MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Municipal officials across the state have another tool in their arsenal to provide efficient public service with the publication of the second edition of Municipal Government in Mississippi.

Published by the Mississippi State University Extension Service's Center for Governmental Training and Technology, the 412-page edition offers the latest thinking by 19 contributing authors and editors P.C. McLaurin Jr., Extension professor of local government, and Michael T. Allen, Extension governmental training officer.

"This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information about the organization and operation of municipal government in Mississippi. It will help municipal officials in their public service to the citizens of Mississippi's 297 municipalities. It touches all aspects of municipal service with the latest and best information provided by a variety of noted authorities in their fields," McLaurin said.

Contributors to the edition include: Robert L. Barber Sr., city planner for Hernando; Phil Carter and Michael Lanford of the attorney general's office; Gil Israel, president of Mississippi Municipal Service Co.; Ronald D. Robinson of the state auditor's office; Starkville Municipal Judge William D. Eshee; and Ethics Commission Executive Director Scott Rankin.

"The challenges of public office are great ... Municipal officials will find this book an excellent introduction to municipal affairs and a continuing reference source," wrote Clinton mayor and Mississippi Municipal League President Rosemary G. Aultman in her foreword to the edition.

Also in this edition, municipal attorneys, professors and consultants review federal and state laws dealing with finance, personnel administration, communication, performance management and municipal law.

The Center for Governmental Training and Technology provides training and continuing education opportunities and technical assistance for all levels of Mississippi local government. It works with statewide elected officials, state agencies, professional associations, as well as local governments. Among the programs coordinated by the Center are training and certification programs for building officials, city clerks, county administrators and comptrollers, county purchasing officials, county supervisors, county board attorneys, tax assessor-collector personnel and chancery clerks.

Anyone interested in learning more about the publication or to obtain a copy may contact McLaurin at (662) 325-3141 or by mail at MSU Extension Service Center for Governmental Training and Technology, P.O. Box 9643, Mississippi State, MS 39762.