FPUD receives highest award for financial reporting

FALLBROOK – The Fallbrook Public Utility District has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of America and Canada.

The certificate is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. Its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management, according to GFOA.

"We are honored by this recognition," Jack Bebee, FPUD general manager, said. "Our board and management team take very seriously our commitment to provide our ratepayers and the community with an annual financial report that is fully accurate and transparent."

FPUD's financial report, known as the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report or CAFR, was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story.

This year has brought unprecedented challenges to the district and the world. FPUD's ability to adapt business practices to effectively manage changes in operations required by the COVID-19 pandemic speak directly to management's recent efforts to enhance and update operations.

A new phone system allowed customer service and other employees to receive calls like normal with staff working remotely. Access to billing and water use information allowed them to answer customer questions as if they were in the office.

New payment options like PayNearMe and credit cards recently implemented provide customers more payment options. This ensured cash and other types of payments could be made even with the offices closed. PayNearMe allows customers to pay in cash at CVS and 7-Eleven stores when they bring in their water bill.

The financial report can be found at http://www.fpud.com/financial-reports.

Based in Chicago, GFOA advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources and practical research for more than 21,000 members and the communities they serve.

Submitted by Fallbrook Public Utility District.