2017 Technical Bulletins

2017-003 Estimating Historical Costs of Capital Assets Using the Consumer Price Index

2017-002 Board of Township Trustees' Authority to Reimburse for Health Care Premiums

This bulletin describes 2017 Ohio Attorney General Opinion 2017-007, formally issued on March 13, 2017, and the 21st Century Cures Act, a recent amendment to the Federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) as they relate to reimbursement of healthcare premiums for township trustees in Ohio.

Because the Attorney General opinion was issued after the beginning of a fiscal year, the Auditor of State has determined that a grace period should be provided to allow townships time to comply with this requirement and allow individuals an opportunity to make alternative arrangements for healthcare coverage. As such, the Auditor of State will not issue findings for recovery in accordance with Opinion 2017-007 and the guidance in this Bulletin until audits to be performed in fiscal year 2018.

2017-001 Governmental Accounting Boards Statement 77, Tax Abatement Disclosures

Local governments employ a variety of programs and policies that reduce the taxes an individual or entity otherwise would owe, with the intent of encouraging certain actions, such as constructing housing in a particular neighborhood or relocating/retaining businesses. The goal of GASB Statement No. 77 is to make tax abatement transactions more transparent and to provide financial statement users with the information necessary to assess how tax abatements affect financial position and results of operations, including the future ability to raise resources and meet financial obligations.