City of Kyle Web Site Receives Platinum Star Award from Texas Comptroller

For the fourth consecutive year, the City of Kyle has received the highest Leadership Circle Award from the Texas Comptroller’s office for government transparency standards set by the state agency.

            This year’s award is even more special as the Comptroller’s office has created the Platinum Star Award that exceeds the very high standard of the Gold Award. In order to receive the Platinum Star Award, a government entity’s efforts must be “above and beyond” in providing for financial transparency.

            “Every tax payer has a right to know exactly how each dollar of their money is spent,” said Kyle Mayor Lucy Johnson. “We list every check on our web site as well as our entire budget on our web site. It is not only a great achievement to receive the Platinum Star Award in its first year, but also our duty and commitment to the tax payers to be accountable to them in how we manager their government.”

            The Comptroller’s office Leadership Circle recognizes local governments that have either taken their first steps toward, made strides to meet, or have exceeded transparency standards. The four award levels are:

• Platinum - “Platinum” spotlights entities that go above and beyond providing financial transparency.
• Gold – “Gold” highlights those entities that are setting the bar with their transparency efforts.
• Silver – “Silver” encourages those who are making progress.
• Bronze – “Bronze” inspires those who are just beginning their transparency efforts.    

            The main criteria for the awards include having the city’s budget, audit, and check register available online.  Improvements over last year include making the information easier to find on the web site and other minor enhancements. Other minor criteria involve local government and council contact info, public information requests, easy access to documents, and other financial information. 

            The City of Kyle was recognized of having the City’s budget, check register, and financial performance reports online. Additionally, the City has previous year’s financial audits, contact information for city council members and key staff, municipal codes, and past city council meeting agendas and minutes available from the web site.

            More information about the program is available by visiting the Texas Comptroller’s web site.