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Posts for Toni Nelson

See You Later: Finance Consultant Toni Nelson Retires

September 27, 2020  by  Toni Nelson
Category:  MRSC News and Updates

Finance Consultant Toni Nelson is retiring at the end of September after a long career in local government. 

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Implicit Price Deflator Falls Below 1% for Setting 2021 Property Taxes

August 31, 2020  by  Toni Nelson
Category:  Tax and Population Data

The IPD inflation rate for 2019-2020 is 0.60152%, which means local governments with a population of 10,000 or more may not increase next year's property tax levies more than that rate unless they adopt a resolution or ordinance of substantial need.

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Annual Financial Reporting Options: Cash-Basis

April 30, 2020  by  Toni Nelson
Category:  Financial Reporting

This blog post describes the cash-basis reporting option available to local governments for filing an annual financial report.

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Changing Forecasts for Transportation Revenues and Other Impacts of I-976

December 5, 2019  by  Toni Nelson
Category:  Revenues ,  Transportation Finance

This blog post looks at the impact the passage of I-976 will have on transportation revenues, the state's multimodal account, and transportation benefit districts. 

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Year End is a Busy Time for Finance

January 4, 2019  by  Toni Nelson
Category:  Financial Reporting

This article reviews some of the most important year-end reporting requirements and deadlines, including the "open period" and federal W-2, W-3, and 1099-MISC reporting requirements.

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Paid Family & Medical Leave Act: What does finance/payroll need to do?

November 27, 2018  by  Toni Nelson
Category:  Leave Policies

With 2019 on the horizon, local governments must begin to comply with new Paid Family & Medical Leave requirements. Finance Consultant Toni Nelson looks at what steps the finance department should take, beginning today. 

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CPI Changes for Washington Indices Effective January 1

December 14, 2017  by  Toni Nelson
Category:  Tax and Population Data

On January 1, 2018, the Consumer Price Index will begin to implement its update for sampling areas. Finance Consultant Toni Nelson looks at how this will impact Washington local governments. 

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The New Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR 200 – Part 2

February 17, 2017  by  Toni Nelson
Category:  Purchasing and Contracting

Federal awards given to local governments are now subject to revised audit standards under New Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200. In the second of this 2-part series, learn more about how the certification requirement and allowable costs have changed, and what you need to do to become compliant with the new guidance. 

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Federal Single Audit and the New Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR 200

December 2, 2016  by  Toni Nelson
Category:  Purchasing and Contracting

Federal awards given to local governments are now subject to revised audit standards under New Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200. Learn more about these new standards and what it means for your entity's policies regarding procurement, purchasing, and grant and contract management.

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Informal AG Opinion Clarifies Lodging Tax Awards

August 24, 2016  by  Toni Nelson
Category:  Lodging Tax (Hotel-Motel Tax)

An informal opinion from the Attorney General's office states that a municipality may award lodging tax revenues to a recipient in an amount that differs from the LTAC recommendations, as long as the legislative body follows the right process.

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Local Governments Now Have Clearer Investment Options Thanks to ESB 6349

July 14, 2016  by  Toni Nelson
Category:  Investments

A 2016 legislative bill (ESB 6439) provides more clarity on local government investment options and requirements.

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Multimodal Transportation Funds Released To Cities and Counties on April 15

April 14, 2016  by  Toni Nelson
Category:  Revenues

The initial distribution of this new fund should include the first two quarters of the state biennium that were missed (September 2015 and December 2015) along with the March 2016 distribution.

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Assuming the Powers of Your Transportation Benefit District? Here Are Some Items to Be Aware Of

March 1, 2016  by  Toni Nelson
Category:  Transportation Finance

An overview of accounting and reporting requirements as a result of the new legislation regarding the assumption of TBDs by cities and counties.

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Who Should Receive the Utility Bill, Landlords or Tenants?

January 19, 2016  by  Toni Nelson
Category:  Utilities - Billing and Collection

Who should receive a utility bill is just one of the many complexities local governments must determine in their utility billing procedures. This blog highlights our survey of how numerous jurisdictions handle this issue.

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Tax Changes for Recreational Services and Athletic/Fitness Facilities

December 29, 2015  by  Toni Nelson
Category:  Revenues

Recent legislation has changed the definition of a retail sale and the new change becomes effective on January 1. Here is some guidance on what this change may mean for your 2016 tax report.

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Pre-Budgeting: Three Things to Do Before Budget Season Begins

June 26, 2015  by  Toni Nelson
Category:  Budgets and Budgeting

With a little breathing room during the summer, here's recommendations for three things to do before budget season comes in at full force.

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Beyond the Annual Financial Report: Communicating Your Agency's Financial Data

May 12, 2015  by  Toni Nelson
Category:  Financial Reporting

As financial reporting to the State Auditor's Office wraps up, Toni Nelson explains some other types of financial reports you should be providing to management and elected officials.

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