Baytown Receives Recognition for Financial Transparency Efforts from Texas Comptroller

BAYTOWN, TEXAS - Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced the City of Baytown is the latest local government entity to achieve specific transparency goals through the Comptroller’s Transparency Stars program. The City received a star in the area of Traditional Finances, which recognizes entities for their outstanding efforts in providing easy online access to important financial data.

The Baytown Finance Department earned the star due to to their Financial Transparency webpage on the official City website, which includes annual financial reports, quarterly reports, budget information, property tax rates, and other information about City finances.

“This is a significant achievement for the City of Baytown and underlines our commitment to openness and transparency in city government,” said Victor Brownlees, Director of the Finance Department at the City of Baytown. 

The Texas Comptroller’s office launched the Transparency Stars program in March 2016 to recognize cities, counties, and school districts making important strides to greater government transparency. This is the first time Baytown has won the award, and it shows the City’s dedication to making it easy for residents to stay informed on City spending and revenue.

“By providing meaningful financial data in addition to visual tools and analysis of its revenues and expenditures, Baytown has shown a true commitment to Texas taxpayers,” Hegar said. “This effort achieves the goals set by my office’s Transparency Stars program. I am pleased to award Baytown a star for its accomplishments.”

In recognition of its achievement, the Baytown Finance Department has received a Transparency Stars Award Certificate, as well as a digital Transparency Stars seal to be exhibited on its website. The City’s name is also now displayed on the Texas Comptroller’s official website.

The Baytown Financial Transparency webpage can be viewed here:  Financial Transparency .