Duncanville Shines: City Earns National ‘Clean Audit’ Honor for Financial Excellence
There’s good news for the residents of Duncanville, Texas. The city has officially received a clean bill of financial health for 2024, an achievement that goes far beyond simply balancing the books. The City of Duncanville’s annual financial reporting has been recognized with the highest honor in the country for governmental accounting, signaling a major win for fiscal transparency and responsibility.
The city’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, covering the fiscal year that ended September 30, 2024, has been awarded the coveted Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association, or GFOA. This isn’t just a standard pass; the GFOA award is widely regarded as the pinnacle of achievement in government financial reporting in North America, a standard the association has been championing since 1945.
For citizens, this certification is a sign that the city’s money managers are not only following the rules, but are going the extra mile. The GFOA requires an exceptional “spirit of full disclosure” and clear communication to ensure residents and stakeholders can easily understand the city’s financial standing and future planning.
Interim City Manager Richard B. Abernethy was quick to praise the staff responsible for this feat. He noted that the recognition reinforces the community’s trust that Duncanville is managing public resources responsibly and planning for a strong financial future. In a testament to their hard work, the Fiscal Services team was also honored with the Award of Financial Reporting Achievement.
This achievement is particularly noteworthy because it demonstrates a successful effort to uphold financial controls and accountability. While Duncanville, like any municipality, has faced its share of administrative challenges, this award puts a decisive stamp on the city’s commitment to high-quality financial practices.
So, what does stellar financial stewardship mean on the ground for Duncanville residents? It translates directly into the city’s capacity to fund important infrastructure and community-focused projects. For instance, this financial discipline supports major initiatives like the ongoing Main Street Improvement Plan, which aims to transform the downtown area into a thriving mixed-use destination, complete with new retail and housing options.
The city is also actively engaging residents through its 2025 Bond Committee, which is currently evaluating major capital improvement needs across Duncanville. Furthermore, in a crucial move for public health, the city successfully completed a comprehensive survey of water service lines in late 2024 to comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates, an effort that will help prioritize any necessary replacements to ensure safe drinking water.
From adopting a new Comprehensive Plan to launching the My Government Online platform for easier access to city services, Duncanville is clearly focused on investing in its future while maintaining an ironclad grip on its finances. This clean audit report isn’t just an accounting trophy; it’s proof that the “City of Champions” is financially fit and ready for the next chapter of growth.