April 22, 2002

MECKLENBURG COUNTY WINS NATIONAL AWARD
FOR BUDGET PRESENTATION

 Charlotte, NC – Writing a budget for a government as large as Mecklenburg County is no easy task – especially during a tough economy like this one.  Mecklenburg County has received a national honor for its budget work – the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, presented by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.  Mecklenburg County received the award for its FY2002 budget.  The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award represents the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting.  To receive the award, Mecklenburg County was required to satisfy or exceed nationally recognized guidelines assessing how well the budget serves as: 
·   a policy document
·   a financial plan
·   an operations guide
·  a communications device
 Budget documents must be rated “proficient” in all categories to win the award.  Mecklenburg County received “outstanding” ratings in two of the four categories: policy document and communications device.   “It’s a great honor to be recognized by our peers in this manner,” says Deborah Bright, Mecklenburg County Budget Director.  “It is a reflection of the County as a whole and a testament to the talents and hard work of all departments.”   Mecklenburg County has won the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for 15 years in a row.  The FY2002 budget can be seen at www.4citizenhelp.com, as well as information pertaining to the FY2003 budget.  The Government Finance Officers Association is a nonprofit professional association serving government finance professionals in North America.  Award recipients are recognized for their pioneering efforts in improving the quality of budgeting and for providing an excellent example for other governments around the nation.