For the fourth year in a row, Sumter County has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association, based in Chicago, for its fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2015.
The award certificate was presented Monday night at a meeting of the Sumter County Commission to eight county staff members who helped prepare the annual budget.
Representing the Government Finance Officers Association, Sarah Koser, The Villages finance director, presented the award.
Koser said the award is the “premier indicator of an outstanding budget” and “reflects a high degree of dedication and leadership.”
Twenty-five of 67 Florida counties received the award, which is determined by a panel of reviewers who examine and evaluate each county’s annual budget documents. .
“It’s a truly prestigious award,” said Commissioner Don Hahnfeldt. “(The budget) is the blueprint on which we base our business.”
Stephen Gauthier, director of the finance officers organization’s technical services, said in a letter to county officials that the award is the highest recognition in budgeting.
“We appreciate your participation in this program and hope that your example will encourage others in their efforts to achieve and maintain excellence in governmental budgeting,” he wrote.
In other business, commissioners:
· Took final action to regulate alligator farming in Sumter County
· Heard a recommendation from County Administrator Bradley Arnold that the county seek a grant to cover an estimated $3.87 million needed to repair County Road 575. The 6.3-mile road west of Interstate 75 carries about 800 vehicles a day. Residents complained about the road’s poor condition at last month’s board meeting.