MRSC Insight Blog

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MRSC Insight Blog

Recent Posts

Local Government Contract Awards – Who is Eligible

January 21, 2021 by Judy Isaac
Category: Purchasing and Contracting

This blog looks at different types of local government contract awards: public works, services, and purchases.

Changing Course: Using Robert’s Rules to Alter a Prior Action

January 19, 2021 by Ann G. Macfarlane
Category: Legislative Body , Council-Commission Advisor

Using Robert's Rules of Order, this blog looks at when and how a governing body can change course on a prior action.

W-2 Reporting for FFCRA Wages and Social Security Tax Deferrals

January 14, 2021 by Eric Lowell
Category: Accounting , Leave Policies , COVID-19

This blog reviews how to properly report Families First Coronavirus Response Act leave wages and Social Security tax deferrals on Form W-2.

Washington State’s New Re-Opening Plan

January 13, 2021 by Jill Dvorkin
Category: Open Public Meetings Act , Operating Policies , COVID-19

This blog provides an overview of the state's Healthy Washington — Roadmap to Recovery plan and how it may impact local governments, including their ability to conduct in-person public meetings.

Disaster Zone: COVID After-Action Reports

January 11, 2021 by Eric Holdeman
Category: COVID-19

This blog looks at the role of the after-action response in disaster planning and offers shared after-action insights local governments are finding in their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.

What’s New with Form 1099?

January 7, 2021 by Eric Lowell
Category: Accounting , Financial Reporting

This blog discusses new changes to Form 1099 and Form 1096.

The Right to Assemble: Responding to Protests, Spontaneous Gatherings, and Counter-Demonstrations

January 6, 2021 by Oskar Rey
Category: Public Participation , Legislative Body

This blog explores the right to assemble in connection with protests and gatherings in outdoor public places and provides thoughts on how local governments can respond to situations that may arise.

COVID-19 Vaccinations in the Local Government Workplace

January 4, 2021 by Flannary Collins
Category: Personnel Policies , COVID-19

This blog post looks at the main issues local governments should consider in establishing a COVID-19 vaccination program.

Police, Mental Health Professionals Partner to Improve 911 Response

December 31, 2020 by Leah LaCivita
Category: Law Enforcement , Emergency Medical Services

This blog looks at the co-responder law enforcement model, which brings social service responders and mental health professionals into the 911 crisis response.

Trial by Zoom: Using Online Platforms in Administrative Proceedings, Trials, and Oral Arguments

December 28, 2020 by Clara Park
Category: Land Use Administration , Courts, Criminal Justice and Corrections , COVID-19

This blog post discusses the current state of virtual proceedings and offers pointers for anyone navigating the shift from in-person to virtual proceedings.

Meet Eric Lowell, MRSC's Newest Finance Consultant

December 17, 2020 by Eric Lowell
Category:

MRSC welcomes Eric Lowell onto the team as our newest Finance Consultant. Prior to joining MRSC, Eric served as the Finance and IT Director for Timberland Regional Library.

The Role of Cities and Counties in Keeping Winter Walking (and Driving) Safe

December 14, 2020 by Flannary Collins
Category: Snow and Ice Removal

What is a local government's responsibility when rain, ice, or snow create treacherous road or sidewalk conditions? This blog covers the basics.

Protecting Public Works Projects from COVID-19 Economic Impacts

December 11, 2020 by Lane Powell
Category: Administration , COVID-19

This blog post reviews how local governments can protect public works projects from COVID-19-related economic impacts.

In-Person Public Meetings Put on Hold for Now

December 9, 2020 by Jill Dvorkin
Category: Open Public Meetings Act , Legislative Body , COVID-19

This blog post reviews Proclamation 20-28.14, which extends and modifies the temporary rules governing open public meetings and ties the in-person meeting requirements to Proclamation 20-25 and the "business meetings" guidance for Miscellaneous Venues.

Social Equity in Cannabis Program

December 7, 2020 by Linda Gallagher
Category: Marijuana , New Legislation and Regulations , Inclusive Communities

This blog post offers an overview of E2SHB 2870, 2020 legislation creating a social equity in cannabis program for Washington State.

Strategies for Managing Difficult Public Meetings and Hearings

December 3, 2020 by Byron Katsuyama
Category: Public Participation , Legislative Body

This blog offers some steps you can take before, during, and after difficult public meetings and public hearings to make them less stressful and more productive for everyone.

Taking the Oath of Office During a Pandemic

November 30, 2020 by Sarah Doar
Category: Administrative and Elected Officials , COVID-19

This blog post considers the options available to administer and take the oath of office during a pandemic.

Six-County Pilot Program to Help with Eviction Backlog

November 25, 2020 by Leah LaCivita
Category: Housing , COVID-19

This blog covers the pilot Eviction Resolution Program, a court-based approach to resolve more eviction-related cases before a landlord has the need to file an unlawful detainer action.

What Constitutes a Serial Meeting under the OPMA?

November 23, 2020 by Oskar Rey
Category: Open Public Meetings Act

This blog reviews what is considered a "serial" meeting under the Open Public Meetings Act and how governing bodies, now using a variety of communication options, can avoid violating the Act.