 Flagler County is being praised for its annual budget presentations for the past two years by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).
Flagler County’s 2022-23 and 2023-24 fiscal year budgets were rated in four categories: as policy documents, as financial plans; as operations guides; and, as communications devices.
“These two awards represent the 14th and 15th straight years the county has attained this honor showing the Board of County Commissioners’ steadfast commitment to not only achieving, but maintaining, excellence in governmental budgeting,” said Financial Services Director John Brower. “In addition, the budget award for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, includes receiving Special Recognition for our Capital Program. The budget award for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, includes receiving Special Recognition for our Strategic Goals and Strategies. This marks the first time in our county’s history that we have received these enhanced distinctions.”
These awards are the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting and its attainment represents a significant governmental achievement, according to the GFOA.
Brower credits staff with pulling together the award-winning document including: Office of Management and Budget Analysts Michael Catalano, Brandy Allen, and Dan Nicholas; Senior Office of Management and Budget Analyst Amanda Gilbert; Office of Management and Budget Manager Brian Eichinger; and, Audio Video Production Coordinator Carlos Hernandez.
“This award is unique in many ways,” Brower said. “It deeply involves input from every department across our organization, working with the Office of Management and Budget as they create and fine tune the most important, most visible, comprehensive tool we have to offer our citizens.”
There are more than 1,600 participants in the Budget Awards Program. According to the GFOA: “Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.”
 Kudos to the Flagler County Fire Rescue has many achievements to celebrate.
Promotions
Adam Van Deusen, Cory Bauman, and Jesse Hunter were promoted from Firefighter-Paramedic to Fire Lieutenant on May 12.
Graduations
Mark Giblin earned his master's degree in Public Administration from Barry University.
Elena Malzahn graduated from Daytona State Fire Academy.
Accomplishments
Jon Moscowitz earned certification as a Pump Operator and as a Safety Officer from the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.
Tony Guerin earned certification as a Live Fire Training Instructor from the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.
Elena Malzahn passed her state certification exam and is now Firefighter 2 certified.
 Exciting news! Flagler County Fire Rescue increases it numbers by one.
Congratulations to Collin and his wife Kaitlyn on this adorable bundle you brought into the world, as well as to their other children Brayden, Lorelai, Charlotte, and Colton. Best wishes to you and your family.
 Flagler County Fire Rescue is a tight-knit family through the bond of firefighting, and the leadership -- the chiefs -- hold biannual picnics for department staff and their families to strengthen it.
"We want to bolster those relationships inside and outside of work situations," Fire Chief Mike Tucker said. "These picnics allow all firefighters and their families to come together and enjoy each other. They are a celebration of the amazing FCFR team members and what they do to serve the community."
This was the third picnic that's been held.
"It's the least we chiefs can do to show a little appreciation for the men and women who reflect so well on our department," Tucker said. "They go above and beyond day in and day out."
 Dear fellow coworkers,
Please send us a selfie for our Selfie Challenge to coincide with National Selfie Day. We will publish the images in the July employee newsletter along with your feelings about whether selfies are art or if they are not. We'll take a vote to determine the best selfie and feature it in August.
Be creative! As a side note, the Summer Solstice is June 20 and the full moon falls on June 21.
Send your selfies to Julie Murphy. TYIA ♥
 June 23 is National Hydration Day. Given that we are Floridians who get more than our fair share of hot weather, we should always take care to stay hydrated -- especially those staffers who spend a good amount of time doing manual labor outdoors.
The human body is more than 60% water, so maintaining the perfect hydration balance while exerting oneself on a hot day is a challenge. Becoming overheated or dehydrated can lead to heat stroke and possibly death.
Here are 14 health benefits to drinking plenty of water, according to Medical News Today (note -- all cells and organs need it):
1. It lubricates the joints -- Cartilage, found in joints and the disks of the spine, contains around 80% water. Long-term dehydration can reduce the joints’ shock-absorbing ability, leading to joint pain.
2. It forms saliva -- Saliva helps us digest our food and keeps the mouth, nose, and eyes moist. This prevents friction and damage. Drinking water also keeps the mouth clean. Consumed instead of sweetened beverages, it can also reduce tooth decay.
3. It delivers oxygen throughout the body -- Blood is more than 90% water, and blood carries oxygen to different parts of the body.
4. It boosts skin health and beauty -- With dehydration, the skin can become more vulnerable to skin disorders and premature wrinkling.
5. It cushions the brain, spinal cord, and other sensitive tissues -- Dehydration can affect brain structure and function. It is also involved in the production of hormones and neurotransmitters. Prolonged dehydration can lead to problems with thinking and reasoning.
6. It regulates body temperature -- Water that is stored in the middle layers of the skin comes to the skin’s surface as sweat when the body heats up. As it evaporates, it cools the body.
7, The digestive system depends on it -- The bowel needs water to work properly. Dehydration can lead to digestive problems, constipation, and an overly acidic stomach. This increases the risk of heartburn and stomach ulcers.
8. It flushes body waste -- Water is needed in the processes of sweating and removal of urine and feces.
9. It helps maintain blood pressure -- A lack of water can cause blood to become thicker, increasing blood pressure.
10. The airways need it -- When dehydrated, airways are restricted by the body in an effort to minimize water loss. This can make asthma and allergies worse.
11. It makes minerals and nutrients accessible -- These dissolve in water, which makes it possible for them to reach different parts of the body.
12. It prevents kidney damage -- The kidneys regulate fluid in the body. Insufficient water can lead to kidney stones and other problems.
13. It boosts performance during exercise -- One review found that dehydration reduces performance in activities lasting longer than 30 minutes.
14. Weight loss -- Water may also help with weight loss, if it is consumed instead of sweetened juices and sodas. “Preloading” with water before meals can help prevent overeating by creating a sense of fullness.
Social Media Day is observed annually on June 30. In its short life, social media has redefined how people interact, communicate, and share with family, friends, and the world.
We would be remiss if we did not give a shout out to Multimedia and Engagement Coordinator Marinah Carver who has been doing a superb job for us. She is extremely talented!
Flagler County has many social media channels and one of the best way to celebrate the day is to follow us on the ones you frequent:
- Facebook: FlaglerCountyGovernment
- X (formerly Twitter): FlaglerCountyGov
- Instagram: FlaglerCountyGov
- LinkedIn: FlaglerCounty
- NextDoor: Flagler-County
- YouTube: FlaglerCounty
Emergency Management:
- Instagram: FlaglerEOC
- X (formerly Twitter): FlaglerEOC
- Facebook: FlaglerEOC
Fire Rescue:
- Facebook: FlaglerCountyFireRescue
Public Library:
- Facebook: FlaglerCountyPublicLibrary
 Andy Dance D-1 | Greg Hansen D-2 | Dave Sullivan D-3 | Leann Pennington D-4 | Donald O'Brien D-5
As a reminder, this newsletter is now monthly. Share items of interest with Julie Murphy, jmurphy@flaglercounty.gov. Work on the next issue begins in about a week. Thank you!
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