Reaching New Heights with Financial Stewardship
19-time recipient of GFOA Certificate of Achievement
for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award
9th Consecutive GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
Matt Wolff
Finance Director
The City of Gardner is committed to financial transparency. City staff has prepared an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for 20 straight years. The ACFR is prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program. It contains a set of financial statements that are audited by an independent auditor using generally accepted government auditing standards. For the first time ever, City staff has also prepared a Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), which is designed to provide financial information derived from the ACFR in a readily accessible and easily understandable format.
Our achievements in 2023 were made possible
by the exceptional stewardship of our award-winning Finance Department and their expert financial planning and management. Their proficiency enabled us to implement a five-year Capital Improvement Program, addressing significant city projects and planning for future and existing growth in a cost-effective manner. We delivered a clear and well-balanced biennial budget, ensuring that resources were allocated to best serve our community. Additionally, our Grant Program enjoyed another successful year, supporting city and community initiatives while reducing costs for taxpayers. Through these efforts, we are reaching new heights, laying a strong foundation for continued growth and prosperity.
Secured nearly $4 million in
current and future grant funding
Coordinated the development of the 2024-2028 Captial Improvement Program
Coordinated the issuance of Series 2023A debt obligations in order to support infrastructure improvements and refund previous debt obligations
Implemented DebtBook software to assist with GASB 87 compliance, improving accounting and financial reporting for leases
Updated city’s purchasing policy
Earned a clean audit
Did You Know?
The City’s Statement of Net Position may serve over time as a useful indicator of a government’s financial condition. It presents the total financial worth of what the City owns (“assets”) and reduces that total by what the City owes (“liabilities”), the remaining balance is known as our “Net Position.” A positive net position balance indicates a measure of financial stability. The City’s net position increased by $6,682,909 or 4.2% in 2023.