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What are the main challenges that you are facing or anticipate?
#Response DateResponse Text
1.1/7/2008 9:31:00 PMLack of on staff expertise Time constraints due to staffing shortage and lack of knowledge Funding for experts such as Engineers etc.
2.1/7/2008 9:33:00 PMStill working on that list.
3.1/7/2008 9:34:00 PMTime &amp; resources
4.1/7/2008 9:43:00 PMInsufficient funding to recruit resourses to do the work. Insufficient pool of people to hire. Lack of data. Too much other work to take on such a huge project.
5.1/7/2008 10:55:00 PMInterpretation of the requirements - significant room for different interpretations not only by municipalities but also by auditors
6.1/7/2008 11:34:00 PMLack of time to prepare information and lack of concrete samples to assist with valuation, future look of financial statements etc.
7.1/8/2008 12:53:00 AMtime - human resources
8.1/8/2008 12:54:00 AMwhat to include
9.1/8/2008 12:30:00 PMTime and staffing
10.1/8/2008 12:55:00 PMcooperation from all levels of management from various departments
11.1/8/2008 1:08:00 PMAuditor buy in
12.1/8/2008 1:09:00 PMValuation of assets
13.1/8/2008 1:10:00 PMProvision of data from Public Works and coordination of efforts with same to ensure that database is up-to-date and accounting, maintenance and planning efforts are in sync.
14.1/8/2008 1:13:00 PMNo additional time or resources to spend on PSAB requirements
15.1/8/2008 1:35:00 PMTime, human resources, financial resources, expertise
16.1/8/2008 1:53:00 PMValues
17.1/8/2008 1:55:00 PMObtaining values for assets that are older than seven years.
18.1/8/2008 1:58:00 PMHistorical data and costing
19.1/8/2008 1:59:00 PMAccurate tracking of Historical Costs - on older assets The accurate break down on building/land
20.1/8/2008 2:07:00 PMInventory will be time consuming and we have a lack of manpower.
21.1/8/2008 2:07:00 PMGetting starting values calculated and approved by auditors to avoid qualification of opening balances
22.1/8/2008 2:19:00 PMlack of staff available to perform inventories
23.1/8/2008 2:19:00 PMgathering data.
24.1/8/2008 2:20:00 PMResources
25.1/8/2008 2:27:00 PMHuman resources !!!!
26.1/8/2008 2:35:00 PMCouncil support and funding and TIME
27.1/8/2008 2:36:00 PMcurrent staff time
28.1/8/2008 2:38:00 PMsome...not all.. departmental non-urgency on the matter. non-existance of certain records or inventory.
29.1/8/2008 2:39:00 PMDead line, money, time, resources... did I say TIME
30.1/8/2008 2:47:00 PMFull and complete inventory of all tangible capital assets, especially infrastructure such as roads, water and wastewater systems. Valuation of all assets.
31.1/8/2008 2:56:00 PMAccounting
32.1/8/2008 3:00:00 PMLack of definitive guidelines Recreation of historical cost Determining ownership Inaccurate 3rd party data
33.1/8/2008 3:16:00 PMNot a lot of challenges because we are a small municipality so we should be able to stay on top of the changes etc.
34.1/8/2008 3:45:00 PMchoose the right software. The software provided by Microsoft Dynamics is too expensive.
35.1/8/2008 5:02:00 PMdetermining thresholds and developing policies based on auditors suggestions
36.1/8/2008 5:25:00 PMTime constraints Staff capabilities Limited budget
37.1/8/2008 6:33:00 PMValuation of data is the greatest challenge. For assets greater in age than our 7 year record retention guideline, we are forced to estimate values and attempt to justify the estimates to the external auditors. Additionally, the volume of data to be collected is onerous.
38.1/8/2008 6:43:00 PMResources to collect data (fill gaps), valuation process very detailed work/time, and impact to business process both from operational and budgeting perspective.
39.1/8/2008 7:43:00 PMthere are some areas that have never been inventory, such as streetlights, unopen road allowances, etc.
40.1/8/2008 7:55:00 PM1. settling on asset values 2. determining actual dollar amount of annual amortiz expense using the values, once decided, and using useful life estimates 3. re-working our now-adopted non-PSAB 2008 Budget into a PSAB-compliant version but we are unclear how the budget would change and would like some more training on this aspect, using a comprehensive case example of a simulated, medium-sized small urban municipality and showing its asset details and its 2008 budget before&amp;after PSDAB
41.1/8/2008 8:04:00 PMHistorical balances for roads
42.1/8/2008 8:18:00 PMObtaining CPI rates and the valuation fo the assets and to what extent of detail we go to.
43.1/8/2008 8:20:00 PMWe still require more training to become comfortable with new budgeting requirements, determining betterments vs. repairs and maintenance, developing the new financial statements and assistance with changes to our general ledger.
44.1/8/2008 8:34:00 PMThe biggest challenge is the valuation of infrastructure assets. Although I did attend the 2007 fall training, valuation is still a struggle.
45.1/8/2008 9:13:00 PMHuman Resources
46.1/8/2008 9:31:00 PMDetermining the best evaluation method for different types of capital assets
47.1/8/2008 9:50:00 PMTime, Personel and Money
48.1/8/2008 10:25:00 PMDetermining the replacement cost (to calculate historical cost) and acquisition dates for buildings and land
49.1/9/2008 1:58:00 PMGiven the volume of work and dealing with routine in high growth municipality, not having sufficient time/resources have been the biggest challenge.
50.1/9/2008 2:02:00 PM-Awaiting COMRIF funding -Further financial assistance from Province to implement PSAB requirements
51.1/9/2008 3:11:00 PMDetermining level of detail for each asset class. Finalizing valuation of assets. Integration with budget process. On-going maintenance of asset data. Managing organization change.
52.1/9/2008 5:44:00 PMThe time required to complete the task, primarily using existing staff resources. Developing consistent policy and procedure to be followed. Determining the right amount of detail to track without creating a cumbersome reporting process.
53.1/9/2008 6:43:00 PMtime shortages, valuation issues, audit completeness
54.1/9/2008 7:35:00 PMseconding sufficient staff to undertake inventory gathering and valuation, developing policies on asset valuation and amortization, reconciling existing budgeting practices with potential legislation changes
55.1/9/2008 8:34:00 PMFinding the manpower and time to implement
56.1/9/2008 8:38:00 PMNone
57.1/9/2008 9:18:00 PMdiscount factors amortization rates length of life of roads and infrastructure that are more than 10 or 15 years old For common assets,(which there are a lot of in municipalities)it would be helpful if acceptable criteria for all of the above were established that all municipalities could use.
58.1/10/2008 3:18:00 AMInsufficient staffing resources Determining impacts on budgeting Educating non-finance people on new requirements
59.1/10/2008 2:25:00 PMHow do we use the information in setting the 2009 budget? Data collection not easily accumulated. PSAB provided an opportunity to make &quot;electronic&quot; the asset information however the data is not easily accumulated. The day to day operation has now taken precendence over the completedness of PSAB. As time moves on, the PSAB issues fade as other issues arise (ie. budgets, year end, etc.). Reliance of other staff members to complete their tasks have been the main stumbling block. Then once data is received, there is a considerable amount of work required to get it into meaningful PSAB data.
60.1/10/2008 2:26:00 PMtime
61.1/10/2008 4:29:00 PMinventory completion and documentation asset valuations future asset aquisitions and disposals Asset management component
62.1/10/2008 6:26:00 PMtime
63.1/10/2008 7:06:00 PMMaintaining the integrity of the initial inventory.
64.1/11/2008 2:30:00 AMFunding is available to hire external specialists rather than hiring interm help for existing jobs to free up municipal employees to do asset inventory but municipality would like to have hands on approach for accountablity and knowledge of process.
65.1/11/2008 3:15:00 AMTime and resources
66.1/11/2008 2:28:00 PMdon't have resources necessary to complete the project very reliant on other departments for asset information and they aren't that interested in providing it.
67.1/11/2008 3:30:00 PMGetting everyone to understand that there are deadlines and we need to get going.
68.1/11/2008 3:41:00 PMMaking sure all assets are captured, finding historical costs, grouping of assets (how much detail do we want to have?)
69.1/11/2008 5:16:00 PMTime and resources
70.1/13/2008 4:34:00 PMSharing of source data in legacy systems that internal departments perceive &quot;they own&quot;. Audit approval of valuation techniques e.g. using Pavement Manager to derive road condition and value on that basis.
71.1/14/2008 1:11:00 PMsufficient staff time to complete the inventory
72.1/14/2008 2:44:00 PMbest software to use
73.1/14/2008 3:12:00 PMManpower and shortage of funds to hire extra help to input information.
74.1/14/2008 4:15:00 PMConsensus between the engineers and accountants. Understanding the implications of the change, primarily the politicans.
75.1/14/2008 5:00:00 PM- developing a long-term accounting solution for after implementation - thresholds - balancing useful information with amount of work required to obtain and maintain the information.
76.1/14/2008 6:02:00 PMTime, resources
77.1/14/2008 6:02:00 PMInformation re valuation and accounting
78.1/14/2008 6:04:00 PMTime is the biggest challenge. There isn't enough time to concentrate on this large project with the current workload
79.1/14/2008 6:04:00 PMClear guidelines, support from council, changing standards while developing policies
80.1/14/2008 6:05:00 PMWhat to count? How to bring all inventories together in one system? How to keep records up to date in future?
81.1/14/2008 6:06:00 PMFINDING THE TIME TO COMPLETE THIS PROJECT ON TOP OF ALL OTHER ACTIVITIES. GETTING MANAGERS TO COLLECT AND SUBMIT ASSET INFORMATION. SETTING UP GL ACCOUNTS THAT WILL COMPLY WITH THE NEW FIR.
82.1/14/2008 6:06:00 PMBridges
83.1/14/2008 6:09:00 PMFinding the time and people to complete the opening inventory count and valuation.
84.1/14/2008 6:10:00 PMDepartmental and senior mangement buy-in to importance of project Determining completeness of inventory especially owned vs managed properties Valuation of older assets, land buildings and infrastructure
85.1/14/2008 6:10:00 PMCompiling and valuing the inventory of capital assets especially underground infrastructure.
86.1/14/2008 6:09:00 PMThe planning exercise to integrate -amortization into the budget process, -eliminating principal repayments Understanding how &quot;use of assets&quot; affects budgeting and accounting when building in replacements of current assets.
87.1/14/2008 6:11:00 PMTime. We have decided to complete the project in-house with some help from an intern.
88.1/14/2008 6:12:00 PMJust finishing up.
89.1/14/2008 6:12:00 PMDone
90.1/14/2008 6:12:00 PMAre valuations of property correct? At present as long as we are close will suffice. In the long term actual figures will be used and the whole picture will be better.
91.1/14/2008 6:14:00 PMtime staff - it is very confussing as it is up to the municipality what the final rules are.
92.1/14/2008 6:16:00 PMadequate resources to meet deadlines lack of asset valuation tools lack of direction on specific issues
93.1/14/2008 6:23:00 PMSeparating Land/Building value Accurate valuation for Roads, Bridges, Culverts
94.1/14/2008 6:24:00 PMTiming available to complete all tasks by the end of 2008
95.1/14/2008 6:28:00 PMValuation difficulties. Finding the appropriate amount of resources to apply to the project.
96.1/14/2008 6:31:00 PMJanuary 1/09 time line
97.1/14/2008 6:32:00 PMwe are trying to recruit a replacement treasurer as ours was recruited by a larger municipality time to implement the program other priorities
98.1/14/2008 6:32:00 PMThe main challenge was valuation, but have completed that now.
99.1/14/2008 6:41:00 PMlack of staff time and resources
100.1/14/2008 6:49:00 PMWe do not have sufficient resources to get this project moving the way it should move. The difficulty with obtaining resources is due to the slow nature of municipal government, the lack of and competition for qualified human resources in the community, lack of competitive wages etc. Despite the fact that Council and senior management have been apprised of the need to get this work done, it really does not get corporate priority.
101.1/14/2008 6:50:00 PMThe understanding of non-financial managers and non-accountants.
102.1/14/2008 6:53:00 PMcollecting the information and making sure the lists are complete. valuation
103.1/14/2008 6:56:00 PMRight now is the costing of the items and meeting the time line. . .We have not hired another staff person but are doing the work ourselves.
104.1/14/2008 7:07:00 PMTime to inventory and report the historical data- having to ensure all systems are interfaced-
105.1/14/2008 7:14:00 PMtime/money/staffing
106.1/14/2008 7:18:00 PM1. Resources! This encompasses both financial and time, particularly within departments, to handle the increased data collection requirements associated with asset management and PSAB compliance. 2. Identification of a cost effective and functional asset management solution that will integrate with our other software and enable us to 'write it once'. 3. Changes to business processes to enable us to collect data on a timely basis (particularly for contributed assets). Also the methodology for the related valuation of contributed assets on a go forward basis.
107.1/14/2008 7:19:00 PMtime to complete the work and getting managers to buy into process.
108.1/14/2008 7:21:00 PMTime management. There are not enough hours in a day to complete all the tasks required.
109.1/14/2008 7:32:00 PMvaluing all land owned by municipality
110.1/14/2008 7:41:00 PM- lack of time available to do the extensive work that is required - lack of knowledge about available software - useful or not - lack of expertise - lack of understanding by other managers/peers of what I'm asking for and therefore time required to explain in detail so they get it and provide the proper information - each person tends to interpret what I'm asking for in a different way
111.1/14/2008 7:44:00 PMActually doing the inventory
112.1/14/2008 7:46:00 PMComing up with the benchmarks for the roads, water and sewer systems.
113.1/14/2008 8:00:00 PMToo many choices and methods in PSAB 3150 with few definitive directives create challenges in getting everyone to agree on methodologies. Retroactive application of the principle with comparative information for 2008 implies we must be in a position to amortize assets in 2008. Therefore opening 2008 balances are required with controls in place for 2008 additions and disposals. The challange was to understand this requirement and the time constraints it created. Ensuring we have systems in place and in time to capture our asset base in a manner we can manage these assets on a go forward basis. We are treating this as an asset management project as well as an accounting project.
114.1/14/2008 8:17:00 PM- Obtaining cooperation from operating departments - Obtaining adequate staffing requirements - Employing PeopleSoft software
115.1/14/2008 8:31:00 PMwhere to start format to use to collect data
116.1/14/2008 8:32:00 PMinventorying roads, culverts, and road related assets, like signs is a big hurdle. WE did not get this job done before the &quot;snow flew&quot; and it is now being put over until next summer. My own personal fear is there will be snow next year as well, and when these tasks get put on the back burner, it is very difficult to move them forward again. The same is true of our water and sewer assets - they have not been counted yet either. even more worrisome is the fact that once we get them all counted, the real work will start. Who is going to value all these assets and come up with an NBV as at january 1 2009??? It's enough to make you start looking for a new job.
117.1/14/2008 8:50:00 PMDetermining the life of an asset and the age of assets.
118.1/14/2008 8:55:00 PMGetting information from other departments and engineers for opening balances and components of buildings, roads, bridges, water and sewer systems.
119.1/14/2008 9:12:00 PMvaluatin eg cemeteries, how to handle land under road, sidewalks, curbs, municiapl drains, subdivision agreements
120.1/15/2008 1:54:00 AMValuation of assets where historical records not available; valuation of roads inventory
121.1/15/2008 1:27:00 PMCurrently asset information is kept by departments in a variety of forms and systems. Moving to a corporate asset register, will require significant communication and adoption from departments. The changes to the accounting as it relates to PSAB and assets will require communication to Council and management.
122.1/15/2008 1:30:00 PMtrying to value and track down what we actually own, as well as trying to determine which assets to include as part of a valuation (ie topsoil requirements as part of a road construction, is this a road asset?)
123.1/15/2008 1:38:00 PMNo Staffing, no $$$ and just a general over-burdening of staff with existing volumes of work!
124.1/15/2008 1:45:00 PMWe have been unable to hire staff. No accountants available.
125.1/15/2008 1:56:00 PMChallenges are staff resources and time.
126.1/15/2008 2:08:00 PMRecent staffing issues have left departments short of resources to keep existing inventory data sources up to date. Not having all data kept in the same data base or even in a central area is also creating a challenge, as you're not sure which is the most recent version or most reliable source of information. Another obstacle has been getting staff to understand that this isn't a Finance project intended to make more work for them, but rather a way of making the future better.
127.1/15/2008 2:13:00 PMCreating the accounting policies and putting the proper systems in place to control the flow of capital asset information.
128.1/15/2008 2:25:00 PM-changing from our traditional budgeting to budgeting under PSAB -converting our financial statements to PSAB compliance -training our department heads and Council on the above 2 items -tracking and updating capital assets on a go forward after Jan. 2009
129.1/15/2008 2:34:00 PMLack of human resources
130.1/15/2008 3:50:00 PMWe are using our existing personnel who in turn still have their regular duties as well as additional responsibilities with PSAB
131.1/15/2008 4:07:00 PMResources to complete the inventory Info to establish original cost
132.1/15/2008 4:45:00 PMEncouraging participatin by other member of staff that are not involved in the financial affairs, and do see the merit in capturing the required data.
133.1/15/2008 5:02:00 PMThere was no PSAB Funding made available to DSSAB's. Time and man power to do project.
134.1/15/2008 5:42:00 PMResources/staff Time
135.1/15/2008 6:12:00 PMDeveloping procedures to be used by each department to ensure all capital assets are recorded, that the appropriate cost is determined and that the existing inventory is adjusted to reflect additions/deletions Working with the Police and Regional Housing to inventory and value capital assets Finalyzing capital assets policy, ensuring all departments are on board and that the policy is capturing all capital assets within materiality
136.1/15/2008 7:41:00 PMPSAB project competing with other corporate projects for resources especially for staff time in attending workshops and collection the TCA inventory data. Council members do not see project as value added for taxpayers.
137.1/15/2008 7:49:00 PMn/a at this point
138.1/15/2008 8:29:00 PMadequate resources to complete existence of data valuation of asset
139.1/15/2008 8:37:00 PMTime, money, knowledge, personnel. 1. Developing appropriate policy for each asset class. 2. Identifying the proper software option to maintain the asset inventory, valuation and amortization processes. Need one that is inexpensive and VERY USER FRIENDLY. 3. Just finding the time to do the required work once January 2009 rolls around.
140.1/15/2008 9:10:00 PMLack of resouces competing demands for additional dollars Council dedicating budget dollars for more noticable initiatives Council reluctance to raise taxes
141.1/16/2008 3:19:00 AMThe valuation part may be difficult if we cannot use the discounting tool that may be availalbe from AMO and MFOA
142.1/16/2008 12:30:00 PMNo internal resource to do any of the prep work required - informed council - working with other municipalities to get it done - chose a firm but nothing else seems to be happening
143.1/16/2008 4:38:00 PMFacing - lack of historical data - determining age of infrastructure, in particular roads, storm sewers, streetlights - lack of existing asset/maintenance management system - deciding what level of detail is needed for different asset types Future - lack of information/understanding of the impact in capital/operating budgets - staff resources required to maintain asset database, financial statements, etc.
144.1/16/2008 5:46:00 PMon time completion
145.1/16/2008 6:41:00 PMObtaining an accurate inventory list for infrastructure assets and valuing them.
146.1/16/2008 7:00:00 PMTime and resources to apply to the major time-consuming project
147.1/16/2008 7:53:00 PMData collection especially from Public Works (Infrastructure) as well as the associated valuations. Resource constraints.
148.1/16/2008 9:26:00 PMCollecting complete information in a timely matter
149.1/16/2008 10:00:00 PMLack of staff resources to produce the required data.
150.1/17/2008 1:59:00 PM1. Lack of clear direction in PSAB guidelines 2. Lack of valuation standards 3. Incomplete inventories 4. Clear understanding of internal resource requirements 5. Lack of TIME
151.1/17/2008 3:31:00 PM- how the accounting and reporting requirements will be put into practice (including FIR, MPMP, Financial Statements budgeting and internal data maintenance/management) - determining a reasonable value for land under linear assets (ie. roads) - determining the value of a building and the level of detail for the components that comprise a building
152.1/17/2008 3:37:00 PMbalacing accounting needs with asset management - sometimes asset management ideas get out of control for the immediate future &amp; we have to postpone some ideas until future enhancements after PSAB is accomplished
153.1/17/2008 4:29:00 PMtime
154.1/17/2008 4:38:00 PMLack of staff to complete necessary work
155.1/17/2008 8:07:00 PMLack of time and resources. Not of $$. But you can't just hire a &quot;Body&quot; and say &quot;start inventorying&quot; for us. Our municipality, jointly with four others had entered into an arrangement for a consulting firm to come in and do this work for us. All the consulting firm really wanted to do was tell us what PSAB was about, and how you do an inventory. Consequently we all bailed out of the arrangement. We would spend $$ for reputable consultant to come in but how do you find out who these firms are and which ones are reputable and will do what they say? How many of them know what they're doing and are willing to do the hands-on work -- i.e. entering all the roads data. Inventory other assets, i.e. vehicles, buildings, land not as problematic although it is daunting although to some extent the valuation is. We simply don't have time.
156.1/18/2008 1:43:00 PMMunicipal senior staff &amp; Council buy in. Resouces
157.1/18/2008 3:06:00 PMWe are concerned about the lack of communication regarding the budget and how it will impact the approval process with council. We have already started the 2009 Budget Planning process and the guidelines appear to be too late for the process. This raises concerns about being able to meet the deadlines for the 2009 approval process.
158.1/18/2008 3:54:00 PMCosting
159.1/18/2008 7:37:00 PMValuation and component approach.
160.1/18/2008 10:03:00 PMMunicipalities need to share their solutions to individual asset categories. If somebody's done it, then it might work for us. We are in contact with some other OMBI municipalities through e-mail and occasional meetings. The associations can assist by asking others to post their solutions on the AMCTO PSAB website. Local workshops or web seminars are good too but you need volunteers and resources.
161.1/19/2008 6:16:00 PMTimelines and finding the time to devote to the exercise.
162.1/21/2008 5:27:00 PMother initiatives and priorities, reorganizations and team changes
163.1/21/2008 7:33:00 PMStaff resources and budgetary constraints
164.1/21/2008 8:46:00 PMmoney and staff time
165.1/23/2008 3:51:00 PMTIME CONSUMING PROJECT HEAVY RELIANCE ON SENIOR STAFF WHO HAS LITTLE TIME TO DEVOTE TO PROJECT
166.1/23/2008 3:58:00 PMTime
167.1/23/2008 4:18:00 PMPoor response from departments. Employee turnover in key management areas. Lack of specific training. There has been lots of theory but little actual hands on training.
168.1/23/2008 5:23:00 PMNo staff or expertise locally. Will have to bring consultants in from quite a distance to complete this.
169.1/23/2008 7:41:00 PMStaff time to complete the work
170.1/23/2008 7:43:00 PMGetting all departments to realize the benefits of the program
171.1/24/2008 12:56:00 PMLack of manpower to undertake the inventory and record information.
172.1/24/2008 1:18:00 PMCounting the underground pipes etc. Finding when the underground was put in, when a road was built etc.
173.1/24/2008 6:39:00 PM- locating information - information and valuation on hidden infrastructures
174.1/24/2008 7:59:00 PM- Resources (human) - Education - staff readiness at the Operational level - Data management - Incorporating changes to business processes
175.1/25/2008 2:01:00 PMhuman resources
176.1/25/2008 2:42:00 PMstaffing, time required,
177.1/25/2008 3:56:00 PMgetting our history accounting for all the roads
178.1/25/2008 8:38:00 PMsmall municipality - limited resources
179.1/31/2008 5:22:00 PMCompleting the physical inventory for the Storm Sewer network. Valuation of Buildings, and Storm Sewer network.