“Happy new fiscal year!” said no one outside local government finance. Congratulations are in order, though! By making it to this point, you have passed a budget, set a tax rate, and are starting the end-of-year cleanup. Very few may appreciate the gauntlet of state regulations, red tape, and politics you made it through. As with most things in our profession, small victories are under-celebrated. But we do; so, from us at the Government Finance Officers Association of Texas, “Congratulations, you are awesome!”

New Year celebrations bring things like goal setting, self-reflection, and growth to the forefront of our minds. I hope you can take a second to stop, breathe, and feel accomplished. If you can spare a moment longer, meet with one of your fellow finance officers and celebrate your shared triumph or catch up.

Lastly, I hope that GFOAT can be a part of your professional growth and help you achieve your career goals. I hope you will gather with us for our Fall Conference in Fort Worth on October 25-27. We have a great program planned with plenty of opportunities for professional development and networking. Later this winter, we will also hold a budget academy in Round Rock.

Thank you for your time and membership in GFOAT,

John Zagurski, MPA, CGFO

President, GFOAT

Finance Director, Town of Northlake