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MRSC Insight Blog


Posts for MRSC Insight

MRSC Executive Director Tracy Burrows Is Retiring Oct. 31

April 15, 2024  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  MRSC News and Updates

MRSC’s board of directors extends its deepest gratitude to Tracy for her 13 years of outstanding leadership and dedicated service to MRSC. The board has initiated the search for a new executive director to build upon her legacy and ensure a seamless and successful transition.

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Strategies for Managing Difficult Public Meetings

March 27, 2024  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Legislative Body ,  Public Participation

What are some steps an agency can take before, during, and after difficult public meetings to make them less stressful and more productive for everyone?

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A hand holds a stamp labeled "approved"

Taking Action Using Ordinances, Resolutions, Motions, and Proclamations

February 16, 2024  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Legislative Body

A governing body has several options it can use to take action on an issue. Knowing which type of action to employ and under what circumstance helps to make the process more efficient and effective.

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Exterior of a town hall with flag displayed

Knowing Your Roles: City and Town Governments

January 10, 2024  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Administrative and Elected Officials

Conflicts in city and town governments between the executive and the legislative branches can be the result of confusion as to these roles and their responsibilities. In such cases, the parties should revisit how power is divided between these two branches.

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A backhoe shovels snow from in front of a government building into a dump truck

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

December 6, 2023  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Snow and Ice Removal

When winter approaches, a local government should encourage property owners to maintain sidewalks and keep them safe for pedestrians while also ensuring that it has a well-thought-out plan for keeping municipal roadways safe and navigable.

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A woman celebrates winning her election with her supporters

You’ve Been Elected: Now What?

November 29, 2023  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Administrative and Elected Officials ,  Administrative and Elected Officials-County ,  Elections

Now that you've been elected there are a number of steps you'll need to take before assuming office, as well as some resources you might want to check out to get ready for your new adventure. 

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taking an oath of office

The Oath of Office for Local Elected Officials

October 25, 2023  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Administrative and Elected Officials ,  Administrative and Elected Officials-County

Local governments often have questions about the oath of office, such as when it can be taken, who can administer it, what wording should be used, and whether it must be administered in person.

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Blank agenda sitting on a meeting table

The Basics of Meeting Agendas

September 20, 2023  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Legislative Body

For open public meetings, a comprehensive, well-prepared agenda can keep things moving while ensuring all members of the governing body are on the same page. But what should be included according to statute, who should prepare it, and what happens if it needs to be amended?

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A notebook for meeting minutes, lies between a pen and an hourglass

Less Is More: Action Minutes Save Time, Serve the Agency Best

August 23, 2023  by  MRSC Insight ,  Ann G. Macfarlane
Category:  Guest Author ,  Legislative Body

Public meetings of a governing body can cover a variety of topics and include countless important decisions that will impact the agency and its communities. Action minutes can help the body focus on what was done during the meeting rather than what was said.

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Election Season Tips and Reminders

August 16, 2023  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Elections

During any election season, there are a variety of common areas that can trip up candidates, elected officials, and local government agencies and their staff — so let's review some potential problems before they happen.

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Military honor guard marching and presenting the U.S., Canadian, Washington, Oregon and MIA/POW flags

Flag Display: Requirements, Protocols, and More

May 30, 2023  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Flag Display

While there are no federal requirements to fly the U.S. flag, state law does require several types of local governments (and state agencies) to fly the U.S. and Washington State flags, and, for some entities, the POW/MIA flag as well. 

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Two gold wedding rings on a stack of US $100 dollar bills

Conflict of Interest and the Spouse

April 11, 2023  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

Contractual situations involving spouses or partners of local government officials can present complications that are not immediately apparent, and so elected officials and governing bodies should tread carefully.

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Shows a person reading a document about employee benefits

Elected Officials and Benefits Programs

January 25, 2023  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Governance ,  Compensation ,  Leave Policies

Are elected officials considered employees? If so, are they eligible for the various benefits programs provided for in state law? This simple question requires a case-by-case examination of eligible state-based benefits programs. 

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Taking a Break – A Primer on Legal and Other Holidays

January 11, 2023  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Leave Policies

People love holidays, but how do these impact government? Which holidays will an agency observe? Will offices be closed? Will it include paid time off for staff? To answer these questions, an agency should make its holiday schedule and policies around holidays readily available.

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How Can Local Governments Celebrate the Holidays?

November 8, 2022  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Governance ,  Gift of Public Funds

Celebrating the winter holidays can be fun, but local governments and their staff and elected officials must think carefully before pulling out decorations, planning parties, or accepting gifts. 

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Annexing Non-Contiguous Territory Outside City or Town Limits

October 23, 2022  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Annexation

The Municipal Purpose Method of annexation is the only method available for a city or town wishing to annex territory non-contiguous to its jurisdictional boundaries. 

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Managing Unexpected Elections Issues

October 10, 2022  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Elections

Sometimes unexpected and unusual situations can arise during the election process, such as a tie between candidates or the withdrawal or death of a candidate before the election takes place.

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Budget Hearings: How Many Do You Need?

August 29, 2022  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Budgets and Budgeting ,  Legislative Body

During budget season, many local government staff and elected officials often wonder how many public hearings are required to complete the budget process. The answer generally depends on type of government and the reason for the hearing. 

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Supporting/Opposing Ballot Measures and Candidates

August 17, 2022  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Elections

Election season raises many questions for local government staff and elected officials, especially when it comes to ballot measures and candidates running for office. What are the rules for supporting or opposing an issue or a candidate and how do these apply?  

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Expectations of Confidentiality and OPMA Executive Sessions

June 16, 2022  by  MRSC Insight
Category:  Open Public Meetings Act

How confidential is information discussed during an executive session, and what are the expectations that those involved in the discussion should keep this information private?

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