MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for February 2021

The Annual Financial Report for 2020

February 25, 2021 by Eric Lowell
Category: Financial Reporting

This blog post reviews a few of the major updates to the Annual Financial Report for reporting year 2020.

A Quick Guide to Utility Account Overcharges, Undercharges, and the Statute of Limitations

February 22, 2021 by Oskar Rey
Category: Utilities - Billing and Collection

This blog explores the role of the statute of limitations in connection with utility billing, including undercharges and overcharges.

Who’s the Boss? Separation of Powers in Local Government

February 18, 2021 by Linda Gallagher
Category: Administrative and Elected Officials

This blog post discusses the importance of the roles and responsibilities of elected and appointed officials working together in local governments.

Local Government Contracting and Agreements for Non-Public Works Projects

February 16, 2021 by Flannary Collins
Category: Interlocal Cooperation

This blog explores the options available for local government contracting and agreements related to non-public woks projects.

Disaster Zone: The Next Phase of the Pandemic

February 11, 2021 by Eric Holdeman
Category: Emergency Management , COVID-19

This blog post looks at what might happen with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic over the next few months.

Incorporating Bicycles into Your Municipal Code

February 9, 2021 by MRSC Insight
Category: Cycling and Walking

This blog explores some potential “gaps” that local governments may have in their code provisions addressing bicycles, including helmet use, bicycle lanes and access, and how to regulate electric-assist bicycles.

Ethics Codes for Local Governments, Part 2: Processing Complaints, Imposing Discipline

February 3, 2021 by Steve Gross
Category: Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

Part Two of this series on local ethics codes reviews items in a code that help when dealing with a possible violation.

COVID-19 Reopening Plan, Proclamation Extensions, and Government Operations

February 2, 2021 by Jill Dvorkin
Category: Strategies and Programs , Open Public Meetings Act , Public Records Act , COVID-19

This blog reviews recent updates to the Healthy Washington — Roadmap to Recovery plan as well as the extension of several emergency proclamations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including updated "miscellaneous venues" guidance for OPMA.

Ethics Codes for Local Governments, Part 1: Considerations, Scope, and Applicability

February 1, 2021 by Steve Gross
Category: Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

Part One of this two-part blog series looks at why a local government would want to adopt an ethics code, who the code could apply to, and what behavior the code might cover.