FLORIDA GREEN FINANCE AUTHORITY

Regular Board Meeting March 7, 2023
2:00 P.M.

AGENDA
FLORIDA GREEN FINANCE AUTHORITY
Town of Lantana 500 Greynolds Circle
Lantana, FL 33462
1-877-873-8017 Access 9758310
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
March 7, 2024
2:00 p.m.

Call to Order
Proof of Publication	Page 1
Establish Quorum
Additions or Deletions to Agenda
Comments from the Public for Items Not on the Agenda
Approval of Minutes
December 7, 2023 Regular Board Meeting	Page 3
Status/Program Update – Information Report	Page 8
Residential
Commercial
Old Business
Update Regarding Hernando and Seminole County Tax Collectors
Updating Regarding Ongoing PACE Litigation in Florida
New Business
Consider Approval of Addendum to Agreement for Services Management between Florida
Green Finance Authority and the Special District Services, Inc	Page 16
Auditor Selection Committee
Ranking of Proposals/Consider Selection of an Auditor	Page 20
Administrative Matters
Board Member Comments
Adjourn

MINUTES
FLORIDA GREEN FINANCE AUTHORITY REGULAR BOARD MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING
DECEMBER 7, 2023

Call to Order
District Manager Andrew Karmeris called the December 7, 2023, Regular Board Meeting of the Florida Green Finance Authority to order at 2:00 p.m. at the Town of Mangonia Park Municipal Center, 1755 East Tiffany Drive, Mangonia Park, Florida 33407.

Proof of Publication
Proof of publication was presented showing that notice of the Regular Board Meeting been published in the Palm Beach Post, Florida Today, and Tampa Tribune on August 18, 2023 and August 25, 2023, as legally required.

Establish Quorum
A quorum was established with the following Supervisors present:

Supervisor	Jurisdiction		
Chairperson Nicole Dritz	Town of Lantana	Present	
Vice Chair Ken Metcalf	Town of Mangonia Park	Present	
Dave Robau	City of Pensacola	Present (via telephone)	
Nancy Gallinaro	City of North Port	Present (via telephone)	

Others present at the meeting included:

Staff Member	Company/Agency	
Andrew Karmeris	Special District Services	
Mitty Barnard	Davis & Associates, P.A.	
Erin Deady	Petros Partners	
Chelsey Olsen	Renew Financial	

Others appearing by phone included:

Staff Member	Company/Agency	
Bill Capko	Lewis, Longman & Walker (via telephone)	
Matthew Choy	Renew Financial	
Michael Yaki	Petros Partners	

Additions or Deletions to Agenda

There were no additions or deletions to the agenda.

Comments from the Public for Items Not on the Agenda

There we no comments from the Public.

Approval of Minutes

September 7, 2023 Regular Board Meeting

There was a motion made by Vice Chair Metcalf, seconded by Chairperson Dritz, to approve the minutes of the September 7, 2023 Regular Board Meeting, as presented. The Board was polled:

Supervisor	Jurisdiction	Vote	
Chairperson Nicole Dritz	Town of Lantana	Yes	
Vice Chair Ken Metcalf	Town of Mangonia Park	Yes	
Dave Robau	City of Pensacola	Yes	
Nancy Gallinaro	City of North Port	Yes	

The motion carried 4-0.

Status/Program Update – Information Report

Residential
Ms. Chelsey Olsen provided a program update by reviewing the materials in the agenda package.

Mr. Matthew Choy provided some information regarding expansion in Florida and state legislation updates.

Ms. Jennifer Rojo-Suarez provided an update on jurisdiction retention.

Commercial
Ms. Erin Deady also provided an update on State and Federal legislation. She also provided an update via presentation on the PACE-related litigation and fielded questions from the Board.

Old Business

There were no Old Business items to be addressed.

New Business

Consider Resolution No. 2023-09 – Adopting a Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Amended Budget

Mr. Karmeris presented Resolution No. 2023-09

RESOLUTION NO. 2023-09

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE FLORIDA GREEN FINANCE AUTHORITY AUTHORIZING AND ADOPTING AN AMENDED FINAL FISCAL YEAR 2022/2023 BUDGET (“AMENDED BUDGET”), PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 189, FLORIDA STATUTES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

A motion made by Vice Chair Metcalf, seconded by Chairperson Dritz to approve Resolution No. 2023-09 – Adopting a Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Amended Budget, as presented.

The Board was polled:

Supervisor	Jurisdiction	Vote	
Chairperson Nicole Dritz	Town of Lantana	Yes	
Vice Chair Ken Metcalf	Town of Mangonia Park	Yes	
Dave Robau	City of Pensacola	Yes	
Nancy Gallinaro	City of North Port	Yes	

The motion carried 4-0.

Consider Resolution No. 2023-10 – Authorizing Electronic Approvals and Check Signers

Mr. Karmeris presented Resolution No. 2023-10

RESOLUTION NO. 2023-10

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE FLORIDA GREEN FINANCE AUTHORITY, AUTHORIZING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DISTRICT CHECKING/OPERATING ACCOUNT, DESIGNATING DISTRICT OFFICIALS AND/OR AUTHORIZED STAFF TO REVIEW, APPROVE AND ISSUE PAYMENT OF EXPENDITURES, SELECTING THE SIGNATORIES THEREOF; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

A motion made by Vice Chair Metcalf, seconded by Chairperson Dritz to approve Resolution No. 2023-10 – Authorizing Electronic Approvals and Check Signers, as presented.

The Board was polled:

Supervisor	Jurisdiction	Vote	
Chairperson Nicole Dritz	Town of Lantana	Yes	
Vice Chair Ken Metcalf	Town of Mangonia Park	Yes	
Dave Robau	City of Pensacola	Yes	
Nancy Gallinaro	City of North Port	Yes	

The motion carried 4-0.

Discussion and Board Direction Regarding Hernando/Seminole Tax Collectors

The Board discussed the open issues regarding Hernando and Seminole Tax Collectors not Tax rolling the assessments for FGFA in their counties per the agreements in place. Staff hopes to have an update on the topic for the Board at the next meeting on whether corrected/amended tax bills would be issued or if direct hand bills would be required.

Consider Resolution No. 2023-11 – Waiving Chapter 164 Requirements and Authorizing Attorney to Proceed as Necessary

Ms. Barnard presented Resolution No. 2023-11

RESOLUTION NO. 2023-11

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE FLORIDA GREEN FINANCE AUTHORITY, AUTHORIZING THE AUTHORITY ATTORNEY, PURSUANT TO SECTION 164.1014(2), FLORIDA STATUTES, TO TAKE ALL LEGAL ACTION AND SEEK ALL AVAILABLE LEGAL REMEDIES TO PROTECT THE AUTHORITY AND THE RESIDENTS WITHIN JURISDICTIONS THAT HAVE OPTED INTO THE AUTHORITY’S PROGRAM UTILIZING PACE FROM SIGNIFICANT LEGAL RIGHTS BEING COMPROMISED BY THE USURPATION OF RIGHTS BY THE SEMINOLE AND HERNANDO COUNTY TAX COLLECTORS’ REFUSAL TO LEVY LAWFUL AUTHORITY ASSESSMENTS FOR THE 2023 FISCAL YEAR, AND POTENTIALLY FUTURE FISCAL YEARS; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; BYPASSING FLORIDA STATUTES CHAPTER 164 CONFLICTS RESOLUTION PROCEDURES IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE AUTHORITY AND ITS RESIDENT USERS FROM IMMINENT HARM; PROVIDING THE AUTHORITY ATTORNEY WITH AUTHORITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

A lengthy discussion ensued amongst the Board and staff. Chairperson Dritz asked if the tax collectors are not putting the assessments on the tax bills, are Petros and Renew not able to collect

the assessments for their PACE projects? Ms. Barnard responded that the District would be able to direct bill the assessments to the landowners but the collection rate would dip drastically in comparison to being on the tax bill. Ms. Barnard stated that this resolution gives legal authority to general counsel to seek legal action if necessary.

A motion made by Vice Chair Metcalf, seconded by Chairperson Dritz to approve Resolution No. 2023-11 – Waiving Chapter 164 Requirements and Authorizing Attorney to Proceed as Necessary, as presented.

The Board was polled:

Supervisor	Jurisdiction	Vote	
Chairperson Nicole Dritz	Town of Lantana	Yes	
Vice Chair Ken Metcalf	Town of Mangonia Park	Yes	
Dave Robau	City of Pensacola	Yes	
Nancy Gallinaro	City of North Port	Yes	

The motion carried 4-0.

Administrative Matters

Mr. Karmeris informed the Board that staff had received an inquiry from Home Run Financing about joining the FGFA as an additional residential PACE provider. Vice Chair Metcalf added that he had been approached by a representative from FortiFi Financial who expressed the same interest in joining the FGFA. The Board discussed the possibility of additional residential providers. Chairperson Dritz stated that she was all for competition in the marketplace to provide the best services to residents if the timing was right. She then stated that now is not the right time in her opinion given all the legal action currently taking place in the state surrounding PACE. There was consensus among the Board that the FGFA was not interested in adding any additional residential PACE providers to the FGFA as this time.

Board Member Comments

Vice Chair Metcalf thanked staff for providing all the information at today's meeting.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 2:55 p.m. after a motion by Chairperson Dritz, and a second by Vice Chair Metcalf. The motion carried 4-0.

Chairman/Vice Chair	Secretary/Asst. Secretary

INFORMATION REPORT

DATE:	MARCH 7, 2024
FGFA PROGRAM: RENEWPACE – PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY PROGRAM

PURPOSE:

UPDATE ON RENEWPACE RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM
UPDATE ON MARKETING EFFORTS
UPDATE ON STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATION
UPDATE ON RPACE ENROLLED JURISDICTIONS
UPDATE ON TAX COLLECTOR AGREEMENTS

BOARD MEMBERS:
Chair Nicole Dritz, Town of Lantana
Vice Chair Ken Metcalf, Town of Mangonia Park Dave Robau, City of Pensacola
Wayne Messam, City of Miramar Nancy Gallinaro, City of North Port

Background:
RenewPACE is a Program of the Florida Green Finance Authority (the “Authority”) designed to offer communities, property owners and capital providers a multitude of options for investing in community improvements that save both energy and money. The Authority Board of Supervisors (“Board”) is being asked to hear or consider several items for the RenewPACE residential program, as well as administrative items related to the management of the Authority:

Discussion:

UPDATE ON RENEWPACE RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM

Program Application Statistics (as of 02/12/2024)
The program is contributing to the local goals of creating jobs and saving energy.

1

Jobs created: 11,639
Utility bill savings electricity (lifetime): $ 227,445,245
Utility bill savings natural gas (lifetime): $24,185304
Lifetime energy generation & savings:
Renewable energy generated (kWh): 875,040,199
Energy saved (kWh): 263,381,367
Therms saved: 19,194,685
Green House Gas Reductions: 425,313 metric tons Below is a summary of program application statistics.
As of 02/12/2024	05/04/2023	8/10/2023	11/9/2023	02/12/2024	
# Applications	88,041	92,990	97,512	101,360	
Total App Value	$2,373,070,878	$2,537,081,583	$2,687,976,472	$2,858,991,723	
Average Assessment Value	$24,717	$25,857	$26,418	$26,869	
Notice to Proceed
(#/$)*	35,225 /
$962,255,002	37,069 /
$1,022,624,072	38,768 /
$1,080,768,080	40,250 /
$1,130,154,333	
Funded (#/$)	23,699 /
$596,342,801	25,543 /
$661,677,480	27,074 /
$715,592,313	28,112 /
$752,654,933	
# Active Contractors	734	782	759	725	
# Counties Approved (RPACE)	25	25	25	24	
*Inclusive of funded projects

Count of Apps Received, Approved, Funded

120000

100000

80000

60000

40000

20000

0

5/31/17  8/22/17 11/29/17 2/1/18  5/15/18 8/15/18  11/9/18  2/12/19  5/9/19  8/8/19  11/1/19  2/5/20  5/12/20  8/6/20  11/6/20  2/4/21  5/7/21  8/6/21  11/4/21  2/10/22  5/5/22  8/5/22  11/3/22  2/13/23  5/4/23  8/10/23  11/9/23  2/12/24
Apps Received (#)	Apps Received (#)	Approved Applications (#)	Approved Applications (#)	Approved Applications (#)	Funded Applications(#)

*Q1 2024 up to 2/12/2024

As of 02/12/2024	# of Applications	Total Application Value	NTP # / $*	Funded (#/$)	
Town of Lantana	205	$3,374,317	100 / $2,721,722	61 / $1,542,262	
Town of Mangonia Park	24	$503,087	16 / $532,208	9 / $198,828	
City of Pensacola	88	$2,726,202	6 / $154,709	2 / $49,031	
City of Miramar	2,619	$51,441,780	1,223/ $41,824,631	767 / $24,693,528	
City of North Port	607	$6,478,627	274 / $4,855,950	229 / $3,883,359	
*Inclusive of funded projects

Applications have been submitted for a range of products including air source heat pumps, insulation, duct replacement, water heaters, windows, wind-resistant shingles, storm windows, storm shutters, doors, central air conditioners, solar, and roofs.

Renewable Energy Project %	Energy Efficiency Project %	Safety & Resilience Project %	
20%	16%	64%	

Program Policy Updates

Per Resolution 2016-03 (Section 9), the Board authorized the Program Administrator to amend the Residential Handbook from time to time. Per Exhibit A of the Third-Party Administration Services Agreement Section I.3.a.iv, Renew Financial is responsible for maintaining “Program Application & Funding Request Forms”. The following is a brief summary of the updates. Renew Financial has

provided an opportunity for review of the policy details to the standard working group that includes Special District Services, legal counsels, and key partners prior to implementing any new policy.
Removed Haines City (Polk County) from the Participating Cities list.

Consumer Complaints

Renew Financial tracks consumer complaints. There are currently 58 unresolved complaints. Complaints are addressed through outreach to the property owner(s) and contractor (if applicable). Complaints were resolved in an average of 52 calendar days. Renew Financial makes every effort to address and resolve issues quickly. Delays in resolution may occur depending on availability of the parties and degree of the complaint. Resolution resulted in a variety of actions including, but not limited to, additional training of contractor, confirmation of key terms with property owner, withdraw of application at request of property owner, and refund of a portion of the cost to the property owner by the contractor.

Below is a brief summary of complaints (as of 02/12/2023):
Number of complaints received and resolved since program launch in 2016: 1,075
Complaint Rate: 3.8%
Contractor related complaints: 943
Most common categories of complaints: Workmanship; Delayed/Incomplete Projects
UPDATE ON MARKETING EFFORTS

Any updates will be provided at the Authority Board meeting.

UPDATE ON STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATION

Any updates will be provided at the Authority Board meeting.

UPDATE ON ENROLLED JURISDICTIONS (see list on the following pages)

Map of Residential Opt-Ins:

BROWARD
Coconut Creek*
Cooper City*
Coral Springs*
Dania Beach*
Davie*
Deerfield Beach*
Fort Lauderdale
Hallandale Beach*
Hillsboro Beach*
Hollywood*
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea*
Lauderdale Lakes*
Lauderhill*
Lazy Lake*
Lighthouse Point*
Margate
Miramar
North Lauderdale*
Oakland Park*
Parkland*
Pembroke Park*
Pembroke Pines
Plantation*
Pompano Beach
Sea Ranch Lakes*
Southwest Ranches*
Sunrise*
Tamarac*
Weston*
West Park*
Wilton Manors*
Unincorporated County*
CHARLOTTE (CPACE)
Punta Gorda
Unincorporated County
CITRUS
Inverness*
Crystal River*
Unincorporated County

COLLIER
Naples
Unincorporated	County (CPACE)

COLUMBIA
Unincorporated	County (CPACE)

DUVAL
Jacksonville (CPACE)

ESCAMBIA
Century (CPACE)
Pensacola
Unincorporated	County (CPACE)

HIGHLANDS
Sebring (CPACE)
Lake Placid (CPACE)
Avon Park (CPACE)
Unincorporated	County (CPACE)

INDIAN RIVER
Fellsmere
Sebastian
Unincorporated	County (CPACE)

JEFFERSON
Monticello*
Unincorporated County

LAKE
Eustis (CPACE)
Leesburg
Mount Dora
LEE
Bonita Springs
Cape Coral
Estero
Fort Myers

LEVY
Williston
Unincorporated County
MANATEE
Bradenton*
Bradenton Beach*
Palmetto*
Unincorporated County

MARION
Unincorporated County

MARTIN
Sewall’s Point
Stuart
Unincorporated County

MIAMI- DADE
Aventura
Biscayne Park
Coral Gables
Cutler Bay

PALM BEACH
Atlantis*
Belle Glade*
Boca Raton*
Boynton Beach
Briny Breezes*
Cloud Lake*
Delray Beach
Glen Ridge*
Golf
Greenacres*
Gulfstream*
Haverhill*
Highland Beach*
Hypoluxo*
Juno Beach*
Jupiter*
Jupiter Inlet Colony*
Lake Clarke Shores*
Lake Park*
Lake Worth
Lantana
Loxahatchee Groves*
Manalapan*
Mangonia Park
North Palm Beach
Ocean Ridge*
Pahokee*
Palm Beach*
Palm Beach Gardens*
Palm Beach Shores
Palm Springs*
Riviera Beach*
Royal Palm Beach*
South Bay*
South Palm Beach*
Tequesta
Wellington*
West Lake*
West Palm Beach
Unincorporated County

PASCO
Port Richey
Zephyrhills
Unincorporated County
PINELLAS
Gulfport (CPACE)
SARASOT A
North Port*
Sarasota*
Venice*
Unincorporated County

SEMINOL E

Doral
El Poral
Hialeah
Hialeah Gardens
Homestead
Key Biscayne
Medley
Miami
Miami Beach
Miami Gardens
Miami Lakes
Miami Shores Village
Miami Springs
North Bay Village
North Miami
North Miami Beach
Opa-Locka
Palmetto Bay
Pinecrest
Surfside
Sweetwater
Virginia Gardens
West Miami
Unincorporated County

MONROE
Islamorada*
Key Colony Beach*
Key West*
Layton*
Marathon*
Unincorporated County

NASSAU
Fernandina Beach

ORANGE
Apopka
Belle Isle
Ocoee (CPACE)
Orlando
Winter Garden (CPACE)
Winter Haven (CPACE)
Winter Park
Unincorporated	County (CPACE)

OSCEOLA
Kissimmee*
St. Cloud*
Unincorporated County

Longwood
Oviedo
Sanford
ST. JOHNS
Unincorporated County (CPACE)
SUWANNEE
Branford
Live Oak
Unincorporated County
VOLUSIA
Daytona Beach Shores
Edgewater
Orange City
Port Orange
Unincorporated County (CPACE)
WALTON
Unincorporated County (CPACE)

1 Those jurisdictions denoted with an asterisk became Parties to the Authority through the County’s Interlocal Agreement.

2 Please note that with regard to Sebastian that while it had signed onto the Original ILA, we are currently in extended discussions with this jurisdiction about signing onto to the updated Second Amended and Restated ILA. Until we finalize these discussions we have verbally agreed not to activate residential PACE in the jurisdiction until those discussions have concluded.

In recent months, the following jurisdictions have opted out of the program, with stated reasons set forth below:
New Smyrna Beach – termination effective March 9, 2024; 7,599 Eligible Units
Stated reason for termination: Confusion over how PACE operates regarding home rule (FPFA statewide program) and lead generated mailers caused confusion were reasons stated during opt-out but not to Renew prior.
Fanning Springs – termination effective January 30, 2024; 154 Eligible Units
Stated reason for termination: Stated reason for termination: Confusion over how PACE operates regarding home rule (FPFA statewide program) stated during opt- out but not to Renew prior.
Haines City – termination effective January 5, 2024; 3,288 Eligible Units
Stated reason for termination: Stated reason for termination: Confusion over how PACE operates regarding home rule (FPFA statewide program) and request for additional contractor oversight were reasons stated during opt-out but not to Renew prior.
Lake Wales – termination effective December 1, 2023; 2,945 Eligible Units
Stated reason for termination: Confusion over how PACE operates regarding home rule (FPFA statewide program) and request for additional contractor oversight were reasons stated during opt-out but not to Renew prior.
UPDATE ON TAX COLLECTOR AGREEMENTS

Uniform Collection Agreements are currently in place with the following county Tax Collector’s offices: Alachua, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Duval, Escambia, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Marion (re-executed), Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Suwannee, and Volusia.

Staff is currently negotiating an amendment to the agreement with Hernando County and outstanding assessments have been enrolled.

.

Addendum to Agreement for Services Management between Florida Green Finance Authority and Special District Services, Inc. dated March 7, 2024

Section II – Management Services
Task 1 – SDS will serve as general manager to the District and will provide those services necessary for the management and operation of the District including, but not limited to, preparation of agendas, legal advertisements, minutes of meetings, communications and coordination with other governmental agencies and District professionals, general supervision, and day to day management of the operations of the District in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 189, Florida Statutes. Management of the maintenance of District facilities or property is not included in this Agreement and is subject to negotiation if required. The fee for this Task is $48,000 per year, payable in twelve (12) equal monthly payments of
$4,000. Said fee will be increased annually after the first year based on any increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Addendum to the Agreement to be executed the day and year written below.

FLORIDA GREEN FINANCE AUTHORITY

By: 	March 7, 2024	
Nicole Dritz, Chairman	Date

SPECIAL DISTRICT SERVICES, INC.

By:		March 7, 2024	
Todd Wodraska, President	Date

AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES MANAGEMENT

P

This Agreement made and entered this 5t'-'. day of	De_,c..e,r"\"\b-e,v-	, 2019 between the Florida	Green	Finance	Authority	(hereinafter		called	the	District)	located	in
ALYIA. �	 Co L,UJT)I, Florida (hereinafter called the 		  , and Special District
Services, Inc. (hereinafter called SDS).
WHEREAS, the primary objective of this Agreement is for SDS to provide management and consulting services to the District acting as an agent of the District; and
WHEREAS, District proposes to engage SDS to perform the tasks identified herein; and,
WHEREAS, District and SDS desire to reduce their Agreement to writing, setting forth the services to be rendered by SDS to District and the compensation to be paid by District to SDS for services rendered under this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, it is agreed as follows:
SECTION I - RECITALS
The recitals set forth hereinabove are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION II - MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Task 1. SDS will serve as general manager to the District and will provide those services necessary for the management and operation of the District including, but not limited to, preparation of agendas, legal advertisements, minutes of meetings, communications and coordination with other governmental agencies and District professionals, general supervision, and day to day management of the operations of the District in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 189, Florida Statutes. Management of the maintenance of District facilities or property is not included in this Agreement and is subject to negotiation if required. The fee for this Task is
$36,000 per year, payable in twelve (12) equal monthly payments of $3,000. Said fee will be increased annually after the first year based on any increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Task 2. SDS will maintain the District books, accounts, records, purchasing procedures and financial reporting procedures, write all checks and prepare financial reports. There is no additional charge for this Task.
Task 3. SDS will assist the District on an as-needed basis in the selection of professionals, including counsel, bond counsel, financial advisor and underwriter, or, if directed by the District, SDS, as an officer and general manager of the District will retain such professionals for the District in accordance with terms mutually agreed to by the parties. There is no additional charge for this Task.

Task 4. SDS, as general manager of the District, will provide general consulting services to District on a continuing basis. Consulting services include, but are not limited to, budgeting, public bidding and competitive negotiation requirements for public works projects, governmental accounting and chart of account requirements, policies and procedures, staffing and personnel requirements, and such other special district services that will need to be addressed in the immediate and long term future. There is no additional charge for this Task.
Task 5. SDS, pursuant to Section 189.069, Florida Statutes, will establish/create, manage and maintain an independent website for the District. The fee for this task is $1,500 per year.
Task 6. SDS will provide such other services, including but not limited to assisting in litigation matters and/or audits, as mutually agreed to by the parties.
In addition, for its services as general manager to the District, SDS shall be reimbursed for out-of­ pocket expenses incurred in the performance of the services defined herein (i.e. photocopies, postage, long distance telephone calls, mileage, etc.). SDS will submit monthly invoices to District for work performed under the terms of this Agreement. Payment shall become due and payable within fifteen (15) days of receipt. Compensation for additional services covered under Section II, Tasks 10 and 11 shall be in accordance with the terms mutually agreed to by the parties.
NOTE: There will likely be other costs associated with the management of the District such as financial advisory fees, legal fees and legal advertising. These functions will be performed by others and are not a part of this agreement.
SECTION III - DISTRICT CHANGES
From time to time there may need to be changes made to the existing District such as, but not limited to, expansion or contraction of the District boundaries, creation of separate assessment areas, restructuring of bonds, etc. that may involve extensive work beyond the initial scope of this Agreement. Under such circumstances, SDS will be entitled additional compensation as mutually agreed to by the parties prior to commencement of the defined additional work.
SECTION IV - DOCUMENTS
All documents, maps, drawings, data and worksheets prepared by SDS under this Agreement shall be the property of the District, upon payment in full of all fees and costs set forth above.
SECTION V - TERM OF AGREEMENT
This Agreement shall be continuous beginning with the date the Agreement is signed. Termination of the Agreement shall be available to each party with written notice given sixty (60) days in advance of the intent to cancel. If termination is by the District and not for cause, District will pay SDS through the end of the sixty (60) day termination notice period for management fees as stated for Tasks 1- 6 of Section II in addition to any other fees or costs due hereunder.
If termination is by the District and for cause, this Agreement will terminate immediately without advance written notice. "For cause" termination shall be defined, for purposes of this Agreement, as the breach of any material term of this Agreement.

2

SECTION VI-AMENDMENTS/ASSIGNMENTS
This Agreement represents the entire understanding between the parties.
This Agreement is non-transferable and non-assignable without the express written consent of both parties.
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, all of which together shall constitute one Agreement,
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Florida.
SECTION VII - MISCELLANEOUS
If either party to this Agreement shall institute any suit or legal action to enforce any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover all costs incurred, including but not limited to reasonable attorney's fees and cost for all matters related to such litigation, and any appeal thereto. Venue for any action arising out of this Agreement shall lie in Palm Beach County, Florida.
The District acknowledges that SDS is an officer and general manager of the District and is not an attorney and may not render legal advice or opinions; nor a financial advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, and is not engaged to give advice with respect to the issuance of bonds or municipal financial products.
Time is of the essence as to this Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed the day and year first above written.

By -Vi

FLORIDA GREEN FINANCE AUTHOR! e
C.,no.iY-YV)a"	Kef)	fvluCQ It
Printed Name and Title	Date

SPECIAL DISTRICT SERVICES, INC.

By	

 Todd Wodraska, President	lF/F[ti Printed Name and Title		ate

3

FLORIDA GREEN FINANCE AUTHORITY RANKING OF AUDITOR PROPOSALS FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING 9/30/23

	Audit Firms	

Criteria	Point
Range	
Berger Toombs Elam Gaines & Frank	
DiBartolomeo McBee Hartley & Barnes	
Ability of Personnel: (E.g., geographic locations of the firms headquarters of permanent office in relation to the project; capabilities and experience of key personnel; present ability to manage this project; evaluation of existing work load).	

1-10	

9	

9	

Proposer's Experience: (E.g. past record and experience of the Proposer in similar projects; volume of work previously performed by the firm; past performance for other Special Districts in other contracts; character, integrity, reputation).	

1-10	

9	

8	

Understanding of Scope of Work: Extent to which the proposal demonstrates an understanding of the District's needs for the services requested.	

1-1 0	

9	

7	

Ability to Furnish the Required Services: Extent to which the proposal demonstrates the adequacy of Proposer's financial resources and stability as a business entity necessary to complete the services required.	

1-10	

9	

8	

Price: Points will beawarded based upon the price bid for the rendering of the services and reasonableness of the price to the services.	

1-1 0	

8	

9	

TOTAL POINTS	
50	
44	
41	
				
BID PRICE - 2022/2023 AUDIT		$15,000.00	$12,500.00	
BID PRICE - 2023/2024 AUDIT		$16,500.00	$13,500.00	
BID PRICE - 2024/2025 AUDIT		$16,500.00	$14,800.00	
BID PRICE - 2025/2026 AUDIT		$18,250.00	$15,100.00	
BID PRICE - 2026/2027 AUDIT		$18,250.00	$15,100.00	

COMMENTS:	Current auditor for the District - Currently the	Currently the auditing firm for more than	
	auditing firm for more than 40 Special Districts	30 Special Districts	

RECOMMENDATION:	Management recommends that Berger Toombs Elam Gaines & Frank, the current auditor and the firm	
	with the most familiarity with Pace Districts, be selected to perform the September 30, 2023, 2024 and	
	2025 annual audits, with an option subject to fee adjustments for inflation, to perform the fiscal year audits	
	for the two following years (FYE 9/30/26, FYE 9/30/27).	
Note: 2023/2024 Budget For Audit Services is $15,000.00

Page 20

FLORIDA GREEN FINANCE AUTHORITY PROPOSAL FOR AUDIT SERVICES

PROPOSED BY:

Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS, PL

600 Citrus Avenue, Suite 200	(772) 461-6120 Fort Pierce, Florida 34950

CONTACT PERSON:

J. W. Gaines, CPA, Director

DATE OF PROPOSAL:

February 26, 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DESCRIPTION OF SECTION	PAGE
Letter of Transmittal	1-2
Profile of the Proposer
Description and History of Audit Firm	3
Professional Staff Resources	4-5
Ability to Furnish the Required Services	5
Arbitrage Rebate Services	6
Governmental Auditing Experience	7-16
Fee Schedule	17
Scope of Work to be Performed	17
Resumes	18-36
Peer Review Letter	37
Instructions to Proposers	38-39
Evaluation Criteria	40

February 26, 2024

Florida Green Finance Authority Special district Services, inc.
2501A Burns Road
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

Dear District Manager:

Thank you very much for the opportunity to present our professional credentials to provide audit services for Florida Green Finance Authority.
Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL has assembled a team of governmental and nonprofit specialists second to none to serve our clients. Our firm has the necessary qualifications and experience to serve as the independent auditors for Florida Green Finance Authority. We will provide you with top quality, responsive service.

Experience
Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL is a recognized leader in providing services to governmental and nonprofit agencies throughout Florida. We have been the independent auditors for a number of local governmental agencies and through our experience in performing their audits, we have been able to increase our audit efficiency and; therefore, reduce costs. We have continually passed this cost savings on to our clients and will continue to do so in the future. As a result of our experience and expertise, we have developed an effective and efficient audit approach designed to meet or exceed the performance specifications in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States, and the standards for financial and compliance audits. We will conduct the audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America; “Government Auditing Standards” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States; the provisions of the Single Audit Act, Subpart F of Title 2 US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, with minimal disruption to your operations. Our firm has frequent technical updates to keep our personnel informed and up-to-date on all changes that are occurring within the industry.

- 1 -

Page 23

Florida Green Finance Authority February 26, 2024
Our firm is a member of the Government Audit Quality Center, an organization dedicated to improving government audit quality. We also utilize the audit program software of a nationally recognized CPA firm to assure us that we are up to date with all auditing standards and to assist us maintain maximum audit efficiencies.

To facilitate your evaluation of our qualifications and experience, we have arranged this proposal to include a resume of our firm, including our available staff, our extensive prior governmental and nonprofit auditing experience and clients to be contacted.
You need a firm that will provide an efficient, cost-effective, high-quality audit within critical time constraints. You need a firm with the prerequisite governmental and nonprofit experience to perform your audit according to stringent legal and regulatory requirements, a firm that understands the complex nature of community development districts and their unique compliance requirements. You need a firm with recognized governmental and nonprofit specialists within the finance and governmental communities. And, certainly, you need a firm that will provide you with valuable feedback to enhance your current and future operations. Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL is that firm. J. W. Gaines is the person authorized to make representations for the firm.
Thank you again for the opportunity to submit this proposal to Florida Green Finance Authority. Very truly yours,

Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank Certified Public Accountants PL
Fort Pierce, Florida

- 2 -

Page 24

PROFILE OF THE PROPOSER
Description and History of Audit Firm
Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL is a Treasure Coast public accounting firm, which qualifies as a small business firm, as established by the Small Business Administration (13 CFR 121.38), with offices in Fort Pierce and Stuart. We are a member of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The firm was formed from the merger of Edwards, Berger, Harris & Company (originated in 1972) and McAlpin, Curtis & Associates (originated in 1949). J. W. Gaines and Associates (originated in 1979) merged with the firm in 2004. Our tremendous growth rate experienced over the last 69 years is directly attributable to the firm’s unrelenting dedication to providing the highest quality, responsive professional services attainable to its clients.
We are a member of the Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to assure we meet the highest standards. Membership in this practice section requires that our firm meet more stringent standards than standard AICPA membership. These rigorous requirements include the requirement of a triennial peer review of our firm’s auditing and accounting practice and annual Continuing Professional Education (CPE) for all accounting staff (whether CPA or non-CPA). For standard AICPA membership, only a quality review is required and only CPAs must meet CPE requirements.
We are also a member of the Government Audit Quality Center (“the Center”) of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants to assure the quality of our government audits. Membership in the Center, which is voluntary, requires our firm to comply with additional standards to promote the quality of government audits.
We have been extensively involved in serving local government entities with professional accounting, auditing and consulting services throughout the entire 69 year history of our firm. Our substantial experience over the years makes us uniquely qualified to provide accounting, auditing, and consulting services to these clients. We are a recognized leader in providing services to governmental and nonprofit agencies on the Treasure Coast and in Central and South Florida, with extensive experience in auditing community development districts and water control districts. We were the independent auditors of the City of Fort Pierce for over 37 years and currently, we are the independent auditors for St. Lucie County since 2002, and for 34 of the 38 years that the county has been audited by CPA firms. Additionally, we have performed audits of the City of Stuart, the City of Vero Beach, Indian River County and Martin County. We also presently audit over 75 Community Development Districts throughout Florida.
Our firm was founded on the belief that we are better able to respond to our clients needs through education, experience, independence, quality control, and personal service. Our firm’s commitment to quality is reflected in our endeavor of professional excellence via continuing education, the use of the latest computer technology, professional membership in PCPS and peer review.
We believe our approach to audit engagements, intelligence and innovation teamed with sound professional judgment enables us to explore new concepts while remaining sensitive to the fundamental need for practical solutions. We take pride in giving you the assurance that the personal assistance you receive comes from years of advanced training, technical experience and financial acumen.

Professional Staff Resources

Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL has a total of
27 professional and administrative staff (including 12 professional staff with extensive experience servicing government entities). The work will be performed out of our Fort Pierce office with a proposed staff of one senior accountant and one or two staff accountants supervised by an audit manager and audit partner. With the exception of the directors of the firm’s offices, the professional staff is not specifically assigned to any of our individual offices. The professional and administrative staff resources available to you through Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL are as follows:
Total
Partners/Directors (CPA’s)	6	
Managers (2 CPA’s)	2	
Senior/Supervisor Accountants (3 CPA’s)	3	
Staff Accountants (2 CPA)	11	
Computer Specialist	1	
Paraprofessional	7	
Administrative	 5	
Total – all personnel	35	

Following is a brief description of each employee classification:
Staff Accountant – Staff accountants work directly under the constant supervision of the auditor-in-charge and, are responsible for the various testing of documents, account analysis and any other duties as his/her supervisor believes appropriate. Minimum qualification for a staff accountant is graduation from an accredited university or college with a degree in accounting or equivalent.

Senior Accountant – A senior accountant must possess all the qualifications of the staff accountant, in addition to being able to draft the necessary reports and financial statements, and supervise other staff accountants when necessary.
Managers – A manager must possess the qualifications of the senior accountant, plus be able to work without extensive supervision from the auditor-in-charge. The manager should be able to draft audit reports from start to finish and to supervise the audit team, if necessary.

Principal – A principal is a partner/director in training. He has been a manager for several years and possesses the technical skills to act as the auditor–in-charge. A principal has no financial interest in the firm.
Partner/Director – The director has extensive governmental auditing experience and acts as the auditor-in-charge. Directors have a financial interest in the firm.

Professional Staff Resources (Continued)

Independence – Independence of the public accounting firm, with respect to the audit client, is the foundation from which the public gains its trust in the opinion issued by the public accounting firm at the end of the audit process. This independence must be in appearance as well as in fact. The public must perceive that the accounting firm is independent of the audit entity to ensure that nothing would compromise the opinion issued by the public accounting firm. Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL is independent of Florida Green Finance Authority, including its elected officials and related parties, at the date of this proposal, as defined by the following rules, regulations, and standards:

AuSection 220 – Statements on Auditing Standards issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants;

ET Sections 101 and 102 – Code of Professional Conduct of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants;

Chapter 21A-1, Florida Administrative Code; Section 473.315, Florida Statutes; and,
Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States.

On an annual basis, all members of the firm are required to confirm, in writing, that they have no personal or financial relationships or holding that would impair their independence with regard to the firm’s clients.

Independence is a hallmark of our profession. We encourage our staff to use professional judgment in situations where our independence could be impaired or the perception of a conflict of interest might exist. In the governmental sector, public perception is as important as professional standards. Therefore, the utmost care must be exercised by independent auditors in the performance of their duties.

Ability to Furnish the Required Services

As previously noted in the Profile of the Proposer section of this document, our firm has been in existence for over 74 years. We have provided audit services to some clients for over 30 years continually. Our firm is insured against physical loss through commercial insurance and we also carry liability insurance. The majority of our audit documentation is stored electronically, both on our office network and on each employee laptop or computer assigned to each specific job. Our office computer network is backed up on tape, so in the event of a total equipment loss, we can restore all data as soon as replacement equipment is acquired. In addition, our field laptop computers carry the same data and can be used in the event of emergency with virtually no delay in completing the required services.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES PROVIDED

Arbitrage Rebate Services

Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL also provides arbitrage rebate compliance and related services to governmental issuers. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 requires issuers of most tax-exempt obligations to pay (i.e., “rebate”) to the United States government any arbitrage profits. Arbitrage profits are earnings on the investment of bond proceeds and certain other monies in excess of what would have been earned had such monies been invested at a yield equal to the yield on the bonds.
Federal tax law requires that interim rebate calculations and payments are due at the end of every fifth bond year. Final payment is required upon redemption of the bonds. More frequent calculations may be deemed advisable by an issuer’s auditor, trustee or bond counsel or to assure that accurate and current records are available. These more frequent requirements are usually contained in the Arbitrage or Rebate Certificate with respect to the bonds.

Our firm performs a comprehensive rebate analysis and includes the following:

Verifying that the issue is subject to rebate; Calculating the bond yield;
Identifying, and separately accounting for, all “Gross Proceeds” (as that term is defined in the Code) of the bond issue, including those requiring analysis due to “transferred proceeds” and/or “commingled funds” circumstances;
Determining what general and/or elective options are available to Gross proceeds of the issue;
Calculating the issue’s excess investment earning (rebate liability), if any; Delivering appropriate documentation to support all calculations;
Providing an executive summary identifying the methodology employed, major assumptions, conclusions, and any other recommendations for changes in recordkeeping and investment policies;
Assisting as necessary in the event of an Internal Revenue Service inquiry; and, Consulting with issue staff, as necessary, regarding arbitrage related matters.

GOVERNMENTAL AUDITING EXPERIENCE

Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL has been practicing public accounting in Florida for 69 years. Our success over the years has been the result of a strong commitment to providing personalized quality service to our clients.
The current members of our firm have performed audits of over 1,100 community development districts, and over 2,100 audits of municipalities, counties and other governmental entities such as the City of Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County.

Our firm provides a variety of accounting, auditing, tax litigation support, and consulting services. Some of the professional accounting, auditing and management consulting services that are provided by our firm are listed below:

	Performance of annual financial and compliance audits, including Single Audits of state and federal financial assistance programs, under the provisions of the Single Audit Act, Subpart F of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), with minimal disruptions to your operations;
	Performance of special compliance audits to ascertain compliance with the applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations;
		Issuance of comfort letters and consent letters in conjunction with the issuance of tax- exempt debt obligations, including compiling financial data and interim period financial statement reviews;
	Calculation of estimated and actual federal arbitrage rebates;
	Assistance in compiling historical financial data for first-time and supplemental submissions for GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting;
	Preparation of indirect cost allocation systems in accordance with Federal and State regulatory requirements;
	Providing human resource and employee benefit consulting;
	Performance of automation feasibility studies and disaster recovery plans;
	Performance feasibility studies concerning major fixed asset acquisitions and utility plant expansion plans (including electric, water, pollution control, and sanitation utilities); and
	Assistance in litigation, including testimony in civil and criminal court.
	Assist clients who utilize QuickBooks software with their software needs. Our Certified QuickBooks Advisor has undergone extensive training through QuickBooks and has passed several exams to attain this Certification.
Continuing Professional Education

All members of the governmental audit staff of our firm, and audit team members assigned to this engagement, are in compliance with the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements set forth in Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. In addition, our firm is in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Florida Statutes that require CPA’s to have met certain CPE requirements prior to proposing on governmental audit engagements.

The audit team has extensive experience in performing governmental audits and is exposed to intensive and continuing concentration on these types of audits. Due to the total number of governmental audits our team performs, each member of our governmental staff must understand and be able to perform several types of governmental audits. It is our objective to provide each professional employee fifty hours or more of comprehensive continuing professional education each year. This is accomplished through attending seminars throughout Florida and is reinforced through in-house training.

Our firm has made a steadfast commitment to professional education. Our active attendance and participation in continuing professional education is a major part of our objective to obtain the most recent knowledge on issues which are of importance to our clients. We are growing on the reputation for work that our firm is providing today.

Quality Control Program

Quality control requires continuing commitment to professional excellence. Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL is formally dedicated to that commitment.

To ensure maintaining the standards of working excellence required by our firm, we joined the Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). To be a participating member firm of this practice section, a firm must obtain an independent Peer Review of its quality control policies and procedures to ascertain the firm’s compliance with existing auditing standards on the applicable engagements.
The scope of the Peer Review is comprehensive in that it specifically reviews the following quality control policies and procedures of the participating firm:

	Professional, economic, and administrative independence; 	 Assignment of professional personnel to engagements;
	Consultation on technical matters;
	Supervision of engagement personnel; 	Hiring and employment of personnel;
	Professional development; 	Advancement;
	Acceptance and continuation of clients; and, 	Inspection and review system.
We believe that our commitment to the program is rewarding not only to our firm, but primarily to our clients.

The external independent Peer Review of the elements of our quality control policies and procedures performed by an independent certified public accountant, approved by the PCPS of the AICPA, provides you with the assurance that we continue to conform to standards of the profession in the conduct of our accounting and auditing practice.

Our firm is also a member of Governmental Audit Quality Center (GAQC), a voluntary membership center for CPA firms that perform governmental audits. This center promotes the quality of governmental audits.
Our firm has completed successive Peer Reviews. These reviews included a representative sample of our firm’s local governmental auditing engagements. As a result of these reviews, our firm obtained an unqualified opinion on our quality control program and work procedures. On page 31 is a copy of our most recent Peer Review report. It should be noted that we received a pass rating.

Our firm has never had any disciplinary actions by state regulatory bodies or professional organizations.
As our firm performs approximately one hundred audits each year that are reviewed by federal, state or local entities, we are constantly dealing with questions from these entities about our audits. We are pleased to say that any questions that have been raised were minor issues and were easily resolved without re-issuing any reports.

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (CAFR)

We are proud and honored to have been involved with the City of Fort Pierce and the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority when they received their first Certificates of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the fiscal years ended September 30, 1988 and 1994, respectively. We were also instrumental in the City of Stuart receiving the award, in our first year of performing their audit, for the year ended September 30, 1999.
We also assisted St. Lucie County, Florida for the year ended September 30, 2003, in preparing their first Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, and St. Lucie County has received their Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting every year since.

As continued commitment to insuring that we are providing the highest level of experience, we have had at least one employee of our firm serve on the GFOA – Special Review Committee since the mid-1980s. This committee is made up of selective Certified Public Accountants throughout the United States who have demonstrated their high level of knowledge and expertise in governmental accounting. Each committee member attends a special review meeting at the Annual GFOA Conference. At this meeting, the committee reports on the Certificate of Achievement Program’s most recent results, future goals, and common reporting deficiencies.

We feel that our previous experience in assisting the City of Fort Pierce, the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority and St. Lucie County obtain their first CAFRs, and the City of Stuart in continuing to receive a CAFR and our firm’s continued involvement with the GFOA, and the CAFR review committee make us a valued asset for any client in the field of governmental financial reporting.

References

Terracina Community Development	Gateway Community Development District		District
Jeff Walker, Special District Services	Stephen Bloom, Severn Trent Management
(561) 630-4922	(954) 753-5841

The Reserve Community Development District	Clearwater Cay Community Development
District
Darrin Mossing, Governmental Management	Cal Teague, Premier District Management Services LLC
(407) 841-5524	(239) 690-7100 ext 101

In addition to the above, we have the following additional governmental audit experience: Community Development Districts
Aberdeen Community Development	Beacon Lakes Community District		Development District

Alta Lakes Community Development	Beaumont Community Development District		District

Amelia Concourse Community	Bella Collina Community Development
Development District	District

Amelia Walk Communnity	Bonnet Creek Community
Development District	Development District

Aqua One Community Development	Buckeye Park Community District		Development District

Arborwood Community Development	Candler Hills East Community District		Development District

Arlington Ridge Community	Cedar Hammock Community
Development District	Development District

Bartram Springs Community	Central Lake Community
Development District	Development District

Baytree Community Development	Channing Park Community
District	Development District

Cheval West Community	Evergreen Community Development
Development District	District

Coconut Cay Community	Forest Brooke Community Development District		Development District

Colonial Country Club Community	Gateway Services Community
Development District	Development District

Connerton West Community	Gramercy Farms Community
Development District	Development District

Copperstone Community	Greenway Improvement District Development District

Creekside @ Twin Creeks Community	Greyhawk Landing Community Development District		Development District

Deer Run Community Development	Griffin Lakes Community Development District		District

Dowden West Community	Habitat Community Development
Development District	District

DP1 Community Development	Harbor Bay Community Development
District	District

Eagle Point Community Development	Harbourage at Braden River District		Community Development District

East Nassau Stewardship District	Harmony Community Development
District
Eastlake Oaks Community
Development District	Harmony West Community Development District
Easton Park Community Development
District	Harrison Ranch Community
Development District
Estancia @ Wiregrass Community
Development District	Hawkstone Community Development District

Heritage Harbor Community	Madeira Community Development
Development District	District

Heritage Isles Community	Marhsall Creek Community
Development District	Development District

Heritage Lake Park Community	Meadow Pointe IV Community
Development District	Development District

Heritage Landing Community	Meadow View at Twin Creek
Development District	Community Development District

Heritage Palms Community	Mediterra North Community
Development District	Development District

Heron Isles Community	Midtown Miami Community
Development District	Development District

Heron Isles Community Development	Mira Lago West Community District		Development District

Highland Meadows II Community	Montecito Community
Development District	Development District

Julington Creek Community	Narcoossee Community
Development District	Development District

Laguna Lakes Community	Naturewalk Community
Development District	Development District

Lake Bernadette Community	New Port Tampa Bay Community
Development District	Development District

Lakeside Plantation Community	Overoaks Community Development
Development District	District

Landings at Miami Community	Panther Trace II Community
Development District	Development District

Legends Bay Community	Paseo Community Development
Development District	District

Lexington Oaks Community	Pine Ridge Plantation Community
Development District	Development District

Live Oak No. 2 Community	Piney Z Community Development
Development District	District

Poinciana Community	Sampson Creek Community
Development District	Development District

Poinciana West Community	San Simeon Community
Development District	Development District

Port of the Islands Community	Six Mile Creek Community
Development District	Development District

Portofino Isles Community	South Village Community
Development District	Development District

Quarry Community Development	Southern Hills Plantation I
District	Community Development District

Renaissance Commons Community	Southern Hills Plantation III Development District		Community Development District

Reserve Community	South Fork Community
Development District	Development District

Reserve #2 Community	St. John's Forest Community
Development District	Development District

River Glen Community	Stoneybrook South Community
Development District	Development District

River Hall Community	Stoneybrook South at ChampionsGate
Development District	Community Development District

River Place on the St. Lucie	Stoneybrook West Community
Community Development District	Development District

Rivers Edge Community	Tern Bay Community
Development District	Development District

Riverwood Community	Terracina Community Development
Development District	District

Riverwood Estates Community	Tison's Landing Community
Development District	Development District

Rolling Hills Community	TPOST Community Development Development District		District

Rolling Oaks Community Development District

Triple Creek Community	Vizcaya in Kendall
Development District	Development District

TSR Community Development	Waterset North Community
District	Development District

Turnbull Creek Community	Westside Community Development
Development District	District

Twin Creeks North Community	WildBlue Community Development
Development District	District

Urban Orlando Community	Willow Creek Community
Development District	Development District

Verano #2 Community	Willow Hammock Community
Development District	Development District

Viera East Community	Winston Trails Community
Development District	Development District

VillaMar Community	Zephyr Ridge Community
Development District	Development District

Other Governmental Organizations

City of Westlake

Florida Inland Navigation District Fort Pierce Farms Water Control
District

Indian River Regional Crime Laboratory, District 19, Florida
Viera Stewardship District

Office of the Medical Examiner, District 19
Rupert J. Smith Law Library of St. Lucie County

St. Lucie Education Foundation
Seminole Improvement District Troup Indiantown Water
Control District

Current or Recent Single Audits,
St. Lucie County, Florida Early Learning Coalition, Inc.
Gateway Services Community Development District.
Members of our audit team have acquired extensive experience from performing or participating in over 1,800 audits of governments, independent special taxing districts, school boards, and other agencies that receive public money and utilize fund accounting.

Much of our firm’s auditing experience is with compliance auditing, which is required for publicly financed agencies. In this type of audit, we do a financial examination and also confirm compliance with various statutory and regulatory guidelines.

Following is a summary of our other experience, including Auditor General experience, as it pertains to other governmental and fund accounting audits.

Counties
(Includes elected constitutional officers, utilities and dependent taxing districts)

Indian River Martin Okeechobee Palm Beach

Municipalities

City of Port St. Lucie City of Vero Beach Town of Orchid

Special Districts

Bannon Lakes Community Development District Boggy Creek Community Development District Capron Trail Community Development District Celebration Pointe Community Development District Coquina Water Control District
Diamond Hill Community Development District Dovera Community Development District
Durbin Crossing Community Development District Golden Lakes Community Development District Lakewood Ranch Community Development District Martin Soil and Water Conservation District Meadow Pointe III Community Development District Myrtle Creek Community Development District
St. Lucie County – Fort Pierce Fire District The Crossings at Fleming Island
St. Lucie West Services District
Indian River County Mosquito Control District St. John’s Water Control District
Westchase and Westchase East Community Development Districts Pier Park Community Development District
Verandahs Community Development District Magnolia Park Community Development District

Schools and Colleges
Federal Student Aid Programs – Indian River Community College Indian River Community College
Okeechobee County District School Board St. Lucie County District School Board

State and County Agencies

Central Florida Foreign-Trade Zone, Inc. (a nonprofit organization affiliated with the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners)
Florida School for Boys at Okeechobee
Indian River Community College Crime Laboratory Indian River Correctional Institution

FEE SCHEDULE

We propose the fee for our audit services described below to be $15,000 for the year ended September 30, 2023,, $16,500 for the years ended September 30, 2024 and 2025, and $18,250 for the years ended September 30, 2026 and 2027. The fee is contingent upon the financial records and accounting systems of Florida Green Finance Authority being “audit ready” and the financial activity for the District is not materially increased. If we discover that additional preparation work or subsidiary schedules are needed, we will consult with your authorized representative. We can assist with this additional work at our standard rates should you desire.

SCOPE OF WORK TO BE PERFORMED
If selected as the District's auditors, we will perform a financial and compliance audit in accordance with Section 11.45, Florida Statutes, in order to express an opinion on an annual basis on the financial statements of v Community Development District as of September 30, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027. The audits will be performed to the extent necessary to express an opinion on the fairness in all material respects with which the financial statements present the financial position, results of operations and changes in financial position in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to determine whether, for selected transactions, operations are properly conducted in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements. Reportable conditions that are also material weaknesses shall be identified as such in the Auditors' Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and on Compliance and Other Matters. Other (non-reportable) conditions discovered during the course of the audit will be reported in a separate letter to management, which will be referred to in the Auditors' Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and on Compliance and Other Matters.
Our audit will be performed in accordance with standards for financial and compliance audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, as well as in compliance with rules and regulations of audits of special districts as set forth by the State Auditor General in Chapter 10.550, Local Governmental Entity Audits, and other relevant federal, state and county orders, statutes, ordinances, charter, resolutions, bond covenants, Administrative Code and procedures, or rules and regulations which may pertain to the work required in the engagement.
The primary purpose of our audit will be to express an opinion on the financial statements discussed above. It should be noted that such audits are subject to the inherent risk that errors or irregularities may not be detected. However, if conditions are discovered which lead to the belief that material errors, defalcations or other irregularities may exist or if other circumstances are encountered that require extended services, we will promptly notify the appropriate individual.

J. W. Gaines, CPA, CITP
Director – 44 years

Education
	Stetson University, B.B.A. – Accounting
Registrations
	Certified Public Accountant – State of Florida, State Board of Accountancy
	Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) – American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Professional Affiliations/Community Service
	Member of the American and Florida Institutes of Certified Public Accountants 	Affiliate member Government Finance Officers Association
	Past President, Vice President-Campaign Chairman, Vice President and Board Member of United Way of St. Lucie County, 1989 - 1994
	Past President, President Elect, Secretary and Treasurer of the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, 1988 - 1991
	Past President of Ft. Pierce Kiwanis Club, 1994 - 95, Member/Board Member since 1982
	Past President, Vice President and Treasurer of St. Lucie County Chapter of the American Cancer Society, 1980 -1986
	Member of the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce, Member Board of Directors, Treasurer, September 2002 - 2006, Chairman Elect 2007, Chairman 2008, Past Chairman
2009
	Member Lawnwood Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees, 2000 – Present, Chairman 2013 - Present
	Member of St. Lucie County Citizens Budget Committee, 2001 – 2002
	Member of Ft. Pierce Citizens Budget Advisory Committee, 2010 – 2011 	Member of Ft. Pierce Civil Service Appeals Board, 2013 - Present
Professional Experience
	Miles Grant Development/Country Club – Stuart, Florida, July 1975 – October 1976
	State Auditor General’s Office – Public Accounts Auditor – November 1976 through September 1979
	Director - Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants PL, responsible for numerous government and nonprofit audits.
		Over 40 years experience in all phases of public accounting and auditing experience, with a concentration in financial and compliance audits. Mr. Gaines has been involved in all phases of the audits listed on the preceding pages.

J. W. Gaines, CPA, CITP (Continued)
Director

Continuing Professional Education
	Has participated in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors over the last two years to keep abreast of the latest developments in accounting and auditing such as:
Governmental Accounting Report and Audit Update Analytical Procedures, FICPA
Annual Update for Accountants and Auditors Single Audit Sampling and Other Considerations

David S. McGuire, CPA, CITP
Director – 36 years experience

Education
	University of Central Florida, B.A. – Accounting
	Barry University – Master of Professional Accountancy
Registrations
	Certified Public Accountant – State of Florida, State Board of Accountancy
	Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) – American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
	Certified Not-For-Profit Core Concepts 2018
Professional Affiliations/Community Service
	Member of the American and Florida Institutes of Certified Public Accountants 	Associate Member, Florida Government Finance Office Associates
	Assistant Coach – St. Lucie County Youth Football Organization (1994 – 2005) 	Assistant Coach – Greater Port St. Lucie Football League, Inc. (2006 – 2010)
	Board Member – Greater Port St. Lucie Football League, Inc. (2011 – 2017)
	Treasurer, AIDS Research and Treatment Center of the Treasure Coast, Inc. (2000 – 2003)
	Board Member/Treasurer, North Treasure Coast Chapter, American Red Cross (2004 – 2010)
	Member/Board Member of Port St. Lucie Kiwanis (1994 – 2001)
	President (2014/15) of Sunrise Kiwanis of Fort Pierce (2004 – 2017)
	St. Lucie District School Board Superintendent Search Committee (2013 – present) 	Board Member – Phrozen Pharoes (2019-2021)
Professional Experience
	Twenty-eight years public accounting experience with an emphasis on nonprofit and governmental organizations.
	Audit Manager in-charge on a variety of audit and review engagements within several industries, including the following government and nonprofit organizations:
St. Lucie County, Florida
19th Circuit Office of Medical Examiner Troup Indiantown Water Control District
Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, Inc. Healthy Kids of St. Lucie County
Mustard Seed Ministries of Ft. Pierce, Inc. Reaching Our Community Kids, Inc.
Reaching Our Community Kids - South
St. Lucie County Education Foundation, Inc. Treasure Coast Food Bank, Inc.
North Springs Improvement District
		Four years of service in the United States Air Force in computer operations, with a top secret (SCI/SBI) security clearance.

David S. McGuire, CPA, CITP (Continued)
Director

Continuing Professional Education
		Mr. McGuire has attended numerous continuing professional education courses and seminars taught by nationally recognized sponsors in the accounting auditing and single audit compliance areas. He has attended courses over the last two years in those areas as follows:
Not-for-Profit Auditing Financial Results and Compliance Requirements Update: Government Accounting Reporting and Auditing
Annual Update for Accountants and Auditors

Matthew Gonano, CPA
Director – 13 years total experience

Education
	University of North Florida, B.B.A. – Accounting
	University of Alicante, Spain – International Business 	Florida Atlantic University – Masters of Accounting
Professional Affiliations/Community Service

	American Institute of Certified Public Accountants 	Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Professional Experience

	Senior Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.
		Performed audits of nonprofit and governmental organizations in accordance with Governmental Accounting Auditing Standards (GAAS)
	Performed Single Audits of nonprofit organizations in accordance with OMB Circular A-133, Audits of State, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.

Continuing Professional Education
	Mr. Gonano has participated in numerous continuing professional education courses.

David F. Haughton, CPA
Accounting and Audit Manager – 33 years

Education
	Stetson University, B.B.A. – Accounting
Registrations
	Certified Public Accountant – State of Florida, State Board of Accountancy
Professional Affiliations/Community Service
	Member of the American and Florida Institutes of Certified Public Accountants
	Former Member of Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants Committee on State and Local Government
	Affiliate Member Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for over 10 years
		Affiliate Member Florida Government Finance Officers Association (FGFOA) for over 10 years
	Technical Review – 1997 FICPA Course on State and Local Governments in Florida
	Board of Directors – Kiwanis of Ft. Pierce, Treasurer – 1994-1999; Vice President – 1999- 2001
Professional Experience
		Twenty-seven years public accounting experience with an emphasis on governmental and nonprofit organizations.
	State Auditor General’s Office – West Palm Beach, Staff Auditor, June 1985 to September 1985
	Accounting and Audit Manager of Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants PL, responsible for audit and accounting services including governmental and not-for-profit audits.
		Over 20 years of public accounting and governmental experience, specializing in governmental and nonprofit organizations with concentration in special districts, including Community Development Districts which provide services including water and sewer utilities. Governmental and non-profit entities served include the following:
Counties:
St. Lucie County

Municipalities: City of Fort Pierce City of Stuart

David F. Haughton, CPA (Continued)
Accounting and Audit Manager

Professional Experience (Continued) Special Districts:
Bluewaters Community Development District
Country Club of Mount Dora Community Development District Fiddler’s Creek Community Development District #1 and #2 Indigo Community Development District
North Springs Improvement District
Renaissance Commons Community Development District St. Lucie West Services District
Stoneybrook Community Development District Summerville Community Development District Terracina Community Development District Thousand Oaks Community Development District Tree Island Estates Community Development District Valencia Acres Community Development District

Non-Profits:
The Dunbar Center, Inc.
Hibiscus Children’s Foundation, Inc. Hope Rural School, Inc.
Maritime and Yachting Museum of Florida, Inc. Tykes and Teens, Inc.
United Way of Martin County, Inc.
Workforce Development Board of the Treasure Coast, Inc.
	While with the Auditor General’s Office he was on the staff for the state audits of the Martin County School District and Okeechobee County School District.
		During 1997 he performed a technical review of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants state CPE course on Audits of State and Local Governments in Florida. His comments were well received by the author and were utilized in future updates to the course.
Continuing Professional Education
 During the past several years, he has participated in numerous professional development training programs sponsored by the AICPA and FICPA, including state conferences on special districts and governmental auditing in Florida. He averages in excess of 100 hours bi-annually of advanced training which exceeds the 80 hours required in accordance with the continuing professional education requirements of the Florida State Board of accountancy and the AICPA Private Companies Practice Section. He has over 75 hours of governmental CPE credit within the past two years.

Paul Daly
Staff Accountant – 11 years

Education
	Florida Atlantic University, B.S. – Accounting
Professional Experience
	Staff Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.

Continuing Professional Education
	Working to attain the requirements to take the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) exam.

Melissa Marlin, CPA
Senior Staff Accountant – 9 years

Education
	Indian River State College, A.A. – Accounting 	Florida Atlantic University, B.B.A. – Accounting

Professional Experience
	Staff accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.

Continuing Professional Education
	Mrs. Marlin participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments.

Bryan Snyder
Staff Accountant – 8 years

Education
	Florida Atlantic University, B.B.A. – Accounting
Professional Experience
	Accountant beginning his professional auditing career with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank.
	Mr. Snyder is gaining experience auditing governmental & nonprofit entities.
Continuing Professional Education
	Mr. Snyder participates in numerous continuing education courses and plans on working to acquire his CPA certificate.
	Mr. Snyder is currently studying to pass the CPA exam.

Maritza Stonebraker, CPA
Senior Accountant – 7 years

Education
	Indian River State College, B.S. – Accounting
Professional Experience
		Staff Accountant beginning her professional auditing career with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank.

Continuing Professional Education
	Mrs. Stonebraker participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments.

Jonathan Herman, CPA
Senior Staff Accountant – 9 years

Education
	University of Central Florida, B.S. – Accounting 	Florida Atlantic University, MACC

Professional Experience
	Accounting graduate with nine years experience with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.

Continuing Professional Education
		Mr. Herman participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments.

Sean Stanton, CPA
Staff Accountant – 5 years

Education
	University of South Florida, B.S. – Accounting 	Florida Atlantic University, M.B.A. – Accounting
Professional Experience
	Staff accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank auditing governmental and non-profit entities.

Continuing Professional Education
		Mr. Stanton participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments.

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Tifanee Terrell
Staff Accountant – 3 years

Education
 Florida Atlantic University, M.A.C.C. – Accounting
Professional Experience
		Staff Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.
Continuing Professional Education
		Ms. Terrell participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments.
	Ms. Terrell is currently studying to pass the CPA exam.

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Dylan Dixon
Staff Accountant – 1 year

Education
 Indian River State College, B.S. – Accounting
Professional Experience
		Staff Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.
Continuing Professional Education
		Mr. Dixon participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments.

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Brennen Moore
Staff Accountant

Education
 Indian River State College, B.S. – Accounting
Professional Experience
		Staff Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.
Continuing Professional Education
	Mr. Moore participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments.

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Jordan Wood
Staff Accountant – 1 year

Education
 Indian River State College, A.A. – Accounting
Professional Experience
		Staff Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.
Continuing Professional Education
	Ms. Wood is currently enrolled at Indian River State College to complete her bachelor’s degree.
	Ms. Wood participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments.
	Ms. Wood is currently working towards completing an additional 30 hours of education to qualify to sit for CPA exam.

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Katie Gifford
Staff Accountant

Education
 Indian River State College, B.S. – Accounting
Professional Experience
		Staff Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.
Continuing Professional Education
	Ms. Gifford participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments.

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Rayna Zicari
Staff Accountant

Education
 Stetson University, B.B.A. – Accounting
Professional Experience
		Staff Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.
Continuing Professional Education
	Ms. Zicari participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments.
	Ms. Zicari is currently working towards completing an additional 30 hours of education to qualify to sit for CPA exam.

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6815 Dairy Road
Zephyrhills, FL 33542
813.788.2155
BodinePerry.com
Report ori the Firm's System of Quality Control
Tolhe Partners or	November 30. 2022
Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, CPAs, Pl
a,id1he Peer Review Committee or lho Florida fns1i1u1e of Certified PubH<;Accou11ra111s

We have reviewed the ys1em or quality co111rof for tho acco\[n1ing and audiling practice of Berg(),
,oombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, CPAs, PL (!he firm), in effect ror !he year ended May 31, 2022. Our peer review was conducted in accordance wilh !he Standards ror Performing and Reporting on Peer Reviews established by !he Peer Review Board of the American Institute or Certified Public Accoun1ants (Standards).

A summary of lhe nature, objectives, scope, limitations of, and the procedures performed in a System Review as described in the Slandards may be found at aicpa.org/prsummary. The summary also includes an explanalion of how engagemenls identified as not performed or reported in conformity with applicable professional slandards, if any, are evaluated by a peer reviewer to determine a peer review rating.
Firm's Responsibility
The firm is responsible for designing a system of quality control and complying with it to provide the firm with reasonable assurance of performing and reporting in confonnily wilh applicable professional standards in all material respects. The firm is also responsible ror evaluating aclions to promptly remediate engagements deemed as not performed or reported in conformity wilh professional standards, when appropriate, and for remediating weaknesses in its system of quality control, if any.
Peer Reviewer's Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the design or the system of quality conlrol, and the firm's compliance therewith based on our review.
Required Selections and Considerations
Engagements selected for review included engagements performed under Govemment Auditing Standards, including a compliance audit under the Single Audit Act.
As a part or our peer review, we considered reviews by regulatory entities as communicated by the firm, if applicable, in determining the nature and extent of our procedures.
Opinion
In our opinion. the system of quality control for the accounting and auditing practice of Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, CPAs, PL, in effect for the year ended May 31, 2022, has been suitably designed and complied with to provide the firm with reasonable assurance of performing and reporting in conformity with applicable professional standards in all material respects. Firms can receive a rating of pass, pass will/ d.,'/Wa,trcy(ieJ), or fiJif. Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, CPAs, PLC, has received a peer review rating of pass.

Bodine Perry	(BERGER_REPORT22)

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FLORIDA GREEN FINANCE AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
District Auditing Services for Fiscal Years 2022/2023, 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 With Two Year Option (2025/2026 and 2026/2027)
State Of Florida

FLORIDA GREEN FINANCE AUTHORITY AUDITOR SELECTION INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

SECTION 1. DUE DATE. Sealed proposals must be received no later than February 26, 2024 at 4:00 p.m., at the offices of District Manager, located at 2501A Burns Road, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410.

SECTION 2. FAMILIARITY WITH THE LAW. By submitting a proposal, the Proposer is affirming its familiarity and understanding with all federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations that in any manner affect the work. Ignorance on the part of the Proposer will in no way relieve it from responsibility to perform the work covered by the proposal in compliance with all such laws, ordinances and regulations.
SECTION 3. QUALIFICATIONS OF PROPOSER. The contract, if awarded, will only be awarded to a responsible Proposer who is qualified by experience and licensing to do the work specified herein. The Proposer shall submit with its proposal satisfactory evidence of experience in similar work and show that it is fully prepared to complete the work to the satisfaction of the District.

SECTION 4. REJECTION OF PROPOSAL. Proposers shall be disqualified and their proposals rejected if the District has reason to believe that collusion may exist among the Proposers, the Proposer has defaulted on any previous contract or is in arrears on any previous or existing contract, or for failure to demonstrate proper licensure and business organization.
SECTION 5. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL. Submit five (5) copies of the Proposal Documents and one digital copy, and other requested attachments at the time and place indicated herein, which shall be enclosed in an opaque sealed envelope, marked with the title “Auditing Services – Florida Green Finance Authority” on the face of it.
SECTION 6. MODIFICATION AND WITHDRAWAL. Proposals may be modified or withdrawn by an appropriate document duly executed and delivered to the place where proposals are to be submitted at any time prior to the time and date the proposals are due. After proposals are opened by the District, no proposal may be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days.

SECTION 7. PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS. The proposal documents shall consist of the notice announcing the request for proposals, these instructions, the Evaluation Criteria Sheet and a proposal with all required documentation pursuant to Section 12 of these instructions (the “Proposal Documents”).

- 38 -

SECTION 8. PROPOSAL. In making its proposal, each Proposer represents that it has read and understands the Proposal Documents and that the proposal is made in accordance therewith.

SECTION 9. BASIS OF AWARD/RIGHT TO REJECT. The District reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, make modifications to the work, and waive any informalities or irregularities in proposals as it is deemed in the best interests of the District.

SECTION 10. CONTRACT AWARD. Within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the Notice of Award from the District, the Proposer shall enter into and execute a Contract (engagement letter) with the District.
SECTION 11. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. Nothing herein shall be construed as or constitute a waiver of District’s limited waiver of liability contained in section 768.28, Florida Statutes, or any other statute or law.

SECTION 12. MISCELLANEOUS. All proposals shall include the following information in addition to any other requirements of the proposal documents.
List position or title of all personnel to perform work on the District audit. Include resumes or each person listed; list years of experience in present position for each party listed and years of related experience.
Describe proposed staffing levels, including resumes with applicable certifications.

Three references from projects of similar size and scope. The Proposer should include information relating to the work it conducted for each reference as well as a name, address and phone number of a contact person.

SECTION 13. PROTESTS. Any protest regarding the Proposal Documents, must be filed in writing, at the offices of the District Manager, within seventy-two (72) hours after receipt of the Request for Proposals and Evaluation Criteria or other contract documents. The formal protest setting forth with particularity the facts and law upon which the protest is based shall be filed within seven (7) calendar days after the initial notice of protest was filed. Failure to timely file a notice of protest or failure to timely file a formal written protest shall constitute a waiver of any right to object or protest with respect to the aforesaid Request for Proposals, Evaluation Criteria, or other contract documents.

SECTION 14. EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS. The criteria to be used in the evaluation are presented in the Evaluation Criteria Sheet, contained within the Proposal Documents.
SECTION 15. REJECTION OF ALL PROPOSALS. The District reserves the right to reject any and all bids, with or without cause, and to waive technical errors and informalities, as determined to be in the best interests of the District.

- 39 -

FLORIDA GREEN FINANCE AUTHORITY AUDITOR SELECTION EVALUATION CRITERIA

Ability of Personnel	(10 Points).

(E.g., geographic locations of the firm’s headquarters or permanent office in relation to the project; capabilities and experience of key personnel; evaluation of existing work load; proposed staffing levels, etc.)

Proposer’s Experience	(10 Points).

(E.g. past record and experience of the Proposer in similar projects; volume of work previously performed by the firm; past performance for other Community Development Districts in other contracts; character, integrity, reputation of Proposer, etc.)
Understanding of Scope of Work	(10 Points).

Extent to which the proposal demonstrates an understanding of the District’s needs for the services requested.
Ability to Furnish the Required Services	(10 Points).

Present ability to manage this project and the extent to which the proposal demonstrates the adequacy of Proposer’s financial resources and stability as a business entity necessary to complete the services required (E.g. the existence of any natural disaster plan for business operations).

Price	(10 Points).

Points will be awarded based upon the price bid for the rendering of the services and reasonableness of the price to the services.

- 40 -

Florida Green Finance Authority

Proposer

DiBartolomeo, McBee, Hartley & Barnes, P.A. Certified Public Accountants
2222 Colonial Road, Suite 200
Fort Pierce, Florida 34950
(772) 461-8833
591 SE Port St. Lucie Boulevard Port Saint Lucie, Florida 34984 (772) 878-1952
Contact:

Jim Hartley, CPA Principal

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter of Transmittal Professional Qualifications
	Professional Staff Resources	1-2
	Current and Near Future Workload	2
	Identification of Audit Team	2
	Resumes	3-5
	Governmental Audit Experience	6
Additional Data
	Procedures for Ensuring Quality Control & Confidentiality	7
	Independence	7-8
	Computer Auditing Capabilities	8
	Contracts of Similar Nature	9
Technical Approach
	Agreement to Meet or Exceed the Performance Specifications	10
	Tentative Audit Schedule	11
	Description of Audit Approach	12-15
	Proposed Audit Fee	16

DMHB

DIBARTOLOMEO, MCBEE, HARTLEY & BARNES, P.A.
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Florida Green
Finance Authority
Audit Selection Committee Dear Committee Members:
We are pleased to have this opportunity to present the qualifications of DiBartolomeo, McBee, Hartley & Barnes, P.A. (DMHB) to serve as Florida Green Finance Authority independent auditors. The audit is a significant engagement demanding various professional resources, governmental knowledge and expertise, and, most importantly, experience serving Florida local governments. DMHB understands the services required and is committed to performing these services within the required time frame. We have the staff available to complete this engagement in a timely fashion. We audit several entities across the State making it feasible to schedule and provide services at the required locations.
Proven Track Record— Our clients know our people and the quality of our work. We have always been responsive, met deadlines, and been willing to go the extra mile with the objective of providing significant value to mitigate the cost of the audit. This proven track record of successfully working together to serve governmental clients will enhance the quality of services we provide. Having served the Tradition CDD’s #1-10 in the past we have unmatched experience in the unique items that are associated with these districts.
Experience—DMHB has a history of providing quality professional services to an impressive list of public sector clients in Florida. We currently serve a large number of public sector entities in Florida, including cities, villages, special districts, as well as a large number of community development districts. Our firm has performed in excess of 100 community development district audits. In addition, our senior management team members have between 25 and 35 years experience in serving Florida governments. DMHB is a recognized leader in providing services to governmental and non-profit agencies within the State of Florida. Through our experience in performing audits, we have been able to increase our audit efficiency and therefore reduce cost. We have continually passed this cost saving on to our clients and will continue to do so in the future. As a result of our experience and expertise, we have developed an effective and efficient audit approach designed to meet or exceed the performance specifications in accordance with audit standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States with minimal disruption to your operations. Our firm has frequent technical updates to keep our personnel informed and up to date on all changes that are occurring within the industry.

2222 Colonial Road, Suite 200 Fort Pierce, Florida 34950 772-461-8833	Fax: 772-461-8872 591 S.E. Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie, Florida 34984 772-878-1952 Fax: 772-878-1709
Member AICPA	Member AICPA Division for CPA Firms	Member AICPA Private Company Practice Section

Timeliness – In order to meet the Districts needs, we will perform interim internal control testing from unaudited preliminary general ledgers provided. The remaining testing will be completed no later than May 1st. This will ensure the submission of audit reports will be completed in advance of the June 30th deadlines.

Communication and Knowledge Sharing— Another driving force behind our service approach is frequent, candid and open communication with management with no surprises. During the course of the audit, we will communicate with management on a regular basis to provide you with a status report on the audit and to discuss any issues that arise, potential management letter comments, or potential audit differences.
In the accompanying proposal, you will find additional information upon which you can evaluate DMHB’s qualifications. Our full team is in place and waiting to serve you. Please contact us at 591 SE Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL 34984. Our phone number is (772) 878-1952. We look forward to further discussion on how our team can work together with you.

Very truly yours,

DiBartolomeo, McBee, Hartley & Barnes, P.A.

DiBartolomeo, McBee, Hartley & Barnes, P.A. is a local public accounting firm with offices in the cities of Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie. The firm was formed in 1982.

  Professional Staff Resources

Our services will be delivered through personnel in both our Port St. Lucie and Ft. Pierce offices, located at 591 S.E. Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL 34984 and 2222 Colonial Road, Suite 200, Fort Pierce, Florida 34950, respectively. DMHB has a total of 24 professional staff including 9 with extensive experience serving governmental entities.

Professional Staff Classification	Number of Professionals	
Partner	4	
Managers	2	
Senior	3	
Staff	15	
	24	

DiBartolomeo, McBee, Hartley & Barnes provides a variety of accounting, auditing, tax litigation support, estate planning, and consulting services. Some of the governmental, non-profit accounting, auditing and advisory services currently provided to clients include:

	Annual financial and compliance audits including Single Audits of State and Federal financial assistance programs under the Single Audit audit criteria

	Issuance of Comfort Letters, consent letters, and parity certificates in conjunction with the issuance of tax-exempt debt obligations, including compiling financial data and interim period financial statement reviews

	Assisting in compiling historical financial data for first-time and subsequent submissions for the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

  Professional Staff Resources (Continued)

	Audits of franchise fees received from outside franchisees

	Preparation of annual reports to the State Department of Banking and Finance

	Audits of Internal Controls – Governmental Special Project

	Assistance with Implementation of current GASB pronouncements

 Current and Near Future Workload
In order to better serve and provide timely and informative financial data, we have comprised an experienced audit team. Our present and future workloads will permit the proposed audit team to perform these audits within the time schedule required and meet all deadlines.
 Identification of Audit Team

The team is composed of people who are experienced, professional, and creative. They fully understand your business and will provide you with reliable opinions. In addition, they will make a point to maintain ongoing dialogue with each other and management about the status of our services.
The auditing firm you select is only as good as the people who serve you. We are extremely proud of the outstanding team we have assembled for your engagement. Our team brings many years of relevant experience coupled with the technical skill, knowledge, authority, dedication, and most of all, the commitment you need to meet your government reporting obligations and the challenges that will result from the changing accounting standards.

A flow chart of the audit team and brief resumes detailing individual team members’ experience in each of the relevant areas follow.
Jim Hartley, CPA – Engagement Partner (resume attached) Will assist in the field as main contact
Jay McBee, CPA – Technical Reviewer (resume attached) Theresa Goldstein - Senior (resume attached)
Staff – TBA

Experience and Training

Jim has over 35 years of public accounting experience and would serve as the engagement partner. His experience and training include:

	35 years of non-profit and governmental experience.
	Specializing in serving entities ranging from Government to Associations and Special District audits. 	Has performed audits and advisory services for a variety of public sector entities.
	Has extensive experience performing audits of federal grant recipients in accordance with the Single Audit Act and the related Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidelines.
		Experienced in maintaining the GFOA Certificate of Achievement. 	In excess of 120 hours of CPE credits over the past 3 years.
Recent Engagements

Has provided audit services on governmental entities including towns, villages, cities, counties, special districts and community development districts. Jim has assisted with financial statement preparation, system implementation, and a variety of services to a wide range of non-profit and governmental entities. Jim currently provides internal audit and consulting services to governmental entities and non-profit agencies to assist in implementing and maintaining “best practice” accounting policies and procedures. Jim provides auditing services to the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority, St. Lucie County Fire District, City of Fort Pierce, Tradition CDD #1 – 10, Southern Groves CDD #1-6, Multiple CDD audits, Town of St. Lucie Village, along with several other entities, including Condo and Homeowner Associations.
Education and Registrations

	Bachelor of Science in Accounting – Sterling College. 	Certified Public Accountant
Professional Affiliations

	Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants 	Member of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants
	Member of the Florida Government Finance Officers Association
Volunteer Service

Treasurer & Executive Board - St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce Budget Advisory Board - St. Lucie County School District
Past Treasurer - Exchange Club for Prevention of Child Abuse & Exchange Foundation Board Board of Directors – State Division of Juvenile Justice

Experience and Training

Jay has over 35 years of public accounting experience and would serve as the technical reviewer on the audit. His experience and training include:

	35 years of government experience.
	Specializing in serving local government entities.
	Has performed audits and advisory services for a variety of public sector entities including counties, cities, special districts, and school districts.
	Has experience performing audits of federal grant recipients in accordance with the Single Audit Act and the related Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidelines, including Circular A-133 and the Rules of the Auditor General.
	Has extensive experience in performing pension audits.
	Experienced in developing and maintaining the GFOA Certificate of Achievement. 	120 Hours of relevant government CPE credits over the past 3 years.
	Experience in municipal bond and other governmental-financing options and offerings.

Recent Engagements
Has provided auditing services on local governmental entities including towns, villages, cities, counties, special district, and community development districts. Jay has assisted with financial preparation, system implementation, and a variety of government services to a wide range of governmental entities. Jay currently provides auditing services to various governmental entities, City of Okeechobee Pension Trust Funds, St. Lucie County Fire District Pension funds, along with several other non-profit and governmental entities.

Education and Registrations

	Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Quantitative Business Management – West Virginia University. 	Certified Public Accountant
Professional Affiliations

	Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants 	Member of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants
	Member of the Florida Government Finance Officers Association
Volunteer Service

Member of the St. Lucie County Citizens Budget Committee Finance committee for the First United Methodist Church Treasurer of Boys & Girls Club of St. Lucie County

Supervisor – DiBartolomeo, McBee, Hartley & Barnes
Experience and training
Theresa has over 25 years of public accounting experience and would serve as the supervisor for the Constitutional Officers. Her experience and training include:
	25 years of government experience.
	Specializing in serving local government entities.
	Has performed audits and advisory services for a variety of public sector entities including counties, cities, towns and special districts.
	Has extensive experience performing audits of federal grant recipients in accordance with the Single Audit Act and the related Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidelines, including Circular A-133 and the Rules of the Auditor General.
		Experienced in maintaining the GFOA Certificate of Achievement. 	100 hours of relevant government CPE credits over the past 3 years.
Recent Engagements
Has provided audit services on governmental entities including towns, villages, cities, counties, special districts and community development districts. Theresa has assisted with financial statement preparation, system implementation, and a variety of services to a wide range of non-profit and governmental entities. Theresa currently provides internal audit and consulting services to multiple agencies to assist in implementing and maintaining “best practice” accounting policies and procedures. Engagements include St. Lucie County Fire District, Multiple CDD audits, Tradition CDD #1-10, Southern Groves CDD #1-6 and Town of St. Lucie Village.

Education and Registrations
	Bachelor of Science in Finance – University of Central Florida
	Masters of Business Administration with concentration in Accounting – Bryant College
Professional Affiliations

Associate Member of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants Member of the Florida Government Finance Officers Association

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (CONTINUED)

  Governmental Audit Experience
DiBartolomeo, McBee, Hartley & Barnes, P.A., through its principals and members, has provided continuous in-depth professional accounting, auditing, and consulting services to local government units, nonprofit organizations, and commercial clients. Our professionals have developed considerable expertise in performing governmental audits and single audits and in preparing governmental financial statements in conformance with continually evolving GASB pronouncements, statements, and interpretations. All of the public sector entities we serve annually are required to be in accordance with GASB pronouncements and government auditing standards. We currently perform several Federal and State single audits in compliance with the Florida Single Audit Act. Our professionals are also experienced in assisting their clients with preparing Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (GFOA).

All work performed by our firm is closely supervised by experienced certified public accountants. Only our most seasoned CPA’s perform consulting services. Some of the professional accounting, auditing, and management consulting services currently provided to our local governmental clients include:

	Annual financial and compliance audits including Single Audits of State and Federal financial assistance programs under Single audit criteria and the Florida Single Audit Act
	Assisting in compiling historical financial data for first-time and supplemental submissions for GFOA Certificate of Achievement of Excellence in Financial Reporting
	Audits of franchise fees received from outside franchisees 	Assistance with Implementation of GASB-34
	Internal audit functions
	Fixed assets review and updating cost/depreciation allocations and methods

 Procedures for Ensuring Quality Control & Confidentiality

Quality control in any CPA firm can never be taken for granted. It requires a continuing commitment to professional excellence. DiBartolomeo, McBee, Hartley & Barnes is formally dedicated to that commitment.

In an effort to continue to maintain the standards of working excellence required by our firm, DiBartolomeo, McBee, Hartley & Barnes, P.A. joined the Quality Review Program of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. To be a participating member firm, a firm must obtain an independent compliance review of its quality control policies and procedures to ascertain the firm’s compliance with existing auditing standards on the applicable engagements. The scope of peer review is comprehensive in that it specifically reviews the following quality control policies and procedures of the participating firm:

	Professional, economic, and administrative independence 	Assignment of professional personnel to engagements
	Consultation on technical matters
	Supervision of engagement personnel 	Hiring and employment of personnel 	Professional development
	Advancement
	Acceptance and continuance of clients 	Inspection and review system

Independence

Independence is a hallmark of our profession. We encourage our staff to use professional judgment in situations where our independence could be impaired or the perception of a conflict of interest might exist. In the governmental sector, public perception is as important as professional standards. Therefore, independent auditors must exercise utmost care in the performance of their duties.

Our firm has provided continuous certified public accounting services in the government sector for 31 years, and we are independent of the Financing Authority as defined by the following rules, regulations, and standards:

 Independence (Continued)

Au Section 220 – Statements on Auditing Standards issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

ET Sections 101 and 102 – Code of Professional Conduct of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Chapter 21A-21, Florida Administrative Code Section 473.315, Florida Statutes

Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States

  Computer Auditing Capabilities

DiBartolomeo, McBee, Hartley & Barnes’ strong computer capabilities as demonstrated by our progressive approach to computer auditing and extensive use of microcomputers. Jay McBee is the MIS partner for DMHB. Jay has extensive experience in auditing and evaluating various computer systems and would provide these services in this engagement.

We view the computer operation as an integral part of its accounting systems. We would evaluate the computer control environment to:

Understand the computer control environment’s effect on internal controls Conclude on whether aspects of the environment require special audit attention

Make preliminary determination of comments for inclusion in our management letter

This evaluation includes:

System hardware and software Organization and administration Access

Contracts of Similar Nature within References

Client	
Years	Annual Audit In Accordance With GAAS	
Engagement Partner	Incl. Utility Audit/ Consulting	
GFOA
Cert.	GASB 34
Implementation & Assistance	
Total Hours	
St. Lucie County Fire District Patricia Marston-Duva, Clerk-
Treasurer (772)462-2300	1984 -
Current	
	
Jim Hartley			
	
250-300	
City of Fort Pierce
Johnna Morris, Finance Director (772)-460-2200	2005-
current	
	Mark Barnes		
	
	800	
Fort Pierce Utilities Authority
Barbara Mika, Finance Director (772)-466-1600	2005-
current	
	Jim Hartley	

	600	
Town of St. Lucie Village Mary Fouler, Town Clerk
(772) 595-0663	1999 –
current	
	Jim Hartley			
	100	
City of Okeechobee Pension Trust Funds
Marita Rice, Supervisor of Finance (863)763-9460	1998 –
current	
	
Jay McBee				
60	
St. Lucie County Fire District 175
Pension Trust Fund Chris Bushman , Captain
(772) 462-2300	1990 –
current	
	
Jay McBee				
60	
Tradition Community Development District 1-10
Andrew Karmeris,District Finance Manager
(561) 630-4922	2002 -
current	

Jim Hartley			

350	
Legends Bay Community Development District John Daugirda
(813)514-2865	2013-
current	
	
Jim Hartley				
50	
Union Park Community Development District
John Daugirda (813)514-2865	2013-
current	
	
Jim Hartley				50	
Deer Island Community
Development District Indhira Araujo (407)841-5524	2013-
current	
	
Jim Hartley				
50	
Park Creek Community Development District Sharyn Henning (954)721-8681	2013-
current	
	
Jim Hartley				
50	
Aviary at Rutland Ranch Community Development District
Skye Lee (904)355-1831	2013-
current	
	
Jim Hartley				
50	

TECHNICAL APPROACH
An Express Agreement to Meet or Exceed the Performance Specifications.
The audit will be conducted in compliance with the following requirements:

Rules of the Auditor General for form and content of governmental audits
Regulations of the State Department of Banking and Finance
Audits of State and Local Governmental Units-American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
The audit report shall contain the opinion of the auditor in reference to all financial statements, and an opinion reflecting compliance with applicable legal provisions.
We will also provide the required copies of the audit report, the management letter, any related reports on internal control weaknesses and one copy of the adjusting journal entries and financial work papers.
The auditor shall, at no additional charge, make all related work papers available to any Federal or State agency upon request in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations.
We will work in cooperation with the District, its underwriters and bond council in regard to any bond issues that may occur during the term of the contract.
The financial statements shall be prepared in conformity with Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement Number 34, 63 and 65.

We will commit to issuing the audit for each Fiscal year by June 15th of the following year. In order to ensure this we will perform interim internal control testing as required by March 15th from unaudited preliminary general ledgers provided. The remaining testing will be completed no later than May 15th.

b. A Tentative Schedule for Performing the Key phases of the Audit

Audit Phase and Tasks
Planning Phase:
Meetings and discussions with Florida Green Finance Authority personnel regarding operating, accounting and reporting matters
Discuss management expectations, strategies and objectives
Review operations Develop engagement plan
Study and evaluate internal controls Conduct preliminary analytical review
Detailed Audit Phase:
Conduct final risk assessment Finalize audit approach plan
Perform	substantive	tests	of	account
balances
Perform	single	audit	procedures	(if applicable)
Perform statutory compliance testing
Closing Phase:
Review subsequent events, contingencies and commitments
Complete	audit	work	and	obtain management representations
Review proposed audit adjustments with client
Reporting Phase:
Review or assist in preparation of financial statement for Florida Green Finance Authority
Prepare management letter and other special reports
Exit conference with Florida Green Finance Authority officials and management
Delivery of final reports

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

Apr.

May.

Jun.

SPECIFIC AUDIT APPROACH
Our partners are not strangers who show up for an entrance conference and an exit conference. We have developed an audit plan that allows the partners to directly supervise our staff in the field. By assigning two partners to the audit, we will have a partner on-site for a significant portion of the fieldwork. This also gives the District an additional contact individual for questions or problems that may arise during the audit.

The scope of our services will include a financial, as well as, a compliance audit of the District’s financial statements. Our audit will be conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. Additionally, our audit will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 10.550, Rules of the Auditor General, which govern the conduct of local government entity audits performed in the State of Florida.

Our audit approach places emphasis on the accounting information system and how the data is recorded, rather than solely on the verification of numbers on a financial statement. This approach enables us to:
Maximize our understanding of the District’s operating environment
Minimize time required conducting the audit since we start with broad considerations and narrow to specific audit objectives in critical areas
Our audit approach consists of four phases encompassing our audit process:

Planning   Phase Detailed Audit Phase Closing   Phase Reporting

Planning Phase
Meetings and Expectations:
Our first step in this phase will be to set up a planning meeting with the financial and operating management of Florida Green Finance Authority. Our goal here is to eliminate “surprises.” By meeting with responsible officials early on we can discuss significant accounting policies, closing procedures and timetables, planned timing of our audit procedures and expectations of our work. This will also be the starting point for our discussions with management related to SAS No. 99- Consideration of Fraud in a Financial Statement Audit. Inquiries will be made regarding managements knowledge of fraud and on management’s views regarding the risk of fraud.

Review Operations and Develop Engagement Plan
It is critical that we understand the District’s operating environment. To do this we will obtain and review such items as, organizational charts, recent financial statements, budget information, major contracts and lease agreements. We will also gather other information necessary to increase our understanding of the District’s operations, organization, and internal control.

Study and Evaluate Internal Control
As part of general planning, we will obtain an understanding and assessment of the District’s control environment. This assessment involves a review of management’s operating style, written internal control procedures, and the District’s accounting system. The assessment is necessary to determine if we can rely on control procedures and thus reduce the extent of substantive testing.

We then test compliance with established control procedures by ascertaining that the significant strengths within the system are functioning as described to us. Generally, transactions are selected and reviewed in sufficient detail to permit us to formulate conclusions regarding compliance with control procedures and the extent of operation compliance with pertinent laws and regulations. This involves gaining an understanding of the District’s procedures, laws and regulations, and testing systems for compliance by examining contracts, invoices, bid procedures, and other documents. After testing controls, we then evaluate the results of those tests and decide whether we can rely on controls and thus reduce other audit procedures.
Conduct Preliminary Analytical Review
Also during the planning stage, we undertake analytical procedures that aid us in focusing our energies in the right direction. We call these analytical reviews.
A properly designed analytical review can be a very effective audit procedure in audits of governmental units. Analytical reviews consist of more than just a comparison of current-year actual results to prior-year actual results. Very effective analytical review techniques include trend analysis covering a number of years and comparisons of information not maintained totally within the financial accounting system, such as per capita information, prevailing market interest rates, housing statistics, etc.

Some examples of effective analytical reviews performed together and/or individually include:
	Comparison of current-year actual results with current-year budget for the current and past years with investigation of significant differences and/or trends
	Trend analysis of the percentage of current-year revenues to current-year rates for the current and previous years with investigation of significant changes in the collection percentage
	Trend analysis of the percentage of expenditures by function for the current and previous years with investigation of significant changes in percentages by department
	Monthly analysis of receipts compared to prior years to detect trends that may have audit implications

Conclusions reached enable us to determine the nature, timing and extent of other substantive procedures.

Detailed Audit Phase

Conduct Final Risk Assessment and Prepare Audit Programs
Risk assessment requires evaluating the likelihood of errors occurring that could have a material affect on the financial statements being audited. The conclusions we reach are based on many evaluations of internal control, systems, accounts, and transactions that occur throughout the audit. After evaluating the results of our tests of control and our final risk assessment we can develop detailed audit programs.
Perform Substantive Tests of Account Balances
These tests are designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the validity of the information produced by the accounting system. Substantive tests involve such things as examining invoices supporting payments, confirmation of balances with independent parties, analytical review procedures, and physical inspection of assets. All significant accounts will be subjected to substantive procedures. Substantive tests provide direct evidence of the completeness, accuracy, and validity of data.

Perform Single Audit Procedures (if applicable)
During the planning phase of the audit we will request and review schedules of expenditures of federal awards and state financial assistance. These schedules will be the basis for our determination of the specific programs we will test.
In documenting our understanding of the internal control system for the financial statement audit, we will identify control activities that impact major federal and state programs as well. This will allow us to test certain controls for the financial audit and the single audit concurrently. We will then perform additional tests of controls for each federal and state program selected for testing. We will then evaluate the results of the test of controls to determine the nature, timing and extent of substantive testing necessary to determine compliance with major program requirements.

Perform Statutory Compliance Testing
We have developed audit programs for Florida Green Finance Authority designed to test Florida Statutes as required by the Auditor General. These programs include test procedures such as general inquiries, confirmation from third parties, and examination of specific documents.

Closing Phase

During the closing phase we perform detail work paper reviews, request legal letters, review subsequent events and proposed audit adjustments. Communication with the client is critical in this phase to ensure that the information necessary to prepare financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States has been obtained.

Reporting Phase
Financial Statement Preparation
As a local firm, we spend a considerable amount of time on financial statement preparation and support. With this in mind, we can assist in certain portions of the preparation of financial statements or simply review a draft of financials prepared by your staff. We let you determine our level of involvement.

Management Letters
We want to help you solve problems before they become major.
Our management letters go beyond citing possible deficiencies in the District’s internal control structures. They identify opportunities for increasing revenues, decreasing costs, improving management information, protecting assets and improving operational efficiency.
The diversity of experience of our personnel and their independent and objective viewpoints make the comments, observations, and conclusions presented in our management letters a valuable source of information. We have provided positive solution-oriented objective recommendations to our governmental clients regarding investments, accounting accuracy, data processing, revenue bonds, payroll, utility billing, purchasing, budgeting, risk management, and internal auditing.

This review ensures the integrity of the factual data in the management letter but does not influence or impair our independence.
Exit Conferences and Delivery of Reports
We anticipate meeting with appropriate District personnel in February and issuing the draft required reports by the May meeting of each year.

PROPOSED AUDIT FEE FOR EACH YEAR OF THE THREE YEARS

DiBartolomeo, McBee, Hartley & Barnes P.A. will perform the annual audit of Florida Green Finance Authority for the three years as follows:

2022	$12,500	
2023	$13,500	
2024	$14,800	

2 Option Years 2025-2026 estimated $30,200

In years of new debt issuance fees may be adjusted as mutually agreed upon.