the municipal secretary desktop reference manual - Southwestern ...

PREFACE
THE MUNICIPAL SECRETARY’S DESKTOP REFERENCE MANUAL is a new addition to the
series of hands-on handbooks which have been published, within the past several years, by the
Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission’s Local Government Projects Committee.
The initial publication in the handbook series was one on intergovernmental relations - Guide to
Lower Costs and Better Services Through Cooperation, Fall 1984. It offers “nuts and bolts” information
about various intergovernmental cooperative arrangements, with emphasis on councils of government
and joint purchasing plans.
Another manual in the series sets forth a number of guidelines for developing a municipal public
works safety program. The handbook, Guidelines for a Municipal Public Works Safety Program, April
1985, is specifically designed for the small jurisdiction which cannot afford a full-time safety officer.
The recommended policy matters and guidelines propose the assignment of safety duties as an
additional duty to an employee who has other municipal duties.
A third issue in the series discusses factors to consider in obtaining comprehensive insurance
coverage. The manual, An Analysis of Insurance Coverages, Summer 1985, evaluates municipal
insurance coverage against a number of specifications similar to those used by the insurance industry.
Also included are a number of specific recommendations dealing with securing appropriate insurance
coverage.
The Committee’s fourth publication deals with ways and means to institute a municipal risk
management program, a program often ignored by many boroughs and townships. The handbook, Risk
Management Program - What is it? - A Guide for Elected Municipal Officials, 1986, describes risk
management as a broad three-step process: identifying risks, controlling risks and evaluating the risk
management process.
Publication number five, Cooperative Purchasing Options: A Guide and Handbook, 1986,
explores various kinds of intergovernmental purchasing plans. Of particular importance in this
handbook is the section suggesting factors which municipal policy officials should consider before
making a commitment to participate in any intergovernmental purchasing plan.
The Projects Committee expects to publish during fiscal year 1997-1998 a building inspector’s
handbook for small boroughs and townships. The publication will address the administrative aspects of
the inspection and enforcement processes, with emphasis on the importance of employee competence
and cost savings through intergovernmental building inspection programs.
Also to be published in fiscal year 1997-1998 is A Municipal Accounting Manual for Small
Pennsylvania Boroughs and Townships. This manual is a hands-on handbook dealing with basic
accounting principles and procedures.
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