The Government Finance Officers Association has awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award to the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority for its budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025.
The award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting and reflects the commitment of FPUA’s governing board and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental financial planning and transparency.
To receive the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, FPUA’s budget document had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation.
FPUA is a Florida public power utility.
These guidelines assess how well a budget serves as:
• a policy document
• a financial plan
• an operations guide
• a communications device
Budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four categories and in the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories to receive the award.
In addition to receiving the award, FPUA’s budget received the following special recognition:
• Strategic Goals and Capital Program
• Capital program
Special recognition is given when all three reviewers give the highest possible score in particular categories.
“Receiving the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award reflects FPUA’s continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and long-term financial planning,” said Michele Harris, Chief Financial Officer for Fort Pierce Utilities Authority. “Our budget serves as a roadmap for responsible investment in the infrastructure and services our community depends on every day. This recognition highlights the collaborative work of our finance team, executive leadership, and Board in ensuring FPUA remains financially strong while meeting the needs of our customers.”
The Budget Awards Program has over 1,900 participants. The most recent Award recipients and their corresponding budget documents are posted quarterly on GFOA's website. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America, FPUA said.
The Department of Finance at Fort Pierce Utilities Authority provides comprehensive financial services for all FPUA departments and is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing financial, accounting, and rate matters.
The GFOA has awarded FPUA the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award each year since 1996.
