Direct Pay RI Energy Project Reimbursement Assistance的动态

In 1883, the US government introduced the Pendleton Act, moving from a politically driven "spoils system" to a merit-based civil service. It required exams for public sector jobs and protected workers from politically motivated dismissals. This reform improved public services, including the postal system, which saw a 19-22% drop in delivery errors in cities where the Act was enforced. The change was most noticeable during election years, showing how a professional bureaucracy can reduce political interference. Today, South Africa faces a similar challenge. Cadre deployment has weakened state capacity by prioritising party loyalty over skills. President Ramaphosa has pledged to build a more capable and ethical state, but clear reforms are still lacking. A system like the Pendleton Act, focused on merit, could help restore trust and improve governance. Reducing political patronage can strengthen institutions and drive economic growth.

The 3days Public Sector Hearing for FY 2025/26 and the medium term budget was impactful. Why public participation in the budget making process? 1. Better Resource Allocation: When citizens participate, they provide valuable insights into the community's priorities, needs, and preferences. This can result in a budget that better reflects the actual needs of the population, leading to more effective and efficient allocation of resources. 2. Increased Trust in Government: Public involvement fosters trust between citizens and government institutions. When people feel their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed, they are more likely to trust that public officials are acting in their best interests. 3. Social Equity: Public participation helps identify marginalized or vulnerable groups that may not be visible in traditional political processes. Ensuring that their needs are considered can promote more equitable budget decisions that serve all segments of society. 4. Promotes Civic Engagement: Involving the public in the budget process helps educate citizens about the workings of government and encourages ongoing participation in civic matters. This leads to a more informed electorate that is engaged in decision-making processes.

Together with the Local Government Association, London Councils, County Councils Network, District Councils' Network, Core Cities UK and Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities (SIGOMA), we have written to the Chancellor to set out the key challenges faced by local councils. We’re seeking immediate action to stabilise council finances and protect vital services. We‘re asking for additional funding to meet growing pressures in children’s and adult social care, special education needs and disabilities (SEND), home-to-school transport, and temporary accommodation. Funding reductions for councils would be disastrous. This is why, ahead of the Autumn Budget and Local Government Finance Settlement, we’re calling for measures to support and stabilise the sector’s finances in 2025/26. Our letter to the Chancellor details the measures needed to reform the local government funding system. You can read the full letter here: https://orlo.uk/BQLN5 #LocalGov #AutumnBudget #Budget

Today at the League Of Oregon Cities' 2024 Local Government Spring Conference, Grants Pass City Manager Aaron K. Cubic likened managing public safety and general fund budgets in Oregon to running a marathon with sunglasses while breathing with a paper bag over your mouth. The "Public Safety Financing: Levies, Fees, and Contracts, Oh My!" session shed light on the rising demands and costs for public safety services. Participants explored creative funding solutions, including levies, fees, and partnerships, supported by community voters. The challenges stem from Oregon Measures 5 and 50, voter-approved in the 1990s, which capped property taxes leading to reduced municipal revenues. For example, North Bend relies on a transfer from the General Fund to pay for police, fire, and dispatch, bolstered by a $15 monthly public safety fee on utility bills, a rate that cannot be increased without voter approval. Before these measures, Oregon utilized a levy-based system where taxing districts set levies as dollar amounts, divided by the real market value (RMV) of properties to determine tax rates. Under that system, the full market value of properties was taxable, and districts could only exceed a 6% increase with voter consent. This session provided crucial insights into navigating these financial constraints to ensure public safety. #publicsafety #taxation #localgov

Education

From the start, leaders knew funds from sales tax would be necessary to meet the needs of Lee County’s growing population including education, but no one could have known just how rapid Lee County’s population growth would become. Our 2023 Annual Report found that there are 11,000 employees serving nearly 100,000 students in the District. In fact, one out of three Lee County residents are impacted through education or employment by the District. As the population grows, facilities age and other sources of capital funding have decreased or been eliminated, the power of ? cent sales tax is even more significant. Here are some ways the funds have already contributed to a better education in Lee County.?? #HorizonFoundation #LeeCounty

We have written to the Chancellor alongside London Councils, County Councils Network , District Councils' Network , Core Cities UK , Key Cities and Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities (SIGOMA) . Our joint letter lays out the key challenges faced by local councils. We’re seeking immediate action to stabilise council finances and protect vital services. We‘re asking for additional funding to meet growing pressures in children’s and adult social care, special education needs and disabilities (SEND), home-to-school transport, and temporary accommodation. Funding reductions for councils would be disastrous. This is why, ahead of the Autumn Budget and Local Government Finance Settlement, we’re calling for measures to support and stabilise the sector’s finances in 2025/26. Our letter to the Chancellor details the measures needed to reform the local government funding system. Read the full letter here: https://orlo.uk/BQLN5 #LocalGov #AutumnBudget #Budget

Are you curious about State Question 833? SQ 833 was referred to a vote of the people by the state legislature. The proposal would amend the Oklahoma Constitution to allow for the creation of Public Infrastructure Districts. PIDs are a financing mechanism used to fund new infrastructure improvements in a defined area. 100% of property owners must approve the creation of a PID, which would be governed by a board of trustees and have the ability to issue bonds backed by a property tax levy. Like a lot of local things we cover here, PIDs are used in communities nationwide - like in Texas, where cities and neighborhoods bear more of the responsibility for infrastructure and economic development. Gov. Stitt and the Legislature have stated very clearly their intent to gradually eliminate the state income tax in Oklahoma - and as such, local governments will be responsible for more infrastructure, public health, public education, etc. funding. PIDs in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex Fort Worth https://lnkd.in/gNFva6Vy Dallas https://lnkd.in/gMEDv5_P Grand Prairie https://lnkd.in/gkivYQj2 Frisco https://lnkd.in/gKCDBx9B More info on SQ 833: https://lnkd.in/g9Zyq5yt

Key benefits of PILOT agreements for Ohio communities: ?? Stable funding: Guaranteed payments for up to 40 years help schools and local governments plan for long-term projects. ?? Full state aid: Unlike property taxes, PILOT payments don’t affect state aid, so schools keep their full state funding and get extra revenue. ?? More revenue: PILOT agreements often generate more revenue than traditional property taxes, benefiting the community long-term. Has your community benefited from PILOT payments? We would love to hear your story. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gw7grJE4 #OHCleanEnergy #EconomicGrowth #CleanEnergy #PILOT

Limerick City and County Council Agree First Budget with a Directly Elected Mayor - Council agree balanced budget to fund growth and expand council services https://lnkd.in/e4HJMmrS