The city of Encinitas continued a three-decade streak of national recognition for its accounting and financial reporting with an award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada, the city announced Tuesday, March 3.
A Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting was given to the city for its fiscal year 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The association’s certificate is its highest award for financial reporting and governmental accounting. Encinitas has received the award for 32 consecutive years, the city stated.
The city’s financial report continues to be noted for its readability and efficient structure in fulfilling generally accepted accounting principles and applicable legal requirements, according to a city news release.
“This recognition reflects our long-standing commitment to transparency, accountability, and sound fiscal management,” Mayor Bruce Ehlers said in the news release. “For more than three decades, Encinitas has upheld high standards in reporting and stewardship of public funds. That foundation allows us to focus on delivering essential services, maintaining infrastructure, and preserving the quality of life our residents expect.”
The quality of the city’s 2024 was judged by an neutral panel that found it met the program’s standards, including the demonstration of “a constructive ‘spirit of full disclosure’ to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report,” the city’s news release stated.
“The Finance Department strives to provide accuracy in financial reporting and transparency in support of the City’s vision, mission, and focus,” Encinitas Finance Director Tom Gallup said in the announcement. “The City is honored to receive this award which is a recognition of the efforts and dedication of our Finance Department, and a reflection of the accomplishments of the City, contributions from City management and direction from the City Council.”
Encinitas is among other North Coast cities to receive similar recognition from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada in recent years, according to the organization’s database — Carlsbad, Oceanside, Solana Beach and Del Mar, in addition to San Marcos, Vista and Escondido.
The organization launched its recognition program in 1945 to encourage state and local governments to meet and exceed best practices in the areas of generally accepted accounting principles and foster a spirit of transparency and full disclosure, according to the organization’s website.
