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6. The local governing body, manager/secretary and department heads periodically review
municipal services and administrative functions to determine whether existing operating
methods are the most efficient and effective way to provide services and activities.
Commentary
All municipalities, and especially those with populations of less than 5,000 and/or those faced with
shrinking revenue bases, should consider alternate ways to deliver municipal services. Besides private
contracting, the use of intergovernmental options such as councils of governments, regional service
consolidation, or contracting with another local government may provide efficient and effective service
delivery alternatives for a local government.
FACTOR:
SPECIAL APPOINTMENTS
Standards
1. When the municipality requires the services of attorneys, accountants, engineers, planners,
financial advisers, or bond counsel, the governing body has established and follows a formal
contracting procedure. This process includes: 1) the development of a scope of services for the
work to be performed; 2) the use of a formal request for proposal (RFP); 3) public
advertisement that proposals are being accepted; 4) review and evaluation of proposals in
accordance with the preestablished criteria contained in the scope of services; and 5) award of
a contract to the individual or firm with the best professional qualifications, able to do the
work at the most efficient cost.
Commentary
Even the smallest community from time to time requires the services of professional consultants. when
such a need arises, the goal should always be to employ the best qualified consultants at the least cost to the
municipality. This is best achieved through an objective, open, competitive process as outlined in this
standard.
2. The governing body fills vacancies on the zoning hearing board, planning, recreation, ethics
and, civil service commissions, etc. through an open process which balances broad-based
community representation with specific qualifications needed to ensure effective performance.
Commentary
Citizen boards and committee do important work. Members should be selected on the basis of high
interest, qualifications for the work and/or a willingness to participate in training courses designed to
further their understanding of the requirements and duties associated with the work. When there are
vacancies on boards and commissions, the governing body should publicly advertise in newsletters and
local newspapers its intent to fill positions, along with a listing of appropriate background qualifications.
3. All boards, committees and commissions have adopted by-laws or rules and regulations,
approved by the governing body which, among other things, establish goals, fix responsibilities
of members, provide for the orderly conduct of business, and set procedures for regularly
reporting to the governing body on their work. Included in these procedures is a requirement
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