TOWNSHIP OF JACKSON NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued): FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013
Note 17. Contingencies
A. Accrued Sick, Vacation and Compensation Time
As discussed in Note 1 and in accordance with accounting principles prescribed by the State of New Jersey, the cash basis of accounting is followed for recording the Township’s liability related to unused vacation, sick pay and compensation time. The Township permits certain employees within limits to accumulate unused vacation, sick pay and compensation time, which may be taken as time off or paid at a later date at an agreed upon rate.
The accumulated cost of unused sick and vacation time has not been recorded in the financial statements as presented, however at December 31, 2013 it is calculated that accrued unused sick and vacation time payable are valued at $2,490,844. The likelihood that this liability would be due and payable all at once is remote since the Township’s employees’ ages and anticipated retirement dates vary.
The Township has established a Compensated Absences Trust Fund to set aside funds for future payments of compensated absences. At December 31, 2013, the balance of the fund was $256,794.
B. Unemployment Compensation Insurance
Effective January 1, 1978, most municipal employees were eligible for unemployment compensation insurance (N.J.S.A.43:21-3 et. seq.). The Township has elected to provide a self-insured plan whereby the municipal cost and employee contributions are deposited in a trust fund from which claims, if any, will be paid. The reserve for unemployment compensation insurance at December 31, 2013 was $264,794.
C. Litigation
The Township is involved in legal and administrative proceedings and claims of various types. While any litigation contains an element of uncertainty, Township Officials, based upon the opinion of the Township’s Counsel, presently believe that the outcome of each such proceeding or claim which is pending or know to be threatened, or all of them combined, will not have a material adverse effect on the
Township’s financial position or adversely affect the Township’s ability to levy, collect and enforce the collection of taxes or other revenue for the payment of its bonds or other obligations.
D. Federal and State Grants
The Township receives financial assistance from the U.S. Government and the State of New Jersey in the form of grants. Entitlement to the funds is generally conditional upon compliance with terms and conditions of the grant agreements and applicable regulations, including the expenditure of the funds for eligible purposes. Substantially all grants, entitlements and cost reimbursements are subject to financial and compliance audits by grantors. As a result of these audits, costs previously reimbursed could be disallowed and require payment to the grantor agency. As of December 31, 2013 the Township estimates that no material liabilities will result from such audits.
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