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Indian River County, Florida Sheriff Notes To Financial Statements Year Ended September 30, 2011 NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The Sheriff is a County agency and a local governmental entity pursuant to Article VIII, Section 1(d) of the Constitution of the State of Florida. For financial statement and reporting purposes, the Sheriff does not meet the definition of a legally separate organization and is not considered to be a component unit. The Sheriff is considered to be a part of the primary government of Indian River County. The financial statements contained herein represent the financial transactions of the Sheriff only. The format of the Sheriff's statements has been prepared in accordance with the presentation requirements of GASB 34 for fund financial statements. The following is a summary of the significant accounting principles and policies used in the preparation of the accompanying financial statements. A. Description of Funds For reporting purposes, the accounting records are organized into the following two fund types: governmental funds and a fiduciary fund. Governmental Funds General Fund — The General Fund, which is a governmental fund, is used to account for all revenues and expenditures applicable to the general operations of the Sheriff, which are not accounted for in another fund. All financial resources, which are not accounted for and reported in another fund, are recorded in the General Fund. The governmental fund measurement focus is based upon determination of financial position and changes in financial position (sources, uses and balances of financial resources) rather than upon net income determination. Special Revenue Fund — The Special Revenue Fund accounts for the proceeds of specific revenue sources that are legally restricted or committed for public safety such as police education, special purpose equipment, jail commissary, and special law enforcement activities. Fiduciary Fund Agency Fund — The Agency Fund is used to account for assets held by the Sheriff in a trustee capacity or as an agent. These funds cannot be used to support the Sheriff's own programs. B. Basis of Accounting, Measurement Focus and Presentation The accounts of the governmental funds are maintained on the modified accrual basis. The fiduciary fund is reported on an accrual basis. Under the modified accrual basis, expenditures are recorded at the time liabilities are incurred. Revenues are recorded when received in cash or when they are considered both measurable and available. Revenues collected in excess of expenditures are not considered earned and are reflected as liabilities. 327