MMC flashcards
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32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Dillon's Rule
- A legal doctrine holding that a municipality has only the powers expressly granted by state law, those necessarily implied, and those essential to its purpose; ambiguities are resolved against the municipality.
- Home Rule Authority
- Authority granted by a state constitution or charter that allows a municipality to govern its local affairs without specific legislative permission, subject to state preemption in statewide matters.
- Ordinance vs Resolution
- An ordinance is a local law of general application adopted by the legislative procedure; a resolution is a temporary or administrative expression of policy that generally lacks the force of law.
- Quorum
- The minimum number of members of a governing body who must be present to transact business; it is usually a majority of the full membership unless the charter or statute provides otherwise.
- Ultra Vires Act
- An action taken by a municipality or official beyond the authority conferred by law or charter; such acts are void and cannot be ratified by the governing body.
- Retention Schedule
- A legally authorized document that lists record series and specifies the minimum time each must be kept before disposition, along with the final action such as destruction or transfer to archives.
- Legal Hold
- A written directive that suspends destruction of records relevant to reasonably anticipated litigation, audit, investigation, or public records request until the matter is formally resolved.
- Public Records Request
- A request from any person for access to government records; the agency must search, review, apply exemptions, redact protected information, release nonexempt records, and state appeal rights.
- Certificate of Destruction
- A document recording that specific record series were destroyed, including date range, method, quantity, and authorizing official, used to prove compliance with the retention schedule.
- Vital Records
- Records essential for continuing government operations and protecting legal rights during and after a disaster; they require duplicate copies stored offsite and a tested recovery plan.
- National Voter Registration Act
- A federal law requiring states to offer voter registration at motor vehicle and public assistance agencies, by mail, and through other designated offices, while regulating list maintenance and provisional ballots.
- Provisional Ballot
- A ballot issued when a voter's eligibility is uncertain at the polling place; it is counted only after election officials verify eligibility within the state's prescribed cure period.
- HAVA 90-Day Rule
- A federal prohibition on removing voters from the registration list during the 90 days before a primary or general election for federal office, except for death, felony conviction, or certain court orders.
- Canvass
- The official process of reviewing, reconciling, and counting all ballots, including absentee, provisional, and early votes, to certify the final election results.
- Chain of Custody
- A documented, chronological record showing who handled ballots, voting equipment, or election materials, when, and for what purpose, used to preserve integrity and support audits.
- Fund Accounting
- An accounting system that separates resources into distinct funds according to legal restrictions or purpose, so that each fund's revenues, expenditures, and balances are tracked separately.
- Modified Accrual
- The accounting basis used by governmental funds: revenues are recognized when measurable and available, and expenditures are recognized when the related liability is incurred.
- Mill Rate
- A property tax rate equal to one dollar of tax per one thousand dollars of assessed value; the tax bill equals assessed value divided by 1,000, multiplied by the mill rate.
- Segregation of Duties
- An internal control that separates authorization, custody, and recording of assets among different employees so no single person can both commit and conceal an error or fraud.
- Single Audit
- An independent audit of an entity's financial statements and compliance with federal award requirements, required when federal expenditures exceed the applicable threshold; findings require a corrective action plan.
- Previous Question
- A subsidiary motion to close debate and vote immediately on the pending question; it requires a two-thirds vote under Robert's Rules of Order.
- Motion to Reconsider
- A motion that allows the body to revisit a decision; under Robert's Rules it may be made only by a member who voted on the prevailing side.
- Minutes
- The official record of a meeting's actions, including date, time, place, members present, motions, votes, and points of order; minutes are not a verbatim transcript unless required.
- Closed Session
- A portion of a meeting closed to the public for a specific statutory exception, such as personnel, litigation, or real estate; no binding final action may be taken there.
- Roll Call Vote
- A vote in which each member's position is individually recorded by name; required for ordinances, taxes, and other matters specified by charter or statute.
- Conflict of Interest
- A situation where an official's financial interest, family relationship, or outside employment could improperly influence official action; the standard remedy is disclosure and recusal from the matter.
- Confidential Information
- Nonpublic information acquired through official duties that may not be disclosed except as authorized by law, such as personnel records, attorney-client communications, or sealed bids.
- Gift Rule
- An ethics standard limiting acceptance of gifts, favors, or hospitality that could influence official judgment; many jurisdictions set a nominal value threshold and require disclosure above it.
- Whistleblower Protection
- A legal safeguard that prohibits retaliation against employees who report waste, fraud, abuse, or violations of law in good faith to an appropriate authority.
- Plain Language
- A writing style using short sentences, common words, active voice, and clear headings so that the intended audience can understand the message on a first reading.
- IAP2 Spectrum
- A public participation framework with five levels: inform, consult, involve, collaborate, and empower; the chosen level should match the decision's impact and the promise made to participants.
- Crisis Communication
- A planned response to an emergency that uses a single spokesperson, timely and accurate updates, and consistent channels to inform the public and correct misinformation.