Honors & Recognition

City of Worthington Recognized with Financial State Award of Distinction

Bartter Award of Distinction The City of Worthington was recognized by Auditor of State Keith Farber with the Auditor of State Award with Distinction for excellence in financial reporting for the 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, its clean audit report and exemplary financial record keeping. 

“By keeping accurate financial records, governing bodies demonstrate their commitment to efficient, effective, and transparent service,” Auditor Faber said. “This award honors public entities that have put in the hard work to keep their finances in order.”

Scott Brown, with Auditor of State Farber's office, presented the award to Worthington Finance Director Scott Bartter at the September 5, 2023 Worthington City Council meeting. 

The Auditor of State Award with Distinction is presented to local governments and school districts upon the completion of a financial audit. Entities that receive the award meet criteria of a “clean” audit report.

City of Worthington Achieves Highest Possible AAA Bond Rating

The City of Worthington has been awarded a AAA Bond Rating by S&P Global Ratings, citing the City’s very strong financial management and stability. AAA is the highest bond rating a municipality can receive, with just a small percentage of cities achieving the highest score.

Excellence Awards

Distinguished Budget Presentation Award (2023)

The Government Finance Officers Association has awarded the City of Worthington the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2023 Operating Budget. The award reflects the commitment of the City of Worthington to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, the City had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as:

  • a policy document
  • a financial plan
  • an operations guide
  • a communications device

See complete City of Worthington budget and financial information here

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (Received March 2023)

For the fifth year in a row, the City of Worthington has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association for its 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. 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 a government and its management.

The report has been 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 and motivate stakeholders to read the report.