To receive

the budget award, governments must satisfy nationally recognized guidelines

for an effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to

assess how well an entity's budget serves as a policy document, a financial

plan, an operations guide, and an instrument by which to communicate to

the public information about the government's activities.

A budget document

must be rated as "proficient" in each of these areas in order

to receive the award.

"I couldn't

be more pleased with the ongoing success of our financial practices and

the dedication of our Finance Department staff, department managers, and

elected officials who work hard daily to manage and protect our public

funds," said County Administrator Chris Cofty. "I even appreciate

the scrutiny and questions we get all year long from the Board of Commissioners

about the way our county government spends the public's money. They realize

this is the most important thing we do."

The Government

Finance Officers' Association is a nonprofit professional organization

serving 14,000 government finance professionals throughout North America.

The GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award Program is the only

national program that recognizes and awards those governments that seek

the highest possible standards for financial excellence.