REHOBOTH BEACH — The city has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for the first time.

Recognized for its fiscal year 2021-22 budget, Rehoboth Beach is believed to be one of only four Delaware municipal or county governments — and the smallest — to earn the distinction in 2021.

According to GFOA, the award represents a significant achievement and an organization’s commitment to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.

“Transparency is the chief benefit for residents of recognized communities,” said Burt Dukes, Rehoboth Beach finance director. “The city’s current budget document includes additional information that is not typically a component of the independent auditor’s report.

“Budgets that receive GFOA’s distinguished presentation award are written in a simple narrative and provide tables and charts that the average, nonfinancial expert can easily understand.”

Mr. Dukes noted that Rehoboth Beach’s ability to meet GFOA criteria has been facilitated by technology and software upgrades to the city’s accounting system.

He said the upgrades have allowed the finance department to compile more information for its budget document in a faster, more efficient manner.

To earn GFOA recognition, budget documents must meet program criteria and serve effectively as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide and communications device.

Around 1,600 government organizations nationwide have received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award in 2021.

In Delaware, in addition to the city of Rehoboth Beach, Sussex County, New Castle County and the city of Wilmington have historically been recognized.