By Melanie Petrucci, Contributing Writer
Northborough – Town Administrator John Coderre presented a plaque to the Board of Selectmen at its Nov. 14 meeting honoring its seventh consecutive award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). The GFOA is a nonprofit professional organization throughout North America. This is the highest award offered in public budgeting and Northborough was one of a handful in the commonwealth to receive this honor.
“What this means for the town is that Northborough has become a model statewide for financial reporting, transparency and best practices,” Coderre said.
“In the last year we have done presentations for the Massachusetts Municipal Association, the Massachusetts Managers Association and Auditors Association and several individual towns as well,” he added. “We go across the state and essentially we are using our documents and our process to train in best practices in budgeting.”
Coderre referenced a growing number of municipalities across the state receiving the same distinctions that were mentored by the town of Northborough. One of the secrets to success for Northborough is that it has a “cohesive government with Town Meeting and town boards being on the same page,” he added.
Selectman Leslie Rutan congratulated and thanked Coderre and the financial team.
“This is another impressive award that we’ve received,” she said.
Selectman Jason Perreault agreed and added, “It’s increasingly hard to work to continue to do what is necessary to get this award.”