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NEW GAAP BARS guidance: Contingencies and litigations

March 21, 2019

The 2019 Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting System (BARS) update for entities that report using generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) has a new section on accounting for “contingencies and litigations,” and we encourage you to check it out. It includes a comprehensive chart that will help financial statement preparers more quickly assess potential accounting and disclosure requirements. It also includes guidance on how to handle expected insurance recoveries related to a contingent liability.

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Cover of PRA & Records Management Technology Guide

Introducing the PRA & Records Management Technology Guide

March 19, 2019

Managing public records has become an increasingly complex task for Washington government agencies. The Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) has partnered with the SAO Center for Government Innovation (formerly known as the Performance Center) to give local governments information and resources for managing electronic public records. The PRA & Records Management Technology Guide (Guide) will help you understand the opportunities and challenges of preparing for, selecting, and using records management technology. Here are some of the highlights!

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Updated City and County Revenue Guides from the Municipal Research and Services Center.

New city and county revenue guides published

February 25, 2019

For many years, city and county officials have relied on the Municipal Research and Services Center’s (MRSC) Revenue Guides to better understand their various – and often confusing! – revenue options. And now, in partnership with the State Auditor’s Office (Center for Government Innovation (formerly known as the Performance Center), we’re excited to announce that we’ve completely re-written and re-published the two documents! Here are some of the highlights.

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A whole new way to envision the same old data: The Financial Intelligence Tool is now available

February 20, 2019

Today, the Office of the Washington State Auditor has struck a blow for the democratization of governmental financial data to Washingtonians; the newly redesigned Financial Intelligence Tool is now available. Our Office collects the annual financial reports of all governments in the state of Washington; we have now made this data accessible and simple to understand.

But FIT is more than a bunch of data—we designed this to be an educational experience, a place to inspire civic engagement and elevate the discourse on government operations. A previously difficult to understand and inaccessible world is now available; all it takes is a click to get started.

Government leaders have a responsibility to the public they serve to provide their information in new and interesting ways; FIT fills this need.

This tool is only the beginning of the conversation, not the end. We welcome your emails with questions, comments, observations and input; we are listening.

Lease agreement being filled out.

Lease accounting changes are coming soon

January 24, 2019

The new accounting and reporting standard regarding leases – GASB 87 – will take effect for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and apply retroactively as if the standard was in place at the beginning of the implementation period. Early implementation is encouraged.

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Employer reporting requirements for other post-employment benefits (OPEB) have taken effect

January 11, 2019

Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement 75, Accounting and Reporting for OPEB is effective for the Reporting Year 2018 (this year!). OPEB, or post-employment benefits other than pension, includes benefits such as healthcare provided through a pension plan or separately (medical, dental, vision, hearing, etc.) and other benefits when provided separately from a pension plan, such as: life insurance, long-term care, disability, and more.

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