Smith County Receives Leadership Circle Award

TYLER — Smith County has received the 2015 Platinum Leadership Circle Award from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Smith County was named a Texas Comptroller Leadership Circle Platinum Member for the second year in a row for its “continued progress toward achieving financial transparency.” The program recognizes local governments across the state that are striving to meet a high standard for financial transparency online. Judge Joel Baker said it is the fifth year Smith County has been recognized with the Leadership Circle Award. The county received the top gold award for three years and last year, the bar was raised to platinum level.

The Platinum Award spotlights entities that go above and beyond providing financial transparency. Awards are also given at the gold, silver and bronze levels. “Your efforts to provide citizens with clear, consistent pictures of spending and share information in a user-friendly format have paved the way for achieving greater financial transparency,” Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said. Smith County scored 23 out of a possible 23 points in ratings criteria to earn the award. Smith County’s listing on the Comptroller’s “Texas Transparency” website displays the platinum seal.

“We’re proud to receive this once again,” Judge Baker said. Commissioner Terry Phillips said he is proud of the county for receiving the prestigious award. “We strive to be transparent in everything we do,” Phillips added.

The Texas Comptroller Leadership Circle program was launched in December 2009 to recognize local governments across Texas that are striving to meet a high standard for financial transparency online. The award highlights local governments that are opening their books to the public; providing clear, consistent pictures of spending; and sharing information in a user-friendly format that lets taxpayers easily drill down for more detail.

You can go to http://www.smith-county.com view the county’s financial data.