Austin celebrated three decades of high marks in financial reporting Monday.

The city of Austin received an Excellence in Financial Reporting certificate of achievement for the 30th straight year during the Austin City Council Meeting Monday. The award is described as the highest of its kind in government accounting and financial reporting.

Stiehm thanked Director of Administrative Services Tom Dankert and his team.

“This is Tom Dankert’s unit and with Oak Park Mall and all the things he’s done, there’s just no way we could show more appreciation,” Mayor Tom Stiehm said.

Dankert said the award is a sign of good staff, good department heads and the City Council following the rules that help get this done.

Dankert has held his position for the city for 20 years, so the 30-year run started under Dick Benzkofer and Sue Landherr.

“We’re lucky to have you, and I think I try to tell you that as often as I can,” Stiehm said. “We’re lucky to have your staff, and we’ve absolutely become accustomed to excellence, and that’s really what you represent for this city.”