Treasure Coast Sun

The City of Port St. Lucie has been recognized once again for its commitment to excellence in budgeting, as it has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 35th consecutive year. The prestigious award was granted for the Annual Budget for the fiscal year starting October 1, 2023.

Caroline Sturgis, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, "This award demonstrates the City’s commitment to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting and nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation." Sturgis also emphasized the collaborative effort among various city departments in showcasing Port St. Lucie's dedication to long-term financial planning, transparency, strategic planning, and fiscal responsibility.

The GFOA award recognizes entities that excel in budget presentation, with criteria including the budget serving as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communications device. To qualify for the award, the budget document must meet rigorous standards in all four categories and within the 14 mandatory criteria.

Port St. Lucie's achievement adds to the city's track record of financial responsibility. According to an annual Millage Rate Benchmarking Study for FY 23/24, the city boasts one of the lowest municipal tax rates among Florida's 20 most populous cities, ranking third overall. This accolade further underscores Port St. Lucie's commitment to prudent financial management.

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) commends award recipients like Port St. Lucie for setting a benchmark in budgeting practices and serving as a model for other governments across North America. With nearly 1,800 participants in the Budget Awards Program, the GFOA continues to promote excellence in government finance through best practices, professional development, resources, and research.

For more information on Port St. Lucie's budget and financial initiatives, interested individuals can visit www.CityofPSL.com/Budget.