For the 16th consecutive year, the Township of Lower Merion has been awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The award, given by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA), notes the excellence of the Township’s annual comprehensive financial report (CAFR) for the year ending December 31, 2008.
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. “This award is a major accomplishment for the Township and the entire Finance Department staff,” stated Dean Dortone, Chief Financial Officer.
For the 2008 fiscal year, Lower Merion achieved the distinction of earning both of the GFOA’s financial reporting awards – the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence and the Distinguished Budget Presentation award. “The Township’s 16 consecutive CAFR awards and 20 consecutive Budget Presentation awards total the longest running combined streak on record for municipalities in Pennsylvania,” stated Doug Cleland, Township Manager. “Less than 1% of the over 2,500 municipalities in the Commonwealth are recognized with the yearly CAFR award. We share this distinction of financial reporting excellence with an elite group.”
“The hard work and determination it takes to keep winning this award year after year is another example of the outstanding financial management standards of the Township’s Finance Department and its dedicated staff,” said Commissioner Mark Taylor, Finance Committee Chair. An Award of Financial Reporting Achievement has been awarded to Dean J. Dortone, Chief Financial Officer.
The Lower Merion Township CAFR was judged by an impartial panel and found to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR. Citizens are encouraged to review this document, which is posted on the Township’s website, www.lowermerion.org.