CHAPTER 40: FIXED ASSET CAPITALIZATION POLICY
Section
   40.01   Definitions
   40.02   Land
   40.03   Machinery and equipment
   40.04   Buildings
   40.05   Improvements other than buildings
   40.06   Furniture and fixtures
   40.07   Recording and accounting
   40.08   Safeguarding of assets
§ 40.01 DEFINITIONS.
      For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
   CAPITAL OUTLAYS. Expenditures which benefit both the current and future fiscal periods. This includes costs of acquiring land or structures; construction or improvement of buildings, structures or other fixed assets; and equipment purchases having an appreciable and calculable period of usefulness. These are expenditures resulting in the acquisition of or addition to the government's general fixed assets.
   ENTERPRISE FUNDS. Those funds used to account for operations (a) that are financed and operated in a manner similar to private business enterprise, where the intent of the governing body is that the costs (expenses, including depreciation) of providing goods or services to the general public on a continuing basis be financed or recovered primarily through user charges; or (b) where the governing body has decided that periodic determination of revenues earned, expenses incurred, and/or net income is appropriate for capital maintenance, public policy, management control, accountability and other purposes.
   FIXED ASSET. Tangible assets of a durable nature employed in the operating activities of the unit and that are relatively permanent and are needed for the production or sale of goods or services are termed property, plant and equipment or fixed assets. These assets are not held for sale in the ordinary course of business. This broad group is usually separated into classes according to the physical characteristics of the items (e.g. land, buildings, improvements other than buildings, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures).
   HISTORICAL COST. The cash equivalent price exchanged for goods or services at the date of acquisition. Land, buildings, equipment, and most inventories are common examples of items recognized under the historical cost attribute.
   IMPROVEMENTS OTHER THAN BUILDINGS. Improvements to land for better enjoyment, attached or not easily removed, and with a life expectancy of greater than two years. Examples are walks, parking areas and drives, golf cart paths, fencing, retaining walls, pools, outside fountains, planter underground sprinkler systems, and other similar items. Improvements do not include roads, streets, or assets that are of value only to the public. For example, Vann Road is a public road with greatest value to the public. Roads or drives upon county-owned land that provide support to our facilities are assets. A sidewalk down the road for public enjoyment is an infrastructure improvement and is not capitalized. However, sidewalks installed upon county-owned land for use by the public and for the support of our facility are capital assets.
   MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT. An apparatus, tool, or conglomeration of pieces to form a tool. The tool will stand alone and not become a part of a basic structure or building.
   TANGIBLE ASSETS. Assets that can be observed by one or more of the physical senses. They may be seen and touched and, in some environments, heard and smelled.
(BC Ord. 1997-19, passed 12-1-97)
§ 40.02 LAND.
   (A)   This county will capitalize all land purchases, regardless of cost. Exceptions to land capitalization are land purchased outright, as easements, or rights-of-way for infrastructure. Examples of infrastructures are roads and streets, street lighting systems, bridges, overpasses, sidewalks, curbs, parking meters, street signs, viaducts, wharfs, and storm water collection.
   (B)   Original cost of land will include the full value given to the seller, including relocation, legal services incidental to the purchase (including title work and opinion), appraisal and negotiation fees, surveying and costs for preparing the land for its intended purpose (including contractors and/or county workers [salary and benefits]), such as demolishing buildings, excavating, clean up, and/or inspection.
   (C)   A department will record donated land at fair market value on the date of transfer plus any associated costs.
   (D)   Purchases made using federal or state funding will follow the source funding policies and above procedures.
(BC Ord. 1997-19, passed 12-1-97)
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