HAHNVILLE — The Distinguished Budget Presentation has been awarded to St. Charles Parish by the Government Finance Officers Association of the U.S. and Canada for its 2017 Budget.

It is the fifth time the Finance Department has received the award.

“I would like to say I am surprised or overwhelmed but my experiences with the Finance Department are very consistent with this award,” Councilman Dick Gibbs said.

“The financial documents that I have reviewed in the past are always great policy documents and have an easy-to-understand financial plan. On behalf of the council, I would like to congratulate Grant and the Finance team on a well-deserved award.”

According to the Association, the award represents a significant achievement by the entity, as they have to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for an effective budget presentation.

The guidelines are designed to assess how well an organization’s budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide and a communications device.

Budgets documents must be rated “proficient” in all four categories, and the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.

“This is such a tremendous accomplishment for our department to bring home our fifth Consecutive Distinguished Budget Presentation award,” Chief Financial Officer Grant Dussom said. “I am so very proud of the department and we will strive to keep the winning streak going.”