HomeMy WebLinkAboutReimbursement of Transient Occupancy Tax ��
CITY OF PALM DESERT
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: Approve reimbursement to operators for overpayment of Transient
Occupancy Tax in calendar year 2004 totaling $6,702.69.
SUBMITTED BY: Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance
DATE: January 26, 2006
Recommendation:
Approve reimbursement to operators for overpayment of Transient Occupancy
Tax in calendar year 2004 totaling $6,702.69.
Background:
The City of Palm Desert annually hires the CPA firm of Lance Soll & Lunghard, LLP to conduct
audits on our Transient Occupancy Tax. This last year, seven operators were audited; two
entities resulted in overpayment to the city for calendar year 2004. Attached are the seven
reports and a summary of the auditor's findings. Original copies have been provided to the City
Attorney's office. Approval of staff's request will reimburse the appropriate operations for
overpayment of transient occupancy tax for the calendar year 2004. These reports have been
taken to the Audit, nvestment and Finance Committee at the January 2006 meeting.
Submitted by:
���5�
Paul S. Gibs , ir ctor of nan
PSG:JLE:h .
Approval:
Carlos L. Orte , City Manager
T.O.T AUDIT FINDINGS
Period January 1, 2004 — December 31, 2004
Operator#1 -Company owes the City of Palm Desert$7,988.70 for underpayment of
Transient Occupancy Tax.
Operator#2 - City of Palm Desert owes $2,236.93 for overpayment of Transient
Occupancy Tax.
Operator#3 - There were no findings.
Operator#4- City of Palm Desert owes $4,465.76 for overpayment of Transient
Occupancy Tax.
Operator#5 - Company owes the City of Palm Desert$2,053.57 for underpayment of
Transient Occupancy Tax.
Operator#6 -There were no findings.
Operator#7 -There were no findings.
CITY OF PALM DESERT
LIM TED PROCEDI�R� REVIEW OF
FOR COMPLI�AIVCE WITH
TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX ORDINANCE
FOR THE PERIOD
JANUARY 1, 2004 THROUGH DECEMBER 31,2004
CITY OF PALM DESERT
JANUARY 1, 2004 THROUGH DECEMBER 31,2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Number
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT ON APPLYING
AGREED-UPON PROCEDURES �
SUMMARY OF PROCEDURES 2
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 3
COMPUTATION OF UNDERPAYMENT OF TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX 4
Lance Bnndon W.B�noWs
Donald L.Parker
SOI' � INichael K.C6u
David E.Hale
Lu n g h a rd A AvJecsio/al L'o�poratiow
Donald G.Slater
LLP Ric6ard K.Kikuchi
Certified Public Accountants Rea.�d
Robert C.Lance
191 L 1991
Ric6ard C.Soll
Fred J.Luog6ard,Jr.
1928-199f
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT ON APPLYING
AGREED-UPON PROCEDURES
To the Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
City of Palm Desert, California
We have performed the procedures enumerated herein,which were agreed to by the management of the City
of Palm Desert, California (the City) solely to assist the City in verifying the accuracy of the transient
occupancy tax returns submitted by the ���YQ�j✓ T� � . (the Hotel), to the City for the
period January 1,2004 through December 31,2004.The engagement to apply agreed-upon procedures was
performed in accordance with attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants. The sufficiency of the procedures is solely the responsibility of the management of the City of
Palm Desert. Consequently, we make no representations regarding the sufficiency of the procedures
described herein, either for the purpose for which this report has been requested or for any other purpose.
We were not engaged to,and did not,perform an audit of the transient occupancy tax retums of the Hotel,the
objective of which would be the expression of a certified opinion on the transient occupancy tax payments
made by the Hotel to the City.Accordingly,we do not express such an opinion. Had we performed additional
procedures, other matters might have come to our attention that would have been reported to the City.
This report is intended solely for the use of the City and should not be used by those who have not agreed to
the procedures and taken responsibility for the sufficiency of the procedures. However,if this report is made a
matter of public record, its distribution will not be limited.
�, .���� , ��,�
���
July 13, 2005
75 YEARS
1929 2004
�� F��K� 203 N.Brea Blvd.,Suite 203�Brea,CA 92821-4056�(714)672-0022�Fax(714)672-0331 •www.lslcpas.com
D�era�r� �
SUMMARY OF PROCEDURES
(Unaudited)
We performed the following procedures on the books and records of the �GV��g►��� -
(the Hotel), as agreed upon by the management of the City of Pa�m Dese
1. We reviewed the City Municipal Code and related ordinances and resolutions related to transient
occupancy tax.
2. We verified the mathematical accuracy and timeliness of transient occupancy reports filed with the
City for the calendar year 2004.
3. W e traced the gcoss revenues reported on the transient occupancy tax retums prepared by the Hotel,
to gross revenues recorded in the Hotel's accounting records and verified that these were in
accordance with the City's ordinance.
4. We selected a sample of rental transactions during the review period, and for each transaction
selected, we verified tax computations and traced the amounts of rental revenues and transient
occupancy tax collected to the books and records of the hotel.
5. We reviewed the intemal contro!procedures of the Hotel to determine the following:
a. How"gross rents"and"uncollected re�ts"were accounted for and reported to the City.
b. What procedures were in place to identify transient and nan-transient guests.
c. How exemptions,including complimentary rooms,were documented and reported to the City.
6. We reviewed the supporting documentation for exemptions claimed on the transient occupancy tax
returns.
7. We inquired how the Hotel handles reservations and payments made on line through a third party
such as Expedia.com and how the transient occupancy tax on these transactions were collected and
reported to the City.
8. We examined the Hotel's"Transient Occupancy Registration PermiY'and determined whether it was
posted in a conspicuous place.
9. We performed additional procedures that we considered necessary to verify the reasonableness of
reported revenues of the Hotel operator.
See Independent Accountants' Report
on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures
2
�,�erc�r� /
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
(Unaudited)
1. Per our inquiry with the Hotel, �GrQ,�` �� receives online reservations from
Expedia.com. Reservations are faxed to the front desk. Expedia.com has a direct bill account set up
with the Hotel, meaning that erQ��� / �ills Expedia.com for the room at the
agreed wholesale rate. Per our�nversation witn tne Hotel,the Transient Occupancy Tax is billed to
Expedia.com based on the wholesale rate. The Hotel does not know how much the guest is paying
for the room unless it goes to the Expedia.com web site. Similarly, the guest does not known how
much the Hotel is billing Expedia.com for the room since the Hotel is not allowed to disclose the room
rate to the guest. Room revenue and Transient Occupancy Taxes are recorded daily during the night
audit in the Hotel's accounting records. Room revenue is reported monthly to the City and the
Transient Occupancy Tax is computed and paid to the City accordingly. For revenue derived from
reservations made through Expedia.com, the room revenue is reported to the City at the wholesale
rate.
2. Based on our review of the Hotel's accounting records,gross rents for occupancy of all rooms(line 1
on the return of Transient Occupancy Tax)were over reported as follows:
Gross Rent Gross Rent per our Gross Rent
Reported by Review of the Hotel's (Under)
the Hotel Accounting Records Reported
January-04 $ 229,461.57 $ 235,840.63 $ (6,379.06)
February-04 281,503.19 319,895.27 (38,392.08)
June-04 132,663.08 134,029.28 (1,366.20)
July-04 120,023.87 121,687.97 (1,664.10)
August-04 89,749.28 90,327.98 (578.70�
September-04 102,058.90 102,610.94 (552.04)
October-04 167,912.10 169,268.10 (1,356.00)
November-04 202,365.10 203,596.10 (1,231.00)
Total Gross Rent Under Reported $ (51,519.18)
3. Based on our review of the Hotel's internal record, allowable deductions (line 2 on the return of
transient occupancy tax)were over reported as follows:
Allowable Deductions
Allowable Deductions per our Review of the Deductions
Reported by the Hotel Hotel's Accounting �Under) Over
Records Reported
February-04 $ 5,697.70 $ 6,072.70 $ (375.00)
September-04 2,574.00 1,104.00 1,470.00
Total Allowable Deductions Over reported $ 1,095.00
4. Based on findings#2 and#3 above and our indeqe dent recomputation of the transient occupancy
tax as shown on page 4 of this report, '�L!'Q,�i►� �� under paid its transient
occupancy taxes by $4,752.57 for the penod January 2004 through December 2004. Applicable
penalties and interests of$2,376.29 and$859.84,respectively,have been computed up to the August
2005 reporting period. The total owed by the Hotel to the City for the period January 2004 through
December 2004 amounts to $7,988.70 payable on or before October 1, 2005.
See Independent Accountants' Report
on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures
3
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• 2
CITY OF PALM DESERT
LIMITED PROCEDURES REVIEW OF
' (Q,�9✓��Z ' PALM DESERT
�FOR COMPLIANCE WITH
TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX ORDINANCE
FOR THE PERIOD
JANUARY 1, 2004 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2004
CITY OF PALM DESERT
JANUARY 1, 2004 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Number
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT ON APPLYING
AGREED-UPON PROCEDURES �
SUMMARY OF PROCEDURES 2
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 3
COMPUTATION OF OVERPAYMENT OF TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX 5
Lance Brandon W.Burrows
Donald L.Parker
SOI I � �tic6ael K.Chu
David E.Hale
Lu ng hard ���°��°�°�
Donald G.Slater
LLP Ric6ard K.Kikuchi
Certified Public Accountants Relired
Robert C.l.snce
191�-1991
Richard C.Soll
Fred J.Luaghard,Jr.
192i-1999
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT ON APPLYING
AGREED-UPON PROCEDURES
To the Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
City of Palm Desert, Catifornia
We have performed the procedures enumerated herein,which were agreed to by the management of the City
of Palm Desert, California (the City), solely to assist the City in verifying the accuracy of the transient
occupancy tax retums submitted by the Q��r�� Palm Desert (the Hotel) to the City for the
period January 1,2004 through December 31,2004.The engagement to apply agreed-upon procedures was
performed in accordance with attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Pubfic
Accountants. The sufficiency of the procedures is solely the responsibility of the management of the City of
Palm Desert. Consequently, we make no representations regarding the su�ciency of the procedures
described herein, either for the purpose for which this report has been requested or for any other purpose.
We were not engaged to,and did not perform an audit of the transient occupancy tax returns of the Hotel,the
objective of which would be the expression of a certified opinion on the transient occupancy tax payments
made by the Hotel to the City.Accordingly,we do not express such an opinion. Had we performed additional
procedures, other matters might have come to our attention that would have been reported to the City.
This report is intended solely for the use of the City and should not be used by those who have not agreed to
the procedures and taken responsibility for the sufficiency of the procedures.However,if this report is made a
matter of public record, its distribution will not be limited.
�, .�� �-� ��'�
��
July 7, 2004
75 YEARS
1929 2004
�� F��P.�[CQ 203 N.Brea Blvd.,Suite 203 �Brea,CA 92821-4056�(714)672-0022� Fax(714)672-0331 •www.lslcpas.com
�,�,{�j►��v�— - . . PALM DESERT
SUMMARY OF PROCEDURES
(Unaudited)
We performed the following procedures on the books and records of the ' �t'�,o��� Palm
Desert(the Hotel), as agreed upon by the management of the City of Palm�e�ert:
1. We reviewed the City Municipal Code and related ordinances and reso{utions related to transient
occupancy tax.
2. We verified the mathematical accuracy and timeliness of transient occupancy reports filed with the
City for the calendar year 2004.
3. W e traced the gross revenues reported on the transient occupancy tax returns prepared by the Hotel
to gross revenues recorded in the Hotel's accounting records and verified that these were in
accordance with the City's ordinance.
4. We selected a sample of rental transactions during the review period and for each transaction
selected, we verified tax computations and traced the amounts of rental revenues and transient
occupancy tax collected to the books and records of the hotel.
5. We reviewed the internal control procedures of the Hotel to determine the following:
a. How"gross rents"and "uncollected rents"were accounted for and reported to the City.
b. What procedures were in place to identify transient and non-transient guests.
c. How exemptions, including complimentary rooms,were documented and reported to the City.
6. We reviewed the supporting documentation for exemptions claimed on the transient occupancy tax
returns.
7. We inquired how the Hotel handles resenrations and payments made on line through a third party
such as Expedia.com and how the transient occupancy tax was collected and reported to the City on
these transactions.
8. We examined the Hotel's"Transient Occupancy Registration Permit"and determined whether it was
posted in a conspicuous place.
9. We performed additional procedures that we considered necessary to verify the reasonableness of
reported revenues of the Hotel operator.
See Independent Accountants' Report
on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures
2
�,�-�r�,� , PALM DESERT
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
(Unaudited)
1. Per our inquiry with the Hotel, online reservations are made through third party websites. These
websites have the option of making advance payments (i.e.Travelocity.com and Priceline.com), or
selecting the direct bill option (i.e. Expedia.com). For the advance payments, the Intemet sites
forward the revenue to the Hotel in advance of the guest checking in. For the direct billing option,the
Hotel bills the Intemet site the agreed-upon rate for the room and the actual payment comes later.
The room revenue and taxes are posted when the guests check in. At the end of each day, the
system closes its shift and records the Hotel's daily revenue and automatically computes the tax for
all taxable room revenues. The revenue and taxes from online reservations are reported to the City of
Palm Desert along with the other room revenue at the end of each period.
2. Based on our review of the Hotel's accounting records,gross rents for occupancy of all rooms
(line 1 on the retum of transient occupancy tax)were over reported as follows:
Gross Rent per
Gross Rent our Review of Gross Rent
Reported by the Hotel's (Under) Over
the Hotel Accounting Reported
Record
Period 1-2004 $ 309,448.33 $ 309,315.26 $ 133.07
Period 2-2004 395,347.44 394,283.43 1,064.01
Period 3-2004 518,119.22 516,376.21 1,743.01
Period 42004 389,609.44 387,775.44 1,834.00
Period 5-2004 267,386.92 264,950.97 2,435.95
Period 6-2004 181,721.56 181,383.51 338.05
Period 7-2004 137,183.18 135,676.12 1,507.06
Period 8-2004 118,016.89 116,204.73 1,812.16
Period 9-2004 109,624.78 108,102.60 1,522.18
Period 10-2004 186,985.67 183,008.89 3,976.78
Period 11-2004 242,585.11 239,088.16 3,496.95
Period 12-2004 302,149.56 297,691.51 4,458.05
Period 13-2004 246,997.67 244,253.13 2,744.54
Total Gross Rent Over Reported $ 27,065.81
Period 1-2004 started on January 1, 2004 and Period 13-2004 ended on December 31, 2004. The
over reporting of gross rent is the result of the Hotel incorrectly including a food and beverage
package with the gross rent for occupancy of all rooms.
See Independent Accountants' Report
on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures
3
����1��o�� , PALM DESERT
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
(Unaudited)
3. Based on our review of the Hotel's accounting records, allowable deductions (line 2 on the return
of transient occupancy tax)were under reported/over reported for Periods 1-6 and 13 as follows:
Allowable
Allowable Deductions per Deductions
Deductions our Rev(ew of the (Under) Over
Reported by the Hotel's Internal Reported
Hotel Record
Period 1-2004 $ - $ 252.00 $ (252.00)
Period 2-2004 354.00 - 354.00
Period 3•2004 - 129.00 (129.00)
Period 4-2004 1,806.00 1,677.00 129.00
Period 5-2004 1,524.04 1,992.00 (467.96)
Period 6-2004 1,056.00 1,022.00 34.00
Period 13-2004 2,627.00 84.00 2,543.00
Total Allowable Deductions Over Reported $ 2,211.04
4. Based on findings#2 and#3 above and our independen recomputation of the transient occupancy
tax as shown on page 5 of this report, ��r has over paid its transient occupancy
taxes by$2,236.93 for the period January 2004 through December 2004. The total owed by the City
to the Hotel for the period January 2004 through December 2004 amounts to $2,236.93.
See Independent Accountants' Report
on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures
4
���
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CITY OF PALM DESERT
�IMITE PROCEDURES REVIEW OF
�1���1/�3 PALM DESERT
FOR COMPLIANCE WITH
TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX ORDINANCE
FOR THE PERIOD
JANUARY 1, 2004 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2004
CITY OF PALM DESERT
JANUARY 1, 2004 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Number
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT ON APPLYING
AGREED-UPON PROCEDURES 1
SUMMARY OF PROCEDURES 2
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 3
Bnndon W.Burrows
Lance Donald L Parker
$O�� $c ti��na�i�c.cn�
David E.Hale
Lunghard ��1����
DonAld G.Sl�ter
LLP Richard K.Kikuc6i
Certified Public Accountants x�rr.�
Robert C.Lance
1911-1994
Richard C.Soll
Fred J.Lung6ard,Jr.
19261999
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT ON APPLYING
AGREED-UPON PROCEDURES
To the Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
City of Palm Desert, California
We have performed the procedures enumerated herein,which were agreed to by the management of the City
of Palm Desert, Califomia (the City) solely to a ist th . c;itv in verifying the accuracy of the transient
occupancy tax returns submitted by the �C�wq(t��3 �, Palm Desert (the Hotel)to the City for the
period January 1,2004 through December 3 ,2004. The engagement to apply agreed-upon procedures was
pertormed in accordance with attestation standards established by the American Institute of Ce�tified Public
Accountants. The su�ciency of the procedures is solely the responsibility of the management of the City of
Palm Desert. Consequently, we make no representations regarding the sufficiency of the procedures
described herein either for the purpose for which this report has been requested or for any other purpose.
We were not engaged to,and did not perform,an audit of the transient occupancy tax retums of the Hotel,the
objective of which would be the expression of a certified opinion on the transient occupancy tax payments
made by the Hotel to the City. Accordingly,we do not express such an opinion. Had we performed additional
procedures, other matters might have come to our attention that would have been reported to the City.
This report is intended solely for the use of the City and should not be used by those who have not agreed to
the procedures and taken responsibility for the sufficiency of the procedures. However,if this report is made a
matter of public record, its distribution will not be limited.
�, �� �-� , ���
��
July 12, 2005
75 YEARS
1929 2004
�� F��P.JIfL'� 203 N.Brea Blvd.,Suite 203�Brea,CA 92821-4056�(714)672-0022�Fax(714)672-0331 •www.lslcpas.com
���r�3 ., PALM DESERT
SUMMARY OF PROCEDURES
(Unaudited)
We performed the following procedures on the books and records of the ���q�'#-� �,Palm Desert
(the Hotel), as agreed upon by the management of the City of Palm Dese�t:
1. We reviewed the City Municipal Code and related ordinances and resolutions related to transient
occupancy tax.
2. We verified the mathematical accuracy and timeliness of transient occupancy reports filed with the
City for the calendar year 2004.
3. We traced the gross revenues reported on the transient occupancy tax returns prepared by the Hotel
to gross revenues recorded in the Hotel's accounting records and verified that these were in
accordance with the Cit�s ordinance.
4. We selected a sample of rental transactions during the review period and for each transaction
selected, we verified tax computations and traced the amounts of rental revenues and transient
occupancy tax collected to the books and records of the hotel.
5. We reviewed the internal control procedures of the Hotel to determine the following:
a. How"gross rents"and "uncollected rents"were accounted for and reported to the City.
b. What procedures were in place to identify transient and non-transient guests.
c. How exemptions,including complimentary rooms,were documented and reported to the City.
6. We reviewed the supporting documentation for exemptions claimed on the transient occupancy tax
returns.
7. We inquired how the Hotel handles reservations and payments made on line through a third party
such as Expedia.com and how the transient occupancy tax was collected and reported to the City on
these transactions.
8. We examined the Hotel's"Transient Occupancy Registration Permit"and determined whether it was
posted in a conspicuous place.
9. We performed additional procedures that we considered necessary to verify the reasonableness of
reported revenues of the Hotel operator.
See Independent Accountants' Report
on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures
2
�era�r�3 , PALM DESERT
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
(Unaudited)
1. Per our inquiry with the Hotel, online reservations can be made through Expedia.com. When a
reservation is made over the Intemet, Expedia.com has the ability to book the reservation directly into
the Hotel's system. If any changes are necessary afterward,Expedia.com must fax the request to the
Hotel. Expedia.com receives 18%of the revenue for each guest that uses its intemet site. The room
revenue is posted daily in the hotel's accounting records,but is not recognized until the guest checks
out. The Transient Occupancy Taxes are posted daily into the system, but are recognized by the
Hotel only when the guest checks out. The revenue and the Transient Occupancy Tax are reported
monthly to the City of Palm Desert.
See Independent Accountants' Report
on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures
2
CITY OF PALM DESERT
LIM�PROCEDURES REVIEW OF
r
PALM DESERT
FOR CO LIANCE WITH
TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX ORDINANCE
FOR THE PERIOD
JANUARY 1, 2004 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2004
CITY OF PALM DESERT
JANUARY 1,2004 THROUGH DECEMBER 31,2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Number
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT ON APPLYING
AGREED-UPON PROCEDURES �
SUMMARY OF PROCEDURES 2
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 3
COMPUTATION OF OVERPAYMENT OF TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX 5
Lance Brandon W.Burrows
Donsld L.Parkcr
SO'f � �lichael K.Chu
David E.Hale
Lu ng hard ���°��°P°�
Donald G.Slater
LLP RicAard K.Kikuchi
Certified Public Accountants Rtdred
Robert C.Laace
19t�1991
Richard C.Soll
Fred J.Lunghard,Jr.
192b1999
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT ON APPLYING
AGREED-UPON PROCEDURES
To the Honorabie Mayor and Members of the City Council
City of Palm Desert, California
W e have performed the procedures enumerated herein,which were agreed to by the management of the City
of Palm Desert, Califomia (the City), solel to a ist t e City in verifying the accuracy of the transient
occupancy tax retums submitted by the �t�D�rp,� , Palm Desert(the Hotel)to the City, for the
period January 1,2004 through December 31,2004.The ngagement to apply agreed-upon procedures was
performed in accordance with attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants.The sufficiency of the procedures is solely the responsibility of the management of the City of
Palm Desert. Consequently, we make no representations regarding the sufficiency of the procedures
described herein, either for the purpose for which this report has been requested or for any other purpose.
We were not engaged to,and did not perform an audit of the transient occupancy tax returns of the Hotel,the
objective of which would be the expression of a certified opinion on the transient occupancy tax payments
made by the Hotel to the City.Accordingly,we do not express such an opinion. Had we pertormed additional
procedures, other matters might have come to o�r attention that would have been reported to the Ciry.
This report is intended solely for the use of the City and should not be used by those who have not agreed to
the procedures and taken responsibility for the sufficiency of the procedures. However,if ihis report is made a
matter of public record its distribution will not be limited.
�, ,,�?��-�' , ���
���
July 11, 2005
75 YEARS
1929 2004
�� F1l�KL'6 203 N. 8rea Hlvd.,Suite 203�Brea,CA 92821-4056�(714)672-0022�Fax(714)672-0331 •www.lslcpas.com
�a{�r�� , PALM DESERT
SUMMARY OFPROCEDURES
(Unaudited)
We performed the following procedures on the books and records of the ��a,�� ,Palm Desert
(the Hotei), as agreed upon by the management of the City of Palm Desert:
1. We reviewed the City Municipal Code and related ordinances and resolutions related to transient
occupancy tax.
2. We verified the mathematical accuracy and timeliness of transient occupancy reports filed with the
Ciry for the calendar year 2004.
3. We traced the gross revenues repo�ted on the transient occupancy tax returns prepared by the Hote!
to gross revenues recorded in the Hotel's accounting records and verified that these were in
accordance with the City's ordinance.
4. We selected a sample of rental transactions during the review period, and for each transaction
selected we verified tax computations and traced the amounts of rental revenues and transient
occupancy tax collected to the books and records of the hotel.
5. We reviewed the internal control procedures of the Hotel to determine the following:
a. How"gross rents" and "uncollected rents"were accounted for and reported to the City.
b. What procedures were in place to identif}r transient and non-transient guests.
c. How exemptions,including complimentary rooms,were documented and reported to the City.
6. We reviewed the supporting documentation for exemptions claimed on the transient occupancy tax
returns.
7. We inquired how the Hotel handles reservations and payments made on line through a third party
such as Expedia.com and how the transient occupancy tax was collected and reported to the City on
these transactions.
8. We examined the Hotel's"Transient Occupancy Registration PermiY'and determined whether it was
posted in a conspicuous place.
9. We performed additional procedures that we considered necessary to verify the reasonableness of
reported revenues of the Hotel operator.
See Independent Accountants' Report
on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures
2
�rQ,� � �, PALM DESERT
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
(Unaudited)
1. Per our inquiry with the hotel,all room revenues and related taxes are posted each night between 12
a.m. and 3 a.m. by the hotel's property management system, regardless of whether fhe reservation
was made via the intemet or directly with the hotel. The property management system is an
automated function and is unaffected by the type of business or its billing arrangement. 7he transient
occupancy tax is recorded each day into the hotel's general ledger and is paid to the City of Palm
Desert for each operating period.
2. Based on our review of the hotel's accounting records,gross rents for occupancy of all rooms(line 1
on the retum of transient occupancy tax)were over reported as follows:
Gross Rent Gross Rent per Gross Rent
Reported by the our Review of (Under)Over
Hotel the Hotel's Reported
Internal Record
Period 1-2004 $ 2,896,109.60 $ 2,893,968.00 $ 2,141.60
Period 2-2004 4,784,562.93 4,781,633.00 2,929.93
Period 3-2004 4,173,826.81 4,165,948.00 7,878.81
Period 4-2004 4,501,826.73 4,495,133.00 6,693.73
Period 5-2004 3,483,097.60 3,485,355.00 (2,257.40)
Period 6-2004 2,447,194.27 2,449,996.00 (2,801.73)
Period 7-2004 1,983,352.49 1,968,735.00 14,617.49
Period 8-2004 2,079,995.04 2,070,169.00 9,826.04
Period 9-2004 1,985,614.05 1,970,008.00 15,606.05
Period 10-2004 2,470,097.11 2,449,311.00 20,786.11
Period 11-2004 2,701,772.00 2,704,452.00 (2,680.00)
Period 12-2004 3,086,524.89 3,074,772.00 11,752.89
Period 13-2004 1,778,898.69 1,804,716.00 (25,817.31)
Total Gross Rent Over Reported $ 58,676.21
Period 1 -2004, started on January 1�`, 2004 and Period 13-2004, ended on December 31$`,
2004.
See Independent Accountants' Report
on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures
3
�sQ,(Q,�r.�� , PALM DESERT
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
(Unaudifed)
3. Based on our review of the hotel's accounting records, allowable deductions (line 2 on the return
of transient occupancy tax)were over reported as follows:
Allowable Deductions ��owable Deductions Deductions
Reported by the Hotel Per our Review of the (Under) Over
Hotel'a Internal Record Reported
Period 4-2004 $ 15,126.33 $ 6,070.00 $ 9,056.33
Total Allowable Deductions Over reported $ 9,056.33
4. Based on findings#2 and#3 above and our ind ende t recomputation of the transient occupancy
tax as shown on page 5 of this report, ����� has over paid its transient occupancy
taxes by$4,465.76 for the period January 004 through ecember 2004. The total owed by the City
to the Hotel for the period January 2004 through December 2004 amounts to$4,465.76.
See Independent Accountants'Report
on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures
4
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CITY OF PALM DESERT
�IMITED PROCEDURES REVIEW OF
a'�r�� PALM DESERT
FOR COMPLIANCE WITH
TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX ORDINANCE
FOR THE PERIOD
JANUARY 1,2004 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2004
CITY OF PALM DESERT
JANUARY 1, 2004 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Number
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT ON APPLYING
AGREED-UPON PROCEDURES 1
SUMMARY OF PROCEDURES 2
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 3
COMPUTATION OF UNDERPAYMENT OF TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX 4
Brandon W.Burrows
Lance Donald L.Parker
SO�� 8c D�vdE.H leu
Lun hard ��°f�°~"°�°�"°�
9 Donald G.Slater
LLP Richwrd K.Kikuc6i
Certified Public Accoui:tants Retlred
Robert C.Lsace
u��is9t
Richard C.Soll
Fred J.Lungdard,Jr.
193i1999
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT ON APPLYING
AGREED-UPON PROCEDURES
To the Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
City of Palm Desert, Califomia
We have performed the procedures enumerated herein,which were agreed to by the management of the City
of Palm Desert, Califomia (the City), solel to assist th�ity in verifying the accuracy of the transient
occupancy tax returns submitted by the ���V S Palm Desert(the Hotel)to the City for the
period January 1,2004 through December 31,2004. The engagement to apply agreed-upon procedures was
performed in accordance with attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants. The su�ciency of the procedures is solely the responsibility of the management of the City of
Palm Desert. Consequently, we make no representations regarding the sufficiency of the procedures
described herein, either for the purpose for which this repo�t has been requested or for any other purpose.
We were not engaged to,and did not, perform an audit of the transient occupancy tax returns of the Hotel,the
objective of which would be the expression of a certified opinion on the transient occupancy tax payments
made by the Hotel to the City. Accordingly,we do not express such an opinion. Had we performed additional
procedures, other matters might have come to our attention that would have been repo�ted to the City.
This report is intended solely for the use of the City and should not be used by those who have not agreed to
the procedures and taken responsibility for the sufficiency of the procedures. However,if this report is made a
matter of public record its distribution will not be limited.
�, ,�� �-�° , ���
�,��
July 8, 2005
75 YEARS
1929 2004
�� F��KCB 203 N. Brea Blvd.,Suite 203�Brea,CA 92821-4056�(714)672-0022�Fax(714)672-0331 •www.lslcpas.com
D�tYq,�r�-5 �, PALM DESERT
SUMMARY OF PROCEDURES
(Unaudited)
We performed the following procedures on the books and records of �rq�r �S , Palm
Desert (the Hotel), as agreed upon by the management of the City of Palm Desert:
1. We reviewed the City Municipal Code and related ordinances and resolutions related to transient
occupancy tax.
2. We verified the mathematical accuracy and timeliness of t�ansient occupancy reports filed with the
Ciry for the calendar year 2004.
3. We traced the gross revenues reported on the transieni occupancy tax retums prepared by the Hotel
to gross revenues recorded in the Hotel's accounting records and verified that these were in
accordance with the City's ordinance.
4. We selected a sample of rental transactions during the review period and for each transaction
selected, we verified tax computations and traced the amounts of rental revenues and transient
occupancy tax collected to the books and records of the hotel.
5. We reviewed the internal control procedures of the Hotel to determine the following:
a. How"gross rents"and "uncollected rents"were accounted for and reported to the City.
b. What procedures were in place to identify transient and non-transient guests.
c. How exemptions,including complimentary rooms,were documented and reported to the City.
6. We reviewed the supporting documentation for exemptions claimed on the transient occupancy tax
returns.
7. We inquired how the Hotel handles reservations and payments made on-line through a third party
such as Expedia.com and how the transient occupancy tax was collected and reported to the City on
these transactions.
8. We examined the Hotel's"Transient Occupancy Registration Permit"and determined whether itwas
posted in a conspicuous place.
9. We performed additional procedures that we considered necessary to verify the reasonableness of
reported revenues of the Hotel operator.
See Independent Accountants' Report
on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures
2
�-�,'�gr.��' , PALM DESERT
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
(Unaudited)
1. Per our inquiry with the Hotel, on-line reservations are made primarily through Expedia.com. The
customer pays Expedia.com directly for the room rate and applicable tax. The Hotel bills
Expedia.com once per week. Upon generating a bill, the system automatically records the
transaction. Once the guest checks out of the Hotel, the revenue and tax is recorded in the Hotel's
system. The tax and revenue from on-line reservations are reported to the City of Palm Desert at the
end of each period along with other taxable revenues recorded through occupants who do not reserve
rooms on-line.
2. Based on our review of the Hotel's accounting records,gross rents for occupancy of all rooms(line 1
on the return of transient occupancy tax)were under reported as follows:
Gross Rent per
Gross Rent our Review of Gross Rent
Reported by the the Hotel's (Under) Over
Hotel Accounting Reported
Record
Period 09-2004 $ 196,341.22 $ 194,936.58 $ 1,404.64
Period 11-2004 275,483.56 276,533.57 (1,050.01)
Period 12-2004 304,194.78 305,379.30 (1,184.52)
Period 13-2004 253,380.11 255,330.13 (1,950.02)
Total Gross Rent Under Reported $ (2,779.91)
3. The Hotel was unable to generate monthly exemption reports from its system. However, we were
able to review system generated daily exemption reports. We judgmentally selected 41 days for the
period under review and traced the total on the daily exemption reports to the monthly exemption
schedules provided to the City with the tax return. We found 5 days out of 41 where the exemptions
were overstated. The total overstatement for the days tested was$1,487 for$80,477 of exemptions
reported, or an overstatement rate of 1.848%. When we extrapolate the enor rate to the total
exemptions claimed for the period under review($629,800),we estimate that the exemptions were
over reported by $11,638.70, resulting in an underpayment of the transient occupancy tax of
$1,047.48.
4. Based on findings#2 and#3 reported above, �Q,r�r#'�$ Palm Desert under-paid its
transient occupancy taxes by$1,297.67 for the penod January 1,2004 through December 31,2004.
Applicable penalties and interest of$648.84 and$107.06,respectively,have been computed up to the
August 2005 reporting period. The total owed by the Hotel to the City for the period January 1,2004
through December 31, 2004 amounts to$2,053.57 payable on or before October 1, 2005.
See Independent Accountants' Report
on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures
3
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CITY OF PALM DESERT
LIMITED PROCEDURES REVIEW OF
�rQ�pr��p PALM DESERT
FOR COMPLIANCE WITH
TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX ORDINANCE
FOR THE PERIOD
JANUARY 1, 2004 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2004
CITY OF PALM DESERT
JANUARY 1, 2004 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Number
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT ON APPLYING
AGREED-UPON PROCEDURES �
SUMMARY OF PROCEDURES 2
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 3
Brandon W.Burrows
Lance Donald L.Parker
SOI I � �tichael K.Chu
L u n g h a rd David E.Hale
,�r.���ca.�w;a,
Donald G.Slater
LLP Richxrd K.Kikuchi
Certifred Public Accountants ReNred
Robert C.Lance
vi�-�s�
Ric6ard C.Soll
Fred J.Lung6ard,Jr.
192b199f
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT ON APPLYING
AGREED-UPON PROCEDURES
To the Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
City of Palm Desert, California
We have performed the procedures enumerated herein,which were agreed to by the management of the City
of Palm Desert, California (the City), solely to a sist the City in verifying the accuracy of the transient
occupancy tax retums submitted by the ��gr �p ,Palm Desert(the Hotel),to the City for the
period January 1,2004 through December 3 ,2004.The engagement to apply agreed-upon procedures was
performed in accordance with attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants. The su�ciency of the procedures is solely the responsibility of the management of the City of
Palm Desert. Consequently, we make no representations regarding the su�ciency of the procedures
described herein, either for the purpose for which this report has been requested or for any other purpose.
We were not engaged to,and did not,perform an audit of the transient occupancy tax retums of the Hotel,the
objective of which would be the expression of a certified opinion on the transient occupancy tax payments
made by the Hotel to the City.Accordingly,we do not express such an opinion. Had we performed additional
procedures, other matters might have come to our attention that would have been reported to the City.
This report is intended solely for the use of the City and should not be used by those who have not agreed to
the procedures and taken responsibility for the sufficiency of the procedures. However,if this report is made a
matter of public record, its distribution will not be limited.
�, .,���-� , �'��°
���
July 13, 2005
75 YEARS
1929 2004
�� FXC'�!�KCQ 203 N.Brea Blvd., Suite 203 � Brea,CA 92821-4056�(714)672-0022�Fax(714)672-0331 •www.lslcpas.com
(��Y'��9Y��p ', PALM DESERT
SUMMARY OF PROCEDURES
(Unaudited)
We performed the following procedures on the books and records of �-a-��r �6 , Palm
Desert (the Hotel), as agreed upon by the management of the City of Palm Desert:
1. We reviewed the City Municipal Code and related ordinances and resolutions related to transient
occupancy tax.
2. We verified the mathematical accuracy and timeliness of transient occupancy reports filed with the
City for the calendar year 2004.
3. W e traced the gross revenues reported on the transient occupancy tax returns prepared by the Hotel
to gross revenues recorded in the Hotel's accounting records and verified that these were in
accordance with the City's ordinance.
4. We selected a sample of rental transactions during the review period and for each transaction
selected, we verified tax computations and traced the amounts of rental revenues and transient
occupancy tax collected to the books and records of the hotel.
5. We reviewed the internal control procedures of the Hotel to determine the following:
a. How"gross rents"and "uncollected rents"were accounted for and reported to the City.
b. What procedures were in place to identify transient and non-transient guests.
c. How exemptions,including complimentary rooms,were documented and reported to the City.
6. We reviewed the supporting documentation for exemptions claimed on the transient occupancy tax
returns.
7. We inquired how the Hotel handles reservations and payments made on line through a third party
such as Expedia.com and how the transient occupancy tax was collected and reported to the City on
these transactions.
8. We examined the Hotel's"Transient Occupancy Registration Permit"and determined whether it was
posted in a conspicuous place.
9. We performed additional procedures that we considered necessary to verify the reasonableness of
reported revenues of the Hotel operator.
See Independent Accountants' Report
on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures
2
�Q,�1�#� PALM DESERT
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
(Unaudited)
1. Per our inquiry with the Hotel,revenue is collected upon guest departure whether the guest made the
reservation directly with the hotel or on line through sites such as Travelocity.com, Priceline.com,
Expedia.com or Synxis.com. Revenue is collected based on occupancy and the transient occupancy
tax is collected upon departure. The tax is reported and paid to the City monthly based upon
occupan Fo on line reservation through third party web-sites,the intemet sites send an e-mail to
Q��Q�Y�� ;reservation department on a daily basis.The internet sites do not receive
any share of revenues when reservations are made.The Hotel pays a fee and the fee is recorded as
an expense.
See Independent Accountants' Report
on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures
3
CITY OF PALM DESERT
LIMITED PROCEDURES REVIEW OF
��,{�'(�7 , PALM DESERT
FOR COMPLIANCE WITH
TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX ORDINANCE
FOR THE PERIOD
JANUARI' 1, 2004 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2004
CITY OF PALM DESERT
JANUARY 1, 2004 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Number
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS'REPORT ON APPLYING
AGREED-UPON PROCEDURES 1
SUMMARY OF PROCEDURES 2
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 3
Brsndoo W.Burrows
Lance Donald L.Parker
SO" � lfichael K Chu
Lu n g h a rd Dpvid E.Halt
.,rnofmio..,Ca,ponaoo„
Donald G.Slater
LLP Richard K.Klkuc6i
Certified Public Accountants R�a.�
Robert C.Lance
191�-199�
RicAard C.Soll
Fred J.Lunghard.Jr.
19261999
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS'REPORT ON APPLYING
AGREED-UPON PROCEDURES
To the Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
City of Palm Desert, California
We have performed the procedures enumerated herein,which were agreed to by the management of the City
of Palm Desert, California (the Citv), solely assist the City in verifying the accuracy of the transient
occupancy tax returns submitted by ��p,�r�7 ,Palm Desert(the Hotel)to the City,for the
period January 1,2004 through December 31,2004.The engagement to apply agreed-upon procedures was
performed in accordance with attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants. The su�ciency of the procedures is solely the responsibility of the management of the City of
Palm Desert. Consequently, we make no representations regarding the su�ciency of the procedures
described herein, either for the purpose for which this report has been requested or for any other purpose.
We were not engaged to,and did not perform an audit of the transient occupancy tax returns of the Hotel,the
objective of which would be the expression of a certified opinion on the transient occupancy tax payments
made by the Hotel to the City.Accordingly,we do not express such an opinion. Had we performed additional
procedures, other matters might have come to our attention that would have been reported to the City.
This report is intended solely for the use of the Ciry and should not be used by those who have not agreed to
the procedures and taken responsibility for the su�ciency of the procedures. However,if this report is made a
matter of public record its distribution will not be limited.
�, .,�� �-�' , ��'�
cI�
July 14, 2005
7S YEARS
1929 2004
0� Fa.'!'1?��QXItS 203 N. Brea Blvd.,Suite 203�Brea,CA 92821-4056�(714)672-0022�Fax(714)672-0331 •www.lsl�as.com
Q�-�.�-gri -#� r' , PALM DESERT
SUMMARY OF PROCEDURES
(Unaudited)
We performed the following procedures on the books and records of the ��ct,�'�7 Palm
Desert(the Hotel), as agreed upon by the management of the City of Palm Desert:
1. We reviewed the City Municipal Code and related ordinances and resolutions related to transient
occupancy tax.
2. We verified the mathematical accuracy and timeliness of transient occupancy reports filed with the
City for the calendar year 2004.
3. W e traced the gross revenues reported on the transient occupancy tax returns prepared by the Hotel
to gross revenues recorded in the Hotel's accounting records, and verified that these were in
accordance with the City's ordinance.
4. We selected a sample of rental transactions during the review period, and for each transaction
selected we verified tax computations and traced the amounts of rental revenues and transient
occupancy tax collected to the books and records of the hotel.
5. We reviewed the intemal control procedures of the Hotel to determine the following:
a. How"gross rents"and "uncollected rents"were accounted for and reported to the City.
b. What procedures were in place to identify transie�t and non-transient guests.
c. How exemptions,including complimentary rooms,were documented and reported to the City.
6. We reviewed the supporting documentation for exemptions claimed on the transient occupancy tax
returns.
7. We inquired how the Hotel handles reservations and payments made on line through a third party
such as Expedia.com and how the transient occupancy tax were collected and reported to the City on
these transactions.
8. We examined the Hotel's"Transient Occupancy Registration PermiY'and determined whether itwas
posted in a conspicuous place.
9. We performed additional procedures that we considered necessary to verify the reasonableness of
reported revenues of the Hotel operator.
See Independent Accountants' Report
on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures
2
Q�,{��--.�y PALM DESERT
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
(Unaudited)
1. ��t.{'tD�7 �(the hotel)only accepts reservations and payments from Hotels.com. The
hotel has a property management system(PMS)that tracks all reservations which allows credit card
payments/reservations to be posted. When a reservation is made through Hotel.com, it is
immediately transmitted to the hotel's PMS system. The PMS system communicates automatically
with the credit card merchant(Chase)who approves or declines the credit card. At the end of each
day a shift close is done. The information is backed up and uploaded into other financial reporting
tools,such as PeopleSoft and On Demand. The corporate sales tax department in Washington D.C.
periodically reviews online payments by conducting internal audits. Payments are collected when
guests check out and then revenues and taxes are recorded through the PMS system. The revenue
and the transient occupancy tax are recorded each day into the hotel's general ledger and are
reported to the City at the end of each operating period.
2. The Hotel could not locate its Transient Occupancy Registration Permit. Per Section 3.28.060 of the
City of Palm Desert's Municipal Code,the transient occupancy registration permit must be in effect at
all times while the business is in operation and shall be at all times posted in a conspicuous place on
the premises. The permit shall,among other things,state the name of the hotel,name of operation,
hotel address, and the date upon which the permit was issued.
See Independent Accountants'Report
on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures
3