Parker County sets the bar in Financial Transparency Efforts

   Parker County was notified on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts that is has been awarded one of the first “Gold Star” Leadership Circle Award’s given to Texas Counties for Parker County’s excellence in implementing “Financial Transparency.”

   Out of 254 counties in the state of Texas, Parker County was one of the first 10 to meet the key requirements for achieving the “Gold Star” designation and that is posting the county’s budget, latest audited financial statement and check register on its’ web site in addition to other criteria.

   “We appreciate the recognition from Comptroller Susan Combs and will continue our efforts to do the right thing for our taxpayers,” Parker County Judge Mark Riley said. “This recognition was achieved through team work. In county government, the auditor and staff are crucial to achieving the financial reporting and transparency expected.”

   Riley said the county’s transparency rating, along with last years bond rating improvement to an AA-, shows the strength of Parker County’s financial standing.

   “I believe government, at all levels, has a responsibility to be open and financially sound with taxpayer money,” he said. “It is nice to see our efforts paying off.”

   In addition to the three key requirements for “Gold Star” status, Parker County’s web site includes the date, payee and amount on its check register in a searchable format, easy access to financial documents, and instructions on how to submit a public information request along with local government contact information and names and contact information for current county elected officials.

   “Congratulations on your success in implementing financial transparency and joining our Leadership Circle,” said Senior Local Government/Economic Development Specialist Frank Alvarez with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Office.

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