Tom Mick Village Manager | Village of Park Forest
Tom Mick Village Manager | Village of Park Forest
The Village of Park Forest has been honored with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its Fiscal Year budget. This is the 31st consecutive year, and the 33rd time overall, that Park Forest has received this recognition, which is considered the highest form of achievement in governmental budgeting.
The GFOA stated that the award highlights Park Forest’s commitment to upholding high standards in transparency, accountability, and public communication in its budget process. The criteria for the award require local governments to meet national guidelines evaluating how well their budgets serve as policy documents, financial plans, operational guides, and communication tools.
“Earning this award year after year underscores Park Forest’s dedication to fiscal responsibility and clear communication with residents about how their tax dollars are being used,” said Finance Director Mark Pries. “Our budget isn’t just numbers on a page — it’s a roadmap that aligns financial decisions with the Village’s long-term goals.”
To qualify for the award, budget documents must be rated “proficient” in all 14 mandatory criteria across four major categories. Over 1,900 governments participate in GFOA’s Budget Awards Program, which recognizes agencies demonstrating effective budgeting practices.
“Receiving this recognition for over three decades demonstrates the professionalism and integrity of our finance team and the continued support of our elected officials,” Pries added. “It reflects our shared commitment to maintaining trust and transparency with the community.”
A list of recent award recipients can be found on the GFOA website at www.gfoa.org.
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