Trout Creek Community Development District

Audit Committee Meeting
February 2, 2021

District Office: 2806 N. Fifth Street Unit 403
St. Augustine, FL 32084

www.troutcreekcdd.org

TROUT CREEK COMMUNITTY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
DISTRICT OFFICE  2806 N. FIFTH STREET  UNIT 403  ST AUGUSTINE, FL 32084
www.troucreekcdd.org

Board of Supervisors Trout Creek Development District

January 26, 2021

AGENDA
Dear Board Members:

The Audit Committee  Meeting  of  Trout  Creek  Community  Development  District  will  be  held on  Tuesday,  February  2,   2021   at   3:00   p.m.   at   the Shearwater Amenity Center located at 100 Kayak Way, St. Augustine, FL 32092. The following is the agenda for this meeting.

CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Review, Discuss and Evaluate the Proposals in Response to the Requests for District Auditing Services
ADJOURNMENT
I look forward to seeing you at the meeting. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (904) 436-6270.

Very truly yours, Melissa Dobbins Melissa Dobbins Trout Creek
Community Development District

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Ability of Personnel.	(20 Points)

(E.g., geographic locations of the firm’s headquarters or permanent office in relation to the project; capabilities and experience of key personnel; present ability to manage this project; evaluation of existing work load; proposed staffing levels, etc.)

Proposers’ Experience.	(20 Points)

(E.g. past record and experience of the Proposer in similar projects; volume of work previously performed by the firm; past performance for other Community Development Districts in other contracts; character, integrity, reputation, of respondent, etc.)

Understanding of Scope of Work.	(20 Points)

Extent to which the proposal demonstrates an understanding of the District’s needs for the services requested.

Ability to Furnish the Required Services.	(20 Points)

Extent to which the proposal demonstrates the adequacy of Proposers’ financial resources and stability as a business entity necessary to complete the services required (E.g. the existence of any natural disaster plan for business operations).

5	Price	(20 Points)

Points will be awarded based upon the price bid for the rendering of the services and reasonable ness of the price to the services

Total	(100 Points)

Trout Creek CDD
Audit Proposal Review Committee Evaluation Spreadsheet February 2, 2021

Bidder's Name	

Total Audit Price	
Ability of Personnel (20 Points)	
Proposer's Experience (20 Points)	
Understanding Scope of Work (20 Points)	
Ability to Furnish Required Services (20 Points)	

Price
(20 Points)	

Total Points	
	FY 2021 - $4,000.00							
	FY 2022 - $4,000.00							
	FY 2023 - $4,100.00							
*McDirmit	FY 2024 - $4,100.00							
Davis	FY 2025 - $4,100.00							
	FY 2021 - $3,815.00							
	FY 2022 - $3,815.00							
Berger, Toombs,	FY 2023 - $3,925.00							
Elam, Gaines &	FY 2024 - $4,010.00							
Frank	FY 2025 - $4,010.00							
	FY 2021 - $4,400.00							
	FY 2022 - $4,500.00							
	FY 2023 - $4,600.00							
Grau &	FY 2024 - $4,700.00							
Associates	FY 2025 - $4,800.00							

Committee Member's Names:	

* = Current Auditor

Proposal to Provide Auditing Services

Trout Creek Community Development District
For the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2021
With the Option for 4 Additional Annual Renewals

Submitted by:

934 North Magnolia Avenue Suite 100
Orlando, Florida 32803
(407) 843-5406

CONTACT: Tamara Campbell, C.P.A.

tcampbell@mcdirmitdavis.com
www.mcdirmitdavis.com

Proposal for Audit Services to
Trout Creek Community Development District
Table of Contents

	    Page	
Letter of Interest	1	
Company Background	3	
Peer Review Letter	8	
Audit Personnel Experience	9	
References	12	
Service Approach	14	
Cost Proposal	16	

Letter of Interest

January 19, 2021

Melissa Dobbins, District Manager
Trout Creek Community Development District
2806 North Fifth Street, Suite 403 St. Augustine, FL 32084

934 North Magnolia Avenue, Suite 100
Orlando, Florida 32803
407‐843‐5406
www.mcdirmitdavis.com

Thank you for the opportunity to submit our qualifications and experience to serve as independent auditors of Trout Creek Community Development District. The accompanying proposal will provide you detailed information regarding the scope of services to be provided, as well as a profile of the firm, the individuals who will serve you, our qualifications and experience, and representative clients, including specific references.

It is our understanding that we will provide the following services:

Financial audit of the basic financial statements of Trout Creek Community Development District for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021, with the option for 4 additional annual renewals.
We will commit to maintain staff required to conclude the audits within the time constraints indicated in the RFP.
The audit will be performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, Governmental Auditing Standards and the Rules of the Auditor General of the State of Florida.
The audit for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021 will be completed no later than March 31, 2022.

We believe we are the best-qualified firm to perform the engagement for the following reasons:

We presently audit over fifty Community Development Districts, fourteen municipalities and one special water district and have an excellent working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles related to governmental entities.
As the current auditors of the District, we are knowledgeable about the District’s procedures and history.
We assist in the preparation of the financial statements for most of these governmental entities.
We have assisted nine municipalities in receiving the GFOA "Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting". Most of these municipalities have been receiving the “Certificate of Achievement” between ten and twenty years. Tamara Campbell is active as a national review team member of the GFOA's "Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting" program. As a review team member, Ms. Campbell reviews and evaluates financial reports submitted by cities and counties to determine whether the financial reports meet the stringent requirements to receive the GFOA'S prestigious award. Participating as a review team member, Ms. Campbell has demonstrated her expertise in governmental accounting and auditing.
We have strong information technology ability and will input the District’s general ledger balances into our ProSystem fx Engagement software and perform a virtually “paperless” audit. The District’s Financial Statements are linked to the general ledger; therefore, the likelihood of errors on the financial statements is reduced.
We have recent and continuous experience and have devoted a great deal of our continuing education to the governmental auditing and accounting field. Our firm meets the independence and education requirements of the Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. Our firm is independent of Trout Creek Community Development District as defined by Government Auditing Standards.

the trusted partner

We are members of the American and Florida Institutes of Certified Public Accountants and an Associate member of the Governmental Finance Officers Association. Our firm is active in governmental organizations throughout Central Florida and serves on governmental committees of the Florida Institute of CPA's.
We are a local firm with personnel committed to quality and professional performance, accustomed to providing a high level of client satisfaction. We believe that our firm is part of a team effort to assist the District in developing the best financial reporting possible.
We have a history of continuity of personnel assigned to the engagement. Our single office firm and low personnel turnover assures uninterrupted services from our partners and staff. We have a staff of 28 people and 8 of those are governmental audit staff.

McDirmit Davis, LLC has not colluded with any of the Proposers, and we have not defaulted on any previous contract, and are not in arrears on any previous or existing contract and are properly licensed.

Because of our unique qualifications and a philosophy based on complete dedication to client service, we feel confident that we can provide you with responsiveness and a range of experience that will best serve your needs.

Ms. Tamara Campbell, partner, is authorized to represent the firm and may be contacted at 934 North Magnolia Avenue, Suite 100, Orlando, Florida 32803, or phone (407) 843-5406.

We would consider it a privilege to continue to serve as independent auditors for Trout Creek Community Development District.

Sincerely,

McDirmit Davis, LLC

Tamara Campbell, CPA

Page | 2

Company Background

MCDIRMIT DAVIS AT GLANCE

dr!6t.
lffll Established since 1984

*

U;I;lil

HIGHEST PASSING RATING IN
OUR 2020 PEER REVIEW

Ranked Top 10 in Central Florida

    Over 100 years of combined experience

MEMBERSHIPS

American Institute
of
Certified Public Accountants

Florida Institute
of
Certified Public Accountants

Florida Government
Finance Officers

Association

:::::,

Page | 3

About Us:
McDirmit Davis, LLC was incorporated in the State of Florida in August 1984 and serves Central Florida from its centrally located office in Orlando, Florida. The partners and managers have over 100 years of combined experience in public accounting, and our firm has grown to be ranked as one of the top 10 accounting firms in Central Florida by the Orlando Business Journal.

When considering whether to hire our firm, you will find that McDirmit Davis can be differentiated from our competitors in several areas, such as:

Local, Experienced and Involved Partners: Our partners and managers have over 100 years of combined experience in public accounting. Tammy has over fifteen (15) years of governmental accounting and auditing experience, including municipalities, airport authorities and over 50 community development districts.

Commitment to Quality: McDirmit Davis has received a “pass” audit opinion by our peer reviewers regarding our firm’s Quality Control Standards.

Timely Audits: Our commitment is to meet all audit deadlines, all of our audits have been perfomed according to agreed audit schedules.

Our firm has a wide range of clients providing both goods and services in the Central Florida area. Our practice encompasses auditing, accounting, management advisory and tax services. A list of all governmental clients audited by us for the fiscal years 2015-2019 is as follows:

Over Fifty Community Development Districts
City of Belle Isle, Florida *	•	City of Ocoee, Florida *
City of Clermont, Florida *	•	City of Orange City, Florida*
City of Fruitland Park, Florida	•	City of Tavares, Florida *
City of Groveland, Florida	•	City of Umatilla, Florida *
City of Inverness, Florida*	•	City of Winter Springs, Florida *
City of Lake Mary, Florida*	•	Homosassa Special Water
City of Longwood, Florida *	•	Sun’n Lake of Sebring Improvement District
City of Mascotte, Florida	•	Town of Montverde, Florida
City of Minneola, Florida	•	Town of Windermere, Florida

These entities are presently clients of McDirmit Davis, LLC
These entities participate in the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting program.

General Information about McDirmit Davis

License to Practice in Florida
Our Firm and all key professional staff are properly licensed to practice in the state of Florida. In addition, our Firm and all assigned key personnel are in good standing with the Florida Board of Accountancy. We can provide a copy of actual License, if requested.

Independence
McDirmit Davis, LLC is independent of the District as defined by auditing standards contained in Government Auditing Standards.

Governmental Audit Quality Center
McDirmit Davis, LLC is a member of the AICPA’s Governmental Audit Quality Center which is dedicated to establishing the highest standards of audit quality in the governmental accounting and audit sector.

External Quality Control Review
Our Firm understands the importance of developing a formal quality control program, and therefore have been a member of the Private Companies Practice Section of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants since 1985. Member firms are required to adhere to quality control standards established by the AICPA Quality Control Standards Committee and to submit to peer reviews of the firm's accounting and audit practice. Peer reviews are intensive reviews of a firm's quality control system by an independent CPA firm. Our firm has had seven peer reviews performed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Each peer review has included a review of a local governmental entity.

On our most recent peer review performed in 2020, we received a peer review rating of “pass”, which is the highest rating that a firm can receive under the revised peer review standards. We have never been subject to any litigation or disciplinary actions by a client, the State or any professional organization for substandard field work. A copy of our firm’s most recent peer review report follows this section. These peer reviews included a review of at least two governmental engagements, and it should be noted that there were no findings as a result of this review. We have never withdrawn from an engagement prior to the agreed expiration date.

Size and Organization
McDirmit Davis LLC has 28 employees, the total number of governmental audit staff is 8; the professional staff of our firm has been conducting governmental audits in the Central Florida area for the past thirty years. We are experienced auditors in a variety of industries and offer experience in auditing federal grants under the Single Audit Act and performing compliance audits of state grants.

Our experience in governmental auditing has led to the development of efficient procedures that provide various client benefits. Our services provide our clients with a wide range of knowledge, confidence, and helpful management advice.

Below is a listing of the type of other services that we have provided to governmental clients:

Assistance in preparation of Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports for recognition by the Government Finance Offiers Certificate of Achievement Program.
Internal Audit Services.
Issuance of Comfort Letters and Consent Letters in conjunction with the issuance of tax-exempt bonds.
Assistance on early implementation of new GASB Statements.
Assisting in compiling historical financial data for first-time submissions for GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
Detailed internal control studies and evaluations of accounting systems.

Engagement Team
The following table lists the names of firm accounting personnel assigned to the audit:

Name	Audit Role

Tamara Campbell, CPA	Engagement Partner

Michelle Sorbello, CPA	Engagement Manager

Matthew Lee, CPA	Engagement Manager

All of the above people have considerable experience on governmental audit engagements. All supervisory personnel assigned to the audit, are Certified Public Accountants. The engagement partner and audit manager will be assigned to audit on a full-time basis. In addition to the partner and managers, McDirmit Davis will utilize various audit senior and staff members for audit fieldwork.

Continuing Education
McDirmit Davis, LLC is committed to the personal and professional growth of its staff. Our firm requires an annual minimum of 40 hours of continuing professional education for each staff member.

Our governmental audit staff complies with the continuing education requirements of the State of Florida, the Governmental Accountability Office (GAO), and Governmental Auditing Standards (Yellow Book). Therefore at least 24 hours during a 2- year period must be in subjects directly related to the government environment and to governmental auditing. Our governmental audit staff always exceed this requirement since they attend each year the Florida Governmental Financial Officer’s Association Annual Conference which provides 22 hours of training in governmental accounting and auditing.

As a result of our governmental experience, our staff has taught classes or lectured on various topics. We offer "in-house" education courses for our staff, which at times, our clients have attended. In addition, we are available to teach seminars for the benefit of the District's accounting staff.

Information Technology
Our firm has one dedicated Information Technology specialist who has several years’ experience in setting up and administering computer systems and networks of all sizes. In addition, all governmental audit personnel are experienced with various governmental software programs. We utilize automated, paperless auditing software which stores all trial balances and audit workpapers electronically. We also use Data Analysis Software, which enables us to obtain 100% of selected data and test “through your computer system.”

One of the services we provide our clients is CLIENT PORTAL. This is a convenient online storage space in which files can be effortlessly uploaded, downloaded, stored and shared in a safe and secure environment.

Records Retention
Our firm maintains records in accordance with local, state, and Federal Public Records Retention Requirements.

Federal or State Reviews
Any Federal or State desk review has resulted in no findings and we have never undergone a Federal or State field audit.

Peer Review Letter

@
PRIDA, GUIDA & PEREZ, P.A.
CERTIAED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
1106 N. FRANKLIN STREET
TAMPA,  FLORIDA 33602
TELEPHONE: 1813) 226-6091 FAX: 1B131 229·7764

Report on the Firm's System of Quality Control

August 21, 2020

To the Owners of McDinn it Davis, LLC And the Peer Review Committee of the
Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants

We have reviewed the system of quality control for the accounting and auditing practice of McDirmit Davis, LLC (the firm), in effect for the year ended June 30, 2020. Our peer review was conducted in accordance with the Standards for Performing and Reporting on Peer Reviews established by the Peer Review Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (Standards ).

A summary of the nature, objectives, scope, limitations of, and the procedures performed in a System Review as described in the Standards may be found at www.aicpa.org/prsummary. The summary also includes an explanation of how engagements identified as not performed or reported in conformity with applicable professional standards, if any, are evaluated by a peer reviewer to determine a peer review rating.

Firm's Responsibility

The firm is respons ible for designing a system of quality control and complying with it to provide the firm with reasonable assurance of performing and reporting inconformity with applicable professional standards in all material respects. The firm is also responsible for evaluating actions to promptly remediate engagements deemed as not performed or reported in conformity with professional standards, when appropriate, and for remediating weaknesses in its system of quality control, if any.

Peer Reviewer's Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the design of the system of quality control and the firm's compliance therewith based on our review.

Required Selections and Considerations

Engagements selected for review included engagements perfonned under Government Auditing Standards, a compliance audit under the Single Aud it Act, and an audit of an employee benefit plan.

As a part of our peer review, we considered reviews by regulatory entities as communicated by the firm, if applicable, in determining the nature and extent of our procedures.

Opinion

In our opinion, the system of quality control for the accounting and auditing practice of McOirmit Davis, LLC in effect for the year ended June 30, 2020 has been suitably designed and complied with to provide the firm with reasonable assurance of perfonning and reporting in conformity with applicable professional standards in all material respects. Firms can receive a rating of pass, pass with dejiciency(ies), or fail. McDirmit Davis, LLC has received a peer review rating of pass.

Prida Guida & Perez, P.A.
MEMBER AMERICAN INSTiTUTE OF CERTIF'IED PUBL.IC .ACCOUNTANTS MEMBER FLOR'IDA INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Audit Personnel Experience

Tammy Campbell, CPA
Partner
Education, Certifications, and Licenses
B.S. Degree in Accounting, University of Central Florida
Masters in Taxation, University of Central Florida
CPA, Certified Public Accountant - Florida

Affiliations and Community Involvement
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA)
Florida Government Finance Officers Association (FGFOA)
Reviewer for GFOA’s “Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting” program
Member of the Orange County School Board Audit Advisory Committee

Continuing Professional Education
Tammy has completed over 120 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) in the area of governmental accounting and auditing within the past three years and meets the requirements of Governmental Auditing Standards (the “Yellow Book”). CPE included classes on Single Audits, the Yellow Book, and changes in governmental accounting principles, such as GASBS 67 and 68 on pension plans.

Experience
Tammy has sixteen (16) years of governmental accounting and auditing experience, including municipalities and airport authorities.
Her experience has included planning, fieldwork, and preparation of comprehensive annual financial reports for several governmental audit engagements.
Tammy has worked with all 14 municipalities in the CAFR preparation process, including assisting most cities
with obtaining the GFOA Certificate of Achievement.		
Governmental Audit Experience (Past 5 years)		
Over 60 Community Development Districts	City of Ocoee	
City of Belle Isle	Town of Orange City	
City of Clermont	City of Oviedo	
City of Inverness	City of Tavares	
City of Lake Mary	City of Umatilla	
City of Longwood	City of Winter Springs	
City of Mascotte	Homosassa Water District	

Michelle Sorbello, CPA
Audit Manager
Education, Certifications, and Licenses
B.S. Degree in Accounting, University of Central Florida
Masters in Accounting, University of Central Florida
CPA, Certified Public Accountant - Florida

Affiliations and Community Involvement
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA)
Florida Government Finance Officers Association (FGFOA)

Continuing Professional Education
Michelle has completed over 120 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) in the area of governmental accounting and auditing within the past three years and meets the requirements of Governmental Auditing Standards.

Experience
Michelle has 6 years of governmental accounting and auditing experience.
She has significant experience in the audits of governmental and not-for-profit entities, including those subject to Federal and Florida Single Audit requirements.

Governmental Audit Experience (Past 5 years)

Various Community Development Districts
City of Inverness		City of Mascotte
City of Lake Mary		City of Ocoee
City of Longwood		City of Winter Springs

Matthew Lee, CPA
Audit Manager
Education, Certifications, and Licenses
Master of Science in Accounting, University of Central Florida
Master of Public Administration, University of Central Florida
B.S. in Public Administration, University of Central Florida
CPA, Certified Public Accountant - Florida

Affiliations and Community Involvement
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA)
Florida Government Finance Officers Association (FGFOA)

Continuing Professional Education
Matthew has completed over 120 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) in the area of governmental accounting and auditing within the past three years and meets the requirements of Governmental Auditing Standards.

Experience
Matthew has 8 years of governmental accounting and auditing experience.
He has significant experience in the audits of governmental and not-for-profit entities, including those subject to Federal and Florida Single Audit requirements.

Governmental Audit Experience (Past 5 years)

Various Community Development Districts
City of Belle Isle		City of Tavares
City of Clermont		City of Umatilla
City of Longwood		City of Winter Springs
City of Ocoee		Sun ‘N Lake Improvement District
City of Oviedo		Town of Windermere

References of Governmental Accounting Experience

Principal Client Contact	Scope of Work	Years	
			
Sun’n Lake of Sebring Improvement District	
Ms. Tanya Cannady, General Manager.

5306 Sun’n Lake Blvd. Sebring, FL 33872 tcannady@snldistrict.org	Annual Financial & Compliance Audit and preparation of Financials	2011 to Present	
Sterling Hill Community Development District	
Ms. Kaitlyn Gallant Rizzetta and Company
Manager, District Accounting Services

12750 Citrus Park Lane Suite 115
Tampa, Florida 33625 kgallant@rizzetta.com	Annual Financial & Compliance Audit and preparation of Financials	2007 to 2009
& 2013 to Present	
Meadow Pointe II Community Development District	
Mr. Alan Baldwin Inframark Accounting Manager

210 N. University Drive Suite 702
Coral Springs, Florida 33071 alan.baldwin@inframark.com	Annual Financial & Compliance Audit and preparation of Financials	2012 to Present	
Toscana Isles Community Development District	
Mr. Jeffrey Pinder
Wrathell Hunt and Associates Controller

2300 Glades Road Suite 410W
Boca Raton, Florida 33431 pinderj@whhassociates.com	Annual Financial & Compliance Audit and preparation of Financials	2015 to Present	
Homosassa Special Water District	
Ms. Teresa Olds, Manager

7922 W. Grover Cleveland Blvd. Homosassa, FL 34448 hswd@tampabay.rr.com	Annual Financial & Compliance Audit and preparation of Financials	2007 to Present	

List of 2019 Community Development District Audits:
Community Development District	County
Asturia Community Development District	Pasco
Bainebridge Community Development District	Duval
Beach Road Golf Estates Community Development District	Lee
Belmont Community Development District	Hillsborough
Bexley Community Development District	Pasco
Celebration Community Development District	Osceola
Chapel Creek Community Development District	Pasco
Concorde Estates Community Development District	Osceola
Copperspring Community Development District	Pasco
Dovera Community Development District	Seminole
Durbin Crossing Community Development District	St. Johns
Enterprise Community Development District	Osceola
Fiddler’s Creek Community Development District #1	Collier
Forest Creek Community Development District	Manatee
Greyhawk Landing Community Development District	Manatee
Heritage Isle at Viera Community Development District	Brevard
Highlands Community Development District	Hillsborough
K-Bar Ranch Community Development District	Hillsborough
K-Bar Ranch II Community Development District	Hillsborough
Meadow Pointe II Community Development District	Pasco
Mediterra Community Development District	Collier
Mirabella Community Development District	Hillsborough
Palm River Community Development District	Hillsborough
Portofino Springs Community Development District	Lee
Scenic Highway Community Development District	Polk
South Shore Corporate Park Community Development District	Hillsborough
Southaven Community Development District	St. Johns
Southern Hills Plantation II Community Development District	Hernando
Spring Ridge Community Development District	Hernando
Sterling Hill Community Development District	Hernando
Suncoast Community Development District	Pasco
Talavera Community Development District	Pasco The Crossings at Fleming Island Community Development District	Clay
The Woodlands Community Development District	North Port
Toscana Isles Community Development District	Sarasota
Town of Kindred Community Development District	Osceola
Trails Community Development District	Duval
Treeline Preserve Community Development District	Lee
Trout Creek Community Development District	St. Johns
University Square Community Development District	Lee
University Village Community Development District	Lee
Valencia Water Control District	Orange
Venetian Community Development District	Sarasota
Watergrass II Community Development District	Pasco
Waterlefe Community Development District	Manatee
Westridge Community Development District	Polk
Wiregrass Community Development District	Pasco
Wiregrass II Community Development District	Pasco

Service Approach

Service Approach
Our audit will be segmented as follows:

Phase 1:Audit Planning
Phase 2:Evaluation and Testing of Internal Controls Phase 3:Substantive Testing

Phase 4:Reporting

Phase 1: Audit Planning
Preliminary planning includes deciding on an overall strategy for the audit, obtaining an understanding of the entity and its environment, including its internal control, making an initial assessment of audit risk and materiality, and deciding on the overall timing of the engagement. We will also begin to assemble our “permanent file,” which consists of copies of organizational charts, District manuals, documents, and financial and other management systems.

We will meet with staff of the District to obtain an understanding of the
flow of transactions through your accounting system. This includes understanding your computer environment in order to comply with the requirements of AU-C 300, Planning an Audit. We will also gather information to identify fraud risks as required by AU-C 240 Consideration of Fraud in a Financial Statement Audit.

We will also perform preliminary analytical procedures and compare trends for the current and at least the two previous years for unusual fluctuations. This will include review of both budget and actual amounts.

During this planning phase, we will ask management and staff at the District to identify areas of higher risk as well as other areas that they want us to focus on during our audit. We will also provide the District with a list of all schedules to be prepared by the District.

Phase 2: Evaluation and Testing of Internal Controls and Compliance
During Phase 2, we will evaluate your control policies and procedures to determine if they are functioning properly in significant transaction classes. To gain an understanding of the procedures in place, and current internal control structure, we typically conduct interviews with staff and management involved in the specific transaction class to be tested. We then perform tests of these controls to determine with reasonable assurance that control procedures are functioning as planned and whether further testing will be needed.

As part of our tests of controls, we will include tests of compliance with applicable ordinances, and state and federal laws and regulations. In order to determine which ordinances, laws and regulations to test for compliance, we start by reviewing the FICPA Practice Aid Compliance Auditing in Florida. We then evaluate which ordinances, laws and regulations have a direct and material effect on the determination of financial statement amounts. Sample sizes are determined based upon our assessment of control risk and may be judgmental, random, or stratified, depending on the attributes of the population being tested. We will select samples from the significant transaction classes and trace from original documents through the computer system to the general ledger through the use of Data Analysis Software.

Service Approach - Continued
Phase 2: Evaluation and Testing of Internal Controls and Compliance - Continued
Our control testing includes obtaining an understanding of the computer software used by the District, and tracing sample selections through the system to determine the desired outcomes are being achieved. Our testing of Information Technology includes inquiries of appropriate personnel regarding data backups and access to District files.

After controls have been documented, evaluated and tested, we will finalize the District’s audit plan. Audit programs will be tailored to fit the specifics of the District’s accounting systems.

Phase 3: Substantive Testing
Our year-end fieldwork will focus on verifying balances in accounts. For example, we will confirm cash balances, as well as debt balances with financial institutions. In addition to obtaining audit confirmations, representation letters and attorney letters, we will perform tests on account balances using analytical procedures, recalculation and verification.

Our firm uses ProSystem fx Engagement electronic audit software which may allow us to interface with your accounting system and reduce the time required to transfer your accounting data to a separate software package. We believe it is important to use analytical review procedures in this substantive phase of the audit. We compare analytical results to our expectation of what the results should be in order to determine if additional audit procedures are required. Typical analytical procedures include expense variances with previous years and budget amounts, revenue variances with previous years and budgeted amounts.

We will keep the District’s management up to date on the progress of the audit and will discuss preliminary findings and potential problems or opportunities as we encounter them. Our approach to resolving problems encountered is to discuss with the District Manager to make sure our understanding is correct. Our process to produce a meaningful “management letter” is to review results of testing of internal controls, as well as year-end field work and draft recommendations for improvements to be discussed with management.

Phase 4: Reporting
The audit work is reviewed by the engagement partner throughout the engagement. Once the engagement partner review is complete, a second review of the financial statements is performed by the independent reviewer. This second review is required as part of McDirmit Davis’s internal system of quality control and ensures the District receives the best service possible.

We will prepare a draft of the financial statements and then issue the following:

Auditor’s report on financial statements
Report on internal control over financial reporting and on compliance and other matters based on an audit of financial statements performed in accordance with “Government Auditing Standards.
Management Letter

We will provide technical assistance to the District to meet changes in required disclosures. Once reports have been reviewed by management and approved in final form, we will issue final reports and supply in electronic format.

Cost Proposal

Cost Proposal
We understand the requested services include audits of the District’s financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2021, with the option for 4 additional annual renewals. The audit will be made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States.

McDirmit Davis, LLC is duly licensed under Chapter 473, Florida Statutes and is qualified to conduct audits in the State of Florida and audits in accordance with Government Auditing Standards.

We believe in continuing client contact throughout the year, not just during the audit. We encourage on-going client contact by not charging any fee for phone calls.

Fees include all services, including but not limited to, meals and lodging, transportation, printing and binding, telephone, fax and copies. Out of pocket expense (if any) related to charges for confirmations will be in addition to the audit fee. Invoices will be submitted as work progresses on each phase of the audit.

  Year Ended		 	Audit Fee		
September 30, 2021	$4,000	
September 30, 2022	$4,000	
September 30, 2023	$4,100	
September 30, 2024	$4,100	
September 30, 2025	$4,100	

TROUT CREEK COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

PROPOSAL FOR AUDIT SERVICES

PROPOSED BY:

Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS, PL

600 Citrus Avenue, Suite 200	(772) 461-6120 Fort Pierce, Florida 34950

CONTACT PERSON:

J. W. Gaines, CPA, Director

DATE OF PROPOSAL:

January 19, 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DESCRIPTION OF SECTION	PAGE
Letter of Transmittal	1-2
Profile of the Proposer
Description and History of Audit Firm	3
Professional Staff Resources	4-5
Ability to Furnish the Required Services	5
Arbitrage Rebate Services	6
Governmental Auditing Experience	7-16
Fee Schedule	17
Scope of Work to be Performed	17
Resumes	18-33
Peer Review Letter	34
Instructions to Proposers	35-36
Evaluation Criteria	37

January 19, 2021

Trout Creek Community Development District Rizzetta & Company
2806 N Fifth Street, Suite 403 St. Augustine, FL 32084

Dear District Manager:

Thank you very much for the opportunity to present our professional credentials to provide audit services for Trout Creek Community Development District.

Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL has assembled a team of governmental and nonprofit specialists second to none to serve our clients. Our firm  has the necessary qualifications and experience to serve as the independent auditors for Trout Creek Community Development District. We will provide you with top quality, responsive service.

Experience

Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL is a recognized leader in providing services to governmental and nonprofit agencies throughout Florida. We have  been the independent auditors for a number of local governmental agencies and through our experience in performing their audits, we have been able to increase our audit efficiency and; therefore, reduce costs. We have continually passed this cost savings on to our clients and will continue to do so in the future. As a result of our experience and expertise, we have developed an effective and efficient audit approach designed to meet or exceed the performance specifications in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States, and the standards for financial and compliance audits. We will conduct the audit in accordance with auditing  standards generally accepted in the United States of America; “Government Auditing Standards” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States; the provisions of the Single Audit Act, Subpart F of Title 2 US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards,  with minimal disruption to your operations. Our firm has frequent technical updates to keep our personnel informed and up-to-date on all changes that are occurring within the industry.

- 1 -

Trout Creek Community Development District January 19, 2021

Our firm is a member of the Government Audit Quality Center, an organization dedicated to improving government audit quality. We also utilize the audit program software of a nationally recognized CPA firm to assure us that we are up to date with all auditing standards and to assist us maintain maximum audit efficiencies.

To facilitate your evaluation of our qualifications and experience, we have arranged this proposal to include a resume of our firm, including our available staff, our extensive prior governmental and nonprofit auditing experience and clients to be contacted.

You need a firm that will provide an efficient, cost-effective, high-quality audit within critical time constraints. You need a firm with the prerequisite governmental and nonprofit experience to perform your audit according to stringent legal and regulatory requirements, a firm that understands the complex nature of community development districts and their unique compliance requirements. You need a firm with recognized governmental and nonprofit specialists within the finance and governmental communities. And, certainly, you need a firm that will provide you with valuable feedback to enhance your current and future operations. Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL is that firm. J. W. Gaines is the person authorized to make representations for the firm.

Thank you again for the opportunity to submit this proposal to Trout Creek Community Development District.

Very truly yours,

Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank Certified Public Accountants PL
Fort Pierce, Florida

- 2 -

PROFILE OF THE PROPOSER
Description and History of Audit Firm
Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL is a Treasure Coast public accounting firm, which qualifies as a small business firm, as established by the Small Business Administration (13 CFR 121.38), with offices in Fort Pierce and Stuart. We are a member of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The firm was formed from the merger of Edwards, Berger, Harris & Company (originated in 1972) and McAlpin, Curtis & Associates (originated in 1949). J. W. Gaines and Associates (originated in 1979) merged with the firm in 2004. Our tremendous growth rate experienced over the last 71 years is directly attributable to the firm’s unrelenting dedication to providing the highest quality, responsive professional services attainable to its clients.
We are a member of the Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to assure we meet the highest standards. Membership in this practice section requires that our firm meet more stringent standards than standard AICPA membership. These rigorous requirements include the requirement of a triennial peer review of our firm’s auditing and accounting practice and annual Continuing Professional Education (CPE) for all accounting staff (whether CPA or non-CPA). For standard AICPA membership, only a quality review is required and only CPAs must meet CPE requirements.
We are also a member of the Government Audit Quality Center (“the Center”) of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants to assure the quality of our government audits. Membership in the Center, which is voluntary, requires our firm to comply with additional standards to promote the quality of government audits.
We have been extensively involved in serving local government entities with professional accounting, auditing and consulting services throughout the entire 71 year history of our firm. Our substantial experience over the years makes us uniquely qualified to provide accounting, auditing, and consulting services to these clients. We are a recognized leader in providing services to governmental and nonprofit agencies on the Treasure Coast and in Central and South Florida, with extensive experience in auditing community development districts and water control districts. We were the independent auditors of the City of Fort Pierce for over 37 years and currently, we are the independent auditors for St. Lucie County since 2002, and for 38 of the 42 years that the county has been audited by CPA firms. Additionally, we have performed audits of the City of Stuart, the City of Vero Beach, Indian River County and Martin County. We also presently audit over 75 Community Development Districts throughout Florida.
Our firm was founded on the belief that we are better able to respond to our clients needs through education, experience, independence, quality control, and personal service. Our firm’s commitment to quality is reflected in our endeavor of professional excellence via continuing education, the use of the latest computer technology, professional membership in PCPS and peer review.
We believe our approach to audit engagements, intelligence and innovation teamed with sound professional judgment enables us to explore new concepts while remaining sensitive to the fundamental need for practical solutions. We take pride in giving you the assurance that the personal assistance you receive comes from years of advanced training, technical experience and financial acumen.

Professional Staff Resources

Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL has a total of
32 professional and administrative staff (including 14 professional staff with extensive experience servicing government entities). The work will be performed out of our Fort  Pierce office with a proposed staff of one senior accountant and one or two staff accountants supervised by an audit manager and audit partner. With the exception of the directors of the firm’s offices, the professional staff is not specifically assigned to any of our individual offices. The professional and administrative staff resources available to you through Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL are as follows:
Total
Partners/Directors (CPA’s)	5	
Principals (CPA)	1	
Managers (CPA)	1	
Senior/Supervisor Accountants (2 CPA’s)	3	
Staff Accountants (1 CPA)	9	
Computer Specialist	1	
Paraprofessional	8	
Administrative	  4	
Total – all personnel	32	

Following is a brief description of each employee classification:

Staff Accountant – Staff accountants work directly under the constant supervision of the auditor-in-charge and, are responsible for the various testing of documents, account analysis and any other duties as his/her supervisor believes appropriate. Minimum qualification for a staff accountant is graduation from an accredited university or college with a degree in accounting or equivalent.

Senior Accountant – A senior accountant must possess all the qualifications of the staff accountant, in addition to being able to draft the necessary reports and financial statements, and supervise other staff accountants when necessary.

Managers – A manager must possess the qualifications of the senior accountant, plus be able to work without extensive supervision from the auditor-in-charge. The manager should be able to draft audit reports from start to finish and to supervise the audit team, if necessary.

Principal – A principal is a partner/director in training. He has been a manager for several years and possesses the technical skills to act as the auditor–in-charge. A principal has no financial interest in the firm.

Partner/Director – The director has extensive governmental auditing experience and acts as the auditor-in-charge. Directors have a financial interest in the firm.

Professional Staff Resources (Continued)

Independence – Independence of the public accounting firm, with respect to the audit  client, is the foundation from which the public gains its trust in the opinion issued by the public accounting firm at the end of the audit process. This independence must be in appearance as well as in fact. The public must perceive that the accounting firm is independent of the audit entity to ensure that nothing would compromise the opinion issued by the public accounting firm. Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL is independent of Trout Creek Community Development District, including its elected officials and related parties, at the date of this proposal, as defined by the following rules, regulations, and standards:

AuSection 220 – Statements on Auditing Standards issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants;

ET Sections 101 and 102 – Code of Professional Conduct of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants;

Chapter 21A-1, Florida Administrative Code; Section 473.315, Florida Statutes; and,
Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States.

On an annual basis, all members of the firm are required to confirm, in writing, that they have no personal or financial relationships or holding that would impair their independence with regard to the firm’s clients.

Independence is a hallmark of our profession. We encourage our staff to use professional judgment in situations where our independence could be impaired or the perception of a conflict of interest might exist. In the governmental sector, public perception is as important as professional standards. Therefore, the utmost care must be exercised by independent auditors in the performance of their duties.

Ability to Furnish the Required Services

As previously noted in the Profile of the Proposer section of this document, our firm has been in existence for over 69 years. We have provided audit services to some clients for over 30 years continually. Our firm is insured against physical loss through commercial insurance and we also carry liability insurance. The majority of  our audit  documentation is stored electronically, both on our office network and on each employee laptop or computer assigned to each specific job. Our office computer network is backed up on tape, so in the event of a total equipment loss, we can restore all data as soon as replacement equipment is acquired. In addition, our field laptop computers carry the same data and can be used in the event of emergency with virtually no delay in completing the required services.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES PROVIDED

Arbitrage Rebate Services

Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL also provides arbitrage rebate compliance and related services to governmental issuers. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 requires issuers of most tax-exempt obligations to pay (i.e., “rebate”) to the United States government any arbitrage profits. Arbitrage profits are earnings on the investment of bond proceeds and certain other monies in excess of what would have been earned had such monies been invested at a yield equal to the yield on the bonds.

Federal tax law requires that interim rebate calculations and payments are due at the end of every fifth bond year. Final payment is required upon redemption of the bonds. More frequent calculations may be deemed advisable by an issuer’s auditor, trustee or bond counsel or to assure that accurate and current records are available. These more frequent requirements are usually contained in the Arbitrage or Rebate Certificate with respect to the bonds.

Our firm performs a comprehensive rebate analysis and includes the following:

Verifying that the issue is subject to rebate;
Calculating the bond yield;
Identifying, and separately accounting for, all “Gross Proceeds” (as that term is defined in the Code) of the bond issue, including those requiring analysis due to “transferred proceeds” and/or “commingled funds” circumstances;
Determining what general and/or elective options are available to Gross proceeds of the issue;
Calculating the issue’s excess investment earning (rebate liability), if any;
Delivering appropriate documentation to support all calculations;
Providing an executive summary identifying the methodology employed, major assumptions, conclusions, and any other recommendations for changes in recordkeeping and investment policies;
Assisting as necessary in the event of an Internal Revenue Service inquiry; and,
Consulting with issue staff, as necessary, regarding arbitrage related matters.

GOVERNMENTAL AUDITING EXPERIENCE

Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL has been practicing public accounting in Florida for 69 years. Our success over the years has been the result of a strong commitment to providing personalized quality service to our clients.

The current members of our firm have performed audits of over 900 community development districts, and over 1,800 audits of municipalities, counties and other governmental entities such as the City of Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County.

Our firm provides a variety of accounting, auditing, tax litigation support, and consulting services. Some of the professional accounting, auditing and management consulting services that are provided by our firm are listed below:

Performance of annual financial and compliance audits, including Single Audits of state and federal financial assistance programs, under the provisions of the Single Audit Act, Subpart F of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), with minimal disruptions to your operations;
Performance of special compliance audits to ascertain compliance with the applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations;
Issuance of comfort letters and consent letters in conjunction with the issuance of tax- exempt debt obligations, including compiling financial data and interim period financial statement reviews;
Calculation of estimated and actual federal arbitrage rebates;
Assistance in compiling historical financial data for first-time and supplemental submissions for GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting;
Preparation of indirect cost allocation systems in accordance with Federal and State regulatory requirements;
Providing human resource and employee benefit consulting;
Performance of automation feasibility studies and disaster recovery plans;
Performance feasibility studies concerning major fixed asset acquisitions and utility plant expansion plans (including electric, water, pollution control, and sanitation utilities); and
Assistance in litigation, including testimony in civil and criminal court.
Assist clients who utilize QuickBooks software with their software needs. Our Certified QuickBooks Advisor has undergone extensive training through QuickBooks and has passed several exams to attain this Certification.

Continuing Professional Education

All members of the governmental audit staff of our firm, and audit team members assigned to this engagement, are in compliance with the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements set forth in Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. In addition, our firm is in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Florida Statutes that require CPA’s to have met certain CPE requirements prior to proposing on governmental audit engagements.

The audit team has extensive experience in performing governmental audits and is exposed to intensive and continuing concentration on these types of audits. Due to the total number of governmental audits our team performs, each member of our governmental staff must understand and be able to perform several types of governmental audits. It is our objective to provide each professional employee fifty hours or more of comprehensive continuing professional education each year. This is accomplished through attending seminars throughout Florida and is reinforced through in-house training.

Our firm has made a steadfast commitment to professional education. Our active attendance and participation in continuing professional education is a major part of our objective to obtain the most recent knowledge on issues which are of importance to our clients. We are growing on the reputation for work that our firm is providing today.

Quality Control Program

Quality control requires continuing commitment to professional excellence. Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL is formally dedicated to that commitment.

To ensure maintaining the standards of working excellence required by our firm, we joined the Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). To be a participating member firm of this practice section, a firm must obtain an independent Peer Review of its quality control policies and procedures to ascertain the firm’s compliance with existing auditing standards on the applicable engagements.

The scope of the Peer Review is comprehensive in that it specifically reviews the following quality control policies and procedures of the participating firm:

Professional, economic, and administrative independence;
Assignment of professional personnel to engagements;
Consultation on technical matters;
Supervision of engagement personnel;
Hiring and employment of personnel;
Professional development;
Advancement;
Acceptance and continuation of clients; and,
Inspection and review system.

We believe that our commitment to the program is rewarding not only to our firm, but primarily to our clients.

The external independent Peer Review of the elements of our quality control policies and procedures performed by an independent certified public accountant, approved by the PCPS of the AICPA, provides you with the assurance that we continue to conform to standards of the profession in the conduct of our accounting and auditing practice.

Our firm is also a member of Governmental Audit Quality Center (GAQC), a voluntary membership center for CPA firms that perform governmental audits. This center promotes the quality of governmental audits.

Our firm has completed successive Peer Reviews. These reviews included a representative sample of our firm’s local governmental auditing engagements. As a result of these reviews,  our firm obtained an unqualified opinion on our quality control program and work procedures. On page 31 is a copy of our most recent Peer Review report. It should be noted that we received a pass rating.

Our firm has never had any disciplinary actions by state regulatory bodies or professional organizations.

As our firm performs approximately one hundred fifty audits each year that are reviewed by federal, state or local entities, we are constantly dealing with questions from these entities about our audits. We are pleased to say that any questions that have been raised were minor issues and were easily resolved without re-issuing any reports.

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (CAFR)

We are proud and honored to have been involved with the City of Fort Pierce and the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority when they received their first Certificates of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the fiscal years ended September 30, 1988 and 1994, respectively. We were also instrumental in the City of Stuart receiving the award, in our first  year of performing their audit, for the year ended September 30, 1999.

We also assisted St. Lucie County, Florida for the year ended September 30, 2003, in preparing their first Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, and St. Lucie County has received their Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting every year since.

As continued commitment to insuring that we are providing the highest level of experience, we have had at least one employee of our firm serve on the GFOA – Special Review Committee since the mid-1980s. This committee is made up of selective Certified Public Accountants throughout the United States who have demonstrated their high level of knowledge and expertise in governmental accounting. Each committee member attends a special review meeting at the Annual GFOA Conference. At this meeting, the committee reports on the Certificate of Achievement Program’s most recent results, future goals, and common reporting deficiencies.

We feel that our previous experience in assisting the City of Fort Pierce, the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority and St. Lucie County obtain their first CAFRs, and the City of Stuart in continuing to receive a CAFR and our firm’s continued involvement with the GFOA, and the CAFR review committee make us a valued asset for any client in the field of governmental financial reporting.

References

Terracina Community Development	Gateway Community Development District		District
Jeff Walker, Special District Services	Stephen Bloom, Severn Trent Management (561) 630-4922	(954) 753-5841

The Reserve Community Development District	Port of the Islands Community Development
District
Darrin Mossing, Governmental Management	Cal Teague, Premier District Management Services LLC
(407) 841-5524	(239) 690-7100 ext 101

In addition to the above, we have the following additional governmental audit experience: Community Development Districts
Aberdeen Community Development	Beacon Lakes Community District		Development District

Alta Lakes Community Development	Beaumont Community Development District		District

Amelia Concourse Community	Bella Collina Community Development
Development District	District

Amelia Walk Communnity	Bonnet Creek Community
Development District	Development District

Aqua One Community Development	Buckeye Park Community District		Development District

Arborwood Community Development	Candler Hills East Community District		Development District

Arlington Ridge Community	Cedar Hammock Community
Development District	Development District

Bartram Springs Community	Central Lake Community
Development District	Development District

Baytree Community Development	Channing Park Community
District	Development District

Cheval West Community	Evergreen Community Development
Development District	District

Coconut Cay Community	Forest Brooke Community Development District		Development District

Colonial Country Club Community	Gateway Services Community
Development District	Development District

Connerton West Community	Gramercy Farms Community
Development District	Development District

Copperstone Community	Greenway Improvement District Development District

Creekside @ Twin Creeks Community	Greyhawk Landing Community Development District		Development District

Deer Run Community Development	Griffin Lakes Community Development District		District

Dowden West Community	Habitat Community Development
Development District	District

DP1 Community Development	Harbor Bay Community Development
District	District

Eagle Point Community Development	Harbourage at Braden River District		Community  Development District

East Nassau Stewardship District	Harmony  Community Development
District
Eastlake Oaks Community
Development District	Harmony West Community Development District
Easton Park Community Development
District	Harrison Ranch Community
Development District
Estancia @ Wiregrass Community
Development District	Hawkstone Community Development District

Heritage Harbor Community	Madeira Community Development
Development District	District

Heritage Isles Community	Marhsall Creek Community
Development District	Development District

Heritage Lake Park Community	Meadow Pointe IV Community
Development District	Development District

Heritage Landing Community	Meadow View at Twin Creek
Development District	Community Development District

Heritage Palms Community	Mediterra North Community
Development District	Development District

Heron Isles Community	Midtown Miami Community
Development District	Development District

Heron Isles Community Development	Mira Lago West Community District		Development District

Highland Meadows II Community	Montecito Community
Development District	Development District

Julington Creek Community	Narcoossee Community
Development District	Development District

Laguna Lakes Community	Naturewalk Community
Development District	Development District

Lake Bernadette Community	New Port Tampa Bay Community
Development District	Development District

Lakeside Plantation Community	Overoaks Community Development
Development District	District

Landings at Miami Community	Panther Trace II Community
Development District	Development District

Legends Bay Community	Paseo Community Development
Development District	District

Lexington Oaks Community	Pine Ridge Plantation Community
Development District	Development District

Live Oak No. 2 Community	Piney Z Community Development
Development District	District

Poinciana Community	Sampson Creek Community
Development District	Development District

Poinciana West Community	San Simeon Community
Development District	Development District

Port of the Islands Community	Six Mile Creek Community
Development District	Development District

Portofino Isles Community	South Village Community
Development District	Development District

Quarry Community Development	Southern Hills Plantation I
District	Community Development District

Renaissance Commons Community	Southern Hills Plantation III Development District		Community Development District

Reserve Community	South Fork Community
Development District	Development District

Reserve #2 Community	St. John's Forest Community
Development District	Development District

River Glen Community	Stoneybrook South Community
Development District	Development District

River Hall Community	Stoneybrook South at ChampionsGate
Development District	Community Development District

River Place on the St. Lucie	Stoneybrook West Community
Community Development District	Development District

Rivers Edge Community	Tern Bay Community
Development District	Development District

Riverwood Community	Terracina Community Development
Development District	District

Riverwood Estates Community	Tison's Landing Community
Development District	Development District

Rolling Hills Community	TPOST Community Development
Development District	District

Rolling Oaks Community Development District

Triple Creek Community	Vizcaya in Kendall	
Development District	Development District	
TSR Community Development	Waterset North Community	
District	Development District	
Turnbull Creek Community	Westside Community Development	
Development District	District	
Twin Creeks North Community	WildBlue Community Development	
Development District	District	
Urban Orlando Community	Willow Creek Community	
Development District	Development District	
Verano #2 Community	Willow Hammock Community	
Development District	Development District	
Viera East Community	Winston Trails Community	
Development District	Development District	
VillaMar Community	Zephyr Ridge Community	
Development District	Development District	

Other Governmental Organizations

City of Westlake	Office of the Medical Examiner, District 19

Florida Inland Navigation District	Rupert J. Smith Law Library of St. Lucie County
Fort Pierce Farms Water Control
District	St. Lucie Education Foundation

Indian River Regional Crime	Seminole Improvement District Laboratory, District 19, Florida
Troup Indiantown Water
Viera Stewardship District		Control District Current or Recent Single Audits,
St. Lucie County, Florida	Gateway Services Community Development
Early Learning Coalition, Inc.	District Treasure Coast Food Bank, Inc.

Members of our audit team have acquired extensive experience from performing or participating in over 2,100 audits of governments, independent special taxing districts, school boards, and other agencies that receive public money and utilize fund accounting.

Much of our firm’s auditing experience is with compliance auditing, which is required for publicly financed agencies. In this type of audit, we do a financial examination and also confirm compliance with various statutory and regulatory guidelines.

Following is a summary of our other experience, including Auditor General experience, as it pertains to other governmental and fund accounting audits.

Counties
(Includes elected constitutional officers, utilities and dependent taxing districts)

Indian River Martin Okeechobee Palm Beach

Municipalities

City of Port St. Lucie City of Vero Beach Town of Orchid

Special Districts

Bannon Lakes Community Development District Boggy Creek Community Development District Capron Trail Community Development District Celebration Pointe Community Development District Coquina Water Control District
Diamond Hill Community Development District Dovera Community Development District
Durbin Crossing Community Development District Golden Lakes Community Development District Lakewood Ranch Community Development District Martin Soil and Water Conservation District Meadow Pointe III Community Development District Myrtle Creek Community Development District
St. Lucie County – Fort Pierce Fire District The Crossings at Fleming Island
St. Lucie West Services District
Indian River County Mosquito Control District St. John’s Water Control District
Westchase and Westchase East Community Development Districts Pier Park Community Development District
Verandahs Community Development District Magnolia Park Community Development District

Schools and Colleges

Federal Student Aid Programs – Indian River Community College Indian River Community College
Okeechobee County District School Board St. Lucie County District School Board

State and County Agencies

Central Florida Foreign-Trade Zone, Inc. (a nonprofit organization affiliated with the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners)
Florida School for Boys at Okeechobee
Indian River Community College Crime Laboratory Indian River Correctional Institution

We propose the fee for our audit services described below to be $3,815 for the years ended September 30, 2021 and 2022, $3,925 for the year ended September 30, 2023, and $4,010 for the years ended September 30, 2024 and 2025. The fee is contingent upon the financial records and accounting systems of Trout Creek Community Development District being “audit ready” and the financial activity for the District is not materially increased. If we discover that additional preparation work or subsidiary schedules are needed, we will consult with your authorized representative. We can assist with this additional work at our standard rates should you desire.

SCOPE OF WORK TO BE PERFORMED

If selected as the District's auditors, we will perform a financial and compliance audit in accordance with Section 11.45, Florida Statutes, in order to express an opinion on an annual basis on the financial statements of Trout Creek Community Development District as of September 30, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. The audits will be performed to the extent necessary to express an opinion on the fairness in all material respects with which the financial statements present the financial position, results of operations and changes in financial position in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to determine whether, for selected transactions, operations are properly conducted in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements. Reportable conditions that are also material weaknesses shall be identified as such in the Auditors' Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and on Compliance and Other Matters. Other (non-reportable) conditions discovered during the course of the audit will be reported in a separate letter to management, which will be referred to in the Auditors' Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and on Compliance and Other Matters.

Our audit will be performed in accordance with standards for financial and compliance audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, as well as in compliance with rules and regulations of audits of special districts  as  set  forth  by  the  State  Auditor  General  in Chapter 10.550, Local Governmental Entity Audits, and other relevant federal, state and county orders, statutes, ordinances, charter, resolutions, bond covenants, Administrative Code and procedures, or rules and regulations which may pertain to the work required in the engagement.

The primary purpose of our audit will be to express an opinion on the financial statements discussed above. It should be noted that such audits are subject to the inherent risk that errors or irregularities may not be detected. However, if conditions are discovered which lead to the belief that material errors, defalcations or other irregularities may exist or if other circumstances are encountered that require extended services, we will promptly notify the appropriate individual.

J. W. Gaines, CPA, CITP
Director – 41 years

Education
Stetson University, B.B.A. – Accounting

Registrations
Certified Public Accountant – State of Florida, State Board of Accountancy
Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) – American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Professional Affiliations/Community Service
Member of the American and Florida Institutes of Certified Public Accountants
Affiliate member Government Finance Officers Association
Past President, Vice President-Campaign Chairman, Vice President and Board Member of United Way of St. Lucie County, 1989 - 1994
Past President, President Elect, Secretary and Treasurer of the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, 1988 - 1991
Past President of Ft. Pierce Kiwanis Club, 1994 - 95, Member/Board Member since 1982
Past President, Vice President and Treasurer of St. Lucie County Chapter of the American Cancer Society, 1980 -1986
Member of the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce, Member Board of Directors, Treasurer, September 2002 - 2006, Chairman Elect 2007, Chairman 2008, Past Chairman 2009
Member Lawnwood Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees, 2000 – Present, Chairman 2013 - Present
Member of St. Lucie County Citizens Budget Committee, 2001 – 2002
Member of Ft. Pierce Citizens Budget Advisory Committee, 2010 – 2011
Member of Ft. Pierce Civil Service Appeals Board, 2013 - Present

Professional Experience
Miles Grant Development/Country Club – Stuart, Florida, July 1975 – October 1976
State Auditor General’s Office – Public Accounts Auditor – November 1976 through September 1979
Director - Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants PL, responsible for numerous government and nonprofit audits.
Over 30 years experience in all phases of public accounting and auditing experience, with a concentration in financial and compliance audits. Mr. Gaines has been involved in  all phases of the audits listed on the preceding pages.

J. W. Gaines, CPA, CITP (Continued)
Director

Continuing Professional Education
Has participated in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors over the last two years to keep abreast of the latest developments in accounting and auditing such as:
Governmental Accounting Report and Audit Update Analytical Procedures, FICPA
Annual Update for Accountants and Auditors Single Audit Sampling and Other Considerations

David S. McGuire, CPA, CITP Accounting and Audit Principal – 12 years Accounting and Audit Manager – 4 years Staff Accountant	– 11 years

Education
University of Central Florida, B.A. – Accounting
Barry University – Master of Professional Accountancy

Registrations
Certified Public Accountant – State of Florida, State Board of Accountancy
Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) – American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Certified Not-For-Profit Core Concepts 2018

Professional Affiliations/Community Service
Member of the American and Florida Institutes of Certified Public Accountants
Associate Member, Florida Government Finance Office Associates
Assistant Coach – St. Lucie County Youth Football Organization (1994 – 2005)
Assistant Coach – Greater Port St. Lucie Football League, Inc. (2006 – 2010)
Board Member – Greater Port St. Lucie Football League, Inc. (2011 – present)
Treasurer, AIDS Research and Treatment Center of the Treasure Coast, Inc. (2000 – 2003)
Board Member/Treasurer, North Treasure Coast Chapter, American Red Cross (2004 – 2010)
Member/Board Member of Port St. Lucie Kiwanis (1994 – 2001)
President (2014/15) of Sunrise Kiwanis of Fort Pierce (2004 – present)
St. Lucie District School Board Superintendent Search Committee (2013 – present)

Professional Experience
Twenty-four years public accounting experience with an emphasis on nonprofit and governmental organizations.
Audit Manager in-charge on a variety of audit and review engagements within several industries, including the following government and nonprofit organizations:
St. Lucie County, Florida
19th Circuit Office of Medical Examiner Troup Indiantown Water Control District
Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, Inc. Healthy Kids of St. Lucie County
Mustard Seed Ministries of Ft. Pierce, Inc. Reaching Our Community Kids, Inc.
Reaching Our Community Kids - South
St. Lucie County Education Foundation, Inc. Treasure Coast Food Bank, Inc.
North Springs Improvement District
Four years of service in the United States Air Force in computer operations, with a top secret (SCI/SBI) security clearance.

David S. McGuire, CPA, CITP (Continued)
Accounting and Audit Principal

Continuing Professional Education
Mr. McGuire has attended numerous continuing professional education courses and seminars taught by nationally recognized sponsors in the accounting auditing and single audit compliance areas. He has attended courses over the last two years in those areas as follows:
Not-for-Profit Auditing Financial Results and Compliance Requirements Update: Government Accounting Reporting and Auditing
Annual Update for Accountants and Auditors

David F. Haughton, CPA
Accounting and Audit Manager – 30 years

Education
Stetson University, B.B.A. – Accounting

Registrations
Certified Public Accountant – State of Florida, State Board of Accountancy

Professional Affiliations/Community Service
Member of the American and Florida Institutes of Certified Public Accountants
Former Member of Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants Committee on State and Local Government
Affiliate Member Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for over 10 years
Affiliate Member Florida Government Finance Officers Association (FGFOA) for over 10 years
Technical Review – 1997 FICPA Course on State and Local Governments in Florida
Board of Directors – Kiwanis of Ft. Pierce, Treasurer – 1994-1999; Vice President – 1999- 2001

Professional Experience
Twenty-seven years public accounting experience with an emphasis on governmental and nonprofit organizations.
State Auditor General’s Office – West Palm Beach, Staff Auditor, June 1985 to September 1985
Accounting and Audit Manager of Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants PL, responsible for audit and accounting services including governmental and not-for-profit audits.
Over 20 years of public accounting and governmental experience, specializing in governmental and nonprofit organizations with concentration in special districts, including Community Development Districts which provide services including water and sewer utilities. Governmental and non-profit entities served include the following:

Counties:
St. Lucie County

Municipalities: City of Fort Pierce City of Stuart

David F. Haughton, CPA (Continued)
Accounting and Audit Manager

Professional Experience (Continued) Special Districts:
Bluewaters Community Development District
Country Club of Mount Dora Community Development District Fiddler’s Creek Community Development District #1 and #2 Indigo Community Development District
North Springs Improvement District
Renaissance Commons Community Development District St. Lucie West Services District
Stoneybrook Community Development District Summerville Community Development District Terracina Community Development District Thousand Oaks Community Development District Tree Island Estates Community Development District Valencia Acres Community Development District

Non-Profits:
The Dunbar Center, Inc.
Hibiscus Children’s Foundation, Inc. Hope Rural School, Inc.
Maritime and Yachting Museum of Florida, Inc. Tykes and Teens, Inc.
United Way of Martin County, Inc.
Workforce Development Board of the Treasure Coast, Inc.
While with the Auditor General’s Office he was on the staff for the state audits of the Martin County School District and Okeechobee County School District.
During 1997 he performed a technical review of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants state CPE course on Audits of State and Local Governments in Florida. His comments were well received by the author and were utilized in future updates to the course.
Continuing Professional Education
During the past several years, he has participated in numerous professional development training programs sponsored by the AICPA and FICPA, including state conferences on special districts and governmental auditing in Florida. He averages in excess of 100 hours bi-annually of advanced training which exceeds the 80 hours required in accordance with the continuing professional education requirements of the Florida State Board of accountancy and the AICPA Private Companies Practice Section. He has over 75 hours of governmental CPE credit within the past two years.

Matthew Gonano, CPA
Senior Staff Accountant – 10 years

Education
University of North Florida, B.B.A. – Accounting
University of Alicante, Spain – International Business
Florida Atlantic University – Masters of Accounting

Professional Affiliations/Community Service

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Professional Experience

Senior Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.
Performed audits of nonprofit and governmental organizations in accordance with Governmental Accounting Auditing Standards (GAAS)
Performed Single Audits of nonprofit organizations in accordance with OMB Circular A-133, Audits of State, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.

Continuing Professional Education
Mr. Gonano has participated in numerous continuing professional education courses.

Paul Daly
Staff Accountant – 9 years

Education
Florida Atlantic University, B.S. – Accounting

Professional Experience
Staff Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.

Continuing Professional Education
Working to attain the requirements to take the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) exam.

Melissa Marlin
Senior Staff Accountant – 7 years

Education
Indian River State College, A.A. – Accounting
Florida Atlantic University, B.B.A. – Accounting

Professional Experience
Staff accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.

Continuing Professional Education
Mrs. Marlin participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments.
Mrs. Marlin is currently studying to pass the CPA exam.

Bryan Snyder
Staff Accountant – 5 years

Education
Florida Atlantic University, B.B.A. – Accounting

Professional Experience
Accountant beginning his professional auditing career with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank.
Mr. Snyder is gaining experience auditing governmental & nonprofit entities.

Continuing Professional Education
Mr. Snyder participates in numerous continuing education courses and plans on working to acquire his CPA certificate.
Mr. Snyder is currently studying to pass the CPA exam.

Maritza Stonebraker
Staff Accountant – 4 years

Education
Indian River State College, B.S.A. – Accounting

Professional Experience
Staff Accountant beginning her professional auditing career with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank.

Continuing Professional Education
Mrs. Stonebraker participates in numerous continuing education courses and plans on acquiring her CPA.
Mrs. Stonebraker is currently studying to pass the CPA exam.

Jonathan Herman, CPA
Senior Staff Accountant – 7 years

Education
University of Central Florida, B.S. – Accounting
Florida Atlantic University, MACC

Professional Experience
Accounting graduate with five years experience with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.

Continuing Professional Education
Mr. Herman participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments.

Sean Stanton, CPA
Staff Accountant – 4 years

Education
University of South Florida, B.S. – Accounting
Florida Atlantic University, M.B.A. – Accounting

Professional Experience
Staff accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank auditing governmental and non-profit entities.

Continuing Professional Education
Mr. Stanton participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments.

Taylor Nuccio
Staff Accountant – 3 years

Education
Indian River State College, B.S.A. – Accounting

Professional Experience
Staff Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.

Continuing Professional Education
Ms. Nuccio participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments.
Ms. Nuccio is currently working towards completing an additional 30 hours of education to qualify to sit for CPA exam.

Kirk Vasser
Staff Accountant – 1 year

Education
Indian River State College, B.S.A. – Accounting

Professional Experience
Staff Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.

Continuing Professional Education
Mr. Vasser participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments.
Mr. Vasser is currently working towards completing an additional 30 hours of education to qualify to sit for CPA exam.

Madison Ballash
Staff Accountant – 1 year

Education
Indian River State College, B.S.A. – Accounting (May 2020)

Professional Experience
Staff Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.

Continuing Professional Education
Ms. Ballash participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments.
Ms. Ballash is currently working towards completing an additional 30 hours of education to qualify to sit for CPA exam.

TROUT CREEK COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

District Auditing Services for Fiscal Year 2021-2025
St. Johns, Florida

INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

SECTION 1. DUE DATE. Sealed proposals must be received no later than January 19, 2021 at 12:00 p.m., at the offices of District Manager, located at 2806 North Fifth Street, Suite 403, St. Augustine, FL. 32084. Proposals will be publicly opened at that time.

SECTION 2. FAMILIARITY WITH THE LAW. By submitting a proposal, the Proposer is assumed to be familiar with all federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations that in any manner affect the work. Ignorance on the part of the Proposer will in no way relieve it from responsibility to perform the work covered by the proposal in compliance with all such laws, ordinances and regulations.

SECTION 3. QUALIFICATIONS OF PROPOSER. The contract, if awarded, will only be awarded to a responsible Proposer who is qualified by experience and licensing to do the work specified herein. The Proposer shall submit with its proposal satisfactory evidence of experience in similar work and show that it is fully prepared to complete the work to the satisfaction of the District.

SECTION 4. SUBMISSION OF ONLY ONE PROPOSAL. Proposers shall be
disqualified and their proposals rejected if the District has reason to believe that collusion may exist among the Proposers, the Proposer has defaulted on any previous contract or is in arrears on any previous or existing contract, or for failure to demonstrate proper licensure and business organization.

SECTION 5. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL. Submit seven (7) hard copies of their proposal and one (1) Adobe PDF file on flash drive to the District Manager, 2806 N. Fifth Street, Suite 403, St. Augustine, Florida 32084, in an envelope marked on the outside “Auditing Services – Trout Creek Community Development District.”

SECTION 6. MODIFICATION AND WITHDRAWAL. Proposals may be modified or withdrawn by an appropriate document duly executed and delivered to the place where proposals are to be submitted at any time prior to the time and date the proposals are due. No proposal may be withdrawn after opening for a period of ninety (90) days.

SECTION 7. PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS. The proposal documents shall consist of the notice announcing the request for proposals, these instructions, the Evaluation Criteria Sheet and a proposal with all required documentation pursuant to Section 12 of these instructions (the “Proposal Documents”).

SECTION 8. PROPOSAL. In making its proposal, each Proposer represents that it has read and understands the Proposal Documents and that the proposal is made in accordance therewith.

SECTION 9. BASIS OF AWARD/RIGHT TO REJECT. The District reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, make modifications to the work, and waive any informalities or irregularities in proposals as it is deemed in the best interests of the District.

SECTION 10. CONTRACT AWARD. Within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the Notice of Award from the District, the Proposer shall enter into and execute a Contract (engagement letter) with the District.

SECTION 11. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. Nothing herein shall be construed as or constitute a waiver of Districts limited waiver of liability contained in section 768.28, Florida Statutes, or any other statute or law.

SECTION 12. MISCELLANEOUS. All proposals shall include the following information in addition to any other requirements of the proposal documents.

List position or title of all personnel to perform work on the District audit.  Include resumes for each person listed; list years of experience in present position for each party listed and years of related experience.

Describe proposed staffing levels, including resumes with applicable certifications.

Three references from projects of similar size and scope. The Proposer should include information relating to the work it conducted for each reference as well as a name, address and phone number of a contact person.

Total lump sum price along with an option for four (4) additional one-year annual renewals with price.

SECTION 13. PROTESTS. Any protest regarding the Proposal Documents, must be filed in writing, at the offices of the District Manager, within seventy-two (72) hours after the receipt of the proposed project plans and specifications or other contract documents. The formal protest setting forth with particularity the facts and law upon which the protest is based shall be filed within seven (7) calendar days after the initial notice of protest was filed. Failure to timely file a notice of protest or failure to timely file a formal written protest shall constitute a waiver of any right to object or protest with respect to aforesaid plans, specifications or contract documents.

SECTION 14. EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS. The criteria to be used in the evaluation are presented in the Evaluation Criteria Sheet, contained within the Proposal Documents.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Ability of Personnel.	(20 Points)

(E.g., geographic locations of the firm’s headquarters or permanent office in relation to the project; capabilities and experience of key personnel; present ability to manage this project; evaluation of existing work load; proposed staffing levels, etc.)

Proposers’ Experience.	(20 Points)

(E.g. past record and experience of the Proposer in similar projects; volume of work previously performed by the firm; past performance for other Community Development Districts in other contracts; character, integrity, reputation, of respondent, etc.)

Understanding of Scope of Work.	(20 Points)

Extent to which the proposal demonstrates an understanding of the District’s needs for the services requested.

Ability to Furnish the Required Services.	(20 Points)

Extent to which the proposal demonstrates the adequacy of Proposers’ financial resources and stability as a business entity necessary to complete the services required (E.g. the existence of any natural disaster plan for business operations).

5 Price	(20 Points)

Points will be awarded based upon the price bid for the rendering of the services and reasonable ness of the price to the services Total (100 Points)

Proposal to Provide Financial Auditing Services:
TROUT CREEK
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

Proposal Due: January 19, 2021 12:00PM

Submitted to:
Trout Creek
Community Development District c/o District Manager
2806 N. Fifth Street, Suite 403 St. Augustine, Florida 32084

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

January 19, 2021

Trout Creek Community Development District c/o District Manager
2806 N. Fifth Street, Suite 403 St. Augustine, Florida 32084

Re:	Request for Proposal for Professional Auditing Services for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021, with an option for four (4) additional annual renewals.

Grau & Associates (Grau) welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Trout Creek 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

2

Firm Qualifications

Grau’s Focus and Experience

Our Team

2	11	2

Services Provided

Partners	Professional Administrative

9/13

Employees are
CPAS	Year founded

Staff

Professionals

297

Community Development Districts Served

Properly registered and
licensed professional corporation by the state of FLORIDA

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
 Internal: ongoing monitoring to maintain quality

9
Professional Groups

AICPA | FICPA | GFOA | FASD | FGFOA

•

PA	@	AICP. A
Florida Institute of Ceniied Public Aa:oumants

P@er Review Program

FICPA Peer Review Program
Administered in Florida
bv The Florida Instltule of CPAs

AICPA PIHlr Review Program Administered  in  Florida
by the Floridalnslilule  of CPAs

February 20, 2020

Antonio Grau
Grau & Associates
951 Yamato Rd Ste 280 Boca Raton, FL 33431-1809

Dear Antonio Grau

It is my pleasure to notify you that on February 20, 2020, the Florida Peer Review Committee  accepted  the report on the most recent Sy stem Review of your firm . The due date for your next review is  December  31, 2022. This is the date by which all review documents should be completed and submitted to the administering entity.

As you know, the report had a peer review rating of pass The Committee asked me to  convey  its congratulations to the firm

Thank you for your cooperation.

CJ)f], pCM,

. S finlcere ,

Peer Review Team
Fl CPA Peer Review Committee paul@fi cpa org
800-342-3197 ext 251

Florida Institute of CPAs

cc Daniel Hevia, Racquel McIntosh

Firm Number   900004390114	Review Number 571202

3800 Esplanade Wa y, Suite 210 I Tallanassee. FL 32311 1 800 .342. 3197 In Florida J 8502 24.2727 J Fa x: BS0.222.8190 I www.ficpa.org

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: 30+
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: 14+
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	St. Lucie West Services District
Dunes  Community Development District	Ave Maria Stewardship Community District Fishhawk Community Development District (I,II,IV)	Rivers Edge II Community Development District Grand Bay at Doral  Community Development District	Bartram Park Community Development District Heritage Harbor North Community Development District	Bay Laurel Center 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

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
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Professional Education (over the last two years)
Course
Government Accounting and Auditing Accounting, Auditing and Other
Total Hours

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

FICPA State & Local Government Committee FGFOA Palm Beach Chapter

Hours
38
56
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, 2021-2025 are as follows:

    Year Ended September 30,		 	Fee		
2021	$4,400	
2022	$4,500	
2023	$4,600	
2024	$4,700	
2025	$4,800	
TOTAL (2021-2025)	$23,000	

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

Supplemental Information

	Governmental Audit	Single Audit	Utility Audit	
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 Waste Water 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		

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	 Fixed asset records
Development of budgets	 Cost reimbursement
Organizational structures	 Indirect cost allocation
Financing alternatives	 Grant administration and compliance
IT Auditing

ARBITRAGE

The federal government has imposed complex rules to restrict the use	Current

of tax-exempt financing. Their principal purpose is to eliminate any

73	Arbitrage

significant   arbitrage   incentives   in   a   tax-exempt   issue. We  have	Calculations determined the applicability of these requirements and performed the
rebate calculations for more than 150 bond issues, including both fixed and variable rate bonds.

We look forward to providing Trout Creek 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.