COMPTROLLER’S OFFICE WINS NATIONAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC FINANCIAL REPORTING

High marks earned for report that provides fiscal outlook for Erie County and produces an easy to understand version of the budget so taxpayers know exactly how politicians spend their money

(ERIE COUNTY, NY) – Erie County Comptroller Stefan I. Mychajliw, Jr. announced that his office has once again been recognized for outstanding financial reporting by an international financial government organization.  The Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) received high marks from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for excellence.  Comptroller Mychajliw is the only Erie County Comptroller in the history of county government to earn this award.

“This is the sixth consecutive year that my office received this award,” said Comptroller Mychajliw.  “I have a great team.  They work hard making sure we are transparent while conducting the people’s business. The mission of my office is to protect taxpayers.  We do that by providing them with a clear understanding of how the politicians spend their tax dollars.  Government is most responsive to the people it serves when its business is done in an open, honest and transparent manner.”

The PAFR award is for the fiscal year ending December, 2018.  It is for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting.  The prestigious national award recognizes conformance with the highest standards for preparation of state and local government popular reports.

The purpose and goal of the PAFR is to provide concise, easy-to-read critical information that demonstrates governmental accountability to Erie County taxpayers.  It can be thought of as a “Reader’s Digest” version of the Erie County budget that gives taxpayers a stronger insight on how their money is spent.

“Having that transparency and that information available to taxpayers is important, now more than ever,” said Comptroller Mychajliw.  “We also provide an online Taxpayer Checkbook that we have updated to include how Erie County spends federal dollars from the CARES Act for COVID-related expenses.  Getting information to taxpayers and keeping them informed about county finances is a priority for me.”

GFOA’s Awards for Excellence recognize innovative contributions in the field of government finance and leading examples of best practice implementation. The Accounting Division of the Office of Erie County Comptroller is led by Deputy Comptroller Gregory G. Gach.

For report, please click here

For pdf of release, please click here 

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