Local agency governing bodies make policy and spending (fiscal) decisions.

This is a collective decision-making process in which a majority of decision-makers concur on a given course of action.

The policy tools local agencies have to take collective action include:

• Ordinances
• Resolutions
• Motions and Minute Orders

In addition, the voters can play a role in decision-making through the referendum and initiative process.

The concepts and processes to understand on the fiscal side of local agencies’ responsibilities include budget, expenditures and warrants. 

For more information, see materials at right.