GEORGETOWN — Sussex County keeps cashing in on accolades for management of its residents’ finances.

In late July, the Chicago-based Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada awarded the county a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its 2020 comprehensive annual financial report — the 19th consecutive year Sussex has earned the group’s top honor.

The award is among the highest forms of recognition for governmental accounting and financial reporting. It is an acknowledgment of Sussex County’s annual financial review, which was judged by an impartial panel to meet the association’s high standards. The document includes the county’s annual audit, showing assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses.

It also contains information about demographics and the local economy. That information helps those reviewing the report — such as investors — to better gauge the county’s financial condition.

“Managing the public’s money is a sacred trust, and we are honored to be recognized as good stewards when it comes to the accounting of the taxpayers’ dollars,” said Gina Jennings, Sussex County finance director/chief operating officer. “I am proud of our staff for once again winning this distinction but even more proud that Sussex County continues to be held up as a shining example (of) good government and sound fiscal management.”

In announcing the award at Tuesday’s County Council meeting, Sussex County Administrator Todd Lawson offered congratulations to Ms. Jennings, Deputy Finance Director Kathy Roth and their accounting staff “for their efforts in achieving this great award.”