DISCLOSURES REGARDING FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

DISCLOSURES REGARDING FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

19. DISCLOSURES REGARDING FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Fair value measurements apply whenever GAAP requires or permits assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value either on a recurring or nonrecurring basis. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets or liabilities; it is not a forced transaction. GAAP establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs. Observable inputs, which are developed based on market data we have obtained from independent sources, are ones that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. Unobservable inputs, which are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances, reflect our estimate of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement). The fair value hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

● Level 1: valuation is based upon unadjusted quoted market prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.

● Level 2: valuation is based upon quoted market prices for similar instruments traded in active markets, quoted market prices for identical or similar instruments traded in markets that are not active and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or can be corroborated by market data.

● Level 3: valuation is derived from other valuation methodologies, including discounted cash flow models and similar techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in determining fair value.

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point of time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale our entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no active market exists for a significant portion of our financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgements regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, current interest rates and prepayment trends, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgement and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in any of these assumptions used in calculating fair value would also significantly affect the estimates. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in any of these estimates.

The following paragraphs describe the valuation methodologies used for assets recorded at fair value on a recurring basis:

Investment Securities Available for Sale

Investment securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and are based upon quoted prices if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair value is measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange such as the New York Stock Exchange, or by dealers or brokers in active over-the counter markets. Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored entities, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. Securities classified as Level 3 include asset-backed and municipal securities in less liquid markets.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative instruments include interest rate lock commitments and forward sale commitments. These instruments are valued based on the change in the value of the underlying loan between the commitment date and the end of the period. We classify these instruments as Level 3.

We had no embedded derivative instruments requiring separate accounting treatment. We had freestanding derivative instruments consisting of fixed rate conforming loan commitments with interest rate locks and commitments to sell fixed rate conforming loans on a best-efforts basis. We do not currently engage in hedging activities. Based on the short-term nature of mortgage loans to be sold (derivative contract), our derivative instruments were immaterial to our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.

The following table presents information about assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.

	Balance as of December 31, 2021
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
U.S. Treasury Notes	$	100,062,300	$	—	$	—	$	100,062,300
Government-Sponsored Enterprises		—		74,721,009		—		74,721,009
Municipal Securities		—		13,080,133		24,484,047		37,564,180
Total	$	100,062,300	$	87,801,142	$	24,484,047	$	212,347,489
	Balance as of December 31, 2020
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
U.S. Treasury Notes	$	20,410,550	$	—	$	—	$	20,410,550
Government-Sponsored Enterprises		—		97,852,806		—		97,852,806
Municipal Securities		—		10,872,532		5,683,930		16,556,462
Total	$	20,410,550	$	108,725,338	$	5,683,930	$	134,819,818

There were no liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2021 or 2020.

The following table reconciles the changes in assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.

	December 31,
	2021			2020
Beginning balance	$	5,683,930		$	11,954,451
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses)
Included in earnings		—			—
Included in other comprehensive (loss) income		(79,883	)		110,479
Purchases, issuances, and settlements net of maturities		18,880,000			(6,381,000	)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3		—			—
Ending balance	$	24,484,047		$	5,683,930

There were no transfers between fair value levels during the years ended December 31, 2021 or 2020.

The following paragraphs describe the valuation methodologies used for assets recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:

Impaired Loans

Impaired loans are carried at the lower of recorded investment or fair value. The fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell is the most frequently used method. Typically, we review the most recent appraisal and, if it is over 12 to 18 months old, we may request a new third party appraisal. Depending on the particular circumstances surrounding the loan, including the location of the collateral, the date of the most recent appraisal and the value of the collateral relative to the recorded investment in the loan, we may order an independent appraisal immediately or, in some instances, may elect to perform an internal analysis. Specifically, as an example, in situations where the collateral on a nonperforming commercial real estate loan is out of our primary market area, we would typically order an independent appraisal immediately, at the earlier of the date the loan becomes nonperforming or immediately following the determination that the loan is impaired.

However, as a second example, on a nonperforming commercial real estate loan where we are familiar with the property and surrounding areas and where the original appraisal value far exceeds the recorded investment in the loan, we may perform an internal analysis whereby the previous appraisal value would be reviewed considering recent current conditions, and known recent sales or listings of similar properties in the area, and any other relevant economic trends. This analysis may result in the call for a new appraisal. These valuations are reviewed and updated on a quarterly basis.

In accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, impaired loans, where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral, require classification in the fair value hierarchy. These impaired loans are classified as Level 3. Impaired loans measured using discounted future cash flows are not deemed to be measured at fair value.

Mortgage Loans to be Sold

Mortgage loans to be sold are carried at the lower of cost or market value. The fair values of mortgage loans to be sold are based on current market rates from investors within the secondary market for loans with similar characteristics. Carrying value approximates fair value. These loans are classified as Level 2.

Certain assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). The following tables present information about certain assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.

	December 31, 2021
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Impaired loans	$	—	$	—	$	1,902,879	$	1,902,879
Mortgage loans to be sold		—		2,774,388		—		2,774,388
Total	$	—	$	2,774,388	$	1,902,879	$	4,677,267

	December 31, 2020
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Impaired loans	$	—	$	—	$	5,419,726	$	5,419,726
Mortgage loans to be sold		—		12,965,733		—		12,965,733
Total	$	—	$	12,965,733	$	5,419,726	$	18,385,459

There were no liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2021 or 2020.

The following table provides information describing the unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements at December 31, 2021:

	Inputs
	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	General Range of Inputs
Impaired Loans	Appraisal Value/Comparison Sales/Other Estimates	Appraisals and/or Sales of Comparable Properties	Appraisals Discounted 10% to 20% for Sales Commissions and Other Holding Costs

Accounting standards require disclosure of fair value information for all of our assets and liabilities that are considered financial instruments, whether or not recognized on the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value.

Under the accounting standard, fair value estimates are based on existing financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of the assets and liabilities that are not financial instruments. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts of existing financial instruments do not represent the underlying value of those instruments on our books.

The following paragraphs describe the methods and assumptions we use in estimating the fair values of financial instruments:

a. Cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits at the Federal Reserve Bank

The carrying value approximates fair value. All instruments mature within 90 days and do not present unanticipated credit concerns.

b. Investment securities available for sale 

Investment securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions.

c. Loans 

The fair value of the Company’s loan portfolio includes a credit risk assumption in the determination of the fair value of its loans. This credit risk assumption is intended to approximate the fair value that a market participant would realize in a hypothetical orderly transaction. The Company’s loan portfolio is initially fair valued using a segmented approach. The Company divides its loan portfolio into the following categories: variable rate loans, impaired loans and all other loans. The results are then adjusted to account for credit risk as described above. However, under the new guidance, the Company believes a further credit risk discount must be applied through the use of a discounted cash flow model to compensate for illiquidity risk, based on certain assumptions included within the discounted cash flow model, primarily the use of discount rates that better capture inherent credit risk over the lifetime of a loan. Additionally, in accordance with ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities, this consideration of enhanced credit risk provides an estimated exit price for the Company’s loan portfolio.

For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and have no significant change in credit risk, fair values approximate carrying values. Fair values for impaired loans are estimated using discounted cash flow models or based on the fair value of the underlying collateral.

d. Deposits 

The estimated fair value of deposits with no stated maturity is equal to the carrying amount. The fair value of time deposits is estimated by discounting contractual cash flows, using interest rates currently being offered on the deposit products. The fair value estimates for deposits do not include the benefit that results from the low-cost funding provided by the deposit liabilities as compared to the cost of alternative forms of funding (deposit base intangibles).

e. Accrued interest receivable and payable 

Since these financial instruments will typically be received or paid within three months, the carrying amounts of such instruments are deemed a reasonable estimate of fair value.

f. Loan commitments 

Estimates of the fair value of these off-balance sheet items are not made because of the short-term nature of these arrangements and the credit standing on the counterparties.

The following tables present the carrying amount, fair value, and placement in the fair value hierarchy of our financial instruments as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2021
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial Assets:
Cash and due from banks	$	11,140,559	$	11,140,559	$	11,140,559	$	—	$	—
Interest-bearing deposits at the Federal Reserve		128,971,429		128,971,429		128,971,429		—		—
Investment securities available for sale		212,347,489		212,347,489		100,062,300		87,801,142		24,484,047
Mortgage loans to be sold		2,774,388		2,774,388		—		2,774,388		—
Loans, net		302,255,242		293,731,997		—		—		293,731,997
Accrued interest receivable		1,404,227		1,404,227		—		1,404,227
Financial Liabilities:
Demand deposits		587,903,356		587,903,356		—		587,903,356		—
Time deposits		21,288,220		21,428,310		—		21,428,310		—
Accrued interest payable		14,914		14,914		—		14,914		—

	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2020
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial Assets:
Cash and due from banks	$	5,977,896	$	5,977,896	$	5,977,896	$	—	$	—
Interest-bearing deposits at the Federal Reserve		42,348,085		42,348,085		42,348,085		—		—
Investment securities available for sale		134,819,818		134,819,818		20,410,550		108,725,338		5,683,930
Mortgage loans to be sold		12,965,733		12,965,733		—		12,965,733		—
Loans, net		316,616,979		308,721,680		—		—		308,721,680
Accrued interest receivable		1,595,629		1,595,629		—		1,595,629
Financial Liabilities:
Demand deposits		441,498,500		441,498,500		—		441,498,500		—
Time deposits		20,699,131		20,294,852		—		20,294,852		—
Accrued interest payable		20,707		20,707		—		20,707		—