State Auditor Mary Taylor has recognized Montgomery County for excellent financial accountability with a "Making Your Tax Dollars Count" award.  County Auditor Karl Keith accepted the award December 29th from Lisa Hayes of the State Auditor's office. 

Fewer than five percent of audited agencies are eligible for this award.  To qualify, a local government must submit a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), have a clean audit with no questioned costs or findings and have no financial concerns.

Auditor Keith was quick to praise his accounting staff for their hard work and attention to detail.  "The performance of the Auditor's Office staff is second to none," Keith said.  "Their diligence and persistence earned this recognition.  "During tough economic times, it's more important than ever to account for every dollar and expenditure that passes through the county."

Auditor Keith's accounting staff must account for every dollar collected and spent in county government.  They work with the Office of Management and Budget and the County Treasurer to release a CAFR each year detailing how the public's money is spent, ensuring transparency and accountability.