewed firm's system of quality control in preventing the performance of engagements that do not comply
with professional standards.
_= Pei-forming the Review for the Firm's Accounting and Auditing Practice Applicable to Non-SEC Issuers
`I Based on our assessment of the combined level of inherent and control risks, we identified practice units and
selected engagements within those units to test for compliance with the firm's system of quality control. The
engagements selected for review included engagements performed under the Government Auditing Standards,
and audits of Employee Benefit Plans. The engagements selected for review represented a cross-section of the
finn's accounting and auditing practice with emphasis on higher-risk engagements. The engagement reviews
+ - included examining working paper files and reports and interviewing engagement personnel.
The scope of the peer review also included examining selected administrative and personnel files to determine
compliance with the firm's policies and procedures for the elements of quality control pertaining to
independence,integrity, and objectivity; personnel management; and acceptance and continuance of clients and
1.- engagements. Prior to concluding the review, we reassessed the adequacy of scope and conducted a meeting
with firm management to discuss our findings and recommendations.
z
25
Attachment 2
s Postlethwaite &Retten-Me
A Professional AccannHnq Corpordbn
Aesacioted Offices in Principal Cities of the United States
www.pncpa.com
To the Shareholder
Kafoury,Armstrong&Co.
II and the Center for Public Company Audit Firms Peer Review Committee
> -' We have reviewed the system of quality control for the accounting and auditing practice of Kafoury, Armstrong
& Co. (the firm) applicable to non-SEC issuers in effect for the year ended December 31,2003 and have issued
our report thereon dated July 13, 2004. The matters described below were not considered to be of sufficient
a'# significance to affect the opinion expressed in that report,which should be read in conjunction with this letter.
EnganementPerformanoe
Findui g—The firm's quality control policies and procedures require compliance with auditing standards relating
to obtaining an appropriate and tailored confirmation from management regarding significant representations.
In several instances on engagements reviewed,client representations lacked the following:
Tailored representations
Comparative dates when appropriate
Signatures of all appropriate management personnel
None of the individual instances were of such magnitude as to be a significant departure from auditing
standards. The previous peer review contained a finding on comparative dates required in client representation
letters.
Recommendation - The firm's training should emphasize the importance of appropriate tailoring, dating, and
t
signatures of client representations in accordance with professional standards. The shareholders should also pay
special attention to this area in the review of engagements. We also recommend that the firm address this area
" in its monitoring process.
l" Findin- — The firm's policies and procedures require documentation of all significant audit procedures. In
u several instances the documentation of communication to audit committees or groups serving in that capacity
was lacking. Based on conversations with engagement personnel discussions took place with the appropriate
committee but the details were not documented.
Recommendation —The firm should emphasize the documentation requirements of communications with audit
committees or groups serving in that capacity in its training sessions with professional staff and place special
emphasis in the review and monitoring processes.
Baton Rouge,Louisiana
July 13, 2004
26
215 St. Patrick St. • P.O. Box 1190 • Donaldsonville, L4 70346 • Tel:225.473.4179 • Fax: 225.473.7204
AUDIT FIRM NAME INTERVIEW DATE
Types of questions that could be asked during the audit interview:
1. What familiarity does your firm have with the electric industry?
2. What specific electric audit experience do you have?
3. What familiarity does your firm have with the water industry?
4. What specific water utility audit experience do you have?
5. Does your firm have any experience in auditing a utility providing fiber optic/telecom services
to the public? Was it an investor owned utility or a publicly owned utility?
6. For those firms that have done mostly audits for cities, counties, redevelopment agencies—
What experience have you had in auditing and advising utilities that do enterprise accounting?
(Most government agencies do Fund Accounting; the District's financial system is based on
enterprise accounting).
7. Are you and your staff familiar with the FERC or RUS chart of accounts?
8. What experience have you had with assisting your clients in implementing various GASBs
such as GASB 45? What type of accounting did these clients do? Was it Fund Accounting or
Enterprise Accounting?
9. Given what has happened in the Enron debacle, where does your company draw the line on
providing accounting or advisory services to your clients to avoid a conflict of interest?
10. If the District goes out to do a borrowing(e.g. Certificates of Participation), the audited
financial statements are included in the official statement. Does the District need to obtain
your firms permission to include the audit report in the official statement? If yes, is there a
charge? How much? Have your audits been included in bond issue official statements?
11. What kind of advisory services do you provide to your clients about what is taking place in the
electric and water industries? Do any of your partners/managers/senior staff attend electric
industry meetings? Water industry meetings? Which ones?
12. The District is asking for a Management Letter. How would you describe the contents and
purpose of a Management Letter?
13. What kinds of services do you provide your clients at no additional cost?
14. Materiality-how do you establish materiality? If something is considered immaterial, do you
still bring it to the attention of District staff so it can be recorded?
15. The District is usually ready for the auditors to do the audit during the first two weeks of April.
Will you be able to meet this schedule?
16. Will you be able to perform the A133 audit at the same time as the regular audit?
17. Under what circumstances would your bill for the audit exceed the proposal you have
presented today?
18. When would you propose to begin your field work?
19. What is a"comfort letter" and when would you issue one?
Jrruckeee Donner Pubfic UtilityDistrict -.
BUsmess Gffi.e (530) 537-3696 FAX 530; 587-5056 r c .5.
fqn T�"Aof
`,Vw:3m L Momasor
Pf=±er Ho'zmefster
October 14, 2005
Thomas E. Unke
Virchow Krause & company
P.O. Box 7398
Madison, WI 53707-7398
Dear Mr. Unke:
Thank you for your response to Truckee Donner PUD's request for statement of interest
and qualifications, the request for proposal for audit services and your presentation.
The Board of Directors has selected your firm to perform the District's 2005 annual audit,
with the option of auditing the financial statements for each of the two (2) subsequent
fiscal years. Please find below the summary of your proposal prices:
2005 Audit $45,000 (includes out-of-pocket expenses)
2005 A133 Single Audit $ 5,000
2006 Audit $47,000
2006 A133 Single Audit $ 5,000
2007 Audit $50,000
We look forward to working with your firm and feel your background in the utility industry
will be very beneficial to us.
Very truly yours,
t�
Peter L. Holzmeister
pest Office Sox M9 1570 Donner pass Road Truckee, California�%I SO
r 'Truckee Donner Public Utility District
Business Qftice ;530; -Br u89; FAX i13G1, 58" 5„*�
&i rifai klan.ger
Pear L.t#r.zr^e;ster
October 14, 2005
Felicia O'Carroll
Kristen Burgess
Sheri Russell
Kafoury, Armstrong & Co., LLP
6140 Plumes Street
Reno, Nevada 89509-6060
Dear Ms. O'Carroll, Burgess and Russell:
Thank you for your response to Truckee Donner PUD's request for statement of interest
and qualifications, the request for proposal for audit services to perform the 2005 annual
audit and your presentation.
Selecting a firm was difficult since you were all well qualified. We have chosen the firm
Virchow Krause & company who best meets our needs. Our choice in no way reflects
upon your excellent skills and abilities. We enjoyed meeting you, and the entire interview
panel asked me to convey to you their thanks for your presentation and the time you set
aside to meet with us.
Very truly yours,
Peter L. Holzmeister
PCs'i Office %;cat 309 ' 11570 Dormer Pass Road + Truckee, Califcrn;a 96160
Truckee Donner Public Utility District
r r , P AF,uera
Bus'ness Office 30 n q_ 3 96 , X 301 58 .if 55
t iMxn! ";;;,mason
Ger;er"-f
Peter�.Hoizmeister
October 14, 2005
Ronald Ley
Marta Williams
Damore, Hamric & Schneider, Inc.
2856 Arden Way, Suite 200
Sacramento, California 95825-1379
Dear Mr. Ley and Ms.Williams:
Thank you for your response to Truckee Donner PLID's request for statement of interest
and qualifications, the request for proposal for audit services to perform the 2005 annual
audit and your presentation.
Selecting a firm was difficult since you were all well qualified. We have chosen the firm
Virchow Krause & company who best meets our needs. Our choice in no way reflects
upon your excellent skills and abilities. We enjoyed meeting you, and the entire interview
panel asked me to convey to you their thanks for your presentation and the time you set
aside to meet with us.
Verytruly yours,
Peter L. Holzmeister
Post office Box '009 4 1 1 70 Doon r Pass goad c 2-ucKee Caitfornia'9617d
4 i
nit..,, v� #`
F
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Co. 4(,
Proposal for Professional Services Truckee Donner Public Utility District
FEE INFORMATION
SCHEDULE OF PROFESSIONAL FEES AND EXPENSES FOR THE
DECEMBER 31, 2005 AUDIT OF
THE TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DIS TRICT
Our fees are an all-inclusive maximum price amount including all direct and indirect costs and all
out-of-pocket expenses to perform the audit of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District for the year
ending December 31, 2005.
STANDARD
HOURLY
HOURS RATES" TOTAL
Partners 50 $180 S 9,000
Project Manager 90 160 14,400
Audit Managers 200 120 24,000
Staff Auditors 200 80 16,000
Administrative Staff 30 50 1,500
Total 570 64,900
Out-of-Pocket Costs 1,100
66 0.00
** Should any additional work be agreed to between the Truckee Donner Public Utility District
and KAC, LLP or should Truckee Donner Public Utility staff request assistance with new
GASB pronouncements or accounting changes, such work will be performed at our standard
hourly rates as quoted above.
The December 31, 2005 fee is weighted 80%to the financial audit, or$52,800, and 20%to
the compliance audit(which currently consists of only one major program),or$13,200. This
same ratio would hold for the June 30, 2006 and 2007 audits.
1
Proposal for Professional Services Truckee Donner-Public Utility District
Our fees for the subsequent two years are as follows:
Year ending December 31, 2006 $68,QOO
Financial audit $54,400
Compliance audit $13,600
Year ending December 31, 2007 70 000
Financial audit $56,000
Compliance audit $14,000
These fee quotes are based on the assumption that an OMB Circular A-133 audit will be
required in each of the years and the only major program will be the Capitalization Grant for
Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. If such an audit is not required for the year ending
December 31, 2006 or 2007 or if additional programs are subject to audit, we will provide
revised fee estimates to account for these changes in audit scope, once these facts are
established.
These fee quotes are also based on the assumption that the Telecommunications Operations
will not be functional during the time frame covered by the quotes. If the issues surrounding
this area of customer service are resolved and the division becomes operational or
construction begins, we will provide a new fee estimate to account for this change in audit
scope.
2
AMOK
A RI t
CHNEI E ,
INC.
October 6, 2005
Board of Directors
Truckee Donner Public Utility District
11570 Donner Pass Road
PO Box 309
Truckee, CA 96160
PROPOSAL FOR AUDITING SERVICES
To the Board of Directors:
We are interested in providing the following services to Truckee Donner Public Utility District
for the years ending December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007. Our proposed fees are shown for each
year of service.
2005 2006 2007
Annual Audit S 50,000 S 51,000 $ 53,000
Single Audit Procedures 8,000 8,000 (nla)
Out of Pocket Costs Not to Exceed 5,000 5,000 5,000
S 63,000 S 64,000 S 58,000
Our fee is based on the estimated time to be spent on your District's records. The time budget used
to calculate this fee is included in our proposal, Section IV—Audit Plan.
t>6 lade,1.1 t.tiLiae oo
Board of Directors
Truckee Donner Public Utility District
October 6, 2005
Page 2
Deliverables:
(A). We will prepare a report on the fair presentation of the financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles
(B). We will prepare 50 bound copies, an e-mailed PDF copy and one unbound copy for
photocopying.
(C). The completed package will also include a Management Report including a review of the
internal control structure based on the auditor's understanding of the control structure and
assessment of control risk.
(D). An OMB A-133 Single Audit report (when required).
Prior to issuing the final reports, we will present drafts to the District for review at a regularly
scheduled board meeting or a special meeting. Upon review and acceptance of the draft reports
by the Board of Directors, final reports will be issued.
Irregularities and Illegal Acts: We shall make an immediate, written report of all irregularities
and illegal acts or indications of Illegal acts of which we become aware during the audit process
to the Board of Directors of the District.
We understand that this proposal is for a one-year agreement with a mutual option to audit the
financial statements for the two subsequent years. Management advisory, accounting, tax and
computer services, if required,will be billed at our standard hourly rates for such work, as follows:
• Principal $ 150
• Senior Auditor/Accountant $ 80
• Staff Auditor/Accountant S 70
If you have any questions regarding this proposal, or other services offered by our firm, please do
not hesitate to call.
Sincerely,
DAMORE,HAMRIC& SCHNEIDER,INC.
Certified Public Accountants
Ronald A. Ley, CPA
RAD:kd
� Truckee Donner Public Utility District
Directors
Joseph R. Aguera
J. Ran Hemig
Pa'•,rscia S. Sutton
TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT Tim Taylor
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR AUDIT SERVICES Bill Thomason
General Manaoer
Peter L- Hoirzrne,ster
I. INTRODUCTION
A. General Information
The Truckee Donner Public Utility District is requesting proposals from qualified firms of
certified public accountants to audit its financial statements for the fiscal year ended-
December 31, 2005, with the option of auditing its financial statements for each of the two (2)
subsequent fiscal years. These audits are to be performed in accordance with generally
accepted auditing standards.
The District has gone through a prescreening process and is now inviting three (3) firms to
submit proposals for audit services,
There is no expressed or implied obligation of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District to
reimburse responding firms for any expenses incurred in preparing proposals in response to
this request.
II. NATURE OF SERVICE REQUIRED
The District desires the auditor to express an opinion on the fair presentation of its general
purpose financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The
auditor should provide one combined financial statement including a Statement of Cash Flows
and Notes to Financial Statement with supplemental exhibits defining the balance sheet and
income statements for each department and community facilities district including disclosing
any eliminating entries. The District will provide the management discussion and analysis
portion of the audit report. The auditor should review the management discussion and analysis
for compliance to existing audit report standards. Please refer to the District's 2003-2004 audit
report for the desired format.
Included in the audit proposal, the auditors should include the cost of performing an A133
Single Audit for the years 2005 and 2006 as a separate line item. The District requires that the
At 33 Single Audit be performed at the same time as the regular audit.
Also included in the audit proposal, the auditors will be expected to provide periodic support to
District staff during the year. This support will be in relationship to assisting staff with the
recording of new types of transactions and providing advice on the impacts of new accounting
regulations that affect the District (e.g. GASB 40, GASB 42 and GASB 45).
III. REPORTS TO BE ISSUED
A. A report on the fair presentation of the financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles. The District requires 50 bound copies, an e-mailed PDF
copy and one copy for photocopying.
1 P.O. Box 309-Truckee,CA 96160-Phone 530-587-3896-www.tdnud.ora
B. A Management Report including a review of the internal control structure based on the
auditor's understanding of the control structure and assessment of control risk.
C. An A133 Single Audit report.
Prior to issuing the final reports, the auditors will present drafts to the District for review at a
regularly scheduled board meeting or a special meeting. Upon review and acceptance of the draft
reports by the Board of Directors, final reports will be issued.
Irregularities and Illegal Acts: The Auditors shall be required to make an immediate, written report
of all irregularities and illegal acts or indications of illegal acts of which they become aware during
the audit process to the Board of Directors of the District.
IV. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION
To be considered, five (5) copies of a proposal must be received by October 11, 2005 at 2:00 pm.
Place the actual fee schedule in a sealed marked envelope to be opened at the conclusion of the
interviews.
Board of Directors
Truckee Donner Public Utility District
11570 Donner Pass Road
Truckee, CA 96161
The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals submitted and to waive any irregularity.
Inquiries concerning the request for proposals should be addressed to:
Mary Chapman, Administrative Services Manager/Treasurer
Truckee Donner Public Utility District
Phone: 530-582-3906
Fax: 530-587-5056
E-mail: MaryChaoman@tdoud ora
During the evaluation process, the District reserves the right, where it may serve the District's best
interest, to request additional information or clarifications from proposers, or to allow corrections of
errors or omissions.
It is anticipated the selection of a firm will be completed by November 2, 2005.
V. PROPOSAL PRICE
A. The proposal should contain all pricing information relative to performing the audit
engagement as described in this request for proposals. The total all-inclusive maximum
price to be bid is to contain all direct and indirect costs including all out-of-pocket
expenses. The proposal should separate out the costs associated with the A133 Single
Audit which will need to be performed for the years 2005 and 2006.
B. Proposal should include the audit price for the first year's audit and each of two
subsequent optional year audits.
2 P.O.Box 309—Truckee,CA 96160—Phone 530-587-3896—www.tdpud.or¢
C. Proposal should include the proposers price for providing additional accounting services
over and above those included in section "I I" above. Stated prices should list the charge for
various staff members who would provide those services.
D. The District is not liable for any cost incurred by a proposer responding to this request for
proposal.
VI. EVALUATION PROCESS
The proposals will be evaluated by the Board of Directors. The results of the interview process
including the Boards evaluation of firm qualifications and the sealed bids will be taken into
consideration in determining the audit firm that will be hired by the District. The District reserves
the right to reject any and all proposals, without prejudice.
VII.AUDIT TIMELINE
Interim audit work may be scheduled with District staff beginning in November or December. The
actual on-site audit work should be scheduled beginning in March, 2006, if possible. Since the firm
hired may be new to the District, additional interim work may be required.
VIII. WORKING PAPER RETENTION AND ACCESS TO WORKING PAPERS
Upon appointment of a new auditor, the District will immediately contact KPMG to obtain access to
and/or copies of the District's previous work papers.
All working papers and reports must be retained at the auditor's expense, for a minimum of three
(3) years, unless the firm is notified in writing by the District that there is a need to extend the
retention period. The auditor will be required to make working papers available, upon request, to
parties designated by the District.
In addition, the firm shall respond to the reasonable inquiries of successor auditors and allow
successor auditors to review working papers relating to mailers of continuing accounting
significance.
IX. ASSISTANCE TO BE PROVIDED TO THE AUDITOR AND REPORT PREPARATION
District staff including management personnel will be available during the audit to assist the firm
by providing information, documentation and explanations. The preparation of confirmations will
be the responsibility of the District.
The District will provide the auditor with reasonable work space, work surfaces and chairs. The
auditor will also be provided with access to a telephone, internet access, photocopying and a
fax -machine.
3 P.O. Box 309—Truckee,CA 96160—Phone 530-587-3896—www.tdoud.org
..........
Truckee Donner Public Utility District
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
AUDITING OF FINANCIAL RECORDS
September 8, 2005
REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF INTEREST AND QUALIFICATIONS
AUDITING OF FINANCIAL RECORDS
Introduction
Truckee Donner Public Utility District (the "District") is requesting Statements of Interest and
Qualifications ("Statements,,) from certified public accounting firms to audit the District's financial
records and express an opinion on the District's financial statements. The initial audit will be for the
fiscal year ending December 31, 2005, with an option to continue the engagement for each of the two
subsequent years. All audits are to be performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards.
Interested firms should mail eight copies of their Statements to the Board of Directors
P. 0. Box 309, Truckee, CA 96160 or by Fed Ex/UPS to 11570 Donner
Donner Public Utility District, P
Truckee
Pass Road, Truckee, CA 96161. Statements must be received by the District no later than
September 21, 2005 at 5:00 p.m.
Final selection is anticipated to occur on or before November 2, 2005.
The District reserves the right to request additional information, clarifications from firms submitting
Statements, or to allow corrections of errors or omissions. The District assumes no obligation to
reimburse firms for any expenses incurred in responding to this request for Statements.
About the District
The District was formed and operates under the State of California Public Utility District Act. The
District provides electric and water service to portions of Nevada and Placer counties described as
Truckee and Donner Lake. The electric and water service operations are maintained and operated
separately. The electric system distributes electrical energy to approximately 12,430 customers. The
water system is a water distribution system serving approximately 11,142 customers. Most of the
District's customers receive both electric and water service from the District.
The District has received regulatory approvals from Nevada County LAFCo necessary to construct a
fiber to the home broadband system and launch the provision of IP voice, video and data services. To
date, the District's progress has been stalled by Truckee's cable television operator filing a lawsuit
against the District's regulatory agency LAFCo challenging their certification of the District. Once the
lawsuit is settled, the Board of Directors will reevaluate whether or not it will proceed in offering
broadband services to the community. Should the Board decide to proceed, they will begin by
arranging for financing and setting up a new division for accounting purposes. The lawsuit is
expected to be settled in 2006.
The District's year-end is 12/31.
The District follows Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 20 which
requires that governments' proprietary activities apply all GASB pronouncements as well as the
pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and its predecessors issued on
Truckee Danner Public Utility District
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
AUDITING OF FINANCIAL RECORDS
September 8, 2005
or before November 30, 1989, unless those pronouncements conflict with or contradict GASB
pronouncements. As allowed by GASB Statement No 20, the District has elected not to implement
FASB Statements and Interpretations issued after November 30, 1989.
The District's financial computer is an HP server system with software provided by National
Information Systems Cooperative (NISC) of Lake St. Louis, Missouri. The NISC software includes
billing, consumer deposits, cash register, e-billing, general ledger accounting, accounts payable,
payroll, inventory, work order accounting, transportation accounting and fixed asset modules. The
District also maintains a personal computer network serving approximately 53 users. Further
information concerning the District is available on request.
Nature of Services Required
The District is requesting audit services for the calendar year 2005 as well as options to extend the
engagement to the following two calendar years. All audit work shall be performed in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards and must be completed annually within 120 days of year-end.
In addition to the regular audit requirements, the District is required to have an A133 Single Audit
performed for 2005 and 2006. The District's first A133 audit was performed by KPMG for 2004 and
was recently completed. The District is awaiting the final report. The District wishes to have this audit
performed at the same time as the regular District audit.
The auditor shall communicate to the District, in written form, concerning any substantive deficiencies
in design or operation of the District's internal controls and procedures that could adversely affect the
organization's ability to record, process, report on, or safeguard assets. This written communication
should be in the form of a management letter directed to the Board of Directors and should be
submitted along with the audit report. The auditor shall also make immediate written report of any
fraud or illegal acts to the Board of Directors of the District.
The District sold additional special tax bonds for the Community Facilities District No. 04-1 (Gray's
Crossing), Series 2005 in July, 2005. The District may issue revenue bonds during 2006 relating to
the financing of a fiber to the home broadband system and/or the financing of water system
improvements. if the District does issue debt, the auditor may be required to provide additional
professional services. The District may also require minimal tax or accounting advice or other
unforeseen assistance during the year. Fee arrangements for these services will be arranged
separately.
Contact Information
Documents available, on request, to interested firms include the 2003 and 2004 audit reports and
2005 internal unaudited financial statements. District information including the audit reports for 2003
and 2004 are also available on the District's website, www tdoud ora. Go to District Information and
then Finance. The District's At 33 Single Audit will be posted on the website as soon as it is available.
Inquiries may be directed to Mary Chapman, Administrative Services Manager/Treasurer, P, O. Box
309, Truckee, CA 96160, (530) 582-3906, WiarvChaoman@tdoud ora. Responses shall be mailed to
2
Truckee Donner Public Utility District
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
,4 UDITING OF FINANCIAL RECORDS
September 8, 2005
the Board of Directors at the previously listed address and must be received no later than September
21, 2005 at 5:00 p.m.
Calendar of Key Dates
Following is a list of key dates associated with this request for Statements of Interest and
Qualification:
Request for Statements issued by September 8, 2005
Statements due by September 21, 2005
Firm interviews concluded by October 5, 2005
Sealed bids/price due by October 19, 2005
Final selection of firm November 2, 2005
Statement of Interest & Qualification Submission Requirements
Each firm's response shall include a statement of its interest in providing auditing services to the
District and qualifications of its firm and individual staff, in-charge-of-field-work and above, to be
assigned to the audit. Qualifications shall include information concerning the firms, and individual
staff assigned, experience with California state public utility districts and/or investor owned utility
audits, including a list of similar engagements performed within the past three years. Also, please
include a list of A133 Single Audits that your firm has prepared in the past three years.
Firm acceptance to the bond market is important to the District. The Statement should address this
issue. The District would be interested in a listing of the organizations that have issued bonds using
your company's audit report in their official statements.
Respondents should include information concerning the firm's proposed audit methodology, including
forensic auditing. The District is also interested in firm employee turnover and stability of workforce.
No price quotes/dollar proposals are to be included within the Statement of interest and
Qualifications submittal package.
Evaluation Procedures
Statement submittals will be evaluated and no more than three firms selected. The District will
schedule interviews with individuals representing the selected firms to further discuss District
operations and firm qualifications. Firm representatives at the interview shall include at least one key
member from the anticipated audit team. Firms will then be assigned a score, based solely on
qualifications.
Subsequent to the interview process, firms shall be asked to submit sealed proposals. These
proposals will be evaluated and will account for a portion of the final evaluation score. The District will
evaluate sealed proposals only from the firms interviewed and does not wish to consider this
information until after the interview process and qualifications are scored. All sealed proposals will be
opened at the same time.
3
Bartig, Basler, & Ray, CPA's Robert McClintock D.H. Scott & Company
1520 Eureka Road, Ste 100 McClintock Accountancy Corp 900 N. Market
Roseville, CA 95661 P. O. Box 6179 Redding, CA 96003
Tahoe City, CA 96145
Ronald Ley Gilbert Accountancy Corporation
Damore, Hamric, & Schneider, Inc Ernst & Young 2880 Gateway Oaks Dr Ste 100
2856 Arden Way, Ste 200 555 Capitol Mall, Suite 650 Sacramento, CA 95833
Sacramento, CA 95825-1379 Sacramento, CA 95814
John L Barnhart, CPA Mike Gibson Johnson, Smith and Associates
3183 Collins Drive Ste B Gibson & Company P.O. Box 160
Merced, CA 95348 1610 Executive Court Lincoln, CA 95648
Sacramento, CA 95864
Tim McCann Brown Armstrong Macias Gird & Company LLP
KPMG LLP 3927 Lennane Drive Ste 200
1300 SW Fifth Ave, Suite 3800 Bake Trield, Avenue, Suite 300 Sacramento, CA 95834
Portland, OR 97201 Bakersfield, CA 93309
Steve Sutter Michael T. Doody, CPA
Matson & Isom Grant Thornton 5709 Sandburg Drive
Re
P.O Box 1638 e West Liberty Street, Suite 770 Sacramento, CA 95819
Chico, CA 95927 no, NV 89501
Miers & Miers CPA, LLP Deloitte & Touche Moss, Levy & Hartzheim CPAs
P.O. Box 609 50 Fremont Street 4740 Northgate Blvd, Ste 160
Barstow, CA 92312-0609 San Francisco, CA 94105 Sacramento, CA 95834
Neal &Tadina Nystrom& Company LLP
P.O. Box 492416 Barnard Vogler&Co 1726 Court Street
Redding, CA 96049-2416 350 So. Center Redding, CA 96001
Reno, NV 89501
R. J. Ricciardi, CPA Richard Lopez
1000 4th St, Ste 725 Conrad and Associates, LLP Vargas Lopez and Co
San Rafael, CA 94901 1100 Main Street, Suite C 959 East Walnut Street Ste 250
Irvine, CA 92614 Pasadena,CA 91106
Searson&Company Inc Steve Northcote
2625 Fair Oaks Blvd Leaf and Cole Smith and Newell
Sacramento, CA 95864 1843 Hotel Circle So. Suite 300 1425 Butte House Road#B
San Diego, CA 92108 Yuba City, CA 95993
Tenney & Company Kafory Armstrong &Co Thompson Cobb & Basilio
1130 Civic Center Blvd., Ste C 6140 Plumas 21250 Hathome Blvd Ste 500
Yuba City, CA 95993 Reno, NV 89509 Torrance, CA 90503
Agenda Item # d
DONNER
Public Utility District
Memorandum
To: Board of Directors
From: Peter Holzmeister
Date: September 30, 2005
Subject: Audit proposals
Why this matter if before the Board of Directors: This matter involves selection of a firm to
audit to financial statements of the District. This is a Board function.
History. The Board approved a form of Request for Proposals (RFP) for audit services and
directed staff to solicit letter of interest and statements of qualifications from a fairly extensive list
of firms. We had certain goals in mind. We were interested in changing auditor at least every
three years. We were also hoping to save money by considering engaging a smaller firm with a
lower overhead. Our list of firms that received our RFP consisted primarily of small firms.
New information: We received only two written responses. We also had telephone
conversations with a firm that intends to submit a letter. This results in three firms to choose
from. We have also had conversations with Tim McCann of KPMG, asking whether the Board is
strongly committed to changing audit firms at the end of a three year engagement. They would
like to continue as our auditor, but do not want to make a proposal if they will not be considered.
Tim McCann tells us that there disadvantages to changing auditors on a three year rotation. He
would like the chance to discuss this with the Board. We have heard from at least one other
firm that did not submit a letter of interest that they will not accept a client who limits the
engagement to three years.
So here are issues for the Board to decide:
1. Are you comfortable with having only three firms to interview?
2. Do you want to reconsider the idea of changing auditors on a three year schedule?
3. Once you choose to interview the three (or four firms if you include KPMG) audit firms
that have expressed interest, do you want them to submit a final proposal prior to the
interview (which is not the process we had initially established)
Recommendation: I do not have a recommendation. I would like staff to remain out of this
deliberative process as much as possible.