Georgetown, Del., Sept. 22, 2009: For the seventh year in a row, Sussex County has earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for fiscal year 2008. 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 earlier this month. 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.

“We’re proud to once again receive this award, which is a glimmer of positive news in an otherwise bleak financial year,” said County Finance Director Susan M. Webb. “Having received this award the past seven years demonstrates the County’s consistency in financial reporting. When the focus has been on budget deficits, reduced revenues and cutbacks, it’s a nice change of pace to report to the public some good financial news.”

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