FEATURE Review by Leesa Ross
MoCCFOA Certification Program The Missouri City Clerks and Finance Officers Association (MoCCFOA) Certification Program began in 2001, when a few experienced Missouri city clerks saw the need to begin the organization’s own certification program. At the time, the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) had exhibited a few problems with leadership and the organization’s emphasis and support for clerks to obtain college degrees. In 20 years, this has changed and most clerks seeking certification do possess associates, bachelors and master’s degrees. The need for a Missouri program was determined, as many Missouri clerks are unable to join IIMC (a separate annual membership fee and additional training) or do not have the opportunity to travel to IIMC conferences, typically held out of state. With several seasoned clerks, the MoCCFOA met and established its own certification program, with four levels, and a timeframe of a minimum of eight years to complete. MoCCFOA focuses most resources on providing quality education and training though experienced, well-known, and sought-after speakers, on the national level and from across Missouri. Also, we utilize experienced municipal attorneys, and Missouri state agencies on the topics of leadership; organizational skills; ethics and integrity; the Sunshine Law; auditing, budgeting, procurement; maintaining public records; and liquor control. The four levels established are the Missouri Registered City Clerk – MRCC; the Missouri Registered City Clerk – Continuing (MRCC-C); the Missouri
The four levels established are the Missouri Registered City Clerk – MRCC; Missouri Registered City Clerk – Continuing (MRCC-C); Missouri Registered City Clerk – Sustaining (MRCC-S); and the top designation, Missouri Professional City Clerk (MPCC). Registered City Clerk – Sustaining (MRCC-S); and the top designation, the Missouri Professional City Clerk (MPCC). The Missouri Registered City Clerk requires 50 points of education (100 training hours), 50 experience points, and a requirement that the clerk attend the Missouri New Clerks Institute (eight hours of training specific to new clerks). If the clerk has a college degree, 67 education hours are needed. The Missouri Registered City Clerk – Continuing and Sustaining levels require 25 advanced education points and professional and community service; and a two-year waiting period between levels. The Missouri Professional City Clerk requires a two-year waiting period; and an additional 25 advanced education points and professional and community service; and the clerk is required to submit a one- to two-page letter on the meaning and value of the MRCC and
MPCC programs. Each education point earned represents two hours of training. Experience points can be obtained by serving on MoCCFOA committees, serving as an officer in your division or the state association level, and presenting at conferences. Education is an important tool for all MoCCFOA members, whether new or experienced, to stay up to date on new laws, updated rules by the Missouri State Attorney General’s Office; Missouri Ethics Commission; State Archives Offices; state procurement guidelines; and most importantly, updates to the state statutes on elections, Sunshine Law and tax initiatives. T he Mo C C F OA C e r t i f i c at i on Committee reviews all applications and grants certification. All training is set by the MoCCFOA education committee and all courses are approved by IIMC. Education opportunities are offered at a Spring Institute in March, held in Columbia; at the Missouri Municipal League Conference, held in September; and regional trainings held in November in the Kansas City, St. Louis and the southwest regions. MoCCFOA also offers scholarship opportunities for the Missouri New Clerks Institute, Spring Institute and the fall regional conferences. Presently there are 346 city clerks with Missouri Registered City Clerk status; 133 city clerks with Missouri Registered City Clerk – Continuing status; 96 city clerks with Missouri Registered City Clerks – Sustaining status; and 70 city clerks with Missouri Professional City Clerk status.
www.mocities.com
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