AUSTIN ~ The Texas State Comptroller's office has named Farmers Branch as one of only 36 local governments in Texas to achieve their new Platinum award for financial transparency.

The Comptroller's Leadership Circle Program has recognized Farmers Branch with its highest award every year, since its inception five years ago. In 2014, the bar for that highest award was raised from "Gold" level to "Platinum."

According to the Comptroller's office, the new Platinum award recognizes local governments that have exceeded the requirements for the previous highest level of disclosure. It includes posting of budgets, financial reports and check registers online. The Platinum Award spotlights entities meeting the Gold standard that also post detailed summary information on their websites about current bonded debt and repayment; link to the Comptroller's governmental transparency website; and pledge to post information online about proposed bond packages and existing debt.

For more information, visit leadershipcircle@cpa.state.tx.us.