Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] | NOTE 5 — LOANS The Company’s customers are primarily located in Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Tuolumne, Inyo, and Mono Counties. As of December 31, 2015, approximately 78% of the Company’s loans are commercial real estate loans which includes construction loans. Approximately 12% of the Company’s loans are for general commercial uses including professional, retail, and small business. Additionally, 6% of the Company’s loans are for residential real estate and other consumer loans. The remaining 4% are agriculture loans. Loan totals were as follows: DECEMBER 31, (in thousands) 2015 2014 Commercial real estate: Commercial real estate- construction $ 19,363 $ 9,181 Commercial real estate- mortgages 363,644 315,506 Land 10,239 10,620 Farmland 29,801 23,091 Commercial and industrial 63,776 54,051 Consumer 774 805 Consumer residential 32,588 25,464 Agriculture 20,847 15,753 Total loans 541,032 454,471 Less: Net deferred loan fees/costs and fair value discount on acquired loans (3,282 ) (445 ) Allowance for loan losses (7,356 ) (7,534 ) Net loans $ 530,394 $ 446,492 Loan Origination/Risk Management. The Company has certain lending policies and procedures in place that are designed to maximize loan income within an acceptable level of risk. Management reviews and approves these policies and procedures on a regular basis. A reporting system supplements the review process by providing management with frequent reports related to loan production, loan quality, concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies and non-performing and potential problem loans. Diversification in the loan portfolio is a means of managing risk associated with fluctuations in economic conditions. Commercial and industrial loans are underwritten after evaluating and understanding the borrower’s ability to operate profitably and prudently expand its business. Underwriting standards are designed to promote relationship banking rather than transactional banking. Once it is determined that the borrower’s management possesses sound ethics and solid business acumen, the Company’s management examines current and projected cash flows to determine the ability of the borrower to repay their obligations as agreed. Commercial and industrial loans are primarily made based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. The cash flows of borrowers, however, may not be as expected and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Most commercial and industrial loans are secured by the assets being financed or other business assets such as accounts receivable or inventory and may incorporate a personal guarantee; however, some short-term loans may be made on an unsecured basis. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect amounts due from its customers. Commercial real estate loans are subject to underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial and industrial loans, in addition to those of real estate loans. These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and secondarily as loans secured by real estate. Commercial real estate lending typically involves higher loan principal amounts and the repayment of these loans is generally largely dependent on the successful operation of the property securing the loan or the business conducted on the property securing the loan. Commercial real estate loans may be more adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy. The properties securing the Company’s commercial real estate portfolio are diverse in terms of type and geographic location. This diversity helps reduce the Company’s exposure to adverse economic events that affect any single market or industry. Management monitors and evaluates commercial real estate loans based on collateral, geography and risk grade criteria. As a general rule, the Company avoids financing single-purpose projects unless other underwriting factors are present to help mitigate risk. The Company also utilizes third-party experts to provide insight and guidance about economic conditions and trends affecting market areas it serves. In addition, management tracks the level of owner-occupied commercial real estate loans versus non-owner occupied loans. At December 31, 2015, approximately 44.3% of the outstanding principal balance of the Company’s commercial real estate loans were secured by owner-occupied properties. With respect to loans to developers and builders that are secured by non-owner occupied properties that the Company may originate from time to time, the Company generally requires the borrower to have had an existing relationship with the Company and have a proven record of success. Construction loans are underwritten utilizing feasibility studies, independent appraisal reviews, sensitivity analysis of absorption and lease rates and financial analysis of the developers and property owners. Construction loans are generally based upon estimates of costs and value associated with the complete project. These estimates may be inaccurate. Construction loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment substantially dependent on the success of the ultimate project. Sources of repayment for these types of loans may be pre-committed permanent loans from approved long-term lenders, sales of developed property or an interim loan commitment from the Company until permanent financing is obtained. These loans are closely monitored by on-site inspections and are considered to have higher risks than other real estate loans due to their ultimate repayment being sensitive to interest rate changes, governmental regulation of real property, general economic conditions and the availability of long-term financing. The Company originates consumer loans utilizing a computer-based credit scoring analysis to supplement the underwriting process. To monitor and manage consumer loan risk, policies and procedures are developed and modified, as needed, jointly by line and staff personnel. This activity, coupled with relatively small loan amounts that are spread across many individual borrowers, minimizes risk. Additionally, trend and outlook reports are reviewed by management on a regular basis. Underwriting standards for home equity loans follow bank policy, which include, but are not limited to, a maximum loan-to-value percentage of 80%, a maximum housing and total debt ratio of 36% and 42%, respectively and other specified credit and documentation requirements. The Company maintains an independent loan review department that reviews and validates the credit risk program on a periodic basis. Results of these reviews are presented to management. The loan review process complements and reinforces the risk identification and assessment decisions made by lenders and credit personnel, as well as the Company’s policies and procedures. Purchased Credit-Impaired ("PCI") Loans . We evaluated loans purchased in the Acquisition in accordance with accounting guidance in ASC 310-30 related to loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality. Acquired loans are considered credit-impaired if there is evidence of significant deterioration of credit quality since origination and it is probable, at the acquisition date, that we will be unable to collect all contractually required payments receivable. Management has determined certain loans purchased in the MLB Acquisition to be PCI loans based on credit indicators such as nonaccrual status, past due status, loan risk grade, loan-to-value ratio, etc. Revolving credit agreements (e.g., home equity lines of credit and revolving commercial loans) are not considered PCI loans as cash flows cannot be reasonably estimated. For acquired loans not considered credit-impaired, the difference between the contractual amounts due (principal amount) and the fair value is accounted for subsequently through accretion. We recognize discount accretion based on the acquired loan’s contractual cash flows using an effective interest rate method. The accretion is recognized through the net interest margin. The following table presents the fair value of purchased credit-impaired and other loans acquired from Mother Lode Bank as of the acquisition date: December 23, 2015 (in thousands) Purchased credit- impaired loans Other purchased loans Total Contractually required payments including interest $ 1,982 $ 44,007 $ 45,989 Less: nonaccretable difference (1,103 ) 0 (1,103 ) Cash flows expected to be collected (undiscounted) 879 44,007 44,886 Accretable yield (14 ) (2,041 ) (2,055 ) Fair value of purchased loans $ 865 $ 41,966 $ 42,831 For the PCI loans, the accretable yield represents the excess of the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition over the fair value of the loans at the acquisition date, and is accreted into interest income over the estimated remaining life of the purchased credit-impaired loans using the effective yield method, provided that the timing and amount of future cash flows is reasonably estimable. The cash flows expected to be collected are updated each quarter based on current assumptions regarding default rates, loss severities, and other factors that are reflective of current market conditions. Probable decreases in expected cash flows after acquisition result in the recognition of impairment as a specific allowance for loan losses or a charge-off to the allowance. The nonaccretable difference represents the difference between the undiscounted contractual cash flows and the undiscounted expected cash flows, and also reflects the estimated credit losses in the acquired loan portfolio at the acquisition date and can fluctuate due to changes in expected cash flows during the life of the PCI loans. Due to the timing of the Acquisition being near December 31, 2015, the accretable yield at Acquisition approximates the accretable yield at December 31, 2015. Non-Accrual and Past Due Loans . Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Loans are placed on non-accrual status when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payment obligations as they become due, as well as when required by regulatory provisions. Loans may be placed on non-accrual status regardless of whether or not such loans are considered past due. When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments are received in excess of principal due. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. Year-end non-accrual loans, segregated by class of loans, were as follows: YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands) 2015 2014 Commercial real estate: Commercial real estate- construction $ 0 $ 0 Commercial real estate- mortgages 0 1,296 Land 2,739 2,995 Farmland 51 72 Commercial and industrial 322 337 Consumer 0 0 Consumer residential 0 0 Agriculture 2,704 0 Total non-accrual loans $ 5,816 $ 4,700 (1) Excluded from the above non-accrual loan table are Purchased Credit Impaired loans acquired in the MLB Acquisition. Had non-accrual loans performed in accordance with their original contract terms, the Company would have recognized additional interest income of approximately $376,000 in 2015 and $321,000 in 2014. The following table analyzes past due loans including the non-accrual loans in the above table, segregated by class of loans, as of December 31, 2015 (in thousands): December 31, 2015 30-59 Days Past Due 60-89 Days Past Due Greater Than 90 Days Past Due Total Past Due Current Purchased Credit Impaired Loans Total Greater Than 90 Days Past Due and Still Accruing Commercial real estate: Commercial R.E. - construction $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 19,363 $ 0 $ 19,363 $ 0 Commercial R.E. – mortgages 0 0 0 0 363,526 118 363,644 0 Land 0 0 2,261 2,261 7,709 269 10,239 0 Farmland 1,182 0 51 1,233 28,568 0 29,801 0 Commercial and industrial 352 0 312 664 62,634 478 63,776 0 Consumer 0 0 0 0 774 0 774 0 Consumer residential 0 0 0 0 32,588 0 32,588 0 Agriculture 0 2,704 0 2,704 18,143 0 20,847 0 Total $ 1,534 $ 2,704 $ 2,624 $ 6,862 $ 533,305 $ 865 $ 541,032 $ 0 The following table analyzes past due loans including the non-accrual loans in the above table, segregated by class of loans, as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands): December 31, 2014 30-59 Days Past Due 60-89 Days Past Due Greater Than 90 Days Past Due Total Past Due Current Total Greater Than 90 Days Past Due and Still Accruing Commercial real estate: Commercial R.E. - construction $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 9,181 $ 9,181 $ 0 Commercial R.E. - mortgages 35 1,296 0 1,331 314,175 315,506 0 Land 0 0 2,493 2,493 8,127 10,620 0 Farmland 0 0 72 72 23,019 23,091 0 Commercial and industrial 14 0 323 337 53,714 54,051 0 Consumer 0 0 0 0 805 805 0 Consumer residential 0 0 0 0 25,464 25,464 0 Agriculture 0 0 0 0 15,753 15,753 0 Total $ 49 $ 1,296 $ 2,888 $ 4,233 $ 450,238 $ 454,471 $ 0 Impaired Loans . Loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the original contractual terms of the loan agreement, including scheduled principal and interest payments. Impairment is evaluated in total for smaller-balance loans of a similar nature and on an individual loan basis for other loans. If a loan is impaired, a specific valuation allowance is allocated, if necessary, so that the loan is reported net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Interest payments on impaired loans are typically applied to principal unless collectability of the principal amount is reasonably assured, in which case interest is recognized on a cash basis. Impaired loans, or portions thereof, are charged off when deemed uncollectible. Impaired loans by class as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are set forth in the following tables. PCI loans are excluded from the 2015 table, as they have not experienced post acquisition declines in cash flows expected to be collected. No interest income was recognized on impaired loans subsequent to their classification as impaired during 2015 and 2014. (in thousands) Unpaid Contractual Principal Balance Recorded Investment With No Allowance Recorded Investment With Allowance Total Recorded Investment Related Allowance Average Recorded Investment December 31, 2015 Commercial real estate: Commercial R.E. - construction $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 0 Commercial R.E. - mortgages 0 0 0 0 0 301 Land 3,856 0 2,739 2,739 722 2,914 Farmland 63 51 0 51 0 61 Commercial and Industrial 357 322 0 322 0 611 Consumer 0 0 0 0 0 0 Consumer residential 0 0 0 0 0 0 Agriculture 2,704 2,704 0 2,704 0 7 Total $ 6,980 $ 3,077 $ 2,739 $ 5,816 $ 722 3,894 (in thousands) Unpaid Contractual Principal Balance Recorded Investment With No Allowance Recorded Investment With Allowance Total Recorded Investment Related Allowance Average Recorded Investment December 31, 2014 Commercial real estate: Commercial R.E. - construction $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Commercial R.E. - mortgages 1,301 0 1,296 1,296 125 554 Land 3,215 0 2,995 2,995 868 3,155 Farmland 80 72 0 72 0 82 Commercial and Industrial 359 337 0 337 0 304 Consumer 0 0 0 0 0 0 Consumer residential 0 0 0 0 0 0 Agriculture 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total $ 4,956 $ 408 $ 4,291 $ 4,700 $ 993 $ 4,096 Troubled Debt Restructurings – In order to determine whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, an evaluation is performed of the probability that the borrower will be in payment default on any of its debt in the foreseeable future without the modification. This evaluation is performed under the Company’s internal underwriting policy. At December 31, 2015, there were 5 loans that were considered to be troubled debt restructurings, all of which are considered non-accrual totaling $3,060,000. At December 31, 2014, there were 5 loans that were considered to be troubled debt restructurings, all of which are considered non-accrual totaling $3,331,000. There were no unfunded commitments on TDR loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . We have allocated $722,000 and $993,000 of specific reserves to loans whose terms have been modified in troubled debt restructurings as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2015 the terms of two loans were modified as troubled debt restructurings, as compared to four loans during 2014. The modification of the terms of such loans included one or a combination of the following: a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan; an extension of the maturity date; or a temporary payment modification in which the payment amount allocated towards principal was reduced. In some cases, a permanent reduction of the accrued interest on the loan was conceded. The following table presents loans by class modified as troubled debt restructurings that occurred during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014: (dollars in thousands) For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 Number of Loans Pre- Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment Post- Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment Number of Loans Pre- Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment Post- Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment Commercial real estate: Commercial R.E. - construction 0 $ 0 $ 0 0 $ 0 $ 0 Commercial R.E. - mortgages 0 0 0 0 0 0 Land 1 570 570 3 3,107 3,107 Farmland 0 0 0 0 0 0 Commercial and industrial 1 24 24 1 331 331 Consumer 0 0 0 0 0 0 Consumer residential 0 0 0 0 0 0 Agriculture 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 2 $ 594 $ 594 4 $ 3,438 $ 3,438 The troubled debt restructurings during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 did not increase the allowance for loan losses as a result of the loan modification and there were no charge offs as a result of the loan modifications. There were no loans modified as troubled debt restructurings during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 that had payment defaults during each respective year. A loan is considered to be in payment default once it is ninety days contractually past due under the modified terms. Quality ratings (Risk Grades) are assigned to all commitments and stand-alone notes. Risk grades define the basic characteristics of commitments or stand-alone note in relation to their risk. All loans are graded using a system that maximizes the loan quality information contained in loan review grades, while ensuring that the system is compatible with the grades used by bank examiners. We grade loans using the following letter system: 1 Exceptional Loan 2 Quality Loan 3A Better Than Acceptable Loan 3B Acceptable Loan 3C Marginally Acceptable Loan 4 (W) Watch Acceptable Loan 5 Other Loans Especially Mentioned 6 Substandard Loan 7 Doubtful Loan 8 Loss 1. Exceptional Loan -A high level of liquidity and whose debt-servicing capacity exceeds expected obligations by a substantial margin. -Where leverage is below average for the industry and earnings are consistent or growing without severe vulnerability to economic cycles. -Also included in this rating (but not mandatory unless one or more of the preceding characteristics are missing) are loans that are fully secured and properly margined by our own time instruments or U.S. blue chip securities. To be properly margined cash collateral must be equal to, or greater than, 110% of the loan amount. 2. Quality Loan -Unquestionable debt-servicing capacity to cover all obligations in the ordinary course of business from well-defined primary and secondary sources. -Consistent strong earnings. -A solid equity base. 3A. Better than Acceptable Loan - In the interest of better delineating the loan portfolio’s true credit risk for reserve allocation, further granularity has been sought by splitting the grade 3 category into three classifications. The distinction between the three are bank-defined guidelines and represent a further refinement of the regulatory definition of a pass, or grade 3 loan. Grade 3A is the stronger third of the pass category, but is not strong enough to be a grade 2 and is characterized by: -Strong earnings with no loss in last three years and ample cash flow to service all debt well above policy guidelines. -Long term experienced management with depth and defined management succession. -The loan has no exceptions to policy. -Loan-to-value on real estate secured transactions is 10% to 20% less than policy guidelines. -Very liquid balance sheet that may have cash available to pay off our loan completely. -Little to no debt on balance sheet. 3B. Acceptable Loan -Are those where the borrower has average financial strengths, a history of profitable operations and experienced management. -Are those where the borrower can be expected to handle normal credit needs in a satisfactory manner. 3C. Marginally Acceptable Requires collateral. A credit facility where the borrower has average financial strengths, but usually lacks reliable secondary sources of repayment other than the subject collateral. Other common characteristics can include some or all of the following: minimal background experience of management, lacking continuity of management, a start-up operation, erratic historical profitability (acceptable reasons-well identified), lack of or marginal sponsorship of guarantor, and government guaranteed loans. 4W Watch Acceptable in a Watch credit is short-term in nature. Loans in this category are usually accounts the Company would want to retain providing a positive turnaround can be expected within a reasonable time frame. Grade 4 loans are considered Pass. 5 Other Loans Especially Mentioned (Special Mention) -The lending officer may be unable to properly supervise the credit because of an inadequate loan or credit agreement. -Questions exist regarding the condition of and/or control over collateral. -Economic or market conditions may unfavorably affect the obligor in the future. -A declining trend in the obligor’s operations or an imbalanced position in the balance sheet exists, but not to the point that repayment is jeopardized. 6 Substandard Loan 7 Doubtful Loan A proper classification of such a credit would show 40 percent substandard, 25 percent doubtful, and 35 percent loss. A credit classified as doubtful should be resolved within a ‘reasonable’ period of time. Reasonable is generally defined as the period between examinations. In other words, a credit classified doubtful at an examination should be cleared up before the next exam. However, there may be situations that warrant continuation of the doubtful classification a while longer. 8. Loss As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, there are no loans that are classified with a risk grade of 8- Loss. The following table presents weighted average risk grades of our loan portfolio. December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Weighted Average Risk Grade Weighted Average Risk Grade Commercial real estate: Commercial real estate - construction 3.72 3.00 Commercial real estate - mortgages 3.16 3.15 Land 4.58 4.34 Farmland 3.12 3.01 Commercial and industrial 3.57 3.39 Consumer 1.99 2.11 Consumer residential 3.01 3.02 Agriculture 3.39 3.18 Total gross loans 3.25 3.19 The following table presents risk grade totals by class of loans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. Risk grades 1 through 4 have been aggregated in the “Pass” line. (in thousands) Commercial R.E. Construction Commercial R.E. Mortgages Land Farmland Commercial and Industrial Consumer Consumer Residential Agriculture Total December 31, 2015 Pass $ 18,312 $ 357,339 $ 6,358 $ 28,568 $ 55,957 $ 745 $ 32,532 $ 18,143 $ 517,954 Special mention - 4,389 110 - 6,153 - - - 10,652 Substandard 1,051 1,916 3,283 1,233 1,416 29 56 2,704 11,688 Doubtful - - 488 - 250 - - - 738 Total loans $ 19,363 $ 363,644 $ 10,239 $ 29,801 $ 63,776 $ 774 $ 32,588 $ 20,847 $ 541,032 December 31, 2014 Pass $ 9,181 $ 310,912 $ 7,625 $ 23,019 $ 48,997 $ 790 $ 25,283 $ 15,753 $ 441,560 Special mention - 2,722 - - 3,438 - - - 6,160 Substandard - 1,872 2,995 72 1,616 15 181 - 6,751 Doubtful - - - - - - - - - Total loans $ 9,181 $ 315,506 $ 10,620 $ 23,091 $ 54,051 $ 805 $ 25,464 $ 15,753 $ 454,471 (1) Included in the table above is Purchased Credit Impaired loans at their fair value of $865,000, which were acquired in the MLB Acquisition. Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense, which represents management’s best estimate of probable losses that have been incurred within the existing portfolio of loans. The allowance, in the judgment of management, is necessary to reserve for estimated loan losses and risks inherent in the loan portfolio. The Company’s allowance for loan loss methodology includes allowance allocations calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 310, “Receivables” and allowance allocations calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 450, “Contingencies.” Accordingly, the methodology is based on historical loss experience by type of credit and internal risk grade, specific homogeneous risk pools and specific loss allocations, with adjustments for current events and conditions. The Company’s process for determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses is designed to account for credit deterioration as it occurs. The provision for loan losses reflects loan quality trends, including the levels of and trends related to non-accrual loans, past due loans, potential problem loans, criticized loans and net charge-offs or recoveries, among other factors. The provision for loan losses also reflects the totality of actions taken on all loans for a particular period. In other words, the amount of the provision reflects not only the necessary increases in the allowance for loan losses related to newly identified criticized loans, but it also reflects actions taken related to other loans including, among other things, any necessary increases or decreases in required allowances for specific loans or loan pools. The level of the allowance reflects management’s continuing evaluation of industry concentrations, specific credit risks, loan loss experience, current loan portfolio quality, present economic, political and regulatory conditions and unidentified losses inherent in the current loan portfolio. Portions of the allowance may be allocated for specific credits; however, the entire allowance is available for any credit that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off. While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the ultimate adequacy of the allowance is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond the Company’s control, including, among other things, the performance of the Company’s loan portfolio, the economy, changes in interest rates and the view of the regulatory authorities toward loan classifications. The Company’s allowance for loan losses consists of three elements: (i) specific valuation allowances determined in accordance with ASC Topic 310 based on probable losses on specific loans; (ii) historical valuation allowances determined in accordance with ASC Topic 450 based on historical loan loss experience for similar loans with similar characteristics and trends, adjusted, as necessary, to reflect the impact of current conditions; and (iii) general valuation allowances determined in accordance with ASC Topic 450 based on general economic conditions and other qualitative risk factors both internal and external to the Company. The allowances established for probable losses on specific loans are based on a regular analysis and evaluation of problem loans. Loans are classified based on an internal credit risk grading process that evaluates, among other things: (i) the obligor’s ability to repay; (ii) the underlying collateral, if any; and (iii) the economic environment and industry in which the borrower operates. This analysis is performed at the relationship manager level for all commercial loans. When a loan has a calculated grade of 5 or higher, a special assets officer analyzes the loan to determine whether the loan is impaired and, if impaired, the need to specifically allocate a portion of the allowance for loan losses to the loan. Specific valuation allowances are determined by analyzing the borrower’s ability to repay amounts owed, collateral deficiencies, the relative risk grade of the loan and economic conditions affecting the borrower’s industry, among other things. Historical valuation allowances are calculated based on the historical loss experience of specific types of loans and the internal risk grade of such loans at the time they were charged-off. The Company calculates historical loss ratios for pools of similar loans with similar characteristics based on the proportion of actual charge-offs experienced to the total population of loans in the pool. The historical loss ratios are periodically updated based on actual charge-off experience. A historical valuation allowance is established for each pool of similar loans based upon the product of the historical loss ratio and the total dollar amount of the loans in the pool. The Company’s pools of similar loans include similarly risk-graded groups of commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans, consumer real estate loans and consumer and other loans. General valuation allowances are based on general economic conditions and other qualitative risk factors both internal and external to the Company. In general, such valuation allowances are determined by evaluating, among other things: (i) the experience, ability and effectiveness of the Company’s lending management and staff; (ii) the effectiveness of the Company’s loan policies, procedures and internal controls; (iii) changes in asset quality; (iv) changes in loan portfolio volume; (v) the composition and concentrations of credit; (vi) the impact of competition on loan structuring and pricing; (vii) the effectiveness of the internal loan review function; (viii) the impact of environmental risks on portfolio risks; and (ix) the impact of rising interest rates on portfolio risk. Management evaluates the degree of risk that each one of these components has on the quality of the loan portfolio on a quarterly basis. Each component is determined to have either a high, moderate or low degree of risk. The results are then input into a “general allocation matrix” to determine an appropriate general valuation allowance. Included in the general valuation allowances are allocations for groups of similar loans with risk characteristics that exceed certain concentration limits established by management. Concentration risk limits have been established, among other things, for certain industry concentrations, large balance and highly leveraged credit relationships that exceed specified risk grades, and loans originated with policy exceptions that exceed specified risk grades. Loans identified as losses by management, internal loan review and/or bank examiners are charged-off. Furthermore, consumer loan accounts are charged-off automatically based on regulatory requirements. The following table details activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories. Allowance for Loan Losses For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands) Commercial Commercial Consumer Year Ended December 31, 2015 Real Estate Industrial Consumer Residential Agriculture Unallocated Total Beginning balance $ 5,963 $ 720 $ 42 $ 388 $ 286 $ 135 $ 7,534 Charge-offs 0 (32 ) (30 ) 0 0 0 (62 ) Recoveries 5 0 4 0 0 0 9 (Reversal of) provision for loan losses (48 ) (61 ) 22 38 23 (99 ) (125 ) Ending balance $ 5,920 $ 627 $ 38 $ 426 $ 309 $ 36 $ 7,356 Year Ended December 31, 2014 Beginning balance $ 6,247 $ 663 $ 47 $ 440 $ 217 $ 45 $ 7,659 Charge-offs (103 ) 0 (40 ) 0 0 0 (143 ) Recoveries 1,882 0 2 11 0 0 1,895 (Reversal of) provision for loan losses (2,063 ) 57 33 (63 ) 69 90 (1,877 ) Ending balance $ 5,963 $ 720 $ 42 $ 388 $ 286 $ 135 $ 7,534 The following table details the allowance for loan losses and ending gross loan balances as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, summarized by collective and individual evaluation methods of impairment. (in th |