LOS CAYOS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DISTRICT

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY REGULAR BOARD MEETING OCTOBER 18, 2023
9:45 A.M.

Special District Services, Inc.
2501A Burns Road
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

www.loscayoscdd.org 561.630.4922 Telephone 877.SDS.4922 Toll Free 561.630.4923 Facsimile

AGENDA
LOS CAYOS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
Lennar Homes, Llc 5505 Blue Lagoon Drive Miami, Fl 33126
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
October 18, 2023
9:45 A.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
September 20, 2023 Regular Board Meeting Minutes…	Page 2
New Business
Consider Resolution No. 2023-22 – Adopting a Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Amended Budget… Page 4
Old Business
Auditor Selection Committee
Ranking of Proposals/Consider Selection of an Auditor…	Page 8
Administrative & Operational Matters
Board Members & Staff Closing Comments
District Counsel Update on the 2023 Required Ethics Training…	Page 32
Adjourn

Publication Date 2023-10-06

Subcategory Miscellaneous Notices

LOS CAYOS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT FISCAL YEAR 2023/2024 REGULAR
MEETING SCHEDULE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Supervisors (the "Board") of the Los Cayos Community Development District (the "District") will hold Regular Meetings at Lennar Homes, LLC located at 5505 Waterford District Drive, Miami, Florida 33126 at 9:45 a.m. on the following dates:
October 18, 2023
November 15, 2023
January 17, 2024
February 21, 2024
March 20, 2024
April 17, 2024
May 15, 2024
June 19, 2024
August 21, 2024
September 18, 2024
The purpose of the meetings is for the Board to consider any District business which may lawfully and properly come before the Board. Meetings are open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law for community development districts. Copies of the Agenda for any of the meetings may be obtained from the District's website or by contacting the District Manager at 786-347-2711 and/or toll free at 1-877-737-4922, prior to the date of the particular meeting.
From time to time one or two Board members may participate by telephone; therefore, a speaker telephone will be present at the meeting location so that Board members may be fully informed of the discussions taking place. Said meeting(s) may be continued as found necessary to a time and place specified on the record.
If any person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter considered at these meetings, such person will need a record of the proceedings and such person may need to insure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made at his or her own expense and which record includes the testimony and evidence on which the appeal is based.
In accordance with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations or an interpreter to participate at any of these meetings should contact the District Manager at 786-347-2711 and/or toll free at 1-877-737-4922 at least seven (7) days prior to the date of the particular meeting.
Meetings may be cancelled from time to time with no advertised notice. LOS CAYOS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
www.loscayoscdd.org 10/6 23-47/0000686883M

Page 1

LOS CAYOS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT REGULAR BOARD MEETING
SEPTEMBER 20, 2023

CALL TO ORDER

The September 20, 2023, Regular Board Meeting of the Los Cayos Community Development District (the “District”) was called to order at 10:04 a.m. in the offices of Lennar Homes, LLC located at 5505 Blue Lagoon Drive, Miami, Florida 33126.

PROOF OF PUBLICATION

Proof of publication was presented which showed that notice of the Regular Board Meeting had been published in Miami Daily Business Review on July 7, 2023, as legally required.

ADMINISTER	OATH	OF	OFFICE	AND	REVIEW	BOARD	MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Mr. Silva, Notary Public in the State of Florida, administered the Oath of Office to the elected Board Member Teresa Baluja. He reviewed the responsibilities and duties of a Board Member with emphasis on Government in the Sunshine Law, Public Records Law, Financial Disclosure (2022 Form 1 Statement of Financial Interests) and Conflicts of Interest for Public Officials.

ESTABLISH A QUORUM

Mr. Silva determined that the presence of the following Board Members constituted a quorum and all was in order to proceed with the meeting: Vanessa Perez, Teresa Baluja and Marc Szasz.

Also in attendance were District Manager Armando Silva of Special District Services, Inc.; District Counsel Michael Pawelczyk and Liza Smoker of Billing Cochran, Lyles, Mauro & Ramsey, P.A.

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 were no comments from the public for items not on the agenda.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
August 16, 2023, Regular Board Meeting & Public Hearing Minutes

A MOTION was made by Chairperson Baluja, seconded by Supervisor Perez and passed unanimously approving the minutes of the August 16, 2023, Regular Meeting & Public Hearing, as presented.

UPDATE ON FILL PROJECT
Ratification and Approval of the Amendment to the Fill Agreement and Related Documents

Mr. Pawelczyk provided a brief overview of the First Amendment to Partial Assignment and Assumption Agreement and Third Party Consent. A discussion ensued after which;

A MOTION was made by Supervisor Perez, seconded by Chairperson Baluja and passed unanimously ratifying and approving the Amendment to the Fill Agreement any other documents related to the Fill Agreement.

NEW BUSINESS

Consider Approval of Agreement for District Engineering Services

Mr. Pawelczyk presented the Agreement between the District and Alvarez Engineers, Inc. and explained its purpose. A discussion ensued after which;

A MOTION was made by Chairperson Baluja, seconded by Supervisor Perez and unanimously passed to approve the District Engineer Agreement with Alvarez Engineers, Inc.; and authorizes District officials to execute the contract/agreement for engineering services.

OLD BUSINESS

There were no Old Business items to come before the Board.

ADMINISTRATIVE & OPERATIONAL MATTERS

There were no Administrative & Operational Matters to come before the Board.

BOARD MEMBER & STAFF CLOSING COMMENTS

There were no Board Member & Staff Closing Comments.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Board, the Regular Board Meeting was adjourned at 10:10 a.m. on a MOTION made by Supervisor Perez, seconded by Chairperson Baluja and passed unanimously.

ATTESTED BY:

Secretary/Assistant Secretary	Chairperson/Vice-Chair

RESOLUTION NO. 2023-22

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

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of the Los Cayos Community Development District (“District”) is empowered to provide a funding source and to impose special assessments upon the properties within the District; and,

WHEREAS, the District has prepared for consideration and approval an Amended Budget.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE LOS CAYOS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT, THAT:

Section 1.  The Amended Budget for Fiscal Year 2022/2023 attached hereto as Exhibit “A” is hereby approved and adopted.

Section 2.  The Secretary/Assistant Secretary of the District is authorized to execute any and all necessary transmittals, certifications or other acknowledgements or writings, as necessary, to comply with the intent of this Resolution.

PASSED, ADOPTED and EFFECTIVE this 18th day of October, 2023
.

ATTEST:	LOS CAYOS
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

By:		By:		 Secretary/Assistant Secretary			Chairperson/Vice Chairperson

Los Cayos Community Development District

Amended Final Budget For Fiscal Year 2022/2023
June 16, 2023 - September 30, 2023

CONTENTS

I	AMENDED FINAL OPERATING FUND BUDGET

AMENDED FINAL BUDGET
LOS CAYOS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT OPERATING FUND
FISCAL YEAR 2022/2023
JUNE 16, 2023 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

REVENUES	FISCAL YEAR 2022/2023 BUDGET
6/16/23 - /30/23	AMENDED FINAL BUDGET
6/16/23 - /30/23	YEAR TO DATE ACTUAL
6/16/23 - /2 /23	
0 & M Assessments	0	0	0	
Developer Contribution	56,250	 , 62	36, 6 	
Developer Contribution  mport Fill Material	 ,200,000	5,600,000	 , 5,2 2	
Debt Assessments	0	0	0	
 nterest ncome	0	0	0	
TOTAL REVENUES	 	 ,256,250	 	5,6 , 62	 	 , 21, 5 	
				
EXPENDITURES				
Administrative Expenditures				
Supervisor Fees	0	0	0	
Management	 , 50	 , 50	 , 50	
/egal	30,000	30,000	 ,65 	
Assessment Roll	0	0	0	
Audit Fees	0	0	0	
Arbitrage Rebate Fee	0	0	0	
 nsurance	5,000	1,2 	 ,2 	
/egal Advertisements	5,000	5,000	3,023	
Miscellaneous	 ,500	500	 30	
3ostage	200	250	233	
0ffice Supplies	2,000	350	326	
Dues & Subscriptions	 5	100	 00	
Website Management	625	625	0	
Trustee Fees	0	0	0	
Continuing Disclosure Fee	0	0	0	
TOTAL ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENDITURES	 	5 ,250	 	 , 62	 	32,50 	
				
Maintenance Expenditures				
(ngineering nspections	2,000	0	0	
Miscellaneous Maintenance	0	0	0	
Field 0perations	0	0	0	
 mport Fill Material	 ,200,000	 ,200,000	 , 5 ,050	
TOTAL MAINTENANCE EXPENDITURES	 	 ,202,000	 	 ,200,000	 	1,15 ,050	
				
TOTAL EXPENDITURES	 	 ,256,250	 	 ,2 , 62	 	1,1 ,55 	
				
REVENUES LESS EXPENDITURES		-	 	1, 00,000	 	3,631, 01	
				
%ond 3ayments	 	-	 	
				
BALANCE		-	 	1, 00,000	 	3,631, 01	
				
County Appraiser & Tax Collector Fee	 	-	 	
Discounts For (arly 3ayments	 	-	 	
				
EXCESS/ S+ORTFALL 		-	 	1, 00,000	 	3,631, 01	

F81D %A/A1C( AS 0F 30 22	
F< 2022 2023 ACT 9 T<	
F81D %A/A1C( AS 0F 30 23	

 0	
 , 00,000	
 , 00,000	

 

October 18, 2023

RE: Los Cayos Community Development District

The Los Cayos Community Development District is required to select an auditor to perform the audit for the district for the years ending September 30, 2023, September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2025; with an option for an additional two-year renewal.

In accordance with the Auditor Selection procedures as outlined by Florida Statute 218.391, the District has established the auditor selection criteria and has placed a legal advertisement requesting proposals from qualified audit firms.

Grau & Associates was the only firm to respond to the legal advertisement requesting proposals to perform the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2025 audits. The proposed fee for the audit for fiscal year ending September 30, 2023 is $3,400.00. The proposed fee for the audit for fiscal year ending September 30, 2024 is $3,500.00. The proposed fee for the audit for fiscal year ending September 30, 2025 audit is $3,600.00. The proposed fee for the audit for fiscal year ending September 30, 2026 (option year) is $3,700.00. And the proposed fee for the audit for fiscal year ending September 30, 2027 (option year) is $3,800.00.

The proposal has a provision that if Debt is issued the fees would be adjusted accordingly upon approval from all parties.

It is recommended at this time that Grau & Associates be hired to perform the September 30, 2023, September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2025 annual government audits and also be selected, subject to fee adjustments for inflation, to perform the fiscal year end audits for the following two years (FYE 9/30/26 and 9/30/27).

Special District Services, Inc.

Proposal to Provide Financial Auditing Services:
LOS CAYOS
Community Development District

Proposal Due: September 27, 2023 4:00PM

Submitted to:
Los Cayos
Community Development District c/o SDS
2501A Burns Road
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410

Submitted by:
Antonio J. Grau, Partner Grau & Associates
951 Yamato Road, Suite 280 Boca Raton, Florida 33431 Tel	(561) 994-9299
(800) 229-4728
Fax	(561) 994-5823
tgrau@graucpa.com www.graucpa.com

Table of Contents

PAGE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY / TRANSMITTAL LETTER	1
FIRM QUALIFICATIONS	3
FIRM & STAFF EXPERIENCE	6
REFERENCES…	11
SPECIFIC AUDIT APPROACH	13
COST OF SERVICES	17
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION	19

September 27, 2023

Los Cayos Community Development District C/o SDS
2501A Burns Road
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410

Re:	Request for Proposal for Professional Auditing Services for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023-2025, with an option for two (2) additional annual renewals.

Grau & Associates (Grau) welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Los Cayos Community Development District’s (the “District”) Request for Proposal (RFP), and we look forward to working with you on your audit. We are an energetic and robust team of knowledgeable professionals and are a recognized leader of providing services to Community Development Districts. As one of Florida’s few firms to primarily focus on government, we are especially equipped to provide you an effective and efficient audit.

Special district audits are at the core of our practice: we have a total of 360 clients, 329 or 91% of which are special districts. We know the specifics of the professional services and work products needed to meet your RFP requirements like no other firm. With this level of experience, we are able to increase efficiency, to provide immediate and continued savings, and to minimize disturbances to client operations.

Why Grau & Associates:

Knowledgeable Audit Team
Grau is proud that the personnel we assign to your audit are some of the most seasoned auditors in the field. Our staff performs governmental engagements year round. When not working on your audit, your team is refining their audit approach for next year’s audit. Our engagement partners have decades of experience and take a hands-on approach to our assignments, which all ensures a smoother process for you.

Servicing your Individual Needs
Our clients enjoy personalized service designed to satisfy their unique needs and requirements. Throughout the process of our audit, you will find that we welcome working with you to resolve any issues as swiftly and easily as possible. In addition, due to Grau’s very low turnover rate for our industry, you also won’t have to worry about retraining your auditors from year to year.

Developing Relationships
We strive to foster mutually beneficial relationships with our clients. We stay in touch year round, updating, collaborating and assisting you in implementing new legislation, rules and standards that affect your organization. We are also available as a sounding board and assist with technical questions.

Maintaining an Impeccable Reputation
We have never been involved in any litigation, proceeding or received any disciplinary action. Additionally, we have never been charged with, or convicted of, a public entity crime of any sort. We are financially stable and have never been involved in any bankruptcy proceedings.

Complying With Standards
Our audit will follow the Auditing Standards of the AICPA, Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States, and the Rules of the Auditor General of the State of Florida, and any other applicable federal, state and local regulations. We will deliver our reports in accordance with your requirements.

This proposal is a firm and irrevocable offer for 90 days. We certify this proposal is made without previous understanding, agreement or connection either with any previous firms or corporations offering a proposal for the same items. We also certify our proposal is in all respects fair, without outside control, collusion, fraud, or otherwise illegal action, and was prepared in good faith. Only the person(s), company or parties interested in the project as principals are named in the proposal. Grau has no existing or potential conflicts, and anticipates no conflicts during the engagement. Our Federal I.D. number is 20-2067322.

We would be happy to answer any questions or to provide any additional information. We are genuinely excited about the prospect of serving you and establishing a long-term relationship. Please do not hesitate to call or email either of our Partners, Antonio J. Grau, CPA (tgrau@graucpa.com) or Racquel McIntosh, CPA (rmcintosh@graucpa.com) at 561.994.9299. We thank you for considering our firm’s qualifications and experience.

Very truly yours, Grau & Associates
Antonio J. Grau

Firm Qualifications

Grau’s Focus and Experience

Our Team

3
Partners

10
Professional Staff

2
Administrative Professionals

9/13
Employees are CPAS

Year founded

Services Provided

297

Community Development Districts Served

Properly registered and
licensed professional corporation by the state of FLORIDA

9
Professional Groups

We are proud Members of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
&
the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants

See next page for report and certificate

External quality review program: consistently receives a pass

⇒

Ext

pro

rec

⇒

Inte

mo

qua

nternal: ongoing monitoring to maintain quality

AICPA | FICPA | GFOA | FASD | FGFOA

Firm & Staff Experience

GRAU AND ASSOCIATES COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT EXPERIENCE BY MANAGEMENT COMPANY

OTHER
19

PFM
12

WRATHELL
30

GMS
78

INFRAMARK
38

SDS
60

RIZZETTA
47

MERITUS
23

Profile Briefs:

Antonio J GRAU, CPA (Partner)
Years Performing Audits: 35+
CPE (last 2 years): Government Accounting, Auditing: 24 hours; Accounting, Auditing and Other: 58 hours
Professional Memberships: AICPA, FICPA, FGFOA, GFOA

Racquel McIntosh, CPA (Partner)
Years Performing Audits: 18+
CPE (last 2 years): Government Accounting, Auditing: 38 hours; Accounting, Auditing and Other: 56 hours
Professional Memberships: AICPA, FICPA, FGFOA, FASD

“Here at Grau & Associates, staying up to date with the current technological landscape is one of our top priorities. Not only does it provide a more positive experience for our clients, but it also allows us to perform a more effective and efficient audit. With the every changing technology available and utilized by our clients, we are constantly innovating our audit process.”
-	Tony Grau
“Quality audits and exceptional client service are at the heart of every decision we make. Our clients trust us to deliver a quality audit, adhering to high standards and assisting them with improvements for their organization.”
-Racquel McIntosh

YOUR ENGAGEMENT TEAM

Grau’s client-specific engagement team is meticulously organized in order to meet the unique needs of each client. Constant communication within our solution team allows for continuity of staff and audit team.

Grau contracts with an outside group of IT management consultants to assist with matters including, but not limited to; network and database security, internet security and vulnerability testing.

An advisory consultant will be available as a sounding board to advise in those areas where problems are encountered.

The assigned personnel will work closely with the partner and the District to ensure that the financial statements and all other reports are prepared in accordance with professional standards and firm policy.
Responsibilities will include planning the audit; communicating with the client and the partners the progress of the audit; and
determining that financial statements and all reports issued by the firm are accurate, complete and are prepared in accordance with professional standards and firm policy.

The Engagement Partner will participate extensively during the various stages of the engagement and has direct responsibility for engagement policy, direction, supervision, quality control, security, confidentiality of information of the engagement and communication with client personnel. The engagement partner will also be involved directing the development of the overall audit approach and plan; performing an overriding review of work papers and ascertain client satisfaction.

Antonio ‘Tony ‘J. Grau, CPA
Partner
Contact: tgrau@graucpa.com | (561) 939-6672
Experience
For over 30 years, Tony has been providing audit, accounting and consulting services to the firm’s governmental, non-profit, employee benefit, overhead and arbitrage clients. He provides guidance to clients regarding complex accounting issues, internal controls and operations.
As a member of the Government Finance Officers Association Special Review Committee, Tony participated in the review process for awarding the GFOA Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting. Tony was also the review team leader for the Quality Review of the Office of Management Audits of School Board of Miami-Dade County. Tony received the AICPA advanced level certificate for governmental single audits.

Education
University of South Florida (1983) Bachelor of Arts
Business Administration

Clients Served (partial list)
(>300) Various Special Districts, including:

Bayside Improvement Community Development District Dunes Community Development District
Fishhawk Community Development District (I,II,IV) Grand Bay at Doral Community Development District Heritage Harbor North Community Development District

Boca Raton Airport Authority Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District Lake Worth Drainage District
South Indian River Water Control

St. Lucie West Services District
Ave Maria Stewardship Community District Rivers Edge II Community Development District Bartram Park Community Development District
Bay Laurel Center Community Development District

Professional Associations/Memberships
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Florida Government Finance Officers Association Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants Government Finance Officers Association Member City of Boca Raton Financial Advisory Board Member

Professional Education (over the last two years)
Course	Hours
Government Accounting and Auditing	24
Accounting, Auditing and Other	58
Total Hours	82 (includes of 4 hours of Ethics CPE)

Racquel C. McIntosh, CPA
Partner
Contact: rmcintosh@graucpa.com | (561) 939-6669
Experience
Racquel has been providing government audit, accounting and advisory services to our clients for over 14 years. She serves as the firm’s quality control partner; in this capacity she closely monitors engagement quality ensuring standards are followed and maintained throughout the audit.
Racquel develops in-house training seminars on current government auditing, accounting, and legislative topics and also provides seminars for various government organizations. In addition, she assists clients with implementing new accounting software, legislation, and standards.

Education
Florida Atlantic University (2004) Master of Accounting
Florida Atlantic University (2003) Bachelor of Arts:
Finance, Accounting

Clients Served (partial list)
(>300) Various Special Districts, including: Carlton Lakes Community Development District Golden Lakes Community Development District Rivercrest Community Development District South Fork III Community Development District TPOST Community Development District

East Central Regional Wastewater Treatment Facilities Indian Trail Improvement District
Pinellas Park Water Management District Ranger Drainage District
South Trail Fire Protection and Rescue Service District

Professional Associations/ Memberships

Westchase Community Development District Monterra Community Development District
Palm Coast Park Community Development District Long Leaf Community Development District Watergrass Community Development District

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants	 FICPA State & Local Government Committee Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants	FGFOA Palm Beach Chapter

Professional Education (over the last two years)
Course	Hours
Government Accounting and Auditing	38
Accounting, Auditing and Other	56
Total Hours	94 (includes of 4 hours of Ethics CPE)

References

We have included three references of government engagements that require compliance with laws and regulations, follow fund accounting, and have financing requirements, which we believe are similar to the District.

 Dunes Community Development District	
Scope of Work	Financial audit Engagement Partner	Antonio J. Grau Dates	Annually since 1998
Client Contact	Darrin Mossing, Finance Director 475 W. Town Place, Suite 114
St. Augustine, Florida 32092
	904-940-5850	

 Two Creeks Community Development District	
Scope of Work	Financial audit Engagement Partner	Antonio J. Grau Dates	Annually since 2007
Client Contact	William Rizzetta, President 3434 Colwell Avenue, Suite 200
Tampa, Florida 33614
	813-933-5571	

 Journey’s End Community Development District	
Scope of Work	Financial audit Engagement Partner	Antonio J. Grau Dates	Annually since 2004
Client Contact	Todd Wodraska, Vice President
2501 A Burns Road
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410
	561-630-4922	

Specific Audit Approach

AUDIT APPROACH
Grau’s Understanding of Work Product / Scope of Services:
We recognize the District is an important entity and we are confident our firm is eminently qualified to meet the challenges of this engagement and deliver quality audit services. You would be a valued client of our firm and we pledge to commit all firm resources to provide the level and quality of services (as described below) which not only meet the requirements set forth in the RFP but will exceed those expectations. Grau & Associates fully understands the scope of professional services and work products requested. Our audit will follow the Auditing Standards of the AICPA, Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States, and the Rules of the Auditor General of the State of Florida and any other applicable Federal, State of Local regulations. We will deliver our reports in accordance with your requirements.

Proposed segmentation of the engagement
Our approach to the audit engagement is a risk-based approach which integrates the best of traditional auditing techniques and a total systems concept to enable the team to conduct a more efficient and effective audit. The audit will be conducted in three phases, which are as follows:

PHASE I:
Preliminary Planning

PHASE II:
Execution of the Audit Plan

PHASE III:
Completion and Delivery

Phase I - Preliminary Planning
A thorough understanding of your organization, service objectives and operating environment is essential for the development of an audit plan and for an efficient, cost-effective audit. During this phase, we will meet with appropriate personnel to obtain and document our understanding of your operations and service objectives and, at the same time, give you the opportunity to express your expectations with respect to the services that we will provide. Our work effort will be coordinated so that there will be minimal disruption to your staff.

During this phase we will perform the following activities:
» Review the regulatory, statutory and compliance requirements. This will include a review of applicable federal and state statutes, resolutions, bond documents, contracts, and other agreements;
» Read minutes of meetings;
» Review major sources of information such as budgets, organization charts, procedures, manuals, financial systems, and management information systems;
» Obtain an understanding of fraud detection and prevention systems;
» Obtain and document an understanding of internal control, including knowledge about the design of relevant policies, procedures, and records, and whether they have been placed in operation;
» Assess risk and determine what controls we are to rely upon and what tests we are going to perform and perform test of controls;
» Develop audit programs to incorporate the consideration of financial statement assertions, specific audit objectives, and appropriate audit procedures to achieve the specified objectives;
» Discuss and resolve any accounting, auditing and reporting matters which have been identified.

Phase II – Execution of Audit Plan
The audit team will complete a major portion of transaction testing and audit requirements during this phase. The procedures performed during this period will enable us to identify any matter that may impact the completion of our work or require the attention of management. Tasks to be performed in Phase II include, but are not limited to the following:
» Apply analytical procedures to further assist in the determination of the nature, timing, and extent of auditing procedures used to obtain evidential matter for specific account balances or classes of transactions;
» Perform tests of account balances and transactions through sampling, vouching, confirmation and other analytical procedures; and
» Perform tests of compliance.
Phase III - Completion and Delivery

In this phase of the audit, we will complete the tasks related to year-end balances and financial reporting. All reports will be reviewed with management before issuance, and the partners will be available to meet and discuss our report and address any questions. Tasks to be performed in Phase III include, but are not limited to the following:

» Perform final analytical procedures;
» Review information and make inquiries for subsequent events; and
» Meeting with Management to discuss preparation of draft financial statements and any potential findings or recommendations.

You should expect more from your accounting firm than a signature in your annual financial report. Our concept of truly responsive professional service emphasizes taking an active interest in the issues of concern to our clients and serving as an effective resource in dealing with those issues. In following this approach, we not only audit financial information with hindsight but also consider the foresight you apply in managing operations.

Application of this approach in developing our management letter is particularly important given the increasing financial pressures and public scrutiny facing today’s public officials. We will prepare the management letter at the completion of our final procedures.

In preparing this management letter, we will initially review any draft comments or recommendations with management. In addition, we will take necessary steps to ensure that matters are communicated to those charged with governance.

In addition to communicating any recommendations, we will also communicate the following, if any:

» Significant audit adjustments;
» Significant deficiencies or material weaknesses;
» Disagreements with management; and
» Difficulties encountered in performing the audit.

Is the recommendation cost effective?

Is the recommendation the simplest to effectuate in order to correct a problem?

Is the recommendation at the heart of the problem and not just correcting a symptomatic matter?

Is the corrective action taking into account why the deficiency occurred?

Our findings will contain a statement of condition describing the situation and the area that needs strengthening, what should be corrected and why. Our suggestions will withstand the basic tests of corrective action:

To assure full agreement with facts and circumstances, we will fully discuss each item with Management prior to the final exit conference. This policy means there will be no “surprises” in the management letter and fosters a professional, cooperative atmosphere.

Communications
We emphasize a continuous, year-round dialogue between the District and our management team. We regularly communicate through personal telephone calls and electronic mail throughout the audit and on a regular basis.
Our clients have the ability to transmit information to us on our secure client portal with the ability to assign different staff with separate log on and viewing capability. This further facilitates efficiency as all assigned users receive electronic mail notification as soon as new information has been posted into the portal.

Cost of Services

Our proposed all-inclusive fees for the financial audit for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023-2027 are as follows:

  Year Ended September 30,			Fee		
2023	$3,400	
2024	$3,500	
2025	$3,600	
2026	$3,700	
2027	$3,800	
TOTAL (2023-2027)	$18,000	

The above fees are based on the assumption that the District maintains its current level of operations. Should conditions change or additional debt is issued the fees would be adjusted accordingly upon approval from all parties concerned.

Supplemental Information

PARTIAL LIST OF CLIENTS

	Governmental Audit	Single Audit	Utility Fund	
Current Client	
Year End	
Boca Raton Airport Authority	✓	✓		✓	9/30	
Captain's Key Dependent District	✓			✓	9/30	
Central Broward Water Control District	✓			✓	9/30	
Collier Mosquito Control District	✓			✓	9/30	
Coquina Water Control District	✓			✓	9/30	
East Central Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility	✓		✓		9/30	
Florida Green Finance Authority	✓				9/30	
Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District	✓			✓	9/30	
Greater Naples Fire Control and Rescue District	✓	✓		✓	9/30	
Green Corridor P.A.C.E. District	✓			✓	9/30	
Hobe-St. Lucie Conservancy District	✓			✓	9/30	
Indian River Mosquito Control District	✓				9/30	
Indian Trail Improvement District	✓			✓	9/30	
Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District	✓	✓	✓	✓	9/30	
Lake Padgett Estates Independent District	✓			✓	9/30	
Lake Worth Drainage District	✓			✓	9/30	
Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District	✓				9/30	
Old Plantation Control District	✓			✓	9/30	
Pal Mar Water Control District	✓			✓	9/30	
Pinellas Park Water Management District	✓			✓	9/30	
Pine Tree Water Control District (Broward)	✓			✓	9/30	
Pinetree Water Control District (Wellington)	✓				9/30	
Ranger Drainage District	✓	✓		✓	9/30	
Renaissance Improvement District	✓			✓	9/30	
San Carlos Park Fire Protection and Rescue Service District	✓			✓	9/30	
Sanibel Fire and Rescue District	✓			✓	9/30	
South Central Regional Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Board	✓			✓	9/30	
South-Dade Venture Development District	✓			✓	9/30	
South Indian River Water Control District	✓	✓		✓	9/30	
South Trail Fire Protection & Rescue District	✓			✓	9/30	
Spring Lake Improvement District	✓			✓	9/30	
St. Lucie West Services District	✓		✓	✓	9/30	
Sunshine Water Control District	✓			✓	9/30	
West Villages Improvement District	✓			✓	9/30	
Various Community Development Districts (297)	✓			✓	9/30	
TOTAL	332	5	3	327		

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

CONSULTING / MANAGEMENT ADVISORY SERVICES

Grau & Associates also provide a broad range of other management consulting services. Our expertise has been consistently utilized by Governmental and Non-Profit entities throughout Florida. Examples of engagements performed are as follows:

Accounting systems
Development of budgets
Organizational structures
Financing alternatives
IT Auditing

Fixed asset records
Cost reimbursement
Indirect cost allocation
Grant administration and compliance

ARBITRAGE

The federal government has imposed complex rules to restrict the use of tax-exempt financing. Their principal purpose is to eliminate any significant arbitrage incentives in a tax-exempt issue. We have determined the applicability of these requirements and performed the rebate calculations for more than 150 bond issues, including both fixed and variable rate bonds.

73

Current Arbitrage Calculations

We look forward to providing Los Cayos Community Development District with our resources and experience to accomplish not only those minimum requirements set forth in your Request for Proposal, but to exceed those expectations!

For even more information on Grau & Associates please visit us on www.graucpa.com.

MEMORANDUM

TO:	District Manager

FROM:	Billing, Cochran, Lyles, Mauro & Ramsey, P.A. District Counsel

DATE:	June 6, 2023

RE:	Required Ethics Training

On May 24, 2023, the Governor signed CS/HB 199 into law as Chapter 2023-121, Laws of Florida. Section 112.3142, Florida Statutes, requires that specified constitutional officers, elected municipal officers, and commissioners complete four (4) hours of ethics training annually. This requirement is noted on page 1 of the Form 1, Statement of Financial Interests. This legislation provides that beginning January 1, 2024, elected and appointed commissioners of community redevelopment agencies and local officers of independent special districts are now required to complete four (4) hours of ethics training annually. The training must address, at a minimum, s. 8, Art. II of the Florida Constitution (ethics for public officers and financial disclosure), the Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees, and the Florida Public Records Law and Open Meetings laws. The legislation specifically provides that this training requirement may be satisfied by completing a continuing legal education class or other continuing professional education class or seminar if the required subject matter is covered therein.

For current supervisors and officers, it is recommended that this training requirement be completed by July 1, 2024, so that the supervisor or officer can verify compliance with the required training on his or her Form 1, Statement of Financial Interests (2023). Elected local officers of independent special districts that assume office on or before March 31st must complete annual ethics training by December 31st of the year the term begins; however, if the term starts after March 31st, the officer is not required to complete the required ethics training until December 31st of the following year. The Legislature intends for those elected officers to receive the required training as close as possible to the date that he or she assumes office. The chart below can be used as a reference:

Date elected or appointed	Annual Training Completed By	
Current Officer/Supervisor	December 31, 2024 (recommend completion by
July 1, 2024)	
January 1 – March 31, 2024	December 31, 2024	
April 1 – December 31, 2024	December 31, 2025	

The legislation also amends Section 112.313(a), Florida Statutes, clarifying the conflicts exception for public officers or employees of water control districts (Chapter 298, Florida Statutes)

or a special tax districts created by general (i.e. community development districts) or special law and which is limited specifically to constructing, maintaining, managing, and financing improvements in the land area over which the district has jurisdiction. Employment with or entering into a contractual relationship with a business entity is not prohibited and is not deemed a conflict per se; however, conduct by such officer or employee that is prohibited by or otherwise frustrates the intent of Section 112.313(7), Florida Statutes, including conduct that violates subsections (6) (misuse of public position) and (8) (disclosure of information not otherwise available to the public for personal benefit) thereof is deemed an impermissible conflict of interest.

For convenience, we have included a copy of the legislation referenced in this memorandum. We request that you include this memorandum as part of the agenda packages for upcoming meetings of the governing boards of those special districts in which you serve as the District Manager and this firm serves as District Counsel. You can expect our traditional legislative memorandum in the coming weeks, where we will summarize other legislation from the 2023 Legislative Session relevant to special districts.

CHAPTER 2023-121

Committee Substitute for House Bill No. 199

An act relating to ethics requirements for officers and employees of special tax districts; amending s. 112.313, F.S.; specifying that certain conduct by certain public officers and employees is deemed a conflict of interest; making technical changes; amending s. 112.3142, F.S.; requiring certain ethics training for elected local officers of independent special districts beginning on a specified date; specifying requirements for such training; providing an effective date.

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Section 1.	Subsection (7) of section 112.313, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
112.313 Standards of conduct for public officers, employees of agencies, and local government attorneys.—
CONFLICTING EMPLOYMENT OR CONTRACTUAL RELATION- SHIP.—
No public officer or employee of an agency shall have or hold any employment or contractual relationship with any business entity or any agency which is subject to the regulation of, or is doing business with, an agency of which he or she is an officer or employee, excluding those organizations and their officers who, when acting in their official capacity, enter into or negotiate a collective bargaining contract with the state or any municipality, county, or other political subdivision of the state; nor shall an officer or employee of an agency have or hold any employment or contractual relationship that will create a continuing or frequently recurring conflict between his or her private interests and the performance of his or her public duties or that would impede the full and faithful discharge of his or her public duties.
When the agency referred to is that certain kind of special tax district created by general or special law and is limited specifically to constructing, maintaining, managing, and financing improvements in the land area over which the agency has jurisdiction, or when the agency has been organized pursuant to chapter 298, then employment with, or entering into a contractual relationship with, such business entity by a public officer or employee of such agency is shall not be prohibited by this subsection or be deemed a conflict per se. However, conduct by such officer or employee that is prohibited by, or otherwise frustrates the intent of, this section, including conduct that violates subsections (6) and (8), is shall be deemed a conflict of interest in violation of the standards of conduct set forth by this section.
1

Ch. 2023-121	LAWS OF FLORIDA	Ch. 2023-121

When the agency referred to is a legislative body and the regulatory power over the business entity resides in another agency, or when the regulatory power which the legislative body exercises over the business entity or agency is strictly through the enactment of laws or ordinances, then employment or a contractual relationship with such business entity by a public officer or employee of a legislative body shall not be prohibited by this subsection or be deemed a conflict.
This subsection shall not prohibit a public officer or employee from practicing in a particular profession or occupation when such practice by persons holding such public office or employment is required or permitted by law or ordinance.
Section 2. Paragraphs (d) and (e) of subsection (2) of section 112.3142, Florida Statutes, are redesignated as paragraphs (e) and (f), respectively, present paragraph (e) of that subsection is amended, and a new paragraph
(d) is added to that subsection, to read:
112.3142 Ethics training for specified constitutional officers, elected municipal officers, and commissioners of community redevelopment agen- cies, and elected local officers of independent special districts.—
(2)
(d) Beginning January 1, 2024, each elected local officer of an indepen- dent special district, as defined in s. 189.012, and each person who is appointed to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term of such elective office must complete 4 hours of ethics training each calendar year which addresses, at a minimum, s. 8, Art. II of the State Constitution, the Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees, and the public records and public meetings laws of this state. This requirement may be satisfied by completion of a continuing legal education class or other continuing professional education class, seminar, or presentation, if the required subject matter is covered by such class, seminar, or presentation.
(f)(e) The Legislature intends that a constitutional officer, or elected municipal officer, or elected local officer of an independent special district who is required to complete ethics training pursuant to this section receive the required training as close as possible to the date that he or she assumes office. A constitutional officer, or elected municipal officer, or elected local officer of an independent special district assuming a new office or new term of office on or before March 31 must complete the annual training on or before December 31 of the year in which the term of office began. A constitutional officer, or elected municipal officer, or elected local officer of an independent special district assuming a new office or new term of office after March 31 is not required to complete ethics training for the calendar year in which the term of office began.
Section 3.	This act shall take effect July 1, 2023.

Ch. 2023-121	LAWS OF FLORIDA	Ch. 2023-121

Approved by the Governor May 24, 2023.
Filed in Office Secretary of State May 24, 2023.