Volume 59, Number 1 January | February 2015 Martin & Cobey revised:Layout 1 2/20/2012 4:34 PM Page 1

B r i a n M o o r e P 2 5 6 . 2 3 2 . 5 3 8 4 B M o o r e @ M a r t i n a n d c o B e y . c o M W W W . M a r t i n a n d c o B e y . c o M in this issue

VOLUME 59, NUMBER 1

from the cover... 2015 Strategic Goals...... 6

Introducing the Alabama County Platform...... 8

2015-2018 Alabama County Platform...... 10

State leaders need to turn attention to juvenile justice.....19

Former commissioners aim to ‘make a difference’...... 21

news you can use...

Stricklend keeps eye on details, big picture...... 24

New training program for jail officers...... 29

When the newly elected members of the convene in Montgomery this year, they will find a much-improved Senate Chamber. More than 20 years ago, the room was intended to be temporary point of view... quarters while the historic Capitol was renovated. New furnishings give the Senate Chamber a stately air, on a President’s Corner...... 4 County Platform gives solid foundation tight budget that is a credit to Secretary of the Senate D. Patrick Harris and the carpentry skills of state inmates. (Photo: Mike Murphy, Alabama Senate) who we are... 2014-15 ACCA Board of Directors...... 34

ACCA Staff...... 34

COUNTY COMMISSION is published bi-monthly by the Association of County Commissions of Alabama, Inc.; P.O. Box 5040; Montgomery, AL 36103. Subscription rates are $20 per year, which is included in the dues of members. Additional copies, when available, are $2 each to non-members. Peri- odicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama. Postmaster: Send address changes to COUNTY COMMISSION; P.O. Box 5040; Montgomery, AL 36103. USPS 985-380

COUNTY COMMISSION | 3 President’s CORNER think it may have been Fob James, will be laser-focused under one of who used the phrase “It’s time those principles. Ifor a New Beginning” during his campaign for governor back in the The language is intentional. It is mid-1970s. It’s been a few years so I concise, but pointed. The language may be a bit cloudy on the details. binds our membership and our staff to a bedrock philosophy that county But as we look toward the start of a government is essential to the state’s new legislative term with the 2015 continued growth and improvement. session in March, it certainly is a time Yet, counties are just part of the entire for a “New Beginning” for counties puzzle of government services provided and the 140 members of the Alabama citizens who both depend on and Legislature. evaluate us every day.

Over the last four months our Beyond those principles, the Association has worked hard to learn Association membership has identified from the just-ended legislative term 37 Strategic Goals that will be the Hon. Merceria Ludgood and to focus our membership on a focus of our legislative initiatives President set of strategic goals that will guide over the next four years. The goals our activities through the close of the are ambitious – some might even 2018 regular session. This edition of be seen as nearly unattainable – but County Commission contains our real reform does not begin with a revised approach for establishing meager list of changes that are of little County Platform our guiding principles and setting significance. our sights on changes that will make gives solid county government more efficient and Reaching our goals will require the effective at the local level. collective wisdom, influence and active foundation support of all of county government As president, I am gratified by the – commissioners, chairs, sheriffs, tax many hours our members invested officials, probate judges and, just as A new year, in a complete overhaul of our importantly, the state leaders such policy document. I am certainly as engineers, administrators, 911 a new Legislature, not surprised by the enthusiasm I’ve directors, emergency management a new beginning witnessed during this process – our directors, revenue officers and others. members have really set the standard The concept of “67 Counties, ONE for participation and leadership – but Voice” must be more than a motto if this year’s revision required a major we are to see a real “New Beginning” investment of time and expertise. for Alabama counties.

The new 2015 Alabama County Because this platform is such a radical Platform is based on 11 “Foundation departure from our more traditional Principles” that establish clearly and policy document, perhaps a closer look strongly our Association’s posture on at one of our Foundation Principles the operation of county government, might help put things into focus. its relationship with the state and federal governments and the ways our The relationship between counties services can be improved. Everything and the state is one of both mutual we will do over the next 12 months interest and conflicting pressures. As

4 | COUNTY COMMISSION this new legislative term begins, the county commissions and the decisions funding of our struggling mental financial challenges of Alabama’s state of the Legislature are interconnected: health services. The Legislature faces government are severe. financial crisis, but so do the counties. The relationship between Alabama That’s nothing new to counties. counties and the The funding decisions on state Without the ability to raise revenue on is established in constitutional and programs will dramatically impact the their own, the 67 “legislative” bodies statutory law. The preservation of a operation of county government and at the county level have significant constitutional relationship between it is important that the legislators be experience in navigating the budget the State of Alabama and its aware of that impact. Clearly, counties minefield. Every elected official at the counties as well as a workable and and the state are so closely linked that county level wants to improve his or productive statutory allocation of these decisions – and hundreds more – her operation, wants to pay his or her responsibilities between the state and cannot be made in a vacuum. employees a better wage and wants the counties is essential to the delivery to initiate new programs. Each wants of services. Therefore, Alabama So, we begin the new legislative term to deliver more effective services and counties encourage the Alabama with a new document that outlines each, predictably, seeks additional Legislature to fully fund state our policies and our goals. Most of revenue to achieve those goals. agencies and opposes the shifting the content of the document really of costs and administrative isn’t “new;” this Association’s positions And, on an annual basis, it is the responsibility of state functions have been consistent for decades. county commission that must make to the local level through the state Perhaps the 2015 Alabama County the same difficult choices that will face budget process. Platform will bring our challenges and the legislators beginning in March. our goals into clearer focus as counties Our new Foundation Principle on This principle will be especially and the 140 members of the Alabama Alabama’s Government Structure important as the state looks at issues Legislature seek a “New Beginning” in recognizes that the decisions of the such as prison reform and the full a month or so. n

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COUNTY COMMISSION | 5 From the Cover

Members in leadership of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama selected the following as the top priorities in the Alabama Legislature this year. These 2015 Strategic Goals were chosen from ACCA’s Strategic Goals for the 2015-2018 Quadrennium (or four-year term) of the state legislature. This larger Strategic list follows on page 10.

Website Publication of Election-Related Legal Notices Publications The Association will advocate The Association will alsoGoals legislation to shift the statutorily- advocate for legislation authorizing Constitutional Revision for required publication of legal counties to satisfy election-related Counties notices from a “newspaper” to publication requirements by posting The Association will advocate for publication on a website information on a public website proposed constitutional amendments maintained by the state or by and making copies available at the to authorize local decision-making; to each individual county. courthouse. ensure open debate of local legislation; and to encourage local-only referenda on local constitutional amendments.

County Modernization The Association will advocate for legislation to modernize existing law in the following ways to better provide for the operation of county government:

• To allow counties general authority to contract with municipalities; • To clarify Alabama’s law related to county commissioner conflicts of interest; • To authorize counties to create a self-funded property insurance program;

6 | COUNTY COMMISSION From the Cover

• To limit use of out-of-state all programs related to the care, efficient process for counting write-in cooperative programs for county detention, and custody of juveniles, ballots following an election. purchases; including costs of temporary housing • To clarify language related to use in county facilities. Enforcement against of county warrants and bonds; Illegal Drag Racing • To provide for bonding when Solid Waste Fee Use The Association will advocate for the county commission also The Association will advocate for legislation to prevent illegal drag serves as the 9-1-1 Board; broader use of solid waste fees racing on public roads through • To prevent annexing of collected for garbage services or strong enforcement and severe county-maintained roads along as tipping fees provided the use is penalties, including impoundment hurricane evacuation routes. connected to the provision of solid of property. waste services. Costs of Housing Funding for Rural Roads Juveniles Tax for Internet Sales into and Bridges The Association will advocate for a Alabama The Association will advocate for legislatively-created study commission The Association will advocate for legislation to provide adequate to comprehensively review the state’s legislation to bring Alabama into funding of road and bridge juvenile justice system and make compliance with federal legislation projects provided counties receive recommendations for adequate related only to collection of taxes an equitable portion of funding municipal participation and state owed on internet sales when and if utilizing the current gas tax formula. funding and administration of such federal legislation takes effect. State and Local Emergency Counting Management Programs of Write-in The Association will advocate Ballots for the creation of a task force to The Association study the need for comprehensive Merrill Lynch will advocate revision of state and local emergency is proud to salute the for legislation to management programs, operations Association of County Commissions provide a more and funding. n of Alabama

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COUNTY COMMISSION | 7 From the Cover

Introducing the Alabama County Platform Small plans would have no magic to stir county leaders to action

f ACCA represents 67 counties speaking with ONE 67 counties working together, shoulder-to-shoulder, much voice, it is no small matter to determine what that can be accomplished in the next few years. Ione voice will say, whether it is speaking persuasively 2015 Strategic Goals of ways to advance county government in Alabama or staunchly defending against changes that would bring The list of Strategic Goals includes familiar proposals from harm. the 2014 ACCA Legislative Program and new ideas put forward by ACCA members, policy teams and legislators. What you hold in your hands – the 2015 Alabama County The ACCA Legislative Committee and Board of Directors Platform -- reflects months of work by county officials, added proposals and then went a step further, with the county employees and your ACCA staff to communicate board taking input from the Legislative Committee to select those positions more crisply than ever before. which Strategic Goals are immediate priorities for counties. That process narrowed the focus to 11 specific proposals for “There is no way to begin to count the number of elected the year. county officials and county staff leaders whose time, expertise and insight are reflected in the Alabama County Another Layer Platform,” said Sonny Brasfield, ACCA executive director. The complete 2015 Alabama County Platform also contains “Each and every county owes a debt of gratitude to these many specific Legislative Policies linked to each Foundation individuals who contributed to this document, and special Principle. For the sake of brevity, these are not printed here, appreciation is due to the members of policy teams, the but are available at www.alabamacounties.org.n Legislative Committee and Board of Directors for their efforts. We have a solid plan, and it’s time to get to work.”

Foundation Principles The platform is organized into 11 Foundation Principles, which are big ideas with headings such as “County Expenditures for Compensation and Benefits” and “Election Administration.” All of ACCA’s legislative efforts are based on those Foundation Principles.

Strategic Goals Each Foundation Principle is connected to one or more Strategic Goals. You can look at them as a four-year plan, with each one representing specific legislation to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of county government. For example, Foundation Principle I is “County Expenditures for Compensation and Benefits.” The Strategic Goal connected to it for this new term of the Alabama Legislature is about reducing medical costs for workers’ compensation claims.

Considered one by one, many of these goals will not be achieved without significant effort. Taken together, the 37 Strategic Goals are ambitious but not impossible. With all

8 | COUNTY COMMISSION COUNTY COMMISSION | 9 From the Cover

legislation to accomplish the following strategic goals:

To shift the statutorily- 2015-2018 required publication of legal notices from a “newspaper” to publication on a website maintained by the state or by ALABAMA each individual county.

To provide constitutional COUNTY PLATFORM amendments to authorize local decision-making; to Foundation Principles & Strategic Goals ensure open debate of local legislation; and to encourage Adopted by vote of the members To reform Alabama’s workers’ local-only referenda on local of the Association of County compensation law by constitutional amendments. Commissions of Alabama on reasonably reducing medical Dec. 4, 2014. costs while not subjecting To provide for six year employers to increased terms of office for county I. County Expenditures payments or expenditures. commissioners. for Compensation and Benefits II. Alabama Governmental Foundation Principle: The County Structure Commission is charged with making Foundation Principle: The relationship the budgeting decisions necessary to between Alabama counties and the provide the most effective and efficient Alabama Legislature is established services to the citizens within the in constitutional and statutory law. revenue available in each of the 67 The preservation of a constitutional courthouses. Legislatively-mandated relationship between the State of adjustments in salary and benefits pose Alabama and its counties as well as a threat to the delivery of such services. a workable and productive statutory For this reason, the Association opposes allocation of responsibilities between any legislation which mandates any the state and the counties is essential expenditure of county revenues for to the delivery of services. Therefore, the payment of compensation, salary Alabama counties encourage the supplements, expense allowances, Alabama Legislature to fully fund state or benefits for current or former agencies and opposes the shifting of III. Mandated and government officials or employees. costs and administrative responsibility Unfunded Legislation of state functions to the local level Foundation Principle: Without the Strategic Goals through the state budget process. authority to levy taxes or even collect In furtherance of this Foundation fees for services, Alabama counties Principle, the Association will Strategic Goals constantly struggle to provide an actively pursue the passage of In furtherance of this Foundation adequate level of services to ensure legislation to accomplish the Principle, the Association will health, safety and prosperity of local following strategic goals: actively pursue the passage of citizens. Alabama’s constitution 10 | COUNTY COMMISSION From the Cover provides protection from the amendment to provide The budgetary, personnel and enactment of mandated and unfunded that the exemption for administrative functions carried out responsibilities onto county government defining crimes apply only to by the county commission are essential to ensure the financial integrity of the provisions of the law defining to the financial and operational health commission. The Association strongly or amending a crime. of county government in Alabama. supports the intent of Alabama’s The Association opposes any efforts that constitutional language prohibiting will obstruct the commission’s ability the enactment of unfunded mandates to effectively govern and to maintain and opposes the establishment of such the administrative and financial well- mandates through federal or state being of the services delivered by the administrative actions. county commission.

Strategic Goals IV. County Operations and Strategic Goals In furtherance of this Foundation Budget Authority In furtherance of this Foundation Principle, the Association will Foundation Principle: The county Principle, the Association will actively pursue the passage of governing body serves as both the actively pursue the passage of legislation to accomplish the legislative and administrative branch legislation to accomplish the following strategic goals: of government at the local level – following strategic goals: carrying out both budgetary duties To amend the unfunded as well as providing administrative To modernize existing law as mandate constitutional leadership for many functions. appropriate to better provide

COUNTY COMMISSION | 11 From the Cover

for the operation of county V. Election Administration legislation to accomplish the government. Foundation Principle: Alabama’s following strategic goals: election laws must maintain an To authorize counties to unquestioned level of integrity and To authorize counties to satisfy create a self-funded property objectivity while avoiding the wasteful election-related publication insurance program. spending of limited local and state requirements by posting resources. Likewise, the reporting information on a public To provide and disclosure website and making copies that the requirements placed available at the courthouse. county on candidates only commission serve to bolster such To require e-filing of all sets the efforts to garner campaign financial reports. hours of public confidence in operation the election process. To provide a more efficient of county The Association process for counting write-in offices. supports efforts to ballots following an election. eliminate many To clarify statutory language of the unenforceable and overbroad To alter the current process related to use of county provisions of Alabama’s election law for appointment of boards warrants and bonds. while not generating additional of registrars to authorize the unnecessary costs or burdens at the Secretary of State to appoint To protect counties, officials, local level. the members based upon job employees, or agents against qualifications. liability for official actions Strategic Goals provided there is no change in In furtherance of this Foundation To allow the county the statutory damage cap for Principle, the Association will commission, in its discretion, awards against counties. actively pursue the passage of to assume responsibility for

To require municipalities to provide animal control services within its jurisdictional limits or contribute a pro rata share of services provided by the county.

To amend the competitive bid law to allow counties to grant a local preference where the local vendor’s bid is within 5% of the lowest responsible bidder

12 | COUNTY COMMISSION COUNTY COMMISSION | 13 the absentee election function when there is a change in the office of circuit clerk.

To eliminate the requirement that the county commission set and fund school tax elections for municipal school systems.

VI. Environment, Land Use, and Public Works Foundation Principle: County government’s role in the effective administration and enforcement of Alabama’s law affecting environmental issues, land use and public works administration is often confusing. Counties lack land-use authority, but are required to grant initial approval for landfills. Counties seek to enhance the delivery of services by improving their public facilities and programs, but often are impeded by federal and state regulations, inspections, and prohibitions that do not serve the public’s best interests. The exercise of extra-jurisdictional powers by municipalities further clouds the role of county government. The Association seeks legislative and administrative solutions to these conflicts and encourages all related agencies to interact with counties to ensure the proper delivery of services and the enforcement of requirements and regulations.

Strategic Goals In furtherance of this Foundation Principle, the Association will actively pursue the passage of legislation to accomplish the following strategic goals:

To more clearly define the county commission’s responsibilities in granting host government approval of new or expanding landfills.

To allow broader use of solid waste fees collected for garbage services or as tipping fees provided the use is connected to the provision of solid waste services.

To limit the exercise of municipal powers or taxation outside the jurisdiction’s corporate limits.

14 | COUNTY COMMISSION From the Cover

VII. Revenue Protection reduce tax revenues or increase to meeting these goals and must be Foundation Principle: Counties are current exemptions. protected from unnecessary raids and partners with the State of Alabama expenditures. The Association will in the collection of revenue and the To remove any defects in actively oppose any removal of revenue delivery of services funded by the state tax laws resulting in a from the Alabama Trust Fund and collection of such revenue. Many taxes discriminatory tax structure seeks to be a partner in those economic collected by the counties as well as the provided it eliminates development efforts that emphasize a state are earmarked for distribution discrimination without partnership between the state and its between the two levels of government creating new or expanding counties. to ensure the provision of services. exemptions or tax credits. Likewise, the Legislature considers the Strategic Goals To ensure there is no cost In furtherance of this Foundation to local government for use Principle, the Association will of the ONE SPOT sales tax actively pursue the passage of remittance system. legislation to accomplish the following strategic goals: To bring Alabama into compliance with federal To shift 20 percent of the legislation related only to the corpus and future oil lease collection of taxes owed on and royalty payments of the internet sales when and if such Alabama Trust Fund into federal legislation takes effect. the County and Municipal Government Trust Fund abatement or exemption of many taxes To collect unpaid debts which would thereafter levied by or on behalf of the county due the county by other operate as a separately- commission. County services cannot governmental entities by maintained Trust Fund for be funded during either the short- or intercepting the entity’s counties and municipalities. long-term if the necessary revenue is portion of ad valorem taxes. interrupted. The Association opposes To require local government mandated abatement or exemption VIII. Economic consent for any exemption or of the local proceeds of any taxes as Development and the abatement of any local sales or well as the alteration of the allocation Alabama Trust Fund use tax. formula used to distribute tax proceeds Foundation Principle: Alabama between the state and its counties. counties play an ever-growing and To prohibit municipalities vital role in the state’s economic and industrial development Strategic Goals development efforts; providing services, authorities from abating In furtherance of this Foundation financial support and community county taxes without consent Principle, the Association will leadership necessary to attract and of the county commission. actively pursue the passage of retain important employers. Counties legislation to accomplish the must be able to access the revenue IX. Alabama’s Prisons and following strategic goals: necessary to carry out this function County Jails and must be included in any reforms Foundation Principle: Alabama’s To create a more fair and and initiatives that alter Alabama’s prison system faces a crisis not unlike equitable ad valorem tax law regarding economic incentives the crisis duplicated on a daily basis system provided it does not and requirements. Revenue from in each of the 67 county jails. The eliminate annual reappraisal, the Alabama Trust Fund is essential watchful eye of the federal courts, the

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16 | COUNTY COMMISSION From the Cover never-ending expense of providing jail X. Justice and Public state and local agencies work in services, the growing costs of health care Safety partnership for the safety and well-being and the training and compensation for Foundation Principle: The State of all citizens of this state. officers presents of Alabama is responsible for a challenge administration of state courts and Strategic Goals well beyond public safety agencies and for providing In furtherance of this Foundation the reach public health and mental health Principle, the Association will of a county services for the citizens of this state. actively pursue the passage of commission The Association believes the Alabama legislation to accomplish the devoid of Legislature should adequately fund following strategic goals: revenue- each state agency responsible for delivery generating of these critical To amend the powers. On the government law requiring 911 other hand, an services and directors and board efficient local opposes any members to post law enforcement legislative or bond to more agency and jail administrative adequately set is necessary to efforts that bonding amounts maintain order and to ensure the safety mandate counties in line with the of all Alabamians. The Association is to assume any services provided. gravely concerned that all reform efforts, responsibility statutory changes or administrative rules for these state To provide be considered only in light of direct, functions or adequate funding indirect and unintended consequences that force county to ensure that generated at the county level. government to assume state functions ambulance services are due to the state’s failure to adequately available throughout the Strategic Goals meet its financial or administrative county. In furtherance of this Foundation responsibilities. Additionally, since local Principle, the Association will government plays an important role To improve and expand spay- actively pursue the passage of in providing emergency services at the neuter services throughout legislation to accomplish the local level, the Association urges the the state, provided there is following strategic goals: Legislature to ensure there is adequate no requirement that counties funding for local programs and that fund such services. To advocate for a legislatively- created study commission to comprehensively review the state’s juvenile justice system and make recommendations for adequate municipal participation and state funding and administration of all programs related to the care, detention, and custody of juveniles, including costs of temporary housing in county facilities.

COUNTY COMMISSION | 17 From the Cover

To prevent illegal drag racing for comprehensive revision construction, maintenance, and repair on public roads through of state and local emergency of all roads and bridges in the county strong enforcement and management programs, road system. The Association believes it severe penalties, including operations and funding. is essential that the county commission impoundment of property. have adequate federal, state, and/or local XI. Rural Transportation funding to meet the many needs of its Support for creation of a Foundation Principle: The county rural transportation system. Additionally, task force to study the need commission is responsible for proper the Association believes that, in order to keep roads and bridges properly maintained for the safety and well- Alabama’s Source for Quality Products and Service Since 1978 being of the traveling public, the county commission must have broad regulatory authority related to the use of county- maintained roads and bridges, including the ability to collect reimbursement from persons or entities causing damage to those roads and bridges. Truckworx Kenworth is an Alabama based, family-owned company that strives for excellence with the products Strategic Goals we carry, the services we offer, and the In furtherance of this Foundation people who are part of our team. Principle, the Association will As a partner of the ACCA, Truckworx actively pursue the passage of Kenworth in Montgomery provides you legislation to accomplish the 2015 Kenworth T800 with a convenient, cost-effective way to following strategic goals: Dump Truck with get the quality equipment you need. Stampede Body

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18 | COUNTY COMMISSION From the Cover

State leaders need to turn attention to juvenile justice

here’s been a lot of discussion tremendous challenge to county During the ACCA Legislative around the state – and government in Alabama,” said Sonny Conference, counties voted to Twherever ACCA members are Brasfield, executive director of ACCA. make the establishment of a study gathered – about the overwhelming “The Association believes that the best commission one of the Association’s need to reform Alabama’s adult prison way to move forward with reforms Strategic Goals for this four-year term. system. Changes at the state level, to improve this intricate system is to Recognizing the importance of this county officials concede, issue in every county of are sure to produce both the state, the Association’s intended and unintended Strategic spotlight: Board of Directors consequences in every selected it as an immediate county in Alabama. Juvenile justice priority for 2015.

County officials, Strategic Goal Aspects of juvenile justice especially those who have to be considered include: 2015 Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature a historical perspective, know that adult offenders • Who should bear Costs of Housing Juveniles are only part of the the financial cost of The Association will advocate for a legislatively-created study “consequences” story, commission to comprehensively review the state’s juvenile justice housing juveniles because there are similar system and make recommendations for adequate municipal participation detained by municipal issues with young people and state funding and administration of all programs related to the law enforcement when a who come through the care, detention, and custody of juveniles, including costs of temporary county facility is used? complex juvenile justice housing in county facilities. system. • How can funding for state-level services be When the 2015 Regular Alabama County Foundation Principal IX: stabilized? Session of the Alabama Alabama’s Prisons and County Jails Legislature begins in Alabama’s prison system faces a crisis not unlike the crisis duplicated • How can the March, ACCA will on a daily basis in each of the 67 county jails. The watchful eye of state ensure that be advocating for the federal courts, the never-ending expense of providing jail services, it will adequately lawmakers to create a the growing costs of health care and the training and compensation meet its financial for officers presents a challenge well beyond the reach of a county study commission to do and administrative commission devoid of revenue-generating powers. On the other a comprehensive review hand, an efficient local law enforcement agency and jail is necessary responsibilities so that of the state’s juvenile to maintain order and to ensure the safety of all Alabamians. The duties are not shifted to justice system, with Association is gravely concerned that all reform efforts, statutory local government? special attention focused changes or administrative rules be considered only in light of direct, on funding, how the indirect and unintended consequences generated at the county level. • Does Alabama have costs should be allocated adequate bed capacity for between various levels the current needs – on of government and possible ways to bring the interested parties together so both temporary and long-term achieve some efficiency. that everyone can better understand basis? the crisis that is just around the corner “The care, detention and custody and work toward solutions with broad- • Can the delivery of services of juveniles is a long-running and based support.” – and the necessary court

COUNTY COMMISSION | 19 From the Cover

appearances – be enhanced by spends nearly $400,000 a year for the detention center is just part of the technology? limited space in a regional juvenile problem. When a juvenile offender detention center located in a needs to appear in court, a county • What is the proper role of neighboring county. deputy drives to Anniston so that the community-based services? individual can go before the judge. Etowah County Commissioner Tim “We’re paying for the car, the gas, the Alabama relies on a network of Choate said, in his county, more than time – it’s all falling on the county,” residential facilities – owned by the 90 percent of the juveniles enter the Choate said. state, counties and private interests – system through interaction with the to house juveniles. Another key part Gadsden Police Department. When The state- and county-level elements of the system is the dozens of diversion municipal law enforcement brings an of this system are closely intertwined, programs, which are present in two- adult offender to the county jail, the so any threat to state funding causes thirds of Alabama counties. city covers the cost of that person’s stay. concern for county officials. The But with juvenile offenders, the county Department of Youth Services is Smaller counties that lack their own foots the bill. primarily supported by annual beds for juvenile offenders face an legislative appropriations from the additional burden, because juveniles “What is fair is for each municipality state General Fund, Education Trust must be transported back and forth for to pick up the bill on their juveniles,” Fund and Children First Trust Fund. court appearances. said Choate, a past president of ACCA. So, when state dollars are scarce, as is This issue is a particular concern in often the case, the department has to Etowah County, where the county The cost of holding the juvenile in fight for every dollar. n

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BS-056 ACCA Ad-01_3.7X4.9.indd 1 4/4/2014 4:40:42 PM From the Cover

Former commissioners aim to ‘make a difference’

n 2015 there are two new was first elected to the Montgomery Alabama legislators who have County Commission in 2004, and Igone from the he served 10 County county courthouse years representing to the State House, a largely rural Caucus bringing the district that Alabama legislators membership of the encompasses who have served as unofficial “County three-fourths of Caucus” to 13. the county by county commissioners area. of Rep. George Bandy, Lee Montgomery “The most Rep. , Jefferson County joins rewarding and Sen. Clyde Chambliss, Autauga 11 other county important thing government Rep. , Baldwin veterans in the Rep. Berry Forte, Barbour Alabama House of Rep. , Talladega Representatives, and Clyde Chambliss of Rep. Reed Ingram, Montgomery Autauga County is the only former Rep. John Knight, Montgomery county commissioner currently Rep. Dimitri Polizos, Montgomery serving in the Alabama Senate. They agree that their backgrounds Rep. , Cullman in county government will be an Rep. , Blount asset, and from the perspective of the Rep. Lesley Vance, Russell Association of County Commissions of Alabama, their presence in the Rep. , Calhoun State House could be beneficial. Alabama Guardrail 08 ad.qxp 4/3/2008 8:41 AM Page 1 “While we never want to see a strong, effective leader leave the county commission, everyone in county government benefits when legislators have a deep understanding of our issues,” said Sonny Brasfield, ACCA executive director. “And there’s no better way to understand county government than to have lived it and breathed it and wrestled with the CATHERINE HUFF challenges that face all 67 counties.” President P.O. Box 728 • Pinson, AL 35126 Phone: (205) 681-3395 x103 • Fax: (205) 681-5747 • Email: [email protected] Ingram’s county service is recent. Specializing in the installation of highway guardrails, signs and fencing. The longtime small business owner

COUNTY COMMISSION | 21 From the Cover

to me was being able to make a counties, and other legislative existing taxes. “We can run a lot difference in the unincorporated priorities include securing a seat more efficiently,” he said. areas,” Ingram said, citing on the County and Municipal accomplishments such as installing Government Committee, reducing For Chambliss, his 12 years on the more than a dozen tornado sirens, unemployment fraud, getting Autauga County Commission are a top rankings from the state for revenue from Internet purchases bit more distant but still seem fresh maintenance of county roads and and improving enforcement of in the mind of the new state senator. clean audits.

Montgomery County has only two incorporated municipalities – Montgomery and fast-growing Pike Road. Ingram said the working relationships among county and municipal governments improved dramatically in recent years. He is also proud of the way Montgomery County weathered the recent economic downturn.

“We were able to overcome the challenges that were on us financially,” he said, noting that the county workforce was managed through attrition and a hiring freeze.

In the last 10 years, economic development efforts have brought 30,000 new jobs to Montgomery, and Ingram said he plans to focus on that issue as a legislator. He’s also The attorneys and staff of Webb & counting on his background with governmental financial matters. Eley, P. C. support and appreciate all of the county commissioners and While acknowledging that as a their staff. freshman legislator there will be much to learn, he is energetic.

P. O. Box 240909, Montgomery, AL 36124 “We can make a difference,” Ingram (334) 262-1850 Website: www.webbeley.com said. “We’re going to have a good E-mail: [email protected] House. A lot of good people got elected, a lot of them with business sense.”

He now represents portions of Montgomery and Elmore

22 | COUNTY COMMISSION From the Cover

He was elected to the commission though the course and conference changes affect us at the local level,” in 1996 and then wielded the center are situated in Elmore he said. “I want to try to make chairman’s gavel from 2000 to County. sure unintended consequences are 2008. Last year, this consulting mitigated as much as possible.” civil engineer won a hard-fought With two aging jails only three campaign to represent all of blocks apart, Autauga County and Chambliss has made the always- Autauga and Coosa counties, plus the City of Prattville collaborated ailing state General Fund budget portions of Chilton, Elmore and on a shared metro jail that has a top priority because he sees it Tallapoosa counties. reduced overhead expenses. “That’s as Alabama’s biggest problem and money saved from then on,” because so many other problems, As a county commissioner, Chambliss said, noting similar such as the overcrowded state prison Chambliss forged alliances with city cooperative efforts on ambulance system, are rooted in that budget. government as well as neighboring service and an animal shelter. counties to help the whole area “I want to try to solve our General grow. As a legislator, Chambliss says he Fund problems long term,” he said, will be watchful about state actions noting that some have called him Autauga County contributed to that can have big ripple effects for crazy for wanting to dive into this the construction of the Retirement counties. “Things occur at the state issue. “I didn’t go there just to sit in Systems of Alabama’s Robert Trent level that need a solution or some a chair; I’m going there to make a Jones golf course in Prattville, type of change in the law, and those difference.” n

COUNTY COMMISSION | 23 WILMER & LEE A Professional Association

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24 | COUNTY COMMISSION News You Can Use

Stricklend keeps eye on details, big picture

t has been a whirlwind for officer rotation is followed, Marshall County Commissioner Stricklend will become ACCA’s IBill Stricklend since August, president in 2016. when he was elected to be an officer in the Association of County The current whirlwind of activity Commissions of Alabama. can really be traced back to the summer of 2007, when then-Gov. With an eye for both small details Bob Riley appointed Stricklend and the big picture, he had already to a partial term on the Marshall made an impact in the Association County Commission representing that he says is the “nucleus” of District 1. county government in our state by serving two years on the ACCA That was the same year that the Board of Directors and four years Alabama Legislature passed the on the ACCA Liability Self- County Modernization Act, Insurance Fund Inc.’s board. which made numerous updates and improvements to the statutes He is in a one-year term as vice- governing the basic operation of president, and if the traditional county government. ability for different law enforcement That kind of forethought impressed agencies to communicate with Stricklend, now 57, who through each other, and the Alabama his career in law enforcement had Prison Reform Task Force, which been involved with legislative is taking a systemic look at how advocacy in the past. to reform the state’s overcrowded, underfunded corrections system. “One of the things I marvel at with ACCA is the ability to get bills In both cases, the work “is going to passed,” he said. “As long as we impact this state for years to come, speak with one voice, we get a lot of and the counties need a voice,” attention. When we splinter, not so Stricklend said. “It’s important much. I see ACCA as the nucleus to me and the Association that for the counties.” I represent the counties so the counties don’t end up toting the As someone who wants to “bring burden.” the local story to Montgomery,” Stricklend has taken on two new It’s just another way he sees the responsibilities where he serves as an small details (including 13 years of important county voice at the state different state and federal mandates level. He has been appointed to the to achieve interoperability and the Alabama First Responder Wireless relevant technological changes that Commission, which is charged with have happened in those years) and increasing “interoperability” or the the big picture.

COUNTY COMMISSION | 25 News You Can Use

He is firmly grounded in Marshall who is a first-year law student at miles of county roads. And he County, his home and birthplace the University of Alabama. For sees how counties all across the some 57 years ago. His commission recreation, Stricklend enjoys hunting state struggle to maintain their district numbers about 25,000 and fishing as well as riding and infrastructure as costs continue to people today in the city of Arab and raising horses. rise and funding is level at best. surrounding areas along the county’s western border. From his perspective, ACCA’s “It’s important to me and the challenges are two-fold, starting Association that I represent Retired from law enforcement now, with building connections with new Stricklend spent 22 years in the the counties so the counties commissioners who have never been profession, and his last position don’t end up toting the engaged in government before. And was chief investigator for the local burden.” he has another idea in mind that will district attorney. A graduate of Arab – Bill Stricklend, involve all 351 elected commissioners High School, the commissioner ACCA vice president in Alabama. earned an associate’s degree in law enforcement from Wallace State “Ronald Reagan said, ‘You shall never Community College Hanceville. As is his habit, he looks to the future talk bad about another Republican,’” with two different levels of focus. Stricklend said. “I feel that about He and his wife, Kaye, reside in Stricklend knows the challenges commissioners. We need to be Arab. They have a daughter, Katlyn, of his district, where there are 350 cohesive throughout the state.” n

26 | COUNTY COMMISSION COUNTY COMMISSION | 27 Too Much hAT, NoT ENough cowboy?

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28 | COUNTY COMMISSION News You Can Use

New training program for jail officers

hat started with a shared Jail officers could finish the program basis. But I hope it is also another passion for helping law – and earn a certificate of completion step in working with our friends at the Wenforcement employees from the National Institute for Jail Alabama Sheriffs Association.” who have the most contact with jail Operations – by September. Tuition inmates is coming into focus with reimbursement is available for Brasfield also said the program hopes a collaborative program that will be counties in ACCA’s self-insurance to attract participation from those unique in the United States. funds. counties that simply cannot send officers to the two-week program The Alabama Jail Training Academy, a SPEED offered by the Alabama Peace Officers new optional basic training program READ Standards and Training Commission. for county jail officers, will offer its “The Alabama Jail Training Academy first class, “Officer Responsibilities » Alabama sheriffs and county is not a substitute for the tried-and- and Offender Supervision,” in commissions are launching a training true program that has paid dividends February. program for county jail officers in all over this state,” he said. But the 2015. new educational effort should benefit The academy is a joint effort » Reimbursement available for all counties, especially those who need that came about after strong members of ACCA Self-Insurance to provide basic training that will be encouragement from the Alabama Funds more convenient. Sheriffs’ Association, Calhoun County Sheriff Larry Amerson, Monroe » Learn more at The National Institute for Jail County Sheriff Tom Tate and Lee www.alabamacounties.org/?p=7544 Operations is responsible for the County Sheriff Jay Jones. In the academy’s curriculum, which is end, the project involves national custom-tailored for Alabama. leaders and county commission “We have talked about this program Instructors will be veteran county jail encouragement as well as support for a long, long time,” said Sonny officers themselves who completed from ACCA’s liability and workers’ Brasfield, ACCA executive director. a “train-the-trainer” seminar in compensation insurance funds. “It is a great testimony to what can December. happen when sheriffs and county “Jail officers put their lives on the line commissions pull in a unified effort. These instructors will be the voices every day, and it is very important Certainly this program will provide of long experience, steeped in best that they have the best training needed training and educational practices that align with the Alabama possible,” said Bobby Timmons, opportunities for employees who face legal environment. Teaching their executive director of the Alabama life-changing decisions on a daily colleagues from around the state is Sheriffs’ Association. “Alabama has long been a national leader in training and professionalism in the sheriffs’ offices, and this new program is another example of working together to provide the very best resources to our officers. We are very proud to be a part of this program.”

This program will consist of four two- day courses spaced throughout the year that can be taken in any order.

COUNTY COMMISSION | 29 News You Can Use

an adjustment, but one they seem eager to make. “If we are going to be instructors, we need to step out of our comfort zone,” said Mike Petrey from the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, as he explained appropriate attitudes and behaviors for dealing with people with abnormal behavior problems.

This level of training, based on what the courts require, is quite different from the old routines where in some cases inmate trustees showed new jail officers the ropes.

It is unique to see a statewide effort where sheriffs, the sheriffs’ association and the county commission association are working together to protect counties, said Tate McCotter of the National Institute for Jail Operations, a partner During a December “train the trainer” session, Mike Pe- division of the National Sheriffs’ Association. trey, standing, instructs his colleagues on how to man- age inmates with abnormal behavior problems, which “This is very targeted training that is geared toward is a priority given the high rate of mental illness among proactively defending counties and sheriffs from frivolous, those detained in county facilities. Petrey works for the inmate-filed lawsuits and teaching officers their everyday Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, and the listeners responsibilities and duties to run constitutionally safe jails,” are, from left, Justin Powell, Morgan County; and John McCotterreformat morgan said. stanley“We arerev041114:reformat excited to be Morgana part ofStanley it.” n4/11/2014 2:03Harville, PM Baldwin County.

The Halcyon Group at Morgan Stanley proudly supports is a proud supporter of the The Association Association of County Commissions of Alabama of County Commissions of Alabama Paul Winn Lewis Gayden Travis Winn C. Richard Hill, Jr. Ashley H. Freeman April Watson 1784 Taliaferro Trail Senior Vice President – Wealth Management Montgomery, Alabama 36117 Senior Portfolio Manager 334.215.4422 Morgan Stanley Wealth Management [email protected] 7515 Halcyon Summit Drive [email protected] Suite 300 Montgomery, AL 36117 (334) 270 - 2634 www.fritzandhill.com [email protected]

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Midland Half Page ad.indd 1 3/21/14 12:21 PM Lee Helms ad:Layout 1 2/20/2012 5:02 PM Page 1

n Tuesday, March 17, 2015 Butler, Elmore, Geneva, Marengo, Mobile, ACCA COUNTY DAYS Monroe, Morgan, Perry, Pickens, Pike, As an important part of our effort to ensure the Alabama Legislature is constantly St. Clair, Walker hearing “67 Counties, One Voice”, we will once again be hosting County Days n Tuesday, March 31, 2015 during the 2015 Legislative Session. Each county has been assigned one day to Baldwin, Cherokee, Calhoun, Chilton, come to Montgomery and “walk the halls” to help make sure all your legislators are Crenshaw, Etowah, Limestone, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Wilcox, Winston aware of – and supporting – the interests of county government when considering legislation. The schedule has been designed to provide for all regions of the state to n Tuesday, April 7, 2015 be represented on each of the six designated days. Representation from each county Bibb, Blount, Clay, Conecuh, Cullman, Franklin, Henry, Houston, Lowndes, on its day will be key to the success of this effort. All county commissioners and all Macon, Randolph, Sumter key staff are encouraged to participate and join us at the Statehouse on your day. n Tuesday, April 14, 2015 The schedule for each County Day is set out below -- and should not require Cleburne, Coffee, Escambia, Hale, an overnight stay. More details will be distributed as each County Day draws Jefferson, Lauderdale, Marion, Marshall, near, but please get this date on your calendar and make plans now to participate in Russell this important event. n Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Autauga, Bullock, Colbert, Covington, SCHEDULE Fayette, Greene, Jackson, Lee, Talladega, 10:00 a.m. Washington Briefing at the Alabama State House and Lobbying n Tuesday, May 19, 2015 12:30 p.m. Barbour, Chambers, Choctaw, Clarke, Lunch at the ACCA Office Building Coosa, Dale, Dallas, DeKalb, Lamar, Lawrence, Madison, Montgomery, Shelby 1:30 p.m. Lobbying at the Alabama State House

Phone: 205-280-3027 Website: www.leehelmsllc.com

COUNTY COMMISSION | 33 ACCA Board of Directors 2014-15

Hon. Merceria Ludgood Hon. Ray Long Hon. Bill Stricklend President | Mobile County President-Elect | Morgan County Vice President | Marshall County

DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES PAST PRESIDENTS Hon. Rex Burleson, District 1...... Colbert County Hon. ...... Chambers County Hon. Ricky Harcrow...... DeKalb County Hon. Roger Jones, District 2...... Madison County Hon. Tim Choate...... Etowah County Hon. Dewitt Jackson, District 3...... DeKalb County Hon. Ricky Burney...... Clay County Hon. Jeff Clark, District 4...... Morgan County Hon. Larry White...... Escambia County Hon. Sandra Brown, District 5...... Jefferson County Hon. Joe Faulk...... Elmore County Hon. Drucilla Russ-Jackson, District 6...... Sumter County Hon. Rhondel Rhone...... Clarke County Hon. Ryan Robertson, District 7...... Cleburne County Hon. Mark Culver...... Houston County Hon. Roger Hayes...... Winston County Hon. Bill English, District 8...... Leen County Hon. Hardy McCollum...... Tuscaloosa County Hon. David Bowen, District 9...... Elmore County Hon. Tyrone Moye, District 10...... Clarke County Hon. David Money, District 11...... Henry County AFFILIATE REPRESENTATIVES Hon. Connie Hudson, District 12...... Mobile County Mark Tyner, President, ACAA...... Bibb County Hon. Ron Smith, Tony Cherry...... Choctaw County John Bedford, President, ACEA...... Colbert County

ACCA Staff Sonny Brasfield...... Executive Director and Publisher...... [email protected] POLICY Mary E. Pons...... Association Counsel...... [email protected] Chase Cobb...... Governmental Relations Specialist...... [email protected] Brandy Perry...... Executive Assistant...... [email protected] ADMINISTRATION Lauren Westbrook...... Director of Finance...... [email protected] Henry van Arcken...... Director of Insurance Services...... [email protected] Marcia Collier...... Executive Assistant...... [email protected] Paulette D. Williams...... Receptionist...... [email protected] COMMUNICATIONS AND EDUCATION Donna Key...... Director of Events and Education...... [email protected] Jennifer Datcher...... Executive Assistant...... [email protected]

34 | COUNTY COMMISSION

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