NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES ■ WASHINGTON, D.C. VOL. 41, NO. 15 ■ JULY 27, 2009 Don Stapley leaves NACo presidency with words of wisdom How would you describe Q: your year as NACo president? Charles Dickens, the great English novelist, started his famous work The Tale of Two Cities with the following: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair…” This line probably summarizes the past year for me and for our nation. New highs and new lows. Great challenges to our na- tion’s economy and an even greater Photo courtesy of Nashville Bureau of Conventions and Visitors American people rising to the chal- Nashville’s skyline with the historical Shelby pedestrian bridge, opened originally in 1909. lenges. A new U.S. president who Don Stapley has brought great change through NACo President his leadership and whose adminis- NACo Annual Conference tration is working hard to “Restore together across party lines, to make the Partnership” with counties and the progress necessary. If not, it will other local governments has been a be much slower, if at all, that our and Exposition Nashville-bound promising new development during economy rebounds. the past year. My year as president of NACo NACo’s 2009 Annual Confer- Convention Center July 24–28. ate professor, Belmont University, But will those promises, hopes has been like a giant roller coaster ence and Exposition in Nashville- They would hear from top of- Nashville, was offered July 25. Two and expensive programs deliver ride. Davidson County, Tenn. was fi cials, elect new NACo offi cers, rounds of workshops followed the the much needed turn-around our expected to draw more than 3,000 adopt new legislative policy and opening General Session July 26 economy so badly needs? Only See STAPLEY page 3 elected and appointed county participate in an extensive array of — on doing more with less, 2010 time will tell, and in all fairness, offi cials from across the nation educational workshops. census outreach, energy block grant we must grant that this past year’s to Gaylord Opryland Resort and crash will take time to repair. The INSIDE >> Educational Sessions See ANNUAL page 9 key is, in my opinion, we must work The NACo Technology Summit and numerous steering committee meetings kicked off pre-conference offerings July 24. A half-day seminar, NACo lends voice to In Command of Your Own Press: Alternatives to Traditional Media, led by Sybril Bennett, Ph. D., associ- national urban agenda During a policy roundtable at tion of metropolitan areas and how High court to decide shifting sands QuickTakes the White House, NACo pushed the federal government could serve case from Florida county >> Page 4 FiveFFiveive CountiesCCountiesounties withwwithith thetthehe for a federal role in promoting a as a partner in developing competi- regional approach to assist the na- tive, sustainable communities. Congress gets good start on FY10 MostMMostost JobJJobob GrowthGGrowthrowth appropriations >> Page 2 tion’s metropolitan areas in achiev- The roundtable provided Ellis (2000–2008)((2000–2008)2000–2008) ing economic recovery and growth, the opportunity to communicate Counties surveyed about their health improved emergency management directly to administration offi cials care benefi ts >> Page 3 1. Pinal County, Ariz. 95.9% coordination and critical enhance- LUCC’s priorities to build urban 2. Rockwell County, Texas 84.9% ments to transportation systems. communities: NACo announces the winners of 3. Kendall County, Ill. 83.4% NACo Large Urban Caucus • support comprehensive prison- 2009 Coastal Counties Restoration 4. Loudoun County, Va. 76.9% (LUCC) Chair Burrell Ellis repre- er re-entry legislation and efforts to Initiative (CCRI) grants. The awards 5. Douglas County, Colo. 69.7% sented the nation’s counties, July 13, dramatically lower recidivism rates range from $35,000 to $100,000 on a panel of experts in urban policy. >> Page 6 Source: Money Magazine Panelists were examining the evolu- See ROUND TABLE page 10 2 July 27, 2009 CCountyountyNNewsews • Appropriations season underway; heading for Oct. 1 Congress has begun it annual future years as interest rates rise. Department of Interior - Funding Highlights Agencies appropriations bill. It pro- appropriations process in hopes of The major difference between the vides funding increases to land man- producing all 12 appropriations bills two bills is that the Senate provides Agency / Program Funding Increase from 2009 agement agencies such as the USDA by Oct. 1. This would be a relatively $3.9 million more in funding than Bureau of Land Management $1.13 B $87 M Forest Service and Bureau of Land rare accomplishment given federal the House in order to increase the US Fish & Wildlife Service $1.64 B $195 M Management above FY09 levels and budget history in recent years. Economic Impact Initiative Grants, the president’s budget request. The National Park Service $2.7 B $208 M As of July 15, two bills had which target communities with high Senate has not yet passed the bill. passed both houses, the Homeland rates of unemployment. USDA Forest Service (non-fi re) $2.77 B $154 M Of particular note, the bill would Security and Legislative Branch Rural Business Programs: The Joint Wildland Fire Programs $3.66 B $669 M allocate $357 million to a Wildfi re appropriations. The House passed Senate matched the House funding Hazardous Fuels Reduction $622 M $91 M Contingency Reserve Fund. The an additional fi ve bills, and the level at $97.1 million for the Rural fund would supplement Forest Senate appropriations committee Business Program Account, which Service (FS) and Department of In- completed action on all but Defense, represents a $9.7 million increase loan subsidy, which will support increase of $2.3 billion over FY09 terior (DOI) fi re suppression dollars Transportation and HUD. from FY09. The Rural Business a loan level of $531.7 million. All and $2 billion over the president’s once they are exhausted and upon Below is a compilation of ap- Enterprise Grants remain funded of these funding levels are higher request. The Department of Educa- a presidential declaration of need. propriations highlights of interest at $38.73 million and the Rural than the House-passed bill and the tion would receive $64.7 billion. Key In past years, the agencies have had to counties. Business Opportunity Grants are at president’s budget. health, human services and educa- to rely on emergency supplemental $2.48 million. The Rural Business tion funding levels include: appropriations and borrowing to pay „Agriculture and Industry Loan program level „Labor-HHS-Education • $2.2 billion for Community for fi re suppression. Appropriations remains at $993 million, but will The House Appropriations Health Centers, the same amount Other major changes in the bill On July 7, the Senate Committee cost $9.7 million more to subsidize Committee passed the Labor-HHS- as FY09 would substantially increase fund- on Appropriations unanimously in 2010. Education bill Friday, July 17, by • $530 million for HRSA to ex- ing for climate-change initiatives passed its FY10 Agriculture, FDA, Both bills accept the president’s voice vote. The bill is the largest pand training programs in the health within DOI, USDA FS, EPA ($420 and Rural Development Appropria- request to eliminate the Rural Em- domestic spending measure — just professions and nursing fi elds, a 34.9 million) — an 82 percent increase tions bill, S. 1406. The legislation powerment Zones and Enterprise shy of $160.7 billion in discretion- percent increase over FY09 from 2009. provides $23.7 billion in discretion- Communities Grants funded at $8.1 ary spending, a 3.3 percent increase • $6.7 billion for Public Health NACo has urged Congress ary funding, $2.3 billion more in million in FY09. over FY09. Activities administered by the and the administration to provide funding than FY09. Microenterprise and Value Added The appropriations bill provides Centers for Disease Control and increased funding to the agencies USDA Rural Development Agriculture Programs: Senate appro- $13.3 billion for the Department of Prevention (CDC), such as efforts to that manage federal lands, largely Programs are funded at $3 billion, priators showed strong commitment Labor, an increase of $846 million combat HIV/AIDS and to intensify because the agencies have experi- which is an increase of $309 million to two promising NACo-supported over 2009, and $23 million below the surveillance on emerging infectious enced increased costs in delivering above FY09, $26 million above the programs. The innovative Rural president’s request. diseases and novel infl uenzas, an programs that are important to president’s request, and nearly $200 Microenterprise Assistance Program The bill provides $8.6 billion increase of $67 million local communities adjacent to these million above H.R. 2997, the House- (RMAP) account is funded at $22 for programs administered by the • $3.6 billion for the Substance public lands. As a result, lack of passed Agriculture Appropriations million, but received no discretionary Employment and Training Admin- Abuse and Mental Health Services adequate funding has crippled the bill. funding in the House bill. The Value istration, including $3.8 billion for Administration (SAMHSA), an ability to effectively manage national The House passed its FY10 Ag- Added Agricultural Product Grants employment and training services increase of $85 million over FY09 resources. riculture Appropriations bill, H.R. are funded at $21.87 million in the under the Workforce Investment • $5.1 billion for the Low Income 2997, by a vote of 260–161 on July Senate, an increase of $15 million Act, $615 million for community Home Energy Assistance Program, „U.S. EPA 9. Like the Senate bill, it increases from FY09 and $3 million more service jobs for low-income seniors, the same as FY09 The U.S. EPA would be funded funding above FY09 levels for USDA than H.R. 2997. and $4 billion for state unemploy- • $1.5 billion for Administration at $10.46 billion, $25 million below Rural Development programs, yet The Rural Energy for America ment insurance and employment on Aging programs, an increase of the president’s request and $2.83 the Senate bill is stronger on several Program: Appropriators matched the operations. $37 million billion above 2009. It includes $3.9 NACo-supported programs. Both president’s request of $68.13 million, Key employment and training • $7.2 billion for Head Start, $122 billion for clean drinking water and bills also failed to include funding an increase of $63.13 million above investments are highlighted below: million above FY09 wastewater improvements. That for the NACo-supported and newly FY09 and $48.13 million above the • $1.4 billion for training and • $15.9 billion for Title I, Elemen- breaks down to $2.3 billion for the authorized Rural Collaborative House level. The program will also supportive services to dislocated tary and Secondary Education, an Clean Water State Revolving Fund Investment Program. Below is a receive $60 million in mandatory workers affected by mass layoffs and increase of $178 million, and (CWSRF); $1.4 billion for the summary of key county supported funding in FY10. plant closings • $12.6 billion for Special Educa- Drinking Water State Revolving provisions. Rural Water and Waste Disposal • $50 million to prepare workers tion, the same as FY09. Fund (DWSRF); and $160 million Rural Housing: At $12 million Program: The Senate bill provides for careers in emerging “green” for direct grants to communities in budget authority, the Senate $568.73 million in budget authority industries „Interior Appropriations for water infrastructure. The bill doubles the House level of funding to support more than $1 billion in di- • $265 million for veterans’ em- The House passed the FY10 for the Section 502 guaranteed loan rect loans, $75 million in guaranteed ployment and skills training under Interior, Environment, and Related See APPROPS page 8 program for single-family housing. loans and $469 million in grants for the Workforce Investment Act However, unlike the House, the Water and Waste Disposal projects • $100 million for the Youthbuild Senate bill does not increase Sec- for a total program level of $1.56 program to help at-risk youth gain In Case You Missed It ... tion 514/516 farmworker housing, billion. This represents a $73 million high school credentials and construc- Section 515 rental housing, or the boost in grants and $72 million less tion skills training News to Use from Past County News Multi-Family Preservation Revital- for direct loans. • $135 million for a Career Path- X Cabinet secretaries to participate in Rural ization (MPR) rental preservation The Senate bill is preferable ways Innovation Fund, of which at Tour of U.S. (July 13) demonstration. because it retains $17.5 million for least $65 million will support competi- Over the next few months, top Obama administration offi cials, Rural Community Facilities: In the NACo-supported High Energy tive grants to community colleges and including cabinet secretaries, will visit rural communities to hold both bills, the funding level remains Costs Grants Program, which the partnerships with local adult educa- a series of discussions on how communities, states and the federal the same as FY09 for direct loans House and president have slated for tion provides to train nurses, medical government can work together to help strengthen rural America. at $294 million, guaranteed loans elimination. technicians and others for skilled jobs Vice President Joe Biden, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and at $206 million, and grants at $20.37 Rural Broadband: Funded at in the health industry, and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack began the tour July 1 in Erie million. $89.67 million in the Senate, an • $265 million for older workers, County (Wattsburg), Pa. to discuss the issue of rural broadband. It costs appropriators less to pro- increase of $26.55 million above an increase of $25.7 million from If you plan on participating in any of the upcoming Rural Tour vide this same level of funding due to FY09, including: $37.55 million FY09. events, contact Erik Johnston, NACo associate legislative director, lower interest rates, so overall budget for Distance Learning and Tele- The discretionary spending for at [email protected] or 202/942-4230. For a list of the tour dates authority is less, which could make it medicine Grants; and $38.5 for the the Department of Health and and more information, visit www.ruraltour.gov. diffi cult to maintain program levels in Broadband Telecommunications Human Services is $73.7 billion, an • CCountyountyNNewsews July 27, 2009 3 County benefi ts survey informs health care debate BY CHARLES TAYLOR Ninety-eight percent of county employees are eligible for health eligible employees face a waiting • 39 percent of respondents SENIOR STAFF WRITER governments offer health benefi ts benefits and that average total period prior to enrollment in 63 reported they are very likely or and contribute to employee pre- monthly premiums are $464 for percent of counties. One in four somewhat likely to increase the size Seventy-fi ve percent of counties miums. Another 1 percent offer single coverage and $1,087 for fam- eligible employees does not take of employee deductibles, and in a new NACo survey say if health benefi ts without paying premiums, ily coverage. This is slightly higher the coverage offered. Sixty-one • 13 percent and 18 percent, insurance premiums rise over the according to the NACo survey. than the average monthly premiums percent of counties offering health respectively, of respondents re- next two years, they would likely This far exceeds the rate for for nonfederal public and private benefi ts to their employees offer ported that they are very likely split the higher costs between the non-federal public and private employer-sponsored health plans, retiree health benefi ts as well. or somewhat likely to offer high- county and the employee. And employers, 63 percent of whom according to the EHB 2008 survey. A number of the survey high- deductible plans next year. the use of high-deductible plans offer health benefi ts, as reported A majority of single coverage lights confi rm that counties are Many counties are embracing is on the rise to deal with increas- by the 2008 Employer Health (61 percent) and family coverage taking a cost-conscious approach wellness programs to help employ- ing health care costs. Twenty-two Benefits (EHB 2008) annual (59 percent) plans have a general to health care spending. They ees stay healthy. percent of counties offering such survey, conducted by the Kaiser annual deductible. The average include the following: • 63 percent of counties offer at plans this year did not do so the Family Foundation and the Health annual deductible for single cover- • For counties that offered least one wellness program. Smok- previous year. Research & Educational Trust. age is $931; the average for family health plans last year, employee ing cessation programs are the most Heretofore, relatively few stud- The NACo survey found that coverage is $1,805. premiums increased 8 percent ies have focused on public employ- 80 percent of county government The NACo survey found that above the previous year See HEALTH SURVEY page 5 ers or counties in particular. But since county governments are among the largest public employ- ers in many states, their employee Don Stapley refl ects on his year as NACo president health benefi ts decisions can sig- nifi cantly affect health insurance STAPLEY from page 1 have already made for a positive has ever seen. I’m particularly communication and economic op- markets — and inform the national chemistry. I have already taught her enthusiastic about engaging local portunities for our local businesses conversation. What was the most chal- everything I know. I’m not perfect, counties’ regional economies with and markets. “In this era of economic down- Q: lenging part of your role and I’m certain I have made mistakes global opportunities and hope to turn, budget tightening and poten- as president? during the past four years as a NACo work in the international arena Any fi nal thoughts? tial national health reform, it is a Keeping the roller coaster on offi cer. My advice to Valerie; and all through NACo’s membership in Q: My closing thoughts to valuable asset for NACo and the its tracks. That has been the most of the leadership within NACo is U.C.L.G (United Cities and Local each of you at NACo — members, administration to have this study challenging, because the “trip” has communicate, communicate, and Governments.) affi liates and staff — is to stay posi- of how counties are providing and been full of ups and downs. Again, communicate. Work hard at being I’ve been appointed a seat on the tive. In a busy, challenging year for administering health benefi ts for the economy and our shrinking inclusive and build support from Executive Bureau and also the World many of us, it is our real character their employees,” said Jacqueline revenues to sustain our counties’ the grass roots up, and our members Council. Our exchange trip with and core values that show through Byers, NACo’s research director. services have also affected our state will respond. Harbin, China next year is also on in overcoming adversity and chal- budgets and our budget at NACo. my calendar. These activities give lenges in the end. Thank you all for We have acted promptly, and What’s next for Don NACo unprecedented opportunities giving me the opportunity to serve responsibly, to stay on top of our Q: Stapley? to learn and grow as leaders back as your president. budget challenges at NACo, and we I plan to be the most engaged home. It will also open our counties President | Don Stapley owe much to our executive director “immediate past president” NACo and cities to new and better lines of — Don Stapley Publisher | Larry Naake and his staff for the part they have Public Affairs Director | Tom Goodman played in keeping the association Executive Editor | Beverly Anne Schlotterbeck Senior Staff Writer | Charles Taylor vibrant and viable. Staff Writer | Elizabeth Perry Graphic Artist | Jack Hernandez What did you fi nd most Editorial Assistant | Christopher Johnson Q: interesting and exciting? ADVERTISING STAFF The new opportunities brought Job Market/Classifi eds representative about in times like these are for me Christopher Johnson National Accounts representative the most interesting and exciting. To Beverly Schlotterbeck see our efforts in the Green Govern- (202) 393-6226 • FAX (202) 393-2630 ment arena come to fruition resulting Published biweekly except August by: National Association of Counties in practices that are economically Research Foundation, Inc. sustainable and environmentally 25 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Ste. 500, Washington, D.C. 20001 superior has been wonderful. (202) 393-6226 | FAX (202) 393-2630 Greener county fleets, new E-mail | [email protected] LEED-certifi ed buildings, and the Online address | www.countynews.org use of wind and solar power and

The appearance of paid advertisements in County News other renewable energy sources in no way implies support or endorse ment by the Na- give me hope for a better economic tional Asso ci a tion of Counties for any of the products, services or messages advertised. Peri od i cals postage future. paid at Wash ing ton D.C. and other offi ces. Health care reform, and com- Mail subscriptions are $100 per year for non-members. prehensive immigration reform are $60 per year for non-members purchas ing multi ple cop- ies. Edu ca tion al insti tu tion rate, $50 per year. Member coming and NACo defi nitely has a county supple men tal subscrip tions are $20 each. Send seat at the table with this administra- payment with order and address changes to NACo, 25 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washing ton, D.C. 20001. tion on these two important issues. POSTMASTER: send address changes to I am excited to see us become real Coun ty News, 25 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Ste. 500, Washington, D.C. 20001 partners in Washington, D.C. on (USPS 704-620) ■ (ISSN: 0744-9798) these crucial issues. © National Association of Counties Research Foundation, Inc. What advice would you Q: give your successor? My successor needs little advice from me, as our close friendship and excellent working relationship 4 July 27, 2009 CCountyountyNNewsews • Supreme Court to hear Florida beach property rights case BY CHARLES TAYLOR SENIOR STAFF WRITER

The U.S. Supreme Court has taken up a Florida property rights case that could gut the state’s beach erosion control program and affect other coastal states’ sand replace- ment efforts: Stop the Beach Renour- ishment, Inc. v. Florida Department of Environmental Protection. At issue is whether a Florida Supreme Court ruling, upholding the state’s beach replenishment law, constitutes an illegal “judicial tak- ing” of private beachfront property without compensation. The case originated in Walton County and Photo courtesy of Broward County, Fla. the city of Destin, along the Florida These before and after photos show a beach in Broward County, Fla. that underwent sand renourishment in 2005. The Sunshine State has 825 miles Panhandle’s Gulf Coast. of sandy beaches, approximately 387 miles of which are critically eroded by hurricanes, storms or other factors, according to state statistics. “I think this may well be one of the biggest cases for local gov- ernments that have a waterfront here.” He is now president of the is good for business — tourism, Think of the absurdity of trying to of sand dunes and beach between tourism industry,” said David Florida Association of County especially. Currently, approximately prove that 90 feet of the whitest his clients and the ocean. Hallman, who was Walton County Attorneys and Nassau County, 387 miles of sandy beach are criti- white sand you can imagine added Steve Higgins is beach erosion attorney from 2005 to 2007, when Fla. attorney. cally eroded. Four miles of Walton to the depth of your beachfront administrator for Broward County, the local case began. “Every local Florida has 825 miles of sandy County beachfront was restored property detracted from the value on the other side of the state. He government, Florida or otherwise, beaches, according to the state’s in 2006. of your property.” expressed surprise that the U.S. should be very concerned about the Bureau of Beaches and Coastal Under the Beach and Shore Debbie Flack, governmental af- Supreme Court would review the potential for an adverse outcome Systems. And sand replenishment Preservation Act, counties and cities fairs director for the Florida Shore case, which it accepted June 15, can restore beaches eroded by hur- and Beach Protection Association, and called it a “source of anxiety.” ricanes and storms by adding sand said Florida has been restoring its Should the property owners prevail, beyond a state-designated erosion beaches for nearly four decades. he said, “The state will have to re- Profi llees in Service control line — separating private property from the state’s property. After doing so, the new sand be- comes public beach because the Piping in Sand from Offshore » Chris Rodgers projects are funded with state and From 1964 through FY06, the Florida Legislature has appropri- federal dollars. While the private ated more than $582 million for beach erosion control activities and Commissioner property owners’ land no longer Douglas County, Neb. hurricane recovery. County, city, state and federal entities are now touches the water, they retain rights managing more than 200 miles of restored beaches in Florida. of access, use and view, the Florida NACo Board of Directors In a typical beach nourishment project, sand is collected from an Supreme Court ruled. offshore location by a dredge and is piped onto the beach. “Without beach renourishment A slurry of sand and water exits the pipe on the beach and once under the act, the public would Number of years active in NACo: Five the water drains away, only sand is left behind. Bulldozers move this lose vital economic and natural re- new sand on the beach until the beach matches the design profi le. Years in public service: 10, serving fi ve years on the local Com- sources,” according to the state high munity College Board court’s ruling. “As for the upland Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Beach Erosion Control Program Occupation: Project director at the University of Nebraska at owners, the beach renourishment Omaha protects their property from future Under Florida law, the boundary of vamp its entire permitting program, Education: B.A. in journalism (Creighton University), MBA (Creigh- storm damage and erosion….” private beach property is the mean and it may stop beach restoration ton University), MPA (University of Nebraska at Omaha) The property owners, who peti- high water line, which for beach as we know it for the foreseeable The hardest thing I’ve ever done: run for elected offi ce tioned the U.S. Supreme Court as renourishment purposes becomes future. The legal blogosphere is Three people (living or dead) I’d invite to dinner: Thurgood the group Stop the Beach Renourish- the legal erosion control line. already abuzz with chatter among Marshall, Harriet Tubman, Malcolm X ment, Inc., see it differently. Prior to this case, “Not one property rights lawyers. “The government has taken private property owner along the “This case gives the Court the A dream I have is to: win a mega amount of money in the lot- beachfront property and made it way ever challenged the program,” opportunity to answer one of the tery. beach view property without pay- she said. “They were glad to get a great open questions in takings law: The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is: run for public ing a cent,” said Kent Safriet, the beach in front of their highly eroding when, if ever, can a judicial deci- offi ce. property owners’ attorney. “And beach.” Beach projects can’t be done sion constitute a taking of private My favorite way to relax is: playing with my son, traveling with if my clients wanted beach view unless the beaches are “designated property in violation of the Fifth family and reading. property they would have bought scientifi cally as a critically eroding Amendment’s Just Compensation I’m most proud of: receiving an advanced degree. some and paid a lot less for it.” beach,” said Flack, who used to run Clause?” according to Property Prof Every morning I read: The Art of War. Hallman disagrees that there state’s beach restoration program. Blog, part of a network of law My favorite meal is: Chicago-style pizza. is any loss in property value. “No Safriet said that’s not the case professor Web logs. “There is a one ever to my recollection ... for the Walton-Destin landown- widespread assumption among My pet peeve is: being on time. has attempted to put on evidence ers. “This case is not your typical many property professors that My motto is: “Greatness is beyond your comfort zone.” that the property after the beach case where the water is lapping the answer to this question is My favorite movie is: Remember the Titans. restoration was actually worth less underneath pilings of somebody’s ‘never.’” My favorite music is: Hip Hop and R&B. than the property before the beach house, such that they desperately The nation’s highest court is My favorite president is: Barack Obama. restoration,” he said. need for the beach to be renourished expected to give its answer dur- “Walton County has 26 miles of to protect their property.” He said ing its next term, which begins the whitest sand beach in the world. in this case, there’s at least 200 feet Oct. 6. • CCountyountyNNewsews July 27, 2009 5 One-third of surveyed counties ‘likely’ to hike deductibles

HEALTH SURVEY from page 3 separate cost-sharing for hospital admissions, and 67 percent of commonly offered, followed by plans have separate cost-sharing for gym membership discounts and outpatient surgery. weight- loss programs. The most common way in which • 30 percent of counties encour- counties have dealt and plan to deal age enrollment in wellness programs with premium increases is to split through various incentives. The the increase between the county and most common incentives involve gift the employee. cards, cash, travel or merchandise Between 31 percent and 39 for employees who participate in percent of counties are very likely wellness programs. or somewhat likely to increase deductibles, increase offi ce visit co- Other Coverage pays or coinsurance, or increase the Characteristics amount employees pay for prescrip- • 96 percent of counties offer tion drugs in the next year. prescription drug benefits, 65 The recently released survey percent offer separate dental insur- was conducted in April and May ance coverage, and 51 percent offer of this year by NACo, and the separate vision insurance coverage National Center for the Study of to their employees. Counties, Carl Vinson Institute of • 48 percent of counties do not of- Government at the University of fer benefi ts to part-time employees, Georgia. Of 1,000 geographically and 90 percent do not offer benefi ts and size-diverse counties contacted to temporary employees. by NACo, 273 county human re- • On average, employees contrib- sources directors took the survey, for ute 12 percent of total premiums a response rate of 27 percent. for single coverage and 32 percent Complete survey results of total premiums for family cover- are available online at www. age. naco.orgf County Resource • 65 percent of plans have CenterfLibraryfSurveys. 6 July 27, 2009 CCountyountyNNewsews • NACo awards over $400k to wetland restoration projects BY CARRIE CLINGAN NACo and NOAA’s Community- Ocean Service, more than half water quality through fi ltration of lish, resuscitate and maintain local COMMUNITY SERVICES ASSOCIATE based Restoration Program. The of the U.S. population lives in a runoff by plants and organisms, fi sheries and related businesses. partners selected the winning proj- coastal county, and the nation’s and the slow release of absorbed NACo recently announced the ects from an extremely competitive coastal habitats provide specifi c and fl oodwaters. (For more information about the Coastal recipients of the 2009 Coastal Coun- pool of approximately 40 applica- highly valuable benefi ts to the coun- Coastal habitats provide eco- Counties Restoration Initiative and how ties Restoration Initiative (CCRI). tions. NOAA’s Community-based ties. Wetlands absorb fl ood waters, nomic benefi ts by attracting tourists to apply, contact Carrie Clingan, NACo NACo and the National Oceanic Restoration Program is providing providing protection in storm events and travelers to coastal communities community services associate, at 202/942- and Atmospheric Administration major fi nancial support for the indi- and tide fl oods. These areas improve and beaches. These areas also estab- 4246 or [email protected].) (NOAA) will award a total of more vidual projects with grants ranging than $415,000 to six high-quality, from $40,000 to $100,000. community-led projects. Consideration for funding is The CCRI provides grant based upon the level of county lead- 2009 Coastal Counties funding for marine habitat resto- ership, outreach to the community ration projects on a competitive and the ecological benefi ts for a Restoration Initiative Grantees basis to innovative, county-led or county’s coastal marine resources. Audubon California of Marin County, Calif. Upper Skagit Tribes of Skagit County, Wash. supported projects that support All of the 2009 Coastal Counties ($85,000): Aramburu Island Enhancement ($75,000): Hansen Creek Alluvial Fan Project wetland, riparian and coastal Restoration Initiative grantees Project The Upper Skagit Tribes and Skagit County habitat restoration and removal of incorporate community outreach Audubon California will restore a 30-acre tidal will provide 140 acres of permanently protected, passage barriers to fi sh migration. and involvement with established marsh and shoreline habitat at Aramburu Island in year-round refuge, forage and migration habitats Only NACo-member counties or restoration techniques to create northern San Francisco Bay. Audubon California for local fi sh species. The restoration site will offer their partners are eligible for the community-led restoration in the and its partners plan to do this by improving the breeding habitat for songbirds, amphibians and grant awards. nation’s counties. shoreline for marine mammals, native oysters, spawning salmon as well as important wintering CCRI is a partnership between According to NOAA’s National birds, sea grasses and fi sh. and migration areas to waterfowl and shorebirds. The project partners have established a new The large-scale restoration contributes towards program for middle and high school students Endangered Species Act-listed salmon recovery called Audubon Youth Corps, particularly fo- actions, support watershed water-quality improve- County offi cials fl y in to cused on involving students from two underserved ments and improve fl ood control in the region. communities in Marin County, Marin City and Outreach to community partners includes the oppose ‘Waters of the U.S.’ San Rafael. Youth Corps members will assist involvement of volunteers and high school classes project staff with removing debris and non-native in invasive species removal, and education about plants from the island, and with native plant invasive species to landowners, students and other County offi cials from Oregon, that removing the term “navigable” propagation. local stakeholders. Utah, Ohio, Minnesota, Washington from the act will have a signifi cant and Montana recently travelled to na- economic impact, affecting land use Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation NY-NJ Baykeeper of Monmouth County, tion’s capital to urge key members of decisions and creating substantial of Lee County, Fla. ($70,500): Restoration of N.J. ($40,000): Keyport Harbor Oyster Reef Congress not to support controversial unfunded mandates. Critical Marine Habitats in Coastal Lee County Restoration Project legislation that would needlessly “Expanding the federal reach of The Sanibel Captiva Conservation Founda- The Baykeeper will restore the historical feeding, expand the federal reach of the Clean the Clean Water Act will cost us more tion will restore two acres of habitat including spawning and growth habitat essential to local spe- Water Act (CWA). NACo’s Western in time and money and impede our ef- mangroves, submerged aquatic vegetation and cies of fi sh by expanding an existing oyster reef in Interstate Region (WIR) sponsored forts to maintain our properties, both oysters to provide feeding, refuges and nursery the Hudson-Raritan Estuary, a site that historically the legislative fl y-in. public and private,” WIR President areas for a diverse group of native Florida fi sh supported these living marine resources. Delegates met with key members Tim Josi said. “The last thing we and the endangered Florida manatee. Loss of the Volunteers will participate in all aspects of this of the Senate and House of Represen- need in these diffi cult economic times mangrove shoreline caused by recent hydrological project: oyster gardening and aquaculture, reef tatives on behalf of NACo to voice is more Washington oversight in impairments and Hurricane Charley choked a once construction and planting, and facility preparation concerns about the Clean Water Tillamook County. Instead, we need healthy system. and maintenance. Local watermen are donating their Restoration Act (S. 787). NACo to Restore the Partnership to better Project partners will build on mangrove seed- time and boats to help during planting events as well supports CWRA, but believes the serve our common communities.” lings planted in 2006, which have established an as providing the education about the Hudson-Raritan legislation would signifi cantly and The bill would redefi ne “waters ideal nursery habitat stabilizing shorelines. An edu- Estuary that only one who has lived and worked on negatively impact local governments of the U.S.” — beyond those that cational outreach program in Lee County schools, these waters can know. Volunteers participating in and economies without improving are navigable — to include all waters initiated in 2006, will provide partners with a unique this program include families, school classes, senior protections of the nation’s critical “subject to the ebb and fl ow of the way to educate students about the ecology of the groups and scout troops. water resources. tide, the territorial seas, and all inter- Back Bay Estuary system and the water quality S. 787 was recently passed out of a state and intrastate waters, including issues impacting Southwest Florida. St. Lucie County, Fla. ($50,000): Spoil Island Senate committee and could be on the lakes, rivers, streams (including inter- Wetland Reconnection and Native Planting Senate fl oor in the weeks ahead. mittent streams), mudfl ats, sand fl ats, Del Norte County, Calif. Community Project The Clean Water Restoration Act wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, Development ($100,000): Brush Creek St. Lucie County and partners will reconnect would remove the term “navigable” wet meadows, playa lakes and natural Migration Barrier Removal Project a mangrove marsh to the Indian River Lagoon, from the defi nition of the Clean ponds, all tributaries of any of the Del Norte County is replacing two culverts remove non-native vegetation, replant with native Water Act. This seemingly minor above waters, and all impoundments on Lake Earl Drive to improve the freshwater species, construct a boardwalk and reduce health edit would broaden the current CWA, of the forgoing.” habitat quantity and quality for the coho salmon, risks associated with an established mosquito breed- placing waters seen as traditionally NACo supports efforts to keep steelhead and coastal cutthroat trout. ing site. Wetland reconnection will foster mangrove under state authority under federal the term “navigable” in the CWA and This project will provide unimpeded access to habitat success, create habitat for marine organ- jurisdiction. Many counties believe will oppose any effort to remove it. 1.6 miles of quality spawning and rearing habitat isms, and render the area unsuitable for mosquito surrounded by conifers and hardwoods, numerous reproduction. Establishment of native vegetation pools and riffl es, ample areas of spawning gravels will protect the wetlands from degradation and and cool water temperatures. Public notices on encroachment by non-native species. CCountyountyNNewsews the project in local newspapers, an interpretive A public service announcement will be created sign at the sites and an educational event on the and featured on St. Lucie County TV to highlight the project’s purpose and benefi ts. The county also Sign up for headline/Web site updates and PDF delivery at ... importance of restoring habitat will inform the local community about this project and the value provides public access for wetland and bird observa- www.countynews.org/Online_Form.cfm of these restoration activities. tion, and fi shing and crabbing at the sites. (Note: Grant amounts may be subject to change.) • CCountyountyNNewsews July 27, 2009 7 California lawmakers try to close budget gap with county, city funds Local governments are expected expected that some of the losses to take a hit in California as Gov. may be partially offset by federal Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Leg- stimulus funds. islature struggle to close the state’s Jean Hurst, lobbyist for the Cali- $26.3 billion budget shortfall. fornia State Association of Counties, According to reports in The Sacra- said said in The Sacramento Bee story, mento Bee and elsewhere, California’s “If we’re talking about all three com- counties and cities would see an ponents, I think ‘devastating’ is not a estimated $4 billion fl ow out of their strong enough word to describe how coffers to the state as the result of a it will affect local government.” three-pronged revenue package. Since July 1, counties in Califor- The package involves borrowing nia have been issued IOUs until a $1.9 billion in property taxes, tak- state budget is fi nalized. As of July ing $1.7 billion in redevelopment 14, the controller’s offi ce said it had funds — including $1 billion for issued 130,501 IOUs, worth a total construction of low- and moderate- of $588.1 million. income housing — and fi nally, taking “California is budgeting by litiga- $986 million this year from gas-tax tion at this point,” Hurst said. “The funds used by local governments for state is in serious economic crisis, transportation-related public works and even when they solve this round and maintenance projects. of budget problems, there are more Redevelopment funds have a lot problems once it hits 3–4 months of legal issues since the state consti- down the road when another defi cit tution clearly states how funds are and another hole are needed to be used. The current budget package fi lled.” will most likely be met with lawsuits and litigation against the misuse (Christopher Johnson, editorial assis- of these funds the report said. It’s tant, contributed to this report.) 8 July 27, 2009 CCountyountyNNewsews • House, Senate bills reject Obama cuts in homeland security

APPROPS from page 2 billion for Superfund activities and • a proposed $652 million in HUD bill that will fund transpor- Senate Appropriations Committee $112 million for climate-protection the House and $650 million in tation programs in FY10. Both proposes $510 million. In FY09, states that 20 percent of each of the programs. The state and local air the Senate for DHS’ Urban Area the Federal Highway Program at Byrne JAG received an appropria- CWSRF and the DWSRF must be grant program would receive $227 Security Initiative ($629 million $41.107 billion and the Federal tion of $546 million (not counting the available for green infrastructure million. The Diesel Emission Reduc- enacted in FY09) Transit Program at $10.48 billion stimulus.) Juvenile Justice Programs and other environmentally innova- tion Act grants were funded at $60 • proposed $455 million in the received slight funding increases received $385 million in the House tive projects. Language was added million, the same as 2009. House and $459 million in the over the current-year levels. How- and $407 million from the Senate that applies Davis-Bacon prevailing Senate for competitive grants to ever, both fi gures ignore the defi cit committee. wage requirements to CWSRF and „Homeland Security state and local law enforcement problems facing the Highway The Second Chance Act to lower DWSRF. Appropriations (DHS’ Law Enforcement Terror- Trust Fund and the fact that the recidivism in county jails and state For the Superfund program, $1.5 Both the House and the Senate ism Prevention Grant Program was authorization for both programs prisons is funded at $100 million in billion was allotted. This is $3 million have approved their FY10 spending consolidated several years ago, but expires on Sept. 30. the House bill and $50 million in the more than 2009 enacted levels.The bills (H.R. 2892) for the Department Congress enacted $447 million for The Airport Improvement Senate Appropriations Committee Superfund program is instrumental of Homeland Security (DHS). Both this purpose in FY09) Program is funded at $3.51 billion, bill. In FY09 the new program in cleaning up hazardous waste and bills reject the president’s proposed • a proposed $810 million in which is the same level the program received $25 million. toxic sites. cuts and provide a slight increase the House and Senate for FIRE has been funded for the past fi ve Despite the administration’s Climate-change programs were in funding — compared to FY09 Grants of which $420 million is years. This is also a program which request to eliminate the State the big winners in the 2010 Interior — for key state and local fi rst re- proposed for grants for Staffi ng needs its authorizing legislation Criminal Alien Assistance Program Appropriations bill. Altogether, they sponders’ assistance programs. for Adequate Fire and Emergency passed this year. (SCAAP) the House included would be allotted $420 million. This The House bill proposes $42.6 Response (SAFER) program, and On the other hand, Essential funding for it at $400 million while includes a requirement from the En- billion for operations and activities $390 million is proposed for the Air Service gets a big increase over the Senate appropriators pro- ergy Independence and Security Act that DHS would manage in FY10. Assistance to Firefi ghters Grant current funding, going from $123 posed $228 million. which states that the U.S. produce 36 This is a $2.65 billion increase over (AFG) program ($775 million million to $175 million. Essential Also in FY10 under the general billion gallons of renewable fuels by the current year. In the Senate, enacted in FY09), and Air Service, which subsidizes COPS category, the House pro- 2022. $21 million was assigned to this the legislation proposes a total of • a proposed $330 million in service to rural communities, has posed $810 million while the Senate task, plus $10 million was given for $42.9 billion in overall funding for the House and $350 million in the found for the fi rst time in many Committee set funding at $659 mil- a new grant program at EPA to help DHS, or an increase of $2.92 billion Senate for the Emergency Manage- years, an administration that sup- lion. This general total includes line local communities cut greenhouse compared to the current year. ment Performance Grant program ports increased funding. items for Meth Hot Spots, forensic gas emissions. While the House and Senate ($315 million enacted in FY09). The subcommittee funded sciences (including coroners and versions of the spending legislation (See Homeland Security chart Amtrak at $1.48 billion, about $7 medical examiners), DNA analysis „Senate Version of have relatively few differences, for additional programs.) million less than the current year. and Technology and Interoperabil- Interior funding levels for programs pertain- The legislation will now head However, this is entirely offset by ity Grants among other categories. The Senate version of the 2010 ing to port security, transit security, to conference, where conferees will a $4 billion recommended level for Finally, Violence Against Women Interior appropriations bill was Emergency Management Perfor- reconcile any differences between high-speed and intercity passenger Programs was marked by the House passed out of the Senate Appropria- mance Grant (EMPG), disaster the House and Senate passed rail. Since current-year funding is at $407 million and by the Senate tions Committee on June 25 by a relief, and predisaster mitigation bills. It remains uncertain when $90 million, the increase is huge. Appropriations Committee at $435 vote of 30–0. It was funded at $32.1 are at odds between the two bills. conferees will begin their delibera- It should be noted, however, million billion, this is $4.5 billion over 2009 Nonetheless, House and Senate tions, but the Homeland Security that high-speed rail did get serious Congress hopes to have at least appropriated levels and $225 million versions of the legislation recom- Appropriation bill has traditionally attention in the stimulus legislation, six bills fi nished before its August under the president’s request. mend a slight overall increase to been one of the earliest and most which included $8 billion for high- recess. The Senate bill would fund EPA FY10 state and local fi rst responder non-controversial annual spending speed rail. The bill now heads to NACo members are encouraged at $10.19 billion. The amount assistance programs. bills approved by Congress. the full Appropriations Committee, to visit the Library of Congress includes $3.63 billion for water Some highlights of the proposed which is likely to approve these Thomas Web site at http://thomas. and waste water infrastructure. bills include: „Transportation funding levels. loc.gov/home/approp/app10.html to This includes $2.1 billion for the • a proposed $713 million in the Appropriations review the House and Senate bills CWSRF and $1.39 billion for House and Senate for DHS’ State The House Appropriations „Justice Appropriations and DHS Appropriation Bill confer- DWSRF programs. Homeland Security Grant Program Subcommittee gave approval to In FY10, the House would fund ence reports for additional details on The bill also includes $1.31 ($713 million enacted in FY09) the Transportation, Treasury and Byrne JAG at $519 million while the the legislation.

Department Of Homeland Security Budget (Figures in millions) FY10 Key State and Local First Responder FY03 FY04 FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY10 President’s Assistance Programs Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted House Senate Request State Homeland Security Grant Program $1,866 $1,675 $1,085 $528 $509 $653 $713 $713 $713 $713 Urban Area Security Initiative $736 $720 $885 $711 $747 $600 $629 $665 $652 $650 * Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Grant $0 $497 $386 $384 $364 $443 $447 $459 $455 $459 FIRE Grants $694 $725 $715 $634 $642 $750 $775 $590 $810 $810 Emergency Management Performance Grant $165 $174 $174 $178 $194 $300 $315 $315 $330 $350 Subtotal $3,461 $3,791 $3,245 $2,435 $2,456 $2,746 $2,878 $2,742 $2,960 $2,982 FY10 FY03 FY04 FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY10 Other Key State and Local Programs President’s Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted Enacted House Senate Request Disaster Relief Fund $776 $1,740 $2,042 $1,700 $1,500 $1,400 $1,400 $2,000 $2,000 $1,456 Flood Map Modernization Fund $150 $193 $200 $207 $203 $220 $220 $220 $220 $220 National Predisaster Mitigation Fund $150 $145 $100 $116 $134 $114 $90 $150 $100 $120 Subtotal $1,076 $2,078 $2,342 $2,023 $1,837 $1,734 $1,710 $2,370 $2,320 $1,796 Total $4,537 $5,869 $5,587 $4,458 $4,293 $4,480 $4,588 $5,112 $5,280 $4,778 * In 2007, Congress consolidated DHS’ Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Grant Program. 25% percent of total funds appropriated to the State Homeland Security Grant Program and Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Program must be used to build state and local law enforcement terrorism prevention capabilities. • CCountyountyNNewsews July 27, 2009 9 HHS Secretary Sebelius keynotes July 27 General Session

ANNUAL from page 1 jobs created could begin to outstrip Education Steering Committees associate director for National • Therese McMillan, deputy the number of people who want to July 25. Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), administrator, Federal Transit reporting and preparing for public work, creating a sustained systematic • Deanna Archuleta, deputy White House Council on Envi- Administration, who briefed Trans- health emergencies. scarcity of workers for decades. assistant secretary, Department of ronmental Quality, addressed the portation Steering Committee A mobile workshop was offered July 27 General Session speak- the Interior; and Horst Greczmiel, Public Lands committee, and members. July 27 on The Nashville Collabora- ers were Jon Meacham, editor tive: Reducing Childhood Obesity of Newsweek and author of the through Creative Local Partner- bestseller Franklin and Winston An Stimulus and Response: ships. County leaders saw how the Intimate Portrait of an Epic Friend- partnership between the Nashville ship, and American Lion; Secretary Counties on the Road to Recovery Forums Parks and Recreation Department Kathleen Sebelius, Department of and Vanderbilt University’s Monroe Health and Human Services, and A special highlight of this year’s Annual Confer- present a unique opportunity for urban, suburban and Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital led to a Ron Sims, deputy secretary, Hous- ence involves three concurrent forums, Tuesday rural counties alike to take a leading role in enhancing reduction in pediatric obesity. Work- ing and Urban Development. afternoon July 28, that focus on the successful the local environment and economy. Participants will shops were presented on county Named “one of the most infl u- implementation of the Recovery Act. explore how to use the Recovery Act funding to save budget cuts and public input, best ential editors in the news magazine taxpayer money in the long-term through energy- practices and health care services, business” by The New York Times, Housing, Employment and the effi ciency improvements. county-railroad relations, and sus- Meacham is responsible for all of Economy Speakers include Mayor Bob Dixson, Greensburg, tainable solar energy. the daily editorial operations of The Recovery Act provided an infusion of funds Kan.; Matthew Chase, executive director, National Several workshops were pre- Newsweek and has written many to the Community Development Block Grant, Neigh- Association of Development Organizations; and sented July 28 on subjects such as cover stories. borhood Stabilization and Workforce Investment Act Catherine Zoi, assistant secretary for energy effi ciency green jobs and the local economy, As HHS secretary, Sebelius runs programs along with additional programs to prevent and renewable energy, U.S. Department of Energy. and food safety, followed by con- one of the largest civilian depart- home foreclosures. current forums on Stimulus and ments in the federal government. She Attendees are expected to learn how to use these Reporting, Transparency and Response: Counties on the Road to has more than 20 years of experience federal programs to enhance housing affordability, Accountability: Recovery Act and Recovery. Topics included Housing, in state government — including as maintain quality neighborhoods and spur job creation, Beyond Employment and the Economy; governor of Kansas — and has been a training and reemployment. The Recovery Act contains sweeping new rules Energy Infrastructure and Eco- leader on health care issues especially Speakers include Bernard Markstein, vice presi- about reporting, transparency and accountability of nomic Development; and Reporting, in the areas of children’s immuniza- dent, Forecasting and Analysis/Economics, National federal funds spent. Participants will discuss what is Transparency and Accountability: tion and health coverage. Association of Home Builders; Derek Douglas, special really required, why and how the information will be Recovery Act and Beyond. assistant to the president for urban affairs, the White used. Also how these new rules will become a hallmark Steering Committee House; and Gay Gilbert, administrator, Offi ce of of federal funding in the future and what government Guest Speakers Meetings Workforce Investment, U.S. Department of Labor. transparency means. All of the conference days NACo’s 11 policy steering Speakers include Richard L. Skinner, vice chair- included general sessions, which fea- committees meet at NACo’s major Energy Infrastructure and Economic man, Recovery Accountability and Transparency tured talks by well-known speakers. conferences to discuss legislative Development Board; Ellen Perlman, reporter, Governing Magazine; Tamara Erickson, an award-winning policy changes and recommenda- New investments in energy effi ciency, conservation Leah Perry, senior counsel, House Committee on author and expert on organizations tions. Often, committee members and business development in emerging industries Oversight and Government reform. and the changing workforce, gave hear from federal offi cials, experts or the keynote at the opening session stakeholders in their policy area. July 26. Her topic was Avoiding Some of the speakers this year the Workforce Crisis: How to Beat included: the Coming Shortage of Skills and • Gil Kerlikowske, America’s Talent. drug czar, offi cially titled, director Her talk gave participants an of the White House Offi ce of Na- in-depth look at what the workforce tional Drug Council Policy, spoke to of the future might look like. For the members of the Justice and Public fi rst time in history, the number of Safety and Human Services and

NACo

Personalized E-mail Updates Receive e-mail updates whenever new information is posted on NACo's Web site! Just click on the “e-subscribe” icon on the homepage or on one of the many “E-mail Update” icons located throughout the site. www.naco.org 10 July 27, 2009 CCountyountyNNewsews • Obama calls for review of federal policies’ impact on counties

ROUND TABLE from page 1 in county jails and state prisons • ensure adequate and equitable funding for transportation (mass transit, bridges, roads) and water infrastructure • sustained funding for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community De- velopment Block Grant Program, Home Investment Partnerships Program and Neighborhood Sta- bilization Program • combating gangs and assisting at-risk youth by providing sustained funding to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Juvenile Accountability Block Grants and Justice Assistance Grant programs • support for alternative energy, and • support for legislative and Photo courtesy of the White House regulatory action to mitigate the Burrell Ellis, chief executive offi cer, DeKalb County, Ga., representing NACo and the Large Urban County Caucus (far right), listens as Pennsylvania negative effects of the nation’s Gov. Ed Rendell (fourth from right) discusses critical issues facing urban governments at the White House roundtable discussion on urban issues. foreclosure crisis. Other roundtable participants included (l-r): Adolfo Carrión, director, White House Offi ce on Urban Policy; Shaun Donovan, secretary, Department President Obama, addressing of Housing and Urban Development; Hilda Solis, secretary, Department of Labor; Ray LaHood, secretary, Department of Transportation; Lisa Jackson, the roundtable participants and administrator, EPA; Karen Mills, administrator, Small Business Administration; Rendell; Greg Nickels, mayor, Seattle, president, U.S. Conference of observers, announced that the Mayors; Kathleen Novak, mayor, Northglenn, Colo., president, National League of Cities; and Ellis. next phase in developing a new urban metropolitan policy will include a national tour to engage another bold step to Restore the “The Urban Metropolitan Policy Ellis, chief executive offi cer, DeKalb were Transportation Secretary Ray metropolitan regions and called Partnership with counties. Roundtable is another welcomed County, Ga.; Pennsylvania Gov. Ed LaHood, Labor Secretary Hilda So- for an interagency review of how “NACo is committed to Re- step by the administration toward Rendell, and Seattle Mayor Greg lis, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson federal policies are impacting local store the Partnership between the that goal.” Nickels. and Small Business Administration communities. federal government and America’s Representing state and local Representing the administration Administrator Karen Mills. NACo President Don Stapley counties,” said Stapley, super- governments on the Urban Met- thanked the president for taking visor, Maricopa County, Ariz. ropolitan Policy Roundtable were USDA to bolster technical Are You Receiving assistance for rural water and wastewater projects NACo e-News? BY ERIK JOHNSTON technical assistance staff in 2009 ASSOCIATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR and 2010 to help rural communi- ties operate and maintain water Every two weeks, NACo will send yyouou an Agriculture Secretary Tom and wastewater infrastructure, Vilsack announced that USDA and provide training and other e-newsletter that will inform you oof:f: is providing $14.2 million to help technical assistance to local staff rural communities identify water throughout the country. Available grants, technical assistance,nce, and wastewater infrastructure needs Known as “Circuit Riders,” that can be fi nanced through the these technical assistance staff will recent publications, issue briefs, American Recovery and Reinvest- help rural communities prepare educational and training opportunitiesities ment Act. proposals for water and wastewa- via Webinars and conferences, andd NACo testifi ed on June 9, before ter systems, manage construction, the House Agriculture Committee offer on-site expertise, and ensure legislative updates. on the need to provide enhanced that health and environmental technical assistance to ensure that protection requirements are met. All to save you time and money, aandnd the nation’s most rural counties The assistance provided by Circuit have an opportunity to compete Riders keeps water and wastewater better serve your county! for USDA Rural Development systems in compliance with EPA programs funded in the Recovery rules and reduces — often by For more information contact Act. thousands of dollars — repair The funding, announced July and maintenance costs borne by Bill Cramer at [email protected]. 9, will be provided under USDA small rural communities that lack Rural Development’s Rural Water suffi cient fi nancial resources. and Wastewater Circuit Rider Program. It will enable the Na- (To locate the Circuit Rider staff in AN EASY WAY TO STAY INFORMED! tional Rural Water Association to your state, visit www.usda.gov/rus/ add 15 water and 71 wastewater water/docs/nrwamap.htm.) • CCountyountyNNewsews July 27, 2009 11

Model Programs FROM THE NATION'S COUNTIES ‘Rules of Engagement’ Ensure Fairness in Policy Decisions; Ethics Come First

BY ELIZABETH PERRY whole and maintain a professional “We’re a growing locality, and year, and that the county is “very engenders trust among residents in STAFF WRITER image we are growing very quickly,” proud of this.” the county’s leadership. Cios said • show respect for each other and Cios said. “We have had over 25 “It is something that has really she decided to submit the program When a new Powhatan County, look for honorable intent percent growth in the last decade. become a part of the way we operate to NACo for an Achievement Va. Board of Supervisors took offi ce • seek meaningful compromise Oftentimes, with a growing locality as a government,” she said. Award after an attorney who was in 2008, it sought ways to build a • resolve issues directly and it is hard to keep up. When we don’t Working as a team with the visiting from another county, heard cohesive team focused on problem- privately, and have as much staff as a larger locality supplemental rules, she added, has the board talking about the second- solving and gaining public trust. • defer action when more infor- might have, we have to wear many enabled the board to make decisions year revisions and additions to the Together, the offi cials drafted a mation is needed. different hats. Because of that we on matters the previous board tabled program. program called the Rules of Engage- The Code of Ethics adopted by have to be a little bit more tolerant indefi nitely, including, “We were in a closed-door meet- ment, Commitment to Excellence the board reaffi rmed best practices of mistakes.” • adoption of an innovative ing on a very controversial topic, so and Covenant with Staff, County such as putting loyalty to the county wetland buffering program, despite he got to see us in action,” she said. Administration and Management. as a whole above personal interest, developer scrutiny “He saw the way we dealt with this It emphasizes a system of safeguards individuals, districts and particular “They viewed it as a • total agreement regarding more controversial issue and adopted the to ensure personal disagreements do groups; full disclosure through the way to start fresh and stringent standards for private road rules of engagement and said, ‘You not get in the way of policy deci- Freedom of Information Act, and make sure they got construction know, this really does work.’” sions, and a strong code of ethics. clarifying the difference between • creation of several citizen com- She advised counties thinking “They viewed it as a way to personal opinion and board deci- along as a team.” mittees to work on planning and about implementing their own start fresh and make sure they got sions when responding to the transportation issues, and rules of engagement to remember along as a team,” said Carolyn media. • work on the development of a that it is a bold step, taken with a Cios, county administrator. “And The covenant between the Board Standards of conduct adopted regional water source in partnership commitment to teamwork “that to make a real commitment to work of Supervisors and staff recognizes by the board included the avoidance with three other counties. people always talk about, but some- together.” their mutual interdependence, in- of language or gestures that could Cios said the program has cre- times they are not willing to try.” The new board was made up of cluding the acknowledgement that be considered abusive, conduct off ated a positive work environment Counties interested in beginning two incumbents and three fi rst-term mistakes do occur. “We acknowl- the job that could cast public doubt that spills into the community as their own Rules of Engagement members, who hammered out a list edge that staff is often confronted on the integrity or competence of a whole. Spelling out expectations programs can contact Carolyn Cios of supplemental guidelines, called with issues of an interpretational the county government, creating a of excellence, professionalism and at 804/598-5612 or email her at the Rules of Engagement, which nature, and it is our responsibility positive work environment in public competence in a public document [email protected]. were adopted at their fi rst board as a Board to work with staff in meetings and tolerance of differing meeting together. Some of the rules reconciling these issues in establish- viewpoints. on the list included, ing sound policies,” reads one of the Cios said the board and staff Word Search • representing the county as a covenant rules. recommits to the program every Top Counties for Subprime Loans Z V Y Z K S F Z U S R E O F Y L W L P U G S F X N A K M T H R N D E R A E H O H NACo offers justice technical T J M E B P E A F O I D Y I Y E I E H A Y K E R N S N K B D X E H N S V S P P R Z U F G F I N R R Z W H E O C R R N P R assistance opportunities Q N S I S I K A L T S F C D X D E J O I NACo is offering two justice off-site support to county offi cials system can dramatically affect S H Z L C R N Y U B E I A E D M N V E S technical assistance opportunities through the next several months of jail populations and how county G J A M A R S K P U G B W Q H B N L I L to its members through grants with implementation. Applications are offi cials signifi cantly contribute in S U H L E Y J I E R R X E S S E O B S R the Bureau of Justice Assistance due by 5 p.m. EDT on Aug.14. the process. S G C B H I L L S B O R O U G H I D A V and the Eli Lilly and Company Through this same grant, a N Y N O R A N G E C E V E F U U N R N Q Foundation. publication titled Jail Population Jail Diversion V A L I T L N B V K G E I B P I U A J F NACo and Pretrial Justice Management: Elected County Of- Educational Forum S Q U B K G Z O O L E K N D J K W W O F Institute, in partnership with the ficials’ Guide to Pretrial Services The second technical assistance B G X W I Y I G D W C X Z Y E Q L O A Z Bureau of Justice Assistance, is will be released in August 2009. opportunity is a day-and-a-half K G W A I I E X V S N N M P J N Z R Q D offering free technical assistance to This publication provides de- educational forum on jail diversion Q I E Q D D H Y N J I K J C M Z C B U E counties interested in implement- tailed information on how a in Bexar County (San Antonio), E D A D I M A I M I R W O F B H W E I X ing pretrial services strategies. Sites high-functioning pretrial justice Texas, Oct. 1–2. K G B I J A F V G O P D P S A H S X N F selected for assistance will receive The forum will include a half- D I R I S B L H F T Z V E L P F P N L Z an analysis of their current jail day site visit to Bexar County R D E D J B Y I J M M O Q I K W R N Z P populations using electronically For More facilities to see its award-winning available data provided by the ap- jail diversion program. Educational BROWARD (Fla.) LEE (Fla.) SAN BERNARDINO plicants. Information sessions regarding jail diversion CLARK (Nev.) MIAMI-DADE (Fla.) (Calif.) ESSEX (N.J.) ORANGE (Fla.) SAN JOAQUIN (Calif.) Site visits will be made to best practices for counties will For a copy of the pre-trial FRESNO (Calif.) PRINCE GEORGE’S STANISLAUS (Calif.) selected counties to interview key technical assistance application follow. This event is for counties HARRIS (Texas) (Md.) UNION (N.J.) stakeholders and to observe the or questions on either oppor- in all stages of jail diversion pro- HILLSBOROUGH (Fla.) PROVIDENCE (R.I.) WAYNE (Mich.) current pretrial process. Staff will tunity, please contact Mary- gramming. More information will KERN (Calif.) QUEENS (N.Y.) develop draft recommendations Kathleen Guerra at kguerra@ be available in the coming weeks. KINGS (N.Y.) RIVERSIDE (Calif.) tailored to each county’s specifi c This forum is sponsored by the Eli naco.org or 202/942-4279 Source: Orange County Register • Created by: Christopher Johnson needs and will continue to provide Lilly Foundation. 12 July 27, 2009 CCountyountyNNewsews •

Counties sought to participate in Dental Discount Pilot Program

The NACo Board of Directors recently chose Careington as the vendor to partner with NACo to offer the dental discount program to member counties and their residents. Careington was selected for its combination of discounts, the size of its network of dentists and its track record of administering discount dental programs. The founder of the network is a dentist.

The Careington program offers an average discount on dental services of 38 percent through a network of 80,000 dentists. Careington has dentists in all but two states — Vermont and Montana — and has expressed a willingness to recruit dentists in Montana for its network with NACo’s assistance.

The program will work differently than NACo’s successful prescription drug discount card program. An individual would pay an annual fee of $59 for the dental discount card. With the If your county is interested in card, the individual gets a discount on a full schedule of services. A consultant working with NACo on the program determined participating, please contact that if the individual spends $170 on dental services in a year, Andrew Goldschmidt, NACo’s then the card will pay for itself through the savings. The fee for Director of Membership/Marketing a family of two or more people would be $69 per year. at [email protected] Careington was recommended by a task force of county or 202/942-4221. offi cials chaired by Alan Angel, commissioner, Kent County, Del., following a two-year bid and review process and the as- sistance of an outside consultant.

The Board authorized the staff to negotiate a contract with Careington to launch the pilot program. NACo will begin the one-year program with 30–35 counties that represent different geographic regions of the country and range in population.

www.naco.org • CCountyountyNNewsews July 27, 2009 13 News From the Nation’s Counties

XCALIFORNIA The county has temporarily page launched earlier this year, the by county employees, including bank, the school district accuses z ORANGE COUNTY Su- halted the dispensaries while it enhanced page now includes all elected offi cials, the Messenger Post ESB of breach of contract for alleg- perior Court wants to teach traffi c studies methods for regulation public hearing application types, reported. edly allowing 74 unauthorized elec- violators to be better drivers via and zoning of the facilities, the land development permits and plat The county’s Independent tronic transfers — moving funds to comedy traffi c schools. The Orange High Desert Daily Press reported. types. It also includes aerial maps, Accountability Counsel will in- 42 people or entities who were not County Register reported the classes The anti-drug groups cited a recent concept plans, staff reports and vestigate the allegations and report owed money by the district. are already offered in other Califor- report by the California Police fi nal decision letters. The eStatus back to County Executive Maggie nia counties, and are intended to Chiefs Association, that suggested Web page is accessible at http:// Brooks or to law enforcement agen- XOREGON be an amusing refresher course on dispensaries have negative conse- estatus.forsythco.com. cies for appropriate action. Wi-Fi-enabled laptop users driving rules and regulations. quences, including higher crime zA consultant will help TOMP- rejoice. The MULTNOMAH The classes are not meant to rates increased traffi c, noise and XMICHIGAN KINS COUNTY to develop the COUNTY Board of Commis- replace traditional classes, but are blight in adjacent areas. Dan Kildee, GENESEE nation’s first “green” airport sioners recently began offering offered as an option, along with “The focus is on trying to come COUNTY treasurer has attracted master plan. The 20-year plan will free wireless Internet access to online classes. Judges order viola- up with some guidelines that will attention with his suggestion to incorporate sustainable elements members of the public and media tors to attend driving classes after help dispensaries coexist with local downsize Flint, Mich. The city into all future airport projects, attending board meetings. they have committed infractions communities,” said David Wert, at its peak was home to 200,000 whenever possible, with the goal of Offering wireless Internet was a such as speeding. spokesman for San Bernardino people, 80,000 of whom worked in greatly reducing or eliminating the response to “numerous requests” z Supervisors in SAN BER- County. the auto industry. It is now home airport’s carbon footprint. from the press and community NARDINO COUNTY are facing to half that number. The nearly $300,000 agree- groups. It’s available from 6 a.m. to opposition from the Inland Valley XGEORGIA As head of the County Land ment with C&S Engineers, Inc. of 9 p.m. on board meeting days. Drug-free Community Coalition FORSYTH COUNTY govern- Bank, Kildee has bought thousands Syracuse was approved subject to Offi cials said offering free Wi-Fi and Save Our Society from Drugs, ment’s new interactive Web page of foreclosed and abandoned prop- the county’s securing funding from “will enable the press and public to two groups seeking to shut down is now available. Building on the erties in the city. “There’s an obses- the Federal Aviation Administra- use online resources in real time to medical marijuana dispensaries. fi rst phase of the eStatus Web sion with growth and expansion,” tion (FAA) and State Department make meetings more accessible and he told National Public Radio. “I’m of Transportation. The FAA will encourage the public to be more not against growth, but what we support 95 percent of the cost, involved in the political process.” really have to recognize is that we with the state paying another 2.5 have already shrunk.” percent. XTEXAS What’s Proponents of shrinking rustbelt County offi cials said this is z Hoping to boost jury num- cities, like Flint, by bulldozing the fi rst time that any airport in bers, HARRIS COUNTY has entire neighborhoods claim smaller the nation has been permitted to installed free Wi-Fi in its 700-seat in a cities would be cheaper to run. use federal Airport Improvement jury assembly room. The move Kildee isn’t suggesting any bulldoz- Program funds as part of the master could save $100,000 by improving ing yet, nor does he suggest people planning process. jury turnout by just 5 percent. would be forced to relocate. Only one in fi ve potential jurors Seal? X NORTH DAKOTA summoned each week shows up, XMISSOURI The STUTSMAN COUNTY Government Technology reported. »Davidson County, Tenn. The JEFFERSON COUNTY Commission is paving the way That can lead to costly follow up www.nashville.gov Sheriff’s Department has a come for wind farm development with mailings, reminder notices and new up with a unique bed and breakfast its recent the passage of a zoning summonses. The costs can run to Davidson County, Tenn. is the oldest county in Middle Tennessee. fund-raising concept to pay for its ordinance. hundreds of thousands of dollars. It dates to 1783, when the North Carolina legislature created the new jail wing — a paid overnight The measure passed unani- Many who don’t show up are county and named it in honor of William Lee Davidson, a North stay in the slammer. For $50 a mously with four amendments. unable to take off a day of work Carolina offi cer who died in the Revolutionary War on Jan. 1, 1782 person or $90 a couple, “inmates” Among the changes: cutting the without losing pay. “If [the net- in what was then North Carolina. get a tour of the new section of the permit fee in half, from $1,000 to work] helps one person to continue The initial white settlers established the Cumberland Compact in building, a private cell and bunk, $500 per turbine. Permit revenue to earn their regular wage, then it’s order to establish a basic rule of law and to protect their land titles. T-shirt, snacks, souvenir mug shots would go to the county’s general worth doing,” said Loren Jackson, Through much of the early 1780s the settlers also faced a hostile and a “get out of jail free” card. fund to offset administrative costs the Harris County district clerk. response from Native American tribes. As the county’s many known However, it will cost them an extra — and to legal fees, should the z Anyone suing DALLAS archaeological sites attest, the resources of Davidson County had $10 to leave early. ordinance be challenged, the The COUNTY need not apply for a attracted Native Americans for centuries. In fact, the fi rst whites to Jamestown Sun reported. county job. County commissioners encounter the area were fur traders, then long hunters, who came to XNEW YORK Another amendment dealt with recently agreed to bar the hiring of a large salt lick, known as French Lick, in present-day Nashville to z CAYUGA COUNTY legis- noise, setting a 65 decibel limit anyone with litigation pending trade with Native Americans and to hunt the abundant game. lators have rejected a settlement at the property line of the wind against the county, its employees In 1963, the City of Nashville and the Davidson County gov- offer from the Cayuga Indian turbine site. or elected offi cials. ernment merged so the county government is now known as the Nation that would allow the tribe to Commissioner John Wiley Price “Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County” continue selling tax-free cigarettes XPENNSYLVANIA said, “As far as we’re concerned, it’s or “Metro Nashville” for short. at its two convenience stores. The Western BEAVER COUNTY just good public policy,” The Dallas Davidson County has the largest population in the 13-county county will appeal a lower court School District claims that cyber Morning News reported. Nashville-Davidson-Murfeesboro-Franklin Metropolitan Statistical ruling, according to The Syracuse criminals used fraudulent elec- Area. Post Standard. tronic fund transfers to withdraw (News From the Nation’s Counties Nashville has always been the region’s center of commerce, The Cayugas had offered Ca- nearly $705,000 in taxpayer dollars is compiled by Charles Taylor and industry, transportation and culture but did not become the capital yuga County and SENECA from its accounts at ESB Bank, the Elizabeth Perry, staff writers. If you until 1827 and did not earn permanent capital status until 1843. COUNTY more than $180,000 to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported. The have an item for News From, please The seal represents the Native Americans and how they were cover the counties’ legal bills related FBI is investigating. e-mail [email protected] or eperry@ among the fi rst settlers in this county that traded goods with white to the case; the tribe also pledged In a civil lawsuit against the naco.org.) settlers. not to sue the counties for millions of dollars in damages. Keep up with NACo online ... (If you would like your county’s seal featured, please contact Christopher z MONROE COUNTY has set Johnson at 202/942-4256 or [email protected].) up a special whistleblower hotline to receive tips about suspected cases www.naco.org of illegal or unethical behavior 14 July 27, 2009 CCountyountyNNewsews • Research News The H.R. Doctor Is In Breaking a Sweat Bureaucrat Fantasy without Camp One of the yuppie recreational of the experiences available now is Those who attend and are sleep- phenomena of the last decade is the to take a ride in a MIG 29. deprived would wake up much more Breaking the Bank rise of “fantasy camp” experiences. What is missing, however, is a refreshed. These are rather expensive opportu- fantasy camp aimed at sharing the The importance of available Counties throughout the coun- enjoy the opportunity to cool nities for people, often baby boom experiences of seasoned bureaucrats bathroom breaks would be high- try are celebrating National Park down for free this summer. people, to recapture a memory from with those yuppies who may secretly lighted, although the breaks would and Recreation month by dem- The Martinsburg-Berkeley their youth and come close to liv- have harbored fantasies all their life require a journey around meander- onstrating how spending a day at County, W. Va. Parks and ing out an experience they always to work in a government offi ce. ing corridors only to fi nd that either the park is not only good for your Recreation Department offers wanted to have but never succeeded Therefore, as a public service, it’s the men’s or women’s restroom mind and body, but also good for a summer playground program in achieving. time to design the basics of a three- would be out of service. your wallet. for children 6 to 12 years of age There are baseball camps, foot- day bureaucracy fantasy camp. Breaks could be spent pleasantly In Pinellas County, Fla., resi- for a nominal $2 fee per day. The ball camps, race car driving camps, Let’s begin with orientation on in front of vending machines dis- dents are encouraged to enjoy the staff provides activities at the off-road vehicle experiences, rock arrival. Arrival, of course, would playing processed and packaged beauty of nature through various playground site and plans many and roll camps and much more. snack foods placed in the machine organized walks of county parks. offsite trips to local recreation For some substantial fee, not to at just the right angle so that no one These free walks provide exercise facilities for activities including mention travel, lodging and other Meetings have been could read the labels which say “… and entertainment for the whole bowling, swimming and roller expenses a person can attend a camp described as events where best if sold before January 1996.” family. With a variety of topics in- skating, which many children and meet some aging star who has you take minutes and waste Now that the guests have arrived cluding wetlands, pine fl atwoods, would not have the opportunity found a new fi nancial opportunity hours. and have survived orientation, they six different natural communities to participate in otherwise. by headlining at the camp. begin to get a sense of the activities and park history, there is a walk The program, with support The HR Doctor has discovered in store for them and the life of a for everyone and multiple oppor- from the United Way of the that for a fee, a person can even bureaucrat. The remainder of the tunities to explore the outdoors Eastern Panhandle, is offered spend the night with an astronomer take place at an aging and poorly- afternoon on the fi rst day at camp during the summer months. The at fi ve locations throughout at the Kitt Peak National Observa- designed government building that would be spent organizing meetings, expert staff recommends coming the county. Parents and chil- tory. You get a personal tour of the has not been properly maintained which generally would be designed prepared with water, sunscreen, dren can decide what days to heavens, learn how to operate a in many years. The furniture would in advance to be unproductive and insect repellant and enthusiasm attend based on the activities variety of telescopes or learn to take date back at least a decade and dis- take major chunks out of a person’s for each of the walks. scheduled and no registration astrophotographs. One of the HR play visible signs of wear, including work day and life. As an alternative to just going is required. Doctor’s favorite camp discoveries nicks, fabric tears and various stains Meetings have been described as to the playground, Pierce County, Kenton County, Ky. Parks relates back to service in a prior life whose origin is best not discussed events where you take minutes and Wash. Department of Parks and and Recreation Department as an intelligence offi cer in Europe. in polite company. waste hours. Despite that, about a Recreation provides a mobile provides children and parents During this period of service, what The orientation would involve third of a person’s bureaucratic life recreation program called the wild adventures and hands-on was the most advanced and highly showing 43 PowerPoint slides with is spent in meetings with others, so it Kidmobile. This free interactive experiments through two of its secret fi ghter aircraft in the Soviet no graphics and small fonts. The must become an art form to be able program visits elementary play- programs offered throughout arsenal made its fi rst appearance; it presenter would proceed for at least to fi gure out how to further induce grounds throughout the summer the summer. In partnership with was code named MIG 29 Foxbat. half a day to essentially read each coma by learning the fi ne art of the months. the Cincinnati Zoo, participants Fast-forward a generation and one word on each PowerPoint slide. endless meeting. A variety of games and activi- learn about and interact with Dinner the fi rst night would ties encourage communication different animals each week. feature an array of carefully se- and develop social skills through The fun begins even before the lected low-bid banquet food with games that require little if any animals arrive, when a Kenton NACo on the Move the guest speaker for a two-hour equipment. At the Kidmobile, County librarian starts things presentation being the head of the parents do not just sit on the off with stories and songs for »In the News federal purchasing system. After Jacqueline Byers, director of research, was quoted in The Wall Street sidelines but join in the activities. children of all ages. an exhaustive review of purchasing Journal article “Using the Rout in Housing to Lower Taxes” July 16. Recreation leaders are on hand to In addition, science was requirements leading to $700 ham- make sure that kids and parents never more fun at the county’s mers and extensive cost over-runs, alike learn new games while hav- (almost) Every Other Thursday »NACo Staff the meeting is adjourned to the next Jim Sawyer, director, Financial Services Corporation, led a work- ing fun at the playground. Science program. From dino- morning. shop demonstrating the Network of Care for Seniors referral Web sites In order to stay cool this sum- saurs to agriculture, the highly The second day features a full at the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging Conference mer, Prince George’s County, Md. interactive presentations make menu of subjects primarily focused July 19–22 in Hennepin County (Minneapolis), Minn. is offering many opportunities for sure that everyone has a chance around the details of cost account- youth to cool down in the pool. to explore the wonders of sci- ing and the intricacies of payroll To make sure that everyone has a ence. Both of these programs »Coming Up processes. Each session begins with Andrew Goldschmidt, membership/marketing director, will safe summer at the pool, children are provided in conjunction with a biometric sign-in and sign-out in exhibit and speak on NACo’s membership benefi ts at the County ages 6–17 and young adults ages other county departments and order to maintain accurate track Commissioners Association of West Virginia in Raleigh County, 18–24 can sign up for a four-session local businesses. of who attended each session and W.Va. August 2–4. Goldschmidt will also be hosting a workshop water-safety program to learn wa- Instead of charging a fee, the to simulate how attendance would with Jim Sawyer, director, NACo Financial Services Corporation, ter safety and introductory swim- program requests a donation of translate into payroll codes. No on NACo’s Prescription Drug Discount Card program and upcom- ming skills. Although registration non-perishable food or personal doubt the keynote speaker of the ing NACo Dental Discount Card Program with Sawyer providing is required, the lessons are free. care items for the less fortunate day would be a Fair Labor Standards a live demonstration of the Network of Care Web program at the Residents ages 6–24 can also enjoy in the community. Act lawyer explaining the various Maryland Association of Counties Annual Conference in Worcester free swimming on Friday and “tests” that enable you to determine County, Md. Aug. 12. Saturday nights throughout the (Research News was written exempt or non-exempt status. A quiz summer. Locations vary depend- by Kathryn Murphy, research On the Move is compiled by Christopher Johnson. ing on age group, but everyone can associate.) See H.R.DOC page 15 • CCountyountyNNewsews July 27, 2009 15 Financial Services News Job Market / Classifi eds

Offi ce Depot Gives Back(packs) XDEPUTY AUDITOR/TAX DIRECTOR Many counties, cities, school tion, began donating backpacks when it donates its 2-millionth with Offi ce Depot’s Business So- – BURLEIGH COUNTY, N.D. Salary: $47,568 – $55,008; DOQ. districts and nonprofi t agencies fi rst filled with school supplies to backpack. lutions Division in select cities. Appraisal and assessment of com- became familiar with the U.S. Com- deserving children to help them “The foundation believes strongly At the kickoff event in Chi- mercial, residential, and agricultural munities Government Purchasing get ready for school. The National that we are helping children to build cago on July 6, backpacks property to determine value for tax Alliance through the Offi ce Depot Backpack Program represents one self-confi dence, boost self-esteem were donated to a variety of purposes. Qualifi cations: Bachelor’s school and offi ce supplies contract. of the most meaningful ways in and achieve greater success in the nonprofit organizations and degree and 3 years’ experience, and/ Local governments that use this which the company demonstrates classroom — all as a result of be- schools throughout the Chicago or combo of education and experience. competitively bid contract know its commitment to good corporate ing well-prepared for school,” said metropolitan area. The recipients, Starting salary: $3,964 – $4,584 per that it offers the best government citizenship. Foundation President Mary Wong. in turn, provided the backpacks month. For more information, go to pricing along with next-day delivery At the beginning of each school “We are extremely pleased to be able to the children they serve through www.co.burleigh.nd.us or contact Human (in most locations) of high-quality year, new backpacks are fi lled with to donate our 2-millionth backpack their programs or in their class- Resources at 701/222-6669, or e-mail offi ce products. back-to-school essentials such as at a time when so many children and rooms. The nonprofi ts and school [email protected]. EOE. What many of those same agen- rulers, crayons, glue sticks, pens, families are dealing with the impact selected to participate at the event cies may not know is that Offi ce pencils, pencil sharpeners and of the economic downturn.” included: Depot makes giving back to the erasers. Designed specifi cally to To distribute the backpacks, the • Chicago Public Schools communities they do business in a meet the needs of students in grades foundation will host 25 Back-to- • PUSH for Excellence top corporate priority. K–5, the backpacks feature two front School Backpack Celebrations in • Chicago Youth Programs pockets, a net pocket on the side, cities across the United States and • Casa Central National Backpack and wide-padded straps for comfort Canada. Thousands of backpacks • Jane Addams Hull House Program and support. also are being donated by Offi ce Association In the fall of 2001, Offi ce Depot, This year Office Depot will Depot stores in hundreds of local • Latino Organization of the through the Offi ce Depot Founda- celebrate an extraordinary milestone communities and in collaboration Southwest • Jewish Child & Family Services Bureaucrat fantasy camp — intensive • Communities In Schools of Chicago, and training in what not to do • Speedway Children’s Chari- ties. H.R. DOC from page 14 a hundred years ago or imposed joy in beating up their own staff Thousands more backpacks as unfunded mandates by State members. will be distributed through the would follow which would lead to Legislatures and governors, if not Finally, there is a graduation Offi ce Depot Foundation’s part- the conclusion that even President from federal agencies. ceremony. Each bureaucrat camper nerships with several national Barack Obama could arguably be Finally, as the end of three-day receives a six-month subscription nonprofi t organizations — includ- considered as non-exempt under the fantasy camp draws near, the bu- to the increasingly smaller and ing the Tony Stewart Foundation, Fair Labor Standards Act. reaucrat wannabes are exposed to smaller local newspaper, so that the National Court Appointed The next session features a the glories of human resources. Here they can keep track of the number Special Advocates (CASA) As- Sumo wrestling match between they can learn fi rsthand in exciting of stories that purport to expose sociation, City Year, Community sheriffs and fi re chiefs over who workshops the latest techniques in excessive waste in government. Anti-Drug Coalitions of America gets the biggest share of general torturing applicants by subjecting Bureaucrat fantasy camp is only (CADCA), Feed The Children, Need a fund budgets and who, conversely, them to processes that are incon- a fi ctional account. Any resem- the Kids In Need Foundation, communications would take the least number of sistent with the lyrics to the song blance to actual bureaucrats living Nourish America and the Na- tower? hits should the budget have to be “R-E-S-P-E-C-T.” The rules involve or dead is purely coincidental. tional Foundation for Women reduced. Sumo is an ancient and so many steps and repeat visits to the Use the fantasy camp experi- Legislators, whose members will For $1.00 and a do-it yourself honorable sport in which extraor- HR department that the candidate ence to appreciate how lucky you give backpacks to children in all delivery, you can have Da- dinarily large people push and can’t even remember what they are if you work in an agency where 50 states. kota County, Minnesota’s 180-ft. shove one another until one loses applied for in the fi rst place. staff members are appreciated, and For the second consecutive tower. Here are the specifi cs: Manufacture: Pi-Rod Towers the battle by being bulldozed out The session involves a serious where rewards and recognition for year, backpack donations will Model Pi-Rod -30, Solid Tubular of the fi ghting circle. lecture on the impact of whining their achievements are an essential be made to children of the Na- Guyed Tower. Of course, “Fire” has a par- and of the lack of personal account- requirement for great leaders. vajo Nation in Arizona and the Tower is for Sale at $1.00. Pur- ticularly powerful weapon at its ability behavior, performance or These are the best fantasy — and Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South chasing authority is to remove disposal. That is the ability of the even personal health. A lecture then real life — camps to attend. The Dakota. from site, within 30 days the International Association of Fire follows on the art of blaming other bureaucrats who graduate from The National Backpack Pro- following items: 180 foot Tower, Fighters to compel bureaucrats all people and of avoiding a compelling these camps strive every day to gram is just one example of Offi ce All Guy wires and Security Gated over the country to do whatever sense of urgency to get things done. create exceptional citizen service Depot’s commitment to create a Fence that encloses tower and they do in a way that is consistent Included in the HR curriculum is despite exceptional hurdles. positive impact in communities Equipment Shelter. with the union’s action plan. This a discussion on entitlements such Use the fantasy camp metaphor around the world. Additional may explain, in part, the lingering as the Workers Compensation to give a big hug to county and efforts designed to enhance the Location: inefficiency of a 24-hour shift infamous “heart-lung bills” that city managers who work hard in quality of life for children, en- Coates, MN - One mile South on Clayton Avenue from Dakota schedule or the reluctance of add to local government costs and supporting the development of courage local and international County Road 46. neighboring agencies to consoli- contribute to the relentless search great staff, even in tough times, and economic development and date to provide more responsible by some fi refi ghters, police offi cers whose daily mission is the honor support disaster recovery efforts For details, please contact: closest-unit response. and their ever-present attorneys and the privilege to serve others. make Offi ce Depot a leader in Patrick Story, contract coordi- The fi nal morning would feature for better ways to fi le claims based The real bureaucracy fantasy camp corporate giving. nator, 651/438-4645 (office), an action-packed session on the use on the medical condition know as would focus on these extraordinary For more information about 651/248-2774 (cell) or of handcuffs. The lesson explores “hyper-pension.” qualities. the Offi ce Depot Foundation, [email protected], the reality of being a bureaucrat The fi nal session allows camp- visit www.officedepotfoundation. Dakota County Departmen- whose range of innovation or abil- ers to run through a gauntlet of org. For more information on tal Services, 1590 Highway, ity to make changes is hampered disrespectful elected offi cials who Phil Rosenberg U.S. Communities, visit www. Hastings, MN 55033. by rules and procedures designed all too often seem to take special The HR Doctor • www.hrdr.net uscommunities.org. 16 July 27, 2009 CCountyountyNNewsews •