000			01633pab a2200169 454500
008			180718b2011 xxu||||| |||| 00| 0 eng d
100			_aWood, Curtis
245			_aUnderstanding the consequences of municipal discretion
260			_c2011
300			_ap.411-427.
362			_aJul
520			_aIn this study of municipalities over 25,000 in population in 49 U.S. states, the author tests whether municipal discretion makes a difference in terms of municipal fiscal performance. The author finds that municipalities located in states that grant more municipal discretion levy less property tax per capita, receive less state aid per capita, and levy less total taxes per capita. However, there is not a statistical correlation between the scope of municipal discretion and total outstanding debt, public officials in empowered municipalities do not abuse their authority by imposing unwarranted property, sales, income, and business taxes, and calls into question the notion that municipal officials in empowered states are more likely to become spendthrifts than are municipal officials in less empowered states. The author posits that officials in empowered municipalities may experience the perfect storm unless they use their expanded powers to improve the financial health of the municipality; enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and equity of municipal public services/programs; and partner with their cohorts across geo-political boundaries to ensure the well-being of all citizens. - Reproduced.
650			_aLocal government
773			_aAmerican Review of Public Administration
908			_aN
909			_a92961
999			_c92961 _d92961