The Town of Peace River has been recognized for its 2017 Budget.
Peace River Corporate Services Director Greg Towne. (Photo/Kings County News)
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) as awarded the town the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
The Trending 55 Newsroom had a chat with Greg Towne, the Corporate Services Director for the community, who also largely wrote the document for this year.
“It was actually a really big staff effort,” said Towne. “While I did spearhead the effort, but it was council who facilitated the process, and made sure that (the budget) got done.”
According to the GFOA, this award represents a significant achievement reflecting the commitments of the governing body and staff to meet the highest principles over governmental budgeting.
As well, each entry has to rate as proficient in four categories, including as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, as well as a communications device.
“Across North America, there are 16-hundred participants in the program,” said Towne. “But in Alberta, there are just 12 municipalities who have received the award. Of the towns and cities, the (Town of Peace River) is, by far, the smallest, with just under 7-thousand people.”
Towne says it speaks to the amount of effort that it takes to get a budget planned for the town each year.
“You need a strong staff to get this done,” he said. “It also takes a lot of time too. So, for a town of our size to win this award, that’s a major accomplishment.”
He says this was an initiative that was driven by CAO Chris Parker about 18 months ago.
“So, Chris and council, for allowing me to take the time, along with the staff, to get this done, we managed to complete the document with a lot of latitude to get it done right,” said Towne.
Once an award is granted, a Certificate of Recognition for Budget Presentation is also presented to the winner.
Anyone who wishes to view the award-winning document can get a copy at the Town office, or by clicking here.
– Posted by BET
