Local governments

Local governments are beginning to implement GASB Statement No. 83 on asset retirement obligations, or ARO's, which is effective for reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2018. For GAAP reporting entities, this new standard requires reporting liabilities for future costs related to retiring assets. For example, costs related to a well or sewer lagoon closure or reclamation of gravel or sand stock areas. Cash basis governments should report these obligations on Schedule 9 (Schedule of Liabilities) and disclose them.

OLYMPIA – Washington State Auditor Pat McCarthy praised an agreement announced by Attorney General Bob Ferguson Friday, requiring the resignation of the administrator of the troubled city of Wapato.

By Alisha Shaw, Program Manager – Team Pullman

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

As communicated during audits and conferences in the past three years, local governments must fully comply with the Uniform Guidance general procurement standards found in 2 CFR 200.318 by the following dates:

By Kristen Harris, Assistant Audit Manager – Center for Government Innovation

Estimated reading time: 1 minute

Local governments should, of course, report unclaimed property, but they also might be in a position to claim it.

By Mike Bailey – Municipal Research and Services Center

The Office of the Washington State Auditor's Center for Government Innovation partnered with the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) to bring you updated guidance for writing travel and credit card policies.

The need to be cybersecure isn't going away-in fact, it's an issue that grows more relevant each day. As more local governments in Washington are the unfortunate victims of cyberattacks, the reality of the situation cannot be ignored.

Cybersecurity is everyone's job in a local government.

Their experiences highlight Lean as a journey rather than a destination, all with the public good in mind

State laws require local governments to be audited by our Office and for them to submit annual financial reports, yet every year many governments do not meet these obligations. Failure to be audited and provide annual financial reports keeps the public in the dark about how public money is being used, and impairs the decision making of management and elected officials.

Today the Office of the Washington State Auditor released a pair of reports regarding King County Drainage District 5, including a fraud investigation.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes