Harford County has earned its 33rd consecutive Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).

In order to receive the budget award, the County had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation that assess how well an entity’s 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, and in the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.

There are over 1,600 participants in the Budget Awards Program and the most recent award recipients are posted quarterly on GFOA’s website (www.gfoa.org). Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.

About GFOA

GFOA, founded in 1906, represents public finance officials throughout the United States and Canada. The association’s more than 20,000 members are federal, state/provincial, and local finance officials deeply involved in planning, financing, and implementing thousands of governmental operations in each of their jurisdictions.

GFOA’s mission is to advance excellence in public finance. GFOA has accepted the leadership challenge of public finance. To meet the many needs of its members, the organization provides best practice guidance, consulting, networking opportunities, publications including books, e-books, and periodicals, recognition programs, research, and training opportunities for those in the profession.