The public administration in Brazil has guidelines and parameters established in laws, policies or plans that guide the formulation of instruments to guide and assess the democratic management of public policies. The research sought to identify tools and management mechanisms used in decision-making by the Municipal Councils of Social Assistance and Health in Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brasil. From the reading of the minutes (2005-2009), it was obtained as amost cited instrument the rendering of accounts, although this does not show linkage with aims and targets set at the municipal level. The most common mechanisms include internal committees, training, conferences and communication with other organizations. The councils studied appeal to instruments and mechanisms with the potential to increase public participation in municipal management.
public policies; management councils; decision-making process; social participation; instruments and mechanisms
