Douglas County Receives National Financial Reporting Award for 38th Consecutive Year

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - Douglas County has received national recognition for its financial reporting for the 38th consecutive year, earning the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada.

The award recognizes the county's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. According to GFOA, the certificate is the highest form of recognition available in governmental accounting and financial reporting.

Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman announced the achievement, recognizing the work of Chief Financial Officer Dan Wilson and the county's Management and Finance Department.

“People should know that achieving this level of excellence isn’t easy. It reflects our staff’s constant commitment to accuracy, attention to detail, and the highest professional standards,” Boice said.

Boice also credited Wilson and his team for their continued efforts to maintain accurate and transparent financial records.

“Dan and his staff work diligently to ensure our financial information is accurate, transparent and meets the highest standards. We appreciate their continued commitment to excellence and congratulate the entire team on once again earning this distinguished national recognition,” Boice said.

The annual report provides a detailed accounting of the county's financial position and operations. To qualify for the award, the report undergoes an independent evaluation to determine whether it meets established standards for government financial reporting, including accuracy, clarity, and disclosure of financial information.

Commissioner Tim Freeman emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in how county funds are managed.

“It’s important to us as Commissioners that we can stand in front of any group of people and know that public funds are being spent and reported correctly,” Freeman said.

Wilson, who accepted the award on behalf of the county's Management and Finance Department, explained that earning the recognition requires considerably more than submitting an annual report.

“This is not an industry program where you just pay a fee and get an award. There is very stringent review and audit process that is carried out each and every year,” Wilson said.

According to Wilson, the evaluation includes more than 900 requirements that the county must satisfy to receive the award.

“It has been the priority of our Board of Commissioners, as well as myself to not only perform the bare minimum in financial reporting, but to achieve the highest standard of reporting,” Wilson said.

As part of the award process, an impartial panel evaluates financial reports for compliance with the program's standards. Those standards include demonstrating a commitment to full disclosure, ensuring that financial information is presented clearly and is accessible to the people who use it.

The Government Finance Officers Association was founded in 1906 and represents more than 28,000 public finance professionals across the United States and Canada. The organization promotes best practices, professional development, and transparency in public financial management.

Douglas County's latest recognition continues a streak of annual awards dating back nearly four decades.

Residents interested in reviewing the county's financial information can access the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report on the Douglas County website. Additional information about the award program is available through the Government Finance Officers Association.