A Citizen's Guide to Your City Government

There is accountability - really!

Each City is required to adopt a budget -
a public accounting of how they are spending the money

• State law requires that the budget be balanced and that the city conduct public hearings before adopting its budget each year.  Call your city hall to find out more about when they are having a hearing or to get a copy of the budget.  (It is RCW 35.33
  
  

• The State Auditor is required to set the rules for financial reporting in Washington.  They require annual reports.  You can get a copy from your city hall, or the State Auditor.  (See below for more information)
  
  

• That budget is required to be publicized prior to at least two required public hearings where you can find out what is going on, express your interests and ask your questions.  (RCW 35.33.057)
  
  

• Call city hall and ask them about the "preliminary budget" and when the public hearings will be held.
  

The Washington State Auditor's Office is watching "the store".

The State Auditor's Office independently serves the citizens of Washington by promoting accountability, fiscal integrity and openness in state and local government.  Working with these governments, we strive to ensure the proper use of public resources.  (From the State Auditor's webpage)

The State Auditor Serves in many ways:

• Audits of all local governments with results available to the public, the press and you (through their web site)  Click here for audit reports
  
• Annual reports of any frauds involving Washington governments
  Click here for fraud reports
  
• The State Auditor investigates citizen concerns and complaints if they involve alleged violation of state or local laws.  Click here for a list of local State Auditor offices 
  
• There are local offices of the auditor's office where you can get answers as well.

Return to the Budget Index