NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES ■ WASHINGTON, D.C. VOL. 47, NO. 9 ■ MAY 4, 2015 CDBG Coalition hopes to Justice and Mental Health Act introduced protect, increase funding By Yejin Jang screening practices that ASSOCIATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR identify inmates with mental By Charlie Ban at a Capitol Hill briefing April 28. and Urban Development. health conditions SENIOR STAFF WRITER The coalition, organized by “If you would adjust for A bill that would provide more • support the development of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, inflation, the program would resources to address the increas- curricula for police academies While celebrating a House and including NACo, reiterated a probably be funded at about ing population of those with and orientation, and appropriations bill markup that wish list of $3.3 billion in funding $12 billion,” said Gene Lowe, mental illness in jails has been • develop programs to train boosted the Community Devel- and an adjustment for inflation, the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ introduced in both the House federal law enforcement opment Block Grant (CDBG) to which has been absent since the assistant executive director. “We and Senate by Sen. Al Franken officers in how to appropriately $3 billion, the CDBG Coalition program’s 1974 introduction. simply have been nowhere near (D-Minn.) and Rep. Doug Col- respond to incidents involving pushed for measures that would In its 41 years, the number of that.” lins (R-Ga.). The Comprehensive a person with a mental health sustain the program in the future CDBG recipients has increased Dauphin County, Pa. Com- Justice and Mental Health Act condition. to more than 1,200 from its inau- missioner George Hartwick (CJMHA) would reauthorize the gural 594, but the initial funding described the extent to which Mentally Ill Offender Treatment level, $2.7 billion, has increased CDBG has helped his county. and Crime Reduction Act. much less than the rate of infla- “We’ve been able to do some CJMHA would provide coun- INSIDE THIS ISSUE  tion. It’s a need-based, formula- creative things with leveraging ties with funding to expand driven funding program to states dollars,” he said, pointing out specialty courts (e.g. drug courts and local governments through and veteran’s courts) and crisis the U.S. Department of Housing See CDBG page 2 intervention training for law enforcement. It would also: • continue support for mental health courts and crisis intervention teams • authorize investment in veterans treatment courts Cook County sheriff’s program • support state and local efforts tears down walls and builds up to identify people with confidenceu Page 13 mental health conditions Incoming NACo president, at each point in the criminal Sallie Clark, invites leadership justice system in order to applications u Page 3 appropriately direct them to Minnesota county judge takes DUI mental health services rates for a ride u Page 6 (sequential intercept model) Nevada, California escape ESA Photo by Alix Kashdan • increase focus on corrections- listing of grouse u Page 8 Dauphin County, Pa. Commissioner George Hartwick discusses the based programs such as importance of CDBG funds to his county. transitional services and 2 May 4, 2015 CountyNews • Flexibility, focus on economic developement big selling points for CDBG program

CDBG from page 1 percent set-aside of CDBG funding echoed that sentiment. for rural projects has meant. “At a time when local govern- one dollar in CDBG funding can “In northern, rural parts of the ments in rural communities are typically be leveraged to raise $4.77 county, if it wasn’t for our ability to striving to overcome economic in private financing. “Being able to utilize CDBG dollars we may not competition, aging infrastructure have flexible utilization of dollars have any public infrastructure at and scarce federal resources, it is to solve some extremely complex all,” he said. “The idea of providing vital that federal policymakers con- issues in redevelopment, infra- water and sewer lines and the ability tinue to maintain strong funding structure and road repairs — we’ve for us to put in critical roadway has for the CDBG program,” he said. combined it with our infrastructure been crucial.” Reps. Jim McGovern (D) and bank to address major projects,” Tim Ware, executive director of Joe Kennedy (D), both of Mas-

Hartwick added. the George Washington Regional sachusetts, also voiced support for Reprinted with permission, Ouray County Plaindealer He emphasized what the 30 Commission in Fredericksburg, Va. CDBG funding during the briefing. ‘Waters of the U.S.’ bill Nepal gets a hand from Fairfax, heads to House floor By Julie Ufner under federal permitting authority. ASSOCIATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR Since its publication, NACo has Los Angeles counties expressed concerns about the scope A bill that would require the of the proposed rule and called for it Environmental Protection Agency to be withdrawn until further analy- (EPA) and the Army Corps of sis and more in-depth consultation Engineers (Corps) to withdraw the with state and local officials could proposed Waters of the U.S. rule be completed. within 30 days and to rewrite a new A bipartisan Senate bill that also proposed rule after consultation urges the EPA and Corps to restart with state and local governments is the Waters of the U.S. rulemaking headed for the House floor within process was introduced April 30. the next several weeks. The House The Waters of the U.S. rule is Committee on Transportation and expected to be finalized within the Infrastructure (T&I) passed the next several months. Regulatory Integrity Protection Act of 2015 (H.R. 1732) April 15. H.R. 1732 would require the agencies to document where CountyNews consensus was reached with state and local governments and where President | Riki Hokama it wasn’t reached, and how the Publisher | Matthew Chase Public Affairs Director | Tom Goodman agencies addressed those concerns. Executive Editor | Beverly Anne Schlotterbeck The measure currently has 55 co- Senior Staff Writer | Charles Taylor Senior Staff Writer | Charlie Ban sponsors. NACo sent a letter to T&I Design Director | Leon Lawrence III Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) and Ranking Member Peter ADVERTISING STAFF Job Market/Classifieds representative DeFazio (D-Ore.) in support of the National Accounts representative Regulatory Integrity Protection Act. Beverly Schlotterbeck (Clockwise from top) A Fairfax County, Va. In April 2014, the EPA and (202) 393-6226 • FAX (202) 393-2630 Urban Search & Rescue team awaits takeoff Published biweekly except August by: the Corps jointly released a new National Association of Counties for Nepal. USAR Team members from Fairfax proposed rule that would amend Research Foundation, Inc. and Los Angeles counties help rescue a teen 25 Massachusetts Ave., N.W. five days after the quake. A team member the definition of Waters of the U.S. STE. 500, Washington, D.C. 20001 marks debris. within the Clean Water Act and (202) 393-6226 | FAX (202) 393-2630 E-mail | [email protected] dramatically expand the range of Online address | www.countynews.org public safety infrastructure that falls The appearance of paid advertisements in County News in no way implies support or endorsement by the Na- tional Association of Counties for any of the products, services or messages advertised. Periodicals postage Quick Takes paid at Washington D.C. and other offices. Mail subscriptions are $100 per year for non-members. $60 per year for non-members purchasing multiple cop- TOP 5 MOST COMMON ies. Educational institution rate, $50 per year. Member NON-PRESIDENTIAL COUNTY county supplemental subscriptions are $20 each. Send payment with order and address changes to NACo, 25 NAMES Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001. 1. Clay 18 POSTMASTER: send address changes to 2. Montgomery 18 The Clay County County News, 25 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Courthouse 3. Union 18 Ste. 500, Washington, D.C. 20001 in Alabama (USPS 704-620) n (ISSN: 0744-9798) 4. Marion 17 © National Association of Counties 5. Wayne 16 Research Foundation, Inc. As ranked by: USA Travel Guide Photo credits: Also clockwise from top: Photos courtesy Airman 1st Class William Johnson/U.S. Air Force, DART/USAID, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Photo credits: Also clockwise from top: Photos courtesy Airman 1st Class William Johnson/U.S. Air Force, DART/USAID, Courtesy of USGENWEB ARCHIVES • CountyNews May 4, 2015 3 Legislation would Memo: NACo Members repeal ‘Cadillac tax’ From: Incoming President Sallie Clark Looking ahead to my year as Membership on policy steering on health care plans NACo president, I want to take this committees is done through a nomi- opportunity to let you know about nation process by state associations By Brian Bowden county employee heath benefits. the appointments that I will have of counties; it is not part of the ASSOCIATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR Leinbach voiced NACo’s sup- the privilege of making to NACo’s presidential appointments. port for the bill because counties leadership team. More information about each A bipartisan measure to repeal continue to grapple with the committee and its specific appoint- the so-called “Cadillac,” or excise budgetary challenges left over from These appointments include: ment terms can be found online tax, on high-cost insurance plans the recession, and the excise tax, he • Policy Steering Committee at www.naco.org/presidential_ap- — supported by NACo — was said, is “an unfunded mandate” that and subcommittee chair plication. introduced at a Capitol Hill press would require counties to dramati- and vice chairs To be considered for a presi- briefing. cally raise deductibles and reduce • LUCC and RAC chairs, dential appointment to any of the Rep. Joseph Courtney (D- benefits, making it more difficult to vice chairs and members following committees or as an at- Conn.) unveiled the legislation, hire and retain county employees. • Standing committee chairs, large director for the NACo Board the Middle Class Health Benefits “Not only would the excise tax vice chairs and members of Directors, you must complete Tax Repeal Act, along with co- hinder our efforts to attract and • Ad Hoc Committee, Task the online application at www.naco. NACo stronger and more effective. sponsor Rep. Dina Titus (R-Nev.) retain top-notch employees, but it Force and Advisory Board org/presidential_application before Please apply now. Thank you. and representatives from the public would also have significant impacts chairs, vice chairs and June 8. and private sectors including Berks on county budgets and impose members Our association exists because of First Vice President Sallie Clark County, Pa. Commissioner Chris- additional burdens on taxpayers,” • At-large NACo Board its members, and we need your ex- Commissioner tian Leinbach representing NACo, he said. Director pertise and knowledge to help make El Paso County, Colo. April 28. The tax is expected to cost his The 40 percent excise tax, a county nearly $3.6 million by 2022, provision of the Affordable Care and over the course of five years, a Act, will be imposed on employers total of $11.6 million. for health insurance benefits above The Middle Class Health Ben- $10,200 for individual coverage and efits Tax Repeal Act has already $27,500 for family coverage begin- attracted 65 co-sponsors, Courtney ning in 2018. NACo opposes taxing said.

NEW In MAY FROM NACo’s COUNTY EXPLORER species are listed as Endangered or Threatened in the 3,069 counties, 1,348 as of May 2015.*

of the nation’s 3,069 counties have at least one listed 99.4% species within their boundaries.

species have been newly listed as Endangered or Threatened in the 3,069 counties since 2004. 217

of counties have at least one species newly listed as Endangered or Threatened since 2004. 81% *This total includes species classified as Endangered, Threatened, and Threatened due to Similarity of Appearance. Photo by Alix Kashdan At a Capitol Hill news conference, Berks County, Pa. Commissioner Christian Leinbach voices NACo’s support for a bill that would elimi- nate the excise tax, also known as the Cadillac tax, on health care www.NACo.org/CountyExplorer benefits for county employees. 4 May 4, 2015 CountyNews • COUNTY INNOVATIONS AND SOLUTIONS Boulder County, Colo.

Left Hand Outdoor Challenge participant Megan Kocina checks a GPS against a map on an orienteering course. Photo by Benjamin White-Patarino Teens Flock to Outdoor Challenge By Charlie Ban different monthly modules that tie the most fencing, or the popular “We wanted to do as been reintroduced. SENIOR STAFF WRITER touch on variety of land steward- firefighter physical challenge. “This wasn’t the kind of thing ship topics for 28 students annu- “We try to work in competition much as we could that we, as rangers, would get to In a world of near-ubiquitous ally, ages 14 to 18. They include in every challenge,” Andrews said. without technology, do,” Andrews joked. electronic interaction, high park planning, winter survival “We have a lot of high-achieving The program welcomes volun- school students still ache for and orienteering, wildland kids in the program. They’re always and we’re finding the teers, including Gabi Boerkircher, a chance to be a part of the firefighting and search and looking forward, thinking about kids appreciate that” who works for the county’s com- natural world. rescue, among others. The skills for college and their careers.” munications office. CONTENT That’s what Boulder participants can learn all By the same token, the par- — Sarah Andrews “I’m at a desk all day, so it was County Parks and Open facets of environmental stew- ticipants spend a lot of time Park Ranger education for me too. I didn’t know Space found out when teens re- ardship and could consider a career in school, and Andrews and Boulder County, Colo. anything about stewardship,” she sponded so well to the Left Hand in any of the fields to which they Vroman found classroom-based said. “I like that some kids come in, Outdoor Challenge. It is named, are exposed over the course of the lessons didn’t have as much thinking they’re outsiders but by the as are many parks and programs program. resonance. end who drop that act and they’re in Boulder County, Colo., after “We wanted to do as much as “We don’t want this to be like involved just like everyone else.” Chief Left Hand, one of the Native we could without technology, and more school,” Andrews said. “We Transportation expenses make Americans the department consid- we’re finding the kids appreciate try to keep them out of classrooms up the majority of the program’s ers the earliest stewards of the land. that,” Andrews said. “They like now, and sneak math and science costs, which are covered by “When you consider the op- using just a compass and a map.” in, in a way that isn’t too obvious.” Parks and Open Space funds, a portunities for environmental As three years’ worth of chal- The program follows the school departmental grant and in-kind education, there just aren’t that lenges have gone on, Andrews year, from September to May, and donations from the Boulder many for younger people,” said and fellow ranger Jason Vroman requires an application and an in- County Youth Corps. park ranger Sarah Andrews, who learned what worked and what terview with Andrews and Vroman. has been working on the program didn’t for the kids. They learned “Some of them haven’t held a *Read this story online at www.coun- for most of its three years. “We they had to vary the voices the formal job before, so this is their first tynews.org to see a video from the Left wanted to give them a chance to participants were hearing, so they interview,” Andrews said. “They Hand Outdoor Challenge. unplug and connect back to being enlisted the help of different orga- can at least leave that with a little had an opportunity to learn about outside. There’s something healing nizations and agencies to bring in more experience.” the endangered black-footed ferret, (County Innovations and Solutions for them, just to be outside.” speakers. Kids also responded to It’s more than just basic training then got to view them at night in a features national award-winning The nine-month program offers competitive aspects, like who could for park rangers. The last cohort park in Fort Collins where they had programs.) • CountyNews May 4, 2015 5 A great American aging boom is underway

By Hadi Sedigh a 60 percent surge in the number sociation of Area Agencies on tion of OAA in a manner that pro- Senate, and to urge their House ASSOCIATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR of Americans who are 85 or older, Aging (n4a), a NACo partner and vides maximum flexibility for county members to address the rapidly ap- thanks to advancements in medicine, longtime leader on aging issues, governments to target resources to proaching aging boom by supporting For every action, states Newton’s nutrition and public health which OAA has for 50 years “provided an address the needs of the elderly in reauthorization of OAA in a manner third law of motion, there is an have led to increased life expectancy. ideal, well-established, trusted and their community and also calls for full that emphasizes local flexibility. equal and opposite reaction, and These changes in the American community-based service infrastruc- funding for the programs authorized In the FY16 appropriations so it should follow that for every populace will have a broad impact on ture responsive to the needs of older under the OAA. process, county leaders should urge baby boom, there will come an ag- counties, which provide many pro- people and their caregivers.” NACo is urging county leaders to their senators and representatives ing boom. Roughly a half century grams and services relied upon by the States receive OAA funding ask their senators to co-sponsor S. 192 to restore full, pre-sequester-level after the most famous of American country’s growing aging population. according to a formula based on and to support floor consideration funding for OAA. baby booms — one that began after Housing, transportation, recreation each state’s share of the nation’s and passage of the measure in the World War II and continued into the and health care are all areas where population of individuals 60 and mid-1960s — a great aging boom is counties will face challenges as the older, and are required to pass these upon us. According to the Census population ages. funds to area agencies on aging BIRTHDAYS ARE BOOMING Bureau’s projections, the number The Older Americans Act (OAA), (AAA), which coordinate programs of Americans who are 65 or older first passed in 1965 and last reautho- and services for senior citizens at TOP FIVE COUNTIES with TOP FIVE COUNTIES with will have doubled between 2000 and rized in 2006, provides much needed the local level. Nearly 30 percent of the highest percentage of the highest percentage of 2030. Further, between 2030 and funding to help meet these challenges. the 635 AAAs across the nation are residents aged 65 years and residents aged 85 years or 2040, Census projections predict According to the National As- county-based. above (2013) above (2013) An OAA reauthorization bill (S. 192) was approved with unanimous, County % County % bipartisan support by the Senate’s Profiles Health, Education, Labor and Sumter County, Fla. 51.8 Hooker County, Neb. 8.0 Pensions Committee in January. Charlotte County, Fla. 37.0 McIntosh County, N.D. 7.6 The bill, which has been endorsed La Paz County, Ariz. 35.5 Douglas County, S.D. 6.2 in Service by n4a and the National Council Citrus County, Fla. 34.5 Smith County, Kan. 5.9 on Aging, would reauthorize OAA Lancaster County, Va. 34.2 Hutchinson County, S.D. 5.9 Karen Crane through FY20, and makes some NACo Board of Directors changes to the formula through Assembly Member which state funding levels are set. Borough of Juneau, Alaska It is unclear at this juncture when the bill will be considered on the Number of years active in NACo: Three years Senate floor, and there is currently Years in public service: Five years no OAA reauthorization legislation Occupation: Retired — served as State of Alaska Director of in the House of Representatives. Libraries, Archives and Museums NACo supports the reauthoriza- Education: B.A., MLS The hardest thing I’ve ever done: take my father to an assisted living facility Three people (living or dead) I’d invite to dinner: Shelby Foote, David McCullough and Abraham Lincoln, and it would be fun to have President Obama join the discussion A dream I have is to: walk the moors in Scotland. You’d be surprised to learn that I: follow NASCAR. The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is: take a job in Alaska without visiting first or knowing much about the job situation. Also the best thing I have ever done. My favorite way to relax is: reading. I’m most proud of: pushing myself to run for office — it was definitely outside my comfort zone. Every morning I read: Juneau Empire and then The Alaska Dispatch online. My favorite meal is: Alaska Black Cod and risotto. My pet peeve is: intolerance. My motto is: “It can get worse, so make it better.” The last book I read was: Clouds of Glory, the Life of Robert E. Lee by M. Korda. My favorite movie is: Casablanca My favorite music is: Classical, Vivaldi My favorite president is: a toss-up between Teddy and Franklin Roosevelt. My county is a NACo member because: it keeps us up to date Applications due by may 15, 2015 • www.naco.org/aspire on national issues important to our borough, provides tools and training and provides an opportunity to see how other counties are dealing with similar issues. 6 May 4, 2015 CountyNews • Judge spearheads 83 percent drop in DUI cases in rural Minnesota county

By Charlie Ban ing under the influence, they’ve Duluth. SENIOR STAFF WRITER probably done it at least 80 times,” The numbers showed an aver- said Judge James Dehn. “So there age blood alcohol content of It’s a tall order to get drunks to are always places to improve. And 0.171, more than twice the 0.08 check their hubris at the door of we knew where the drunks were legal limit, but 62 percent could a bar and admit they can’t drive coming from.” be traced back to specific bars. home, but an Isanti County, Minn. When he started hearing DUI Working with Isanti/Kanabec judge has set the stage for just that. cases in 1997, he interrogated Toward Zero Deaths, a traffic With subsidized cab rides home defendants when they pleaded safety organization, he had a plan. and better-trained bartenders, the guilty, and he’s now above 1,200. “I had something to take to rural county has seen an 83 percent Where did they have their last the bar owners throughout the reduction in DUI charges in the 10 drink? What was it? What was county,” Dehn said. “I could years since the Safe Cab program their blood alcohol content? Those tell them, ‘You’ve had this many debuted in late 2004. answers went into a database that people leave your bar too drunk “The troubling thing is that was analyzed by a statistician at to drive,’ and they were ready to before someone is arrested for driv- the University of Minnesota at listen.” And he had something else to offer — a discount on dram shop liability insurance premiums. WORD SEARCH Those policies cover bars in case a patron causes an accident, and Missoula County, Mont. Facts the 15 percent discount kicked in Learn more about this featured county in ‘What’s in a Seal?’ after they sent their bartenders to additional seller training sessions, M Z D Z B B Q S M Z F I B M H H V U X J to help them identify signs of W E J K O W K Y Y R R E H C E K O H C H intoxication and disarm a patron M U E K A N S E L T T A R N L U S L I A of car keys. Handling the other side of the U H S W M A R L G O X O I G L Y O H F X problem, getting patrons home, N A Z U L S E L Y N O P J S G O U U B Y Dehn has put together a pot of I G G I L J P A C B A U J T A C F R Y X money to fund the Safe Cab pro- G S S N C F M V M S D R P O T R O G T X gram, which subsidizes $15 of a L H U P I F U U O A N L E O E C X K N H cab ride. It’s funded by three beer E R W X V W J R E D A Y O R K E X N U P distributors, numerous bars in the I F M D D T E S C X N R E Y I C I P O E area and a collection of private M X V L N D K R T I R Y M T P H W R C U donors. Since it began in 2005, B I X U N V O R B E N O D I V O P H O E the program has given more than U E O O G H M E T Y U Q F C D S S P H O 7,000 rides to 13,000 people. I M P S N Q S T Y N K B U R W K N Y A O “If you’d have told me years ago that I’d be able to get beer dis-

L O O P G N I H T A B S L E G N A R D S Photo courtesy of James Dehn tributors to pay into something like D Y E R Q B D A U G X D G V F P V I I R this…” Dehn mused. “It’s been a Isanti County Judge James Dehn poses with a Safe Ride cab. I U B E M V I T M Z L D M I A O W K D A real team effort to fund this, and N K S Y A N H A Q L V B E R B Y I C D P it’s been remarkable stewardship that housing and trying one DUI the DUIs dropped. G B W R S T J Q L P I L T Z V I L L E M for the community on the part of offender,” he said. “There’s no “In the early 2000s, 10 percent J P E R B C E K X I F W J W F T I J S H these businesses.” way to measure exactly what we of our population had at least one Meanwhile, the professor who would be spending if this program DUI,” he said. “We knew there ANGEL’S BATHING POOL (lake) RIVER CITY ROOTS (Missoula’s was analyzing DUI statistics for didn’t exist.” was a need, we just didn’t know BIG SKY BREWING (Montana’s largest “signature” annual festival) Dehn? He hasn’t gotten enough He praised the bars and distrib- if people would make use of the brewery, located in Missoula County) ROCKY MOUNTAINS (run through data to make a difference for utors who pay into the Safe Cabs program in time. We don’t make BITTERROOT (one of the county’s two Missoula County) three years. fund. And he’s not the only one. any judgments about drinking, main rivers) SALISH (a.k.a. “Salishan”— Pacific “He jokes that he feels like “It’s been so successful because we just push people to make good CHOKECHERRY (native shrub) Northwest language that gave the Maytag repairman,” Dehn it’s a partnership,” said Bob Bol- decisions when it’s time to go GLEIM BUILDING (brothel constructed in Missoula its name from the native word 1893; a billiard parlor from 1916 until “nmesuletkw,” meaning “place of said. “I can’t say drunk driving lenbeck, coordinator for Toward home. We might not have as good the mid-20th century) frozen water”) has stopped, but I feel like we’ve Zero Deaths. “It goes beyond the of a reception if we tried to push HELL GATE (ghost town) SAPPHIRE RANGE (mountain range that done a lot to cut down on the cost-sharing, which makes it work too hard.” IDAHO COUNTY (neighboring county to runs through the county) problem. Maybe we’ve saved a in the first place, but the buy-in The program has expanded to the southwest) SMOKEJUMPERS (Missoula serves as a life. We’ve definitely proven that from the bars and distributors Chisago, Pine, Wright, Kanabec, MOUNT JUMBO (iconic mountain that training ground for these remote-area even in a small rural community, helps change the culture in Isanti Ottertail, Sherburne and Rice overlooks Missoula) firefighters) there are alternatives to driving County. counties, with ambitions to reach OSPREY (native bird of prey) SULFUR CINQUEFOIL (invasive species of home drunk.” “Those businesses are big downtown Minneapolis in Hen- PILTZVILLE (census-designated area) weed present in Missoula County) Isanti County government fans because they’re keeping the nepin County. PONDEROSA PINE (Montana’s state tree, VALLEYS (five large ones in Missoula contributes roughly $2,000 a year customers alive and safe, and it’s “It’s catching on,” Bollenbeck found in Missoula County) County) to the program, which County the right thing to do.” said. “Because it’s a rural county, RATTLESNAKE (U.S. protected Wilderness WILMA (historic theater in Missoula Area within Lolo National Forest) Administrator Kevin VanHooser Bollenbeck was skeptical when it can be an effort to go get the cars said was an absolute bargain when the first month of the program in the next morning from the bars, but he figured what the county saves. late 2004 totaled three cab rides, then the bars’ kitchens can do some Created by Sarah Foote “We would spend more than but soon the numbers climbed and business selling sandwiches.” • CountyNews May 4, 2015 7 Water utility sues three Iowa CN SPOTLIGHT counties over farm runoff

By Charles Taylor alleges that drainage district infrastruc- boards of supervisors aren’t comment- SENIOR STAFF WRITER ture constitutes “‘discrete conveyances’ ing in advance of filing their response, of nitrate pollution under the CWA due by May 22. However, Sac County A trio of Iowa counties is suiting that are not exempt from regulation and supervisors voted on March 31to set up for a potentially costly legal battle are required to have an NPDES (Na- up a “special revenue fund and special that could expand a key definition in tional Pollutant Discharge Elimination expense fund” to support their defense, the federal Clean Water Act. System) permit.” The lawsuit was filed according to their meeting minutes. Des Moines Water Works in U.S. District Court for the Northern The IDDA is also soliciting (DMWW) is suing the boards of District of Iowa on March 16. donations from counties throughout supervisors in upstream Buena Vista, DMWW also claims it has spent the state for a defense fund. John T. Calhoun and Sac counties — whose millions of dollars removing nitrates Torbert, the association’s executive economies rely heavily on agriculture from its water sources, primarily the director, expects the IDDA to play — to have their drainage districts Raccoon River, which drains the three a significant role in defending the declared “point sources” of nitrate counties being sued. DMWW antici- counties. “Therefore, we are not Photo by Arthur Scott pollution. pates spending $76 million to $183.5 making much public comment on NACo First Vice President Sallie Clark and Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) “It is an unprecedented suit in terms million by 2020 to design and build a it,” he said. celebrate his NACo 2015 County Alumni Award on April 23. Coons of the nature of the claims that the new nitrate removal facility, according So far, at least two north-central served previously as New Castle County, Del. executive and County Council president. Clark also presented awards to Reps. Hal Rogers water works is making, and it involves to company officials. Iowa counties — Winnebago and (R-Ky.) and Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) several questions that haven’t been liti- According to DMWW’s lawsuit, Wright — have each pledged $5,000 gated before,” said Neil Hamilton, who health concerns associated with nitrate a year for up to three years to help heads the Agricultural Law Center at contamination include blue baby Buena Vista, Calhoun and Sac super- Drake University. syndrome and potential disruption visors defend their boards. Point sources under the federal of the endocrine system. DMWW is “I think the general consensus is Clean Water Act (CWA) include indus- the state’s largest water utility, serving that we’d like to support this, said trial drainage pipes and factory outfalls about 500,000 customers in the Des Winnebago Supervisor Terry Durby, Sign Up Now but not agricultural runoff, which is Moines area. “because we believe that it may be a considered a non-point source and is There are more than 3,000 drain- starting point and is going to trickle for NACo’s Popular … and not regulated by the law. The Board age districts in Iowa, according to the down to affect other counties.” Rick of Supervisors in the three counties nonprofit Iowa Drainage District As- Rasmussen, a Wright County super- FREE webinars. serve as trustees of 10 drainage districts sociation (IDDA), and an estimated 9 visor, explained, “We’ve all got to named in the lawsuit. million acres — 26 percent of the state’s stick together.” He said his county’s Using Technology to Connect Health Care for In its lawsuit, the water works land mass — is drained. The three contribution will come from drainage People with Mental Illness district funds, not the taxpayers. May 7, 2–3:15 p.m. Kristi Harshberger, general coun- The push to integrated care, particularly for those with serious mental illness, sel for the Iowa State Association led a comprehensive community provider and more than 30 North Carolina of Counties, said if the water works counties to explore their fragmented health care landscapes and transform were to prevail “then there would them by effectively leveraging technology. By enhancing the interoperability be similar claims from other places. of their counties’ services and hospitals and working with law enforcement and Everybody would look upstream to the courts, the counties are helping to keep people with serious mental illness place blame whenever they’re having in cost effective treatment and out of hospitals and jails by improving care and problems with their water.” outcomes. The lawsuit raises many unan- Register Today! Contact: Emmanuelle St. Jean, 202.942.4267 swered questions, said added, includ- ing whether supervisors can be held Strategies for Employers Providing liable for what they do as trustees of drainage districts and whether Retiree Health Coverage drainage districts can even be held June 4, 2–3:15 p.m. responsible for pollution. Many counties currently offer retiree health benefits to their pre-65 employees. Drainage districts have no control Rising costs, prescription drug coverage and the Affordable Care Act have over what fertilizers farmers use, impacted the retiree coverage health plans covered. Join us to learn what strategies counties are using to continue providing retiree health coverage she explained. “I think it’s going to while containing costs. be very difficult to prove that they Register Today! Contact: Emmanuelle St. Jean, 202.942.4267 (drainage districts) should somehow

be responsible for that when I don’t know how they would monitor, U.S. Supreme Court Decision: control or police that given the powers Health Insurance Marketplace Tax Credit Subsidies they currently have under the law.” July 30, 2–3:15 p.m. Kristine Tidgren, staff attorney A critical provision of the Affordable Care Act is to provide tax credit subsidies for the Center for Agricultural Law to qualifying individuals and families purchasing health insurance coverage and Taxation at Iowa State Univer- through the Health Insurance Marketplace. The Supreme Court case King v. sity, said, “I think it’s an uphill battle Burwell challenges whether the subsidies can be provided to those who obtain for this case to be successful for the coverage via the federal marketplace. The Supreme Court’s ruling may have a plaintiffs for multiple reasons.” If the profound impact on counties as the local safety net and as employers. Join us water works wins, there’s no system to learn the implications. in place for drainage districts or Register Today! Contact: Emmanuelle St. Jean, 202.942.4267 farmers to request an EPA discharge permit. “But the issue is important

Photo courtesy of Des Moines Water Works Photo courtesy of Des Moines Water enough to a broad enough number A water intake on the Raccoon River is one source for Des Moines Water of stakeholders that it definitely is a Works, which is suing three Iowa counties over nitrate runoff. case that many people are watching.” 8 May 4, 2015 CountyNews •

A female greater the Bi-State Action Plan by partners sage grouse in a cross-border Local Area Work- doesn’t seem too ing Group (LAWG). Over the past interested in the 15 years, the LAWG’s executive displaying male committee has raised more than $45 behind her who’s million in federal and state funding come a-courting. to ensure the projects are completed over the next decade. These include livestock management, keeping urbanization in check, disease and predation studies, and removal of pinyon and juniper trees — a threat SEASON to the sagebrush the birds need as habitat. Mono County, Calif. Supervisor Tim Fesko was at event and says he was “really stoked” at the news. He credited local, state, fed- eral, tribal and private conservation partners. Mono also took a “local leadership role” to work with private TO landowners to mitigate impacts, follow habitat-management best practices and obtain funding for conservation efforts. “There were many ranches that got put into conservation or took conservation easements on their property, which basically says we’re STRUT going to take development rights off it,” he said. Across the border, Lyon County Bi-state bird Manager Jeff Page said the working group provided an opportunity to comment on federal land manage- escapes ment agency studies. “I think that everybody that is threatened in this conversation realizes that if we’re going to save the sage grouse then we need to take a more proac- species tive approach to ensuring that their habitat is taken care of — restoring listing some old habitat areas and dealing with predator control,” he said. Speaking of predators, despite the dwindling numbers of sage grouse, humans — at the top of the food chain — are legally allowed to hunt sage grouse in some states, or counties within states. Page and Fesko find that perplexing. State game officials say, the activity is highly restricted to a small number of birds per hunter in areas where SAGE GROUSE BY THE NUMBERS the birds plentiful and not in isolated Photo courtesy of University California, Davis groupings. Further, they say, habitat loss is the greater threat. By Charles Taylor “distinct population segment” from The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service estimates 2,000 to 9,000 of the bi- Both men praised the working SENIOR STAFF WRITER other sage grouse that inhabit those state subspecies of greater sage grouse live in an area that includes relationships with federal and other states and nine others in the West. Douglas, Lyon, Mineral and Esmeralda counties, and Carson City, in partners. There was no grousing from The greater sage grouse is still being Nevada, and Alpine, Mono and Inyo counties in California. “The feds get banged a lot,” Page county officials who gathered in considered for Endangered Species As for the larger sage-grouse population in the West, it ranges from said. “From my perspective, working Nevada recently to learn the fate of Act (ESA) protection in Oregon, 200,000 to 500,000 birds. Of that number, Wyoming is home to with the federal agencies, we had our a subspecies of sage grouse. Would Washington, Idaho, Montana, 37 percent and Montana has 18 percent, while Nevada and Idaho difficulties; we had our hard times. it be listed as a federally threatened Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, North are tied at 14 percent. No other western state exceeds 7 percent. “But we all worked together, species? The answer from U.S. Inte- and South Dakota — as well as other cooperated and coordinated to- rior Secretary Sally Jewell was “no.” parts of Nevada and California. decision not to list the bi-state sage ESA protection.” She added that gether, and I think because of that She credited collaboration Western state county officials are grouse, they took into account the “the collaborative, science-based the right answer came our way. I between local, state and hopeful that the bi-state decision efforts made by the states and local efforts in Nevada and California are think they actually listened to us federal entities, along with might bode well for the future. landowners to conserve habitat. proof that we can conserve sagebrush and we actually listened to them. private landowners for craft- CONTENT Lesley Robinson, president “I hope that the same consider- habitat across the West while we That’s something that hasn’t always ing successful conservation of NACo’s Western Interstate ation is made when deciding whether encourage sustainable economic happened.” plans. Region and a Phillips County, or not to list the greater sage grouse.” development.” The bi-state greater sage grouse Mont. commissioner, said, “When Jewell announced April 21 that A “key factor” in the decision *See this story at www.countynews.org is found only in an area straddling Secretary Jewell and the U.S. Fish & USFWS biologists “have determined not to list the birds, she said, was the for a link to male sage grouse strutting the California-Nevada line and is a Wildlife Service (USFWS) made the that this population no longer needs development, in the early 2000s, of their stuff to attract a mate. • CountyNews May 4, 2015 9 Financial Services News NACo on the Move County’s Deferred Comp Plan XNACo Officers and County Officials • Sheriff Len Humphries of Fremont County, Idaho has been appointed to the First Responder Recognized for Innovations Network Authority’s (FirstNet) Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC). Humphries will represent NACo and counties on the PSAC. San Diego County, Calif. has smoothie. designed to educate and engage FirstNet is charged with building, operating and been honored by two leading “We try to do things in a differ- department heads throughout the maintaining the first high-speed, nationwide retirement publications for its ent way,” Dan McAllister, county county on how they can help work- Humphries broadband network dedicated to public safety. efforts at promoting its deferred treasurer-tax collector, told P&I. ers understand the value of deferred PSAC is charged with offering guidance, informa- compensation program. Pensions & He added that the campaign goal compensation participation. Fol- tion and subject matter expertise to FirstNet from a public safety Investments presented the County was to encourage older workers lowing an evaluation period, the perspective. It also advises FirstNet on the build-out, deployment Deferred Compensation Program and retirees to keep their money in county expanded the initiative in and operation of the nationwide public safety broadband network with an Eddy Award for an innova- the deferred compensation plan. 2013 with a detailed annual access and on matters related to the intergovernmental responsibilities or tive retention education campaign, Retaining funds gives the county plan, and increased visibility and administration. while PlanSponsor named the county more clout in negotiating better presentations at key meetings. • NACo President Riki Hokama spoke at the National Associa- as a finalist for its Plan Sponsor of fees and services, while also help- The initiative was even more suc- tion of County Engineers Joint Exposition and Annual Conference the Year award. ing participants reduce the costs of cessful when it treated participants in Volusia County (Daytona Beach), Fla. April 22 about his presi- Like many government and saving for retirement. to an ice cream celebration during dential initiative on transportation and NACo activities. private sector retirement plans, the The coaster campaign resulted the county’s Retirement Dreaming county saw its deferred compen- in a 4.26 percent reduction in assets fair held during National Save XNACo Staff sation program assets rolling to rolling out compared to the same for Retirement Week in October • Matt Chase, executive director, spoke on the national economic outside firms that generally charge period of the previous year. 2014. To show employees that the recovery at the N.C. Tomorrow 2015 Summit: Building Communi- participants higher fees and provide county values them and cares about ties for Tomorrow’s Jobs April 27 in Wake County (Raleigh), N.C. them less one-on-one attention than PlanSponsor Recognition their futures, McAllister brought • Yejin Jang, associate legislative director, served on a panel dis- that afforded through the county San Diego County’s deferred county leaders with him to hear cussing local government and wireless infrastruc- deferred compensation plan. The compensation program offers both ideas and concerns about retire- ture siting at the PCIA-Wireless Infrastructure P&I award saluted the county for a 401(a) Incentive Retirement ment in a positive environment. Association’s conference April 28 in Broward coming up with a unique way to Deferred Compensation Plan and The unusual nature of the event County, Fla. stanch rollovers through a campaign a 457(b) Deferred Compensation generated deferred compensation • Berenice Medina has joined NACo as the targeted to the employee group it Plan with a Roth option. Working program enrollments, contribution operations specialist for Financial Services. had identified as most likely to move with Nationwide as plan provider, increases and requests for account She is from Canyon County, Idaho and holds account assets. the county delivers participants a review appointments. a bachelor’s degree in public communications Medina Working with Nationwide, the holistic retirement planning experi- Employers who want to learn from American University’s School of Com- county launched a campaign that ence driven by ongoing education. more about Nationwide’s par- munication. Medina will work on eConnectDirect and support capitalized on one of its distinct That more than 15,000 participants ticipant education programs can the operations of all other FSC programs. attributes: diverse vistas. Called “Re- have saved over $1 billion is a testa- contact Linda Barber at barberl@ • Daria Daniel, associate legislative direc- lax: Stay in the Plan,” the campaign ment to its success. nationwide.com. tor, gave a presentation on a workshop panel used drink coasters with pictures of In fact, how the county reached Public employees who are inter- entitled Access, Equity and Diversity in Local various sites ranging from flower $1 billion in assets was one of the ested in getting more information Workforce Programs at the National Alliance fields to the desert to the coastline, reasons that the county’s deferred about the opportunities available for Partnerships in Equity, Policy Development as well as daytime and nighttime compensation program was rec- through participation in the NACo Conference in Alexandria, Va. April 21. photos of the San Diego city skyline. ognized by PlanSponsor magazine. Deferred Compensation Program • Paul Beddoe, deputy legislative director, On the back of most coasters Despite continued debate around should contact Lisa Cole by email traveled to Berks County, Pa. to speak about the Daniel were brief descriptive reminders pension funding in the state of at [email protected] or by phone at federal funding outlook at the breakfast on April about the program such as, “No California, the program grew to $1 202.942.4270. 16 at the Area Agency on Aging legislative meeting. Commissions. Lower Fees.” or billion in participant assets, a $500 “One Plan. Many Benefits.” To million increase over five years. Financial Services News was written XComing Up reinforce the relaxing theme, one This success began with an informal by Bob Beasley, communications con- • Andrew Goldschmidt, director of membership marketing, will coaster featured a recipe for a outreach initiative in 2012 that was sultant, Nationwide. be exhibiting on behalf of NACo at the New Jersey Association of Counties’ Annual Celebration of County Government in Atlantic County May 6–8.

NACo ONLINE SOCIAL MEDIA, PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING, PODCASTS, VIDEOS AND MORE ... ■ FB.COM/NACODC ■ TWITTER.COM/NACOTWEETS Photo courtesy of Kent County, Del. Photo courtesy of Kent County, #NACOTWEETS NACo Executive Director Matt Chase (c) visited Kent County, Del., site of ■ YOUTUBE.COM/NACOVIDEO the Delaware Association of Counties meeting, April 16. Pictured with ■ LINKEDIN.COM/IN/NACODC Chase are (l-r): Kent County Administrator Mike Petit de Mange; Levy ■ NACOPODCASTS.ORG Court President P. Brooks Banta; Chase; Commissioner Allan F. Angel; and Delaware Association of Counties Executive Director Richard C. Cecil. 10 May 4, 2015 CountyNews •

by Judge Steve Leifman

impulsive behaviors, speaking they tend to be severely under- themselves or others — frequent- system of care that benefits in pressured, incoherent sen- resourced: between 2009 and ly within hours or a few days. The people with mental illnesses tences. Others were guarded and 2012, states slashed spending on person is then discharged, often and taxpayers alike, it is impera- withdrawn, appearing to have public mental health services by to homelessness, and eventually tive that we work deliberately to little understanding of the cir- $4.35 billion. The result is high finds their way into the criminal examine and fix the system as cumstances in which they found rates of recidivism to the justice justice system, again and again a whole, and not just react as themselves. system, compromised public and again. crisis situations arise. Before being arrested, many health and safety, chronic home- Fortunately, there are promis- This is a community problem were living on the streets, strug- lessness, and disproportionate ing solutions being developed as requiring a community solution. gling with addiction and histories use of high cost and inefficient the result of innovative relation- None of us created this crisis of trauma. However, homeless- acute care services. ships and collaborations being alone and none of us will solve ness, substance abuse, and If we treated people with formed at the interface of the it alone. By leveraging resources trauma were not typically the primary health care needs criminal justice and mental health and working collaboratively root causes of their difficulties. the way we treat people with arenas. across the justice system and Rather, these were merely mental illnesses, there would be Examples of effective problem- the community, stakeholders symptoms of a larger set of rampant lawsuits and criminal solving initiatives include crisis can develop effective partner- personal and social factors indictments. intervention teams that teach law ships. In doing so, we can craft hen I first became contributing to unfortunate and For example, a person who enforcement officers to better more equitable and sustainable a judge, I discov- often repeated involvement in needs a knee replacement recognize and respond to psychi- policies and legislation that will ered something the criminal justice system of undergoes surgery, remains atric emergencies in the commu- help to minimize incarceration, Wthat my legal and people from many different hospitalized until they are medi- nity; jail diversion programs and reduce recidivism, improve pub- judicial training had not prepared backgrounds who all shared one cally cleared, and then is sent to mental health courts that utilize lic safety, and promote stronger, me for. It was something all too thing in common: serious mental a rehabilitation center until they specialized dockets and provide healthier communities. familiar to anyone who worked illnesses. are ready to resume their life judicial monitoring of treatment in the criminal justice system, Upon release, many are unable activities; all paid with insurance, linkages and engagement; reen- Judge Steve Leifman is chair of the but was seldom discussed. Day to secure the types of supports Medicaid, or Medicare. try programs that assist with link- Task Force on Substance Abuse and after day, defendants would necessary to facilitate adap- On the other hand, a person in ages to treatment and support Mental Health Issues in the Court for stand before me, often appear- tive re-entry and reintegration a psychiatric crisis without finan- services upon completion of jail ing disheveled and distraught. because services in the commu- cial means who is admitted to or prison sentences, and com- the Supreme Court of Florida and Most were charged with relatively nity tend to be poorly coordi- a hospital or crisis unit receives munity corrections programs. associate administrative judge for the minor offenses such as loitering nated and difficult to access. treatment only as long as they If we are to craft a more sen- County Court, Criminal Division of or panhandling. Some exhibited Even when services are available, are considered dangerous to sible, equitable and sustainable the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida. Stepping Up Toolkit, Webinar, Website will get you on your way The Stepping Up initiative’s online toolkit gives counties the resources and tools they need to successfully implement an initiative to reduce the number of indi- viduals with mental illnesses in their jails through the Six Actions for Implement- ing an Effective Initiative to Reduce the Number of People with Mental Illnesses in Jails (Six Actions).

GETTING STARTED • Tell Your Constituents. Send out a press release; hold a press conference or town hall; post to social media. • Register for the Getting Started webinar. The webinar will take place at 2 p.m. EDT on Thursday, May 14. • Help Pass a County Resolution or Proclamation. County governments must pass a resolution to be formally recognized as signing on to the Call to Action on the Stepping Up website. There is no deadline for passing a resolution or proclamation, but counties are encouraged to join their col- leagues by passing a resolution or proclamation by July 1, 2015 in order to be highlighted at NACo’s Annual Conference and Exposition. • Review the modules to familiarize yourself with the tools and resources available to start your initiative (see sidebar). Each module includes a webi- nar highlighting strategies for that action, an exercise from the Stepping Up Planning Guide and key resources and examples aligned with that module. • CountyNews May 4, 2015 11

• Examining Treatment and Service Capacity to Serve People with Mental Illness ... more tools to move you along July 23, 2 p.m. EDT. • Developing a Plan to Reduce the Number of People with Mental Illness in Jails • Visit the Resource Library. The Resource Library is a clearinghouse of publica- Aug. 13, 2 p.m. EDT. tions, webinars, best practices, and examples of relevant legislation and resolu- • Implementing Research-Based Approaches to Reducing the Number of People tions that have been shared by various organizations, associations, academic with Mental Illness in Jails Sept. 10, 2 p.m. EDT. institutions, government agencies and others to assist counties in their initiative • Creating Processes to Track Progress Oct. 8 2 p.m. EDT. efforts. Have something you want to share? Email it to [email protected] Register and save the dates for the next five webinars. Check your email. As active members of Stepping Up, counties will continue to re- ceive information about upcoming events and resources via email and on this website. • Collecting and Reviewing Prevalence Numbers and Assessing Needs of People with Mental Illness in Jails and Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders June 11, Ask questions. Have additional questions or need help? 2 p.m. EDT. Email us at [email protected]. Register now for the May 14 webinar Getting started with Stepping Up: A National Initiative to Reduce the Number of People with Mental Illnesses in Jails Thursday, May 14 Join us to learn more about Stepping Up: A National Initiative to Reduce the Number of People with Mental Illnesses in Jails. On this webinar, project partners at the National Association of Counties (NACo), the Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center and the American Psychiatric Foundation will discuss the benefits of signing on to the initiative, how to get started, technical assistance opportunities and activities, and will answer any questions about the initiative. Presenters will also provide recommendations for who to include on your county team or how you can leverage existing teams to move forward with the initiative. They will describe experiences from counties that have successfully established teams of stakeholders and kept them engaged throughout reform efforts. Counties can sign on to the Initiative starting May 5. Visit the Stepping Up website and sign up your county, today • http://www.stepuptogether.org STEPPING UP INITIATIVE SAMPLE RESOLUTION Stepping Up Initiative to Reduce the Number of People with Mental Illnesses in Jails — Date

WHEREAS, counties routinely provide treatment services to the estimated 2 million people with serious mental illnesses booked into jail each year; and WHEREAS, prevalence rates of serious mental illnesses in jails are three to six times higher than for the general population; and WHEREAS, almost three-quarters of adults with serious mental illnesses in jails have co-occurring substance use disorders; and WHEREAS, adults with mental illnesses tend to stay longer in jail and upon release are at a higher risk of recidivism than people without these disorders; and WHEREAS, county jails spend two to three times more on adults with mental illnesses that require interventions compared to those without these treatment needs; and WHEREAS, without the appropriate treatment and services, people with mental illnesses continue to cycle through the criminal justice system, often resulting in tragic outcomes for these individuals and their families; and WHEREAS, [INSERT YOUR COUNTY’S NAME] and all counties take pride in their responsibility to protect and enhance the health, welfare and safety of its residents in efficient and cost-effective ways; and WHEREAS, [INSERT COUNTY SPECIFIC INFO/DATA TO HIGHLIGHT e.g. Bexar County has developed its Restoration Center which helps people stay out of jail by offering mental health and substance use disorder treatment]; and Stepping Up Toolkit, Webinar, Website will get you on your way WHEREAS, through the Stepping Up initiative, the National Association of Counties, the Council of State Governments Justice Center and the American Psychiatric Foundation are encouraging public, private and nonprofit partners to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in jails;

NOW THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED, THAT I [NAME, TITLE OF CHIEF ELECTED OFFICIAL], do hereby sign on to the Call to Action to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in our county jail, commit to sharing lessons learned with other counties in my state and across the country to support a national initiative and encourage all county officials, employees and residents to participate in Stepping Up. We resolve to utilize the comprehensive resources available through Stepping Up to: • Convene or draw on a diverse team of leaders and decision makers from multiple agencies committed to safely reducing the number of people with mental illnesses in jails • Collect and review prevalence numbers and assess individuals’ needs to better identify adults entering jails with mental illnesses and their recidivism risk, and use that baseline information to guide decision making • Examine treatment and service capacity to determine which programs and services are available in the county for people with mental illnesses and co-occurring substance use disorders, and identify state and local policy and funding barriers to minimizing contact with the justice system and providing treatment and supports in the community • Develop a plan with measurable outcomes that draws on the needs and prevalence assessment data and examination of available treatment and service capacity, while considering identified barriers • Implement research-based approaches that advance the plan • Create a process to track progress using data and information systems, and to report on successes

PASSED AND APPROVED in this day of , 2015. 12 May 4, 2015 CountyNews • Counties make NCGM special for their residents

By Tom Goodman Other counties that adopted PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTOR proclamations include Catawba County, N.C.; Deschutes County, Counties across the country held Ore.; Fannin County, Texas; Grundy activities to celebrate National County County, Iowa; Roosevelt County, Government Month. Here are some N.M.; Williamsburg County, S.C.; examples: Hubbard County, Minn.; Sandoval County, N.M.; Brazoria County, San Luis Obispo County Texas; and Chisago County, Minn. featured NCGM on its website Winners selected San Luis Obispo County, Calif. for Cape May County featured NCGM on the front page My County Poster of its website with a photo of the Contest Main Street Bridge in Cambria. The Winners of the 23rd annual My caption beneath the photo tells readers County Poster Contest in Cape May

that “Investing in your community County, N.J. were announced in late Office Ill. Sheriff’s Photo courtesy of Cook County, matters, which includes transporta- April as part of the county’s NCGM An enthusiastic group of high school students were hosted by Darke County, Ohio commission- tion and infrastructure projects and activities. The 12 winners had their ers on Student Government Day April 22. The event has been held for more than 20 years. and services that are the building blocks posters on display in the courthouse. this year it was held in conjunction with National County Government Month. for safe, health, livable, prosperous and The annual event is held to bring well-governed communities.” awareness of the responsibilities of Ride-along offers look included snowplows, pavers, rollers to better protect the public. “It’s one The message encouraged residents county government to fourth graders, at state of bridges and and bulldozers. But the best part, community, as far as I’m concerned,” to “get involved, volunteer, thank a who regularly study the topic as part culverts according to one official, was seeing said Mandy Burbage, senior planner. county worker or just enjoy the new of their curriculum. Following the transportation and how much fun the kids had checking “I enjoy being part of the government bridges, repaved roads and other infrastructure theme of NCGM, out the displays. that makes it a great place to live.” benefits of infrastructure projects in Atlantic County featured Peoria County, Ill. officials took a Hernando County, Fla. celebrated SLO County.” The county held a online quiz, fun facts reporter on an inspection tour of NCGM by having two open houses, Try transit offered volunteer work day and a tour of the and full schedule of bridges, culverts and road projects one at the government center and the in Manatee and county airport as part of its NCGM events and live-tweeted during the tour. It other at the health department. The Sarasota counties activities. Atlantic County, N.J. celebrated was done to inform residents of the open houses included presentations by Try Transit Day, the annual day to county government month with an highway department’s activities and county staff and department displays. promote transit in Florida’s Manatee Somerset County online quiz about the county, fun the services the county provides. Cumberland County, N.C. pro- and Sarasota counties by offering free activities for NCGM facts on the website and a full sched- vided tours of its emergency commu- rides throughout the counties was the Somerset County, N.J. held a ule of events that included health Open houses and tours nications center as part of its NCGM feature activity for NCGM because series of activities at different county screenings, volunteer appreciation mark NCGM activities. Twin Falls County, Idaho of this year’s theme. In addition, locations during NCGM, such as free ceremonies, park cleanups and child The City and County of Honolulu also held an open house during which Manatee County held a number of emergency preparedness training, a safety seat inspections. held a Honolulu Hale (City Hall) open elected officials met and spoke with activities and displays to highlight medicine collection drop-off at the house on April 28 in celebration of residents. county services, including a series of Sheriff’s Office, a household hazard- Phelps County NCGM. Featured were displays of In Lake County, S.D. fourth grad- workshops for veterans. ous waste drop-off and an open house endorsed state bill county programs, services, vehicles ers toured the county courthouse to by a dozen county divisions at the to provide funding and apparatus. Tours of Honolulu learn what each department does. Displays, demonstrations Human Services Building and events for infrastructure Hale included an opportunity to watch The five county commissioners led highlight county services at county senior centers. In a special meeting, the Phelps Council committee meetings in the tours and used the visual aid of a at mall The county has participated in this County, Mo. Board of Commission- progress and meet councilmembers. dollar bill to explain to the students Summit County, Utah went to a national effort to raise public aware- ers, noting the transportation and In addition, the county showcased the where tax money is spent: 62 cents local outlet mall for NCGM providing ness about counties for 25 years, since infrastructure theme of NCGM, Royal Hawaiian Band and Glee Club goes to the county schools, 21 cents information booths and demonstra- NACo started it in 1991. voted to endorse Missouri Senate on the Hale lawn. to the county itself, 16 cents to town- tions by county departments and Bill 540, which proposed a six-cent- Gila County, N.M. marked ships and cities, and 1 cent to the fire agencies including public works, Counties adopted per-gallon tax on motor fuel with NCGM with a series of events that department and water district. planning, health, recreation and the NCGM proclamations, an annual adjustment for inflation. included an open house at county sheriff’s office. resolutions offices. On Earth Day, the county County employees offer El Paso County, Colo. and St. Guest column highlights landfills accepted green waste at their views on public New airport terminal Mary’s County, Md. both passed county government no charge to encourage residents to service part of NCGM proclamations for NCGM. The in Larimer County clear property of weeds and brush Albemarle County, Va. took a Onslow County, N.C. showed Fillmore County, Minn. Board of During NCGM, The Coloradoan, a in preparation for wildfire season. slightly different approach to NCGM. off the new terminal at the Albert J. Commissioners approved a resolution daily newspaper in Larimer County, The county also sponsored an art The county produced a video in Ellis Airport as part of its NCGM recognizing NCGM in March. When Colo., ran a guest column by Com- contest for all schools within Gila which county employees described activities. “It’s a huge economic approving the resolution, Chairman missioner Lew Gaiter III that high- County focused on “Recycling and what public service means to them. development tool for the community Duane Bakke noted the transportation lighted the role county government Our Environment.” Emergency personnel and other and for the county to help generate theme for NCGM and pointed out plays in serving its citizens and the Stearns County, Minn. hosted an county figures are featured in the additional jobs and additional busi- that Fillmore County has added the differences between counties and open house at its highway depart- four-minute clip. nesses,” said Airport Director Chris half-cent sales tax to fund local road municipalities. Gaiter concluded ment to enable adults and kids to see Several speak of the positive White. He estimated the airport adds and bridge improvements because of by saying that all local governments various road repair and maintenance impacts county government has had $191 million in economic impact the uncertainty of state and federal “work hard to ensure the needs of equipment used by the department. on the community, like renovating a each year and helps generate about funding. our communities are met.” Some of the machines on display volunteer fire department building 340 local jobs. • CountyNews May 4, 2015 13 Cook County inmates can ‘deconstruct’ and learn

By Charles Taylor the program May 11. their sentences are completed. Still a 23-unit townhouse complex last Ford Heights villages, all south of SENIOR STAFF WRITER Program participants learn in its infancy, RENEW’s impact year that had been vacant for some Chicago. deconstruction techniques during on recidivism remains to be seen, 20 years. It was a magnet for crime The sheriff said his office is Andy Dimnych had a decision to their confinement. program officials said. and squatters. “It had become an looking to double the number of make after landing back in a Cook “We give them extensive training Inspiration for the program came eyesore,” Smith said, “and it also program participants within the County, Ill. courtroom for violating in it, they’re OSHA certified,” Dart via unofficial “windshield surveys” stopped the progression of eco- next few weeks. Additionally, he probation. The judge gave him two said, “and we put a lot of time and as Dart drove through some of the nomic development in that area.” wants to open it up to first-time of- options: four years “downstate” thought into the training side of county’s poorest neighborhoods on The townhouse site has now fenders, a move that would require — slang for a state prison — or he this, because our goal is to get the his way to and from work. He saw been reduced to bare ground. the state Legislature’s approval. could sign up for Sheriff Tom Dart’s buildings down safely but also to abandoned homes and old, vacant Before RENEW, the village was He’d also like to see the judicial boot camp program. Dimnych, 21, have this skill that will translate (to buildings that appeared to be on the able to afford about $20,000 to system take more advantage of the chose the latter. possible employment) later on.” verge of collapsing. have asbestos removed. But Smith current program. That military-style program Volunteers from local colleges are “It occurred to me as I was said it would have cost a “couple Smith would welcome that. He subsequently morphed into Re- also working with the program to driving through all this how unfair it of hundred thousand dollars or said the program is revitalizing storing Neighborhoods Workforce identify candidate buildings ripe for was for towns and villages that don’t more,” to demolish it — money Dixmoor and helping to “put our (RENEW), which trains jail inmates deconstruction. have a lot of resources, and certainly the cash-strapped village, still village back on the map.” and detainees to deconstruct derelict Once trained, teams of about weren’t helped by the recession,” emerging from the recession, didn’t While Dart hopes the program buildings in poor neighborhoods 10 are deployed to the field under he said — “that they’re destined have (Dixmoor’s annual budget is will provide a one-way trip out of throughout the county. One of its the supervision of correctional and to have these burnt-out structures, about $4 million). So RENEW was the criminal justice system, he also goals is to give nonviolent offend- civilian staff, the sheriff said. The abandoned structures, falling-down a godsend. derives great personal satisfaction ers skills they can use after they’ve program also focuses on developing structures in their towns and com- Dart said the program has from RENEW’s results. served their time. It’s been up and “teamwork” skills. munities forever because they don’t identified every vacant property in “Talking with the people in the running for about one year with 51 He developed the program after have the resources to remove them.” the village — 58 of them — and community has been so heartening participants thus far. observing that recidivism numbers The Village of Dixmoor, popula- is working with Dixmoor officials for us,” Dart said, “because literally “We take down buildings from from the boot camp “were not very tion 3,300, had them in abundance, to determine which of them when I’ve gone out to a lot of these the top down, all by hand, using saws impressive” — too many people according to village Trustee Mi- require landscape maintenance locations, people come out of their and hammers and different tools,” were ending up back in jail. Dart chael Smith. or boarding up. The program houses, they hug you, they’re crying Dimnych said. “We recycle all the hopes providing offenders with a One of RENEW’s biggest has also been active in the city of — they thought they never would metal we can.” He’ll graduate from skill will improve their odds once projects to date was disassembling Chicago Heights, and Dolton and see [these building] come down.” Photo courtesy of Cook County, Ill. Sheriff’s Office Ill. Sheriff’s Photo courtesy of Cook County, Inmates and house-arrestees do site maintenance along with building deconstruction in the Cook County sheriff’s RENEW program. 14 May 4, 2015 CountyNews • News From the Nation’s Counties

XARIZONA Jackie Lacey. of the county’s court-appointed Baywatch actress Pamela The proposal comes after a series guardianship operation. They have Anderson recently joined MARI- of high-profile wrongful convic- called for a blue-ribbon panel to COPA COUNTY Sheriff Joe tions. Last year, for example, a examine the shortcomings and gaps Arpaio for the roll out of a new county Superior Court judge freed in the system that leaves elderly and menu: vegan meals. a woman who had been behind mentally incapacitated residents Anderson, representing People bars for 17 years for a murder she vulnerable to private contractors for the Ethical Treatment of didn’t commit. The judge ruled that looking to profit off their infirmity. Animals, helped Arpaio serve the her conviction was based on the Long-running problems with the meatless, animal-product-free fare. testimony of a witness who later program that oversees about 8,500 “It’s not just a money issue was found to be a habitual liar. cases each year were laid bare in a because health is important; it’s County Supervisor Mark Ridley- series of Las Vegas Review-Journal 2,600 calories, and that’s a lot of Thomas said, “It’s another dimen- articles published in April, which calories,” Arpaio told the Phoenix sion of checks and balances in the showed a lack of oversight by the Business Journal. “They may not criminal justice system, which I courts, allowing vulnerable people like the food, but if they don’t, the think is sorely needed.” to lose hundreds of thousands other alternative is to not go to jail.” Similar units already exist in of dollars to their private profes- SANTA CLARA, VENTURA and sional guardians while wards of PIMA COUNTY is poised to YOLO counties, and in DALLAS the county. In those cases, the court take on some major debt — if COUNTY, Texas. failed to enforce current state laws, voters okay it in November. such as the requirement to file a By a vote of 4–1, the Board of The use of body cameras by yearly accounting of money spent Supervisors approved placing $815 police in the field is on the increase. on behalf of wards, and ignored the million in bond questions on the Now in the SAN FRANCISCO wishes of wards and their families. fall ballot. County Jail, deputies are being The county is seeking autho- required to wear them inside the jail. XOHIO rization to borrow $200 million Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi said at A newly launched program aims for road improvements, $191.5 least 30 deputies will be outfitted to attract more than $100 million million for parks and recreation, with cameras as part of a pilot in private financing for energy ef- $112 for natural area conservation program in one county jail, the Los ficiency upgrades in CUYAHOGA and historic preservation, $105.3 Angeles Times reported. COUNTY. million on public health, welfare, The experiment comes amid Eutectics LLC, a Minneosta- safety, neighborhoods and hous- allegations of deputies’ forcing based alternative-energy financing ing, $98.6 million for tourism inmates to fight, gladiator-style, for firm, will set up what the county is promotion and $91.4 million on gambling and entertainment. calling a Clean Energy Financing economic development, libraries Hub, for which the county will pay and workforce training, and $16.9 XINDIANA up to $225,000, The Plain Dealer on flood control and drainage. The outbreak of HIV, the virus reported. If all of the bonds are approved, that causes AIDS, has spread from Eutectics in turn has pledged to the average county homeowner SCOTT COUNTY to neighboring make available up to $120 million would pay about $70 more per JACKSON COUNTY. Between — raised by its own network of year in property taxes for 12 years. the two, 135 cases have been identi- public and private investors — to fied — most of them in Scott. Five help building owners buy upgrades XCALIFORNIA confirmed cases are in Jackson. including more efficient lighting LOS ANGELES COUNTY’s The predominant mode of trans- systems, heating and cooling equip- district attorney is asking the Board mission, health officials say, has ment and solar panels. of Supervisors for nearly $1 million been sharing needles among illegal The company would lend money to fund a special unit to review drug users. In March, Gov. Mike for the upgrades with the idea of the claims of wrongful convictions, Pence (R) signed an emergency customer paying it back through the Los Angeles Times reported. order that temporarily legalized eventual savings in their energy bills. It would include three veteran a needle exchange program. He The county will help match the prosecutors, a senior investigator extended the order another 30 days company with potential customers, and a paralegal, according to D.A. on April 20. which could include business own- ers, landlords, local governments, Photo by MarathonFoto XKANSAS educational institutions and eventu- SEDGWICK COUNTY com- ally, homeowners. XMARYLAND missioners have endorsed a building The county and the company code change that scales back a pro- each will receive a 1 percent fee PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY Executive Rushern Baker completed posal to require carbon monoxide from each financing deal. the Boston Marathon April 20. He started running after his predecessor, the detectors in all residences. County officials said they hope late Wayne Curry, advised him to reduce his stress level. Baker began running The Wichita Eagle reported that that means the county will at with county police and fire cadets, accompanying them on runs through commissioners are expected to least make back the money spent county neighborhoods. update the code later this month on launching the program, if not Though he usually spends his time thinking about work when he runs, to require the devices only in newly eventually turn a profit. and making big decisions or putting the finishing touches on plans while built houses, not those being remod- boosted with adrenaline, his chief of staff made him promise to focus on eled or renovated. A group of MEDINA COUN- the race, and he did, soaking in both the cheers from the crowd and the TY residents is hoping to make it chilly rain that fell throughout his nearly-six hour run. XNEVADA the first in the state to create anew The CLARK COUNTY com- mission has called for an overhaul See NEWS FROM page 16 • CountyNews May 4, 2015 15 The H.R. Doctor Is In Mother Remembered

Now that many of us have spent Our mothers, perhaps even more percent. They may also be dependent How can I best extoll thee? I can Earth Day and Arbor Day in total awe than our dads, introduce us into the on us later in their lives and live with honor you and the people and causes of the power and beauty of Mother Mothers are amazing. world of relationships. They nurture us, as about 4 percent do. about which you cared. I can insure Nature in shaping our existence, it We owe our lives to them and us and support us as we cry tears of It is altogether fitting to create a that your life, with all its passion and is time to focus on the celebration in most cases the growth and joy at a wedding or a graduation. holiday celebrating mothers, notwith- caring, becomes ingrained in the of a much more personal shaper of development of our attitudes They hug us and comfort us as standing the urging of the greeting mind of my own beautiful daughters each of us — our very own mothers. and behaviors. we cry tears of grief and sadness card companies. They fully deserve and granddaughter. I can see that Every one of us was brought into when we experience something we our applause and honor every day you live on and on through them the world by a mother. Reproductive regard as terrible. They may be the of the year. and through me. sciences may be able to help with attitudes and behaviors. Though first person we think of when we need Mom, for all that you have done Rest well, Mother, in the knowl- in vitro fertilization or in screening family structure has changed espe- to talk to, Skype, email, etc. a trusted for me, for all that you have done that edge that you are remembered as a for genetic diseases, but somewhere cially fast in recent decades, most someone for advice or help. I may never realize, and in sincere woman of valor and as the shaper of along the line, a mom (not to mention single-parent households are headed We may even return home to live apology for all the opportunities I the lives of others. a dad) was very heavily involved in by moms. Shamelessly reinterpreting with them after we have “left home,” missed to be more in your life than the process. a line from the anthem of the British as about 20 percent of children I was, I thank you and I award you Phil Rosenberg Mothers are amazing. We owe Empire, Land of Hope & Glory, let us between ages 25 and 34 do in our my personal medal for bravery and The HR Doctor our lives to them and in most cases consider “How can we extoll thee, country. In 1980, in case you are service far above and beyond the call! the growth and development of our we who are born of thee?” curious, that number was about 11 I am what I am because of you. American Community Survey delivers key data for county decision makers

By John Thompson of its size — access to a wide range the prevalence of disabilities to identify • Can we ask some questions every local areas use ACS data to solve DIRECTOR, U.S. CENSUS BUREAU of data that measure its progress and ways to make their county more senior- other year, or every third year? problems and make their communities well-being. The survey covers every friendly. These are just a few of the many • Can we soften the “mandatory” better. We’re proud to provide the most To make informed decisions that geographic area in the U.S., making it ways that ACS data are tailored to help language on the survey envelope timely, comprehensive and statistically affect their residents, county officials the only uniform measure that every guide myriad specific decisions across without adversely impacting the precise data source for those decision- need credible, reliable and readily county nationwide can use. It is the only the country. response rate? making processes. available data about the changing available source of data for many of Participation in the ACS is a civic The ACS makes our governments For more information about the needs of their community. Questions the issues that it covers, with a breadth duty, and the high quality of ACS data is smarter, our businesses more competi- data available from the American such as where to build schools and fire that is unparalleled. It is from a trusted, a direct result of Americans’ widespread tive, and our citizens more informed. Community Survey, or for help access- stations and how to allocate scarce unbiased source, and it levels the play- participation. It is also mandatory, as At the Census Bureau, we’re constantly ing and using the data in your decision resources are informed by data from ing field by providing all of its data to an official part of the decennial census amazed by the innovative ways in which making, visit www.census.gov/acs. the U.S. Census Bureau’s American the public free of charge. program. Community Survey. The survey’s effect on counties In 2011, Canada’s version of the The American Community Sur- begins when federal decision makers ACS became voluntary in response to vey (ACS) is the largest continuous use ACS data to disburse over $400 respondent complaints. Even though household survey in the United billion a year in federal funds. As these it increased the number of households What’s in States. By surveying about 2 percent funds trickle down into states and local it surveyed, Canada’s response rate fell of households a year, it provides areas, community leaders in turn use to 69 percent in 2011 from 90 percent a Seal? a wealth of information about the ACS data to analyze how the needs in 2006. Our concern with a voluntary economic, social and demographic of their neighborhoods are evolving, survey is based on the effect it would characteristics of American people and how to use their resources to meet have on the reliability of the data, espe- ■ Missoula County, Mont. and communities. The ACS offers those needs. cially for rural and small communities. comprehensive, representative sta- Local communities use the in- Canada lost the ability to publish data tistical information that helps drive formation provided by the ACS in for many rural counties. To compensate The seal of Missoula County, Mont. represents several significant decisions about resources important a seemingly endless variety of ways for a similar effect here, it would cost facets of the county. As its artist, DeWayne Arthur Williams, Jr., to local areas, including: — including comprehensive planning, approximately $90 million annually to explained in 2014: “The tree symbolizes the economically impor- economic development and research maintain our current data quality. tant conifers in Missoula County — the Ponderosa pine and the on local issues and conditions. At the same time, we must balance • schools, job training centers Douglas fir. The roots of the tree refer to the renewable aspect of For example, the Greater Houston this need for quality data with the need and hospitals this resource. The tree also represents several wildernesses within Partnership — a regional economic to improve the respondent experience. the county and the natural beauty and recreation they provide. The • roads, bridges and development organization — uses We are exploring whether it’s possible snowflake showcases several ski areas in the county. transportation projects ACS data to answer companies’ ques- to shorten the survey, make it easier “A Native American silhouette notes the county’s first inhabitants • location of new businesses tions about issues such as commuting to respond and reduce the number of and their culture. The non-Native­ (American) silhouette indicates a times and the availability of science follow-up contacts. • care for children, veterans blending of those cultures through various studies and events at the and engineering workers. Following • Can we remove questions by us- and seniors University of Montana. Below these silhouettes tumbles a chute Super Storm Sandy in 2012, emergency ing other data sources, including • emergency services symbolizing whitewater and abundant angling opportunities in the responders in New Jersey used demo- information people have already • housing values and rent costs streams passing through Missoula County. The mountains invite graphic data from the ACS to estimate provided to the government? viewers to enjoy the variety of outdoor activities they provide.” the volume of traffic in affected areas. • Can we better phrase our questions The ACS is a national resource, Officials from Oklahoma County, to reduce concern, especially for Tyler R. Gernant, Missoula County clerk and treasurer, contributed. and its value to counties is immense. Okla. and the United Way used ACS those who may be sensitive to It gives every county — regardless data on poverty, home ownership and providing information? 16 May 4, 2015 CountyNews • Dallas County, Texas moves to take guns from domestic abuse offenders

NEWS FROM from page 14 COUNTY, now that the County las didn’t have a way to accept the Commission has approved a resolu- surrendered guns. A $37,000 state county charter through a ballot tion clarifying a years-long dispute grant will cover start-up and person- initiative. with the city of Hendersonville nel costs. The charter that would include regarding the ownership of the Offenders can either make ar- a community “bill of rights” aimed city’s library. rangements with the sheriff’s depart- at preventing projects such as a The city and county will both be ment to turn them in to the gun range, proposed 36-inch gas pipeline to be on the deed as owners. The county or they can relinquish them to a third built across 20 miles of the county, will staff the library and fund opera- party who has the legal right to have the Medina Gazette reported. tions as well as maintain casualty and a gun. Judges also will be talking to liability insurance. Hendersonville victims and checking for concealed XOREGON will provide routine maintenance handgun licenses or other records The nearly 1,000 kittens who and landscaping. The city will also that show the offender may have come through the MULTNOMAH contribute funds annually to aid in a weapon, WFAA News reported. COUNTY Animal Services shelter the operation of the facility, accord- this spring and summer will have a ing to the resolution. Under the plan, XWASHINGTON brighter future thanks to a $15,000 the library will be recorded as an A bill in the Legislature will align grant from the Petco Foundation and asset only on county books. In recent ferry systems funding increases $60,000 the Kitten Triage Project years, both the county and the city with inflation. Prior to Senate Bill hopes to raise through an online have claimed the library as an asset, 5307, revenue streams to county Indiegogo campaign. raising red flags with auditors,The ferry systems in PIERCE, SKAGIT

The shelter repurposed an old Photo by USFWS/Phil Delphey Tennesseean reported. and WAHKIAKUM counties were trailer in 2013 for short-term medical largely dependent on available state care and vaccinations, which has XMINNESOTA XTEXAS gas-tax funds and often subject to enabled the shelter to increase its Don’t blink or you might miss it. The Minnesota dwarf trout lily DALLAS COUNTY is about to shifting political winds. “save rate” to 93.6 percent that first is in bloom in the only place on earth it does so: in GOODHUE, start taking guns out of the hands Pierce County had been diverting year, up from 66 percent in 2012. RICE and STEELE counties, The Kenyon Leader reported. of domestic violence offenders. money for its ferry operation from By 2014, the shelter save rate rose to The plant was listed as an endangered species in 1986, and its Officials expect to collect upwards county road funds, Tacoma Weekly 96.6 percent, allowing them to save habitat is less than 600 acres of woodland in southeastern Min- of 700 weapons annually at a private reported. over 1,000 kittens in 2014 alone, The nesota. It grows on slopes dominated by maple and basswood, gun range that has agreed to provide Oregonian reported. and floodplains where elm and cottonwood trees are plentiful, storage space for the project. (News From the Nation’s Counties is according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The plants have Federal and state law forbids those compiled by Charles Taylor and Charlie XTENNESSEE adapted to flower and grow before the trees above them leaf out. convicted of domestic violence or Ban, senior staff writers. If you have There won’t be any more squab- with emergency protective orders an item for News From, please email bling over books in SUMNER from possessing firearms, but Dal- [email protected] or [email protected].)

Start Your Register Engines! today! The race to Mecklenburg County, N.C. Begins NOW NACo’s 2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXPOSITION JULY 10 – 13 www.naco.org/annual