General Government
Staff Contact:  Julie Murray

Accountability
As much as 50 percent of the legislation introduced in a typical legislative session affects county government. The legislation may address county revenues, expenditures, regulatory authority, law enforcement powers, ministerial functions performed on behalf of the state - a wide variety of topics in keeping with the broad nature of county responsibilities. However, sometimes the legislation is ambiguous as to the Legislature’s intent and/or it does not adequately specify expected outcomes from the state, local government or others. This lack of clarity makes implementation on the local level time-consuming, expensive and sometimes divisive.

WSAC Policy:
Counties will seek clear statements of legislative intent and inclusion of expected outcomes, including performance measures, in legislation wherever appropriate, but will also act to ensure that the cost of accountability does not exceed the intended benefits of an appropriation.