MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for Eric Lowell

Close up of hand of one person giving money to another person

September 27, 2023 by Eric Lowell
Category: Accounting

What happens when an employee is accidentally paid a higher salary for several months or even several years? It could raise concerns about gift of public funds. Local governments must be careful to follow the processes outlined in the statutes when handling payroll overpayments.

Runner at the starting block on running track start line

On Your Mark, Get Set: Download 2024 Budget Suggestions!

August 2, 2023 by Eric Lowell
Category: Budgets and Budgeting

Our annual Budget Suggestions publication is now available! This document provides information on city and county budget processes, state shared revenue estimates, recent budget-related legislation, a preview of the implicit price deflator, and more.

Close up of a hand turning off a main water valve

New Bills Address Utility Connection Charges, Service Disconnection for Non-Payment

June 28, 2023 by Eric Lowell
Category: Utilities - Billing and Collection , New Legislation and Regulations

Recent legislation impacting utilities includes SHB 1326, allowing city and town utilities to waive connections fees for certain organizations, and ESHB 1329, prohibiting electric and/or water utilities from terminating service during periods of high heat.

A close up of a model of a building against scattered coins, keys, and a calculator, representing a landlord renting property

Should You Be Collecting Leasehold Excise Tax?

April 19, 2023 by Eric Lowell
Category: Property Taxes

Does your local government lease property to an individual, business, nonprofit, or another local or state government? If so, your agency should be collecting and reporting leasehold excise tax to the Washington Department of Revenue.

A close up of a person reviewing financial data

Changes for 2022 Annual Reporting for Cash Basis Entities

February 27, 2023 by Eric Lowell
Category: Financial Reporting

The addition of a few new notes as well as the removal of others are just a few of the changes local governments will encounter when they begin the annual financial report filing process. The deadline for filing is May 30, 2023, for both cash basis and GAAP entities.

A man is excited to have received a gift card

Safely Using Incentives in Public Engagement Activities

February 8, 2023 by Eric Lowell
Category: Gift of Public Funds , Inclusive Communities , Federal Funding

Can gift cards be given as an incentive for completing a local government survey? Can stipends be provided to volunteers participating in local government projects or advisory boards? With proper procedures in place, incentives can be a way to boost community participation.

Funding for Broadband Expansion

December 21, 2022 by Eric Lowell
Category: Telecommunications , Federal Funding

Is your local government looking to expand broadband access to un- or underserved communities? Fortunately, there are existing state and federal grant programs to tap for help as well as exciting new federal funding opportunities.

Using Levy Lid Lifts to Finance Public Salaries and Services

October 27, 2022 by Eric Lowell
Category: Property Taxes

Local governments looking to use levy lid lifts to help with increased costs should carefully consider several issues, such as type, duration, future fiscal need, capacity, and how to best frame the lid lift for a successful vote.

Funding Local Affordable Housing Efforts

August 24, 2022 by Eric Lowell
Category: Housing , Revenues

It can be difficult for cities, towns, and counties to fund local affordable housing programs, but there are some options available, from taxing options to federal and state grant programs.

Donations and Local Governments: The Basics of Giving and Receiving

June 2, 2022 by Eric Lowell
Category: Financial Reporting , Gift of Public Funds

What is the process for local governments to receive donations? Can local governments make donations without violating the state's gift of public funds provisions?

Can We Spend Lodging Tax Funds on That?

April 7, 2022 by Eric Lowell
Category: Lodging Tax (Hotel-Motel Tax)

MRSC frequently receives inquiries from local governments asking if a proposed use of lodging tax funds is allowable. Take our short quiz to test your knowledge!

Historic Infrastructure Funding Opportunities Open to Local Governments

February 14, 2022 by Eric Lowell
Category: Public Works Finance , Federal Funding

Building a Better America invests $400 billion over five years to support major transportation and infrastructure projects nationwide. Local governments are eligible for funding, including for several competitive grant programs, and should begin the planning process now.

Treasury Releases Final Rule on American Rescue Plan Fiscal Recovery Funds

January 24, 2022 by Eric Lowell
Category: COVID-19 , Federal Funding

Local governments seeking guidance on how to use Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) now have an answer in the recently released Final Rule from the U.S. Department of Treasury.

Local Governments Now Required to Have Data-Sharing Agreements

October 21, 2021 by Eric Lowell
Category: Cybersecurity , New Legislation and Regulations

Local governments will share data with other agencies for a variety of reasons. ESSB 5432 now requires agencies to have data-sharing agreements for highly sensitive data, such as HIPAA information or any information that is protected from release/disclosure by law.

Tax Increment Financing Now Available to Some Washington Local Governments

September 16, 2021 by Eric Lowell
Category: Finance , Public Works Finance , New Legislation and Regulations

In an effort to help local governments spur economic development in stagnant communities, the legislature passed HB 1189 early this year, which authorizes the use of tax increment financing for cities, towns, counties, and port districts.

Treasury Issues Guidance for Local Fiscal Recovery Funds

May 13, 2021 by Eric Lowell
Category: COVID-19 , Federal Funding

This blog post reviews the May 2021 interim guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Treasury regarding how Local Fiscal Recovery Funds may be spent under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), including allowed uses, replacing lost revenues, and reporting requirements.

Cybercrime: A Hard Lesson

April 22, 2021 by Eric Lowell
Category: Cybersecurity

This blog looks at precautions a local government can take to counter vendor fraud perpetrated by cyber criminals.

American Rescue Plan Provides More Relief to Local Governments

March 17, 2021 by Eric Lowell
Category: COVID-19 , Federal Funding

The American Rescue Plan Act ("ARP" or "ARPA") provides significant new funds for local governments, as well as an optional expansion of FFCRA leave. While we don't yet know all the logistics, this blog post provides a preliminary overview.

New Federal Funding for Rent and Utility Assistance

March 1, 2021 by Eric Lowell
Category: COVID-19 , Federal Funding

This blog provides an overview of new funding available through the Coronavirus Response Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) to help with rent and utility assistance for any households impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

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