Which of the following items should be included in formal intergovernmental agreements?

In formal intergovernmental agreements, it is essential to include jurisdictional authority because this establishes the legal framework and boundaries within which the parties will operate. Jurisdictional authority defines the scope of power and responsibilities of each involved party in the context of mutual aid, emergency response, or other collaborative efforts. By clearly outlining which authority governs each party, the agreement ensures that all parties understand their rights, limitations, and the extent of their operations, which is critical in preventing conflicts and ensuring cooperative effectiveness.

While response time commitments, financial reimbursement terms, and resource sharing criteria are also significant components of intergovernmental agreements, they do not encompass the foundational aspect of how authority is delegated and exercised among different governmental entities. Establishing jurisdictional authority first allows for the reliable implementation of other terms within the agreement.