“In a nutshell, you need to look at Cooper City and examine it at two points in time – 2017 and 2020.
The following are stated as minima. You might read or see other things worthy of note. But here are the starters:”
1. Management Discussion and Analysis: GASB 34 calls for governments to discuss their financial condition in the so-called MD&A. What does the MD&A
reveal? Are there any important revelations (doubtful), or is everything “cool”? Is there any commentary on how property taxation might impact operations?
Does management discuss employment or earnings patterns? Is it written in clear language so that stakeholders can understand the financial situation of
the organization?
2. Are Enterprises Running on At Least a Breakeven Basis, or Do You Note Any Deficits? Remember, enterprise funds (including internal service funds) are
generally believed to be business-like (break-even or better). A deficit may not be fatal, but it suggests a red flag for further assessment.
3. Economic Development Climate: This entails a lot but might include such matters as tax or user fee rates, major new employers (or departure of older
ones), diversification of economic base, tax incentive programs for new businesses (or to retain older ones), or successful enterprise zone activity. You may
see other factors that are worthy of mention.
4. Demographics: This one is something of a no-brainer. Is your community getting richer or poorer in terms of per capita income? Is it getting younger or
older (many retailers love the 19-49 portion)? Is it geographically “built-out,” or is there room for growth (not that growth is always a good thing)? Have there
been noteworthy changes in racial or ethnic composition? Is the city absorbing new areas via annexation?
My estimations:
#1 – 2 pages
#2 – 1 page
#3 – 2 pages
#4 – 1 page
Attaching the 2 CAFR (2017 and 2020) as well as lectures from the professor with relevant information.
City website is https://coopercityfl.org/