News Release

CLERK & COMPTROLLER RECEIVES TOP AWARDS FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING

Clerk publications honored for helping educate residents about how tax money is spent

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. (November 3, 2011) – They’re among the biggest awards in government finance, and the Clerk & Comptroller’s office has won them again.

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) honored the Clerk’s office with its “Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting” award for the Clerk’s easy-to-read citizen’s report, Checks and Balances: Your Guide to County Finances. It’s the fifth consecutive year that Checks and Balances has been recognized by the GFOA with this honor.

Also honored by the GFOA, for the 22nd consecutive year, was the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), also produced annually by the Clerk’s office. The report earned the association’s prestigious “Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting” honor.

The Checks and Balances guide for Fiscal Year 2010 contains helpful information about how Palm Beach County tax dollars are spent, economic factors that affect county revenues, and how property taxes are calculated. The information is drawn mostly from the more detailed CAFR. Both reports are produced at the end of each fiscal year and are available, along with other financial information, on the County Financial Reports section of www.mypalmbeachclerk.com.

“When your hard-earned money is used to pay property taxes, you need assurance that those tax dollars are properly managed and spent,” said Clerk Sharon Bock. “These two tools provide transparency that paves the way for responsible stewardship of the public’s tax dollars.”

The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association which offers benchmarking and independent analysis of public accounting practices and financial reporting. As the independently elected Chief Financial Officer of the County, the Clerk & Comptroller’s office provides a check and balance as the accountant, treasurer and auditor, handling finances, investments and County financial reporting.

For more information about the Clerk’s office, please visit www.mypalmbeachclerk.com or call (561) 355-2996.

The Florida Constitution established the independent office of the Clerk & Comptroller as a public trustee, responsible for safeguarding public records and public funds. Clerk Sharon Bock is directly elected by and accountable to Palm Beach County residents.  In addition to the roles of Clerk of the Circuit Court, County Recorder and Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, the Clerk & Comptroller is the Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Auditor for Palm Beach County.

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