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INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS <br />Internal charges (accruals) are costs reflected in the operating budgets that represent <br />liabilities we are accumulating over time. These liabilities may not result in actual <br />expenditures in the short term, but will result in future expenditures for the future <br />replacement of equipment we are now using (similar to charges for depreciation). They <br />also include accruals for renovations of parks and facilities that are aging as we use <br />them and employee costs that are accruing now but will be paid out later, such as <br />unused vacation and benefits. In accordance with the City's adopted financial policies <br />and the City's General Plan, the City recognizes costs as they accrue, and sets money <br />aside to fund the future expenditures, rather than allowing these costs to accumulate <br />and become a burden on future generations. <br />An adjustment was necessary in the LPFD Retiree Medical Reserve Fund because <br />certain Fire Management and Fire Miscellaneous retirees had their medical premiums <br />paid from the Retiree Medical Reserve Fund rather than the LPFD Retiree Medical <br />Reserve Fund. To correct this for 2006-07 expenditures of $110,657 were transferred <br />into the LPFD Retiree Medical Reserve Fund from the Retiree Medical Reserve Fund. <br />Consequently, the LPFD Medical Reserve Fund exceeded the budget by $101,710. By <br />accepting the staff recommendation Council will be increasing the budget to match the <br />expenditures. <br />Replacement/Renovation Funds <br />In accordance with its financial policies and the General Plan, the City maintains various <br />Replacement/Renovation Funds. The purpose of these Funds is to provide ongoing <br />replacement of City equipment, vehicles, traffic signals, and streetlights, and to make <br />major repairs/ renovations to City facilities, parks, and medians, in order to extend their <br />lives. <br />Historically, the City has been able to use the Replacement Funds to help smooth out <br />challenging budget periods that resulted primarily from economic factors and State <br />impacts. This smoothing was accomplished by temporarily reducing annual <br />contributions to the Funds in very lean years, and then making additional contributions <br />in better years. Should the City again be impacted by a weak economy or State budget <br />impacts, these Funds could be used as a temporary source to help maintain service <br />levels until appropriate budget adjustments could be made. Obviously, these Funds are <br />not adequate to sustain prolonged budgetary problems, but as part of the City's focus <br />on long term financial sustainability, the Funds are a valuable tool in helping smooth the <br />highs and lows of economic cycles over time. <br />As of June 30, 2007, actual revenue to these Funds exceeded the budget in all cases <br />due to interest earnings exceeding budget. Expenditures, on the other hand, continue <br />to occur slower than expected. Therefore, staff is recommending that the budget for <br />many of the expenditures planned for FY 2006-07 be carried over to FY 2007-08. <br />Page 8 of 10 <br />