The State Comptroller has granted the Platinum Leadership Circle Award to the city of Garland. The designation is awarded to local governments that implement financial transparency reporting in an accessible format that adheres to specific reporting standards.
The city’s financial transparency initiative is a top priority that began under the direction of Assistant City Manager Bryan Bradford. The Financial Services Department organized and compiled the required data. Citizens and interested parties can access the city’s collection of financial information through a single page on the city’s website. Such data includes checks issued, financial reports, budgets and debt information.
The website is http://www.garlandtx.gov/gov/eg/finance/transparency.asp. It can also be accessed from the city’s home page, GarlandTx.gov, by clicking on the financial transparency link within the quick links on the left side of the page.
“This has been a multiyear effort headed by the Financial Services Department with contributions from Budget & Research,” Bradford said. “The effort focused on making extensive amounts of city financial information available in one location on the website. I would like to recognize Financial Services Managing Director David Schuler, Budget & Research Director Ron Young, and Business Process Analyst Elizabeth Morales for their efforts in achieving this designation.”
Financial Services will continue to manage, enhance and improve the financial transparency portal. Since the comptroller’s designation is valid for one year, a renewal application will be submitted annually.