New Hanover County's Finance Department has received the county's 28th consecutive Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, according to a news release.

The national award is from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for the county's fiscal year that began July 1, 2018, officials said.

“For the last 28 years, New Hanover County has set and maintained a high standard of excellence for the budget process through the leadership of our board of commissioners and our dedicated staff,” New Hanover County Manager Chris Coudriet said in the release. “This award is a tremendous honor and highlights the importance of our budget book, which provides added transparency for our citizens to see where their tax dollars are being spent.”

County officials said in the release that the award represents a significant achievement for the county.

"In order to receive this distinction, a government unit must publish a budget document that meets program criteria in the following four categories: as a policy document, as a financial plan, as an operations guide, and as a communications device," stated the release. "Budget documents must be rated ‘proficient’ in all four categories, and in the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories to receive the award."