Northbrook Park District Receives Budget Award For 25th Consecutive Year

Press release from the Northbrook Park District:

2024-08-15

The Northbrook Park District has received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 25th consecutive year.

The award, which the park district has earned annually since 2000, goes to state and local governments that adhere to the highest principles of governmental budgeting. To earn recognition, budget documents must excel as policy documents, financial plans, operations guides and communication devices. The most recent award recognized the park district’s 2024 budget.

“Taking seriously the responsibility of spending taxpayer dollars requires a steadfast commitment to financial transparency and accountability,” Northbrook Park District Executive Director Chris Leiner said. “By using the budget as a guiding tool for our operations, we can ensure that every dollar is spent efficiently and equitably.”

The 2024 budget was led by Director of Finance and Technology Mike Tokar and Business Manager Ellen Drahos. The park district’s budget begins January 1 and ends December 31.

“While the finance and technology division oversees and facilitates the budget process, this is the product of close collaboration and partnership across all divisions, including recreation, parks and properties, golf operations, human resources and risk management, and marketing and communications,” Tokar said. “The key to producing a sound budget is teamwork, with everybody coming together to produce this essential tool that we use as our guide throughout the year.”

As of the last public update through June results, the district is performing favorably to budget. “Our district is in a healthy financial position, and we are ensuring we are meeting our goal of having sound financial stewardship,” Tokar said.

The park district will begin working on its 2025 budget in September after a staff training in August. The final document is publicly presented in December for approval by the Northbrook Park District Board of Commissioners.

The park district always strives to adhere to the highest standards set by the GFOA, including establishing clear goals and long-term financial planning, promoting accountability and engaging all stakeholders in the budget process, Tokar said.

“These elements contribute to a public budget process that is effective, efficient and aligned with the strategic goals of the district.”

The Northbrook Park District also has received the GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting each year since 1993 for its independent annual audit.

This press release was produced by the Northbrook Park District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.