Unsung Heroes of the Washington Public Works Community: The APWA Division 1 Subcommittee

September 26, 2012 by John W. Carpita, PE
Category: Public Works and Utilities

Plugged in as I am to the greater Washington State public works community, I’ve had many opportunities over the years to see and to experience the dedication and - well, the devotion - of public works professionals to their craft. They truly do go beyond and above the call of duty and their paychecks. In an ongoing, but intermittent, series of blog entries over the next few months, I hope to...

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When Is a Resignation by an Elected Official Effective?

September 25, 2012 by Pat Mason
Category: Administrative and Elected Officials , Administrative and Elected Officials-County

We often receive questions regarding when the resignation of an elective official is effective. The basic issue is whether a resignation has to be accepted by the governing body of the agency for the resignation to be effective. Until 2002, the common law rule was that a resignation had to be accepted to be effective.  In 2002, the state court of appeals in State ex rel. Munroe v. Poulsbo, 109...

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Recent Court Guidance on What Constitutes a Public Record under the Public Records Act

September 20, 2012 by Joe Levan
Category: Public Records Act

While it is often clear what is a public record under the PRA, the issue of what is not a public record is less clear and sometimes overlooked. The 2012 court decision West v. Thurston County provides a helpful analysis to help determine what is, and is not, a public record under the PRA.

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Digging Can Be Risky

September 11, 2012 by Jim Doherty
Category: Utilities

Significant updates to Washington's 811 "call before you dig" statutes take effect on January 1, 2013. See how the changes impact you, both as a local government employee and as a homeowner.

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Wearing Uniforms in Political Advertisements

September 4, 2012 by Paul Sullivan
Category: Elections

This fall’s election is only a couple of months away, and candidates for office or proponents/opponents of ballot measures may be wondering if their advertisements may make use of photographs showing police officers, deputy sheriffs, firefighters, or other uniformed employees dressed in their agency uniforms. State law, specifically RCW 42.17A.555, prohibits the use of public facilities for the...

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Financing Public Infrastructure: Generational Equity and Municipal Debt

August 31, 2012 by Jenifer C. Merkel
Category: Debt , Guest Author

Municipal infrastructure is expensive. In deciding when and how to finance large capital projects, a council or commission must balance many competing factors. Should the local government borrow money to pay for the project? Or should it set aside funds over time – saving up to pay with cash? Is it fair to tax a resident over many years to provide funds to acquire and construct a public...

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A Bright Light for Those of Us Who Want to Improve Public Service

August 31, 2012 by Mike Bailey
Category: Management , Guest Author

That is how I think of the State Auditor Office's newest offering - the Local Government Performance Center (LGPC). Described as "a resource center for local governments that need to solve problems, reduce costs, and improve the value of their services to citizens," the LGPC will offer a variety of resources and...

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