CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Setting the bar for financial transparency

Setting the bar for financial transparency

TYLER, TX (KYTX) By Amanda Kost 

"We're here to applaud your efforts because the example you're setting is really across the State," said State Comptroller of Public Accounts Susan Combs.  Combs launched what's called a Leadership Circle program in Tyler.  It's a way to recognize local governments that meet a high standard for financial transparency online.  "We wanted to kick it off here in Tyler, Smith County because this is sort of a hotbed of government transparency which is very exciting," explained Combs. 

Combs said making it easy to see where money is being spent engages taxpayers and allows local government to be held accountable. "I think especially in these tough economic times and what we're seeing out of Washington, I think when you have Smith County and Tyler being leaders in the State, showing every taxpayer how their money is being spent. That's a terrific message," added Combs.

Smith County and the City of Tyler received the highest honor, a "Gold" designation from Combs, meaning they set the bar for financial transparency. "It is a government by the people and for the people and we want it to always be that way. We love living in a democracy and with the technology we have we think that the transparency is at the level that everyone can see what's happening," concluded Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass.

The Tyler Independent school District also received the "Gold" designation.  Arp ISD and Chapel Hill ISD received the "Bronze" designation meaning they are taking the first steps toward achieving financial transparency.