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NEW ORLEANS REGIONAL BUSINESS PARK FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS REVIEW REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31. 2015

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Page 1: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

NEW ORLEANS REGIONAL BUSINESS PARK

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS REVIEW REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31. 2015

Page 2: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT 1

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 2

STATEMENT OF NET POSITION - DECEMBER 31, 2015 5

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 6

BALANCE SHEET- GOVERNMENTAL FUND-DECEMBER 31, 2015 7

STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCE-GOVERNMENTAL FUND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 8

RECONCILIATION OF THE STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCE OF GOVERNMENTAL FUND TO THE STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 9

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 10

STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCE BUDGET [GAAP BASIS] AND ACTUAL 16

SCHEDULE OF AGENCY HEAD COMPENSATION 17

SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS 18

SCHEDULE OF PRIOR YEARS FINDINGS 19

Page 3: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT'S REVIEW REPORT

Board of Commissioners Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana

I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities, the business-type activities, and fund financial statements of New Orleans Regional Business Park (NORBP), as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015. A review includes primarily applying analytical procedures to management's financial data and making inquiries of the management of NORBP. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements as a whole. Accordingly, I do not express such an opinion.

The management of NORBP is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and for designing, implementing, and maintaining internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements.

My responsibility is to conduct the review in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Those standards require me to perform procedures to obtain limited assurance that there are no material modifications that should be made to the financial statements. I believe that the results of my procedures provide a reasonable basis for my report.

Based on my review, I am not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying financial statements in order for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require the inclusion of management's discussion and analysis and budgetary comparison information on pages 3 through 5 and 15, are presented for purposes of additional analysis. Such information, although not a part of the basic financial statements, is required by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board who considers it to be an essential part of financial reporting and for placing the basic financial statements in an appropriate operational, economic, or historical cont^xL^Such information was not audited, reviewed or compiled by me and do not express an opinion or provid6,any-assurarips-OQ it.

VGR, CPA New Orleans, Louisiana

June 2, 2016

Page 4: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Page 5: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

$ • S 5 6 ft

13801 Old Gentiliy Road New Orleans, LA 70129 Ofc: (504) 254-4603 Fax: (504) 253-8270

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

The New Orleans Regional Business Park (NORBP) was created by the Louisiana State Legislature. The NORBP manages, develops and operates a 7,000 acre conunercial and industrial park in Eastern New Orleans. NORBP, post Katrina, is home to approximately 77 businesses generating billions of dollars of annual sales, employing thousands of residents from the New Orleans region and producing millions of dollars of tax revenue for the City of New Orleans. NORBP also provides assistance to new and existing business to help them expand operations, train and improve the skills of existing employees, explore upstream and downstream marketing opportunities and seek other resources; all in an effort to enhance the value of the capital investment our businesses have made in their operations here in the Business Park. NORBP's operations were principally funded through a millage on properties located within the defined boundaries of the Park and from warehouse and office space rental income from tenants in the Park's Enterprise Center. However, the millage has expired, and attempts to renew it have failed. With only lease revenue, it has been a struggle to support NORBP's programmatic objectives which include business retention/expansion, marketing outreach, business development and enterprise center maintenance.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The NORBP employs the services of a Certified Public Accountant consulting firm to produce financial statements, process payroll, and perform ad hoc accounting and organizational duties associated with the daily operations of the Park. In addition, the NORBP employs the services of VGR, CPA LLC to produce the agency's annual review.

The NORBP 2015 General operations budget encompassed a budgeted revenue projection of $232,881 with associated expenses of $276,992. Despite a substantial reduction of expenses in the years following the expiration of the millage, the NORBP has had to dip into its reserves to cover its expenses. Unless there is a dramatic increase in revenue, those reserves are likely to evaporate in late 2016 or early 2017.

AD VALOREM TAXES

During 2015, this agency collected Ad Valorem Taxes from the City of New Orleans in the amount of $50.

OVERALL FINANCIAL POSITION

At December 31, 2015, NORBP's net position totaled $3,159,277 which included $2,955,939 in Property, Plant & Equipment.

100+ BUSINESSES MAINTAIN, IMPROVE, CONSTRUCT, AQUIRE.

Page 6: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

Balances and Transactions

NORBP began 2015 with a cash balance of $323,018 in various accounts at financial institutions. NORBP ended the year with a cash balance of $242,815 in these accounts.

SIGNIFICANT BUDGET VARIANCES

There were significant budget variations in 2015 which were primarily attributable to fluctuations in tenant occupancy levels.

CAPITAL ASSET AND LONG TERM DEBT ACTIVITY

During 2015, NORBP invested $58,930 in improvements to its capital assets. NORBP incurred no increases in long-term debt and will continue to operate without the use of borrowed funds.

MAINTENANCE EXPENSES FOR INFRASTRUCUCTURE ASSETS

The NORBP owns a building at 13801 Old Gentilly Road. This building and the land on which it sits is valued at approximately $3.2 million. During the year, the building, which consists of approximately 30,000 square feet of office space and 90,617 square feet of warehouse space, was leased to various short term tenants. The maintenance budget is adjusted occasionally due to unexpected expenditures on an aging building.

CURRENTLY KNOWN FACTS, DECISIONS, OR CONDITIONS

The NORBP main source of revenue is rent from its building which totaled $230,831 in 2015. A property tax millage collected from the tax assessment on commercial property ceased existence in 2012. However, NORBP did receive minor millage revenue ($50) in 2015.

NORBP's administration continues to implement strategies that seek other revenue sources, programs and activities that can augment, support and expand NORBP programs, NORBP constantly markets its land and building assets to ensure that the organization maximizes the value of its resources.

However, without a long-term tenant of a significant portion of the property or an additional source of revenue, NORBP will not have a secure financial future. While there are some encouraging prospects for lease revenue, NORBP, the elected officials who have the authority to appoint commissioners and the organizations who nominate commissioners should all explore whether there are alternative ways to address the mission of the organization in case those prospects do not materialize.

Christian D. Bonura Secretary

Page 7: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

NEW ORLEANS REGIONAL BUSINESS PARK STATEMENT OF NET POSITION

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015

ASSETS GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITIES CURRENT ASSETS

Cash [Notes 2 and 6] $ 242,815 Receivables [Note 3] 26,981 Prepaid Insurance [Note 4] 9,117

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 278,912

CAPITAL ASSETS [Notes 2 and 5] Land, Improvements and Construction in Progress 1,053,618 Other Capital Assets, Net of Depreciation 1,902,321

TOTAL CAPITAL ASSETS, NET 2,955,939

TOTAL ASSETS 3.234.851

LIABILITIES

Accounts Payable 2,957 Lease Deposits [Note 8] 72,617

TOTAL LIABILITIES 75.574

NET POSITION

Net Investment in capital assets 2,955,938 Unrestricted 203,339

TOTAL NET POSITION 3.159.277

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 8: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

NEW ORLEANS REGIONAL BUSINESS PARK STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015

Functions/ Programs

Enterprise Park Sanitation Administration Total

Exnenses

$ -16,026

442.160 $458,186

General revenues Property Taxes Rental Income Other Income Total General revenues

Change in Net Position

Net Position Beginning of year

Adjustment to Beginning Ofyear

Beginning of year As restated

End of year

Governmental Activities:

Program Revenues Charges for Operating Services Grants

$ - $

$ -

Net (Expenses] Revenue and changes in Net Position

$ [16,026]

r442.l601 $[458,186]

$ 50 230,831 19.549

$ 250,430

$ [207,756]

$ 3,370,831

[3,798]

$ 3,367,033

$ 3.159.277

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 9: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

NEW ORLEANS REGIONAL BUSINESS PARK BALANCE SHEET

GOVERNMENTAL FUND TYPE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015

ASSETS Cash [Notes 2 and 5] ReceivabIes(Note 3] Prepaid Insurance (Note 4]

$ 242,815 26,981 9.117

TOTAL ASSETS 278.913

LIABILITIES

Accounts Payable Lease Deposits (Note 8]

2,957 72.617

TOTAL LIABILITIES 75.574

FUND BALANCE

Unassigned 203,339

Amounts reported for governmental activities in the Statement of Net Position are different because:

Capital assets used in governmental activities are not financial resources therefore are not reported in the governmental fund at the fund level

NET POSITION

2,955,938

3.159.277

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 10: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

NEW ORLEANS REGIONAL BUSINESS PARK STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCE

GOVERNMENTAL FUND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

REVENUE

Rental Income Property Taxes Other Income

TOTAL REVENUE

EXPENDITURES

230,831 50

19.549

250,430

Salaries and Related Taxes Insurance Marketing Postage Accounting Fees Professional Services Telephone Office Supplies Meetings Expense Sanitation Interest Expense Utilities Repairs and Maintenance Miscellaneous

71,116 59,051 17,923

522 29,850 16,922 4,423 5,048 487

16,026 1,993 59,759 9,928 138

TOTAL EXPENDITURES

Excess of expenditures over revenues

Fund balance at beginning of year

293.186

(42,756)

303,490

Fund balance at end of year 260,734

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 11: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

NEW ORLEANS REGIONAL BUSINESS PARK RECONCILIATION OF THE STATEMENT OF REVENUE, EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN

FUND BALANCE OF GOVERNMENTAL FUND TO THE STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

Total Net Changes in fund balance at December 31, 2015 Per Statement of Revenue, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance [42,756]

The Changes in Net Position is reported for the governmental activities in the Statement of Activities is different because:

Government funds report capital outlays as expenditures. However, In the Statement of Activities, the cost of those assets is allocated over their estimated useful lives as depreciation expense. This is the amount by which deprecation exceeded net capital outlays in the current period. [165,000]

Total changes in net position of governmental activities At December 31, 2015 r207.7561

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 12: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

NEW ORLEANS REGIONAL BUSINESS PARK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 - SrganizsUQnL

General

The New Orleans Regional Business Park [NORBP] is a 7,000 acre Louisiana Enterprise Zone created by the Louisiana Legislature to attract business and industry through incentives such as sales, use and property tax benefits. NORBP also encompasses a 92-acre Foreign Trade Zone which provides additional savings on duty fees.

In 1992, a special project referred to as the "Enterprise Center" (the Center] was initiated in an effort to promote economic growth in the City of New Orleans, by promoting business and industrial development in the district. The Center includes the following components designed to improve the development environment in New Orleans East:

• Industrial/service based incubator; • Advanced technology institute; and • College extension programs.

NORBP is used to account for the operations of the district. Its financing sources are derived principally from tenant rent revenues.

The Board of Commissioners is composed of twelve [12] members who are appointed by various organizations and public officials and serve without compensation.

The accounting policies of NORBP conform to accounting policies generally accepted in the United States of America, as applicable to governmental agencies. The following is a summary of the more significant accounting policies:

NOTE 2 - Summarv of Significant Accounting Policies:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the Statements of Cash Flows, NORBP considers all short-term, highly liquid investments with maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents.

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Page 13: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

NEW ORLEANS REGIONAL BUSINESS PARK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

Financial Reporting Entity. Continued;

Financial Reporting Entity

Government Accounting Standards Board (CASE] Statement No. 14, "Financial Reporting Entity" established standards for defining and reporting on the financial entity. CASE 14 indicates that the focal point for the financial reporting entity is the primary government, which is considered to be any state government or local government or a special purpose government that meets all

of the following criteria: a] has a separately elected governing body; b] is legally separate; and c] is fiscally independent of other state and local governments.

NORBP was established as a separate legal entity with a governing board. Separate and independent of any other governmental "reporting entity" as defined by CASE 14. Accordingly, management has concluded that NOREP is a financial reporting entity within the meaning of the provisions of CASE 14.

Basis of Presentation

As required by Louisiana State Reporting Law (R.S. 24:514], the NORBP's financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Specifically, the accounts of NORBP are accounted for under the general fund. Accordingly, the accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and applied to government units.

The term basis of accounting is used to determine when a transaction or event is recognized on NORBP's operating statement. NORBP used the modified accrual basis of accounting. Under this basis, revenues are recorded when measureable and available, and expenses are recorded when a liability is incurred regardless of the timing of the related cash flows.

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Page 14: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

NEW ORLEANS REGIONAL BUSINESS PARK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 2 -

Capital Assets

Capital assets are recorded at cost or estimated costs. Donated assets are valued at estimated fair value at time of receipt. When no historical records are available, capital assets are valued at estimated historical costs. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, any resulting gain or loss is reflected in income for the period.

The costs of normal maintenance and repair that add to the value of an asset or materially extend the asset's lives are capitalized.

Capital assets are depreciated by NORBP using the following estimated useful lives.

NOTE 3 -

NOTE 4 -

ASSETS

Building Building improvements Equipment

Estimated Useful Lives in Years

40 20 3-7

Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method.

Estimates

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, requires management to make estimates an assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimated.

Receivables;

Accounts receivable as of December 31, 2015 was 18,182 consisting of funds due to the organization for tenants share in electrical services.

Prepaid Expenses:

Prepaid items at December 31 2015 consisted of prepaid Insurance of $9,117

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Page 15: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

NEW ORLEANS REGIONAL BUSINESS PARK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 5 - Capital Assets, net

Beginning Balance Additions Retirements Total

Land and Land Improvements 1,053,618 -0- -0- 1,053,618 Building and Building Improvements 3,642,679 53,598 -0- 3,696,276 Furniture and Equipment 45,464 -0- -0- 45,464

4,741,761 -0- -0- 4,795,358

Less Accumulated Depreciation -1,674,420 -165,000 -0- -1,839,420

Total 3,067,340 -111,402 -0- 2,955,938

NOTE 6- Cash and Cash Equivalents;

NORBP maintains cash balances at several national banks. Accounts at these institutions are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [FDIC] up to $250,000. At December 31, 2015, NORBP's bank balances were 194,058 and 48,749 respectively. The entire amounts were covered by federal depository insurance.

NOTE 7 - Property Tax Revenues:

On October 22, 2011 a statewide election was held in Louisiana. One of the items for renewal on the ballot was the millage used to fund the New Orleans Regional Business Park. Voters did not renew the millage and as a result the park will not receive any tax revenue beyond the year 2015.

NOTES- Lease Deposits:

The New Orleans Regional Business Park holds security deposits for the rental space leased by tenants. The Lease Deposits as of December 31, 2015 was $72,617.

NOTE 9 - Economic Dependency;

The primary source of revenue for NORBP is it's sole tenant. The continued success of NORBP is dependent upon the renewal of the rental agreement as well as obtaining new funding.

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Page 16: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

NOTE 10 - Contingencies;

NORBP is party to a claim dated April 4, 2016. In the opinion of management, the outcome of such actions will have no material impact on NORBP's financial condition or results of operations..

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Page 17: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORAMTION

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Page 18: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

NEW ORLEANS REGIONAL BUSINESS PARK STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCE BUDGET

(GAAP BASIS) AND ACTUAL

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

REVENUE Actual Budget Variance

Rental Income $ 230,831 $ 224,781 6,050

Property Tax Income 50 50

Other Income 19,549 8,100 11,449

Total Revenue $ 250,430 $ 232,881 $ 17,549

EXPENDITURES

Salary- Park Engineer 40,917 38,011 2,906

Payroll Taxes- Park Engineer 3,301 3,421 (120)

Salaries- Office Manager 23,046 25,650 (2,604)

Payroll Taxes- Office Manager 2,056 2,309 (253)

Payroll Service 1,797 1,797

Insurance 59,050 50,476 8,574

Postage, Freight, Express 522 200 322

Legal Services 14,648 6,000 8,648

Telephone 4,423 3,000 1,423

Office Supplies 5,048 2,400 2,648

Office Equipment 500 (500)

Accounting Fees 29,850 28,800 1,050

Park Sanitation 16,026 5,000 11,026

Interest 1,731 1,731

Utilities 59,759 48,500 11,259

BIdg. Maintenance & Repairs 9,928 2,250 7,678

Casual Labor 2,274 2,274

Staff & Board Expenses 487 487

Dues & Subscriptions 180 180

Bank Fees 220 220

Park Marketing 17,923 10,000 7,923

Total Expenses 293,186 276,992 16,194

Excess of revenues over Expenditures (42,756) (44,111) 1,355

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

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Page 19: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

SCHEDULE OF AGENCY HEAD COMPENSATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

Act 706 of the 2015 Legislative Session requires the disclosure of the total compensation, reimbursement, benefits, and other payments made to the agency head, political subdivision head or Chief executive officer, related to the position; including but not limited to travel housing, un-vouchered expenses (such as travel advances] per diem, and registration fees. The NORBP did not have any agency head, political subdivision head or Chief executive officer in the year under review.

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Page 20: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

NEW ORLEANS REGIONAL BUSINESS PARK SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

NONE

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Page 21: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

NEW ORLEANS REGIONAL BUSINESS PARK SCHEDULE OF PRIOR YEAR FINDINGS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

Audit Finding Reference Number

2013-01 - Legislative Audit Advisory Service Report

Criteria: In October 2013, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor issued an advisory services report relating to the practices review of The New Orleans Regional Business Park. The report outlined deficiencies in operations, opportunities to enhance procedures and recommendations for corrective action. The matters are as follows:

Conditions:

o The strategic plan does not identify the mission of the NORBP and the objectives are general in nature and do not appear to be measureable.

o The NORBP does not have comprehensive policies and procedures covering all essential operations,

o There is a lack of controls necessary to promote an ethical environment within the office of the NORBP (e.g., no ethics policies and procedures; Board members and employees not required to sign an annual certification letter attesting to their compliance with ethics laws/policies],

o Minutes of Board meetings were not always prepared (and maintained] as required by Louisiana Revised Statute (La. R.S.] 42:20.

o Board minutes are not published in the entity's official journal as required by La. R.S. 43:143-144 and 43:171(A].

o A records retention schedule has not been prepared and submitted to the Louisiana Secretary of State's office for approval as required by La. R.S. 44:36 and 44:411.

o The NORBP lacks formal guidance/procedures to help ensure that the Board is fully complying with La. R.S. 42:16-17 relative to conducting executive sessions,

o There is a lack of controls over credit card usage (e.g., business purpose not documented and no consistent review performed of credit card use and charges].

o There is a lack of controls over cell phone usage (i.e., no review performed of cell phone use and charges],

o There is a lack of controls over the preparation, review, and approval of employee time sheets,

o There is a lack of controls over the administration and accounting of employee leave (e.g., employee leave balances are not accounted for and there is no formal system for requesting the use of leave, including requiring supervisory approval].

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Page 22: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

NEW ORLEANS REGIONAL BUSINESS PARK SCHEDULE OF PRIOR YEARS FINDINGS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

Audit Finding Reference Number

2013-01 - Legislative Audit Advisory Service Report (Continued]

o Although payroll is processed by an outside third party, there is no internal review performed (by NORBP personnel] to ensure that the payroll was processed accurately,

o There is a lack of controls to ensure that NORBP receives accurate rent payments.

o The NORBP did not have an adequate financial plan, including marketing strategies, to address and eliminate deficit spending.

Status:

Partially Resolved

Managements Response:

NORBP's Management has made great strides in correcting the items above while pushing forth the mission and work of the Business Park. In 2015 we were successful in:

• Updating our website to include our mission and noted objectives and accomplishments, and additionally continuing to post board meeting minutes;

• Eliminating all credit cards; • Implementing effective controls over company cell phones, employee time sheets,

administration and accounting of employee leave and receipt of rent payments; • Increasing park programming expenditures through illegal dumping clean-ups,

awareness of litter penalty fines, and business owner engagement through mail outs; and

• Adopting a financial plan to include marketing strategies that address and eliminate deficit spending.

NORBP continues to work albeit without the leadership of a day-to-day Executive Director. In 2015 we have begun the process of putting specific policies and procedures to address the other matters listed above.

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Page 23: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

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Page 24: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

Independent Accountant's Report on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures

Board of Commissioners Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana

I have performed the procedures included in the Louisiana Government Audit Guide and enumerated below, which were agreed to by the management of New Orleans Regional Business Park and the Legislative Auditor, State of Louisiana, solely to assist the users in evaluating management's assertions about New Orleans Regional Business Park compliance with certain laws and regulations during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 included in the accompanying Louisiana Attestation Questionnaire. Management of New Orleans Regional Business Park is responsible for its financial records and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This agreed-upon procedures engagement was performed in accordance with attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and applicable standards of Government Auditing Standards. The sufficiency of these procedures is solely the responsibility of the specified users of this report. Consequently, I make no representation regarding the sufficiency of the procedures described below either for the purpose for which this report has been requested or for any other purpose.

Public Bid Law

1. Select all expenditures made during the year for material and supplies exceeding $30,000, or public works exceeding $150,000, and determine whether such purchases were made in accordance with R.S. 38:2211-2296 (the public bid law) or R.S. 39:1551-39:1775 (the state procurement code), whichever is applicable.

I examined the check detail and noted: No expenditures exceeded $30,000 during the year for materials and supplies; No expenditure was made for public works that exceeded $150,000. No further examination necessary to be in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 38:2211-2296.

Code of Ethics for Public Officials and Public Employees

2. Obtain from management a list of the immediate family members of each board member as defined by R.S. 42:1101-1124 (the code of ethics), and a list of outside business interests of all board members and employees, as well as their immediate families.

I was unable to obtain the list of family members and outside business interest of every board member as defined by RS 42:1101-1124.

3. Obtain from management a listing of all employees paid during the period under examination.

Management provided me with the required list.

4. Determine whether any of those employees included in the listing obtained from management in agreed-upon Procedure 3 were also included on the listing obtained from management in agreed-upon Procedure 2 as immediate family members.

I was unable to complete the procedure based on the inability to obtain the of family members by every board member as defined by RS 42:1101-1124.

Page 25: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

Budgeting

5. Obtain a copy of the legally adopted budget and all amendments.

Management provided me with a copy of the original budget. There were no amendments to the budget during the year.

6. Trace the budget adoption and amendments to the minute book.

Based on my review of the December 11, 2014 meeting I noted that the 2015 budget was approved and adopted. No further amendments were made to the budget during the year.

7. Compare the revenues and expenditures of the final budget to actual revenues and expenditures to determine if actual revenues failed to meet budgeted revenues by 5% or more, or if actual expenditures exceed budgeted amounts by 5% or more. (For agencies that must comply with the Licensing Agency Budget Act only, compare the expenditures of the final budget to actual expenditures to determine if actual expenditures exceed budgeted amounts by 10% or more per category or 5% or more in total).

I compared the revenues and expenditures of the final budget to actual revenues and expenditures and noted the following: Total actual revenues exceeded revenues by 2%; Total actual expenditures for the year exceeded the total budget amounts by 29% due to spending in the following unbudgeted spending areas: Casual Labor, Staff & Board Expenses, Dues & Subscriptions, Miscellaneous and Bank Fees.

Management's Response

Revenue for the New Orleans Regional Business Park was better than expected due to a tenant from the film industry. Expenditures were kept to an absolute minimum due to our budgetary constraints.

Accounting and Reporting

8. Randomly select six disbursements made during the period under examination and:

(a) Trace payments to supporting documentation as to proper amount and payee;

I examined supporting documentation for each of the six selected disbursements and found that payment was for the proper amount and made to the correct payee.

(b) Determine if payments were properly coded to the correct fund and general ledger account; and

I examined supporting documentation for each of the six selected disbursements and found that the payments were properly coded to the proper fund and general ledger account.

(c) Determine whether payments received approval from proper authorities.

I examined the supporting documentation of the six selected disbursements and noted that they were properly approved the disbursements.

Meetings

9. Examine evidence indicating that agendas for meetings recorded in the minute book were posted or advertised as required by R.S. 42:11 through 42:28 (the open meetings law).

New Orleans Regional Business Park did not posts all of its meeting minutes on its web site (www.norbp.com). Additionally, however the minutes are posted on the bulletin board in the lobby of the Enterprise Center located at 13801 Old Gentilly Road New Orleans, LA 70129.

Debt

10. Examine bank deposits for the period under examination and determine whether any such deposits appear to be proceeds of bank loans, bonds, or like indebtedness.

I inspected copies of all bank deposit slips for the period under examination and noted no deposits appeared to be proceeds of bank loans, bonds, or like indebtedness.

Advances and Bonuses

Page 26: New Orleans Regional Business Park · Of New Orleans Regional Business Park New Orleans, Louisiana I have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities,

11. Examine payroll records and minutes for the year to determine whether any payments have been made to employees that may constitute bonuses, advance, or gifts.

A reading of the minutes of NORBP indicated no approval for the payments noted. I also inspected payroll records for the year and noted no instances, which would indicate payments to employees, which would constitute bonuses, advances, or gifts.

Prior Comments and Recommendations

The prior year report, dated June 2, 2015 included a finding 2013-1 Legislative Audit Advisory Service Report.

This report is intended solely for the use of management of New Orleans Regional Business Park and the Legislative Auditor, State of Louisiana, and should not be used by those who have not agreed to the procedures and taken responsibility for the sufficiency of the procedures for their purposes. Under Louisiana Revised Statute 24:513, this report is distributed by the Legislative Auditor as a public document.

June 2, 20