Hacienda North Community Development District
707 Orchid Drive, Naples, FL 34102
P. 239-269-1341

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS	Monday, December 18, 2023, 9:00 a.m.
HACIENDA NORTH COMMUNITY	4001 Tamiami Trail N. Suite 300
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT	Naples, Florida 34103

Roll Call.

Public Comments on Agenda Items.

Affidavit of Publication.	Exhibit 1

Organizational Matters:

None to be considered at this time.

Administrative Matters

Approval of Minutes from the November 20, 2023 Meeting.	Exhibit 2

Recess to Hacienda North Community Development District Audit Committee

	1. Affidavit of Audit RFP Ad	Exhibit	3	
	2. Letters sent to Audit Firms	Exhibit	4	
	3. Grau & Associates, Inc. Proposal	Exhibit	5	
	4. Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank CPAs Proposal	Exhibit	6	

V.	5. Auditing Firms Scoring Sheets
C. Reconvene to General Meeting

Business Matters	Exhibit	7	

None to be considered at this time.

Financial Matters

Bond Financing Update.

Operating Budget Matters.

Consideration of District Financials through November 30, 2023.	Exhibit 8

Staff Reports.

Manager.

Legal Counsel.

Engineer.

Public Comments

Supervisors’ Requests.

Adjournment.

EXHIBIT 1

*LocaliQ
Florida
GANNETT

PO Box 631244 Cincinnati, OH 45263-1244

PROOF OF PUBLICATION
Russ Weyer
Hacienda North Community Development District 707 Orchid DR# I 00
Naples FL 34102-5014

STATE OF WISCONSIN, COUNTY OF BROWN

Before the undersigned authority personally appeared, who on oath says that he or she is the Legal Advertising Representative of the Naples Daily News, a newspaper published in Collier County, Florida; that the attached copy of advertisement, being a Legal Ad in the matter of Govt Public Notices, was published on the publicly accessible website of Collier and Lee Counties, Florida, or in a newspaper by print in the issues of, on:

12/11/2023

Affiant further says that the website or newspaper complies with all legal requirements for publication in chapter 50, Florida Statutes.

Subscribed and sworn to before me, by the legal clerk, who is personally known to me, on 12/11/2023

My commision expires

HACIENDA NORTH COMMUNITY DEVELOMENT DISTRICT NOTICE OF AUDIT COMMITTEE MEETING AND REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Supervisors (the "Board") of the Hacienda North Community Development District will hold a regular meeting of the Board on Monday, December 18, 2023 at 9:00
a.m. at the offices of Coleman, Yovanovich & Koester, P.A. , 4001 Tamiami Trail N., Suite 300, Suite 201, Naples, FL 34103. Notice is further given that the Audit Committee will hold a meeting during the regular Board meeting to rank proposals for firms to perform the Audit for the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2023.
The meeting is open to the public
and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law. The meeting may be continued to a date, time, and place to be specified on the record at the meeting. There may be occasions when Board Supervisors or District Staff may participate by speaker telephone.
A copy of the agenda may be obtained at the offices of the District Manager, 707 Orchid Drive, Suite 100, Naples, Florida 34102, during normal business hours.
Any person requiring special accom­ modations to participate in this meeting is asked to advise the District Office at (239) 269-1341, at least forty-eight (48) hours before the meetings. If you are hearing or speech Impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service at l-800-955- 8771 for aid in contacting the District Office.
Each person who decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter consid­ ered at the public hearing or meet­ ing is advised that person will need a record of proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based.
Meetings may be cancelled from time to time without advertised notice.
District Manager

Publication Cost:	$243.04	
Order No:	9612763	
Customer No:	1126129	
PO#:	12-18-23 PHN	

# of Copies: 1

THIS IS NOT AN INVOICE!
Please do not use thisformforpayment remittance.

9612763 12/11/23

NANCY HEYRMAN
Notary Public State of Wisconsin

Page 1 of 1

EXHIBIT 2

1	HACIENDA NORTH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
2	Suite 100, 707 Orchid Drive
3		Naples, FL 34102	
4
5
6	MINUTES OF MEETING
7
8	Board of Supervisors Meeting
9	Tuesday, November 20, 2023, 10:00 a.m.
10	4001 Tamiami Trail N. Suite 300
11	Naples, Florida 34103
12
13
14	Present and constituting a quorum were: 15

16	Bob Mulhere
17	Jason Tomassetti
18	Dwight Nadeau
19	Gary Hains
20	Clifford “Chip” Olson 21
22	Also present were:
23
24	Russ Weyer
25	Greg Urbancic
26
27	David Torres
28	Tyler Whitcomb
29
30
31	FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS
32

Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member

District Manager, Real Estate Econometrics, Inc. District Counsel,
Coleman, Yovanovich & Koester, P.A. Hacienda Lakes of Naples LLC Hacienda Lakes of Naples LLC

Call to Order and Roll Call

33	Mr. Weyer called the meeting to order and proceeded with the roll call. The members in
34	attendance are as outlined above.	He noted that the special meeting was advertised
35	according to Florida Statute requirements. 36
37	SECOND ORDER OF BUSINESS
38
39	Mr. Weyer noted that the Florida Statutes require that there be an opportunity for Public
40	Comment.
41
42	There were no public comments. 43

THIRD ORDER OF BUSINESS	Organization Matters	
There were no organizational matters to be considered.	
FOURTH ORDER OF BUSINESS	Administrative Matters	

3
4
5
6
7	A.	Approval of the October 24, 2023, Special Board Meeting minutes.
8
9	Mr. Weyer presented the October 24, 2023, Special Board Meeting minutes. 10

On MOTION by Mr. Nadeau and seconded by Mr. Hains with all in favor, the Board of Supervisors of the Hacienda North Community Development District approved the meeting minutes from the October 24, 2023, Special Board meeting.

11	There was no discussion. 12
13
14
15
16
17	The Board of Supervisors recessed the general meeting and is now sitting as the Audit
18	Committee.
19
20	B.	Consideration of the Hacienda North CDD Audit RFP Package
21
22	Mr. Weyer presented the Hacienda North CDD audit RFP Package.	There are three
23	elements to the RFP process. 24
25	1. The ad that needs to be placed in a local publication;
26
2. The second element is the actual proposal package which includes the
elements required for submittal package. The package can either include a
price or not a price as one of the rating elements, and;
30
3. The rating sheet to will be used by the Audit Committee to rank the firms that
submit qualifying packages.
33
34	Mr. Weyer noted that he is planning to use Friday December 1st by noon for the submittal
35	deadline.  Mr. Mulhere questioned whether there is enough time for the candidates to

On MOTION by Mr. Mulhere to approve the audit proposal package including the price element and seconded by Mr. Olson with all in favor, the Board of Supervisors of the Hacienda North Community Development District approved the audit request for proposals package with the price element added.

36	submit. Mr. Urbancic verified that there is enough time for the candidates to submit. 37
38
39
40
41
42
43	The Board of Supervisors reconvened the general meeting. 44
45

FIFTH ORDER OF BUSINESS	Business Matters	
There were no business matters to be considered.	
SIXTH ORDER OF BUSINESS	Financial Matters	
Series 2023 bonds update.		
SEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS	Operating Budget Metters	

3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11	A.	Consideration of the District Financials through October 31, 2023.
12
Mr. Weyer presented the District Financials through October 31, 2023. He pointed out
that the cash flow was negative for October as the developer contribution revenues had
yet to hit the financials and there were almost $10,000 in costs for October. Those costs
were covered by the carry over amount from the previous fiscal year. 17
18	The Toll Brothers deposit was made in late October so it didn’t hit the books in the cash
19	flow financial but did hit in the budget to actual financial. 20

On MOTION by Mr. Olson and seconded by Mr. Hains with all in favor, the Board of Supervisors of the Hacienda North Community Development District accepted the District financial statements through October 31, 2023.

21	There was no further discussion. 22
23
24
25
26
27	EIGHTH ORDER OF BUSINESS	Staff Reports
28
29	Manager’s Report –
30
31	Mr. Weyer had nothing further to report. 32
33	Attorney’s Report –
34
35	Mr. Urbancic had nothing further to report. 36
37	Engineer’s Report –
38
39	Ms. Larocque had nothing further to report. 40
41	NINTH ORDER OF BUSINESS	Public Comments
42
43	There were no public comments. 44
45	TENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS	Supervisors Requests
46

3	ELEVENTH ORDER OF BUSINESS	Adjournment
4

On MOTION by Mr. Mulhere and seconded by Mr. Nadeau, with all in favor, the meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the Hacienda North Community Development District was adjourned.

5
6
7
8
9
10
11

Secretary/Assistant Secretary	Chairperson/Vice-Chairperson	

 		
Print Name	Print Name	

12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19

EXHIBIT 3

PROOF OF PUBLICATION
_Russ Weyer

•LocaliQ
Florida
GANNETT

PO Box 631244 Cincinnati, OH 45263-1244

HACIENDA NORTH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Brightshore CDD 707 Orchid DR # 100
Naples FL 34102-5014

STATE OF WISCONSIN, COUNTY OF BROWN

Before the undersigned authority personally appeared, who on oath says that he or she is the Legal Advertising Representative of the Naples Daily News, a newspaper published in Collier County, Florida; that the attached copy of advertisement, being a Legal Ad in the matter of Bids & Proposals, was published on the publicly accessible website of Collier and Lee Counties, Florida, or in a newspaper by print in the issues of, on:

11/22/2023

Affiant further says that the website or newspaper complies with all legal requirements for publication in chapter 50, Florida Statutes.
Subscribed and sworn to before me, by the legal clerk, who is personally known to me, on 11/22/2023

�

Lcga!Cic,k

�	

Notary, State orw(crmty	

FOR ANNUAL AUDIT SERVICES
The Hacienda North Community Development District hereby requests proposals for annual finan­ cial auditing services. The propasal must provide for the auditing of the District's financial records for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, with an option for two addi­ tional annual renewals. The District is a local unit of special-purpose government created under Chapter 190, Florida Statutes, for the purpase of financing, constructing, and maintaining public infrastruc­ ture. The District is located in Collier County, Florida, and has an annual operating budget of approxi­ mately $122,270.00.
The auditing entity submitting  a
proposal must be duly licensed under Chapter 473, Florida Statutes, and be qualified to conduct audits in accordance with "Government Auditing Standards," as adopted by the Florida Board of Accountancy. Audits shall be conducted in accor­ dance with Florida Law and particu­ larly Section 218.39, Florida Statutes, and the rules of the Florida Auditor General.
Proposal packages, which include evaluation criteria and instructions to proposers, ore available from the District's Management Company at the address and telephone number listed below.
Proposers must provide one (1 J electronic copy of their proposal to Real Estate Econometrics, Inc., 707 Orchid Drive, Suite 100, Naples, Florida 34102 (the "District Manager") telephone (239)-269-1341, in on envelope marked on the outside "Auditing Services, Hacienda North Community Devel­ opment District." Proposals must be received by 12 Noon on Friday, December 1, 2023, at the office of the District Manager. Please direct all questions regarding this Notice to the District Manager.
District Manager
November 22, 2023 #9545278

Publication Cost:
Order No: Customer No: PO#:

$227.36 9545278
1126482

# of Copies:
1

=:;

My commision expires

THIS rs NOT AN INVOICE!
Please do not use this form for payment remittance.

KATHLEEN ALLEN
Notary Public State of Wisconsin

Page 1 of 1

EXHIBIT 4

Hacienda North Community Development District

707 Orchid Drive, Suite 100
Naples, Florida 34102
Ph: (239) 269-1341
November 21, 2023

Mr. Tim Fulmer Carr Riggs & Ingram
Certified Public Accountants 500 Grand Boulevard, Suite 210 Miramar Beach, Florida 32550
Dear Mr. Fulmer,
The Hacienda North Community Development District is requesting proposals for annual financial auditing services. The proposal must provide for the auditing of the District's financial records for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, with an option for two additional annual renewals. The District is a local unit of special-purpose government created under Chapter 190, Florida Statutes, for the purpose of financing, constructing, and maintaining public infrastrncture. The District is located in Collier County, Florida, and has an annual operating and debt service budget of approximately $101,325.00.
Your firm must be duly licensed under Chapter 473, Florida Statutes, and be qualified to conduct audits in accordance with "Government Auditing Standards," as adopted by the Florida Board of Accountancy. Auclits shall be conducted in accordance with Florida Law and particularly Section 218.39, Florida Statutes, and the rules of the Florida Auditor General.

I am including the proposal package with this letter in an email to you. Please provide one (I) electronic copy of your proposal to Real Estate Econometrics, Inc., 707 Orchid Drive, Suite 100, Naples, Florida 34102 (the "District Manager") telephone (239)-269-1341, in an envelope marked on the outside "Auditing Services, Hacienda North Community Development District." Proposals must be received by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023, at the office of the District Manager.

Please direct all questions regarding this Notice to me at the address and phone number listed above.
Sincerely,

G. Russell Weyer

Hacienda North Com-muni.ty Development District

November 21, 2023 Mr. Jim Hartley, CPA
DiBartolomeo, McBee, Hartley & Barnes, P.A. 2222 Colonial Road, Suite 200
Fort Pierce, Florida 34950

707 Orchid Drive, Suite 100
Naples, Florida 34102
Ph: (239) 269-1341

Dear Mr. Hartley,
The Hacienda North Community Development District is requesting pl'Qposals for annual financial auditing services. The proposal must provide for the auditing of the District's financial records for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, with an option for two additional annual renewals. The District is a local unit of special-purpose government created under Chapter 190, Florida Statutes, for the purpose of financing, constructing, and maintaining public infrastructure. The District is located in Collier County, Florida, and has an annual operating and debt service budget of approximately $101,325.00.
Your firm must be duly licensed under Chapter 473, Florida Statutes, and be qualified to conduct audits in accordance with "Government Auditing Standards," as adopted by the Florida Board of Accountancy. Audits shall be conducted in accordance with Florida Law and particularly Section 218.39, Florida Stalutes, and the rules of the Florida Auditor General.

I am including the proposal package with this letter in an email to you. Please provide one (1) electronic copy of your proposal to Real Estate Econometrics, Inc., 707 Orchid Drive, Suite 100, Naples, Florida 34102 (the "District Manager") telephone (239)-269-1341, in an envelqpe marked on the outside "Auditing Services, Hacienda North Community Development District." Proposals must be received by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023, at the office of the District Manager.
Please direct all questions regarding this Notice to me at the address and phone number listed above.

G. Russell Weyer

707 Orchid Drive, Suite 100
Naples, Florida 34102
Ph: (239) 269-1341
November 21, 2023
Mr. J. Gaines
Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank 600 Citrus Avenue, Suite 200
Fort Pierce, Florida 34950 Dear Mr. Gaines,
The Hacienda North Community Development District is requesting proposals for annual financial
auditing services. The proposal must provide for the auditing of the District's financial records for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, with an option for two additional annual renewals. The District is a local unit of special-purpose government created under Chapter 190, Florida Statutes, for the purpose of financing, constructing, and maintaining public infrastructure. The District is located in Collier County, Florida, and has an annual operating and debt service budget of approximately $101,325.00.
Your firm must be duly licensed under Chapter 473, Florida Statutes, and be qualified to conduct audits in accordance with "Government Auditing Standards," as adopted by the Florida Board of Accountancy. Audits shall be conducted in accordance with Florida Law and particularly Section 218.39, Florida Statutes, and the ruJes of the Florida Auditor General.

I am including the proposal package with this letter in an email to you. Please provide one (1) electronic copy of your proposal to Real Estate Econometrics, Inc., 707 Orchid Drive, Suite 100, Naples, Florida 34102 (the "District Manager") telephone (239)-269-1341, in an envelope marked on the outside "Auditing Services, Hacienda North Community Development District." Proposals must be received by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December l, 2023, at the office of the District Manager.
Please direct all questions regarding this Notice to me at the address and phone number listed above.

Sincerely,

er

November 21, 2023

Mr. Ben Steets Grau & Associates Suite 280
951 Yamato Road
Boca Raton, Florida 33431

707 Orchid Drive, Suite 100
Naples, Florida 34102
Ph: (239) 269-1341

Dear Mr. Steets,
The Hacienda North Community Development District is requesting proposals for annual financial auditing services. The proposal must provide for the auditing of the District's financial records for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, with an option for two additional annual renewals. The District is a local unit of special-pw·pose government created under Chapter 190, Florida Statutes, for the purpose of financing, constructing, and maintaining public infrastructure. The District is located in Collier County, Florida, and has an annual operating and debt service budget of approximately $101,325.00.
Your firm must be duly licensed under Chapter 473, Florida Statutes, and be qualified to conduct audits in accordance with "Government Auditing Standards," as adopted by the Florida Board of Accountancy. Audits shall be conducted in accordance with Florida Law and particularly Section 218.39, Florida Statutes, and the rules of the Florida Auditor General.

I am including the proposal package with this letter in an email to you. Please provide one (I) electronic copy of your proposal to Real Estate Econometrics, Inc., 707 Orchid Drive, Suite 100, Naples, Florida 34102 (the "District Manager") telephone (239)-269-1341, in an envelope marked on the outside "Auditing Services, Hacienda North-Community Development District.'; Proposals must be received by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023, at the office of the District Manager.

Please direct all questions regarding this Notice to me at the address and phone number listed above.

Sincerely,
G. Russell Weyer
District Manager, Hacienda North Community Development District
Attachment
VIA EMATL: BSteets@graucpa.com

November 21, 2023
Mr. Stuart Angelo, CPA
Stuart Angelo & Company, P.A.
201 East Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 1620
Tampa, Florida 33602

707 Orchid Drive. Suite l 00
Naples, Florida 34102
Ph: (239) 269-1341

Dear Mr. Angelo,
The Hacienda North Community Development District is requesting proposals for annual financial auditing services. The proposal must provide for the auditing of the District's financial records for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, with an option for two additional annual renewals. The District is a local unit of special-purpose government created under Chapter 190, Florida Statutes, for the purpose of financing, constructing, and maintaining public infrastructure. The District is located in Collier County, Florida, and has an annual operating and debt service budget of approximately $101,325.00.
Your firm must be duly licensed under Chapter 473, Florida Statutes, and be qualified to conduct audits in accordance with "Government Auditing Standards," as adopted by the Florida Board of Accountancy. Audits shall be conducted in accordance with Florida Law and particularly Section 218.39, Florida Statutes, and the rules of the Florida Auditor General.

I am including the proposal package with this letter in an email to you. Please provide one (1) electronic copy of your proposal to Real Estate Econometrics, Inc., 707 Orchid Drive, Suite 100, Naples, Florida 34102 (the "District Manager") telephone (239)-269-1341, in an envelope marked on the outside "Auditing Services, Hacienda North Community Development District." Proposals must be received by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023, at the office of the District Manager.
Please direct all questions regarding this Notice to me at the address and phone number listed
above.

Sincerely,

G. Russell Weyer
District Manager, Hacienda North Community Development District
Attachment
Via email: sangelo@SAC-CPAS.com

EXHIBIT 5

Proposal to Provide Financial Auditing Services:
HACIENDA NORTH
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

Proposal Due: December 1, 2023 12:00PM
Submitted to:
Hacienda North
Community Development District c/o District Manager
707 Orchid Drive, Suite 100
Naples, Florida 34102

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

December 1, 2023

Hacienda North Community Development District c/o District Manager
707 Orchid Drive, Suite 100
Naples, Florida 34102
Re:	Request for Proposal for Professional Auditing Services for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, with an option for two (2) additional annual renewals.

Grau & Associates (Grau) welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Hacienda North 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 David Caplivski, CPA (dcaplivski@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

Firm Qualifications

Grau’s Focus and Experience

Our Team

3	10	2
Partners	Professional Administrative
Staff	Professionals

9/13
Employees are CPAS

Year founded

Services Provided

297

Community Development Districts Served

Properly registered and
licensed professional corporation by the state of FLORIDA

9
Professional Groups

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

AICPA | FICPA | GFOA | FASD | FGFOA

Program

PA	♦-AICPA	Peer Review

Flo d� IMllluteof mlf� Puollc Acc:ounr nl.
FICPA Peer Review Program
dmimslered m Florida
bv The Florida Ins lute of CPAs

AICPA Peer Review Program
Administered in Florida by the Florida Institute of CPAs

March 17, 2023

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 March 16, 2023, the Florida Peer Review Committee accepted the report on the most recent System Review of your firm. The due date for your next review is December 31, 2025. 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. Sincerely,

Peer Review Team
FICPA Peer Review Committee 850.224.2727, x5957
cc: Daniel Hevia, Racquel McIntosh

Firm Number: 900004390114	Review Number: 594791

1.19 S Monroe Stteet, Suite 121 I Tallahassee, Fl 323011850.Zl  ,2727, in Florida I www.litpa.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: 35+
CPE (last 2 years): Government Accounting, Auditing: 24 hours; Accounting, Auditing and Other: 56 hours
Professional Memberships: AICPA, FICPA, FGFOA, GFOA

David Caplivski, CPA (Partner)
Years Performing Audits: 13+
CPE (last 2 years): Government Accounting, Auditing: 24 hours; Accounting, Auditing and Other: 64 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.”
David Caplivski

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	56
Total Hours	80 (includes of 4 hours of Ethics CPE)

David Caplivski, CPA/CITP, Partner
Contact : dcaplivski@graucpa.com / 561-939-6676
Experience			
Grau & Associates	Partner	2021-Present	
Grau & Associates	Manager	2014-2020	
Grau & Associates	Senior Auditor	2013-2014	
Grau & Associates	Staff Auditor	2010-2013	
Education		
Florida Atlantic University (2009) Master of Accounting		
Nova Southeastern University (2002) Bachelor of Science		
Environmental Studies		

Certifications and Certificates
Certified Public Accountant (2011)
AICPA Certified Information Technology Professional (2018) AICPA Accreditation COSO Internal Control Certificate (2022)

Clients Served (partial list)
(>300) Various Special Districts	Hispanic Human Resource Council	
Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse	Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District	
Boca Raton Airport Authority	Old Plantation Water Control District	
Broward Education Foundation	Pinetree Water Control District	
CareerSource Brevard	San Carlos Park Fire & Rescue Retirement Plan	
CareerSource Central Florida 403 (b) Plan	South Indian River Water Control District	
City of Lauderhill GERS	South Trail Fire Protection & Rescue District	
City of Parkland Police Pension Fund	Town of Haverhill	
City of Sunrise GERS	Town of Hypoluxo	
Coquina Water Control District	Town of Hillsboro Beach	
Central County Water Control District	Town of Lantana	
City of Miami (program specific audits)	Town of Lauderdale By-The–Sea Volunteer Fire Pension	
City of West Park	Town of Pembroke Park	
Coquina Water Control District	Village of Wellington	
East Central Regional Wastewater Treatment Facl.	Village of Golf	
East Naples Fire Control & Rescue District		
Professional Education (over the last two years)		
Course	Hours
Government Accounting and Auditing	24
Accounting, Auditing and Other	64
Total Hours	88 (includes 4 hours of Ethics CPE)

Professional Associations
Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Member, Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants Member, Florida Government Finance Officers Association Member, Florida Association of Special Districts

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, 2023-2025 are as follows:

  Year Ended September 30,			Fee		
2023	$3,500	
2024	$3,600	
2025	$3,700	
TOTAL (2023-2025)	$10,800	

The above fees are based on the assumption that the District maintains its current level of operations. Should conditions change or 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 Wastewater Treatment District					9/30	
Lake Padgett Estates Independent District					9/30	
Lake Worth Drainage District					9/30	
Lealman Special Fire Control 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	333	5	3	328		

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 Hacienda North 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.

EXHIBIT 6

HACIENDA NORTH 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:

December 1, 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DESCRIPTION OF SECTION	PAGE
A. Letter of Transmittal	1-2
B. 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	18-36
Peer Review Letter	37
Instructions to Proposers	38-39
Evaluation Criteria	40

December 1, 2023

Hacienda North Community Development District Real Estate Econometrics, Inc.
707 Orchid Drive, Suite 100
Naples, FL 34102 Dear District Manager:
Thank you very much for the opportunity to present our professional credentials to provide audit services for Hacienda North 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 Hacienda North 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 -

Hacienda North Community Development District December 1, 2023
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 Hacienda North 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 69 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 69 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 34 of the 38 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
27 professional and administrative staff (including 12 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)	6	
Managers (2 CPA’s)	2	
Senior/Supervisor Accountants (3 CPA’s)	3	
Staff Accountants (2 CPA)	11	
Computer Specialist	1	
Paraprofessional	7	
Administrative	 5	
Total – all personnel	35	

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 Hacienda North 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 74 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 1,100 community development districts, and over 2,100 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 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	Clearwater Cay 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 Early Learning Coalition, Inc.
Gateway Services Community Development District.
Members of our audit team have acquired extensive experience from performing or participating in over 1,800 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 $5,150 for the years ended September 30, 2023, 2024, and 2025. The fee is contingent upon the financial records and accounting systems of Hacienda North 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 Hacienda North Community Development District as of September 30, 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 – 44 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 40 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
Director – 36 years experience

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 – 2017)
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 – 2017)
St. Lucie District School Board Superintendent Search Committee (2013 – present)
Board Member – Phrozen Pharoes (2019-2021)
Professional Experience
Twenty-eight 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)
Director

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

Matthew Gonano, CPA
Director – 13 years total experience

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.

David F. Haughton, CPA
Accounting and Audit Manager – 33 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.

Paul Daly
Staff Accountant – 11 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, CPA
Senior Staff Accountant – 9 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.

Bryan Snyder
Staff Accountant – 8 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, CPA
Senior Accountant – 7 years

Education
Indian River State College, B.S. – 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 professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments.

Jonathan Herman, CPA
Senior Staff Accountant – 9 years

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

Professional Experience
Accounting graduate with nine 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 – 5 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.

Tifanee Terrell
Staff Accountant – 3 years

Education
Florida Atlantic University, M.A.C.C. – Accounting
Professional Experience
Staff Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.

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

Dylan Dixon
Staff Accountant – 1 year

Education
Indian River State College, B.S. – Accounting
Professional Experience
Staff Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.

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

Brennen Moore
Staff Accountant

Education
Indian River State College, B.S. – Accounting
Professional Experience
Staff Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.

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

Jordan Wood
Staff Accountant – 1 year

Education
Indian River State College, A.A. – Accounting
Professional Experience
Staff Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.

Continuing Professional Education
Ms. Wood is currently enrolled at Indian River State College to complete her bachelor’s degree.
Ms. Wood participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments.
Ms. Wood is currently working towards completing an additional 30 hours of education to qualify to sit for CPA exam.

Katie Gifford
Staff Accountant

Education
Indian River State College, B.S. – Accounting
Professional Experience
Staff Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.

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

Rayna Zicari
Staff Accountant

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

HACIENDA NORTH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
District Auditing Services for Fiscal Year 2023
Collier County, Florida
INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

SECTION 1. DUE DATE. Sealed proposals must be received no later than Friday, December 1, 2023, at 12 Noon, at the offices of the District Manager, located at 707 Orchid Drive, Suite 100, Naples, Florida 34102, telephone 239-269-1341. 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 one (1) electronic copy of the Proposal Documents, and other requested attachments at the time and place indicated herein, which shall be enclosed in an opaque sealed envelope, marked with the title “Auditing Services – Hacienda North Community Development District” on the face of it.
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 the District’s 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 the 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.

The lump sum cost of the provision of the services under the proposal, plus the lump sum cost of two (2) optional annual renewals.
SECTION 13. PROTESTS. In accordance with the District’s Rules of Procedure, any protest regarding the Proposal Documents, must be filed in writing, at the offices of the District Manager, within seventy-two (72) calendar hours (excluding Saturday, Sunday, and state holidays) after the receipt of the Proposal 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 (including Saturday, Sunday, and state holidays) 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 the aforesaid Proposal Documents.
SECTION 14. EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS. The criteria to be used in the evaluation of proposals are presented in the Evaluation Criteria Sheet, contained within the Proposal Documents.

AUDITOR SELECTION EVALUATION CRITERIA (WITH PRICE)

Ability of Personnel.	(20 Points)

This includes the 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.
Proposer’s Experience.	(20 Points)

This includes 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 Proposer’s financial resources and stability as a business entity necessary to complete the services required.
Price.	(20 Points)

Points will be awarded based upon the lowest total bid for rendering the services and the reasonableness of the proposal.

EXHIBIT 7

GRAU & ASSOCIATES, INC. AUDITOR SELECTION
EVALUATION CRITERIA (WITH PRICE)

Ability of Personnel.	(20 Points)

This includes the 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.

Proposer’s Experience.	(20 Points)

This includes 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 Proposer’s financial resources and stability as a business entity necessary to complete the services required.

Price.	(20 Points)

Points will be awarded based upon the lowest total bid for rendering the services and the reasonableness of the proposal.

BERGER, TOOMBS, ELAM, GAINES & FRANK, CPAs AUDITOR SELECTION
EVALUATION CRITERIA (WITH PRICE)

Ability of Personnel.	(20 Points)

This includes the 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.

Proposer’s Experience.	(20 Points)

This includes 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 Proposer’s financial resources and stability as a business entity necessary to complete the services required.

Price.	(20 Points)

Points will be awarded based upon the lowest total bid for rendering the services and the reasonableness of the proposal.

EXHIBIT 8

Total
Revenue
1363116 Off Roll Assessments	$64,307.50
Total Revenue	$64,307.50
Expenditures
1100000 Administrative

1511001	Board of Supervisors Stipend	$1,800.00	
1512100	Management Consulting Services	5,000.00	
1513000	Miscellaneous Expense	0.00	
1513014	Website Hosting & Administration	0.00	
1513020	Office Expense	26.74	
1513040	Regulatory and Permit Fees	0.00	
1513048	Distrtict Filing Fee	175.00	
1513055	Legal Advertising	502.16	
1513060	Assessment Administration	0.00	
1513063	Assessment Roll Preparation	0.00	
1513070	Auditing	0.00	
1513075	Accounting Services	1,200.00	
1513100	Insurance- General Liability	5,200.00	
1513080	Engineering Services	0.00	
1514010	Legal Services	0.00	
1514020	Bond Validation Legal Expenses	0.00	
Total Administrative	$13,903.90
1160000 Field Operations

1531010	Electricity - General	$0.00	
1572010	LANDSCAPING & MAINTENANCE	0.00	
1572030	Lake Maintenance	0.00	
1572060	Water Use Monitoring	0.00	
Total Field Operations	$0.00
Total Expenditures	$13,903.90

Net Cash Flow	$50,403.60

Category	Total	Budget	Balance	
Revenue				
Carry Over from 9-30-23	$36,386.20	$0.00	$36,386.20	
1363116 Off Roll Assessments	64,307.50	128,615.00	-64,307.50	
Total Revenue	$100,693.70	$128,615.00	-$27,921.30	
Expenditures				
1100000 Administrative				
1511001	Board of Supervisors Stipend	$1,800.00	$6,000.00	$4,200.00	
1512100	Management Consulting Services	5,000.00	30,000.00	25,000.00	
1513000	Miscellaneous Expense	0.00	0.00	0.00	
1513014	Website Hosting & Administration	0.00	2,500.00	2,500.00	
1513020	Office Expense	26.74	250.00	223.26	
1513040	Regulatory and Permit Fees	0.00	0.00	0.00	
1513048	Distrtict Filing Fee	175.00	175.00	0.00	
1513055	Legal Advertising	502.16	3,000.00	2,497.84	
1513060	Assessment Administration	0.00	11,850.00	11,850.00	
1513063	Assessment Roll Preparation	0.00	0.00	0.00	
1513070	Auditing	0.00	5,000.00	5,000.00	
1513075	Accounting Services	1,200.00	6,140.00	4,940.00	
1513100	Insurance- General Liability	5,200.00	6,400.00	1,200.00	
1513080	Engineering Services	0.00	10,000.00	10,000.00	
1514010	Legal Services	0.00	10,000.00	10,000.00	
1514020	Bond Validation Legal Expenses	0.00	0.00	0.00	
Total Administrative	$13,903.90	$91,315.00	$77,411.10	
1160000 Field Operations				
1531010	Electricity - General	0.00	1,500.00	1,500.00	
1572010	LANDSCAPING & MAINTENANCE	0.00	30,000.00	30,000.00	
1572030	Lake Maintenance	0.00	2,500.00	2,500.00	
1572060	Water Use Monitoring	0.00	3,300.00	3,300.00	
Total Field Operations	$0.00	$37,300.00	$37,300.00	
Total Expenditures Net Cash Flow	
$86,789.80	
$0.00	
$86,789.80	

Total
ASSETS
Current Assets Bank Accounts
1101000 Business Ckg (*0741) - 1	$92,808.55	
Total Bank Accounts	$92,808.55	
Total Current Assets	$92,808.55	
TOTAL ASSETS	$92,808.55	
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY		
Liabilities
Current Liabilities Accounts Payable
1202000 Accounts Payable	$400.00	
Total Accounts Payable	$400.00	
Total Current Liabilities	$400.00	
Total Liabilities	$400.00	
Equity
Retained Earnings	
$42,004.95	
Net Revenue	$50,403.60	
Total Equity	$92,408.55	
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$92,808.55