Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has named the City of Amarillo (COA) as a 2024 Triple Crown Winner. GFOA’s Triple Crown designation recognizes governments who have received GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting or Canadian Award for Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for a fiscal year. COA is one of just 441 governments that received the Triple Crown for fiscal year 2024. “The Triple Crown is no easy feat. This demonstrates the exemplary work of various city departments, city leadership and city staff,” said COA Chief Financial Officer Lola Ogunremi. “Our gratitude and congratulations to all who worked hard to make this award possible.” The Triple Crown designation represents a significant achievement. To qualify, each entity must meet the high standards of all three separate award programs. Each award program recognizes governments that produce reports which communicate their financial stories in a transparent manner and meet applicable standards To learn more about the award, email coaprogram@gfoa.org or go to: www.gfoa.org/gfoa-triple-crown-winners

The City of Amarillo (COA) Parks and Recreation Department (PARD), in collaboration with Outdoor Amarillo, announces the return of the city’s Fourth of July-themed event commemorating 250 years of America – Amarillo Red, White, & Boom!The event begins at 5 p.m. on July 4 at John Stiff Park and will continue throughout the evening, ending with the fireworks and drone show. Amarillo Red, White, & Boom! is free to the public. Free parking is available off of 45thStreet and free shuttle transportation is available from Randall High School, Amarillo High School or the Amarillo Civic Center north parking lot. Free festivities include: Please note: The COA will determine the safety of shooting fireworks prior to the event. If the environment is determined to be unsafe for fireworks, the show will be rescheduled. For event information, contact PARD at (806) 378-3036 or by email at contact@amarilloparks.org

The City of Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare Department (AAMW) is conducting a free pet spay/neuter voucher clinic for residents of the North Heights Recognized Neighborhood . The clinic is June 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hines Memorial Park, located at 1300 N.W. 18th Ave. Eligible residents receive vouchers for up to four pets per household to receive free spay/neuter surgeries through participating veterinary partners. Microchips and vaccines will be provided at no cost. To qualify, residents must bring their pets to the clinic in person along with proof of residence within the North Heights Recognized Neighborhood. Pets must be at least four months old. Vouchers will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited in supply. “By making preventative veterinary care more accessible, we hope to create long-term positive impacts for both pets and the people who care for them,” said AAMW Outreach Manager Kali Dennis. “The actions we take today can have lasting benefits for our community in the future, and we encourage eligible residents to take advantage of this opportunity.” Participating veterinary partners include Amarillo Veterinary Clinic, Cadillac Veterinary Clinic, Canyon Road Veterinary Clinic and Timber Creek Veterinary Hospital. Funding for the program was secured through support from Amarillo city council following the success of a pilot program in the San Jacinto neighborhood last year with 89 vouchers issued. In March, 55 vouchers were distributed to residents of the Barrio neighborhood. For information on the North Heights Recognized Neighborhood, go to: https://www.amarillo.gov/planning/neighborhood-plans/north-heights-neighborhood-plan/ For additional information, contact AAMW at (806) 378-9032 or by email at animals@amarillo.gov

In observance of Juneteenth (Friday, June 19), City of Amarillo (COA) offices will be closed Friday (June 19). The COA service schedule for the week of Juneteenth: The schedule for Solid Waste services: Ross Rogers and Comanche Trail Golf Complexes will have normal hours of operation. For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov.