Sarasota County financial management staff wins national recognition for 32nd consecutive year

County also one of 317 local governments to earn ‘Triple Crown Medallion’ from Government Finance Officers Association

For the 32nd consecutive year, Sarasota County staff has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) in recognition of the county’s efforts related to the fiscal year budget presentation, the county has announced.

The latest recognition focused on the 2022 fiscal year budget work, a news release explains.

Sarasota County also has become one of 317 local governments to earn the Triple Crown Medallion by achieving all three GFOA awards, a news release points out: the Certification Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, the Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.

This is the third time the county has received both the Triple Crown Medallion and Special Performance Measure recognition, the release says.

County Administrator Jonathan Lewis noted in the release that the county’s budget plan provides a pathway for funding projects that align with the Sarasota County Commission’s priorities and meet the community’s needs.

“It’s a testament of the county’s dedication to providing outstanding customer service, fiscal responsibility, and serving as responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars,” Lewis added in the release.

“These GFOA awards reflect the county’s commitment to meeting and exceeding the highest principles of governmental budgeting through innovative programs and outstanding financial management,” the release continues.

“I’m honored to share this incredible achievement with a team of professionals that are truly committed to prudent financial planning and reporting,” said Office of Financial Management Director Kim Radtke in the release.

Each year, the county’s budget is presented to the public through a series of meetings over months, with public comments invited. Then the County Commission adopts the budget.