For 26 consecutive years, Alpena’s finance department has earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada, recognizing the city for its comprehensive annual financial report.

The city goes above and beyond in that report, compiling not only budgetary information but also city statistics on law enforcement, tax rates, property values, and more.

The award “represents a significant accomplishment for our government and management,” city Treasurer Anna Soik said.

We agree.

Government transparency is a requirement for a well-functioning democracy, and we are pleased to see the city go beyond the call of duty to inform its residents — along with potential developers and prospective residents — on the ins and outs of city government.

Keep up the good qork, and here’s hoping for another quarter-century of honors.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)