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Updated 07/2010
Guides and Handbooks - Governance
- Budget Suggestions for 2012, Information Bulletin No. 539, August 2011 - This publication contains budget calendars; information on 2010 legislation; and CPI, IPD, and state-shared revenue forecasts.
- Code City Handbook, MRSC Report No. 37 Revised, June 2009 - Provides essential information for code city officials and incites their powers, duties, and alternatives that are available under the applicable forms of municipal government.
- Councilmember's Handbook. MRSC Report No. 48 Revised, December 2009. - A brief overview of the structure of municipal government in Washington State and the role of the councilmember in that structure. The primary focus is on the council meeting.
- Council-Staff Retreats, MRSC Research Memorandum No. 103, March 1987 - Contains a list of written material and copies of several retreat agendas that may be useful in planning and conducting a council-staff retreat.
- Governments are from Saturn...Citizens are from Jupiter - Strategies for Reconnecting Citizens and Government, MRSC Report No. 42, June 1998 - This publication briefly explores evidence and sources of the growing distrust between government and citizens, and highlights valuable benefits that government provides.
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- Initiative and Referendum Powers of Cities and Towns in the State of Washington, MRSC Report No. 28, January 2006 - Reviews the powers of initiative and referendum as they are exercised in cities in the state of Washington. It includes information on how to adopt these powers and which types of municipal activities are subject to these powers.
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- Knowing the Territory: Basic Legal Guidelines for Washington Municipal Officials, MRSC Report No. 47 Revised, November 2011 - Describes the nature, powers and duties of municipal officials for "keeping out of trouble," discusses limitations, regulations, and admonitions regarding the exercise of governmental powers, inlucing conflicts of interest law, the open public meetings act, appearance of fairness doctrine and similar laws. It also points out immunities and protections.
- Level of Service Standards - Measures for Maintaining the Quality of Community Life, MRSC Report No. 31, September 1994 - Offers help with developing innovative approaches to level of service standards which will deliver quality services in tight budgetary times. Emphasizes approaches which support overall community goals and growth managment efforts. Useful to any community engaged in capital facility planning.
- Local Government Policy-Making Process, MRSC Report No. 45, February 1999 - The purposes of this publication are to describe the local government policy-making process, outline effective roles for local officials, and to provide practical tips to make the local policy-making process for satisfying and productive.
- Local Ordinances for Washington Cities and Counties, MRSC Report No. 50, May 2000 - To assist Washington county, city, and town officials in the drafting and adoption of ordinances, resolutions, motions, and related devices. The report replaces Report No. 15, Local Ordinances: The Drafting, Compilation, Codification, and Revision of Ordinances.
- Mayor's Handbook. MRSC Report No. 44 Revised, December 2009. - This handbook is intended to serve as a guide for mayors in Washington cities and towns operating under the mayor-council form of government. There are also materials on issues which directly concern mayors in council-manager cities and all mayor pro tems: presiding over council meetings, conducting public hearings, etc.
- Municipal Cooperation Guide, MRSC Report No. 27, September 1993 - Provides an overview of the methods available to cities and towns to cooperate with other governmental units to provide services in the most efficient, economical manner. It includes review of intergovernmental contracting, regional councils and consolidation.
- Municipal Service Delivery in Washington Cities and Towns, MRSC Report No. 26, July 1993 - Reviews the service delivery methods used by Washington cities to deliver 76 municipal services within eight major service categories. This comprehensive inventory provides a means for city officials to compare the services and delivery methods of their city with those of other Washington cities.
- The New City Guide, MRSC Report No. 54, February 2002 - Designed to assist newly incorporating cities with the process of establishing a functioning and viable municipal government.
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) - New Commissioner Handbook, MRSC Report No. 43, September 1998 - Designed to assist newly elected county commissioners in the state of Washington. The handbook addresses many issues that are specific to the commission form of government; however, elected councilmembers in charter counties will also find sections of the handbook useful.
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- The Open Public Meetings Act - How it Applies to Washington Cities, Towns and Counties, MRSC Report No. 60, May 2008 - Covers who is subject to Act, procedural requirements, executive sessions, exemptions, and penalties, and identifies relevant case law and attorney general opinions.
As new legislation is enacted or court decisions are issued that affect the Open Public Meetings Act, revisions to this publication may be made to the online version (see link below). To insure you are viewing the most up-to-date version of this publication, see the online version. - A Revenue Guide for Washington Cities and Towns. MRSC Report No. 46 Revised, June 2009. - Contains up-to-date information on revenue sources available to cities and towns for general government purposes, including the relevant statutory references and court decisions.
- Town Handbook - Handbook for Washington Town Officials - Municipalities of the Fourth Class, MRSC Report No. 24 (Revision of Report No. 20), December 1992 - Provides essential information for town officials and indicates their powers, duties and alternatives that are available under applicable forms of government. Available on loan from MRSC Library.
Library Loan Request Form - Welcome to City Hall: A Handbook for New Mayors and Councilmembers, Association of Washington Cities - Includes basic overview of city organization, council operations, governmental functions. Available on loan from MRSC Library.
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