Press Release
For Immediate Release
June 16, 2026
Contact:
Jennifer Rose
Press Secretary, Office of Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr.
Email: Jrose@waterburyct.org
CITY OF WATERBURY RECEIVES HIGHEST NATIONAL HONOR FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING FOR 19TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
(WATERBURY, CT) Early this month, the City of Waterbury was awarded the Government Finance Officers Association's (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
This marks the 19th consecutive year that the city has received the prestigious national honor, reflecting nearly two decades of excellence, transparency, accountability, and sound financial management.
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. The award is presented to governments whose financial reports meet rigorous national standards and demonstrate a commitment to full disclosure in communicating financial information to residents, businesses, investors, and stakeholders.
Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr. praised Director of Finance Mike LeBlanc, Manager of Budget Development and Oversight Sarah Geary, and their respective teams for earning the distinction.
"Receiving this award for the 19th consecutive year is an extraordinary accomplishment and a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and integrity of Mike LeBlanc, Sarah Geary, and the talented employees of our Finance Department and Budget Office," said Mayor Pernerewski. "This recognition reflects years of hard work and an unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency on behalf of the taxpayers of Waterbury."
The GFOA noted that Waterbury's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report was reviewed by an impartial panel and found to meet the high standards of the program, including demonstrating a constructive spirit of full disclosure that clearly communicates the city's financial position and operations.
"Mike LeBlanc and Sarah Geary have built and maintained a culture of excellence that is reflected in this recognition year after year," Mayor Pernerewski continued. "Mike's leadership, expertise, and steadfast commitment to accountability have been invaluable to the City of Waterbury, and Sarah's dedication and oversight have played a critical role in ensuring our continued financial success. Along with their exceptional teams, they have earned the respect of their peers and the gratitude of our residents. Waterbury is fortunate to have professionals of their caliber managing the city's finances."
The Certificate of Achievement represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management and is recognized as the highest form of achievement in the field of governmental accounting and financial reporting.
The Government Finance Officers Association advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and research to more than 25,000 members and the communities they serve throughout the United States and Canada.