Title
Approval of Resolution Expressing Support for Full State Funding of the Municipal Research and Services Center
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the Resolution Expressing Support for Full State Funding of the Municipal Research Services Center.
Report
Issue:
Whether the City should approve a resolution expressing support of full state finding of the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) with no conditions.
Staff Contact:
Mark Barber, City Attorney, 306.753.8338
Background and Analysis:
MRSC has provided comprehensive and objective guidance on complex issues to many cities, both large and small, in Washington for over 80 years. MRSC provides critically needed guidance, analysis, answers, and assistance on a wide variety of issues such as public records, purchasing and contracting, governmental operations, public works rosters, planning and legal issues. MRSC also provides many useful publications that affect local government.
PSSB 6667 (Supplemental Operating Budget Proposal) proposes conditions for the funds for MRSC as it “investigates” whether contracts for such services should continue or be modified or terminated. If that provision is enacted as part of the final budget adopted by the House and Senate, MRSC’s funding could be reduced or eliminated, which would be catastrophic to MRSC’s operations.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
N/A
Options:
1. Approve the proposed resolution.
2. Do not approve the proposed resolution.
Financial Impact:
If MRSC is not fully funded by the state, Olympia, as well as all Washington cities, counties, and other jurisdictions, will incur new and increased costs in obtaining similar high-level services as currently provided by MRSC.