Mesquite, TX – September 4, 2018 – Tonight, the City of Mesquite announced it has earned all five transparency stars attainable through the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts’ Transparency Stars program. Mesquite became the sixth city in Texas and the fifth municipality in the Dallas-Fort Worth region to earn all five transparency stars for public accessibility. You can view the City’s transparency portal at www.cityofmesquite.com/Transparency.
City Manager Cliff Keheley said, “Transparency matters. The City Council has made transparency a priority. We began our journey in the fall of 2015 to be more open with our information. To earn this prestigious honor in under three years is a tremendous accomplishment. I am proud of our staff for helping designate Mesquite as one of the models in Texas for public openness and inclusion.”
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts’ Transparency Stars initiative recognizes local governments that put forth exemplary transparency efforts. The program identifies government entities that provide significant public access to Traditional Finances, Contracts/Procurement, Economic Development, Public Pensions and Debt Obligations. The Texas Comptroller will conduct regular reviews of each awardee to determine whether their transparency efforts continue to support the program’s goals and intent.
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar issued this statement: “I applaud the City of Mesquite for embracing this program and taking a leadership role in local government transparency. By opening its books and providing clear and meaningful financial information, Mesquite is giving its residents the crucial information they need to make informed decisions about their city’s financial future.”
The Texas Comptroller’s office launched the Transparency Stars program in 2016 to honor cities, counties and school districts that provide easy online access to important financial data. For more information, including qualification criteria and other award recipients, visit www.comptroller.texas.gov/transparency/local/stars/.