Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES n WASHINGTON, D.C. VOL. 42, NO. 18 n October 4, 2010 County NACo weighs leaders run in on federal for higher deficit office reduction

By Charles Taylor By Charles Taylor SENIOR STAFF WRITER SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Four sitting county leaders have NACo is “concerned” that set their sights on their states’ gov- federal discretionary spending does ernorships this year: Peter Corroon, not become an easy target as the Salt Lake County, Utah mayor; National Commission on Fiscal Dan Onorato, Allegheny County, Responsibility and Reform makes Pa. executive; John Hickenlooper, recommendations to balance the city and county of Denver mayor; federal budget by 2015, Executive and Rory Reid, Clark County, Director Larry E. Naake wrote in a Nev. Board of Commissioners letter to the commission. chairman. The panel, established by Presi- In Alabama, Ron Sparks, a for- dent Obama in February, is to make mer Dekalb County commissioner, its recommendations by Dec. 1. Naake noted that local govern- See LEADERS page 2 ments are facing “a perfect storm” of decreased tax revenues, declining Photo by Robert Hernandez, MDFR state and federal aid, and increased QuickTakes Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue (MDFR) went pink Sept. 22–24 for October’s Breast Cancer Awareness demand for social services — all of Month. MDFR and the South Florida Firefighters Council teamed up with the Guardians of the Ribbon, Inc., who dress in pink bunker gear and drive fire trucks across the country every year to spread awareness which have strained county budgets CountiesCounties withwith and to support all women in their fight against cancer. to the point of requiring layoffs, thethe Highest Percentage ofof MDFR firefighters joined the cause by wearing pink shirts as a part of their uniform to help bring public service cuts and fee increases. HispanicHispanic Owned Businesses attention and support toward the need to find a cure for cancer. (See more in News From the Nation’s “Counties are concerned that Counties, page 9) too much focus will be placed on Hidalgo County, Texas 68.7% reductions to domestic discretionary El Paso County, Texas 61.4% spending programs, within which Miami-Dade County, Fla. 60.5% Analysis many programs critical to counties’ Bronx, N.Y. 37.6% ability to fulfill their numerous Bexar County, Texas 37.3% responsibilities are funded,” Naake

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, September 2010 Property Assessed Clean Energy See DEFICIT page 12 CountyNews (PACE) program on the ropes INSIDE >>

Features By Julie Ufner administration and federal agencies The tax liens created by PACE Model Programs ASSOCIATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR as a way to jump-start the economy, assessments are considered “senior” promote green jobs and reduce to other loans, such as mortgages, News From the Nation’s As the clock ticks to the end of greenhouse gases. and must be paid first in the event Counties the 111th Congress, many local Participation in the program is of a foreclosure. governments are anxious about the voluntary. The premise of PACE This created a problem with the Profiles in Service fate of the Property Assessed Clean programs is rooted in a long stand- Federal Housing Finance Agency Energy (PACE) program. ing, land-secured financing mecha- (FHFA), which oversees Fannie State’s medical marijuana laws NACo on the Move PACE allowed local govern- nism used by local governments to Mae and Freddie Mac. FHFA challenged on November ballot ments to finance energy efficiency pay for improvements that provide said that PACE assessments are » Page 6 Research News and renewable energy improve- a public purpose. It has been used considered loans, not assessments, New law permits 457 retirement ments to homes and businesses by local governments for close to and violate standard mortgage pro- The H.R. Doctor Is in plans to offer ROTH accounts through property tax assessments. a century to finance projects such visions by requiring priority over » Page 3 This summer, PACE ground to as roads, water or sewer projects, any other loan, such as a mortgage. What’s in a Seal? NACo testimony supports livable a halt after questions were raised or schools. Basically eligible par- FHFA’s ruling was a huge blow communities bill » Page 4 Financial Services News about the program’s financial vi- ticipants are allowed to pay for not only to local and state govern- ability. This stands in stark contrast energy efficient improvements to ments but also to the administration EPA launches green power Job Market / Classifieds to a year ago when PACE was billed their property via their property competition » Page 5 as the shining star by the Obama tax assessments. See PACE page 4 2 October 4, 2010 CountyNews • Local leaders aim for state, federal office

LEADERS from page 1 former Centre County commission- er, is running for lieutenant governor. is running for governor. All are Bucks County Commissioner Jim Democrats. Cawley is the Republican candidate. They are but a few of the current Former Bucks County Commis- and former county elected officials sioner Mike Fitzpatrick (R) is running Goslin speaks to business leaders who are seeking higher offices to reclaim the state’s 8th District U.S. Nov. 2. In Delaware, New Castle House seat. He lost the seat in 2006 County Executive Chris Coons is after serving one term in Congress. to raise county awareness the Democratic candidate for the By Terri Graham ing its various record keeping func- services, and Goslin described the U.S. Senate. Queen Anne’s County, Oregon COOK COUNTY, ILL. tions, including marriage, property relentless struggle to responsibly Md. Commissioner Eric Wargotz, Ted Wheeler (D), appointed state and business filings. manage resources to ensure that help a Republican, is trying to unseat treasurer last May, is seeking election Responding to NACo President Further, Cook County govern- is available for those most in need. four-term incumbent Sen. Barbara to the post. He is former chair of Glen Whitley’s call to build aware- ment also has principal responsibility This also explains why officials are Mikulski (D). the Multnomah County Board of ness of county government, Cook for the protection of persons and so active with associations such as Coons’ race has become a Commissioners. County, Ill. Commissioner Gregg property, the provision for public NACo. “We’re always looking for marquee contest, drawing national Goslin recently spoke to about 100 health services and the maintenance innovative programs that are more interest — not only because the South Carolina business leaders at Siemens’ Local of county highways, as mandated efficiently serving citizens or saving seat was formerly been held by State Rep. Tim Scott (R), for- Government Summit. by state law. dollars, and learning about successful Vice President Joe Biden but also mer member and chairman of the The purpose of the summit For example, the Cook County initiatives from other communities because his opponent, Christine Charleston County Council, is was to explain local government’s Health & Hospitals System (CCHHS) helps us duplicate their achievements O’Donnell, a Tea Party-backed seeking the state’s 1st District con- role in the community and offer oversees an integrated system of in our own communities.” candidate, scored an upset to win gressional seat. an interactive forum to clarify the health care throughout Chicago and The old line goes that Chicago the Republican nomination. has two seasons — winter and In Nevada, Reid has also at- Washington construction — and the Cook tracted national attention, in part, Snohomish County Commis- County Highway Department has because he will share the ballot sioner John Koster (R) is running for evolved to include jurisdictional with his famous father, U.S. Senate the state’s 2nd District congressional authority over 557 centerline miles Majority Leader Harry Reid (D), seat. Pierce County Councilmember of highways. The department has who is seeking reelection. Dick Muri is the Republican candi- maintenance responsibilities for County News queried state as- date for the 9th District congres- 1,474 lane miles of pavement, 130 sociation of counties executives to sional seat. bridges, 332 traffic signals and five compile a list of current and former pumping stations. county officials who are seeking to The protection of persons and take their experience to the state property falls principally to the Cook house or Capitol Hill. County Circuit Court, the state’s President | Glen Whitley attorney and the Cook County Publisher | Larry Naake Alabama Public Affairs Director | Tom Goodman Sheriff’s Department. The Circuit Madison County Commis- Executive Editor | Beverly Anne Schlotterbeck Court of Cook County is one of the sioner Mo Brooks (R) is running Senior Staff Writer | Charles Taylor largest unified court systems in the for the state’s 5th District congres- Staff Writer | Charlie Ban Photo courtesy of Cook County, Ill. Graphic Artist | Jack Hernandez world with more than 2.4 million sional seat. Cook County Commissioner Gregg Goslin takes the “County Government Editorial Assistant | Christopher Johnson cases filed every year. Works” message to business leaders at a local government summit. The Sheriff’s Department runs Arizona ADVERTISING STAFF Job Market/Classifieds representative Cook County Jail, one of the larg- Former Maricopa County Christopher Johnson message that “County Govern- suburban Cook County with three est single-site, pre-trial facilities in Treasurer David Schweikert (R) is National Accounts representative Beverly Schlotterbeck ment Works,” the title of Whitley’s hospitals, a growing ambulatory the United States, with an average running for Congress in Arizona’s (202) 393-6226 • FAX (202) 393-2630 presidential initiative. Goslin shared and community health network, daily population of 9,000 inmates. 5th District. Published biweekly except August by: the stage with Mayor Ted Ellis of a public health department, a cor- The majority of inmates at the jail, National Association of Counties Research Foundation, Inc. Bluffton, Ind. and started with a rectional health care facility and an (more than 90 percent) are held on Iowa 25 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., basic County 101 approach. When outpatient infectious disease center. a pre-trial basis, detained at the jail Story County Treasurer David Ste. 500, Washington, D.C. 20001 putting together his notes for his Services ranging from specialty to while their trials are conducted in Jamison (R) is running for state (202) 393-6226 | FAX (202) 393-2630 presentation, Goslin utilized the primary care to emergency, acute, the county court system. treasurer. State Sen. Kim Reynolds, E-mail | [email protected] Online address | www.countynews.org tools and communication template outpatient, rehabilitative, long-term “Having a better understanding formerly Clarke County treasurer, available at the Presidential Initia- and preventative care are available to of the needs and priorities of local is the Republican nominee for The appearance of paid advertisements in County News in no way implies support or endorsement by the Na- tive link at www.naco.org. the more than five million residents government makes us more effective lieutenant governor. tional Association of Counties for any of the products, The room exploded with laugh- of Cook County, regardless of their as we work to provide solutions,” said services or messages advertised. Periodicals postage ter when Goslin opened with, ability to pay. Siemens’ Chuck Hall, who moder- New Mexico paid at Washington D.C. and other offices. Mail subscriptions are $100 per year for non-members. “Wherever I go people ask, ‘just In the last several years, CCHHS ated the event. “Attendees came away State Sen. Dianna Duran (R), $60 per year for non-members purchasing multiple cop- what the heck does a county do?’” underwent a major revamping, with a much better understanding former Otero County clerk, is run- ies. Educational institution rate, $50 per year. Member county supplemental subscriptions are $20 each. Send A participant offered that the group establishing an independent board of the unique issues facing elected ning for secretary of state against payment with order and address changes to NACo, 25 had asked that exact question before of business and community leaders officials today.” the incumbent, Mary Herrera (D), Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001. POSTMASTER: send address changes to the introduction of the program. to run the system and implement Goslin is scheduled to repeat the former Bernalillo County clerk. County News, 25 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Although Cook County is the improvements, many of which were presentation later this fall for several Ste. 500, Washington, D.C. 20001 second largest county in the nation, ideas Goslin attributed to studying local service clubs. Whitley has asked New York (USPS 704-620) n (ISSN: 0744-9798) the services it provides and issues best practices in health care delivery county officials to seek out public Chautauqua County Executive © National Association of Counties it addresses are shared by many around the country when he served speaking engagements and other Greg Edwards (R) is running for Research Foundation, Inc. counties, whether rural, suburban as chair of the NACo County Hos- opportunities where they can tell lieutenant governor. or urban. pital Task Force. the county government story and “The county is with you from The county is often the sole share information about the good Pennsylvania birth to death,” Goslin said, explain- provider of these basic, essential work and services counties provide. State Rep. Scott Conklin (D), a • CountyNews October 4, 2010 3 President Obama signs Small Business Jobs Act

By Deseree Gardner of proposals to help small businesses • Eliminates for 2010 Taxes • Provides Tax Relief and Simpli- ASSOCIATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR SpeedRead »»» invest and hire, accomplishes the on Capital Gains from Key Small fication for Cell Phone Deductions: following: Business Investments: Under the The act changes rules so that the The Small Business Jobs Act, » Legislation creates $30 billion • Extends SBA Recovery Loan Recovery Act, 75 percent of capital use of cell phones can be deducted signed into law by President Obama small business fund and $12 bil- Provisions: With funds provided gains on key small business invest- without extra documentation. Sept. 28, includes a NACo-backed lion in tax breaks in the bill, SBA will begin funding ments this year were excluded from • Increases the Deduction for provision that allows those partici- » 457(b) deferred compensa- new Recovery loans. In total, the taxes. The Small Business Jobs Act Entrepreneurs’ Start-Up Expenses: pating in Section 457 (deferred com- tion plans can now offer Roth extension of these provisions has temporarily puts in place for the rest The bill temporarily increases the pensation) plans to do so through a accounts the capacity to support $14 billion of 2010 a provision that eliminates amount of start-up expenditures Roth retirement plan. in loans to small businesses. all capital gains taxes on these invest- entrepreneurs can deduct from their » Small business administration Inclusion of a governmental • Increases the Loan Size for the ments if held for five years. taxes for this year from $5,000 to loan fees are waived Roth 457 provision, which permits Largest SBA Programs: The act also • Extends and Expands Small $10,000. 457(b) plans to offer the designated increases the maximum loan size Businesses’ Ability to Immediately • Permits a Five-Year Carry- Roth accounts already permitted The $30 billion loan fund would for SBA loan programs, which in Expense Capital Investments: The back of General Business Credits: in 401(k) and 403(b) plans, levels be available to community banks to the coming weeks will allow more bill increases for 2010 and 2011 The act would allow certain small the playing field for state and local encourage lending to small busi- small businesses to access more the amount of investments that businesses to “carry back” their government workers. Those who use nesses, and supporters say banks credit to allow them to expand and businesses would be eligible to general business credits to offset five Roth plans do not receive a deduc- should be able to use the fund to create new jobs. immediately write off to $500,000, years of taxes, while also allowing tion from their current income for a leverage up to $300 billion in loans. • Establishes a New $30 Billion while raising the level of investments these credits to offset the Alternative contribution to the plan, but they do The bill also offers $12 billion in Small Business Lending Fund: The at which the write-off phases out to Minimum Tax, reducing taxes for earn returns within the plan tax-free tax breaks to businesses to encour- bill would establish a $30 billion $2 million. Prior to the passage of these small businesses. and the withdrawals from the plan age investment, entrepreneurship Small Business Lending Fund, the bill, the expensing limit would • Limits Penalties for Errors are tax-free. and hiring. Businesses would be able which — by providing capital to have been $250,000 this year, and in Tax Reporting that Dispropor- The legislation also includes ap- to write off more of their capital small banks with incentives to only $25,000 next year. tionately Affect Small Business: proximately $12 billion in tax breaks equipment and improvement costs. increase small business lending — • Extends the 50 percent Bonus The act would change, beginning to help companies invest and hire, a Those who are self-employed could support several multiples of Depreciation: The act extends — as this year, the penalty for failing to $30 billion small-business lending could deduct health care costs from that amount in new credit. the president proposed in his budget report certain tax transactions from fund and enhanced government the self-employment tax. The bill • Strengthens Innovative State — a Recovery Act provision for a fixed dollar amount — which was assistance programs. would also continue to waive Small Small Business Loans: The act 50 percent “bonus depreciation” criticized for imposing a dispropor- The measure, blends a $30 billion Business Administration loan fees will support at least $15 billion in through 2010. tionately large penalty on small government fund to help open up that had been eliminated as part of small business lending through a • Establishes a New Deduction businesses in certain circumstances lending for credit-starved small busi- the 2009 Recovery Act. new State Small Business Credit of Health Insurance Costs for Self- — to a percentage of the tax benefits nesses with bipartisan tax provisions. The bill, which includes a series Initiative. Employed. from the transaction. 4 October 4, 2010 CountyNews • Commissioner Gouge testifies on Livable Communities Act

By Daria Daniel of Commissioners President Julia The Perspectives on the Livable noted many counties have been of the bill, S.1619, held a hearing ASSOCIATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR Gouge gave high marks to legisla- Communities Act (H.R. 4690), using sustainable planning for on the Livable Communities Act tion that would provide nearly $4 introduced by Rep. Ed Perlmut- decades. However, many rural in June at which Gouge also testi- During testimony before the billion in funding over four years to ter (D-Colo.), would formally and mid-size counties would like fied. The Senate bill is ready for House Financial Services Com- regions and localities for sustain- establish the Interagency Council to begin such planning, but lack a floor vote. mittee, Carroll County, Md. Board able development planning. on Sustainable Communities, an the resources to do. After banking committee mark- existing partnership between the The final bill also includes a up, the authorized funding level U.S. Department of Housing and NACo-supported rural fix, which was reduced from $4 billion to Urban Development, the Depart- provides a 15 percent set-aside for $2.67 billion in grant funding over Profiles in Service ment of Transportation and the rural communities under 200,000 four years. Of this $2.67 billion, Environmental Protection Agency in population. NACo played a key $475 million is targeted for plan- that focuses on better coordination role in ensuring that all aspects of ning grants and $2.2 billion for Amy Wilde among federal agencies on sustain- the bill are voluntary to counties implementation grants. » ability issues including research interested in the program. No mark-up date has been NACo Health Steering Committee and grants. scheduled yet in the House. Chair, Medicaid and Indigent Care During her testimony Sept. 23, Senate bill The Livable Communities Act Gouge discussed the importance Senate Banking Committee has the support of more than 200 Commissioner, Meeker County, Minn. of all counties being eligible for Chairman Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), national and local organizations, these federal incentive grants. She who introduced a Senate version including NACo. Number of years active in NACo: 11 Years in public service: 14 Occupation: county commissioner and former journalist PACE programs stalled by Fannie, Freddie The hardest thing I’ve ever done: help develop a 13-rural-county- owned managed health care plan for people enrolled in Minnesota’s PACE from page 1 H.R. 5766, the PACE Assessment means there is limited debate time subsidized medical care programs — and keep it operating in a Protection Act of 2010, and in for a host of “must pass” congres- sustainable manner during eight years of constantly changing state since the Department of Energy was the Senate, Sen. Barbara Boxer sional priorities. However, it’s likely and federal health care policy actively promoting PACE for usage (D-Calif.), chair of the Senate that Congress will return for a lame- Three people (living or dead) I’d invite to dinner: President and in conjunction with the Energy Environment and Public Works duck session in November after the Mrs. Obama and Abraham Lincoln. The nation’s first Republican Efficiency and Conservation Block Committee, introduced a compan- elections to tie up loose ends. president and its first black president and first lady would probably Grant program. Additionally, the ion bill, S. 3642. The question is, will or can have more in common than most people think. DOE awarded more than $150 mil- For H.R. 5766, there are cur- PACE be addressed in a possible A dream I have is to: spend most of a summer on the road driving lion in Recovery Act funds to sup- rently 48 co-sponsors, including lame-duck session? It’s unlikely that and camping from Minnesota to Alaska. port PACE programs nationwide. just one Republican — Rep. Bob a bill will move independently, due You’d be surprised to learn that I: am the first and only female ever These funds were intended to help Inglis from South Carolina. On to the number of opponents, and to serve on my County Board. develop best practices for PACE. the Senate side, S. 3642 has five more likely that, if bill language But now, they are being redirected co-sponsors, but none are Repub- moves at all, it will do so in a larger The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is: in 1966, I hitchhiked to other financing mechanisms as lican. This is significant since S. legislative package. to San Francisco for spring break. Thirty years later, I ran for public a result of this stalemate. 3642 has little chance of moving In July, NACo members passed office. With help from my friends and God, I survived both adventures Since mid-summer, governments without Republican support. But, a resolution at NACo’s Annual successfully. at all levels, including Congress, there are rumors of a new PACE Meeting to support PACE pro- My favorite way to relax is: camping in the Boundary Waters Canoe have tried to break the PACE logjam bill being drafted in the Senate that grams. Since then, NACo has been Area Wilderness on the Minnesota-Ontario border. at the agency level, unsuccessfully. may be bipartisan. lobbying with the National League I’m most proud of: the success of PrimeWest Health, one of a few Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.) proposed The problem is timing. Congress of Cities and the U.S. Conference county-operated health plans in the nation. a pilot PACE program of 300,000 has adjourned to give members of Mayors in support of PACE Every morning I read: the Bible, Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune homes. The FHFA countered with time to hit the campaign trail. That programs. and MinnPost.com. a much smaller pilot, but eventually My favorite meal is: fresh buttered corn on the cob and sliced tomatoes said no. Most PACE advocates feel Background History with cottage cheese. they have hit a dead end negotiat- My pet peeve is: people who complain about the “the government” but ing with FHFA, unless FHFA is In June 2009, the FHFA first raised concerns that PACE financing don’t get involved with civic improvement efforts in their community. mandated to create workable PACE would increase a homeowner’s debts and “could cause a greater prob- programs. My motto is: “We are all faced with great opportunities, brilliantly ability of default.” On another front, the state of disguised as impossible situations.” As a result of this statement, the White House coordinated a number California and other parties have of interagency meetings in the fall of 2009 to allay fears on PACE. These Recent books I read were: Dreams of My Father by Barack Obama filed suit. In the California case, meetings led to the publication of the Policy Framework for PACE Financing and Team of Rivals—the Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris arguments are expected to start this Programs. This document suggested writing standardized underwriting Kearns Goodwin. month and move into November. criteria and safeguards to protect participants and minimize financial My favorite music is: rhythm and blues. The FHFA will probably move to risks to the homeowners and mortgage lenders. dismiss the case, which will lead to In early May of this year, both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac issued claims and counterclaims. Other letters that suggested PACE violated regular mortgage provisions. These NEW publication from NACo’s Green Government Initiative ... states, localities and interested letters put PACE programs in a state of uncertainty and many PACE parties may also file suits in other programs suspended services. 2010 County district courts based on their state FHFA and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency recently PACE laws. stated the PACE program “presents significant safety and soundness In Congress, PACE has its share concerns” to the mortgage finance industry.” They went on to state that Sustainability Strategies of supporters and opponents. A homeowners who participate in residential PACE programs will violate Helping America’s counties better define, number of relevant bills have been standard mortgage provisions and set off a mortgage default. The FHFA prioritize, and more fully assess their introduced in both the House and instructed Fannie and Freddie to use stricter mortgage underwriting Senate that would allow PACE sustainability efforts. standards for all borrowers in jurisdictions with PACE programs. programs to move forward. NACo Download the e-book at www.naco.org Within the past month, Freddie and Fannie have taken it a step further is very supportive of these efforts. by requiring owners who currently have PACE assessments to pay off  Research & Publications  Publications. In the House, Rep. Mike their PACE liens before allowing them to refinance or sell their homes. Thompson (D-Calif.) introduced • CountyNews October 4, 2010 5 EPA launches Green Power Letter to the Editor

I am writing this letter in recognition of the fact that as leaders Community Challenge of our nation’s counties, we are in a powerful moment and in a position to provide true leadership and rise to the challenges By Cindy Wasser communities will be declared in County, Colo. and Clark County, facing our communities. It is so easy to retreat during these dif- COMMUNITY SERVICES ASSISTANT September 2011 and receive rec- Wash. Today, the Partnership ficult times of strained resources when we are in survival mode. ognition from EPA. Throughout is collectively using 2.1 billion However, I would like to argue that we can press the “restart” The U.S. Environmental Pro- the challenge, EPA will provide kilowatt-hours of green power button and powerfully shape the future of our counties. tection Agency’s (EPA) Green in-depth technical assistance to — more than 10 percent of the After years of being battered, our citizens are yearning for Power Partnership recently kicked assist participants in increasing partnership’s total energy use. someone to step forward and start building our economies again. off its national Green Power Com- their green power usage. “Montgomery County was We are in a position to shape how this occurs. How we design munity Challenge, a year-long Interested counties can still one of the first jurisdictions in the and build our communities as they recover and the pent up campaign to encourage counties, join the challenge. To participate, country to set a goal of reducing economic forces burst through will impact our quality of life and cities, towns and Native American a county government must join 80 percent of greenhouse gas resource demand for generations. The decisions we make today tribes to use renewable energy and the Green Power Partnership and emissions by 2050, and purchasing will determine how much water, energy and transportation fuel fight climate change. The goal is use green power in amounts that green power is essential to meet- our communities needs to sustain local economies. to double the collective amount of meet EPA purchase requirements. ing that goal,” said Montgomery Through thoughtful and bold redevelopment of public green power used by participating The county must also implement County, Md. Executive Isiah infrastructure and supporting programs, we can rebuild our communities. a campaign to encourage local Leggett. “The decision to purchase local economies using design, technologies and programs to Green power is electricity businesses and residents to col- clean energy is vital to improving permanently free our businesses and homes of the need to rely generated from renewable energy lectively buy or produce green our environment, but in these on increasingly limited natural resources. Through this lens, sources, such as solar photovolta- power on-site. difficult economic times, it also we can create renewed economies based upon healthy and self- ics, wind, biomass and low-impact The Green Power Partnership makes good business sense.” sufficient frameworks. hydropower. is a voluntary program designed By using the free resources I have recently been elected chair of Applied Solutions, a new Communities will compete to promote and recognize the use available from EPA, Green Power organization of counties and cities whose sole purpose is to do from Sept. 20, 2010, to Sept. of green power by leading U.S. Partners have experienced savings just this. Formed by and for elected leaders of local governments, 1, 2011 to see which one can organizations and communities. in time, effort and cost of buying Applied Solutions is working to build a critical mass within use the most green power and Nearly 1,300 organizations are green power. In addition, they can local governments to advance new financial tools, programs which one can achieve the high- Green Power Partners, including better estimate the environmental and policies necessary to achieve permanent energy, water est green power percentage of a growing number of counties, benefits of switching to green and transportation reduction in a fiscally feasible and realistic total electricity use. The winning such as Dekalb County, Ga., Eagle power and promote their com- manner. This group is having a national conference just to build mitment to media and their local this critical mass around these new ideas in Boulder, Colo. communities. Nov.10–12 (http://www.appliedsolutionsconference.org). Word Search To learn more about EPA’s All are welcome — we would love to see you there. Green Power Community Chal- lenge, visit www.epa.gov/green- Supervisor Valerie Brown Top 20 Georgia Counties power/communities. To learn more Sonoma County, Calif. for Retirement about the Green Power Partner- NACo immediate past president ship, visit www.epa.gov/greenpower.

Q C O W E T A K I O F X R L N R J J C G O E A P S R Q I P A B P C L E E L E H R D S M R I L K V Y F G X Y N D Q K Z A E W E T L R G N E L J R X K J M R L S T E B O X N N O T I X D A L U G A P M D H N X N T N K T L N I K P M U L C O G E A E D M Y R E H K L V R J M C J R H D F M U P L I T A E F I L V A S W G Y A Y A H R G A T S F B L J Y H R S A T J R O Y R Y B A L D W I N B S T B N X X K T L U R Z T O W N S E O R E G V J H M A D F H Y K Z S W K V V E V R R U A J Y Q R X F M L Z D L U T B Q S U P T W A B D F E D L W V X M S A G B N I T D F P H P P H Z O C Y T G H A Y T I P I K Q F T M O K L P X O T V H C M V Z B J W W A A W A E Y H R M A N T U P O W D B Y B A H A L D Z U W A K T P D F Y H K W T M S N I K C W Y W D V D H I M D Z T J B G B V S O N Q A S K J W B O J X G J F U O W Q Y A B M M N

BALDWIN COWETA HART BARTOW ELBERT LUMPKIN BIBB FAYETTE MORGAN CAMDEN FLOYD PUTNAM CARROLL GLYNN THOMAS CHATHAM GREENE TOWNS CLARKE HABERSHAM

Source: www.GeorgiasBest.com / Created By: Christopher Johnson 6 October 4, 2010 CountyNews • Counties cope with medical pot’s unintended consequences

By Charles Taylor the terminally ill and lustrates a how private employers the expense that could be wrought SENIOR STAFF WRITER sufferers of chronic, can be affected. But the scenario upon employers (from lawsuits and debilitating pain. But could just as easily apply to county workers’ compensation claims),” he To some, medical marijuana is the laws’ passage government. The American Civil said. Bardwell is also second vice the proverbial camel’s nose under in some states Liberties Union is suing Wal-Mart president of the Michigan Associa- the tent — before you know it, the pr ov ide s a for firing an employee, a cancer tion of Counties. whole animal is inside. And the cautionary patient, because he tested positive Back in South Dakota, this is the “animal” whose entry is feared is tale. And for marijuana, despite the fact that second attempt to pass a medical the legalization of pot for all. for their he’s legally registered as a medical marijuana law. A 2006 measure was “California passed their medi- counties, the defeated by 52.3 percent of voters. cal marijuana statute back in story doesn’t al- The South Dakota Association 1996,” said Trevor Jones of South ways have a happy of County Commissioners is work- Dakota’s Department of Criminal ending. Medical marijuana is ing to defeat the new proposal, Investigations. “Well, now on the In 2008, 63 percent of Michi- legal in 14 states and the Initiative 13. “We’re growing a ballot today what do we see? They gan voters approved medical mari- District of Columbia. coalition of organizations that are want to legalize a certain amount juana. Patients there may possess in opposition to this measure,” said of marijuana (for anyone).” He’s up to 2.5 ounces of medicinal Bob Wilcox, executive director. working with counties in his state to pot and 12 cannabis plants. The He said the state — facing a $117 stop a medical marijuana measure law also established a state-run pot user under Michigan’s law. The million dollar budget shortfall and there. patient registry that issues ID cards employee said he didn’t use the drug a hiring freeze — is ill-equipped to Four states have marijuana- to qualifying patients. Eligible at work and that traces can remain in take on the added responsibility of related questions on their Nov. patients include those diagnosed got complaints, the body days after usage has ceased. administering the law. The same is 2 ballots. In California, where with cancer, glaucoma and AIDS, and we took action.” Thomas Bardwell, chairman true of the state’s 66 counties. “From medical pot is legal, Proposition 19 among other conditions. Bouchard, a former Michigan of the Tuscola County, Mich. the law enforcement side sheriff’s would completely legalize the drug However in Michigan, some state senator, believes the state leg- Board of Commissioners, is also departments are understaffed, our and tax its sale, letting the camel in. counties have found the law, initi- islature has been “negligent” in not a hospital human resources execu- budgets are tight … the workload Arizona and South Dakota voters ated by citizens, is fraught with developing a framework to support tive. “It’s breathtaking to think of will increase,” Wilcox said. will decide whether to legalize problems — mostly due to its lack the medical marijuana law. He said the substance for medical use. In of clarity and specificity. Last the issues that relate to any other Medical marijuana faces vote Oregon, voters, who approved month, Oakland County Sheriff’s medicine have not been addressed, medicinal pot in 1998, will decide Office raided two “medical mari- such as therapeutic dosage, quality in El Paso County, Colo. whether to legalize marijuana juana facilities,” seizing several control and potency. dispensaries. hundred pounds of pot and arrest- “There’s no situation where By Charlie Ban Medical marijuana is legal in 14 ing 15 people. people have any confidence that STAFF WRITER states and the District of Columbia. “The law went into effect, but they could go anywhere and have The laws are proposed as acts of the law does not legally provide safe, reliable, licensed, predict- Whether El Paso County, Colo. will change its mind and pass on compassionate care, to benefit anybody the ability to sell and able, consistent dosage options,” medical grass is up to the voters next month. buy marijuana,” Oakland County he said. “That is going to be an The county’s medical marijuana dispensaries in unincorporated Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. increasing problem for counties areas, about 21, have been bereft of criminal activity, according to the “Our position is, that being the case, and communities across this state sheriff’s office, and tightly regulated by the county since December County if someone opens these things and and country unless the legislative 2009. Yet, a ban on dispensaries in unincorporated areas of the starts selling from these facilities, bodies do their job.” county is on the Nov. 2 ballot, however, largely because the citizens they’re illegal. They did, and we Another Michigan case il- have been startled by the speed of their proliferation. News “After the DEA stopped raiding dispensaries, they started pop- ping up, and people said what was happening wasn’t what they Medical Marijuana Laws expected when they voted in favor of medical marijuana use,” said Commissioner Amy Lathen. The Obama administration announced Fourteen states and the District of Columbia have legalized medi- in 2009 that the Drug Enforcement Administration would not raid cal marijuana. The states are: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, dispensaries in states that had passed medical marijuana laws to Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, enforce federal drug laws. Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. Current ordinances restrict dispensaries to three different com- In the three states with medical marijuana measures on the Nov. mercial zones and one industrial zone, with distance requirements 2 ballot, the proposed laws are highlighted below. from schools, churches, playgrounds and child care facilities similar The Arizona Medical Marijuana Act — allows qualified termi- to liquor stores. nally or seriously ill patients to use limited amounts of marijuana After twice voting unanimously to regulate medical marijuana on doctor’s recommendation. Patients register with the state; private businesses in the county, the county Board of Commissioners voted cultivation allowed; fingerprinting of caregivers and dispensary 3–2 in August to put the question of banning medical marijuana Get the news personnel; inspection of dispensaries; restrictions on number and businesses on the ballot. El Paso County does not allow citizens to location of dispensaries. petition for a ballot question, but the board may refer the question before it’s Oregon Regulated Medical Marijuana Supply System Act, to the ballot. Measure 74 — creates medical marijuana supply system composed Lathen, who voted in favor of the referendum, said citizen concern news in of licensed dispensaries and producers, sets licensing guidelines; and two statewide referenda on marijuana — 2000’s vote in favor allows limited sales. Establishes low-income cardholders’ assistance of medical marijuana and 2006’s defeat of a proposition to legalize County News! program, and allows state to conduct or fund research of cardholders’ small amounts of the drug — motivated her support. marijuana use. Producers and dispensaries can possess 24 plants and “Each referendum gave citizens a chance to make their voice heard FOLLOW US at ... 96 ounces of marijuana. and set policy on marijuana,” she said. “Because we heard enough South Dakota Medical Marijuana Act, Measure 13 — legal- from residents and they didn’t have the process to do that without izes marijuana possession, use, distribution and cultivation by the board’s action, we felt it was right.” http://twitter.com/ persons registered with the South Dakota Department of Heath Abolishing medical marijuana will mean a loss in tax revenue for nacocountynews with physician-diagnosed debilitating medical conditions. Schools, the county — 1 percent of all sales in unincorporated areas — but employers and landlords can’t refuse to enroll, employ or lease based the overall impact will not be significant because the majority of the upon marijuana registration unless required by federal law. dispensaries are in Colorado Springs, an incorporated city. • CountyNews October 4, 2010 7 Counties recognized as ‘Best Communities for Young People’

By Christopher Johnson of Casey Family Programs; Fr. EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA; Javier Palomarez, Thirty-one counties made the president and CEO of the U.S. 2010 list of 100 Best Communities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; for Young People, an annual com- Larry Naake, executive director, petition sponsored by America’s NACo; Jane Beshear, first lady of Promise Alliance in celebration of the Commonwealth of Kentucky America’s young people and the and Dominique Dawes, Olympic communities dedicated to helping gold medalist and youth advocate. them graduate from high school. This year’s county winners More than 7,000 U.S. students include Prince William County, drop out every school day, totaling Va. It was honored for its Office of 1.3 million young people a year. Student Management and Alterna- That amounts to about one out of tive Programs that created several every three students not graduating opportunities and paths for youths from high school. This program is to finish high school through Learn designed to help curb those statistics. and Serve classes, leadership classes “The 100 Best Communities for and Students L.E.A.D. (Learning Young People are taking bold and Essential Assets of Development) effective steps to help youth gradu- committees. As a result, the dropout ate and lead healthy, productive rate has decreased by 52.8 percent lives,” said Alma J. Powell, chair, over the last four years. America’s Promise Alliance. NACo Another winning community is an alliance partner. was Hancock County, Ohio, which The 100 Best competition is found innovative ways to keep stu- part of the Alliance’s Grad Nation dents in school despite floods and campaign, a 10-year initiative to the economic downturn. Partnering mobilize all Americans to end the with the city of Findlay, the county Photo courtesy of America’s Promise Alliance dropout crisis. This year, more than commissioners provided youth Community winners wear big smiles at the official announcement of the 2010 100 Best Communities for Young 350 communities in all 50 states and opportunities to attend college People on the National Mall Sept. 21 in Washington. D.C. Washington, D.C., were nominated and prepare for the 21st century for the 100 Best competition. The workforce by the continuing 4-H panel of judges included some of youth programs, and adding two lighted at a ceremony in front of were pinpointed on an expansive ity health care for young people, the nation’s most well-known civic, new middle schools and a career the Washington Monument on the ceremonial U.S. map. encourage youth civic engagement business and nonprofit leaders such technology center. National Mall in Washington, D.C., First held in 2005, the 100 Best and supply developmental resources as William Bell, president and CEO The 2010 winners were high- Sept. 21. Winning communities competition is open to all communi- that create better places for young ties that make children and youth people to live and grow. a priority, including small towns, To learn more about the com- This Month in ... large cities, counties and school petition and how to nominate a districts. In addition to enhancing county, see the full list of winners local educational opportunities, or view an interactive showcase of County News most winning communities help the accomplishments, visit www. facilitate greater access to qual- americaspromise.org/100best. County News celebrates NACo’s 75th Anniversary with a look back at the issues and events that affected counties over the past several decades. M October M 2010 Best Communities 1975 1992 Madison County (Huntsville), Ala. Calvert County, Md. • Wayne County, Mich. Board Chairman Roscoe • Both houses of Congress overrode President Tuscaloosa County, Ala. Wicomico County (Salisbury), Md. L. Bobo told a House subcommittee that counties George H.W. Bush’s veto of the Cable Television Sacramento County, Calif. Butler County, Mo. desperately need federal financial assistance to Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992. Solano County, Calif. Platte County, Mo. aid them in coping with excessive unemployment The legislation granted local governments the Alachua County, Fla. Orange County, N.Y. brought about by the recession and help in solving authority to regulate basic cable rates in markets Manatee County (Bradenton), Fla. Moore County, N.C. long-term structural unemployment. with no competition. The rates are established by Sarasota County, Fla. Pitt County, N.C. He urged the House economic development the Federal Communications Commission. In 1992, Hillsborough County (Tampa), Fla. Hancock County (Findlay), Ohio subcommittee to move on emergency public works the cable television industry took in more than $20 Forsyth County (Cumming), Ga. Indiana County, Pa. and anti-recession legislation. billion. The cable bill was estimated to save consum- Bibb County (Macon), Ga. Harris County (Houston), Texas “The anti-recession — or counter-cyclical — ers $6 billion annually. Troup County, Ga. Chesterfield County, Va. assistance program would save jobs in the public • The NACo Radon Project began its second sector and minimize local tax increases or service year with a call for ambitious expansion. The Barren County, Ky. Hanover County, Va. cuts,” he said. education program, operated in conjunction with Clark County, Ky. Prince William County, Va. • NACo urged delays to the Urban Mass Transit the Environmental Protection Agency, operated Fayette County (Lexington), Ky. Surry County, Va. Acts and Federal Aid Highway Act so that the three model programs in counties, but NACO Calloway County (Murray), Ky. Mercer County, W. Va. governments that would be affected could have Radon Project Director Jerry McNeil and advi- Barnstable County, Mass. more intensive discussions with the agencies. The sory committee members expected the number to regulations that were published in the Sept. 17 increase to 24. NACo worked closely with many Federal Register went far beyond the comprehen- state associations of counties to conduct workshops sive planning process required by law and certain and seminars to educate county officials about the Keep up with NACo online ... regulations, taking the ability to determine their dangers of radon and distributed more than 1,300 own programs and operations away from counties. radon test kits. www.naco.org 8 October 4, 2010 CountyNews •

Model Programs FROM THE NATION’S COUNTIES Chippewa County, Minn. Dialogue Provides Options for Troubled Teens By Charlie Ban felonies or gross misdemeanors that strengths? how to make amends, financially been pretty effective. An average STAFF WRITER do not involve violence or assault • What do you need to work and psychologically, for the harm of 12 teens per year come through are eligible, at the county attorney’s on to prevent this from happening they’ve caused. Most of the charges circle sentencing, which has a Reconciliation now has a seat discretion, to choose circle sentenc- again? resulting in circle sentencing have $30,000 budget from the county. By at the table with crime and punish- ing in lieu of detention. • Who did you harm and why been property destruction. comparison, if each of those youths ment for some Chippewa County, Circle sentencing relies on struc- did your act hard them, and how Between one-third and half of the was detained for 45 days, it would Minn. youths. ture, adult involvement and insight can you make amends? victims affected by circle participants cost the county $108,000. Circle sentencing, a holistic tech- and self-discipline for its corrective “We have the opportunity to hear choose to attend a session to accept “Plus, the county is still paying nique based on Native American function. from the kid but also for his family their apology. for the seat in public school they conflict resolution methods, has “We’ll offer the circle if the of- to see what it’s like,” Wright said. “It’s educational for the victims, aren’t filling, so in a lot of instances, gained traction as a corrective mea- fense is serious enough that the kid “We decide together if the circle will too, because they get to see the nature detention is just doubling a lot of sure for juvenile justice, especially in would go to jail,” Wright said. “It work for them.” of the perpetrator and hear their services the county already provides Minnesota. Its effectiveness in deter- has to be serious enough to warrant Only one applicant has not stuck explanation,” Wright said. “A lot for kids.” ring recidivism and saving money input of community time.” with the group, which speaks to the of people feel they are specifically Adjacent Yellow Medicine by forgoing traditional incarceration The first step involves an applica- self-selective population that pursues targeted, when in reality a lot of County has also begun a circle is encouraging Chippewa County tion meeting, where he (all but four that route. juvenile crime is random — it has sentencing program. Family Services to expand its use. of 27 circle participants in Chippewa “Some kids choose to not do it, little to do with retaliation or intimi- Payne sees value in the program, Coordinator Emily Wright touts County have been male) meets with they’re so angry they would rather dation of a specific adult. More often regardless of the savings. its savings and effectiveness, but a group of eight volunteers, culled do the time and get it over with,” than not, these victims come and “Any approach that gets good relishes the opportunity participants from the 32 Wright has recruited. Wright said. “Circle sentencing isn’t find themselves sitting across from results with kids is worth it,” he said. have to avoid criminal records as Volunteers undergo 16 hours of an easy way out — participants have 12-year-olds, shaking in their boots. “Locking them up doesn’t work. teenagers. training and comprise a cross section to work hard and open themselves “The kids often admit, ‘I was out Parents wouldn’t lock a misbehaving “People typically think juvenile of the community. up. It’s not a slap on the wrist and a late, with my friends, and we did kid in a bathroom for a month, they’d records don’t follow you, but they The offender answers a variety of bunch of lectures from adults.” something stupid.’” talk to him and figure out what the do,” she said. “Kids who are adju- questions that set the parameters for James Payne, a consultant with On occasion, a victim can help problem is. dicated won’t be able to hold some his participation in circle sentencing: the Annie E. Casey Foundation and mete out the remedy. When two “Young people act consistent with jobs or serve in the military. It can • What did you do that was the Juvenile Detention Alternatives boys damaged a historic church the future they see for themselves, really stop them for their life.” wrong in the first place? Initiative, said that he has seen the with fireworks, the representative and adults in authority contribute Youths who are convicted of • What are your personal technique adapted from the Native of the historical trust worked with overwhelmingly to that future.” American application of getting community members to guide the Circle Sentencing Coordinator people to talk about gender, racial boys on their way to performing the Emily Wright can be reached at NACo on the Move and ethnic disparities. labor for some of the repairs, saving Chippewa Count Family Services “It gets people to loosen up and them thousands of dollars. at 320.269.6401. talk and relate to each other and “I think that what was so amaz- » NACo Officers and Elected Officials demonstrates the difference between ing was people reaching out to be (Model Programs from the Nation’s • James Snyder, Cattaraugus County legislator, listening and hearing,” he said. creative, flexible and helpful, get Counties highlights Achievement Award- was honored by the New York State Association of “You’re not sitting there making things fixed and not haunt the boys winning programs. For more information Counties (NYSAC) with the Edwin L. Crawford someone feel bad, you’re figuring for the rest of their lives,” Wright said. on this and other NACo Achievement Award for outstanding public service to New out ‘how did we get here, and how In two-and-a-half years, one of Award winners, visit NACo’s Web  York’s county governments. do we be sure we don’t get to this the 27 participants has reoffended, site, www.naco.org Resource  Snyder served as president of NACo from point again.’” so Chippewa County’s program has Library Model County Programs.) 1988–89, New York State Association of Coun- While inmates at the detention ties president from 1989–90 and was the White James Snyder center can serve their sentences House director of intergovernmental affairs under in relative anonymity, keeping to Talking Circles President George H.W. Bush 1991–1993. themselves, circle participants im- • Glen Whitley, NACo president, spoke on the value of NACo mediately have eight adults who are Circle sentencing comes from a Native American practice called membership and legislative accomplishments at the general sessions keenly aware of who they are. For “talking circles.” Indigenous people in Yukon Territory in Canada, of the Wisconsin Counties Association annual conference in Mil- some, it is a welcome increase from and later in Minnesota, have used talking circles for generations to waukee County, Wisc. Sept. 26 and the Association what they had before. resolve individual and community issues. The practice emphasizes of Indiana Counties annual conference in Laporte “Seventeen of our 27 participants living in balance with self, community and the creator. County, Ind. had a parent or sibling in prison, and A circle includes the offender and their support group, the victims • Lee Kyle Allen, Craven County commis- only four lived in a two-parent home, and their support group, a mentor, members of the core circle group, sioner, was named Outstanding North Carolina so right off the bat they get a handful volunteer members of the community and representatives from County Commissioner for 2010 for his work on of volunteers who care about them,” social services and the legal system. This circle initially discusses behalf of counties and issues of statewide and Wright said. what happened, what impact it had on the victim and community, national significance. Allen is going into his fourth Lee Kyle Allen Early circle sessions focus on and what punishment is warranted. year on the NACo Board of Directors. goal setting and altering behavior Punishment can include counseling and community service. to reach that goal. One teenager was After the sentencing the circle continues to meet to discuss what » NACo Staff a talented basketball player, so his progress has been made, helping to keep the offender stay on track. • Jacqueline Byers, director of research and outreach, conducted intermediate steps to reaching his However, if the offender does not comply with what is asked of him two training sessions titled “Developing a Code of Ethics” and “Who’s goal of playing basketball were to or her, that person is sent back to the judicial system for sentencing. Listening In?” at the Wyoming County Commissioners Association stop smoking, attend his classes and Conference in Albany County (Laramie), Wyo. Sept. 20–21. improve his grades so he would be Source: Kay Pranis, then of the Minnesota Department of Corrections, via ACF News Source On the Move is compiled by Christopher Johnson. eligible for the team. The group helps youths figure out • CountyNews October 4, 2010 9 News From the Nation’s Counties

XARIZONA County’s Mental Health Intercept 2 p.m. It includes two additional The MARICOPA COUNTY Project to stabilize those inmates in resolutions that authorize Juve- Board of Supervisors cancelled 32 the community instead of behind nile Court Services and the Sheriff’s school board races with no candi- bars. The project’s work earned the Department to enter into an agree- dates or competition. The board county two federal grants totaling ment with the Jackson-Madison appointed unchallenged candidates $525,000 to fund new programs, County School System. to the open seats and declared according to the Kansas City Star. The Sheriff’s Department now vacancies for seats without candi- One grant funds a mental health has the right to stop children under dates. County records show that expert who will go with police to the age of 18 without probable since 2006, when state law allowed handle calls involving mentally ill cause during school hours. The first supervisors to cancel unopposed people and a diversion case man- offense prompts a warning letter. elections, as few as one-third to close ager, to steer mentally ill inmates On the second offense, Juvenile to half of candidates were voted into into community programs. The Court will issue the parents of the office, theArizona Republic reported. second grant will be for a team child committing the offense a $50 Not having elections in those races — with experts on mental health, fine, at the discretion of the judge, will save the school board $547,000. substance abuse and vocational the Jackson Sun reported. services — that will enlarge the XCALIFORNIA work release program. XMONTANA LOS ANGELES COUNTY Photo courtesy of Clakamas County, Ore. RAVALLI COUNTY com- supervisors voted to restrict foam XOREGON • McPHERSON COUNTY missioners have voted to ask state food containers from most county This was no kitten-up-tree rescue. CLACKAMAS COUNTY fire and will offer free defensive driving and federal agencies to reinstate offices and concessions. sheriff’s personnel were recently called to help a camel named Moses classes to county employees. regional wolf management to The ban will cover restaurants, out of a sinkhole in Oregon City, while owner Kim Dillworth tried to All employees who operate protect the region’s hoofed-animal catering trucks and snack shops comfort the animal. county vehicles must take the population. from the county’s massive public The 1,500-pound pet Bactrian camel fell into a hole about 6-feet deep course, which is strongly recom- The vote echoes that of the hospital system to beach conces- on Dillworth and her husband’s rural property. The couple bought Moses mended for all other employees County Fish and Wildlife As- sions, golf courses and even food and his brother, Bethlehem, to use in a live nativity display, according that submit mileage reimbursement sociation and comes in response delivery to senior citizens. to OregonLive.com. requests, the McPherson Sentinel re- to a federal judge reinstating En- They also requested a study Responders arrived to find Moses up to his shoulders in mud. After ported. Certificates issued through dangered Species Act protections examining a more extensive ban. calling for additional help, they were able to free the camel. A veterinarian the program will be valid for three for wolves in Montana and Idaho Department of Public Works of- who checked the animal found no obvious injuries. years and could qualify participants this summer. ficials and the county counsel will for reduction on their individual car The request cites a part of the report back in a year on the potential insurance rates. Endangered Species Act that au- implications of banning foam food commissioner says he has a solution: of two national demonstration sites thorizes management of the area’s containers in private restaurants and Make the names boring. working with the U.S. Department XMISSISSIPPI experimental wolf populations, a other businesses in L.A. County’s Douglas says signs marking of Justice to try to find ways to MADISON COUNTY com- rule that applies to states that have vast unincorporated areas, which Green Acres, Boone’s Farm and keep mentally ill petty criminals missioners established a daytime approved wolf management plans. cover 2,600 square miles and more Mary Jane Lane are frequently out of jail. curfew for children, matching one Commissioners argued that by than a million residents. stolen. He suspects the thieves are The National Justice Center in the city of Jackson. the time wolf management returns The Sheriff’s Department, targeting those signs because they of the Council of State Govern- The curfew requires children to which runs the county jail system, share names with a popular TV ments is working with the Johnson be in school between 8 a.m. and See NEWS FROM page 10 will probably be exempted from series, a low-cost wine or, in the third the ban because officials there case, a slang term for marijuana. rely on the lightweight containers Douglas figures the thieves just like because they cannot be made into the alliteration in signs for Harmony weapons the L.A. Times reported. Hill. County Manager Luther Smart says the area is paying $17,000 a year XFLORIDA to replace the signs, the Associated The recession has meant a boost Press reported. in business for the LEE COUNTY Clerk of Court, with a 15 percent XINDIANA increase in marriages performed VIGO COUNTY adopted a there in 2010’s first eight months. responsible bidder ordinance for Between January and August, county construction projects. the clerk’s office performed 527 County Attorney Michael marriages, about 15 percent more Wright said the ordinance es- than the same time last year, the tablishes criteria for bidders on News-Press reported. Couples are taxpayer-supported public con- lured by the $123.50 fee — $30 struction projects. It is based on for the ceremony, $93.50 for the legislation that Terre Haute city license — that pales in comparison officials passed. to the tens of thousands of dollars The concept is that public it can cost to rent a church and pay construction projects paid for by for a catered dinner. taxpayer money not be automati- cally awarded to the lowest bidder. XGEORGIA The government body undertaking McINTOSH COUNTY Com- a project can retain discretion to Photo courtesy of Howard County, Md. missioner Mark Douglas suggested award the project to the lowest XMARYLAND changing the name of several streets “responsible bidder.” HOWARD COUNTY Department of Fire & Rescue Services joins its many colleagues across the country to curb road sign theft. in going pink during October to help promote and raise awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The The county is losing about 550 XKANSAS campaign kicked off with a station-lighting ceremony Oct. 1. Howard County fire personnel will put away street signs a years to thieves and a • JOHNSON COUNTY is one their normal uniform shirt for the entire month of October in favor of a pink breast cancer awareness shirt. 10 October 4, 2010 CountyNews • The H.R. Doctor Is In By My Simple Example

The key role of a leader in a Moments (GEM) in life, when pride or, from the Greek, hubris. voice of incivility is a prime weapon We need much more of this family and in a public or private a person in need seeks out help The idea was to create and apply in such a person’s arsenal. It’s easy type of positive leadership in our organization is to communicate and advice from the leader, or in every agency a new medical to find them. They are everywhere, organizations, in the religious goals, principles and visions to oth- the leader sees an opportunity to procedure, an “ego-suction.” The and their shouting behaviors are community and right in our own ers in a compelling and inspiring encourage, motivate or correct purpose would be to remove por- getting louder and louder. families. How hard is it really to be way. Extraordinary communica- tions of the ego of elected officials What can be the best source of civil in behavior and in communi- tions skills also include coaching and their appointed colleagues a great example for leaders? The cations — even if others don’t mir- and constructive criticisms, as when these functions become HR Doctor can find none better ror that approach? Who knows but well as praise and recognition. How hard is it really to over-inflated to a level where other than the one in a comment once even members of Congress might The most successful leaders get be civil in behavior and in qualities, such as empathy and made by Mario Cuomo, former benefit tremendously by being in it when it comes to this vital role. communications — even humility, are pushed out. governor, presidential candidate, the ego-suction clinical trial group Conversely, leaders who experi- if others don’t mirror There is a growing need in and most eloquent speaker and and by being standard bearers for ence repeated business failures, that approach? America for ego-suction to be more. The comment described simple and civil example. frustrations, and many human covered by health insurance with no his number one teacher and men- resources problems such as high co-pay. Perhaps in the next reform tor, the one who had the greatest turnover or departures by the best package. If there is any doubt, just impact on his future behavior and the brightest, are those who look at the pundits who use or are and outlook. That was his father Phil Rosenberg ignore the impacts of their com- behavior. Bypassing a GEM or used by the media to showcase their who taught him by the simple The HR Doctor munications on others. letting such a GEM opportunity skills as demagogues. The raised eloquence of his example. www.hrdr.net Example is critical to communi- tarnish because of indifference is cations excellence. Example is also a serious leadership failure. unconscious as well as deliberate. So is raising your voice and The role-modeling and mentor- criticizing in public rather than Dallas County reaps dividend ing, both positive and negative, in private. It is a manifestation done by leaders can range from a of bullying behavior stemming from alternative sentencing program specific coaching appointment time from an over inflated view of what on the calendar, an unconscious one’s rank or title as an elected or NEWS FROM from page 9 ties as roads and electricity….” wish to live while receiving services. act of walking by a person and appointed official permits them to Committee members will in- Brown would be part of a not acknowledging their existence, do. This is the kind of behavior to the state, it may be too late to clude representatives of govern- district that includes DOOR, or walking by a person in distress also common to the harasser and ensure the viability of the region’s ment IT, telecommunications KEWAUNEE, SHAWANO, in order to get to some allegedly the perpetrator of violence. hoofed-animal population, such as companies, education, county staff OCONTO, MENOMINEE and important meeting. It involves ig- An early HR Doctor article deer and elk, and hunting economy, and community members. MARINETTE counties. The noring or taking full advantage of focused on Public Enemy No. 1 the Ravalli Republic reported. county’s involvement is significant, the precious Genuine Encounter in our lives — the arrogance of XTEXAS since 55 percent of the long-term XNEW YORK DALLAS COUNTY’s alterna- cases in the seven-county region • A federal judge has tossed tive sentencing program is paying reside in Brown County. out a land-claim lawsuit the big dividends since it began in The county must pass a second Onondaga Nation filed against September 2009. The program, resolution outlining its financial What’s ONANDAGA COUNTY and designed to replace work-release, participation in the district in about several other entities. has saved $366,016 in its first a year. in a The Indian nation alleged that year — almost twice the $200,000 land from the Canadian border to county commissioners budgeted • The MARATHON COUNTY Pennsylvania had been illegally for the program, according to The and city of Wasau human resources Seal? taken by the state in the 1700s and Dallas Morning News. won’t be merging departments, as 1800s, when it negotiated treaties Under the program, persons had been proposed. But while clos- »Orange County, Texas that violated federal laws, The Post- convicted of misdemeanors — or ing one door, Marathon’s County www.co.orange.tx.us Standard reported. who have had felonies reduced Board opened another. In his ruling, U.S. District Judge to misdemeanors — are allowed The County Board and Wausau Orange County, Texas was formed in 1852 from portions of Lawrence E. Kahn said the case was to live at home and go to work or City Council had approved the brought too late and would disrupt school while wearing GPS-enabled merger, but the board’s executive Jefferson County. It was named after the orange fruit, the common generations of land development. monitors. committee rejected it after Wausau citrus fruit grown by the early settlers near the mouth of the Sabine The program has had a success Mayor Jim Tipple and the City River. Due to periodic spells of cold winter frosts in Orange County, • The TOMKINS COUNTY rate of 97 percent, with 273 offend- Council made changes to it. it is no longer the home of orange trees and citrus orchards. Legislature has formed a broad- ers having completed their time, out However, members of the ex- During World War II, Orange County was the home of a large band committee to consider the of 281 closed alternative sentencing ecutive committee said they would amount of shipbuilding for the navies of the United States and allied best ways to promote high-speed cases. It recently began monitoring consider contracting out human countries. The major shipbuilder, the Consolidated Steel Corp., was Internet connectivity countywide, some pre-trial bond cases. resources services to villages and cit- located in the town. During the war, the Consolidate Steel employed and to advise the legislature, the ies, including Wausau. The county’s as many as 20,000 people at its shipyard in Orange, Texas. Ithaca Journal reported. XWISCONSIN Human Resources Committee will The seal features the county name along the top and “State of “Affordable access to the Internet • Establishment of a seven- look into how such a system might Texas” along the bottom with a lone star in the middle. This sym- is often taken for granted by people county family care district could be operate, according to the Wasau bolizes Texas as an independent republic and is a reminder of the who already have it, but many of BROWN COUNTY’s ticket out of Daily Herald. Tompkins County’s residents are the long-term care business. The state’s struggle for independence from Mexico. unable to connect,” Legislature County Board recently approved (News From the Nation’s Counties is (If you would like your county’s seal featured, please contact Christopher Chairwoman Martha Robertson an enabling resolution. Family compiled by Charles Taylor and Charlie Johnson at 202.942.4256 or [email protected].) said. “Broadband service has care was established by the state in Ban, staff writers. If you have an item become as essential for economic 2007 and allows persons in need of for News From, please e-mail ctaylor@ activity and educational opportuni- long-term care to decide where they naco.org or [email protected].) • CountyNews October 4, 2010 11 Research News Downturn Creates the New Poor In mid-September, the U.S. reverses, unemployment, upside- to the downturn in the economy. The cost of these services conducted a Hunger Factor Assess- Census Bureau released the latest down mortgages and foreclosures The following results were found: jumped from $370,000 a month in ment of its recipients. Some of the statistics on poverty in America. they can no longer lay claim to • Crisis contacts in Mental Re- 2007 to about $1 million a month information they found includes: In 2009, 11 percent of all families that status. In reality many of them covery Health Services increased in 2010. Nearby Sherburne and • 31 percent of surveyed house- (about 8.8 million families) were were actually just below middle from 3,700 in 2008 to 4,200 in 2009. Benton counties are experiencing holds listed long-term unemploy- classified as below poverty level. class, but claiming the lifestyle on a similar increases. ment as the reason they sought The data, from a report called two-paycheck income. The lifestyle Meanwhile county human emergency food. That compares to Income, Poverty and Health Insurance easily fell apart when one of the services departments are facing 22 percent in 2008 at the beginning Coverage in the United States; 2009, working members of a household College and other post- budget cuts themselves just as of the recession reveals the poverty rate in 2009 was lost his or her job. The strain of secondary education demand is increasing. Facing a $60 • 28 percent of adult recipients the highest reported since 1994 and trying to make it on one paycheck graduates are finding it million shortfall for the county’s are unemployed and looking for reflects the largest number of people often proves to be too much. tough to break into the 2011 fiscal year, King County, work, compared to 20 percent in in poverty in the 51 years that the Many types of people are be- working world. Wash. Executive Dow Constantine 2008 estimates have been available. ing caught by the slow economy. recently proposed to zero out all • the average length of time of According to the report, poverty College and other post-secondary general funding for human services. unemployment was 15 months increased for every type of fam- education graduates are finding it After already gutting the nearly • 16 percent of adult recipients ily. Married couple families had a tough to break into the working $20 million that the county bud- work full time, compared to 21 poverty rate of 5.8 percent, with 3.4 world. At the same time many • Economic support cases geted for human services only two percent in 2008, and million in poverty, and female head people who are working are being increased by 150 between January years ago, there was little left for • 52 percent of respondents of household families had a rate of affected by cutbacks in the avail- and December 2009, and the executive to cut. Washington cite “to be employed” as critical to 29.9 percent, or 4.4 million of these ability of state and county funding • Food share cases increased by state counties do not have a legal improving their situation (compared families in poverty. for subsidized childcare and find 500 between 2009 and 2010, and mandate to fund these services. to 45 percent in 2008). The federal Office of Manage- themselves on long waiting lists for total benefit support increased from The Oregon Food Bank Net- ment and Budget defines the poverty the fewer available slots. According $817,539 in 2009 to nearly $1.17 work, which serves counties in (Research News was written by Jacque- threshold in 2009 as $21,954 for a to data from the Census Bureau, million 2010. Oregon, and Clark County, Wash. line Byers, director of research.) family of four. Rates of poverty childcare can cost up to one-third Sterns County, Minn. reports increased from 2008 to 2009 in of the total household budgets of that the number of people seek- the Midwest, South and West, but low-income families. Others are ing food support was 5.5 percent Job Market / Classifieds the rate for the Northeast was not seeing their jobs phased out or their higher than in January 2009. statistically different. employers going out of business. County officials believe that many The impact of the new economy In La Crosse County, Wis., of the new recipients are people XDIRECTOR OF PUBLIC UTILITIES – state retirement benefits. CAROLINE COUNTY, VA. Interested candidates should sub- has hit people in all walks of life, and county staff conducted an analysis who have experienced job loss. Salary: DOQ. mit a completed county application, the phrase now being used in the of the increased demand on its Altogether, 8,810 people sought Caroline County is seeking a Direc- resume and cover letter to County media to describe them is the “newly human services because of the some form of support from the tor of Public Utilities. This is a profes- Administrator Percy Ashcraft at P.O. poor.” Many of the newly poor recession. They examined the county human services depart- sional, administrative position respon- Box 447, Bowling Green, VA 22427. formerly considered themselves increased case loads in all of their ment in April 2010, double the sible for managing underground utilities Call 804.633.5380. Position open until middle class, but because of job human services agencies attributed number receiving it in April 2007. including treatment and distribution, filled. Applications may be obtained solid waste collection and disposal and from the County Administrator’s Office capital improvement projects. Oversees or online at www.visitcaroline.com. Caro- approximately 30 full-time employees line County is an Equal Opportunity Financial Services News with direct supervision over one mana- Employer. gerial position. Reports to the County Administrator. XCOUNTY ADMINISTRATOR – The successful candidate must pos- PATRICK COUNTY, VA. U.S. Communities Unveils New sess excellent leadership ability, manage- Salary: DOQ. ment skills, communication skills and The Board of Supervisors of Patrick contract negotiation skills. Candidates County seeks a professional individual Online Marketplace with four year college degree in public with strong leadership skills for the posi- administration, business, management tion of County Administrator. U.S. Communities, the largest products, school and classroom sup- Communities. “Our new online or engineering will be equally con- Please submit a current resume, national local government coopera- plies, labware, homeland security marketplace is a convenient plat- sidered. Requires at least seven to 10 county application, and professional tive, has announced a new online and safety supplies, electrical items, form that simplifies the purchasing years of progressive related experience, references to the Patrick County Board system that enables participating janitorial supplies and maintenance process and provides agencies with including three (3) years of supervisory of Supervisors Chairman, P.O. Box 466; experience, or any equivalent combina- Stuart, VA 24171 or e-mail information public agencies to access and equipment. real-time access to the best overall tion of training and experience which to [email protected]. Applications will purchase goods and services from These products are available government pricing across our provides the required knowledge, skills be accepted through Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. multiple U.S. Communities vendors through existing contracts between nationally recognized suppliers.” and abilities. A valid Virginia driver’s or until position is filled. EOE/ADA. at one time. The integrated, online U.S. Communities’ lead public U.S. Communities is also of- license and good driving record are For more information and county marketplace is available to registered agencies and suppliers such as fering weekly webinars to educate also required. Starting salary DOQ. application, please visit our website at users on www.uscommunities.org. School Specialty, HD Supply, participating agencies on the new Excellent benefit package including www.co.patrick.va.us. Any public agency, including lo- Insight, Tech Depot, Graybar, portal. There is no additional cal and state government, school dis- Fisher Science Education, BSN cost to purchase online and no tricts and nonprofit organizations, and US Games, Hagemeyer and minimum purchase requirement can take advantage of the savings Zep. Offerings from additional for participating public agencies. Hire Quality Staff and products available through the U.S. Communities suppliers will be To register for a webinar, go to Get rate schedules for the Job Market/Classifieds both program. The new online market- available through the online system www.uscommunities.org News and online and in print. Visit www.naco.org  Programs & place offers access to thousands of in coming months. Events  Webinars. Services  Hire Quality Staff for more information, products from multiple suppliers “We are pleased to offer another or contact Christopher Johnson at 202.942.4256 or with a single payment and order. new solution that delivers value and (Financial Services News was written [email protected]. Current products available through cost savings to public agencies,” said by Nancy Parrish, director, NACo the marketplace include technology Steve Hamill, general manager, U.S. Financial Services Corporation. 12 October 4, 2010 CountyNews • NACo urges automatic federal Medicaid assistance increases

DEFICIT from page 1 The “pass-through” requirement law permanently so that Medicaid preserved as an affordable option for sions yet to be made at all levels of for states that require their counties can fulfill its role in the safety net as local governments to use for budget- government…. While none of the stated. This would be detrimental to contribute to the non-federal share well as counter-cyclical spending,” ing and financing of long-range decisions will be easy, [counties] to the wide range of services and of Medicaid has also been extremely he wrote. investments in the infrastructure are ready to continue our intergov- programs counties provide their important, Naake wrote. “When the The letter also addressed tax and facilities necessary to meet the ernmental partnership and welcome residents — such as ensuring public economy is down, more individuals reform, urging the commission to demand for government services,” consultation or any questions you safety, operating hospitals and build- will be eligible for Medicaid at pre- preserve local governments’ ability Naake wrote. may have.” ing infrastructure — at a time when cisely the same time that states and to finance their legitimate functions. Expressing appreciation of the The complete text of the letter counties are coping with diminished counties experience revenue short- “Tax-exempt financing is a com- magnitude of the task ahead, he is available on NACo’s website at revenues. falls … Congress should change the ponent of that ability and should be added: “There are many tough deci- www.naco.org. In the letter, NACo called on the commission to evaluate the consequences its recommendations will have on local governments, and to make sure they neither result Sign Up Now in cost-shifting to state and local governments, exacerbating fiscal strain, nor impose underfunded or unfunded mandates on state and local governments. for NACo’s Fall Webinar Series Naake also urged that Congress, the federal government and agencies should “meaningfully engage” local governments on deficit-reduction solutions by inviting state and local officials to participate in current and future deliberations. “Counties stand ready to work For NACo Members Only. in partnership with the federal gov- Save Your ernment to help achieve the goal of For more information and to register go to deficit reduction and continue our www.naco.org/webinars role as a provider of services to the citizens of this country,” he wrote. County October 21: Seven Habits Series: Listen to Understand NACo also asked that the federal government not abandon the pay- November 18: Seven Habits Series: Synergize for Power ment in lieu of taxes program, which Money. reimburses public lands counties for NACo webinars on the calendar for Fall 2010 services they provide. The associa- tion also urged the commission to For more information and to register go to see infrastructure spending as an eco- Make Your www.naco.org/webinars nomic driver that creates economic expansion and deficit reduction over October 7: Exploring Carbon Credit Revenue from the long term. This includes targeted Roads Safer. County Parks and Open Spaces federal investments in transportation, broadband, businesses incubators, October 14: How Smart Growth Can Put Your water and wastewater infrastructure, Become an County on a Path to a Green Economy community facilities, community October 19: Rural Counties and Health Reform: and economic development through the community development block Opportunities for Improved Care grant program. Even Better October 28: Green IT Strategies that Save Your Further, NACo asked that the County Money and Protect Resources commission, when considering entitlement reforms, remember that Leader ... October 28: Justice for all: Effective County Medicaid provides essential core Juvenile Justice Efforts funding for the local health care November 9: Save Money through Green Purchasing safety net for vulnerable populations. “With that in mind, we would And more urge the Commission to include an analysis of the costs to state and local governments of proposed reforms to Medicaid, alongside projections for All from the convenience the federal treasury,” Naake wrote. In that regard, NACo encour- aged the commission to make of your own computer increases to Medicaid’s federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) automatic and triggered by specific indicators of economic distress. The letter noted that the increased FMAP provided by the Recovery Act — and recently www.naco.org/webinars extended by Congress — has been a lifesaver for states and counties.