the municipal secretary desktop reference manual - Southwestern ...

SECTION I
POLICIES TO EXPEDITE AND HELP ENSURE
LOCAL GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS
Foreword
Local government functions and operations, over time, tend to change for any number of
reasons. In some instances growth through development can cause new services or functions to
evolve; a loss of a primary employer can severely affect the tax base causing a cut-back in
operations; mandates can necessitate changes in the way business is conducted; and, from timeto-time
auditors’ recommendations can bring about change.
As secretaries gain experience in their positions and wish to improve operations or adopt
new methods, the governing body should be consulted to gain formal approval for implementing
new methods or policies.
Secretaries, as municipal administrators, often oversee the implementation of new
policies or procedures necessitated by any of the aforementioned situations.
Policy discussions in this section include:
A. Expanding the powers and duties of municipal secretaries or administrators
B. Investment policies and procedures
C. Budgeting
E. Capital improvement programming and budgeting
F. Risk Management
G. Training
H. Purchasing
I. Personnel Records and Personnel Files
J. Records Management
K. Meeting Agenda
Support of the governing body should be gained before any of these policies or
procedures are implemented.
Copies of model policies, resolutions or ordinances for any of these topics are
available from SPC.
I-3
Revised July 2003