At the Xenia City Council meeting on January 28, 2010, Auditor of State Mary Taylor’s office presented City of Xenia officials with the “Making Your Tax Dollars Count” award for their fiscal year 2008 audit. Fewer than five percent of all Ohio government agencies are eligible for this award.
“I commend the City of Xenia for its commitment to fiscal accountability. Congratulations on your hard work and for being trustworthy stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said Taylor.
Certain criteria must be met to receive the “Making Your Tax Dollars Count” award. Standards include:
- The entity must submit a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR);
- There must be no findings or issues present in the audit report; and
- There must be no other financial concerns involving the entity.
Finance Director Mark Bazelak also announced at the meeting that the City has received its 26th consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its 2008 CAFR, which is awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada. 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.
The Mayor and City Council praised the Finance Director for the achievement. Mr. Bazelak stated this is truly a Citywide effort. He acknowledged the other Appointed Officials, Division and Department heads and staff, and most especially, the Finance Department staff.
Finance Director Mark Bazelak said this morning, “This award demonstrates the City’s commitment to ensuring the safety of taxpayer dollars and implementing financial policies and procedures to operate the City more effectively and efficiently. This is especially important given the current economic outlook of the City and the need to ask the community for additional revenue.” City Council will vote on February 11, 2010, on whether to place a .5% income taxincrease on the ballot on May 4, 2010.
If you would like to review the 2008 CAFR, a copy is available on the City’s website at www.ci.xenia.oh.us. Go to the City Government tab and select City Administration / Finance Department.