(KANSAS CITY, Kan.) — The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been once again awarded to the Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR).

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by the utility and its management.

The award was presented to Lori Austin, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative officer of BPU, and her entire department.

Judged by an impartial panel of experts, the utility’s ACFR demonstrated a “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and met the highest standards of this program. This is the 41^st year in a row BPU has received this distinguished recognition.

The Government Finance Officers Association (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.

BPU’s water department was originally created in 1909, and its electric utility was operational in 1912. The purpose of the utility, then and to this day, is to provide the highest quality electric and water services at the lowest possible cost. Today the publicly owned utility serves approximately 65,000 electric and 53,000 water customers, primarily in Wyandotte County, Kansas. The mission of the utility and its employees is “to focus on the needs of our customers, to improve the quality of life in our community while promoting safe, reliable and sustainable utilities.” BPU’s website is www.bpu.com.