Belleair Finance Dept. Wins 28th National Award

The Town of Belleair's Finance Department recently received its 28th Government Finance Officers’ Association (GFOA) award for outstanding financial reporting, continuing a long-standing tradition of excellence. This recognition highlights the department's consistent commitment to transparency and sound fiscal management.

The department oversees all accounting, purchasing, utility billing, and treasury activities, including accounts payable, budget development, cash disbursements, revenue recording, and investment activities. It also manages the computerized financial records system, financial reporting, and payroll.

Through its utility billing services, the department directly impacts residents' daily lives. It supports other town departments by facilitating the purchasing process and ensuring responsible use of taxpayer funds. Belleair now uses DemandStar to post all bid solicitations, increasing vendor accessibility.

A primary responsibility involves developing the town's annual budget. The Finance Department collaborates with the Finance Board to create this document, which the Town Commission approves. The proposed 2026-27 budget is available for public review, along with previous budgets dating back to 2021-22.

At the close of each fiscal year, the department generates the Town’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, ensuring all accounting transactions are properly recorded and maintaining official accounting records. The 2025, 2024, and 2023 reports are available for public inspection.

Town Hall observed several holidays earlier this year, including New Year's Day (Jan. 1), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 19), Memorial Day (May 25), Juneteenth (June 19), Independence Day (July 3), and Labor Day (Sept. 7). Upcoming closures include Veterans Day (Nov. 11), Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 26), the Day After Thanksgiving (Nov. 27), and Christmas Day (Dec. 25).