ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced that the County’s Department of Finance has been recognized with the prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada for its “Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.”
The highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, this recognition is a testament to the outstanding work and commitment our finance team continuously puts forward to maintain the highest accounting standards. Howard County remains committed to openly sharing our government spending activities with our taxpayers and ensuring our fiscal policy decisions are sound and responsible. Through these efforts, we remain accountable and responsible stewards for the taxpayer dollars entrusted to us.
Each fiscal year, the County issues its official, independently audited, comprehensive financial statement. The comprehensive report details government accounting activity for the benefit of county taxpayers, elected officials, investors, vendors, and consumers in a transparent and impartial fashion. The annual submission includes statements of special revenue, capital projects, enterprise, internal service and trust, custodial and general funds. It also discloses the County’s long-term obligations and fixed assets, including infrastructure, and statistical charts on multi-year tax collection and assessable base figures.
This remarkable achievement reflects our continued commitment to the highest standards of financial transparency and accountability. It is a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and hard work that each staff of the entire County brings to their role every day. A special thank you goes to the Department of Finance staff for sustaining this level of excellence year after year, which is no small task, and their work plays a vital role in our continued success. I am honored to work alongside such a talented and committed team.
The County’s Department of Finance collects and invests Howard County revenues in a fiscally responsible manner, provides financial services to taxpayers, businesses, agencies, residents, and employees, and pays bills for the County.
GFOA
Found in 1906, GFOA represents public finance officials throughout the United States and Canada. The associations advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for its more than 20,000 members and the communities it serves. This is the 49th consecutive year Howard County has received this award. To learn more about GFOA, visit www.gfoa.org.