MRSC Insight Blog

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.

President’s Memorandum on Deferring Payroll Tax Obligations

September 1, 2020 by Toni Nelson
Category: COVID-19 , Compensation

This blog post reviews a recent federal memorandum directing the U.S. Treasury to defer the withholding, deposit, and payment of Social Security taxes on wages and compensation paid during September 1 through December 31, 2020.

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.

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.

The Annual Financial Report for 2019

January 23, 2020 by Toni Nelson
Category: Financial Reporting

This blog post highlights changes to the State Auditor’s Office Annual Financial Report for ‘cash-basis’ accounting and reporting entities.

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.

Finance-Related Legislation Passed During The 2019 Session

May 21, 2019 by Toni Nelson
Category: Finance , New Legislation and Regulations

Interested in learning more about recently passed bills that offer increased use of taxes or authority to increase certain taxes? This blog post covers the basics.

The Annual Financial Report for 2018 (Part 2)

February 27, 2019 by Toni Nelson
Category: Financial Reporting

This 2-part series highlights changes to the annual update to accounting and reporting requirements (BARS Alerts & Overview of Significant Changes). This post focuses on changes to Notes to Financials and in the Supplemental Schedules.

The Annual Financial Report for 2018 (Part 1)

February 25, 2019 by Toni Nelson
Category: Financial Reporting

In this 2-part series, Financial Consultant Toni Nelson will be highlighting changes to the annual update to accounting and reporting requirements (BARS Alerts & Overview of Significant Changes) from the State Auditor's Office. Part 1 focuses on changes to the Chart of Accounts.

New City and County Revenue Guides Published!

February 19, 2019 by Toni Nelson , Sofia D'Almeida Mabee
Category: Revenues

For many years, city and county officials have relied on MRSC’s Revenue Guides to better understand their various revenue options. In partnership with the State Auditor’s Office, we’ve completely rewritten and republished these important documents.

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.

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.

Salary Increases Effective July 1 for Many Special Purpose District Officials

June 7, 2018 by Toni Nelson
Category: Compensation

The salaries for many elected officials with Washington's special purpose districts are adjusted for inflation every 5 years by the Office of Financial Management, with 2018 being one such year an adjustment takes place. Finance Consultant Toni Nelson looks at which special purpose districts and officials will be impacted.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

MoreHide

MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for Toni Nelson

Sample Documents

Topics

MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for Toni Nelson

Blog Archives

Email Updates