Rockwall achieves excellence in financial reporting

(ROCKWALL, TX — October 20, 2017) For the third consecutive year, Rockwall County has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA).

The certificate of achievement, presented for the county’s comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR), is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. A GFOA news release stated that the award represents a significant accomplishment by a governmental entity and its management.

The award is presented to the individual(s) or department designated by the government as primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning CAFR. In Rockwall County, the department recognized is the County Auditor’s office.

County Judge David Sweet wanted to make sure there was some mention of the award during the Sept. 29 meeting of Rockwall County Commissioners Court. Acknowledgement of the award was included on the meeting’s 10-item consent agenda. Sweet wanted the award acknowledgement pulled from the consent agenda so there could be comments about the achievement award.

Rockwall County Auditor Lisa Constant Wylie provided details.

Wylie said the certificate of achievement states that Rockwall County performed its financial reporting in the most transparent light for individuals and groups, including county residents and investors.

“It puts together a comprehensive annual financial report,” she said. “It puts together all of our financial statements and it adds a little bit about our community.”

She said information provided also included 10 years of statistical reports—“how many miles of roads we have, how many inmates we had 10 years ago compared to what we have now, what we spent on law enforcement, what we spent on the library.”

And, Wylie added, the report that took several months to complete also identified the county’s top 10 taxpayers and employers.

Completion of the report, she said, was a joint effort that included assistance from the chamber of commerce, economic development corporation and city.

Noting the joint effort, Sweet said “that’s a big deal in itself.”

He applauded Wylie and those who contributed in the joint effort and noted that the award recognizes standard practices and procedures that are in place.

“For so many people who come into play with this, it’s a very, very big deal,” Sweet said, “so thank you to all who are involved in this special recognition.”

Precinct 1 County Commissioner Cliff Sevier added his praise for the effort and also called attention to the contribution by commissioners court.

“I think what you do is an outstanding job,” Sevier said of Wylie and the county auditor’s office. “They deserve all the credit they get, not just with our budget.

“Also, I have to mention that they have a great group of people that help them and assist them in doing what they need, and that’s us. We have allowed them to have what they need and do what they’ve got to do.”

A GFOA news release stated that the CAFR was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

GFOA is a major professional association, servicing the needs of nearly 19,000 appointed and elected local, state and provincial-level government officials and other finance practitioners. It provides publications, training programs, services and products designed to enhance the skills and performance of those responsible for government finance policy and management.

Submitted press release.

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