The Comptroller of Public Accounts created the Transparency Stars program in March 2016 to recognize those entities that have made efforts to open their books to the public and present information in a user-friendly, understandable format. The Transparency Stars program recognizes local governments for going above and beyond in their transparency efforts by accomplishing the following:

• Opening their books not only in their traditional finances, but also in the areas of contracts and procurement, economic development, public pensions and debt obligations; and
• Providing clear and meaningful financial information not only by posting financial documents, but also through summaries, visualizations, downloadable data and other relevant information.

House Bill 1378, passed in the 84th Legislative session, requires public entities to post certain debt information online. The Transparency Stars program recognizes local governments who go beyond legislative requirements in this area by providing debt information in a variety of formats.

To be eligible for this Transparency Star, the entity must first receive the Traditional Finances Transparency Star.

The City of Sealy has taken the necessary steps to go above and beyond legal requirements by incorporating additional documentation on its website to qualify for the Debt Obligations Transparency Star.