UMATILLA, Ore.-The City of Umatilla has once again received the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
Umatilla received the award that represents a high standard of budgeting excellence, particularly in the areas of transparency, financial responsibility, and communication of financial strategy, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025.
“Receiving the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the sixth consecutive year is an incredible honor for our organization,” said Melissa Ince, Assistant Umatilla City Manager and Finance Director. “At the City of Umatilla, we are deeply committed to excellence, transparency, and accountability in every aspect of our financial management.”
The GFOA works to advance excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for its members and the communities they serve.
The Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program started in 1984 and now has over 1,900 participants, including states, cities, counties, special districts, and school districts, according to the GFOA. The most recent award recipients and their budget documents are posted each quarter on the GFOA website.
To earn the award, Umatilla’s budget document had to meet national standards that assessed the City’s budget as a policy document, financial plan, an operations guide, and as a communications device, according to a press release from the City.
“Our goal is not simply to produce a balanced budget, but to deliver a comprehensive, accessible, and high-quality financial document that clearly communicates our priorities and stewardship of public resources,” said Ince.
In addition to being rated “proficient” in all four standards, Umatilla’s budget also had to meet 14 mandatory criteria established by GFOA.
“We take great pride in providing our community with budgeting materials that are thoughtful, transparent, and reflective of the trust placed in us,” said Ince.
More information about Umatilla’s budget, including budget documents and annual audit reports is available online through the City’s website.
