Many local government officials, reticent to increase their unit’s property tax or other tax rates, look to alternative revenue sources to support general government services and activities. One potential source of revenue is that generated from the fees and charges … Read more

Many local government officials, reticent to increase their unit’s property tax or other tax rates, look to alternative revenue sources to support general government services and activities. One potential source of revenue is that generated from the fees and charges assessed on “customers” of a unit’s public enterprise services (such as water, sewer, solid waste, electric, natural gas, or stormwater services).

Many local government officials, reticent to increase their unit’s property tax or other tax rates, look to alternative revenue sources to support general government services and activities. One potential source of revenue is that generated from the fees and charges assessed on “customers” of a unit’s public enterprise services (such as water, sewer, solid waste, electric, natural gas, or stormwater services).

I sometimes get questions about the ubiquitous “approved as to form,” which appears on official documents, signed by the local government attorney. Is this just typical boilerplate, or is it a legal requirement for a contract, ordinance, or other official … Read more

I sometimes get questions about the ubiquitous “approved as to form,” which appears on official documents, signed by the local government attorney. Is this just typical boilerplate, or is it a legal requirement for a contract, ordinance, or other official document? And what exactly does it mean when the attorney approves something as to form?

I sometimes get questions about the ubiquitous “approved as to form,” which appears on official documents, signed by the local government attorney. Is this just typical boilerplate, or is it a legal requirement for a contract, ordinance, or other official document? And what exactly does it mean when the attorney approves something as to form?

Your local government is planning a major construction project, and the engineering firm working with you on the project has strongly recommended prequalifying contractors before bidding.  The engineer tells you that this will ensure that the bids you receive are … Read more

Your local government is planning a major construction project, and the engineering firm working with you on the project has strongly recommended prequalifying contractors before bidding.  The engineer tells you that this will ensure that the bids you receive are only from serious, qualified bidders, making the bidding process more efficient.  This sounds appealing to you, but since you’ve never done it before, you have some concerns.  First, do you have the legal authority to prequalify contractors?  And, if so, what criteria can you use?  And what are the benefits and drawbacks to prequal

Your local government is planning a major construction project, and the engineering firm working with you on the project has strongly recommended prequalifying contractors before bidding.  The engineer tells you that this will ensure that the bids you receive are only from serious, qualified bidders, making the bidding process more efficient.  This sounds appealing to you, but since you’ve never done it before, you have some concerns.  First, do you have the legal authority to prequalify contractors?  And, if so, what criteria can you use?  And what are the benefits and drawbacks to prequal

UPDATE August 2013: For more recent information on this topic, click here. True or False — State law prohibits a local government or public authority from assessing surcharges on customers who remit payment of taxes, assessments, or fees by credit … Read more