Sullivan County Earns 10th Straight Budget Award

Monticello, NY – Sullivan County has achieved a notable milestone, receiving the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the tenth consecutive year. The award recognizes the County’s excellence in budget presentation for the 2025 fiscal year.

A panel of judges evaluated over 1,700 budgets nationwide, assessing their effectiveness as policy documents, financial plans, operational guides, and communication tools. Sullivan County’s budget demonstrated proficiency in all these areas.

Sullivan County Manager Joshua Potosek expressed his appreciation for the award, stating, “Though this is the tenth time we’ve earned this award, we never take it for granted. A budget as large and as complicated as the County’s is challenging not only to put together but to convey to the public.” He emphasized the commitment of the Division of Management & Budget to ensuring transparency and accountability in presenting the County’s financial plan.

Management & Budget Commissioner Anna-Marie Novello highlighted the collaborative effort behind the award-winning budget, acknowledging the support from the County Manager’s Office and fiscal officers across various departments. “It’s thanks to the support we receive – from the County Manager’s Office to the fiscal officers in every department – that allows us to produce an award-winning document that informs both public and staff about how we spend taxpayers’ money,” she stated.

Legislator Brian McPhillips, who chairs the Legislature’s Management and Budget Committee, praised the hard work of the Division of Management & Budget staff. “It is very hard to put a budget together, let alone present it in an understandable fashion to taxpayers,” McPhillips remarked. “For such a small crew to win this recognition – spending a tremendous amount of effort in compiling a readable document for a $300 million budget – is a true achievement.”

The Government Finance Officers Association is a non-profit professional organization dedicated to advancing excellence in government finance. More information about the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award is available on the GFOA website at www.gfoa.org.