From Anna Huffman – City of West Columbia Communications – The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the City of West Columbia by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for the 29th consecutive year.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting and its attainment represent 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 29th consecutive year. The repeated designation is evidence of the excellent management of our financial affairs by city management and staff.”

City Treasurer and Assistant City Administrator Justin R. Black, CPA, said, “As our City continues to grow and thrive, the importance of providing sound financial information for our stakeholders is greater than ever. We are thrilled to receive this distinguished award again for the 29th consecutive year. Our finance team looks forward to continuing this tradition of excellence for many years to come. We are thankful to City administration and council for providing the resources we need each day even during these unprecedented times.”

The CAFR 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 CAFR.

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.