The Latest from Doug
In the serene aftermath of last night's Martin Luther King Jr. Vigil, our community reflected with pride on the journey we've collectively endured towards equality and justice. The solemn strains and simple, yet emotionally invoking, notes of "Taps" reminded us of the profound impact of Dr. King's legacy, urging us to live lives of value and purpose, just as he did. This moment of reflection brought us closer, strengthening our resolve to continue his work in our daily lives.
As we carry forward the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. into all aspects of our community life, embodying his teachings of unity, equality, and justice, our commitment to transparency and accountability remains paramount. I would be remiss if I didn't also address an important matter that reflects our city's unwavering dedication to these principles. This not only aligns with our collective values but also serves as a testament to our ongoing efforts to ensure that our actions, decisions, and communications uphold the highest standards of integrity and openness. It's through this lens that we continue to build a community that not only honors Dr. King's legacy but also lives it every day in every way possible.
I wanted to take this opportunity to provide some context on why we are experiencing the delay. This delay is primarily due to the city’s transition to a new financial software system, which requires a meticulous manual process to ensure our financial records are accurate. We have already submitted all our financial records to our auditor, and I’m confident our FY23 audit will once again show the financial strength of the City's operations.
I’d also like to note the city has historically been acknowledged as having a strong financial position. In 2022, we were recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association for an outstanding budgeting presentation. To receive the award, the City had to meet nationally recognized guidelines for a budget document that serves as a policy roadmap as well as a financial plan and operational guide. The presentation is an effective communication tool to encourage resident engagement in local government operations. Additionally, this year, we were awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association for our annual comprehensive financial report for Fiscal Year 2022. We published an easily readable and efficiently organized comprehensive annual financial report that satisfies both generally accepted accounting principles and applicable legal requirements. We invite you to review our historical audits on our City website.
Amid these reflections, I want to transition to a spirit of celebration and community pride with the return of baseball season. The Fayetteville Woodpeckers' opening night at Segra Stadium marks the beginning of their 5th season, promising an exhilarating season with spectacular fireworks and the first 1,000 fans receiving a 2024 magnet schedule.
In a slightly non-Fayetteville related matter, embracing the "Can Do" Carolina spirit exemplified by the N.C. State Wolfpack. I know we aren’t all ‘Pack’ fans, but as they head into the Final Four of the NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Games, their determination and teamwork remind us of what we can achieve together. Let's rally behind them, showcasing our unified support and state-wide pride.
In every aspect of our community life—from solemn vigils and vibrant celebrations to ensuring fiscal responsibility—we are united in our dedication to making Fayetteville a great place to live, work and recreate. Where our history, our joy, and our accountability converge. Together, let's cherish these moments and build on them, inspired by the past and hopeful for the future.
Best,
Douglas J. Hewett
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