The County of Maui has once again received notable recognition for its adept handling of the public coffers, snagging two prestigious awards from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), a testament to the continued financial diligence of county officials and staff. As reported on the County of Maui's official website, the GFOA bestowed upon the county the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the fiscal year 2025 budget, which commenced on July 1, 2024.
This specific accolade marks a 32-year streak for the county, underlining a consistent commitment "to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting," according to the GFOA, but it's not just about crafting a budget that looks good on paper. The County of Maui managed to meet the national guidelines that necessitate an effective budget presentation, which was no small feat, and the county assiduously aligned with these exacting standards, demonstrating adherence to an esteemed tradition of excellence, as noted on the county's official website.
The second award, the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, was in acknowledgment of the county's comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal period ending on June 30, 2023. On this achievement, the GFOA remarks that it's the highest form of recognition in the field of governmental accounting and financial reporting; collecting such an award for 41 consecutive years speaks volumes of the county's unflagging commitment to financial transparency and accountability.
Behind these accolades stand the diligent teams from the County of Maui Office of the Mayor – Budget Division, the Accounts Division of the County of Maui Department of Finance, and the Fiscal Division of the Department of Water Supply. The awards received in October 2024 highlight the concentrated efforts and unwavering dedication of these individuals in steering the county towards clear fiscal foresight and sound financial stewardship. This recognition does not come lightly, instead reflecting a deeply held respect for the rigors of financial accountability and a drive to go beyond the bare necessity of standard accounting practices.
