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1. Can the city attorney's office provide legal advice to private citizens?

No, the city attorney's client is the City of Burlington. The city attorney is prohibited from providing legal advice to private citizens.

2. What is the function of Burlington's Prosecuting Attorney?

The Burlington Prosecuting Attorney handles only the prosecution of criminal misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and infractions committed within the city limits of Burlington. The Skagit County Prosecutors Office contains both civil and criminal functions and handles the prosecution of felony cases, misdemeanors that occur outside the city limits of Burlington and all juvenile cases.

3. Where can I get a copy of a city ordinance or resolution?

Copies of all City ordinances or resolutions are available upon request at the Finance Department or the city attorney's office. This site also carries the Burlington Municipal Code which contains codified ordinances. You can also find a copy of the municipal code in the Burlington Public Library.

4. What is the difference between the city attorney and the county prosecuting attorney?

The city attorney is the attorney for the City of Burlington. The city attorney provides legal services to the mayor, City Council, finance director, as well as for city departments, boards, commissions and offices of the City of Burlington. The Office also prosecutes violations of the Burlington City Code, but not any violations of state law.



The County Prosecuting Attorney is an elected official who investigates and prosecutes criminal activity (other than violations of the Burlington City Code) throughout Skagit County. Find out more about the prosecuting attorney's office to get a better understanding of what the prosecuting attorney is responsible for.

• Claim for Damages


• Incident Report

5. How do I report a claim against the city?

Claim for Damages forms are available in Finance Department at city hall, or you may use the Claim for Damages form provided on this website. Fill in all pertinent information and return it to Finance Department with any substantiating documents, including but not limited to: damage estimates, photographs, incident reports, medical bills, etc. Please make necessary copies prior to submittal.



The information will be immediately forwarded to the city's insurance authority pool (Washington Cities Insurance Authority). They will proceed with an investigation of the claim and respond to claimant directly regardless of whether the claim has been accepted or will be denied.



Should the need arise for you or a witness to report an incident that did not result in damage to you or your personal property, an Incident Report can be filed with the City Clerk; please fill in all pertinent information and return it to Finance Department

6. What happens to a claim after it is submitted to the City? (This is in regards to only insurance claims that are submitted and not Tortious Claims brought against the City.)

The information will be immediately forwarded to the city's insurance authority pool (Washington Cities Insurance Authority). They will proceed with an investigation of the claim and respond to claimant directly regardless of whether the claim has been accepted or will be denied. Again, this is strictly for insurance items that are submitted for claims not tortious claims. Those claims must be filed with the finance director.