City of West Columbia receives highest recognition for financial reporting for the 32nd year

For the 32nd consecutive year, the City of West Columbia has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

Mayor Tem Miles said, “We are proud to receive the GFOA nationally recognized financial reporting award for the 32nd consecutive year. The repeated designation is evidence of the excellent management of our financial affairs by city management and staff.”

City Treasurer and Assistant Senior City Administrator Justin R. Black, CPA, said, “GFOA sets the standards in financial reporting for all governmental agencies. This is the highest form of recognition that we can receive in financial reporting as a local government. This being the 32nd year in a row in receiving this award, speaks to the tradition of financial reporting excellence. The only way this is possible is through the hard work and dedication of our finance team, the leadership of City administration, and the direction of City Council.”

The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report. The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 21,000 members and the communities they serve.