ARBORWOOD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DISTRICT

LEE COUNTY Regular Board Meeting
NOVEMBER 17, 2025
9:00 A.M.

Special District Services, Inc.
27499 Riverview Center Boulevard, #253 Bonita Springs, FL 33134
www.arborwoodcdd.org 561.630.4922 Telephone 877.SDS.4922 Toll Free 561.630.4923 Facsimile

AGENDA
ARBORWOOD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
Amenity Center Community Room Somerset at the Plantation 10401 Dartington Drive
Fort Myers, Florida, 33913
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
November 17, 2025
9:00 A.M.

Call to Order
Proof of Publication…	Page 1
Establish Quorum
Additions or Deletions to Agenda
Comments from the Public for Items Not on the Agenda
Approval of Minutes
October 20, 2025 Regular Board Meeting Minutes…	Page 2
Old Business
New Business
Consider Approval of Professional Services Agreement with Passarella & Associates, Inc.
for Preserve Monitoring…	Page 6
Auditor Selection Committee
Ranking of Proposals/Consider Selection of an Auditor…	Page 13
Administrative Matters
Attorney’s Report
Engineer Report
Field Inspectors Report
Preserve Compliance Updates
Bridgetown Report…	Page 75
Manager’s Report
Financials…	Page 76
Board Member Comments
Adjourn

Publication Date 2025-11-07

Subcategory Miscellaneous Notices

NOTICE OF REGULAR BOARD MEETING
ARBORWOOD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
The Board of Supervisors (the Board) of the Arborwood Community Development District (the District) will hold a Regular Board Meeting (the Meeting) on November 17, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the Amenity Center Community Room, Somerset at the Plantation, 10401 Dartington Drive, Fort Myers, Florida 33913. The purpose of the Regular Board Meeting is for the Board to consider any business which may properly come before it.
The Meeting is open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law for community development districts. The Meeting may be continued in progress without additional notice to a time, date, and location stated on the record. A copy of the agenda for the Meeting may be obtained from the Districts website (www.arborwoodcdd.org) or by contacting the District Manager, Special District Services, at (941) 223-2475. There may be occasions when one or more Supervisors will participate by telephone.
Pursuant to provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this Meeting is asked to advise the District Office at least forty-eight (48) hours before the Meeting by contacting the District Manager at (561) 630-4922. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service at 1 (800) 955-8770, who can aid you in contacting the District Office.
A person who decides to appeal any decision made at the Meeting with respect to any matter considered at the Meeting is advised that person will need a record of the proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
Meetings may be cancelled from time to time without advertised notice. District Manager
Arborwood Community Development District www.arborwoodcdd.org
No.11788136 Nov 7, 2025

Page 1

ARBORWOOD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT REGULAR BOARD MEETING
OCTOBER 20, 2025

CALL TO ORDER

The October 20, 2025, Regular Board Meeting of the Arborwood Community Development District (the “District”) was called to order at 9:00 a.m. in the Amenity Center Community Room of the Somerset at the Plantation located at 10401 Dartington Drive, Fort Myers, Florida 33913.

PROOF OF PUBLICATION

Proof of publication was presented that notice of the Regular Board Meeting had been published in the Fort Myers News-Press on October 10, 2025, as part of the District’s Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Meeting Schedule, as legally required.

ESTABLISH A QUORUM

It was determined that the attendance of the following Supervisors constituted a quorum and it was in order to proceed with the meeting:

Chairman	Jeff Gordish	Present	
Vice Chairperson	Karin Hagen	Present	
Supervisor	Jack Aycock	Present	
Supervisor	Donald Schrotenboer	Absent	
Supervisor	Christopher Anderson	Present via phone	

Staff members in attendance were:

District Manager	Michelle Krizen	Special District Services, Inc.	
General Counsel	Wes Haber (via phone)	Kutak Rock, LLC	
Field Inspector	Bohdan Hirniak	Special District Services, Inc.	

Also presented was Bethany Brosious of Passarella & Associates.

ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA

There were no additions or deletions to the agenda.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
There were no comments from the public for items not on the agenda.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
August 12, 2025, Public Hearing & Regular Board Meeting

Page 1 of 4

The minutes of the August 12, 2025, Public Hearing & Regular Board Meeting were presented for consideration.

A MOTION was made by Mr. Gordish, seconded by Mr. Hagen and passed unanimously approving the minutes of the August 12, 2025, Public Hearing & Regular Board Meeting, as presented.

OLD BUSINESS

There were no Old Business items to come before the Board.

NEW BUSINESS
Consider Resolution No. 2025-07 – Adopting a Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Amended Budget

Resolution No. 2025-07 was presented, entitled:

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-07

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE ARBORWOOD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AUTHORIZING AND ADOPTING AN AMENDED FINAL FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 BUDGET (“AMENDED BUDGET”), PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 189, FLORIDA STATUTES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

A MOTION was made by Mr. Gordish, seconded by Mr. Aycock and passed unanimously adopting Resolution No. 2025-07, as presented.

Consider Resolution No. 2025-08 – Goals and Objectives Annual Report

Resolution No. 2025-08 was presented, entitled:

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-08

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE ARBORWOOD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT ADOPTING AN ANNUAL REPORT OF GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND STANDARDS; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

A MOTION was made by Mr. Aycock, seconded by Ms. Hagen and passed unanimously adopting Resolution No. 2025-08, as presented.

Discussion Regarding Treeline Parcel On-Site Preserve Inspection Project No. 02WCO749 and Discission Regarding Bridgetown On-Site Preserves Inspection Project No. 02WCO749

The Inspection Memos were previously provided to the Board. Ms. Brosious was available to answer questions. There were no questions.

Discussion Regarding DRI Traffic Monitoring Report
Page 2 of 4

This monitoring report will complete the District’s obligation for reporting. The monitoring should be done during the peak season to reflect the highest possible traffic.

Consider Signal Warrant Analysis Proposal and DRI Monitoring Report and Authorizing District Staff to Coordinate and Execute an Agreement

A MOTION was made by Mr. Aycock, seconded by Ms. Hagen and passed unanimously approving the Signal Warrant Analysis Proposal and DRI Monitoring Report and authorizing District staff to coordinate the execution of an agreement.

Status of Donated Parcels’ Notice to South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)
It was noted that the City would manage the SFWMD on the donated parcel.

Ms. Krizen the recessed the Regular Board Meeting and opened the Audit Selection Committee Meeting.

AUDITOR SELECTION COMMITTEE
Ranking of Proposals/Consider Selection of an Auditor

Two (2) proposals received from the following firms: Grau & Associates and Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank.

The current auditor is Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gains & Frank. While this is the cheaper option, the audit has been presented substantially late for the past three years. The Board also questioned the decrease in the Fiscal Years 2026/27 and 2027/28 auditing costs.

BID PRICE - 2024/2025 AUDIT	$5,250.00	
BID PRICE - 2025/2026 AUDIT	$5,250.00	
BID PRICE - 2026/2027 AUDIT	$4,450.00	
BID PRICE - 2027/2028 AUDIT	$4,450.00	
BID PRICE - 2028/2029 AUDIT	$5,575.00	

The board wanted to know if there could be liquidated damages added to the contract. Mr. Haber will confirm and coordinate with Ms. Krizen with direction.
At 9:35 a.m. the Auditor Selection Committee Meeting was continued to November 17, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. and the Regular Board Meeting reconvened.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Attorney’s Report
Mr. Haber reminded the Board Members of the annual 4 hours of ethics training, which is due by December 31, 2025.

Engineer’s Report

There was no Engineer’s Report at this time.

Page 3 of 4

Somerset Field Inspector’s Report

It was noted, with less rain this month, the lake levels were starting to come down slightly.

Preserves Compliance Report

There was no Preserves Compliance Report at this time.

Bridgetown Report

The report was presented in the meeting book. The Board was satisfied with the formatting and information provided.

Manager’s Report

Ms. Krizen noted that the next meeting was scheduled for November 17, 2025.

BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS

There was a questions related to the drainage fields inspection. Ms. Krizen suggested e-mailing Ryan Lorenz and copying her.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Board, a MOTION was made by Ms. Hagen, seconded by Mr. Aycock and passed unanimously adjourning the Regular Board Meeting at 9:51 a.m.

Secretary/Assistant Secretary	Chair/Vice-Chair

Page 4 of 4

PAI Use Only: Project No. 02WCO749

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
SECTION 1 – GENERAL
THIS IS AN AGREEMENT made as of 	, 2025, between Arborwood Community Development District (“DISTRICT”) and Passarella & Associates, Inc. (“CONSULTANT”).

This Agreement is for Arborwood Bridgetown and Somerset at the Plantation, Arborwood Preserve, and the 1,700± Acre Collier County Mitigation Site (“Project”) located in Lee and Collier Counties, Florida.
DISTRICT and CONSULTANT in consideration of their mutual covenants herein agree in respect of the performance or furnishing of professional ecological services (“Services”) by CONSULTANT with respect to the Project and the payment for those services by DISTRICT as set forth below.

DISTRICT and CONSULTANT each is hereby bound and the partners, successors, executors, administrators, assigns and legal representatives of DISTRICT and CONSULTANT are hereby bound to the other party to this Agreement and to the partners, successors, executors, administrators, assigns and legal representatives of such other party, in respect to all covenants, agreements, and obligations of this Agreement.

SECTION 2 – SCOPE OF SERVICES
Execution of this Agreement by CONSULTANT and DISTRICT constitutes DISTRICT’S written authorization to CONSULTANT to proceed on the date first above written with the Services described in Exhibit A, (“Scope of Services”) and in the other exhibits listed below. This Agreement will become effective on the date first above written.

SECTION 3 – COMPENSATION
For services provided and performed by CONSULTANT for providing and performing the Task(s) set forth and enumerated in Exhibit A entitled “Scope of Services,” the DISTRICT shall compensate the CONSULTANT as provided in Exhibit B.

For Reimbursable Expenses, in addition to payments provided for CONSULTANT and CONSULTANT’s Sub-Consultants, DISTRICT shall pay CONSULTANT for reimbursable expenses incurred by CONSULTANT as set forth in Exhibit B.

Invoices for CONSULTANT’s services, Sub-Consultants, and Reimbursable Expenses will be prepared in accordance with CONSULTANT’s standard invoicing practices and will be submitted to DISTRICT by CONSULTANT at least monthly. The amount billed for these services will be calculated on the basis set forth in Exhibit B. Invoices are due and payable on receipt.
If DISTRICT fails to make any payment due to CONSULTANT for services and expenses within thirty days after receipt of CONSULTANT’s invoice, CONSULTANT may, after giving seven day’s written notice to DISTRICT, suspend services under this Agreement until CONSULTANT has been paid in full all amounts due for services, expenses and charges. In the event of a disputed or contested billing, only that portion so contested may be withheld from payment, and the undisputed portion will be paid.
If either the DISTRICT or CONSULTANT terminates this Agreement, CONSULTANT will be paid for all services performed or furnished in accordance with this Agreement by CONSULTANT through the date

of termination on the basis specified in Exhibit B including any costs reasonably incurred by CONSULTANT that are directly attributable to the termination. CONSULTANT will be paid for the charges of CONSULTANT’s Sub-Consultants employed to perform or furnish services to the extent such services have been performed or furnished in accordance with this Agreement through the effective date of the termination. CONSULTANT also will be paid for all unpaid Reimbursable Expenses.

SECTION 4 – STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE
The standard of care for all professional consulting and related services furnished by CONSULTANT under this Agreement will be the care and skill ordinarily used by members of the CONSULTANT’s profession practicing under the same or similar circumstances at the same time and in the same locality. CONSULTANT makes no warrantees, expressed or implied, under this Agreement or otherwise, in conjunction with CONSULTANT’s services.

SECTION 5 – LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
CONSULTANT’s total liability to DISTRICT for any loss or damage, including but not limited to special and consequential damages arising out of or in conjunction with the performance of services or any other cause, including CONSULTANT’s professional negligent acts, errors, or omissions, shall not exceed the CONSULTANT’s compensation, and DISTRICT hereby releases and holds harmless CONSULTANT from any liability above such amount.

SECTION 6 – COUNTERPARTS
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which may be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Any counterpart may be delivered by facsimile transmission or by electronic communication in portable document format (.pdf) and the Parties agree that their electronically transmitted signatures shall have the same effect as manually transmitted signatures.

SECTION 7 – EXHIBITS
This Agreement is subject to the provisions of the following Exhibits (if checked) which are attached to and made a part of this Agreement:
Exhibit A.	I& “Scope of Services” Exhibit B.	I& “Compensation”
Exhibit C.	I& “Consultant’s Hourly Rate Schedule” Exhibit D.	I& “Reimbursables”

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties warrant and represent that they are authorized to enter into this Agreement for Professional Services. DISTRICT hereby authorizes the performance of the services in Exhibit A and agrees to pay the charges resulting therefrom as identified in Exhibit B. As DISTRICT or DISTRICT’s legal representative, I have read, understand, and agree to the business terms and conditions contained herein including the CONSULTANT’s Limited Liability printed on Page 1 of this Agreement.

REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

DISTRICT:	CONSULTANT:
Arborwood Community Development District	Passarella & Associates, Inc.

Signature			Signature	
By:		
Name Typed or Printed		By:	 Kenneth C. Passarella	 Name Typed or Printed	
Title:	Title:	President
Address for giving notices:	Address for giving notices: Arborwood Community Development District		Passarella & Associates, Inc.
c/o Special District Services, Inc.	13620 Metropolis Avenue, Suite 200 27499 Riverview Center Boulevard, Suite 253	 Fort Myers, Florida 33912
Bonita Springs, Florida 34134	Phone:  (239) 274-0067
Phone:	(941) 223-2475	Fax:	(239) 274-0069 Fax:	 (	)	-

Attest: 	
Signature
(IF CORPORATION, AFFIX CORPORATE SEAL)

OR
State of 	 County of 	
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this 	 day of 	, 20	, by
	 who is personally known to me or who has produced 	 as identification.

Notary Public
Name typed, printed or stamped	(Seal)

Exhibit A consisting of one (1) page referred to and controlled by the terms and conditions contained in the Professional Services Agreement between DISTRICT and CONSULTANT for professional services dated
	, 2025.

Services not set forth in this Exhibit A, or not listed or described herein, are expressly excluded from the Scope of the Professional Services of the CONSULTANT. The CONSULTANT assumes no responsibility to perform any services not specifically identified and/or otherwise described in this Exhibit A.
Initial: DISTRICT     
CONSULTANT 	
SCOPE OF SERVICES

Task	Description

1.0	Environmental Services 2025-2026 Fiscal Year
Conduct follow-up reviews of the Bridgetown and Somerset conservation lands.
Conduct follow-up exotic treatment reviews at the Collier County Mitigation Site.
Conduct follow-up exotic treatment review of Arborwood Preserve conservation area.
Prepare for and attend monthly scheduled District Board meetings.
Miscellaneous communications with District representatives and agency staff regarding permit compliance (e.g., Special District Services, Inc., Project Engineer, and Golf Course Superintendent, etc.) during the fiscal year.

Exhibit A	1 of 1

Exhibit B consisting of one (1) page referred to and controlled by the terms and conditions contained in the Professional Services Agreement between DISTRICT and CONSULTANT for professional services dated
	, 2025.

Initial: DISTRICT 	
CONSULTANT 	
COMPENSATION
For services provided and performed by CONSULTANT for providing and performing the Task(s) set forth and enumerated in Exhibit A entitled “Scope of Services,” the DISTRICT shall compensate the CONSULTANT as follows:

Task	Description	Fee Type	Amount	
1.0	Environmental Services 2025-2026 Fiscal Year	T&M; NTE	$20,000.00	
Total:	$20,000.00	

Fee Type Definition:
Time and Materials (T & M); Not to Exceed (NTE): For the actual hours expended by the CONSULTANT’s professional and technical personnel, multiplied by the applicable hourly rates for each classification or position on the CONSULTANT’s hourly rate schedule in effect at the time the services are rendered. CONSULTANT will not exceed these costs without prior written approval by DISTRICT. The current hourly rate schedule is included as Exhibit C of this Agreement. CONSULTANT shall provide DISTRICT with CONSULTANT’s annual increases to the current standard billing rate 30 days prior to incurring costs under any rate increases.

Exhibit B	1 of 1

Exhibit C consisting of one (1) page referred to and controlled by the terms and conditions contained in the Professional Services Agreement between DISTRICT and CONSULTANT for professional services dated
	, 2025.

Initial: DISTRICT 	
CONSULTANT 	
CONSULTANT’S HOURLY RATE SCHEDULE
Principal	$300.00/hr.
Senior Ecologist III	$250.00/hr.
Senior Ecologist II	$200.00/hr.
Senior Ecologist I	$180.00/hr.
Ecologist III	$160.00/hr.
Ecologist II	$140.00/hr.
Ecologist I	$125.00/hr.
Environmental Technician	$105.00/hr. GIS Manager	$175.00/hr.
GIS Analyst III	$150.00/hr.
GIS Analyst II	$130.00/hr.
GIS Analyst I	$110.00/hr.
AutoCAD Manager	$175.00/hr.
AutoCAD III	$150.00/hr.
AutoCAD II	$130.00/hr.
AutoCAD I	$110.00/hr.
Administrative Assistant III	$ 95.00/hr. Administrative Assistant II	$ 80.00/hr. Administrative Assistant I	$ 65.00/hr. Reimbursable Expenses		Cost

Exhibit D consisting of one (1) page referred to and controlled by the terms and conditions contained in the Professional Services Agreement between DISTRICT and CONSULTANT for professional services dated
	, 2025.

Initial: DISTRICT 	
CONSULTANT 	
CONSULTANT’S REIMBURSABLES

Bond
(line dwg. with no aerials or other graphics)

$10.00 (24x36); $20.00 (36x48); $25.00 (36x62)
Other sizes – $1.67 per square foot
*Mounted Billed at Cost

Aerial Photos	$30.00 (24x36); $60.00 (36x48); $75.00 (36x62) Other sizes – $5.00 per square foot
*Mounted Billed at Cost
Color Photos	$2.75 (8x11); $3.00 (8x14); $3.50 (11x17)
Xerox	$0.15 (8x11); $0.25 (8x14); $0.35 (11x17)
Courier	Billed at Cost
FedEx/Overnight Delivery	Billed at Cost

ARBORWOOD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT RANKING OF AUDITOR PROPOSALS
FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING 9/30/25

	Audit Firms	

Criteria	Point Range	

Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank	

Grau & Associates	

Ability of Personnel: (E.g., geographic locations of the firms headquarters of permanent office in relation to the project; capabilities and experience of key personnel; present ability to manage this project; evaluation of existing work load).	

1-10	

8	

9	

Proposer's Experience: (E.g. past record and experience of the Proposer in similar projects; volume of work previously performed by the firm; past performance for other Community Development Districts in other contracts; character, integrity, reputation).	

1-10	

8	

9	

Understanding of Scope of Work: Extent to which the proposal demonstrates an understanding of the District's needs for the services requested.	

1-10	

9	

9	

Ability to Furnish the Required Services: Extent to which the proposal demonstrates the adequacy of Proposer's financial resources and stability as a business entity necessary to complete the services required.	

1-10	

5	

9	

Price: Points will be awarded based upon the price bid for the rendering of the services and reasonableness of the price to the services.	

1-10	

9	

8	

TOTAL POINTS	
50	
39	
44	
				
BID PRICE - 2024/2025 AUDIT		$5,250.00	$5,800.00	
BID PRICE - 2025/2026 AUDIT		$5,250.00	$5,900.00	
BID PRICE - 2026/2027 AUDIT		$4,450.00	$6,000.00	
BID PRICE - 2027/2028 AUDIT		$4,450.00	$6,100.00	
BID PRICE - 2028/2029 AUDIT		$5,575.00	$6,200.00	

COMMENTS:		Currently the auditing firm for more than 75 Special	Currently the auditing firm for more than	
		Districts and Governmental Entities (including Arborwood).	300 Special Districts and Governmental Entities.	
		Please note that this firm has furnished the Arborwood		
		audit three months late for the last three fiscal years.		

RECOMMENDATION:	Management recommends that Grau & Associates, the firm with the most experience, be selected	
	to perform the September 30, 2025, 2026 and 2027 annual audits, with an option subject to fee	
	adjustments for inflation, to perform the fiscal year end audits for the two following years (FYE 9/30/28, FYE 9/30/29).	
	It is unacceptable that the current auditor, Berger Toombs, has delivered the audit three months late for the past three years.	
Note: 2025/2026 Budget For Audit Services is $5,450.00

ARBORWOOD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
PROPOSAL FOR AUDIT SERVICES

PROPOSED BY:

Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS, PL

600 Citrus Avenue, Suite 200	(772) 461-6120 Fort Pierce, Florida 34950

CONTACT PERSON:
Maritza Stonebraker, CPA, Director

DATE OF PROPOSAL:

September 16, 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DESCRIPTION OF SECTION	PAGE
Letter of Transmittal	1-2
Profile of the Proposer
Description and History of Audit Firm	3
Professional Staff Resources	4-5
Ability to Furnish the Required Services	5
Governmental Auditing Experience	6-15
Fee Schedule	16
Scope of Work to be Performed	16
Resumes	17-32
Peer Review Letter	33
Instructions to Proposers	34-35
Evaluation Criteria	36

September 16, 2025

Arborwood Community Development District Special District Services, Inc.
2501A Burns Road
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 Dear District Manager:
Thank you very much for the opportunity to present our professional credentials to provide audit services for Arborwood Community Development District.
Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL has assembled a team of governmental and nonprofit specialists second to none to serve our clients. Our firm has the necessary qualifications and experience to serve as the independent auditors for Arborwood Community Development District. We will provide you with top quality, responsive service.

Experience

Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL is a recognized leader in providing services to governmental and nonprofit agencies throughout Florida. We have been the independent auditors for a number of local governmental agencies and through our experience in performing their audits, we have been able to increase our audit efficiency and; therefore, reduce costs. We have continually passed this cost savings on to our clients and will continue to do so in the future. As a result of our experience and expertise, we have developed an effective and efficient audit approach designed to meet or exceed the performance specifications in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States, and the standards for financial and compliance audits. We will conduct the audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America; “Government Auditing Standards” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States; the provisions of the Single Audit Act, Subpart F of Title 2 US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, with minimal disruption to your operations. Our firm has frequent technical updates to keep our personnel informed and up-to-date on all changes that are occurring within the industry.

- 1 -
Page 16

Arborwood Community Development District September 16, 2025
Our firm is a member of the Government Audit Quality Center, an organization dedicated to improving government audit quality. We also utilize the audit program software of a nationally recognized CPA firm to assure us that we are up to date with all auditing standards and to assist us maintain maximum audit efficiencies.

To facilitate your evaluation of our qualifications and experience, we have arranged this proposal to include a resume of our firm, including our available staff, our extensive prior governmental and nonprofit auditing experience and clients to be contacted.
You need a firm that will provide an efficient, cost-effective, high-quality audit within critical time constraints. You need a firm with the prerequisite governmental and nonprofit experience to perform your audit according to stringent legal and regulatory requirements, a firm that understands the complex nature of community development districts and their unique compliance requirements. You need a firm with recognized governmental and nonprofit specialists within the finance and governmental communities. And, certainly, you need a firm that will provide you with valuable feedback to enhance your current and future operations. Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL is that firm. Maritza Stonebraker is the person authorized to make representations for the firm.
Thank you again for the opportunity to submit this proposal to Arborwood Community Development District.

Very truly yours,

Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank Certified Public Accountants PL
Fort Pierce, Florida

PROFILE OF THE PROPOSER
Description and History of Audit Firm
Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL is a Treasure Coast public accounting firm, which qualifies as a small business firm, as established by the Small Business Administration (13 CFR 121.38), with offices in Fort Pierce and Stuart. We are a member of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The firm was formed from the merger of Edwards, Berger, Harris & Company (originated in 1972) and McAlpin, Curtis & Associates (originated in 1949). J. W. Gaines and Associates (originated in 1979) merged with the firm in 2004. Our tremendous growth rate experienced over the last 69 years is directly attributable to the firm’s unrelenting dedication to providing the highest quality, responsive professional services attainable to its clients.
We are a member of the Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to assure we meet the highest standards. Membership in this practice section requires that our firm meet more stringent standards than standard AICPA membership. These rigorous requirements include the requirement of a triennial peer review of our firm’s auditing and accounting practice and annual Continuing Professional Education (CPE) for all accounting staff (whether CPA or non-CPA). For standard AICPA membership, only a quality review is required and only CPAs must meet CPE requirements.
We are also a member of the Government Audit Quality Center (“the Center”) of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants to assure the quality of our government audits. Membership in the Center, which is voluntary, requires our firm to comply with additional standards to promote the quality of government audits.
We have been extensively involved in serving local government entities with professional accounting, auditing and consulting services throughout the entire 69 year history of our firm. Our substantial experience over the years makes us uniquely qualified to provide accounting, auditing, and consulting services to these clients. We are a recognized leader in providing services to governmental and nonprofit agencies on the Treasure Coast and in Central and South Florida, with extensive experience in auditing community development districts and water control districts. We were the independent auditors of the City of Fort Pierce for over 37 years and currently, we are the independent auditors for St. Lucie County since 2002, and for 34 of the 38 years that the county has been audited by CPA firms. Additionally, we have performed audits of the City of Stuart, the City of Vero Beach, Indian River County and Martin County. We also presently audit over 75 Community Development Districts throughout Florida.
Our firm was founded on the belief that we are better able to respond to our clients needs through education, experience, independence, quality control, and personal service. Our firm’s commitment to quality is reflected in our endeavor of professional excellence via continuing education, the use of the latest computer technology, professional membership in PCPS and peer review.
We believe our approach to audit engagements, intelligence and innovation teamed with sound professional judgment enables us to explore new concepts while remaining sensitive to the fundamental need for practical solutions. We take pride in giving you the assurance that the personal assistance you receive comes from years of advanced training, technical experience and financial acumen.

Professional Staff Resources

Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL has a total of
32 professional and administrative staff (including 12 professional staff with extensive experience servicing government entities). The work will be performed out of our Fort Pierce office with a proposed staff of one senior accountant and one or two staff accountants supervised by an audit manager and audit partner. With the exception of the directors of the firm’s offices, the professional staff is not specifically assigned to any of our individual offices. The professional and administrative staff resources available to you through Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL are as follows:
Total
Partners/Directors (CPA’s)	7	
Managers (1 CPA)	2	
Senior/Supervisor Accountants (1 CPA)	3	
Staff Accountants	8	
Paraprofessional	6	
Administrative	 6	
Total – all personnel	32	

Following is a brief description of each employee classification:

Staff Accountant – Staff accountants work directly under the constant supervision of the auditor-in-charge and, are responsible for the various testing of documents, account analysis and any other duties as his/her supervisor believes appropriate. Minimum qualification for a staff accountant is graduation from an accredited university or college with a degree in accounting or equivalent.
Senior Accountant – A senior accountant must possess all the qualifications of the staff accountant, in addition to being able to draft the necessary reports and financial statements, and supervise other staff accountants when necessary.

Managers – A manager must possess the qualifications of the senior accountant, plus be able to work without extensive supervision from the auditor-in-charge. The manager should be able to draft audit reports from start to finish and to supervise the audit team, if necessary.
Partner/Director – The director has extensive governmental auditing experience and acts as the auditor-in-charge. Directors have a financial interest in the firm.

Professional Staff Resources (Continued)

Independence – Independence of the public accounting firm, with respect to the audit client, is the foundation from which the public gains its trust in the opinion issued by the public accounting firm at the end of the audit process. This independence must be in appearance as well as in fact. The public must perceive that the accounting firm is independent of the audit entity to ensure that nothing would compromise the opinion issued by the public accounting firm. Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL is independent of Arborwood Community Development District, including its elected officials and related parties, at the date of this proposal, as defined by the following rules, regulations, and standards:
AuSection 220 – Statements on Auditing Standards issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants;

ET Sections 101 and 102 – Code of Professional Conduct of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants;
Chapter 21A-1, Florida Administrative Code; Section 473.315, Florida Statutes; and,
Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States.
On an annual basis, all members of the firm are required to confirm, in writing, that they have no personal or financial relationships or holding that would impair their independence with regard to the firm’s clients.

Independence is a hallmark of our profession. We encourage our staff to use professional judgment in situations where our independence could be impaired or the perception of a conflict of interest might exist. In the governmental sector, public perception is as important as professional standards. Therefore, the utmost care must be exercised by independent auditors in the performance of their duties.
Ability to Furnish the Required Services

As previously noted in the Profile of the Proposer section of this document, our firm has been in existence for over 74 years. We have provided audit services to some clients for over 30 years continually. Our firm is insured against physical loss through commercial insurance and we also carry liability insurance. The majority of our audit documentation is stored electronically, both on our office network and on each employee laptop or computer assigned to each specific job. Our office computer network is backed up on tape, so in the event of a total equipment loss, we can restore all data as soon as replacement equipment is acquired. In addition, our field laptop computers carry the same data and can be used in the event of emergency with virtually no delay in completing the required services.

GOVERNMENTAL AUDITING EXPERIENCE

Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL has been practicing public accounting in Florida for 69 years. Our success over the years has been the result of a strong commitment to providing personalized quality service to our clients.
The current members of our firm have performed audits of over 1,100 community development districts, and over 2,100 audits of municipalities, counties and other governmental entities such as the City of Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County.

Our firm provides a variety of accounting, auditing, tax litigation support, and consulting services. Some of the professional accounting, auditing and management consulting services that are provided by our firm are listed below:

Performance of annual financial and compliance audits, including Single Audits of state and federal financial assistance programs, under the provisions of the Single Audit Act, Subpart F of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), with minimal disruptions to your operations;
Performance of special compliance audits to ascertain compliance with the applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations;
Issuance of comfort letters and consent letters in conjunction with the issuance of tax-exempt debt obligations, including compiling financial data and interim period financial statement reviews;
Calculation of estimated and actual federal arbitrage rebates;
Assistance in compiling historical financial data for first-time and supplemental submissions for GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting;
Preparation of indirect cost allocation systems in accordance with Federal and State regulatory requirements;
Providing human resource and employee benefit consulting;
Performance of automation feasibility studies and disaster recovery plans;
Performance feasibility studies concerning major fixed asset acquisitions and utility plant expansion plans (including electric, water, pollution control, and sanitation utilities); and
Assistance in litigation, including testimony in civil and criminal court.
Assist clients who utilize QuickBooks software with their software needs. Our Certified QuickBooks Advisor has undergone extensive training through QuickBooks and has passed several exams to attain this Certification.
Continuing Professional Education

All members of the governmental audit staff of our firm, and audit team members assigned to this engagement, are in compliance with the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements set forth in Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. In addition, our firm is in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Florida Statutes that require CPA’s to have met certain CPE requirements prior to proposing on governmental audit engagements.

GOVERNMENTAL AUDITING EXPERIENCE (CONTINUED)

The audit team has extensive experience in performing governmental audits and is exposed to intensive and continuing concentration on these types of audits. Due to the total number of governmental audits our team performs, each member of our governmental staff must understand and be able to perform several types of governmental audits. It is our objective to provide each professional employee fifty hours or more of comprehensive continuing professional education each year. This is accomplished through attending seminars throughout Florida and is reinforced through in-house training.
Our firm has made a steadfast commitment to professional education. Our active attendance and participation in continuing professional education is a major part of our objective to obtain the most recent knowledge on issues which are of importance to our clients. We are growing on the reputation for work that our firm is providing today.

Quality Control Program

Quality control requires continuing commitment to professional excellence. Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants, PL is formally dedicated to that commitment.

To ensure maintaining the standards of working excellence required by our firm, we joined the Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). To be a participating member firm of this practice section, a firm must obtain an independent Peer Review of its quality control policies and procedures to ascertain the firm’s compliance with existing auditing standards on the applicable engagements.
The scope of the Peer Review is comprehensive in that it specifically reviews the following quality control policies and procedures of the participating firm:

Professional, economic, and administrative independence;
Assignment of professional personnel to engagements;
Consultation on technical matters;
Supervision of engagement personnel;
Hiring and employment of personnel;
Professional development;
Advancement;
Acceptance and continuation of clients; and,
Inspection and review system.
We believe that our commitment to the program is rewarding not only to our firm, but primarily to our clients.
The external independent Peer Review of the elements of our quality control policies and procedures performed by an independent certified public accountant, approved by the PCPS of the AICPA, provides you with the assurance that we continue to conform to standards of the profession in the conduct of our accounting and auditing practice.

Our firm is also a member of Governmental Audit Quality Center (GAQC), a voluntary membership center for CPA firms that perform governmental audits. This center promotes the quality of governmental audits.
Our firm has completed successive Peer Reviews. These reviews included a representative sample of our firm’s local governmental auditing engagements. As a result of these reviews, our firm obtained an unqualified opinion on our quality control program and work procedures. On page 34 is a copy of our most recent Peer Review report. It should be noted that we received a pass rating.

Our firm has never had any disciplinary actions by state regulatory bodies or professional organizations.
As our firm performs approximately one hundred audits each year that are reviewed by federal, state or local entities, we are constantly dealing with questions from these entities about our audits. We are pleased to say that any questions that have been raised were minor issues and were easily resolved without re-issuing any reports.

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (CAFR)

We are proud and honored to have been involved with the City of Fort Pierce and the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority when they received their first Certificates of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the fiscal years ended September 30, 1988 and 1994, respectively. We were also instrumental in the City of Stuart receiving the award, in our first year of performing their audit, for the year ended September 30, 1999.
We also assisted St. Lucie County, Florida for the year ended September 30, 2003, in preparing their first Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, and St. Lucie County has received their Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting every year since.

As continued commitment to insuring that we are providing the highest level of experience, we have had at least one employee of our firm serve on the GFOA – Special Review Committee since the mid-1980s. This committee is made up of selective Certified Public Accountants throughout the United States who have demonstrated their high level of knowledge and expertise in governmental accounting. Each committee member attends a special review meeting at the Annual GFOA Conference. At this meeting, the committee reports on the Certificate of Achievement Program’s most recent results, future goals, and common reporting deficiencies.

We feel that our previous experience in assisting the City of Fort Pierce, the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority and St. Lucie County obtain their first CAFRs, and the City of Stuart in continuing to receive a CAFR and our firm’s continued involvement with the GFOA, and the CAFR review committee make us a valued asset for any client in the field of governmental financial reporting.

References

Florida Green Finance Authority	Gateway Community Development
Jeff Walker, Special District Services	District
(561) 630-4922	Stephen Bloom, Severn Trent Management (954) 753-5841
South Village Community Development District
Darrin Mossing, Governmental Management	Habitat Community Development Services LLC		District
(407) 841-5524	Cal Teague, Premier District Management
(239) 690-7100 ext 101

In addition to the above, we have the following additional governmental audit experience: Community Development Districts
Aberdeen Community Development	Beacon Lakes Community District		Development District

Alta Lakes Community Development	Beaumont Community Development District		District

Amelia Concourse Community	Bella Collina Community Development
Development District	District

Amelia Walk Communnity	Bonnet Creek Community
Development District	Development District

Aqua One Community Development	Buckeye Park Community District		Development District

Arborwood Community Development	Candler Hills East Community District		Development District

Arlington Ridge Community	Cedar Hammock Community
Development District	Development District

Bartram Springs Community	Central Lake Community
Development District	Development District

Baytree Community Development	Channing Park Community
District	Development District

Cheval West Community	Evergreen Community Development
Development District	District

Coconut Cay Community	Forest Brooke Community Development District		Development District

Colonial Country Club Community	Gateway Services Community
Development District	Development District

Connerton West Community	Gramercy Farms Community
Development District	Development District

Copperstone Community	Greenway Improvement District Development District

Creekside @ Twin Creeks Community	Greyhawk Landing Community Development District		Development District

Deer Run Community Development	Griffin Lakes Community Development District		District

Dowden West Community	Habitat Community Development
Development District	District

DP1 Community Development	Harbor Bay Community Development
District	District

Eagle Point Community Development	Harbourage at Braden River District		Community Development District

East Nassau Stewardship District	Harmony Community Development
District
Eastlake Oaks Community
Development District	Harmony West Community Development District
Easton Park Community Development
District	Harrison Ranch Community
Development District
Estancia @ Wiregrass Community
Development District	Hawkstone Community Development District

Heritage Harbor Community	Madeira Community Development
Development District	District

Heritage Isles Community	Marhsall Creek Community
Development District	Development District

Heritage Lake Park Community	Meadow Pointe IV Community
Development District	Development District

Heritage Landing Community	Meadow View at Twin Creek
Development District	Community Development District

Heritage Palms Community	Mediterra North Community
Development District	Development District

Heron Isles Community	Midtown Miami Community
Development District	Development District

Heron Isles Community Development	Mira Lago West Community District		Development District

Highland Meadows II Community	Montecito Community
Development District	Development District

Julington Creek Community	Narcoossee Community
Development District	Development District

Laguna Lakes Community	Naturewalk Community
Development District	Development District

Lake Bernadette Community	New Port Tampa Bay Community
Development District	Development District

Lakeside Plantation Community	Overoaks Community Development
Development District	District

Landings at Miami Community	Panther Trace II Community
Development District	Development District

Legends Bay Community	Paseo Community Development
Development District	District

Lexington Oaks Community	Pine Ridge Plantation Community
Development District	Development District

Live Oak No. 2 Community	Piney Z Community Development
Development District	District

Poinciana Community	Sampson Creek Community
Development District	Development District

Poinciana West Community	San Simeon Community
Development District	Development District

Port of the Islands Community	Six Mile Creek Community
Development District	Development District

Portofino Isles Community	South Village Community
Development District	Development District

Quarry Community Development	Southern Hills Plantation I
District	Community Development District

Renaissance Commons Community	Southern Hills Plantation III Development District		Community Development District

Reserve Community	South Fork Community
Development District	Development District

Reserve #2 Community	St. John's Forest Community
Development District	Development District

River Glen Community	Stoneybrook South Community
Development District	Development District

River Hall Community	Stoneybrook South at ChampionsGate
Development District	Community Development District

River Place on the St. Lucie	Stoneybrook West Community
Community Development District	Development District

Rivers Edge Community	Tern Bay Community
Development District	Development District

Riverwood Community	Terracina Community Development
Development District	District

Riverwood Estates Community	Tison's Landing Community
Development District	Development District

Rolling Hills Community	TPOST Community Development
Development District	District

Rolling Oaks Community Development District

Triple Creek Community	Vizcaya in Kendall
Development District	Development District

TSR Community Development	Waterset North Community
District	Development District

Turnbull Creek Community	Westside Community Development
Development District	District

Twin Creeks North Community	WildBlue Community Development
Development District	District

Urban Orlando Community	Willow Creek Community
Development District	Development District

Verano #2 Community	Willow Hammock Community
Development District	Development District

Viera East Community	Winston Trails Community
Development District	Development District

VillaMar Community	Zephyr Ridge Community
Development District	Development District

Other Governmental Organizations

City of Westlake

Florida Inland Navigation District Fort Pierce Farms Water Control
District

Indian River Regional Crime Laboratory, District 19, Florida
Viera Stewardship District

Office of the Medical Examiner, District 19
Rupert J. Smith Law Library of St. Lucie County
St. Lucie Education Foundation Seminole Improvement District Troup Indiantown Water
Control District

Current or Recent Single Audits,

St. Lucie County, Florida Early Learning Coalition, Inc.
Gateway Services Community Development District Healthy Start Coalition
Members of our audit team have acquired extensive experience from performing or participating in over 1,800 audits of governments, independent special taxing districts, school boards, and other agencies that receive public money and utilize fund accounting.

Much of our firm’s auditing experience is with compliance auditing, which is required for publicly financed agencies. In this type of audit, we do a financial examination and also confirm compliance with various statutory and regulatory guidelines.
Following is a summary of our other experience, including Auditor General experience, as it pertains to other governmental and fund accounting audits.

Counties
(Includes elected constitutional officers, utilities and dependent taxing districts)

Indian River Martin Okeechobee Palm Beach
Municipalities

City of Port St. Lucie City of Vero Beach Town of Orchid

Special Districts

Bannon Lakes Community Development District Boggy Creek Community Development District Capron Trail Community Development District Celebration Pointe Community Development District Coquina Water Control District
Diamond Hill Community Development District Dovera Community Development District
Durbin Crossing Community Development District Golden Lakes Community Development District Lakewood Ranch Community Development District Martin Soil and Water Conservation District Meadow Pointe III Community Development District Myrtle Creek Community Development District
St. Lucie County – Fort Pierce Fire District The Crossings at Fleming Island
St. Lucie West Services District
Indian River County Mosquito Control District St. John’s Water Control District
Westchase and Westchase East Community Development Districts Pier Park Community Development District
Verandahs Community Development District Magnolia Park Community Development District
Schools and Colleges

Federal Student Aid Programs – Indian River Community College Indian River Community College
Okeechobee County District School Board St. Lucie County District School Board
Indian River School District – Internal Accounts State and County Agencies
Central Florida Foreign-Trade Zone, Inc. (a nonprofit organization affiliated with the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners)
Florida School for Boys at Okeechobee
Indian River Community College Crime Laboratory Indian River Correctional Institution

FEE SCHEDULE

We propose the fee for our audit services described below to be $5,250 for the years ended September 30, 2025 and 2026, $4,450 for the years ended September 30, 2027 and 2028, and
$5,575 for the year ended September 30, 2029. In addition, if a bond issuance occurs during the fiscal year, there will be an additional fee per issuance. The fee is contingent upon the financial records and accounting systems of Arborwood Community Development District being “audit ready” and the financial activity for the District is not materially increased. If we discover that additional preparation work or subsidiary schedules are needed, we will consult with your authorized representative. We can assist with this additional work at our standard rates should you desire.
SCOPE OF WORK TO BE PERFORMED
If selected as the District's auditors, we will perform a financial and compliance audit in accordance with Section 11.45, Florida Statutes, in order to express an opinion on an annual basis on the financial statements of Arborwood Community Development District as of September 30, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029. The audits will be performed to the extent necessary to express an opinion on the fairness in all material respects with which the financial statements present the financial position, results of operations and changes in financial position in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to determine whether, for selected transactions, operations are properly conducted in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements. Reportable conditions that are also material weaknesses shall be identified as such in the Auditors' Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and on Compliance and Other Matters. Other (non-reportable) conditions discovered during the course of the audit will be reported in a separate letter to management, which will be referred to in the Auditors' Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and on Compliance and Other Matters.
Our audit will be performed in accordance with standards for financial and compliance audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, as well as in compliance with rules and regulations of audits of special districts as set forth by the State Auditor General in Chapter 10.550, Local Governmental Entity Audits, and other relevant federal, state and county orders, statutes, ordinances, charter, resolutions, bond covenants, Administrative Code and procedures, or rules and regulations which may pertain to the work required in the engagement.
The primary purpose of our audit will be to express an opinion on the financial statements discussed above. It should be noted that such audits are subject to the inherent risk that errors or irregularities may not be detected. However, if conditions are discovered which lead to the belief that material errors, defalcations or other irregularities may exist or if other circumstances are encountered that require extended services, we will promptly notify the appropriate individual.

David S. McGuire, CPA, CITP
Director – 31 years experience

Education
University of Central Florida, B.A. – Accounting
Barry University – Master of Professional Accountancy
Registrations
Certified Public Accountant – State of Florida, State Board of Accountancy
Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) – American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Certified Not-For-Profit Core Concepts 2018
Professional Affiliations/Community Service
Member of the American and Florida Institutes of Certified Public Accountants
Associate Member, Florida Government Finance Office Associates
Assistant Coach – St. Lucie County Youth Football Organization (1994 – 2005)
Assistant Coach – Greater Port St. Lucie Football League, Inc. (2006 – 2010)
Board Member – Greater Port St. Lucie Football League, Inc. (2011 – 2017)
Treasurer, AIDS Research and Treatment Center of the Treasure Coast, Inc. (2000 – 2003)
Board Member/Treasurer, North Treasure Coast Chapter, American Red Cross (2004 – 2010)
Member/Board Member of Port St. Lucie Kiwanis (1994 – 2001)
President (2014/15) of Sunrise Kiwanis of Fort Pierce (2004 – 2017)
St. Lucie District School Board Superintendent Search Committee (2013 – present)
Board Member – Phrozen Pharoes (2019-2021)
Professional Experience
Twenty-eight years public accounting experience with an emphasis on nonprofit and governmental organizations.
Audit Manager in-charge on a variety of audit and review engagements within several industries, including the following government and nonprofit organizations:
St. Lucie County, Florida
19th Circuit Office of Medical Examiner Troup Indiantown Water Control District
Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, Inc. Healthy Kids of St. Lucie County
Mustard Seed Ministries of Ft. Pierce, Inc. Reaching Our Community Kids, Inc.
Reaching Our Community Kids - South
St. Lucie County Education Foundation, Inc. Treasure Coast Food Bank, Inc.
North Springs Improvement District
Four years of service in the United States Air Force in computer operations, with a top secret (SCI/SBI) security clearance.

David S. McGuire, CPA, CITP (Continued)
Director

Continuing Professional Education
Mr. McGuire has attended numerous continuing professional education courses and seminars taught by nationally recognized sponsors in the accounting auditing and single audit compliance areas. He has attended courses over the last two years in those areas as follows:
Not-for-Profit Auditing Financial Results and Compliance Requirements Update: Government Accounting Reporting and Auditing
Annual Update for Accountants and Auditors

Matthew Gonano, CPA
Director – 14 years total experience

Education
University of North Florida, B.B.A. – Accounting
University of Alicante, Spain – International Business
Florida Atlantic University – Masters of Accounting

Professional Affiliations/Community Service

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Professional Experience

Senior Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.
Performed audits of nonprofit and governmental organizations in accordance with Governmental Accounting Auditing Standards (GAAS)
Performed Single Audits of nonprofit organizations in accordance with OMB Circular A-133, Audits of State, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.

Continuing Professional Education
Mr. Gonano has participated in numerous continuing professional education courses.

Melissa Marlin, CPA
Director – 12 years

Education
Indian River State College, A.A. – Accounting
Florida Atlantic University, B.B.A. – Accounting

Registrations
Certified Public Accountant – State of Florida, State Board of Accountancy

Professional Affiliations/Community Service
Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Member of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Affiliate member of the Government Finance Officers Association
Professional Experience
Accountant with over 10 years of experience providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.
Performed over 300 audits of nonprofit and governmental organizations in accordance with Governmental Accounting Auditing Standards (GAAS)
Performed Single Audits of nonprofit organizations in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F, Uniform Guidance, Audits of State, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.

Continuing Professional Education
Mrs. Marlin participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments in accounting and auditing such as:
Governmental Accounting Report and Audit Update
Analytical Procedures, FICPA
Annual Update for Accountants and Auditors
Single Audit Sampling and Other Considerations

Maritza Stonebraker, CPA
Director – 10 years

Education
Indian River State College, B.S. – Accounting

Registrations
Certified Public Accountant – State of Florida, State Board of Accountancy
Professional Affiliations/Community Service

Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Member of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Affiliate of the Government Finance Officers Association
Professional Experience
Maritza launched her professional auditing career at Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank, accumulating over 9 years of expertise in the field
Performed over 300 audits of nonprofit and governmental organizations in accordance with Governmental Accounting Auditing Standards (GAAS)
Performed Single Audits of nonprofit organizations in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F, Uniform Guidance, Audits of State, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.
Continuing Professional Education
Mrs. Stonebraker participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments in accounting and auditing such as:
Governmental Accounting Report and Audit Update
Analytical Procedures, FICPA
Annual Update for Accountants and Auditors
Single Audit Sampling and Other Considerations

Jonathan Herman, CPA
Director – 12 years

Education
University of Central Florida, B.S. – Accounting
Florida Atlantic University, MACC

Registrations
Certified Public Accountant – State of Florida, State Board of Accountancy

Professional Affiliations/Community Service
Member of the American and Florida Institutes of Certified Public Accountants
Affiliate member Government Finance Officers Association
Professional Experience
Over 10 years experience in all phases of public accounting and auditing experience, with a concentration in financial and compliance audits. Mr. Herman has been involved in all phases of the audits listed on the preceding pages.

Continuing Professional Education
Has participated in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments. He has attended courses in those areas over the last two years such as:
Governmental Accounting Report and Audit Update
Annual Update: Government Accounting Reporting and Auditing Annual Update for Accountants and Auditors

David F. Haughton, CPA
Accounting and Audit Manager – 34 years

Education
Stetson University, B.B.A. – Accounting
Registrations
Certified Public Accountant – State of Florida, State Board of Accountancy

Professional Affiliations/Community Service
Member of the American and Florida Institutes of Certified Public Accountants
Former Member of Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants Committee on State and Local Government
Affiliate Member Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for over 10 years
Affiliate Member Florida Government Finance Officers Association (FGFOA) for over 10 years
Technical Review – 1997 FICPA Course on State and Local Governments in Florida
Board of Directors – Kiwanis of Ft. Pierce, Treasurer – 1994-1999; Vice President – 1999-2001
Professional Experience
Twenty-seven years public accounting experience with an emphasis on governmental and nonprofit organizations.
State Auditor General’s Office – West Palm Beach, Staff Auditor, June 1985 to September 1985
Accounting and Audit Manager of Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Certified Public Accountants PL, responsible for audit and accounting services including governmental and not-for-profit audits.
Over 20 years of public accounting and governmental experience, specializing in governmental and nonprofit organizations with concentration in special districts, including Community Development Districts which provide services including water and sewer utilities. Governmental and non-profit entities served include the following:
Counties:
St. Lucie County

Municipalities: City of Fort Pierce City of Stuart

David F. Haughton, CPA (Continued)
Accounting and Audit Manager

Professional Experience (Continued) Special Districts:
Bluewaters Community Development District
Country Club of Mount Dora Community Development District Fiddler’s Creek Community Development District #1 and #2 Indigo Community Development District
North Springs Improvement District
Renaissance Commons Community Development District St. Lucie West Services District
Stoneybrook Community Development District Summerville Community Development District Terracina Community Development District Thousand Oaks Community Development District Tree Island Estates Community Development District Valencia Acres Community Development District

Non-Profits:
The Dunbar Center, Inc.
Hibiscus Children’s Foundation, Inc. Hope Rural School, Inc.
Maritime and Yachting Museum of Florida, Inc. Tykes and Teens, Inc.
United Way of Martin County, Inc.
Workforce Development Board of the Treasure Coast, Inc.
While with the Auditor General’s Office he was on the staff for the state audits of the Martin County School District and Okeechobee County School District.
During 1997 he performed a technical review of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants state CPE course on Audits of State and Local Governments in Florida. His comments were well received by the author and were utilized in future updates to the course.
Continuing Professional Education
During the past several years, he has participated in numerous professional development training programs sponsored by the AICPA and FICPA, including state conferences on special districts and governmental auditing in Florida. He averages in excess of 100 hours bi-annually of advanced training which exceeds the 80 hours required in accordance with the continuing professional education requirements of the Florida State Board of accountancy and the AICPA Private Companies Practice Section. He has over 75 hours of governmental CPE credit within the past two years.

Paul Daly
Senior Accountant – 14 years

Education
Florida Atlantic University, B.S. – Accounting

Professional Experience
Staff Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.
Continuing Professional Education
Working to attain the requirements to take the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) exam.

Bryan Snyder
Manager – 11 years

Education
Florida Atlantic University, B.B.A. – Accounting

Professional Experience
Accountant beginning his professional auditing career with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank.
Mr. Snyder is gaining experience auditing governmental & nonprofit entities.

Continuing Professional Education
Mr. Snyder participates in numerous continuing education courses and plans on working to acquire his CPA certificate.
Mr. Snyder is currently studying to pass the CPA exam.

Tifanee Terrell, CPA
Senior Accountant – 5 years

Education
Florida Atlantic University, M.A.C.C. – Accounting
Professional Experience
Senior Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.

Continuing Professional Education
Ms. Terrell participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments.

Dylan Dixon
Senior Accountant – 4 years

Education
Indian River State College, B.S. – Accounting
Florida Gulf Coast University, M.S. – Accounting
Professional Experience
Senior Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.
Continuing Professional Education
Mr. Dixon participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments.
Mr. Dixon is currently studying to pass the CPA exam.

Brennen Moore
Staff Accountant – 3 years

Education
Indian River State College, B.S. – Accounting
Professional Experience
Staff Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.

Continuing Professional Education
Mr. Moore participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments.

Katie Gifford
Staff Accountant – 2 years

Education
Indian River State College, B.S. – Accounting
Professional Experience
Staff Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.

Continuing Professional Education
Ms. Gifford participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments.

Rayna Zicari
Staff Accountant – 2 years

Education
Stetson University, B.B.A. – Accounting
Professional Experience
Staff Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.

Continuing Professional Education
Ms. Zicari participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments.

Deandre McFadden
Staff Accountant – 1 year

Education
Florida Atlantic University, B.S. – Accounting
Professional Experience
Staff Accountant with Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines, & Frank providing professional services to nonprofit and governmental entities.

Continuing Professional Education
Mr. McFadden participates in numerous continuing professional education courses provided by nationally recognized sponsors to keep abreast of the latest developments.

ARBORWOOD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
District Auditing Services for Fiscal Years 2024/2025, 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 With Two Year Option (2027/2028 and 2028/2029)
Lee County, Florida

ARBORWOOD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AUDITOR SELECTION INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS
SECTION 1. DUE DATE. Sealed proposals must be received no later than September 16, 2025 at 4:00 p.m., at the offices of District Manager, located at 2501A Burns Road, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410.

SECTION 2. FAMILIARITY WITH THE LAW. By submitting a proposal, the Proposer is affirming its familiarity and understanding with all federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations that in any manner affect the work. Ignorance on the part of the Proposer will in no way relieve it from responsibility to perform the work covered by the proposal in compliance with all such laws, ordinances and regulations.
SECTION 3. QUALIFICATIONS OF PROPOSER. The contract, if awarded, will only be awarded to a responsible Proposer who is qualified by experience and licensing to do the work specified herein. The Proposer shall submit with its proposal satisfactory evidence of experience in similar work and show that it is fully prepared to complete the work to the satisfaction of the District.

SECTION 4. REJECTION OF PROPOSAL. Proposers shall be disqualified and their proposals rejected if the District has reason to believe that collusion may exist among the Proposers, the Proposer has defaulted on any previous contract or is in arrears on any previous or existing contract, or for failure to demonstrate proper licensure and business organization.
SECTION 5. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL. Submit one (1) copy of the Proposal Documents and one digital copy, and other requested attachments at the time and place indicated herein, which shall be enclosed in an opaque sealed envelope, marked with the title “Auditing Services – Arborwood Community Development District” on the face of it.
SECTION 6. MODIFICATION AND WITHDRAWAL. Proposals may be modified or withdrawn by an appropriate document duly executed and delivered to the place where proposals are to be submitted at any time prior to the time and date the proposals are due. After proposals are opened by the District, no proposal may be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days.

SECTION 7. PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS. The proposal documents shall consist of the notice announcing the request for proposals, these instructions, the Evaluation Criteria Sheet and a proposal with all required documentation pursuant to Section 12 of these instructions (the “Proposal Documents”).

SECTION 8. PROPOSAL. In making its proposal, each Proposer represents that it has read and understands the Proposal Documents and that the proposal is made in accordance therewith.

SECTION 9. BASIS OF AWARD/RIGHT TO REJECT. The District reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, make modifications to the work, and waive any informalities or irregularities in proposals as it is deemed in the best interests of the District.
SECTION 10. CONTRACT AWARD. Within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the Notice of Award from the District, the Proposer shall enter into and execute a Contract (engagement letter) with the District.
SECTION 11. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. Nothing herein shall be construed as or constitute a waiver of District’s limited waiver of liability contained in section 768.28, Florida Statutes, or any other statute or law.

SECTION 12. MISCELLANEOUS. All proposals shall include the following information in addition to any other requirements of the proposal documents.
List position or title of all personnel to perform work on the District audit. Include resumes or each person listed; list years of experience in present position for each party listed and years of related experience.

Describe proposed staffing levels, including resumes with applicable certifications.
Three references from projects of similar size and scope. The Proposer should include information relating to the work it conducted for each reference as well as a name, address and phone number of a contact person.

SECTION 13. PROTESTS. Any protest regarding the Proposal Documents, must be filed in writing, at the offices of the District Manager, within seventy-two (72) hours after receipt of the Request for Proposals and Evaluation Criteria or other contract documents. The formal protest setting forth with particularity the facts and law upon which the protest is based shall be filed within seven (7) calendar days after the initial notice of protest was filed. Failure to timely file a notice of protest or failure to timely file a formal written protest shall constitute a waiver of any right to object or protest with respect to the aforesaid Request for Proposals, Evaluation Criteria, or other contract documents.
SECTION 14. EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS. The criteria to be used in the evaluation are presented in the Evaluation Criteria Sheet, contained within the Proposal Documents.
SECTION 15. REJECTION OF ALL PROPOSALS. The District reserves the right to reject any and all bids, with or without cause, and to waive technical errors and informalities, as determined to be in the best interests of the District.

ARBORWOOD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AUDITOR SELECTION
EVALUATION CRITERIA

Ability of Personnel	(10 Points).

(E.g., geographic locations of the firm’s headquarters or permanent office in relation to the project; capabilities and experience of key personnel; evaluation of existing work load; proposed staffing levels, etc.)

Proposer’s Experience	(10 Points).

(E.g. past record and experience of the Proposer in similar projects; volume of work previously performed by the firm; past performance for other Community Development Districts in other contracts; character, integrity, reputation of Proposer, etc.)
Understanding of Scope of Work	(10 Points).

Extent to which the proposal demonstrates an understanding of the District’s needs for the services requested.
Ability to Furnish the Required Services	(10 Points).

Present ability to manage this project and the extent to which the proposal demonstrates the adequacy of Proposer’s financial resources and stability as a business entity necessary to complete the services required (E.g. the existence of any natural disaster plan for business operations).
Price	(10 Points).

Points will be awarded based upon the price bid for the rendering of the services and reasonableness of the price to the services.

Proposal to Provide Financial Auditing Services:
ARBORWOOD
Community Development District

Proposal Due: September 16, 2025 4:00PM
Submitted to:
Arborwood
Community Development District c/o SDS
2501A Burns Road
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410
Submitted by:
Antonio J. Grau, Partner Grau & Associates
1001 Yamato Road, Suite 301 Boca Raton, Florida 33431 Tel	(561) 994-9299
(800) 229-4728
Fax	(561) 994-5823
tgrau@graucpa.com www.graucpa.com

Table of Contents

PAGE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY / TRANSMITTAL LETTER	1
FIRM QUALIFICATIONS	3
FIRM & STAFF EXPERIENCE	6
REFERENCES…	11
SPECIFIC AUDIT APPROACH	13
COST OF SERVICES	17
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION	19

September 16, 2025

Arborwood Community Development District c/o SDS
2501A Burns Road
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410
Re:	Request for Proposal for Professional Auditing Services for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025-2027, with an option for two (2) additional annual renewals.

Grau & Associates (Grau) welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Arborwood Community Development District’s (the “District”) Request for Proposal (RFP), and we look forward to working with you on your audit. We are an energetic and robust team of knowledgeable professionals and are a recognized leader of providing services to Community Development Districts. As one of Florida’s few firms to primarily focus on government, we are especially equipped to provide you an effective and efficient audit.
Government audits are at the core of our practice: 95% of our work is performing audits for local governments and of that 98% are for special districts. With our significant experience, we are able to increase efficiency, to provide immediate and continued savings, and to minimize disturbances to your operations.

Why Grau & Associates:

Knowledgeable Audit Team
Grau is proud that the personnel we assign to your audit are some of the most seasoned auditors in the field. Our staff performs governmental engagements year-round. When not working on your audit, your team is refining their audit approach for next year’s audit. Our engagement partners have decades of experience and take a hands-on approach to our assignments, which all ensures a smoother process for you.
Servicing your Individual Needs
Our clients enjoy personalized service designed to satisfy their unique needs and requirements. Throughout the process of our audit, you will find that we welcome working with you to resolve any issues as swiftly and easily as possible. In addition, due to Grau’s very low turnover rate for our industry, you also won’t have to worry about retraining your auditors from year to year.

Developing Relationships
We strive to foster mutually beneficial relationships with our clients. We stay in touch year-round, updating, collaborating and assisting you in implementing new legislation, rules and standards that affect your organization. We are also available as a sounding board and assist with technical questions.

Maintaining an Impeccable Reputation
We have never been involved in any litigation, proceeding or received any disciplinary action. Additionally, we have never been charged with, or convicted of, a public entity crime of any sort. We are financially stable and have never been involved in any bankruptcy proceedings.

Complying With Standards
Our audit will follow the Auditing Standards of the AICPA, Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States, and the Rules of the Auditor General of the State of Florida, and any other applicable federal, state and local regulations. We will deliver our reports in accordance with your requirements.
This proposal is a firm and irrevocable offer for 90 days. We certify this proposal is made without previous understanding, agreement or connection either with any previous firms or corporations offering a proposal for the same items. We also certify our proposal is in all respects fair, without outside control, collusion, fraud, or otherwise illegal action, and was prepared in good faith. Only the person(s), company or parties interested in the project as principals are named in the proposal. Grau has no existing or potential conflicts, and anticipates no conflicts during the engagement. Our Federal I.D. number is 20-2067322.
We would be happy to answer any questions or to provide any additional information. We are genuinely excited about the prospect of serving you and establishing a long-term relationship. Please do not hesitate to call or email either of our Partners, Antonio J. Grau, CPA (tgrau@graucpa.com) or David Caplivski, CPA (dcaplivski@graucpa.com) at 561.994.9299. We thank you for considering our firm’s qualifications and experience.

Very truly yours, Grau & Associates
Antonio J. Grau

Firm Qualifications

10/16
Employees are CPAS

3

11

2

Grau’s Focus and Experience

Our Team

Year founded

Partners

Professional Staff

Administrative Professionals

Properly registered and licensed professional corporation by the state of FLORIDA

We are proud Members of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
&

9
Professional Groups

the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Services Provided

See next page for report and certificate

External quality review program: consistently receives a pass



Exter

prog

recei



Inter

moni

nternal: ongoing

quali

mon toring to maintain qual ty

AICPA | FICPA | GFOA | FASD | FGFOA

Firm & Staff Experience

GRAU AND ASSOCIATES COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT EXPERIENCE BY MANAGEMENT COMPANY

OTHER
19

PFM
12

WRATHELL
30

GMS
78

INFRAMARK
38

SDS
60

RIZZETTA
47

MERITUS
23

Profile Briefs:
Antonio J GRAU, CPA (Partner)
Years Performing Audits: 35+
CPE (last 2 years): Government Accounting, Auditing: 32 hours; Accounting, Auditing and Other: 58 hours
Professional Memberships: AICPA, FICPA, FGFOA, GFOA

David Caplivski, CPA (Partner)
Years Performing Audits: 13+
CPE (last 2 years): Government Accounting, Auditing: 48 hours; Accounting, Auditing and Other: 33 hours
Professional Memberships: AICPA, FICPA, FGFOA, FASD

“Here at Grau & Associates, staying up to date with the current technological landscape is one of our top priorities. Not only does it provide a more positive experience for our clients, but it also allows us to perform a more effective and efficient audit. With the every changing technology available and utilized by our clients, we are constantly innovating our audit process.”
-	Tony Grau
“Quality audits and exceptional client service are at the heart of every decision we make. Our clients trust us to deliver a quality audit, adhering to high standards and assisting them with improvements for their organization.”
- David Caplivski

YOUR ENGAGEMENT TEAM

Grau’s client-specific engagement team is meticulously organized in order to meet the unique needs of each client. Constant communication within our solution team allows for continuity of staff and audit team. The Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) Partner will bring a unique blend of IT expertise and understanding of accounting principles to the financial statement audit of the District.

Engagement
Partner

CITP Partner

Your
Successful Audit

Audit
Manager

Audit Senior

The assigned personnel will work closely with the partner and the District to ensure that the financial statements and all other reports are prepared in accordance with professional standards and firm policy.
Responsibilities will include planning the audit; communicating with the client and the partners the progress of the audit; and
determining that financial statements and all reports issued by the firm are accurate, complete and are prepared in accordance with professional standards and firm policy.

The Engagement Partner will participate extensively during the various stages of the engagement and has direct responsibility for engagement policy, direction, supervision, quality control, security, confidentiality of information of the engagement and communication with client personnel. The engagement partner will also be involved directing the development of the overall audit approach and plan; performing an overriding review of work papers and ascertain client satisfaction.

Antonio ‘Tony ‘J. Grau, CPA
Partner
Contact: tgrau@graucpa.com | (561) 939-6672
Experience
For over 30 years, Tony has been providing audit, accounting and consulting services to the firm’s governmental, non-profit, employee benefit, overhead and arbitrage clients. He provides guidance to clients regarding complex accounting issues, internal controls and operations.
As a member of the Government Finance Officers Association Special Review Committee, Tony participated in the review process for awarding the GFOA Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting. Tony was also the review team leader for the Quality Review of the Office of Management Audits of School Board of Miami-Dade County. Tony received the AICPA advanced level certificate for governmental single audits.
Education
University of South Florida (1983) Bachelor of Arts
Business Administration

Clients Served (partial list)
(>300) Various Special Districts, including:

Bayside Improvement Community Development District Dunes Community Development District
Fishhawk Community Development District (I, II, IV) Grand Bay at Doral Community Development District Heritage Harbor North Community Development District

Boca Raton Airport Authority Greater Naples Fire Rescue District
Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District Lake Worth Drainage District
South Indian River Water Control

St. Lucie West Services District
Ave Maria Stewardship Community District Rivers Edge II Community Development District Bartram Park Community Development District
Bay Laurel Center Community Development District

Professional Associations/Memberships
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Florida Government Finance Officers Association Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants Government Finance Officers Association Member City of Boca Raton Financial Advisory Board Member

Professional Education (over the last two years)
Course	Hours
Government Accounting and Auditing	32
Accounting, Auditing and Other	58
Total Hours	90 (includes of 4 hours of Ethics CPE)

David Caplivski, CPA/CITP, Partner
Contact : dcaplivski@graucpa.com / 561-939-6676
Experience
Grau & Associates	Partner	2021-Present	
Grau & Associates	Manager	2014-2020	
Grau & Associates	Senior Auditor	2013-2014	
Grau & Associates	Staff Auditor	2010-2013	

Education
Florida Atlantic University (2009) Master of Accounting
Nova Southeastern University (2002) Bachelor of Science
Environmental Studies

Certifications and Certificates
Certified Public Accountant (2011)
AICPA Certified Information Technology Professional (2018) AICPA Accreditation COSO Internal Control Certificate (2022)

Clients Served (partial list)
(>300) Various Special Districts	Hispanic Human Resource Council
Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse	Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District
Boca Raton Airport Authority	Old Plantation Water Control District
Broward Education Foundation	Pinetree Water Control District
CareerSource Brevard	 San Carlos Park Fire & Rescue Retirement Plan CareerSource Central Florida 403 (b) Plan	South Indian River Water Control District
City of Lauderhill GERS	South Trail Fire Protection & Rescue District
City of Parkland Police Pension Fund	Town of Haverhill
City of Sunrise GERS	Town of Hypoluxo
Coquina Water Control District	Town of Hillsboro Beach
Central County Water Control District	Town of Lantana
City of Miami (program specific audits)	 Town of Lauderdale By-The–Sea Volunteer Fire Pension City of West Park	Town of Pembroke Park
Coquina Water Control District	Village of Wellington East Central Regional Wastewater Treatment Facl.	 Village of Golf
East Naples Fire Control & Rescue District

Professional Education (over the last two years)
Course	Hours
Government Accounting and Auditing	48
Accounting, Auditing and Other	33
Total Hours	81 (includes 4 hours of Ethics CPE)
Professional Associations
Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Member, Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants Member, Florida Government Finance Officers Association Member, Florida Association of Special Districts

References

We have included three references of government engagements that require compliance with laws and regulations, follow fund accounting, and have financing requirements, which we believe are similar to the District.

 Dunes Community Development District	
Scope of Work	Financial audit Engagement Partner	Antonio J. Grau Dates	Annually since 1998
Client Contact	Darrin Mossing, Finance Director 475 W. Town Place, Suite 114
St. Augustine, Florida 32092
	904-940-5850	

 Two Creeks Community Development District	
Scope of Work	Financial audit Engagement Partner	Antonio J. Grau Dates	Annually since 2007
Client Contact	William Rizzetta, President 3434 Colwell Avenue, Suite 200
Tampa, Florida 33614
	813-933-5571	

 Journey’s End Community Development District	
Scope of Work	Financial audit Engagement Partner	Antonio J. Grau Dates	Annually since 2004
Client Contact	Todd Wodraska, Vice President
2501 A Burns Road
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410
	561-630-4922	

Specific Audit Approach

AUDIT APPROACH
Grau’s Understanding of Work Product / Scope of Services:
We recognize the District is an important entity and we are confident our firm is eminently qualified to meet the challenges of this engagement and deliver quality audit services. You would be a valued client of our firm and we pledge to commit all firm resources to provide the level and quality of services (as described below) which not only meet the requirements set forth in the RFP but will exceed those expectations. Grau & Associates fully understands the scope of professional services and work products requested. Our audit will follow the Auditing Standards of the AICPA, Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States, and the Rules of the Auditor General of the State of Florida and any other applicable Federal, State of Local regulations. We will deliver our reports in accordance with your requirements.

Proposed segmentation of the engagement
Our approach to the audit engagement is a risk-based approach which integrates the best of traditional auditing techniques and a total systems concept to enable the team to conduct a more efficient and effective audit. The audit will be conducted in three phases, which are as follows:

PHASE I:
Preliminary Planning

PHASE II:
Execution of the Audit Plan

PHASE III:
Completion and Delivery

Phase I - Preliminary Planning
A thorough understanding of your organization, service objectives and operating environment is essential for the development of an audit plan and for an efficient, cost-effective audit. During this phase, we will meet with appropriate personnel to obtain and document our understanding of your operations and service objectives and, at the same time, give you the opportunity to express your expectations with respect to the services that we will provide. Our work effort will be coordinated so that there will be minimal disruption to your staff.
During this phase we will perform the following activities:
» Review the regulatory, statutory and compliance requirements. This will include a review of applicable federal and state statutes, resolutions, bond documents, contracts, and other agreements;
» Read minutes of meetings;
» Review major sources of information such as budgets, organization charts, procedures, manuals, financial systems, and management information systems;
» Obtain an understanding of fraud detection and prevention systems;
» Obtain and document an understanding of internal control, including knowledge about the design of relevant policies, procedures, and records, and whether they have been placed in operation;
» Assess risk and determine what controls we are to rely upon and what tests we are going to perform and perform test of controls;
» Develop audit programs to incorporate the consideration of financial statement assertions, specific audit objectives, and appropriate audit procedures to achieve the specified objectives;
» Discuss and resolve any accounting, auditing and reporting matters which have been identified.

Phase II – Execution of Audit Plan
The audit team will complete a major portion of transaction testing and audit requirements during this phase. The procedures performed during this period will enable us to identify any matter that may impact the completion of our work or require the attention of management. Tasks to be performed in Phase II include, but are not limited to the following:
» Apply analytical procedures to further assist in the determination of the nature, timing, and extent of auditing procedures used to obtain evidential matter for specific account balances or classes of transactions;
» Perform tests of account balances and transactions through sampling, vouching, confirmation and other analytical procedures; and
» Perform tests of compliance.
Phase III - Completion and Delivery

In this phase of the audit, we will complete the tasks related to year-end balances and financial reporting. All reports will be reviewed with management before issuance, and the partners will be available to meet and discuss our report and address any questions. Tasks to be performed in Phase III include, but are not limited to the following:

» Perform final analytical procedures;
» Review information and make inquiries for subsequent events; and
» Meeting with Management to discuss preparation of draft financial statements and any potential findings or recommendations.

You should expect more from your accounting firm than a signature in your annual financial report. Our concept of truly responsive professional service emphasizes taking an active interest in the issues of concern to our clients and serving as an effective resource in dealing with those issues. In following this approach, we not only audit financial information with hindsight but also consider the foresight you apply in managing operations.

Application of this approach in developing our management letter is particularly important given the increasing financial pressures and public scrutiny facing today’s public officials. We will prepare the management letter at the completion of our final procedures.
In preparing this management letter, we will initially review any draft comments or recommendations with management. In addition, we will take necessary steps to ensure that matters are communicated to those charged with governance.
In addition to communicating any recommendations, we will also communicate the following, if any:

» Significant audit adjustments;
» Significant deficiencies or material weaknesses;
» Disagreements with management; and
» Difficulties encountered in performing the audit.

Is the recommendation cost effective?
Is the recommendation the simplest to effectuate in order to correct a problem?

Is the recommendation at the heart of the problem and not just correcting a symptomatic matter?

Is the corrective action taking into account why the deficiency occurred?

Our findings will contain a statement of condition describing the situation and the area that needs strengthening, what should be corrected and why. Our suggestions will withstand the basic tests of corrective action:

To assure full agreement with facts and circumstances, we will fully discuss each item with Management prior to the final exit conference. This policy means there will be no “surprises” in the management letter and fosters a professional, cooperative atmosphere.

Communications
We emphasize a continuous, year-round dialogue between the District and our management team. We regularly communicate through personal telephone calls and electronic mail throughout the audit and on a regular basis.
Our clients have the ability to transmit information to us on our secure client portal with the ability to assign different staff with separate log on and viewing capability. This further facilitates efficiency as all assigned users receive electronic mail notification as soon as new information has been posted into the portal.

Cost of Services

Our proposed all-inclusive fees for the financial audit for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025-2029 are as follows:

  Year Ended September 30,			Fee		
2025	$5,800	
2026	$5,900	
2027	$6,000	
2028	$6,100	
2029	$6,200	
TOTAL (2025-2029)	$30,000	

The above fees are based on the assumption that the District maintains its current level of operations. Should conditions change or additional debt is issued the fees would be adjusted accordingly upon approval from all parties concerned.

Supplemental Information

	Governmental Audit	Single Audit	Utility Audit	
Current Client	
Year End	
Boca Raton Airport Authority	✓	✓		✓	9/30	
Captain's Key Dependent District	✓			✓	9/30	
Central Broward Water Control District	✓			✓	9/30	
Collier Mosquito Control District	✓			✓	9/30	
Coquina Water Control District	✓			✓	9/30	
East Central Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility	✓		✓		9/30	
Florida Green Finance Authority	✓				9/30	
Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District	✓			✓	9/30	
Greater Naples Fire Control and Rescue District	✓	✓		✓	9/30	
Green Corridor P.A.C.E. District	✓			✓	9/30	
Hobe-St. Lucie Conservancy District	✓			✓	9/30	
Indian River Farms Water Control District	✓			✓	9/30	
Indian River Mosquito Control District	✓				9/30	
Indian Trail Improvement District	✓			✓	9/30	
Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District	✓	✓	✓	✓	9/30	
Lake Asbury Municipal Service Benefit District	✓			✓	9/30	
Lake Padgett Estates Independent District	✓			✓	9/30	
Lake Worth Drainage District	✓			✓	9/30	
Lealman Special Fire Control District	✓			✓	9/30	
Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District	✓				9/30	
Old Plantation Water Control District	✓			✓	9/30	
Pal Mar Water Control District	✓			✓	9/30	
Pinellas Park Water Management District	✓			✓	9/30	
Pine Tree Water Control District (Broward)	✓			✓	9/30	
Pinetree Water Control District (Wellington)	✓				9/30	
Port of The Islands Community Improvement District	✓		✓	✓	9/30	
Ranger Drainage District	✓	✓		✓	9/30	
Renaissance Improvement District	✓			✓	9/30	
San Carlos Park Fire Protection and Rescue Service District	✓			✓	9/30	
Sanibel Fire and Rescue District	✓				9/30	
South Central Regional Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Board	✓				9/30	
South Indian River Water Control District	✓	✓		✓	9/30	
South Trail Fire Protection & Rescue District	✓			✓	9/30	
Spring Lake Improvement District	✓			✓	9/30	
St. Lucie West Services District	✓		✓	✓	9/30	
Sunrise Lakes Phase IV Recreation District	✓			✓	9/30	
Sunshine Water Control District	✓			✓	9/30	
Sunny Hills Units 12-15 Dependent District	✓			✓	9/30	
West Villages Improvement District	✓			✓	9/30	
Various Community Development Districts (452)	✓			✓	9/30	
TOTAL	491	5	4	484		

CONSULTING / MANAGEMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
Grau & Associates also provide a broad range of other management consulting services. Our expertise has been consistently utilized by Governmental and Non-Profit entities throughout Florida. Examples of engagements performed are as follows:

Accounting systems
Development of budgets
Organizational structures
Financing alternatives
IT Auditing

Fixed asset records
Cost reimbursement
Indirect cost allocation
Grant administration and compliance

ARBITRAGE

The federal government has imposed complex rules to restrict the use of tax-exempt financing. Their principal purpose is to eliminate any significant arbitrage incentives in a tax-exempt issue. We have determined the applicability of these requirements and performed the rebate calculations for more than 150 bond issues, including both fixed and variable rate bonds.

73

Current Arbitrage Calculations

We look forward to providing Arborwood Community Development District with our resources and experience to accomplish not only those minimum requirements set forth in your Request for Proposal, but to exceed those expectations!

For even more information on Grau & Associates please visit us on www.graucpa.com.

November Update-11/07/25

Lake Water Quality	October water sample results have not been issued as of 11/07/25.	
Lake Aquatic Plantings	Lakes were treated for invasive weeds/algae
Various lakes were treated for invasive aquatic vegetation
Dye was added to lake 10 to help prevent submersed vegetation growth.
Comments by Lake Doctors: Lakes look very healthy with no concerning issues to report.	
Lake Bank Conditions	Drainage and lake bank erosion repairs are to begin on November 17, 2025.	
Preserves	Preserve line encroachment correction project. Tentative meeting set with Passarella & Associates on November 13, 2025 to review project.	
Resident Requests	None	
Other Updates	Muck Level Updates	
.

	Oct25		25/26 Budget		$ Over Budget		% of Budget	
Revenue								
0 & M Assessments	0.00		539,884.00		-539,884.00		0.0%	
Debt Assessments (2018)	0.00		2,633,569.00		-2,633,569.00		0.0%	
Debt Assessments (2014A-1)	0.00		513,421.00		-513,421.00		0.0%	
Debt Assessments (2014A-2)	0.00		52,459.00		-52,459.00		0.0%	
Debt Assess-Pd To Trustee-2018	0.00		-2,528,226.00		2,528,226.00		0.0%	
Debt Asses-Pd To Trustee-2014A1	0.00		-492,885.00		492,885.00		0.0%	
Assessment Fees	0.00		-10,000.00		10,000.00		0.0%	
Assessment Discounts	0.00		-149,573.00		149,573.00		0.0%	
Debt Asses-Pd To Trustee-2014A2	0.00		-50,360.00		50,360.00		0.0%	
Carryover Balance	0.00		17,000.00		-17,000.00		0.0%	
Total Income	0.00		525,289.00		-525,289.00		0.0%	
Expense								
Payroll Tax Expense	61.20		880.00		-818.80		6.96%	
Supervisor Fees	800.00		11,000.00		-10,200.00		7.27%	
Engineering	0.00		50,000.00		-50,000.00		0.0%	
Management Fees	3,507.00		42,084.00		-38,577.00		8.33%	
Website Management	166.66		2,000.00		-1,833.34		8.33%	
Legal Fees	0.00		19,000.00		-19,000.00		0.0%	
Assessment/Tax Roll	0.00		5,000.00		-5,000.00		0.0%	
Audit Fees	0.00		5,450.00		-5,450.00		0.0%	
Arbitrage Rebate Fee	0.00		1,000.00		-1,000.00		0.0%	
Amortization Schedule Fee	0.00		500.00		-500.00		0.0%	
Insurance	6,998.00		13,000.00		-6,002.00		53.83%	
Legal Advertisements	255.50		5,250.00		-4,994.50		4.87%	
Miscellaneous	223.91		3,200.00		-2,976.09		7.0%	
Postage and Delivery	0.00		1,125.00		-1,125.00		0.0%	

Office Supplies	172.55		2,275.00		-2,102.45		7.59%	
Dues, License & Subscriptions	175.00		175.00		0.00		100.0%	
Trustee Fees	0.00		22,500.00		-22,500.00		0.0%	
Continuing Disclosure Fee	0.00		3,000.00		-3,000.00		0.0%	
Professional Fee & Permits	0.00		1,250.00		-1,250.00		0.0%	
Treeline Preserve Maint-Exotics	0.00		0.00		0.00		0.0%	
DRI / Traffic Monitoring	0.00		5,000.00		-5,000.00		0.0%	
Environment! Consulting-Passarella	0.00		23,000.00		-23,000.00		0.0%	
Panther Mitigation Mnt-Exotics	0.00		80,000.00		-80,000.00		0.0%	
Field Inspector - Somerset Only	0.00		25,500.00		-25,500.00		0.0%	
Lake Maintenance-Somerset Only	4,152.26		50,000.00		-45,847.74		8.31%	
Preserve Maint - Somerset Only	0.00		37,000.00		-37,000.00		0.0%	
Flowway Maintenance	0.00		10,600.00		-10,600.00		0.0%	
Preserve Maint (Parcel C Only)	0.00		7,000.00		-7,000.00		0.0%	
Lake Bank Erosion Mte(Somerset)	0.00		47,000.00		-47,000.00		0.0%	
Strmwtr Drains lns/MTE-Somerset	0.00		30,000.00		-30,000.00		0.0%	
Strmwtr Drains Ins (Bridgetown)	0.00		6,500.00		-6,500.00		0.0%	
Lake Bank Inspection-Somerset	0.00		7,500.00		-7,500.00		0.0%	
Lake Bank Inspection-Bridgetown	0.00		6,500.00		-6,500.00		0.0%	
Capital Outlay - Small	0.00		1,000.00		-1,000.00		0.0%	
Total Expenditures	16,512.08		525,289.00		-508,776.92		3.14%	
Net Revenue	-16,512.08		0.00		-16,512.08		100.0%	

Bridgetown Balance As Of 10/1/25	$	12,640.62	
Somerset Balance As Of 10/1/25	$	27,275.68	

Bridgetown Activity: 10/1/25 - 10/31/25	$	13,000.00	
Somerset Activity: 10/1/25 -10/31/25	$	192,847.74	
		
Bridgetown Balance As Of 10/31/25	$	25,640.62	
Somerset Balance As Of 10/31/25	$	220,123.42	

Bank Balance As Of 10/31/25	$	514,460.79	
Accounts Payable As Of 10/31/25	$	10,574.22	
Other Assets As Of 10/31/25	$	
Total Fund Balance As Of 10/31/25	$	503,886.57	

Series 2014A-1 Bond Balance As Of 10/31/25	$	3,785,000.00	
Series 2014A-2 Bond Balance As Of 10/31/25	$	420,000.00	
Series 2018A-1 Bond Balance As Of 10/31/25	$  16,360,000.00	
Series 2018A-2 Bond Balance As Of 10/31/25	$	5,670,000.00	
Total Bond Balance As Of 10/31/25	$	26,235,000.00