May a city pay for placement of large flower pots along the sidewalks of a private shopping center?
A city has the authority to beautify the public sidewalks in the commercial district of the city. However, although the beautification purpose is the same, city funds may not be used to enhance the appearance of the private shopping center. The shopping center is responsible for doing its own beautification. Note that hotel-motel tax money may not be used for beautification. • May a city hire a private auditor? Yes, but it might not prove to be cost effective. RCW 43.09.230 specifies that the annual reports shall be certified by the Office of the State Auditor. Also, RCW 43.09.260 gives the Office of the State Auditor the power to examine all the financial affairs of every public office and officer. Therefore, even if a private auditor has examined the city’s financial records and declared them satisfactory, the state examiner has the right to do a full-scale audit and charge the city the full amount for the audit services. • May the city or county offer a prize of $100 for the best mo
