Kissimmee has a Triple Crown Winner ... and this has nothing to do with horses.
The city announced Monday that, for the first time in its history, its Finance Department has been recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) as a Triple Crown Winner.
Less than 5% of cities in the State of Florida hold that designation, the city's Finance Director Tavia Ritchie said.
This recognition honors the city's achievements in financial reporting: the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, and the Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, received for work from the 2022 fiscal year.
“It is exciting for the City of Kissimmee to be recognized as a Triple Crown government by GFOA for the first time ever," Ritchie said. "We pride ourselves on going beyond the minimum. Being a part of an elite group is a testament to the hard-working public servants in our finance department. We look forward to continuing to elevate the fiscal sustainability of our City.”
Each award has specific criteria that must be met for recognition. Applicants present detailed budgetary documents and financial statements that demonstrate effectiveness to internal staff and residents. Clear policies and financial plans are needed to apply and excel, the city said.
The GFOA's Triple Crown Award "signifies the City of Kissimmee's commitment to excellence in financial management and reporting, setting a high standard for municipalities across the United States and Canada," the city said in a release. "This achievement emphasizes the city's dedication to transparency, accountability, and excellence in public finance."
