Q. What is the significance of the Popular Annual Financial Report?
A. The Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) is a simplified, easy-to-read version of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), which is a detailed financial statement that the St. Johns County Comptroller’s Office is statutorily required to complete each year. Clerk Brandon Patty launched the PAFR in 2020 to ensure residents have an easy-to-read booklet on the annual audit. The PAFR highlights key developments and major financial points, helping residents understand the financial situation of St. Johns County. Unlike the detailed ACFR, the PAFR focuses on selected financial data, providing a reader-friendly roadmap of the county’s finances.
Q. What are the largest expenditure categories for St. Johns County?
A. Public Safety was the largest expenditure in 2023, followed by Transportation, General Government, and Culture and Recreation.
Q. The section about Investments shows we are earning significant returns in the last fiscal year. What does this mean?
A. St. Johns County made more than $30 million from investments in FY 2023. The county’s top priority is investment safety, liquidity, and return on investment. By carefully managing daily cash and investing in options like Florida Prime SBA (State Board Administration), the county earned interest. This interest income supports various government and enterprise funds, and St. Johns County’s strong financial health is reflected in its excellent bond rating.
Q. What is the Clerk and Comptroller’s role in managing county government finances?
A. Our office functions as the county’s accountant, internal auditor, and custodian of funds. We manage St. Johns County’s investments, oversee payroll, handle bill payments, and prepare both the ACFR and PAFR.
Q. How can residents review the PAFR?
A. To review the PAFR, visit our website at stjohnsclerk.com/PAFR. If you have any questions or would like to request a speaking engagement from the Clerk’s Office leadership team, call (904) 819-3601 or email clerk@stjohnsclerk.com.
