| SARASOTA COUNTY – Sarasota County has earned the national Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for the 30th consecutive year. The award, which recognizes the Fiscal Year 2020 budget, exemplifies the Office of Financial Management’s (OFM) commitment to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting and being responsible stewards of public funds. Sarasota County’s budget plan is presented to the public for input then adopted by the Sarasota County Board of Commissioners. To earn this GFOA award, an organization must satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentations that address budget priorities, fiscal policies and long-term strategic goals. Budget presentations must also meet 27 specified criteria to earn the national designation. “Sarasota County’s budget plan provides the foundation for fiscal decisions and allows flexibility to act in the best interest of the community and focus on board priorities,” said County Administrator Jonathan Lewis. “GFOA has continued to recognize our budget and financial policies as an essential part of public financial management and our continued dedication to providing outstanding customer service.” Sarasota County’s budgeting process serves as the foundation for fiscal responsibility and innovation. Each year, the Office of Financial Management adopts innovative strategies to develop a budget that meets community needs through available funding. Flexibility within the FY20 budget plan highlighted potential impacts of tax-related referendums. “Over 1,600 organizations applied for the budget award, this continued success and GFOA recognition highlights exceptional financial leadership and encourages continuous evolution of the county’s budget presentation,” said OFM Director Kim Radtke. “It’s an honor to share this success with a team of professionals that is dedicated to implementing best practices and fiscal responsibility.” The GFOA serves more than 20,500 government finance professionals throughout North America and Canada. The GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program is the only national awards program in governmental budgeting and encourages local governments to prepare budget documents of the very highest quality. For more information call the Sarasota County Contact at 941-861-5000 or visit www.scgov.net. Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at www.scgov.net (keywords: ADA compliance) |