City recognized for its financial reporting for 10th straight year

The streak continues.
Last month it was announced that the City of Dahlonega was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association recently, marking the 10th consecutive year that the city has met the high standards of the program through its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).
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.
With Dahlonega earning the distinction, mayor Sam Norton expressed his gratitude to city manager Bill Schmid, financial director Melody Marlowe and the city’s staff for their hard work and dedication.
“This is quite an achievement for a city our size,” said Norton during the council’s work session last month.
After Norton praised the city’s financial staff, Schmid reiterated the rarity of the achievement.
“It’s much more common for a city to win this award once or maybe twice,” said Schmid. “So, to be awarded it 10 years in a row is not a singular achievement, but it’s rare.”
The CAFR was judged by an impartial panel based on the standards of the program.
Marlowe expressed her excitement about the recognition as well.
“This is the 10th year the city of Dahlonega has received this award,” said Marlowe. “So, this one is really special and is a statement for all our fiduciary responsibilities and shows the excellence the city strives for as far as financial reporting goes.”