The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) announced in August that Fayette County had received the GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget.

To receive the budget award, Fayette County had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well the budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide and a communications device. Budget documents must be rated “proficient” in all four categories, including the 14 mandatory criteria within those four categories, to receive the award.

“I am extremely pleased that Fayette County has received the GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 18th year in a row,” said county manager Steve Rapson. “I believe that, through this process, we continue to provide the citizens of Fayette County with much more information about the budget and the various county departments. I very much appreciate the finance staff and CFO Mary Parrott’s leadership in achieving these results.”

When a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award is granted to a county, a Certificate of Recognition for Budget Presentation is also presented to the individual or department designated as being primarily responsible for its having achieved the award. This has been presented to the Finance Department.

“It is an honor to receive this award on behalf of the finance staff which marks the 18th consecutive year for Fayette County,” said Parrott. “This acknowledgement speaks to the dedicated efforts and hard work performed by finance team members over the years in an ever-changing environment. Sergio Acevedo, who helps to lead the finance team, has served as the budget officer for nine years and his role is pivotal in providing the highest excellence in finance budgeting functions. We are proud to be part of this process and appreciate the recognition of the continued successes.”