Vernon Recognized For Municipal Financial Reporting

VERNON, CT — Mayor Daniel A. Champagne said that the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada, or GFOA, has awarded the town of Vernon the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

The CAFR must satisfy generally accepted accounting principles and legal requirements.

"The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management," said Michele Mark Levine, Director of GFOA's Technical Services Center. "The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive spirit of full disclosure to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR."

"This award recognizes Vernon’s conformance with the highest national standards for the preparation of local government financial reports,” said Vernon Town Administrator Michael J. Purcaro. "This occasion marks Vernon’s 28th consecutive year earning the Achievement for Excellence award, demonstrating Vernon’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, accountability and its continued sustainability."

"Our finance department professionals are dedicated to promoting financial excellence and transparency in the work they perform daily” said Jeffrey O’Neill, finance officer and treasurer for the town of Vernon. "This award is a reflection of the leadership and organizational culture within the Town; beginning with the fiscally responsible budgets established by our Town Council and Board of Education to implementing a ‘zero-based’ budget approach with our Departments. These collaborative efforts help us identify and implement efficient and high quality services that benefit our residents."

For more information regarding GFOA, please visit https://www.gfoa.org