Office of Finance
The Office of Finance ensures that the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County uses its financial resources in a manner that is consistent with management’s policies and intentions and with legal restrictions.
The Office of Finance has the following responsibilities:
- Maintain financial records
- Collect revenues
- Ensure that debts are promptly satisfied
- Safeguard financial assets
- Ensure compliance with statutory requirements
- Provide operational support for the District treasurer, who directs the District’s investment program
- Assist with the creation of comprehensive budget-development guidelines
- Participate in the budget- and management-review process
- Assist in the budget-presentation process
- Secure passage of the District budget
- Prepare comprehensive tax-levy development requirements
- Prepare the annual tax levy with input from other District offices
- Coordinate annual audits of financial records
- Prepare comprehensive annual financial reports, which are subject to audits
- Supply management with timely and accurate reports on the District’s performance
- Provide broad-based support and assistance to other District offices
- Distribute reports to external users
- Provide District offices with services and products related to mail, copying, printing and office supplies and stock and supply the public with information brochures and handouts
Annual Budget
The budget is the foundation of the Forest Preserve District’s annual financial planning and is a tool that staff uses to manage daily operations. Each budget year begins on July 1 and concludes on June 30 the following year. All District offices submit budget requests, which serve as a starting point for the development of the comprehensive document. Taking public comment into consideration, the Board of Commissioners reviews and revises the appropriation before its adoption. Though not a formal part of the appropriation ordinance, the board uses a 5-year projection of revenues and capital expenditures in its financial planning.
For highlights of the fiscal year 2011 – 2012 budget, view the Budget News Release. Links to complete budget documents for 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009 are at the top of this page.
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
The Forest Preserve District is required to publish a complete set of financial statements presented in conformance with generally accepted accounting principles and audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards by a firm of licensed certified public accountants. Links to reports for 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are available at the top of this page.
Financial Reporting Awards
For the past 24 years, the Office of Finance has received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its comprehensive annual financial report. The most recent award was for the report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009. It is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment. The award recognizes that the District publishes an easily readable and efficiently organized comprehensive financial report.