Miami-Dade may be known for its sun-soaked beaches and vibrant culture, but it's the efficiency of its Solid Waste Management Department that's getting the spotlight. For an unprecedented 29th year in a row, the department's Waste Management Fund has bagged the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Government Finance Officers Association of the US and Canada handed out the kudos for the fund's top-tier annual report for the fiscal year that wrapped up on September 30, 2022.
Beaming with pride, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava threw some much-deserved praise toward the DSWM squad. "Proper financial stewardship is essential to the functioning of any government agency, and the Solid Waste team have shown once again that their financial practices meet the high standard expected by the residents of Miami-Dade County," she said, according to the Miami-Dade government's news release.
This certificate isn't just another paperweight. To snag it, teams like the DSWM have to impress a panel of unbiased experts and hit the gold standard of transparency and communication with their financial storytelling. The GFOA doesn't hand these out like candy — it's the top prize in governmental accounting and speaks volumes about the Miami-Dade team's handle on the public purse.
Olga Espinosa-Anderson, DSWM's Interim Director, didn't miss the chance to shine a light on her crew. "For nearly three decades, GFOA has recognized our department for our transparency and accountability towards the precious resources our customers have entrusted to us, and I couldn’t be more proud," she shared with the press, "I congratulate our dedicated Financial Reporting staff for their tireless work, as well as our management team, and all of the hardworking men and women of DSWM who provide essential services to our customers." The department not only deals in refuse and recycling for the unincorporated sectors of Miami-Dade and a few municipalities, but it also keeps the pesky mosquitos at bay countywide.
