FORSYTH COUNTY — Forsyth County has been honored for its budgeting efforts.

According to a news release from the county, the 2014 budget book has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.

This is the second consecutive year the county received the honor, which is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting.

In order to receive the award, a governmental unit must publish a budget document that meets program criteria as a policy document, an operations guide, financial plan and as a communications device.

In addition, budget documents must be rated “proficient” in all four categories and the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories to receive the award.

David Gruen, the county’s director of finance, said in a statement that he and his staff were “certainly proud” to be recognized.

“This award again … reflects Forsyth County’s continuing commitment to financial transparency and to making quality financial information accessible to our citizens,” he said.

The 2014 budget book can be viewed at www.forsythco.com by clicking “finance department” under the “departments” tab.

The association is a nonprofit professional group serving nearly 18,000 government finance professionals throughout North America.