By-Line: Julie Murphy, Flagler County Government
Flagler County is being praised for its annual budget presentation for the fiscal year 2025 budget, as well as receiving special recognition in “Long-Range Operating Financial Plans,” by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) with its “Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.”
It is the 16th consecutive year Flagler County has earned the budget award, and the third consecutive year it has received extra “special recognition” within a new category. For fiscal year 2024 that recognition was received for “Strategic Goals and Strategies,” and in fiscal year 2023 for “Capital Projects.”
“Congratulations to the OMB (Office of Management and Budget) team for their outstanding work on the creation of our FY25 Budget,” said County Administrator Heidi Petito. “Their dedication and commitment to excellence has resulted in a budget that not only meets the county’s operational needs, but also strengthens strategic goals, capital projects, and long-range financial planning. The team continues to set a high standard through their hard work and dedication.”
Financial Services Director John Brower credits staff with pulling together the award-winning document including OMB Manager Brian Eichinger, Senior Analyst Amanda Gilbert, Senior Analyst Brandy Allen, Analyst Michael Catalano, and Analyst Phoebe LeBlanc.
“The OMB team works very hard each year to not only create award-winning budgets but to improve on them as well,” Brower said. “We have a strong team that continues to grow with time and experience.”
Each year, the county’s budget is rated in four categories by the GFOA: as a policy document, as a financial plan; as an operations guide; and, as a communications device.
“This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting,” said Michele Mark Levine, in a correspondence with Eichinger. “Its attainment represents a significant achievement by your organization.”
There are more than 1,600 participants in the Budget Awards Program, according to a news release issued by the GFOA. The association credits award recipients for pioneering efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and by providing an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.
