The Waterbury Times|Published June 16, 2026

WATERBURY — The City of Waterbury has received the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, marking the 19th consecutive year the city has earned the national distinction.

The award recognizes the city’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and is considered the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.

According to the GFOA, the certificate is awarded to governments whose financial reports meet strict national standards for transparency, full disclosure, and clarity in communicating financial data to residents, businesses, and stakeholders.

City officials said the recognition reflects long-term consistency in financial management practices and reporting standards.

Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski Jr. credited Finance Department leadership, including Director of Finance Mike LeBlanc and Manager of Budget Development and Oversight Sarah Geary, along with their staff, for maintaining what he described as a sustained record of fiscal accountability.

“Receiving this award for the 19th consecutive year is an extraordinary accomplishment,” Pernerewski said, calling it a reflection of “dedication, professionalism, and integrity” within the city’s finance and budget offices.

The GFOA noted that Waterbury’s report was reviewed by an independent panel and met all program requirements, including clear presentation of the city’s financial position and operations.

The Certificate of Achievement program is administered by the Government Finance Officers Association, which serves more than 25,000 public finance professionals across the United States and Canada.