State Comptroller of Public Accounts Susan Combs has unveiled her department's new Leadership Circle program which honors Texas' local governments that accomplish the highest levels for online financial transparency. Combs' department is publicizing local governments statewide that are freely releasing their records for public scrutiny over the internet so taxpayers can learn of the best ways to conduct efficient regional financial affairs.
The comptroller's office promotes open accounting by cities, towns, counties, school districts and assorted governing organs in order to provide assurance to the public that its tax money is being used in an efficient, effective and honest manner. The comptroller's department has created a procedure in which the Local Government Assistance Division verifies which entities have earned acceptance into the Leadership Circle.
Leadership Circle awards a "Gold" designation to the most open, honest and accomplished local governments. Those that have not yet achieved Gold status, but are working in its direction are given "Silver" and "Bronze" designations.
The City of Tyler, Smith County and the Tyler Independent School District (ISD) have won the Gold ranking. Smith County's Arp ISD and Chapel Hill ISD both carry Bronze rankings. According to Combs financial transparency should be the aim of all local government entities.
"The governments and school districts of Tyler and Smith County are doing a great job of giving citizens the transparency in government they expect by showing that opening the window on local government is not only essential, but rather easy," she said. "I applaud their leadership in transparency and the example they have set for others in Texas. Taxpayers want to know they're getting the bang for their tax bucks. Transparency engages and empowers citizens, holds government accountable and saves taxpayer dollars."
Master candidates from the University of Texas' LBJ School of Public Affairs are working with the comptroller's office, the Texas Municipal League and the Texas Association of Counties to create a template to make it easier for local governments to create Web sites for financial disclosure. This program will commence in January. Combs' department also provides online transparency resources, successful examples and advice on how to start transparency publication.
"The Leadership Circle program will raise awareness among local constituencies that their government is committed to transparency and is either a leader or on-track to achieving that status," said Combs. "It also serves as a way for government and entities to insure they remain transparent."
To obtain financial reports and budgets and to check out registers visit www.window.state.tx.us/comptrol/checkup/. This site also provides info on how to make figures more easily understandable, directions on how to submit a public information request and gives the availability of contact information on elected local officials.
State Comptroller of Public Accounts Susan Combs has unveiled her department's new Leadership Circle program which honors Texas' local governments that accomplish the highest levels for online financial transparency. Combs' department is publicizing local governments statewide that are freely releasing their records for public scrutiny over the internet so taxpayers can learn of the best ways to conduct efficient regional financial affairs.
The comptroller's office promotes open accounting by cities, towns, counties, school districts and assorted governing organs in order to provide assurance to the public that its tax money is being used in an efficient, effective and honest manner. The comptroller's department has created a procedure in which the Local Government Assistance Division verifies which entities have earned acceptance into the Leadership Circle.
Leadership Circle awards a "Gold" designation to the most open, honest and accomplished local governments. Those that have not yet achieved Gold status, but are working in its direction are given "Silver" and "Bronze" designations.
The City of Tyler, Smith County and the Tyler Independent School District (ISD) have won the Gold ranking. Smith County's Arp ISD and Chapel Hill ISD both carry Bronze rankings. According to Combs financial transparency should be the aim of all local government entities.
"The governments and school districts of Tyler and Smith County are doing a great job of giving citizens the transparency in government they expect by showing that opening the window on local government is not only essential, but rather easy," she said. "I applaud their leadership in transparency and the example they have set for others in Texas. Taxpayers want to know they're getting the bang for their tax bucks. Transparency engages and empowers citizens, holds government accountable and saves taxpayer dollars."
Master candidates from the University of Texas' LBJ School of Public Affairs are working with the comptroller's office, the Texas Municipal League and the Texas Association of Counties to create a template to make it easier for local governments to create Web sites for financial disclosure. This program will commence in January. Combs' department also provides online transparency resources, successful examples and advice on how to start transparency publication.
"The Leadership Circle program will raise awareness among local constituencies that their government is committed to transparency and is either a leader or on-track to achieving that status," said Combs. "It also serves as a way for government and entities to insure they remain transparent."
To obtain financial reports and budgets and to check out registers visit www.window.state.tx.us/comptrol/checkup/. This site also provides info on how to make figures more easily understandable, directions on how to submit a public information request and gives the availability of contact information on elected local officials.
