Cherokee County is now a Georgia Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) Triple Crown Winner.

The Triple Crown Award designation recognizes governments who have received GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award and Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for a fiscal year.

GFOA recently notified Cherokee County it earned the prestigious designation for the 2020 fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2019-Sept. 30, 2020). It is one of 317 governments in the United States and Canada to win the award.

“Complete and understandable financial information is essential for the Board of Commissioners to balance the often-conflicting goals of low taxes and great county services and infrastructure. I’m convinced ours is the best in Georgia,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Harry Johnston. “Our Finance team gives us clear budgeting options, with five-year projections of fund balances and the required tax rates that will result from our decisions. It’s the key to how we’ve been able to keep our services excellent with tax rates among the state’s very lowest.”

The county Finance Department is responsible for providing responsive and accurate financial reporting, advice and performance measurement to management Cherokee County’s financial resources while also facilitating the most cost-effective funding of agencies, departments and elected officials. Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Marquis said the recognition is reflective of the staff’s time, effort, and knowledge in managing county finances.

“The Finance Department is excited to be recognized by GFOA for achieving this distinction,” Marquis said. “The award reflects the dedication and many hours of hard work that is exhibited by the Finance staff. Our highest priority is to ensure transparency and quality in financial reporting for our organization and the community we serve.”