County Finance Department wins award

The Flathead County Finance Department again received the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget.

This is the 14th year the department has received the award, according to the county.

Although the 2022 winners list is still being compiled, the county Finance Department was among only three other entities to receive an award from GFOA from Montana, including Bozeman, Butte-Silver Bow and Great Falls.

The Budget Presentation brings all county departments into a single view for the public and commissioners to better understand how the county spends taxpayer funds.

“All department heads and elected officials work together on this. It’s a culture of stewardship across the county,” said Pete Melnick, county administrator.

In order to receive the budget award, the county had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. The award reflects the commitment of the governing

body and staff to meet the highest principles of governmental budgeting, according to the Government Finance Officers Association.

“It’s so rewarding to see how our county operates,” said Flathead County Commissioner Pam Holmquist. “Our citizens very much appreciate this.”

The 2023-23 report is available on the county’s website at www.flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/finance.