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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMaricopa County - Public Financial ReportMARICOPA COUNTY CITIZENS FINANCIAL CONDITION REPORT FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 Maricopa County Shows Continued Strength in Fiscal Year 2021 Highlights Our Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Citizens Financial Condition Report highlights the financial strength of the County and provides information on key financial indicators. Maricopa County . . . • Is the fourth most populous county in the U.S. • Has one of the largest regional parks systems in the nation. • Has a fiscally conservative management philosophy. • Has low long-term liabilities compared to benchmark counties. • Operates on a structurally balanced budget. • Spends considerably less on delivering services than benchmark counties. Maricopa County Internal Audit 301 W. Jefferson St., Suite 660 Phoenix, AZ 85003 (602) 506-1585 www.maricopa.gov/internalaudit Mike McGee, Director Introduction 2 Profile 3 Economics 4 General Fund & Liquidity 5 Assets & Liabilities 6 Retirement Plans 7 Revenues 8 Property Taxes 9 Expenditures 10 County Services 11 Recognition 13 Maricopa County Internal Audit 2 FY 2021 Citizens Financial Condition Report About this Report For fiscal year 2021, we highlight the financial strength of Maricopa County through graphic displays of key financial ratios, trends, and comparisons. As the economy has improved, so has Maricopa County’s financial health. Using fund balances that were built up over several years, the County has been able to pay cash for many capital projects without incurring liabilities. This is reflected in the County’s low long-term liabilities as compared with benchmark counties (see page 6). In addition, we provide updated information on the state pension plans covering County employees. · Clark · Riverside · Santa Clara · Multnomah · Pima Harris · · Maricopa Orange · · Salt Lake · King Introduction · Riverside · Clark San Diego · Methodology Our primary information sources were the audited Annual Comprehen-sive Financial Reports (Financials) issued by Maricopa County and 10 national benchmark counties, each prepared in conformance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Other sources include: Arizona State Retirement System, Public Safety Personnel Retirement System, Corrections Officer Retirement Plan, and Elected Officials Retirement Plan financial and actuarial reports; U.S. Census Bureau; Governmental Accounting Standards Board; International City/County Managers Association; Government Finance Officers Association; Maricopa County’s Strategic Plans (budget documents); and correspondence with internal and external staff. Benchmarks were chosen from western U.S. counties that share Maricopa County’s attributes of large geographic size and the exist- ence of at least one major urban center. Below are the benchmark counties used in this report. Benchmarks County Population Metro Area Harris 4,746,600 Houston, TX San Diego 3,315,404 San Diego, CA Orange 3,153,764 Santa Ana/Anaheim, CA Riverside 2,454,453 Riverside, CA Clark 2,325,798 Las Vegas, NV King 2,252,782 Seattle, WA Santa Clara 1,934,171 San Jose, CA Salt Lake 1,165,517 Salt Lake City, UT Pima 1,059,218 Tucson, AZ Multnomah 816,310 Portland, OR Maricopa County Internal Audit 3 FY 2021 Citizens Financial Condition Report Maricopa County Maricopa County was established as a county on February 14, 1871, by the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Arizona from parts of Yavapai and Pima Counties. The County is governed by an elected Board of Supervisors representing five districts. Size Maricopa County is located in the south-central area of the State of Arizona. At 9,224 square miles, Maricopa County is larger than many states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. Population Maricopa County is the fourth most populous county in the nation. Approximately 62% of the state’s total population resides within the County, which includes the cities of Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Glendale, Surprise, Buckeye, Scottsdale, Tempe, and others. Maricopa County's population has grown from 3.8 million in 2010 to a current high of 4.5 million residents. District 5 District 4 District 2 District 1 District 3 Board of Supervisors (February 2022) District 5 Steve Gallardo Jack Sellers District 1 District 2 Thomas Galvin Clint L. Hickman District 4 District 3 Bill Gates Profile Maricopa County Internal Audit 4 FY 2021 Citizens Financial Condition Report Economic Activity Maricopa County has a variety of employers within its boundaries, with the majority being government, high tech, financial, and service industries. Seven of the top ten principal property taxpayers are public utilities. Maricopa County is the home of the Cactus League (which hosts spring training for 15 of the 30 major league baseball teams), and 5 major league sports teams (MLB Diamondbacks, NBA Suns, WNBA Mercury, NFL Cardinals, and NHL Coyotes); Maricopa County is scheduled to host Super Bowl LVII in February 2023. The County also has one of the largest regional parks systems in the nation with over 120,000 acres of open space parks. The Human Services Department’s Workforce Development Program assists County residents in obtaining necessary skills for new careers. Economics Principal Employers Banner Health 45,918 State of Arizona 41,606 Walmart Inc 36,995 Arizona State University 35,474 Frys Food Stores 20,235 City of Phoenix 16,432 University of Arizona 16,021 Wells Fargo & Co 16,000 Dignity Health 15,403 Maricopa County 13,648 Total for Principal Employers 257,732 Total Employment 2,282,100 Principal Property Taxpayers Percent of Total County Assessed Property Tax Value Arizona Public Service Co 2.73% Southwest Gas Corporation 0.46% Qwest Corporation 0.25% Southern California Edison Co 0.24% El Paso Electric Co 0.22% Target Corporation 0.17% Verizon Wireless 0.15% Public Service Co of New Mexico 0.14% Smiths Food and Drug Centers Inc 0.14% Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. 0.13% Unemployment Maricopa County’s unemployment rate has consistently remained below Arizona rates and close to the national average. With the exception of a temporary increase in 2020 due to the pandemic, unemployment has steadily decreased since its high in 2010. Maricopa County’s unemployment rate decreased from 10.3% in 2020 to 6.6% in 2021. It is anticipated that Arizona remains well positioned to outpace the nation and most states in job recovery, income, and population growth. Maricopa County Internal Audit 5 FY 2021 Citizens Financial Condition Report General Fund Spendable Balance Increased The General Fund includes all financial transactions not required to be accounted for in special purpose funds. Non-Spendable and Spendable Amounts The General Fund balance ($620.8 million) is classified as spendable ($617.4 million) or non-spendable ($3.4 million). The non- spendable fund balance includes non-cash assets, such as inventories and other amounts that must remain legally intact. The spendable fund balance is generally available for use in the following year. However, certain laws and contracts impose restrictions on how the funds are used. In addition, the Board of Supervisors may commit portions of the fund for specific purposes. County management reports that $440.1 million of the fiscal year 2021 spend-able balance was assigned and budgeted to be spent in fiscal year 2022. Over the years, Maricopa County has used the spend- able balance to finance capital projects. General Fund Spendable Balance as a Percent of Revenues Maricopa County’s General Fund spendable balance as a percent of revenues has been increasing since fiscal year 2015. The spendable fund balance increased from 19% in 2020 to 36% in 2021, making it the first year that Maricopa County has exceeded the benchmark average. An increasing percent- age of revenues as compared to the spendable fund balance is considered a healthy indicator. General Fund Liquidity Ratio Increased The liquidity ratio compares current assets and liabilities. It is a measure of the County’s ability to pay for current obligations. Maricopa County has a favorable liquidity ratio of 7.8 to 1. This means that $7.80 is available in cash for every $1 in current liabilities. General Fund & Liquidity LIABILITIES Maricopa County Internal Audit 6 FY 2021 Citizens Financial Condition Report Long-Term Liabilities Capital Assets The County uses capital assets to provide services to its citizens. Capital assets are defined as assets with an initial, individual cost of more than $5,000. Maricopa County maintains $5.3 billion in gross capital assets; less accumulated depreciation of $1.3 billion ($4.0 billion net). The largest net capital asset category is buildings and improvements. Assets & Liabilities Maricopa County has low long-term liabilities when compared with benchmark counties. Long-term liabilities and obligations are financial commitments expected to be paid in future years. These include pension liabilities, certificates of participation, and claims and judgments. The County’s general obligation bonds were rated as “AAA” (implied) by bond rating firms Standard & Poor’s and Fitch. The general obligation “AAA” rating is the highest possible and is “implied” since no general obligation bonds are outstanding. The County had $2.3 billion in long-term liabilities (government activities due in more than one year) in fiscal year 2021. The largest components of long-term liabilities consisted of net pension and other postemployment benefits liability ($2.1 billion) and certificates of participation ($107 million). The County’s fiscal year 2021 long-term liabilities were $505 per person, of which $459 (91%) per person was related to pension liabilities. Benchmark averages for long-term liabilities were $1,672 per person including $804 per person related to pension liabilities. Counties with higher liabilities may provide services such as airports and utilities that Maricopa County does not provide. Some of these counties may provide municipal services that are offered by incorporated cities in Maricopa County. These differences may impact comparability of liability levels. RETIREMENT PLANS Retirement Plans Remain Underfunded Maricopa County Internal Audit 7 FY 2021 Citizens Financial Condition Report The County contributes to four main retirement plans: (1) the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), (2) the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS), (3) the Corrections Officer Retirement Plan (CORP), and (4) the Elected Officials Retirement Plan (EORP). The plans provide retirement, long-term disability, and health insurance premium benefits as established by state statute. Each is a multi- employer plan administered independently of Maricopa County. Maricopa County and its employees contribute to the plans in accordance with plan requirements. In fiscal year 2021, Maricopa County contributed $164.3 million to these plans. County contributions and the number of County employees enrolled in each plan are summarized below. A key measure of a retirement plan’s health is its funding ratio, derived by comparing assets to liabilities. A pension plan whose assets equal its liabilities is 100% funded, or fully funded. A plan with assets that are less than its liabilities is considered to be underfunded, or in a deficit position. However, the financial health of a pension plan depends on many factors in addition to funded status. Maricopa County is responsible for its portion of various plans funding. The County and its employees are affected by contribution rates that may adjust to compensate for investment returns and operating cash flows. The following graph summarizes funding level trends over ten years. Retirement Plans REVENUES Maricopa County Internal Audit 8 FY 2021 Citizens Financial Condition Report Revenues Exceed Expenditures The increase in fiscal year 2021 revenues is primarily attributable to increases in unrestricted invest-ment earnings, tax revenue, licenses and permits, and intergov- ernmental revenues. The excess of expenditures over revenues from fiscal years 2017 and 2018 reflect building construction, technology improvements, and other capital costs that were paid from prior years’ savings. Shared and Other Tax Revenues are Improving These tax revenues come from sales, vehicle license, and jail tax revenues; revenues have increased by $313 million since fiscal year 2017. Subsequent Pandemic Impact While uncertainty continues past fiscal year 2021, a recovering economy continues to result in revenue increases. County leader- ship is closely monitoring revenue related activity. Sources of County Funds Most of Maricopa County’s revenues come from County and State shared taxes (71%). State shared taxes (37%) include Sales Tax, Vehicle License Tax, and Highway Users Tax. County taxes (34%) include General Property Tax, Jail Tax, and Rental Car Tax. Other Governmental revenues (18%) include federal and state grants. The rest of County’s revenue comes from Charges for Services, Other Revenues, Licenses and Permits, and Fines and Forfeits. Revenues PROPERTY TAXES Maricopa County Internal Audit 9 FY 2021 Citizens Financial Condition Report Assessed Property Values Have Increased Since Fiscal Year 2017 Most Property Tax Dollars Go to Schools Property taxes are a major source of revenue for Maricopa County local governments. Property taxes from many jurisdictions are combined into an annual bill that is payable in two installments. The Maricopa County Assessor determines the assessed value of property. Each unit of local government then applies a tax rate to the assessed value to calculate taxes due. Property tax bills are then prepared and collected by the County Treasurer. Fiscal year 2021 property taxes totaling $5.4 billion were distributed to Maricopa County, schools, cities, towns, and special districts. Maricopa County received 14% of each property tax dollar. Schools and community colleges received 67%, and cities, towns and special districts received 19%. Maricopa County controls tax rates for its general operating, flood control, and library funds. Total direct property tax rates have remained unchanged at 1.64% since fiscal year 2017. Assessed values increased over $9.5 billion between fiscal year 2017 and fiscal year 2021. The increase in property taxes can be attributed to an increase in assessed values as a result of the improved economy and population growth (rather than an increase in the tax rate). Property Taxes Distribution of the County’s Property Tax for Fiscal Year 2021 (millions) County Operating $640 Flood Control District $75 Library District $25 County Total $741 Maricopa County Internal Audit 10 FY 2021 Citizens Financial Condition Report EXPENDITURES $578 Spent Per Person Maricopa County has practiced conservative fiscal policies. Total fiscal year 2021 expenditures for all govern-mental funds was $578 per person. The per person average for 10 benchmark counties was $1,502. Differences between the benchmark averages and Maricopa County may occur because of the following reasons: • Proportion of residents living in incorporated cities • Significantly higher cost of living along the west coast • Population density and size • Political influences • Services provided County Services Maricopa County provides a wide variety of direct services to its residents and visitors. Services include public safety, health and welfare, transportation, culture and recreation, and education. The overall fiscal year 2021 increase in expenditures shown in the graph below is primarily attributable to increases in health, welfare, and sanitation. Expenditures County Services Maricopa County Internal Audit 11 FY 2021 Citizens Financial Condition Report Animal Care & Control County Services Public Safety Total Expenditures $1,052,776,254 Expenditures per Person $234 Benchmark Average Expenditures per Person $443 • Adult and Juvenile Probation Services • Adult and Juvenile Public Defense Services • County Attorney (prosecutes criminals) • Flood Control (operates and maintains flood control structures; implements other flood hazard controls) • Planning and Development (regulates development and land use activity for unincorporated areas within the County) • Public Fiduciary (provides personal, legal, and financial management for vulnerable adults • Sheriff (runs County jail system, investigates crimes, conducts patrols, and provides victim and community outreach) • Superior and Justice Courts Health, Welfare, and Sanitation Total Expenditures $906,765,536 Expenditures per Person $201 Benchmark Average Expenditures per Person $581 • Air Quality (analyzes and monitors air quality, enforces compliance with air quality standards, and manages travel reduction program) • Animal Care and Control (captures and shelters stray animals and conducts adoptions) • Environmental Services (issues food permits, inspects restaurants, provides waste management and recycling services, and vector control) • Human Services (provides emergency food and housing, job training, and Head Start education programs) • Medical Examiner (conducts public inquiries into sudden or unnatural deaths) • Public Health (provides health clinics, immunizations, and nutrition services) Superior Court Tower Sheriff’s Office Lake Patrol Environmental Services Flood Control—Cave Buttes Dam Public Health Immunizations County Services Maricopa County Internal Audit 12 FY 2021 Citizens Financial Condition Report Board of Supervisors Recorder’s Office Assessor’s Office Parks & Recreation Hiking Trail Library District Department of Transportation County Services County Services General Government Total Expenditures $191,883,280 Expenditures per Person $43 Benchmark Average Expenditures per Person $166 • Assessor (determines property valuations for taxes) • Board of Supervisors (authorizes County budgets, policies, and procedures) • County Administration • Internal Audit (conducts performance and compliance reviews of County operations) • Recorder and Elections (stores public records, registers voters, and conducts elections) • Treasurer (provides banking services to the County, school districts, and special districts; collects property taxes) Culture, Recreation, and Education Total Expenditures $70,277,537 Expenditures per Person $15 Benchmark Average Expenditures per Person $58 • Education Services (provides financial and support services to school districts) • Library District (runs 19 library branches) • Parks and Recreation (maintains 11 regional parks) Highways and Streets Total Expenditures $82,383,930 Expenditures per Person $18 Benchmark Average Expenditures per Person $90 • Transportation (plans, builds, and maintains roads and monitors regional traffic flows) RECOGNITION Maricopa County Internal Audit 13 FY 2021 Citizens Financial Condition Report The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada has given the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting to Maricopa County for its Popular Annual Financial Report for the previous fiscal year. A Popular Annual Financial Report takes information from the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and presents it in a way that is creative and easy to understand for the general public. The Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting is a prestigious national award recognizing conformance with the highest standards for preparation of state and local government popular reports. Project Team Members Tim Lockinger, Audit Supervisor Tim Carroll, Senior Auditor Recognition for Popular Annual Financial Reporting Maricopa County Internal Audit Department The Director of Internal Audit reports directly to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, with an advisory reporting relationship to the Maricopa County Citizen’s Audit Advisory Committee. The Mission of the Internal Audit Department is to provide objective information on the County’s system of internal controls to the Board of Supervisors so they can make informed decisions and protect the interests of County citizens. Maricopa County Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports For additional detail on the content presented in this report, please refer to Maricopa County’s financial reports by visiting the Maricopa County Department of Finance website at: http://www.maricopa.gov/4689/Comprehensive-Annual-Financial-Reports Recognition