Residents of Butler County should derive a measure of satisfaction and comfort over the news that the county controller's office has been awarded a certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. The association, with offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit professional group serving approximately 16,000 government finance professionals.

According to a news release announcing the award, the certificate in question is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

The association said this county's comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ended on Dec. 31, 2004, was judged by an impartial panel. According to the association, it was determined that the report demonstrated a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate the county's financial story, aimed at motivating potential report users to want to read it.

The availability of excellent financial reporting goes a long way toward helping to achieve smooth operation of government.

Butler County Controller Jack McMillin and his staff merit positive notice for what this award represents — not only for helping promote governmental effectiveness but also in terms of representing the best interests of taxpayers.