Washington Administrative Code Title 357 - Financial Management, Office of State Human Resources Director
Overview of WAC Title 357 — Financial Management, Office of State Human Resources Director
What is WAC Title 357?
WAC Title 357 establishes the administrative rules and regulations concerning the financial management practices related to personnel functions within Washington State government, specifically under the authority of the Office of State Human Resources Director (OSHRD).
The OSHRD is responsible for state-wide human resource policies, including budgeting and financial controls related to personnel costs. Title 357 sets forth how financial resources for human resources are to be managed, ensuring efficiency, accountability, and compliance with state laws.
Key Areas Covered by WAC Title 357
1. Budgeting and Financial Planning
The rules provide guidelines on how agencies must prepare budgets related to personnel costs, including salaries, benefits, and training expenses.
Agencies must submit these budgets to the OSHRD for review and approval.
2. Expenditure Controls
Title 357 includes controls on expenditures related to employee compensation, overtime, travel, and professional development.
Agencies must adhere to expenditure limits and ensure spending aligns with approved budgets.
3. Payroll and Compensation
The code outlines procedures for payroll management, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time.
It covers salary adjustments, promotions, and classifications affecting pay.
4. Financial Reporting
Agencies are required to submit periodic financial reports concerning personnel-related expenditures.
These reports are used by OSHRD to monitor compliance and fiscal responsibility.
5. Audits and Compliance
OSHRD has authority to audit agency compliance with financial management rules under this title.
Noncompliance may result in corrective actions or sanctions.
Purpose and Importance of WAC Title 357
To ensure proper stewardship of public funds related to personnel management.
To standardize financial processes across all state agencies.
To maintain transparency and accountability in human resource financial transactions.
To enable effective oversight of personnel expenditures by OSHRD.
Relevant Washington Case Law Context
While no cases directly address WAC Title 357 specifically, Washington courts have dealt with related issues in administrative financial management and state personnel governance. Here are important themes and cases that indirectly inform the legal framework around Title 357:
1. Financial Accountability and Administrative Rulemaking
Washington State Farm Bureau v. Gregoire, 130 Wn.2d 604 (1996)
The court underscored that administrative agencies must act within the scope of their statutory authority, especially regarding rulemaking and financial management. This supports the OSHRD’s authority to promulgate WAC Title 357.
2. Proper Use of Public Funds
In re Petition for Judicial Review of Dept. of Revenue, 174 Wn.2d 291 (2012)
Courts require state agencies to ensure that public funds are spent in accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, reinforcing the purpose of WAC Title 357 in overseeing personnel-related expenditures.
3. Compliance with Budgetary Laws
Seattle School Dist. No. 1 v. State, 90 Wn.2d 476 (1978)
This case emphasizes the strict adherence to budgetary constraints and legislative appropriations by public agencies, aligning with WAC Title 357’s requirements for budgeting and expenditure controls.
4. Employee Compensation and Administrative Procedures
Fisher v. Lake Washington Sch. Dist., 147 Wn.2d 549 (2002)
This case highlighted the limits of administrative discretion in employee compensation decisions, which supports the need for clear rules like those in Title 357 to ensure fairness and consistency.
Summary and Practical Implications
WAC Title 357 provides a comprehensive framework for managing financial aspects of state personnel administration.
It ensures agencies prepare budgets, control expenditures, manage payroll, and report finances transparently and accurately.
OSHRD has oversight authority, including audits to ensure compliance.
Washington case law affirms the legal basis for such financial management rules, emphasizing accountability, statutory compliance, and administrative authority limits.
RELATED Blog
0 comments