Title
Approval of an Ordinance Amending Olympia Municipal Code 3.16.020 Clarifying Signatory Authority Related to Interlocal Agreements and Other Contracts
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code 3.16.020 to clarify the level of approval required for interlocal agreements and other contracts second reading.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve an ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code 3.16.020 to clarify the level of approval required for interlocal agreements and other contracts.
Staff Contact:
Greg Wright, Fire Chief, 360.753.8466
Annaliese Harksen, Deputy City Attorney, 360.753.8003
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis has not changed from first to second reading.
The City of Olympia operates under the Optional Municipal Code found in Chapter 35A of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). That Chapter provides optional municipal code cities with the authority to contract. The interlocal cooperation act provides supplemental authority to contract with other governmental entities and sets out specific items that must be included in an interlocal agreement under Chapter 39.34 RCW. But, not all contracts with another jurisdiction should be characterized as an interlocal agreement.
The current language in Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) 3.16.020 characterizes all City contracts with any other governmental jurisdiction as an interlocal agreement requiring Council approval. When the City wishes to contract with a non-governmental agency, however, the City Manager has authority to enter into a contract of up to $300,000 without Council approval, with certain exceptions.
In an increasing number of situations, labeling every contract with another governmental entity as an "interlocal agreement" that requires Council approval is problematic. For example, the Fire Department has develo...
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