News

At its March 18 meeting, Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Director’s accepted the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada, and the Excellence in Operating Budget Award from the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO).

GFOA awarded OMWD with a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award certificate for its 2014-2015 fiscal year budget document. This was the fourteenth consecutive year OMWD has achieved this award. In order to receive this award, a government agency must prepare a budget document that effectively serves as a financial plan, a communications device, a policy document, and an operations guide. OMWD’s budget document considered issues and challenges for the fiscal year and established priorities to address these challenges.

CSMFO recognized OMWD with the Excellence in Operating Budget Award for the eleventh consecutive fiscal year. The CSMFO award recognizes public agencies for demonstration of clarity, accuracy, and consistency in their budget presentation.

The GFOA and CSMFO awards reflect the commitment of OMWD’s Board of Directors and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. “This recognition of our budget validates our continuing efforts to exercise fiscal discipline and delivering efficient service over the long term,” stated Lawrence Watt, OMWD Board Treasurer and Finance Committee member. “The budget document itself provides the public with easy access to how funds are being spent, and this reinforces accountability and transparency to our customers.”

Though the wholesale price of water—OMWD’s largest operating expense—continues to climb, OMWD has again successfully controlled its overall costs. The 2014-2015 fiscal budget reprioritized capital projects to address more critical priorities. “Diversification of OMWD’s water supply portfolio and preventative maintenance are of great importance for effective operations and planning,” added General Manger Kimberly Thorner. “Expanding OMWD’s recycled water system is a priority in order to deliver a reusable and sustainable water source, while simultaneously keeping costs low for our customers, and reducing dependence on wholesale water.”

OMWD’s budget document is accessible to the public via the “Administration” page at www.olivenhain.com.

GFOA is the professional association of state/provincial and local finance officers in the United States and Canada, and has served the public finance profession since 1906. GFOA members are dedicated to the sound management of government financial resources.

CSMFO is the statewide organization serving all California municipal finance professionals committed to promoting excellence in financial management through innovation, continuing education and the professional development of our members.