News

Two prestigious awards for excellence in financial reporting, highlight SARTA’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, accountability, transparency

January 15, 2024

CEO Kirt Conrad announced today that the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority recently received two prestigious awards for financial reporting:

• The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
• Ohio Auditor Keith Faber’s Award with Distinction. This marks the 20th consecutive year SARTA has been recognized by the GFOA. The agency received the Auditor’s Award with Distinction in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.

“Along with these awards, our total commitment to accountability and transparency has enabled us to win the trust, confidence and support of Stark County residents,” SARTA Board President Attorney Ron. Macala said. “We are extremely proud of the fact that the people of this community know they can count on us to deliver both outstanding transit service and unsurpassed fiscal responsibility,”

Mr. Conrad noted that award winning fiscal management has always fueled SARTA’s growth and success. “Our proven ability to get the most out of every dollar we receive from local, state, and federal revenue sources has made it possible for us to meet the county’s ever-evolving transportation needs, upgrade our facilities, acquire and deploy state of the art transit technology that makes traveling to the thousands of destinations we serve easier and more convenient than ever before, and become a world leader in the use of hydrogen fuel cells and other zero-emission technology,” he observed. “This success would not be possible without our outstanding finance team lead by our Director of Finance, Carrie Domer. These awards are a testament to their dedication and hard work throughout the year.”

In a letter to SARTA Michael Levine, GFAO’s Director of Technical Services noted that 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 governmental entity and its management.”

According to Auditor Faber his Award with Distinction acknowledges “…the hard work of fiscal offices who keep clean, accurate records. Their efforts go a long way toward making Ohio more efficient, effective, and transparent.”

For more information, please contact SARTA CEO Kirt Conrad at 330-477-2782.