City of Foley Seeks National Recognition for Financial Excellence

Guy Busby • January 20, 2025

Mayor highlights commitment to sound financial practices

Foley’s Finance Department continues to receive recognition for the city budget. The city recently submitted its 2025 budget for consideration for the Distinguished Budget Award to the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. Foley has won the award five consecutive times.

Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley has once again gained national attention for its financial management, with the city’s finance department submitting its 2025 budget for a prestigious award.


The budget has been entered for consideration for the Distinguished Budget Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). The award, which highlights excellence in budgeting and financial transparency, has been bestowed upon Foley’s Finance Department for five consecutive years.


Mayor Ralph Hellmich praised the department’s consistent achievements, noting that the recognition underscores Foley’s strong commitment to responsible financial stewardship and clear reporting.


“I am so proud of the awards that reflect the quality of our city’s financial responsibility to our citizens,” Hellmich said. “It starts with our outstanding Accounting Department. It’s another key to being transparent and financially responsible.”


Foley has also received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 11 years. The city has also received the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Report four times and is in consideration for a fifth award.


The GFOA has presented all three awards to Foley in the same year, a distinction referred to as “the triple crown,” for four years.


Foley was also recently recognized with a Certificate of Excellence for Continuing Disclosure Reporting from Digital Assurance Certification. The certificate recognizes that the city has been in full compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission disclosure rules for the last 10 years.


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