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Christine Hill, engagement partner for Coopers & Lybrand, <br />stated that the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report is used by <br />staff throughout the year. It is divided into several sections and <br />she went through each section and briefly stated what was included <br />in that section. The report is preceded by a transmittal letter <br />written by county management which is intended to be an overview of <br />principal events and transactions throughout the year, as well as <br />some forward-looking information. The auditors reviewed the <br />transmittal letter to be sure it is consistent with the audit <br />financial statements that are part of the report. The auditors' <br />opinion is a "clean opinion" which means it is unqualified and <br />there are no exceptions to the County's application of accounting <br />principles under generally accepted accounting principles, and the <br />audit was conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing <br />standards. Ms. Hill pointed out that a number of important areas <br />are addressed in the footnotes in the financial statements which <br />give background on activities in which the County is involved. <br />Commissioner Macht observed that the report is revealing and <br />interesting. He asked about money spent in the judicial system for <br />expert and special witnesses and for defense attorneys. <br />Clerk of the Circuit Court Jeffrey K. Barton explained that <br />those costs are reported separately. The reports must be certified <br />and submitted to the State for reimbursement. We do not receive <br />100 percent return but we do get some of the money back. Mr. <br />Barton advised that those reports are available, and Commissioner <br />Macht stated that he would like to see them. <br />Commissioner Macht asked, and Mr. Barton explained that fines <br />collected by the Clerk's office are remitted to the general fund. <br />Administrator Chandler further explained that fines and forfeitures <br />are tracked in detail in the budget both on the revenue and on the <br />expense sides. <br />County Attorney Vitunac asked how our county compares with <br />other counties throughout Florida. <br />Ms. Hill reported that Indian River County is consistent with <br />other counties and is facing a lot of the same issues, such as <br />landfill closure and bond issues. She conveyed that there is a <br />very good working relationship among the various departments of the <br />County. Ms. Hill offered to meet individually with any Board <br />member to review specific areas of the report. <br />19 <br />APR 13199) BOOK 89 <br />