Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/96141
Sarasota News Leader November 30, 2012 Page 49 CITY OF SARASOTA FINANCE DEPARTMENT HONORED The City of Sarasota Finance Department recently was honored by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada with two prestigious awards: the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, a city news release says. for Excellence in Financial Reporting was presented to Finance Director Chris Lyons for the 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. It is the highest form of recognition within governmental accounting and financial reporting, the release adds. "Receiving this award represents a significant accomplishment by a governmental body and its management," the "These achievements are impressive and un- release notes. derscore the high caliber staff we have in the This is the 31st year in a row the City of SaraFinance Department," said City Manager Tom sota has been honored with the award. Barwin in the release. "The city continues to face challenging financial times and a presti- "Many staff members were instrumental in regious peer recognition like this reaffirms that ceiving these awards," said Lyons in the news we have a first rate staff overseeing the city's release. "I would like to thank several employees for their contributions throughout the finances," he added. year: Kelly Strickland, deputy finance director; The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award David Flatt, accounting and payroll systems was given for the city's 2011–2012 fiscal year. manager; Dolores Gamble, accounting and The budget met or exceeded guidelines in payroll systems supervisor; Michelle Valenfour categories: policy document, financial tich, budget manager; and Susan Dodd, assisplan, operations guide and communications tant to the finance director. Their dedication device, the reand commitlease notes. ment make professional honAs the budget manager, Miors like these chelle Valentich possible." was presented The City Comwith the award. mission recThis is the 22nd ognized the consecutive Finance Deyear the city partment for has received these achievethis honor, the ments during news release its last regular points out. meeting in NoMayor Suzanne Atwell (left) recognizes members of the The Certificate city's Finance Department for winning prestigious honors. vember. % of Achievement Photo courtesy City of Sarasota