What’s New on FMX?

Each agency must complete the short (two-minute) GASB 87 Questionnaire by May 31 to identify the software the agency will use to implement GASB Statement No. 87 – Leases, and to update its GASB contact information. See the AFR Reporting Requirements’ GASB Questionnaires page or contact your financial reporting analyst for more information.

Agencies with supplemental appropriations made by Senate Bill (SB) 500, 86th Legislature, Regular Session have been contacted by an appropriation control officer about any remaining balances.

Obligated funds must be encumbered or accrued by June 5 in USAS with an effective date of May 31 to allow expenditure over the next two fiscal years. Any balances not encumbered or accrued will lapse.

Contact your appropriation control officer with questions.

A combined CAPPS HR/Payroll and CAPPS Financials user group webinar will be held May 25, 9-11 a.m. See CAPPS Financials User Group Meetings or CAPPS HR/Payroll User Group Meetings for information. The agenda and meeting materials will be posted one day before the meeting.

The following FMX Financial Reporting reference topics have been updated with fiscal 2020 information: 

• Federal schedules (with Notes to the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards).
• Single audit report package (completed in conjunction with the State Auditor’s Office). 

Contact your financial reporting analyst with any questions.

All customers using BlueZone Web-to-Host 5.2 must upgrade to the latest version, 7.1, by June 1, when the current version will be decommissioned on Comptroller systems.

Note: If you or your IT support already downloaded and installed BlueZone Web-to-Host 5.2 from FMX, you must upgrade to the latest 7.1 version. If your agency or office has its own licensed version of BlueZone or another 3270 emulator, you can continue using it to connect to the Comptroller’s mainframe.

See Requirements for Transmitting Comptroller Information (FPP N.007) (login required) for more information and installation instructions.

Agencies and institutions may also use other TN3270E emulation software equivalent to BlueZone. See Alternative Emulator Configuration Settings (login required) in FPP N.007, or contact information technology support at your agency for help.

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) further extends agencies’ and institutions’ ability to voluntarily offer emergency paid sick leave and paid family leave created by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) through Sept. 30, 2021. The Comptroller’s office has updated Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Guidance (FPP F.041) to reflect ARP’s changes to FFCRA.

May is Direct Deposit Month, a yearly reminder that direct deposit payments save the state money and offer a safe, convenient method of payment to the payees of the state. May is a good time for each agency to review its direct deposit practices to protect your agency and your customers.

See Promoting Direct Deposit for more information.

An accounting policy webinar will be held May 19, 2–4 p.m. See the Accounting Policy Meetings page for the webinar registration.

This page will also be updated with:

• Agenda and meeting materials (available the day before the meeting)
• Q&As (available two to three weeks after the webinar)

Note: Use Google Chrome as the internet browser to avoid Webex compatibility issues.

All customers using BlueZone Web-to-Host 5.2 must upgrade to the latest version, 7.1, by June 1, when the current version will be decommissioned on Comptroller systems. See Requirements for Transmitting Comptroller Information (FPP N.007) (login required) for more information and installation instructions.

Agencies and institutions may also use other TN3270E emulation software equivalent to BlueZone. See Alternative Emulator Configuration Settings (login required) in FPP N.007, or contact information technology support at your agency for help.

Letter of authorization (LOA) signature lists currently on file for HRIS, SPRS, USPS and CAPPS expire May 31. 

By May 31, each agency and institution of higher education must submit the names of authorized employees and a new LOA signature list form. Beginning June 1, only newly authorized state employees may request data changes.

See Authorization and Request Process for Data Changes to Statewide Payroll/Personnel Systems (FPP M.009) for forms and instructions.

The second-quarter general revenue (GR) reimbursement deadline for statewide allocated costs for agencies listed in Fiscal 2020 Statewide Cost Allocation Summary of Fixed Costs by Agency is April 30.

See General Revenue Reimbursement for Statewide Allocated Costs (FPP A.022) for instructions, contacts and forms.