The national Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has for the fourth consecutive year awarded the City of Murfreesboro with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. The award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting.

"Another budget year (FY15) has once again proven that the City of Murfreesboro Finance Department, managed by Melissa Wright and an office of tireless and dedicated employees, is among the nation's best," stated City Manager Rob Lyons. "The City and its citizens should be confident that our tax dollars are accounted for in accordance with national standards recognized by GFOA. The GFOA standards are extremely helpful in developing a budget document that is readable, understandable, and tells the story of the programs and activities of the City," Lyons added.

"We are pleased to once again be recognized by GFOA," said Finance Director and City Recorder/Treasurer Melissa Wright. "While several employees in the administration and Finance Department deserve credit for this recognition, I want to personally thank Assistant Finance Director Erin Tucker and Reporting Manager/Accountant Ana Stovall for their extra work in meeting the Council's deadline and preparing final documentation in accordance with the GFOA standards."

In order to receive the Distinguished Budget Award, a governmental unit must publish a budget document that meets program criteria as a policy document, as an operations guide, as a financial plan, and as a communications device. Budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four categories, and the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.

The City budget is available to view on the City's website via this web link http://www.murfreesborotn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1483

"The award represents a significant achievement and reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting," said Stephen J. Gauthier, director of the GFOA Technical Services Center. "In order to receive the budget award, the entity had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation."

GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving 17,800 government finance professionals throughout North America. The GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards program is the only national program in government budgeting.

For more information, contact Stephen J. Gauthier (312) 977-9700.