MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Elected and appointed municipal government officials in Mississippi have another resource to turn to for leadership and problem-solving in the daily operation of local government.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service’s Center for Governmental Training and Technology recently published its Third Edition of Municipal Government in Mississippi. The center distributed more than 1,200 copies of the book at the recent Mississippi Municipal League Annual Conference in Biloxi.

“This comprehensive reference tool provides help for municipal officials in dealing with circumstances and issues that arise in the daily service to the citizens of Mississippi municipalities,” said Sumner D. Davis, interim leader of the center. “It is a helpful and thorough explanation of state law, applicable federal regulations, and best practices for the municipal officials of our state.”

The MSU Extension Service is providing, without charge, the almost 400-page book to every elected municipal official, city clerk and city manager in Mississippi.

“Like the cities of our state, the Mississippi State University Extension Service exists to provide services that improve the lives of Mississippians,” said MSU Extension Service director Gary Jackson.

Topics covered in the book include Mississippi law pertaining to municipalities, personnel administration, purchasing, financial administration, open meetings and open records, municipal courts, information technology, and dealing with environmental issues.

Chapters are authored by center personnel and leading authorities in the subject matter area, and the book was edited by Janet P. Baird and Davis.