Norwalk's budgeting prowess earns city award | Nancy on Norwalk

Norwalk Finance Director Thomas Hamilton explains his operating budget recommendations to Common Council members recently.

NORWALK, Conn. ? Norwalk?s budget planners have been crowing: Last year?s budget efforts have been recognized as ?distinguished? by an international organization.

The city?s 2012-2013 budget has been awarded a Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, Mayor Richard Moccia announced in a press release. It?s the 12th year Norwalk has received the honor.

Finance Director Thomas Hamilton forwarded the email to members of the Board of Estimate and Taxation and other city officials Tuesday.

?It is very flattering to see Norwalk held up as a national?role model for municipal budgeting!? BET Chairman Fred Wilms said in an email.

Common Coucilman Nick Kydes (R-District C) was not so proud.

?Great job, but I still think we need to reduce the budget and reduce the burden on the taxpayers,? he said in an email.

Moccia said that of more than 87,000 local governments in the United States, only 1,238 received the award in 2012.

GFOA said guidelines for the award include:

??A policy document

? ?A financial plan

? ?An operations guide

? ?A communications device

Budget documents must be rated ?proficient? in all four categories, and the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.

?It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting,? GFOA is quoted as saying. ?In order to receive the budget award, the entity had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for budget presentation.?

Moccia recognized Director of Management and Budget Bob Barron, Assistant Director of Management and Budget Donna Castracane and Executive Secretary Lola Grey for their work.

BET member James Feigenbaum was excited about the recognition.

?WOW! ?These types of accolades/ awards by ?National? peer organizations hopefully will resonate with our fellow Norwalkers, particularly during these tough financial times,? he said in an email.?Kudos Tom, to you and your outstanding staff?nice to have ?a ?positive? that everyone can rally around and make our city proud.?

Source: http://www.nancyonnorwalk.com/2013/03/norwalks-budgeting-prowess-earns-city-award/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=norwalks-budgeting-prowess-earns-city-award

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