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MRSC Insight Blog

Recent Posts

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.

Six Suggested Actions for Planners during the Extended COVID-19 Pandemic

January 28, 2021 by Steve Butler
Category: Strategies and Programs , Land Use Administration , Streets and Sidewalks , Development Regulations and Zoning

This blog suggests some action items planners can undertake during the COVID-19 pandemic to encourage commerce, promote recreational opportunities, and streamline the planning process.

Caring for the Homeless Challenged by Winter Weather, COVID-19

January 25, 2021 by Leah LaCivita
Category: Homelessness , COVID-19

This blog post looks at how local governments are providing for the homeless, despite the twin challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and winter weather.

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.

Disaster Zone: COVID After-Action Reports

January 11, 2021 by Eric Holdeman
Category: Emergency Management , 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.