Georgetown, Del., Oct. 17, 2006: Sussex County, for the fourth year in a row, has won the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for fiscal year 2005. The award is among the highest forms of recognition for governmental accounting and financial reporting.

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada, based in Chicago, awarded the Certificate of Achievement to the county in July. Sussex County Council formally received the award at its Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2006, meeting. The CAFR was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the association’s program.

The award is an acknowledgment of Sussex County’s comprehensive annual financial report, or CAFR. The document includes the county’s annual audit, showing assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses. It also contains information about county demographics and the local economy. That information helps those reviewing the report – such as investors – to better gauge the county’s financial condition.

“Once again, I am pleased to report Sussex County is meeting the standards of good accounting practices,” said County Finance Director David B. Baker. “This award should reinforce the public’s confidence in its government, and give them further assurance that their tax dollars are being well spent and are well accounted for.”