COUNTY EMPLOYEE HEALTH AGENCIES COUNTY PARKS & REC WORKFORCE HIT BY COPE THROUGH PIVOTS ‘180 DEGREES’ TO COVID-19. PG. 6 CHALLENGING TIME. PG. 15 OFFER PROGRAMS. PG. 17

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES VOL. 52, NO. 15 AUGUST 3, 2020 Senate GOP introduces coronavirus Gary relief bill Moore by Charlie Ban senior writer Takes Negotiations over the fifth coronavirus relief package be- gan July 27 with U.S. Senate Lead at Majority Leader Mitch McCo- nnell’s (R-Ky.) introduction of the $1 trillion Health, Eco- nomic Assistance, Liability NACo and Schools (HEALS) Act. The package of bills does not Boone County, Ky. Judge/Executive Gary Moore, with wife Linda by his side, is sworn in as NACo president by Senate Majority Leader contain any additional fund- Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). The ceremony was part of NACo’s Annual Business Meeting, held online July 20.Photo by Timothy Epner ing for local governments, nor does it include direct funding by Rachel Looker ident Denise Winfrey, Will “Years ago, I was in county during the meeting. for the 95 percent of counties staff writer County, Ill. interim county government, so this is very ex- “Wow, those were some with fewer than 500,000 res- executive — were elected by citing, it’s my honor to swear surprises I didn’t know idents. The HEALS Act does Boone County, Ky. Judge/ acclamation. you in.” about,” Moore said. however include $300 billion Executive Gary Moore, with NACo members recorded McConnell was a county Moore, who is serving in his in supplemental appropria- his wife Linda standing by his their votes on bylaws amend- judge, representing Jeffer- sixth term as judge executive, tions to programs of interest to side, took the oath of office ments and other association son County, Ky., from 1977 to announced his presidential counties. and began his NACo presi- business remotely. 1984. priority in his inaugural ad- The bill also allows coun- dency July 20 during NACo’s U.S. Senate Majority Leader Louisville Mayor Greg dress to members: The LEAD ties with populations greater first-ever virtual Annual Busi- Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) ad- Fischer (incoming president (leadership, education, action than 500,000 to use existing ness Meeting. This was the ministered the oath of office of the U.S. Conference of and development) Initiative. CARES Act funding to replace first time in the association’s to Moore. Mayors), Kentucky Gov. Andy Throughout his years of lost revenues, but only if they 85-year history that the meet- “I couldn’t be more excited Beshear and McConnell all public service, Moore said have distributed at least 25 ing was held online, with more to see you become the top guy offered their congratulations percent of the funding to oth- than 1,000 county officials at NACo,” McConnell said. to Moore in videos played See MOORE page 2 er governments within their and others participating, due jurisdictions, adding up to a to the coronavirus pandemic. potential $4.7 billion loss for The NACo officers — Imme- those counties. diate Past President Mary Ann Q&A: Gary Moore, NACo’s new NACo analysis has found Borgeson, Douglas County, the COVID-19 pandemic’s ef- Neb. commissioner; First president, shares his views fects will add up to a $202 bil- Vice President Larry Johnson, by Rachel Looker How did you become instilled in me in a very special DeKalb County, Ga. commis- staff writer interested in local way of serving others and being See RELIEF BILL page 9 sioner and Second Vice Pres- government? a great community servant. Boone County, Ky. Judge/Ex- While he [my father] was ecutive Gary Moore began his sheriff (in Pendleton County, Who influenced you to NACo presidency July 20 during Ky.), my mom passed away. I make you the leader NACo’s first-ever virtual annual would ride the school bus to the you are today? business meeting. County News county courthouse at the end of My father would be first. asked Moore about his back- each day. We’d get home, his of- There is a gentleman that owned ground in county government fice hours would be over and he a business who was my business and the challenges the corona- would get that call that someone mentor. His nickname was “Biz” virus pandemic raises for coun- needed his services. He never ties. once complained. It just was See PRESIDENT page 3 2 AUGUST 3, 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES COUNTY NEWS NACo President Gary Moore: ‘I want our residents to know what counties do’

From MOORE page 1 Moore is now the second a public servant stemmed and as a member of NACo’s Officials, NACo’s Membership Kentuckian to ever serve as from his father, who served as Large Urban County Caucus, Committee and the Board of he has noticed that many in- NACo president following a deputy sheriff and sheriff in Women of NACo, the National dividuals do not fully under- Kenton County Judge-Exec- Pendleton County, Ky. Organization of Black County See MOORE page 3 stand county government and utive Bob Aldemeyer who “He was a true public ser- how county officials impact served in 1985. vant who loved helping oth- their lives. Moore was first elect- ers,” Moore said of his father. ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING “I want our residents to ed in 1998 as judge execu- “From those early years, I be- LOOKS BACK AT NACo’S YEAR know what counties do,” he tive for Boone County, the gan to look for ways to serve said. “I want to work with you fourth-largest county and one my community.” so you can help your resi- of the fastest growing counties Moore addressed NACo County officials celebrated NACo’s accomplish- dents better understand how in Kentucky. He also serves as members from the Kentucky ments during the association’s first-ever virtual your county touches their ev- president of the Kentucky As- Association of Counties head- Annual Business Meeting July 20. Immediate eryday lives.” sociation of Counties. quarters surrounded by his Past President Mary Ann Borgeson recapped Moore discussed plans to Moore has been active in wife and colleagues. equip county leaders with NACo since 2012, previous- He described how July 20 achievements from the last year, which are also leadership skills to address ly serving as chair for the Fi- now marks two special occa- highlighted in NACo’s Annual Business Report. unprecedented challeng- nance Committee, the Trans- sions in his life— his father’s es using resources such as portation Steering Committee birthday and the beginning of Read about some of the highlights the NACo High Performance and the Environment, Energy his NACo presidency. Leadership Academy, the Cy- and Land Use Committee. “Just as my dad inspired from NACo’s last year: bersecurity Leadership Acad- He also served as co-chair me, I encourage you to be that COVID-19 ● Attained 99 percent member emy and the County Leader- of the National City-County spark that motivates someone ● Secured the passage of retention ship Institute. Task Force on the opioid epi- in your community to pursue the Families First Coronavirus ● Enrolled 1,600 county “Now is a critical time in demic and as a member of the county service,” he said. Response Act officials from nearly 900 our nation and in our coun- Audit Committee. ● Worked with federal partners counties and state associations in NACo’s High Performance ties,” he said. “Now is not the Following in his father’s Winfrey elected on the passage of the CARES Act Leadership Academy time to be passive or idle. footsteps, Moore described second vice ● Helped secure bipartisan Now is the time to act.” how his interest in becoming president support of the Paycheck Protec- ● Over 520 counties partic- Moore provided the oath tion Program and Health Care ipated in the Stepping Up Ini- tiative to reduce the number of of office for Will County, Ill. Enhancement Act, known as the COVID-19 3.5 relief package individuals with mental illnesses Interim County Executive De- and substance use disorders ● Produced resources for nise Winfrey who was elected in jail to serve as NACo’s second vice counties including maps and analyses, a tool to compare how president by acclamation. Policy Advancement counties are using Coronavirus ● Updated definition of the President of the Cook Coun- Relief Fund allocations, issue EPA’s Waters of the United ty, Ill. Board of Commission- briefs and over 60 County News States (WOTUS) Rule ers Toni Preckwinkle; DuPage articles County, Ill. Commissioner Jim ● Secured a two-year reau- ● Launched the “We Are thorization of the Secure Rural Healy; and Wayne County, Counties” campaign to express Schools program Mich. Commission Chair Al- gratitude to county officials isha Bell provided the nomi- working on the frontlines during ● Secured full funding for nating and seconding speech- the COVID-19 outbreak Payments in Lieu of Taxes es for Winfrey. ● Advocated on Capitol Hill to ● Utilized NACo’s TestIT App, Winfrey started her career help shape bipartisan legisla- which has tripled in downloads as a member of the Joliet, tion for federal coronavirus relief in the last year, to aid in the Ill. Township Board. She has packages passage of the Broadband DATA UNEMPLOYMENT RATE BY INDUSTRY Act served on the Will County, Ill. Board since 2009 and served Member engagement ● Secured a $2.8 billion Leisure/hospitality...... 28.9 percent as speaker of the board before ● Reached an all-time mem- increase in Census funding Mining/oil and gas...... 17.8 percent assuming her current role in bership high with more than ● Helped achieve a full repeal June 2020 of interim county 2,410 member counties or 78 of the 40-percent “Cadillac Tax” Other services...... 14.5 percent percent of the nation’s counties, executive. on employer-sponsored health parishes and boroughs plans Transportation...... 12.9 percent Winfrey served as chair of ● Information...... 12 percent NACo’s Community Economic 1,546 county officials served ● Helped enact the Family First on NACo committees Transition Act Source: Statista and Workforce Development Policy Steering Committee

President Editor and ADVERTISING STAFF Published biweekly except August by: The appearance of paid advertisements in County POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gary W. Moore Senior Writer Job Market/Classifieds National Association of Counties News in no way implies support or endorsement County News, 660 N. Capitol Street, N.W. Mary Ann Barton by the National Association of Counties for any of Publisher representative Research Foundation, Inc. STE. 400, Washington, D.C. 20001 Matthew Chase Digital Editor 660 N. Capitol Street, N.W. STE. 400, the products, services or messages advertised. National Accounts (USPS 704-620) n (ISSN: 0744-9798) and Senior Writer Washington, D.C. 20001 Periodicals postage paid at Washington D.C. and Chief Public © National Association of Counties Charlie Ban representative 202.393.6226 | FAX 866.752.1573 other offices. Affairs Officer Research Foundation, Inc. Brian Namey Staff Writer Mary Ann Barton E-mail [email protected] Mail subscriptions are $100 per year for non-mem- Rachel Looker 202.942.4223 Online address www.countynews.org bers. $60 per year for non-members purchasing Design Director FAX 866.752.1573 multiple copies. Educational institution rate, $50 per Leon Lawrence III year. Member county supplemental subscriptions are $20 each. Send payment with order and address changes to NACo, 660 N. Capitol Street, N.W. STE. We are committed to getting County News on your desktop ASAP. Send your address corrections to [email protected]. 400, Washington, D.C. 20001. COUNTY NEWS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES AUGUST 3, 2020 3 Q&A: Moore looks ahead

NACo President Gary Moore, judge/executive, Boone County, Ky.

From PRESIDENT page 1 ment side. If we can continue to help develop our elected of- and he was the second phase of ficials and staffs, that’s also part my personal growth. The final of the advancement of counties. Will County, Ill. Interim Executive Denise Winfrey was elected as NACo’s second vice president was my longtime pastor of my during the first-ever virtual Annual Business Meeting on July 20. church, who really helped me In what ways do you From MOORE page 2 this year has been challeng- develop my moral compass in hope to help county ‘It’s a critical time, ing, exciting and sad … and life. officials respond Directors. She is a graduate of yet, I remain optimistic for to the COVID-19 the NACo High Performance but it’s our time. the future,” she said. In your years serving pandemic? Leadership Academy. It’s time for A video of tributes, thanks as a county official, The best part of NACo is al- America’s county and congratulations by what has been your ways the sharing of best prac- Douglas County, NACo members, highlighting biggest challenge? tices and learning from failures. Neb. Commissioner officials to lead.” Borgeson’s year as president, I’m one who likes to please I think now more than ever we Borgeson concludes - NACo President played during the meeting. everyone. When you serve the will need to be sharing what is year as president public as an elected official, you working and what is not with all Before passing the torch Gary Moore Moore begins quickly learn that you’re going counties. to the new NACo president, presidency to make decisions that displease Douglas County, Neb. Com- graduate of Millard South High In his first business as NACo or disappoint some people. What are additional missioner Mary Ann Borgeson School, where he earned a 4.3 president, Moore introduced challenges you see announced the winner of the grade average while taking ad- committee chairs and swore in What do you enjoy counties facing in the the David Davenport Memo- vanced placement courses. He NACo’s new officer team. most about being a upcoming year? rial Scholarship. plans on attending George- “It is a critical time, but it’s county official? Infrastructure funding, be- Each year, the NACo presi- town University in the fall. our time,” Moore said. “It’s When I drive through my cause one of the impacts of the dent selects a graduating high Borgeson will host a scholar- time for America’s county offi- community and move around COVID stay-at-home orders is school student to receive the ship presentation ceremony in cials to lead.” the county witnessing those that gas tax receipts are plum- scholarship which is awarded Douglas County, Neb. later this NACo members watched a things that we have done to meting and that’s the lifeblood to future leaders. David Dav- year. short video showcasing Tra- make our community better — of funding for highway projects enport, the founder of the firm In her closing remarks, vis County (Austin), Texas, the whether it’s a park, a new street across our country. I see grow- PEBSCO, known today as Na- Borgeson noted that serving location of next year’s Annual that is relieving congestion or ing communities needing to tionwide Retirement, first pre- as NACo president “has been Conference. improving safety and making expand and add to their trans- sented the scholarship 30 years the honor of a lifetime. Moore said he hopes to peoples’ lives better. portation system. This is a year ago. “My presidency has been see NACo members in Boone where the federal transporta- Borgeson announced that quite unusual to say the least. County, Ky. in December for You selected tion bill will expire, and we need Douglas County student From personal family issues NACo’s Board meeting and the Leadership, a re-authorization or a new George Abalekpor will receive to a public health pandemic a joint Large Urban County Education, Action and authorization to be able to deal the David Davenport Memori- to the fight for racial equality Caucus/Rural Action Caucus Development (LEAD) with that. al Scholarship. Abalekpor is a and justice, I can honestly say symposium. initiative as your presidential priority. What do you hope to Can you tell us more accomplish as NACo about that? president? I’m still amazed with the fact There’s some concern that that many people don’t know because we’re not meeting in what county government is person and not networking that and how we impact their lives. NACo might lose its relevance I want to help our county offi- or some might not see the value cials across the country educate of NACo. I want to flip that coin. their community as to how they When counties are facing their impact the everyday lives of our greatest challenges, NACo is residents. I’ve been talking a lot more important, more essential with the team about how we can than it’s ever been. Sharing best help that education process fit practices, sharing failures where any county. I’m talking about others can learn from those mis- every group — elderly to youth. I takes, being an advocate in our do want to take the opportunity nation’s capital — all of those Immediate Past President and Douglas County, Neb. Commissioner Mary Ann Borgeson (right) to educate and I’m talking a lot things demonstrate why NACo watches highlights of her career and year as president during the virtual Annual Business Meeting. about the leadership develop- is so important. 4 AUGUST 3, 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES COUNTY NEWS NACo officers sworn in at Annual Business Meeting New NACo officers for 2020-2021 are: During NACo’s Annual Business Meeting, held July 20, NACo President Gary Moore, judge- executive, Boone County, Ky. (large photo) swears in new NACo officers, First Vice President Larry Johnson, commissioner, DeKalb County, Ga. (middle photo); Second Vice President Denise Winfrey, interim county executive, Will County, Ill. (bottom photo) and Immediate Past President Mary Ann Borgeson, Douglas County, Neb. (top photo).

NACo Regional Representatives add two new members NACo’s regional representatives (l-r) will have two new faces: Audrain County, Mo. Commissioner Tracy Graham will represent the Central Region and Erie County, N.Y Executive Mark Poloncarz will represent the Northeast Region. Other regional representatives are Cascade County, Mont. Commissioner Joe Briggs, who represents the West Region and Person County, N.C. Commissioner Ray Jeffers, who represents the South Region.

finally! y! NACo swag is now all available online! in f naco.org/store COUNTY NEWS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES AUGUST 3, 2020 5 County budgets to see $202 billion COVID-19 impact by Jonathan Harris addition to this $144 billion counties have indicated an percent of counties underwent nearly a decade to rebuild. impact, counties may lose $58 increase in local expenditures workforce changes, either fur- These slow gains were lost in A new report released by billion of funding from state and 72 percent of counties have loughing or laying off workers, just two months of 2020 where NACo estimates that by the end governments. This anticipated reported revenue loss during or requesting they take early 1.3 million local government of FY2021, counties will experi- loss is based on research from the current budget cycle. retirement. NACo has tracked jobs were lost — far more than ence a $202 billion budgetary the Center on Budget and Pol- Residents rely on counties’ the furloughs and layoff of 165 during the recession. impact. This estimate includes icy Priorities (CBPP), which financial wellbeing for essen- counties, which have impacted Without large amounts of $30 billion in additional un- estimates that states will lose tial services, yet half (50 per- over 20,000 county workers. federal aid to counties, cities budgeted COVID-19 response 10 percent of their revenue cent) of counties are reporting County governments are key and states, a study from Gov- costs, $114 billion in lost coun- in FY2020 and 25 percent in a COVID-19 related deficit. employers of the U.S. work- erning estimated that the na- ty-generated revenue and an FY2021. Already, counties in Unlike the federal government, force, employing more than tional GDP would not return estimated $58 billion decrease 22 states have been notified by local governments are not per- two of every 100 U.S. workers. to its 2019 level for at least five in funding from states. the state that funding will likely mitted to run deficits. Unbud- And local government spend- years. This decrease in local gov- decrease. geted fiscal impacts, therefore, ing is an important portion of Local governments, and the ernment spending could cost The impact of COVID-19 must translate to service cuts, the nation’s economic output, national economy as a whole, the U.S. economy up to $344 on counties has been uneven project delay, furloughs and comprising more than 15 per- face a long road to recovery. billion in decreased GDP and and varied, yet widespread layoffs if a county’s reserves cent of U.S. GDP in the first Without help from states and 4.9 million jobs. These loss- across the nation. Counties are insufficient to balance the quarter of 2020. the federal government, local es are based on two different vary greatly in terms of popu- budget. Downturns in the local gov- government spending will in- Harvard analyses of the im- lation, geography, government In response to the unprece- ernment sector inevitably im- evitably decrease and remain pact of state and local govern- structure, funding streams and dented budget impacts of the pact the national economy, weak even after health risks ment spending on economic economic drivers. Depending pandemic, some counties have and the local government sec- subside, causing widespread output and on the workforce, on these factors and many oth- had to turn to reserves: 52 per- tor does not recover quickly economic impacts and deep- one which estimates that every ers, some counties have been cent of counties have drawn from economic shocks. ening the recession the nation dollar cut in local government largely shielded from the im- or have plans to draw from re- A study from the Federal has already begun. spending would reduce overall pacts of COVID-19. Notwith- serve funds due to COVID-19. Reserve found that decreased Check out NACo’s full report, economic output by $1.70 or standing these few exceptions, Others have been forced to state and local government “Comprehensive Analysis of more, and another which esti- most counties have felt the turn to cuts in capital projects spending slowed down eco- COVID-19’s Impact on County mates that every $35,000 spent devastating impacts of the pan- or services, with 55 percent of nomic growth for 23 out of 26 Finances and What It Means by state governments gener- demic on budgets, workforces, counties reporting cuts to capi- quarters between 2008 and for the Nation’s Economy” at: ates one additional job. economies and residents, albe- tal expenditures and 56 percent mid-2014, resulting in 3.5 per- www.naco.org/covid19/bud- By the end of FY2021, NACo it in unique ways. reporting cuts or delays in in- cent less economic growth by gets. estimates that counties will be In fact, NACo’s survey found frastructure projects, including 2015. impacted by $144 billion in ad- that COVID-19 impacted 88 maintenance or new projects. Major declines in local gov- Jonathan Harris is associate re- ditionalCOUNTIES expenditures and ANTICIPATE lost percent of $202responding BILLION coun- Still IMPACT other counties TO have BUDGETSturned ernment THROUGH employment follow FY2021,- search director in NACo’s Coun- county-generatedWITH WIDESPREAD revenue. In ties’ budgets. ECONOMIC 60 percent CONSEQUENCESof to furloughs and layoffs. 63 ing the Great Recession took ty Innovations Lab. COUNTIES ANTICIPATE $202 BILLION IMPACT TO IMPACT TO COUNTIES A BUDGETSCOUNTIES THROUGH ANTICIPATE FY2021, $202 BILLION WITH WIDESPREAD IMPACT TO BUDGETS THROUGHTHUS FY2021, FAR: ECONOMICWITH WIDESPREAD CONSEQUENCES ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES B IMPACT TO COUNTIES THUS71% FAR: A

C

B 71% C 68%

68% 25%

per Chodorow-Reich model, Harvard University1

per Shoang model, Harvard University2 25% Footnotes: A: Stats are based on a recent NACo survey of 197 counties. B: These estimates were calculated from March per Chodorow-Reich model, Harvard University1 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021, the end of the federal government fiscal year. County budgets typically follow one 66% of three budget cycles: January to December (calendar year), July to June or October to September (federal government fiscal year). For more details on the estimates regarding county-generated revenue or additional expenditures, see NACo’s “Analysis of the Fiscal Impact of COVID-19 on County Finances,” available at https://www.naco.org/resources/ per analysis-fiscal-impact-covid-19-county-finances.Shoang model, Harvard University2 C: NACo estimated this state funding loss based on a study from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), which found that states would lose 10% of their total revenue in FY2020 and 25% in FY2021. Data are from 2017 Census of Governments, adjusted for inflation to 2019 dollars. Footnotes: A: Stats are based on a recent NACo survey of 197 counties. B: These estimates were calculated from March 1, 2020Source: through NACo September Research, 30, 2020; 2021, NACo the Analysis end of the of U.S.federal Census government Bureau fiscal- Census year. of IndividualCounty budgets Governments: typically followFinance one 66% of three budget cycles: January to December (calendar year), July to June or October to September (federal government fiscalCOVID year). 19’sFor moreImpact details on Countyon the estimates Finances regarding and Implications county-generated for the revenueU.S. Economy or additional | July expenditures,2020 see National Association of Counties (NACo) | Page 3 NACo’s “Analysis of the Fiscal Impact of COVID-19 on County Finances,” available at https://www.naco.org/resources/ analysis-fiscal-impact-covid-19-county-finances. C: NACo estimated this state funding loss based on a study from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), which found that states would lose 10% of their total revenue in FY2020 and 25% in FY2021. Data are from 2017 Census of Governments, adjusted for inflation to 2019 dollars. Source: NACo Research, 2020; NACo Analysis of U.S. Census Bureau - Census of Individual Governments: Finance

COVID 19’s Impact on County Finances and Implications for the U.S. Economy | July 2020 National Association of Counties (NACo) | Page 3 6 AUGUST 3, 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES COUNTY NEWS Responding to COVID-19 in the county workforce

by Rachel Looker dictates that employees stay staff writer at home for two weeks if they come in close contact with With the United States reach- someone with the virus. ing over 4 million confirmed At some points, 60 to 70 em- cases of COVID-19, county de- ployees were off work because partments are facing impacts of possible COVID-19 expo- when their own employees test sure, he said. positive. “That obviously presents In Alameda County, Calif., challenges as well in backfill- around 50 employees within ing those hours and those po- the sheriff’s office have -con sitions during a time when the firmed cases of the virus as of supply of personnel dries up July 22, according to Public In- and the demand is high,” Kelly formation Officer Sergeant Ray said. Kelly. He explained how all county The Alameda County Sher- employees received 180 hours iff’s Office has 1,600 employ- of COVID leave that can be ees with around 1,000 badge used for any pandemic-related personnel and 600 professional situation. staff. “We’re in the midst of ba- sically our second surge of “There is no risk-free COVID in the last few weeks,” area and we need he said, adding that the office is seeing many asymptomatic everybody to take cases. the precautions to Kelly said he is expecting help stop the spread that number to rise after mas- sive amounts of testing and an- in our community.” tibody testing for employees. -Kelly Moore “I think that’s where we’re seeing some of the increase,” he said. “We know the more In Horry County, S.C., 33 em- you test, the more you’re going ployees have currently tested to see, and I think that’s proba- positive for COVID-19 as of July bly why we’re seeing more as- 17, Director of Public Informa- ymptomatic-style type cases.” tion Kelly Moore said. Back in June, deputies and As of the same date, 46 em- personnel were deployed to ployees were working remote- The hand of Deputy Sheriff Oscar Rocha who was in criticial condition in the ICU before he passed protests and civil unrest follow- ly or utilizing medical leave away on July 23 from complications due to COVID-19. Photo courtesy of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office ing the death of George Floyd, because of possible exposure Kelly said. or for a test. The county has Employees throughout dif- ployees who have tested posi- that the work they’re doing is At the end of the month, the seen 86 positive cases in to- ferent county departments tive and not reporting to work validated in that they’re con- office began to see a surge in tal among county employees have tested positive. The coun- and the number who have test- tributing so it’s a great way to the number of employees who since March. ty’s offices are open to the ed positive and recovered. The keep morale strong and set a tested positive with around Moore said the county public with precautions imple- information is broken down by good tone,” Kelly said. 35 reported cases. Before the saw positive cases as early as mented such as wearing face department. The videos also include sta- summer, the agency had two March, but numbers were ini- coverings and gloves. County “We send the [numbers] to tistical data with graphs and employees test positive for the tially low. residents are encouraged to the media after we send them charts containing information virus. If an employee has been ex- do business online or make internally to our employees so about the virus while empha- Prior to July, there were no posed to a positive case, the appointments for meeting in that folks understand that there sizing the hard work of county fatalities among county em- county’s protocol requires the person. is no risk-free area and we real- employees. ployees because of the virus, employee to either quaran- Similar to Alameda County, ly need everybody to take the “I think it takes a lot of cour- but on July 23, Deputy Sheriff tine for 14 days or receive a Horry County implemented precautions to help stop the age to do law enforcement in Oscar Rocha, a 25-year veteran COVID-19 test. two weeks of COVID leave be- spread in our community,” she general,” Kelly added. “But I of the sheriff’s office, passed “The guidance has changed yond an employee’s vacation said. think to do law enforcement in away from COVID-19 compli- somewhat since the spring, so and sick time. The 80 hours can To help boost employee an environment like this where cations. we’re continuing to be in touch be used for time off related to morale at the Alameda Coun- you know you could go home “He represents what’s great with both our state health the coronavirus. ty Sheriff’s Office, Kelly said and bring this virus back to about county employees and agencies and of course CDC Moore said the county want- the sheriff has been creating your family or your loved ones law enforcement county offi- guidance is updated to deter- ed to be transparent with em- weekly update videos for the and you take that risk every day cers that serve their county,” mine what those appropriate ployees and started sending last 18 weeks. For the videos, on top of the other risks that Kelly said. amounts of time are and fol- weekly update emails that out- the sheriff visits different loca- you take, I think that really has The sheriff’s office is- en lowing the guidance of those line the number of employees tions throughout the county to shown us the quality and the couraging employees to get medical professionals,” Moore who are currently out of work interview employees. character of the people who tested, Kelly said. Office policy said. to be tested, the number of em- “It makes employees feel work for us.” COUNTY NEWS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES AUGUST 3, 2020 7 NACo President Moore PROFILES IN appoints committee chairs SERVICE NACo presidents make appointments to policy steering committees, standing committees, ad hoc committees, task forces, advisory boards and also to the Large Urban GARY MOORE County Caucus and the Rural Action Caucus as well as at-large NACo Board directors. The NACo President following are some of the key appointments made by NACo President Gary Moore. See Judge Executive more at naco.org. Boone County, Ky.

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL HEALTH STEERING LUCC STEERING Number of years involved in MOORE AFFAIRS STEERING COMMITTEE COMMITTEE NACo: 19 COMMITTEE Hon. Phillip Hon. Sally A. Heyman My favorite meal is: Thanks- Years in public service: 21 giving dinner — turkey, mashed Hon. Craig Pedersen Randall Serna Commissioner potatoes, yams and pumpkin Supervisor Supervisor Miami-Dade County, Fla. Occupation: County judge pie. Kings County, Calif. Sacramento County, Calif. executive MEMBERSHIP STANDING Education: High school gradu- My pet peeve is: Uninformed ARTS AND CULTURE HEALTHY COUNTIES COMMITTEE ate and some college individuals taking a position COMMISSION INITIATIVE ADVISORY Hon. Jimmy Odom before having all the facts. BOARD The hardest thing I’ve ever Hon. Renee Price Associate Commissioner Mr. Kenneth done: Deliver the eulogies at My motto is: Making Boone Commissioner Cass County, Mo. Norris Wilson the funerals of my father and County a great place to live, to Orange County, N.C. brother. work and raise your family! County Administrator PROGRAMS AND SERVICES Franklin County, Ohio The last book I read was: COMMUNITY, ECONOMIC STANDING COMMITTEE Three people (living or It Worked for Me: In Life and AND WORKFORCE Hon. James Gore dead) I’d invite to dinner: HUMAN SERVICES AND Leadership by Colin Powell DEVELOPMENT STEERING Supervisor My father Victor Moore, Abraham COMMITTEE EDUCATION STEERING COMMITTEE Sonoma County, Calif. Lincoln and Ronald Reagan. My favorite movie is: The Hon. Joseph K. Wood Hon. Deborah A. You’d be surprised to learn: Godfather County Judge Lieberman PUBLIC LANDS STEERING I spent my honeymoon with nine My favorite music is: I love Washington County, Ark. Commissioner COMMITTEE of my new in-laws in a small all genres. Music soothes my Montgomery County, Ohio Hon. Joel Bousman cabin with one bathroom on the soul. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION Commissioner outer coast of Norway. It was My favorite U.S. president AND RETIREMENT the first time I met most of them ADVISORY COMMITTEE IMMIGRATION REFORM Sublette County, Wyo. is: Abraham Lincoln TASK FORCE and the language barrier was Hon. Grant Veeder My county is a NACo mem- Hon. William Truex RAC STEERING interesting. Auditor/Commissioner ber because: Being an elected Commissioner COMMITTEE of Elections The most adventurous thing official is a great responsibility Charlotte County, Fla. Hon. Ron Berry Black Hawk County, Iowa I’ve ever done is: Run for Con- and sometimes a challenge. Commissioner gress in a seven-person primary NACo offers county officials ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY INFORMATION Roane County, Tenn. in 2012. I lost; however, I am six TECHNOLOGY STANDING the opportunity to share our AND LAND USE STEERING for six in county judge executive successes and sometimes, our COMMITTEE COMMITTEE RESILIENT COUNTIES campaigns! heartbreaking failures. Through Hon. Melissa Hon. Christopher ADVISORY BOARD My favorite way to relax it all, we learn from each other, Cribbins Constance Hon. Darry Stacy is: Listen to good music while create personal and working Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner enjoying the pool. relationships and grow as public Coos County, Ore. Charlotte County, Fla. Cleveland County, Okla. I’m most proud of: My won- servants. The professional staff and talent along with NACo’s ad- FINANCE STANDING INTERNATIONAL derful wife, my children and my TELECOMMUNICATIONS vocacy in Washington D.C. alone COMMITTEE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY grandchildren. covers the cost of membership, Hon. Larry L. Johnson TASK FORCE STEERING COMMITTEE Every morning I read: Local but there is no way to put a value Commissioner Hon. Stephanie Hon. J.D. Clark news and too many emails. on the collateral benefits. I can’t Wright DeKalb County, Ga. County Judge imagine doing my job without Council Member Wise County, Texas being a part of NACo! FINANCE, PENSIONS AND Snohomish County, Wash. INTERGOVERNMENTAL TRANSPORTATION AFFAIRS STEERING IT ADVISORY COUNCIL STEERING COMMITTEE COMMITTEE A dream I Hon. Christopher Hon. Liz Hausmann have is to: Hon. Kevin Boyce Constance Commissioner Travel the Commissioner Commissioner Fulton County, Ga. world and Franklin County, Ohio Charlotte County, Fla. experience VETERANS AND MILITARY other cultures. GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE SYSTEMS (GIS) SAFETY STEERING Hon. Heather Post SUBCOMMITTEE COMMITTEE Councilwoman Hon. Jerry Demings Hon. Kenton C. Ward Volusia County, Fla. Surveyor County Mayor Hamilton County, Ind. Orange County, Fla.

8 AUGUST 3, 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES COUNTY NEWS

BEHINDBEHIND CHESTER ON THE MOVE THE COUNTY, S.C. SEALSEAL NACo STAFF ● Kevin Shrawder ● Staff accountant has joined NACo as a Abel Darg was natu- data and research an- ralized as a U.S. citi- alyst. He previously in- hester County’s seal The left side of the seal fea- zen in June. He immi- terned with NACo and includes four images tures an image of the Fishing grated from Peru in is pursuing a master’s that represent his- Creek dam which was built by C the Southern Power Company 2001 and has been Shrawder degree in Data Scienc- torical symbols significant to provide hydroelectric power on the NACo staff es with a concentration to the county’s history. The to cotton mills and industries since March 2019. in Analytics at American seal incorporates an image in the area. Both the dam University. He earned a of the county courthouse, and the Landsford Canal Bachelor of Science in which was built in 1852. are located on the Catawba Mathematical Econom- The courthouse is listed as River. The canal served as an ics from Ball State Uni- part of the Chester Historic important transportation route versity. District in the National Reg- in the 1800s. Darg ister of Historic Places.

The Aaron Burr rock, which is included toward the bottom of the seal, is a historical marker located in the county seat of Chester. Hire Quality Staff @ Jobs Online Burr was the country’s third vice president who served during President www.naco.org/jobsonline Thomas Jefferson’s first term.

If you would like your county’s seal featured in “Behind the Seal,” contact Rachel Looker at [email protected].

finally!

NACo swag is now available online!

naco.org/store COUNTY NEWS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES AUGUST 3, 2020 9 Senate Republicans introduce the HEALS Act for coronavirus pandemic relief From RELIEF BILL page 1 chi Hamai. Hamai said that the sub-allocated relief funds may ● $25 billion for the hospital/ come Home Energy Assistance county was anticipating hun- be used beyond the U.S. Trea- provider fund, which would Program (LIHEAP), which is lion impact to county budgets dreds of potential layoffs start- sury’s CRF guidance, protect- reimburse county hospital administered by county gov- through fiscal year 2021. ing Oct. 1 without additional ing counties from arduous re- and health care providers for ernments in 13 states The HEALS Act will, how- funding, and consequential in- quirements coming from state COVID-19-related expenses ● $1 billion for Public Hous- ever, extend the timeframe for terruptions in county services. governments. and losses ing Operating Fund to assist spending Coronavirus Relief “The public is depending on Berks County, Pa. falls under ● $15 billion for childcare, public housing agencies, in- Fund money to 90 days after us and our workforce needs the 500,000 resident threshold including programming in- cluding those operated by the end of a county’s fiscal year this assistance to continue the and was the largest county in creased access to county-ad- counties, to maintain public in 2021. absolutely essential work they Pennsylvania not to receive ministered child care pro- housing programs and help To Sally Heyman, chair of are performing each and every direct CARES Act funding, grams contain the spread of corona- NACo’s Large Urban Coun- d a y .” instead receiving it through ● $2.2 billion for Tenant- virus. ty Caucus and a Miami-Dade NACo Executive Director the state. The $38 million the Based Rental Assistance County commissioner, that Matt Chase noted that the county received was a little ● $2 billion for the Mental NACo’s Government Affairs isn’t enough. large numbers in the policy more than half of the $75 mil- Health Services Block Grant, staff contributed to this article. “Since the beginning of the lion it anticipated. which counties use to provide View a NACo analysis of the coronavirus pandemic, Amer- “That is a serious problem,” a range of behavioral health HEALS Act at www.naco.org/ ica’s counties have taken the ‘We understand said Commissioner Christian services for adults and children covid19/federal-advocacy/ lead in responding both on the our needs, our Leinbach, who pointed out ● $1.5 billion for the Low-In- heals-act. public health front and in eco- neighboring Lancaster Coun- nomic recovery,” she said in a challenges and ty, with less than one-third call with other county leaders how to best place more people, received $95 mil- July 29. lion. federal dollars.’ WORD OKLAHOMA COUNTY, “As strong allies in the feder- “It’s important to under- SEARCH OKLAHOMA al-state-local partnership, we - Christian Leinbach stand that county leaders have called for direct and flex- across the United States — Created by: Mary Ann Barton ible federal funding to allow representing 3,069 counties — us to best serve our residents. debate could obscure what know our communities better H S F H N N L Z X N M M G E O U E Z L K The HEALS Act falls far short of they represent. than any other level of govern- I U C O J Z D G O T T E O D Z Q I R W Q giving us the resources needed “When we talk about bud- ment,” he said. G O O X O N B I A R D S P W R Y Y T D I to best keep our communities gets and dollars, what we’re re- “That’s not to criticize oth- H L W C E T T J O J V U C O W B O Y S Z safe and healthy.” ally talking about are the tools er levels of government, it’s W D A W T A B A S R T O S S O F V H K G Counties of all sizes are to serve our people,” he said. simply to note that that is the A B V T L R D A E E W H T N I C B T I F seeking direct funding from “This pandemic is about those nature of local government. Y M F U I T I D L A S T E A K H O U S E the federal government and suffering from disease and We understand our needs, our S G P K R P N B U L S R E D R O B A M N increased flexibility for using those suffering from economic challenges and how to best Z O A I Z U A U E K P U O W T G H R B E CARES Act funding. consequences. place federal dollars.” P B P J H K N C Y S A O T W F X K E H E Los Angeles County, Calif., “This isn’t just a budget exer- The HEALS Act would in- P A U T S W J F D S Y C C S Y X Y A B H the nation’s largest county, saw cise, this is about helping peo- clude $300 billion in supple- N C W O G V G V B K M N H I G N C U G M a loss of nearly $1 billion in the ple in their communities who mental appropriations to pro- H F O H E Y G O Q B O R I G H T A X T P last fiscal year, and is project- are truly suffering.” grams of interest to counties, E K K M F P F X P S N G Z Z S C F D D S ing another $1 billion loss, all a The HEALS Act would pro- including: E F C E V O R B T H O E U Z M D K T O G result of the pandemic. hibit states from imposing ● $16 billion for COVID-19 N P A S N J Z Y B N C R X N I S J J C R “As welcome as the CARES additional conditions, require- testing, key to counties’ W G A D Y I J G H G E P N Z E E C R A B Act funding is, it’s clearly not ments or restrictions on local COVID-19 tracking and re- E O A Z J H E T Y G Q R M U O K W A B U enough,” said County CEO Sa- governments on how their sponse efforts N C U S I C Z U L W K Q W F X U Q K Z V V W R T L D S K T B W I S E U A V P N A

AGE: The median age for the county is HIGHWAYS: The county is centrally 34 years. located and is served by highways 35, AREA: The county is 718 square 40, 44, 235 and 240. miles. POPULATION: The county’s popula- BORDERS: The county is bordered by tion is nearly 800,000 according to Logan, Lincoln, Pottawatomie, Cleve- the U.S. Census Bureau. land and Canadian counties. ROADTRIP: Traveling cross-country? CAPITAL: The county seat, Oklahoma The famous Route 66 cuts through the City, is the capital of the state. county. COURTHOUSE: The current court- STEAKHOUSE: Next time you’re in house, an Art-Deco style, was built in town, stop by Cattlemen’s Steak- 1937 for $1.5 million. house, in business since 1910. COWBOY: The county is home to the THUNDER: The area’s professional National Cowboy & Western Heritage basketball team is the Oklahoma City Museum. Thunder. ECONOMY: The county’s economy TRIBES: The state of Oklahoma is features agriculture, livestock, oil and home to 39 federally recognized manufacturing. Native American tribes. FOOTBALL: College football is a big TWO: The county was formed in 1890, deal here with the University of Okla- originally known as County Two, when homa and Oklahoma State University the state was still a territory. The first in the area. seven counties in the state were given names in 1907, when Oklahoma entered statehood. 10 AUGUST 3, 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES COUNTY NEWS 2020 ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING NACo holds virtual meeting July 20.

Singer, songwriter, producer and quarterfinalist on season six ofThe Voice Sisandra Lewis sings the national anthem to kick off the beginning of NACo’s first-ever virtual Annual Business Meeting. Lewis sang from Orange County, Fla., the original location for the 2020 Annual Conference prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Children lead NACo members in a virtual Pledge of Allegiance to kick off NACo’s first- ever virtual Annual Business Meeting. COUNTY NEWS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES AUGUST 3, 2020 11

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear congratulates Boone County, Ky. Wayne County, Mich. Commissioner Chair Alisha Bell seconds the nomination for second vice Judge-Executive Gary Moore on his new role as NACo president. president Denise Winfrey.

Jim Healy, DuPage County, Ill. commissioner and county lapel pin collector seconds the nomination for second vice president Denise Winfrey. Louisville, Ky. Mayor Greg Fischer, president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, congratulates Moore on his new role as NACo president.

Marshall Space Flight Center Director Jody Singer speaks to county officials about partnerships with NASA to support STEM education, workforce development, research, small businesses and community outreach.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) congratulates Boone County, Ky. Judge/ Executive Gary Moore on his NACo presidency. 12 AUGUST 3, 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES COUNTY NEWS County officials share selfies during Annual Business Meeting While COVID-19 changed NACo’s plans this year for its Annual Conference, county officials from around the country not only participated virtually for NACo’s first-ever virtual Annual Business Meeting held July 20, but they also snapped and shared selfies. Here’s a sample of some of the photos posted by NACo members and staff. COUNTY NEWS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES AUGUST 3, 2020 13 14 AUGUST 3, 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES COUNTY NEWS

St. Louis County, Mo. schools seniors to commem- Pierce County, Library: Prioritizing orate the important mile- Wash. Library technology needs for stone. The special gift con- System: Building LIBRARIES youth tained a toolkit graduates communities of St. Louis County Library can use to handle minor re- learning in the digital serves as the COVID-19 Re- pairs and personal projects, age gional Response Team’s lead along with a special gift card After drastically reducing STEP UP agency for remote learning donated by local small busi- in-person programming and and technology, partnering nesses. DCL staff worked to services due to the COVID-19 with the Missouri Department create these graduation gifts pandemic, Pierce County Li- of Elementary and Secondary and distributed them to ap- brary System has reimagined its Education and area educa- proximately 2,100 students role within the community and DURING tional leaders and organiza- in Douglas County. expanded its digital offerings tions. In this role, the library is and resources. New virtual read- equipping local residents with Pima County, Ariz. ing rooms are now being offered critical tools to provide inter- Public Library: to patrons, who can access dig- PANDEMIC net access and enable digital Combating food ital e-books and e-audiobooks learning. To encourage and insecurity for low- selected specifically by PCLS li- by Paul Negron Los Angeles County, facilitate distance learning for income families brarians. The effort was created Calif. Library: young children, the library has Starting out as a joint proj- to model how physical spaces in The essential role of pub- Providing digital provided 221 PBS Kids Play- ect with Amphitheater Public libraries are laid out for ease of lic libraries is more vital than access to homeless time Pads to two local school Schools and the Arizona De- book selection. The Kids, Teens, ever as our nation’s counties districts. Children can enjoy partment of Education, Pima Mystery and Thrillers and DIY grapple with the devastat- Los Angeles County Library pre-loaded PBS content, in- County Public Library is dis- virtual reading rooms have been ing impact of COVID-19 and has stepped up through a cluding educational games tributing food to help fill the specifically curated to meet the begin the difficult work to partnership with the United and apps geared towards void for children who have new demand for digital offerings move beyond the pandemic. Way of Greater Los Angeles to learning, without utilizing an lost access to their school’s and have led to the library gain- Libraries have adapted to the bring remote library access to internet connection. free and reduced lunch. The ing 5,000 new library users in a current environment in new homeless individuals during library offers a contact-free two-month period. and innovative ways, help- the coronavirus outbreak. Douglas County, service at 10 locations giving To learn more about how li- ing people gain vital access Librarians have created 7,000 Colo. libraries: out Grab-N-Go Super Snack braries across the country are in- to information and necessary online activity kits including Supporting packets filled with non-per- novating to lead their communi- services. The following are digital library card IDs and strong education ishable snacks for children. ties forward from the pandemic, just a few examples of how PIN numbers, for distribution outcomes With the help of the Arizona visit urbanlibraries.org. libraries are innovating and to local organizations serving This graduation season, Army National Guard and lo- rapidly adapting during the homeless populations, as Douglas County Librar- cal Wilson Produce, staff are Paul Negron manages commu- COVID-19 crisis to support well as other vulnerable ies celebrated the Class of also able to provide free pro- nications initiatives and public county relief and recovery ef- individuals, through the 2020 by dispersing a special duce boxes for free to fami- relations outreach for the Ur- forts. Project Roomkey initiative. graduate toolkit to area high lies in need. ban Libraries Council. COUNTY NEWS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES AUGUST 3, 2020 15 All hands on deck for COVID consumes some county public health agencies

by Charlie Ban the back burner that we really Like Kasirye, Hubbard has senior writer want to do as a department.” been focusing on her staff’s With schools closed since well-being. For five months, Dr. Olivia mid-March, prevention pro- “I’m making sure my staff Kasirye has worked every day gramming has been off the has the support and resources straight as the Sacramento table. The county’s chemical they need,” she said. “They’re County health officer as Cal- health collaborative is at a getting breaks and time to de- ifornia faces the COVID-19 standstill while the world out- compress.” pandemic. But each day, she side goes on. She has contracted with a spends time focusing on how “We’re seeing an increase psychologist to do biweekly ses- to keep her department, all in chemical dependency and sions as a team, consulting with running on the same fumes as overdosing, jail population is managers and supervisors one- she is, from coming apart in the going back up,” Hubbard said. on-one and doing two-hour face of unrelenting demands. And, while practitioners are group sessions once a month Testing, contact tracing, com- able to still see some clients via with other staff members. munication with the public, telemedicine and safe time on “This is long, drawn-out enforcing county directives. the road, Hubbard said the me- trauma,” she said. The glue, which has worked dium leaves a lot to be desired Cook County’s Department miraculously, has been two compared to in-person meet- of Public Health brought in its words. ings. Trauma-Informed Taskforce “Thank you.” “You have to listen and pay to assist personnel, and Ru- She knows that’s no substi- attention more closely because bin said the department was tute for the vacations her staff when you’re in person, there creating additional resources would rather be taking or relief Sacramento County, Calif. Health Officer Dr. Olivia Kasirye. Photo are a lot of nonverbal things on self-care and for managers from the stress they’re under to courtesy of Sacramento County you can’t pick up on virtually,” through the group. hold ground against the pan- talk through problems with If the intrinsic challenge of she said. “You lose a little con- “This has been a challenging demic while also trying to carry them and let them know I’m facing a generational pandem- nection with stuff going on, so time for our department and out the basic functions that are listening.” ic wasn’t taxing enough, public you need to be very vigilant, our staff,” she said. “COVID-19 the bread and butter of a coun- And she’s conscious of the health staff are finding them- listening to what the people doesn’t just impact us at work, ty public health agency. dozens of county health per- selves the brunt of public an- they’re working with are truly the pandemic has disrupt- Immunization, home visi- sonnel who have left their jobs ger if the public disagrees with saying.” ed and stressed our families, tation, health education, STD during the pandemic. their directives. Anoka County, along with friends and communities. control and more have all tak- “I reassure them that I’m go- “It’s been hard, we’re not ac- the others, continues to pro- Some staff have become sick. en a hit. The National Associa- ing to be with them until the customed to being in the lime- vide essential services, but on Some staff have lost family or tion of County and City Health end,” she said, meeting their light and having this level of a different timeframe for some. loved ones to COVID-19. There Officials (NACCHO) have also curiosity head on. “I see how scrutiny,” Kasirye said. “There’s “Sometimes instead of be- is continued uncertainty about found vector control, regula- hard they are working when a sense that you’re hiding ing able to schedule people the the course of the pandemic and tion and inspection of food I get those fast responses to something.” way we used to and see them we are still learning about this service establishments have emails I send at odd hours.” But she has been buoyed by soon, it takes three or four days virus. We are fortunate to have also suffered. Well before the Those rank-and-file em- supportive feedback from the because of our staff shortage,” our livelihoods, but COVID-19 pandemic, between 2008-2016, ployees are seeing their own public. she said. has had a substantial impact local health departments lost personal horror shows as they “We’ve gotten letters from That’s going to get worse, on us both personally and pro- more than 2,000 full-time posi- stretch to fulfill their mandated people who are appreciative of soon. The National Guard, fessionally.” tions, NACCHO found. responsibilities while pitching what we’re doing,” she said. which has been assisting with If this wasn’t enough, Hub- “We were already dealing in however they can with the Anoka County, Minn.’s Pub- mass testing, is due to leave bard was widowed in the last with a thin staff and not a lot of pandemic response. lic Health and Environmental at the end of August, and the year, but she feels secure thanks capacity for surging,” Kasirye In Cook County, Ill., Dr. Ra- Services department has been health department will pick up to the support she receives said. chel Rubin, senior medical forced to limit work on pro- the slack. from the county, her staff, her Sacramento County has officer and co-lead, said -ev grams and projects that target “We’re having to do a lot of family and the strength she been without a field nursing ery unit of her department’s long-term community health contracting to fill some jobs,” draws from her faith. unit for Kasirye’s entire career 160-person staff has seen outcome improvements. she said. “That’s helping us fill “Self-care is critical, I do hot with the county — the staff that COVID-19 response added to “We had invested a whole nursing and office staff, but it’s yoga, keep clear boundaries would have been crucial for the their responsibilities. ton of resources into commu- harder to find people to work in where I can about taking time surge capacity for communica- “Many staff are serving in nity health plans to look at a l a b.” off, shut my brain down,” she ble diseases — victims of the emergency response roles where the disparities are in our “We need to work on a con- said. 2009 budget cuts. while also juggling their every- communities, populations that tract with an outside entity to Kasirye notices and appreci- “It’s tough because you day responsibilities,” she said. need extra help and to try and help us through that, get more ates her colleagues checking in think ‘thank you’ doesn’t “Even in our everyday roles, reduce inequities,” said Direc- manpower in to do clinics,” on her. cut it, but whenever I can, I we have seen dramatic impacts tor Jonelle Hubbard. “We still Hubbard noted. “We don’t “If someone doesn’t hear like to show that I appreciate from COVID-19. One sanitari- try to work through that lens — have the manpower to do mass from me for a few days, they’ll their work, and to work an received 300 messages over we’re trying to make sure we’re testing, the National Guard has write or call and ask if I’m OK,” alongside them,” she said. one weekend when there was a getting testing for people at been doing that but they’re she said. “I try to take care of “I communicate with them, change in state guidance relat- high risk who really need it — done at the end of August — getting sleep so I can func- address concerns they have, ed to swimming pools.” but we’ve had to put things on we’ll have to pick that back up.” tion.” 16 AUGUST 3, 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES COUNTY NEWS Tell Your Story

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Looking forward to hearing from you, Mary Ann, Charlie and Rachel COUNTY NEWS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES AUGUST 3, 2020 17 equipment and have moved because we still need to be pro- precautions at the camp in- most of the programming out- viding recreation.” cluding online registration, a side. The department still held touch-screen check-in, mobile PARKS “There’s very little, less than modified tennis camps, beach hand-sanitizing stations and 5 percent, of the programming volleyball and the beach run enough equipment to be sani- that goes indoors,” he said. with online and touchless reg- tized between uses. AND REC Camps maintain the same istration at the event as well as More people have become counselors and recreation staggered start times. interested in parks and recre- leaders who stay with the same Each year, the department ation services and the Camp group of children. offers an indoor summer camp Park & Play program has a PIVOTS ‘180 There are currently 300 chil- program, but given concerns waitlist most days, according to dren participating in the sum- over COVID-19, staff opted Forsberg. mer camps and Gaffney said to create an outdoor camp. The county department has the interest in the camps has In just two weeks of planning already reached more than DEGREES’ been overwhelming. time, the department launched 160 youth through the summer “It’s very time-consuming Camp Park & Play. Staff and program. by Rachel Looker ming,” he said. and staff-heavy so we are now equipment became mobile as “I think you’re more creative staff writer Gaffney described how the looking at how we can do even the camp was brought to coun- when some of your resources parks department partnered some two-week programs as ty residents at various parks in are taken away,” she said. “I County parks and recreation with the county health officer we finish out the summer be- the community each day of the believe during this time it just departments celebrated Parks to discuss safe programming cause we have people that are week. made us be more fluid and and Recreation Month in July, options and launched new still interested,” he said. “People, in my opinion, felt more creative about what we but this year’s celebration was versions of summer camp pro- Across the country in Cart- safer going to parks than they were planning.” marked with increased efforts grams with precautions to keep eret County, N.C., Parks and did in a building,” Forsberg Chris Minor, deputy division — departments face a chal- children safe and meet state Recreations Department Man- said. “Let’s try to meet them in director of Gwinnett County, lenging summer, with staff ad- mandates. ager Jessica Forsberg said the their location or in their neigh- Ga. Parks and Recreation, said justing to new protocols and “The most challenging thing department’s biggest programs borhood.” the department traditionally finding creative ways to pro- has been trying to be lined up — summer camp, beach vol- With North Carolina prohib- serves more than 7,500 youth vide recreational opportunities with whatever comes down leyball and a beach run series iting gatherings of more than in a traditional summer. This amid the COVID-19 pandemic. from the governor’s office or — look completely different 25 people, each camp has three year’s numbers are closer to Santa Cruz County, Calif. the county,” he said. this year. counselors and 22 spots for 150 children per week. Parks Director Jeff Gaffney said The summer camp program “We didn’t know until the campers. The county reduced its sum- the department’s programs consists of groups of 12 chil- last minute what we were go- “Social distancing is defi- mer camp offerings with only are “180 degrees different than dren consistently together for ing to be doing or what we were nitely one of our main prior- 10 kids per group and is ad- anything we’ve ever done be- nine weeks, Gaffney said. going to be able to do,” she said. ities and a lot of kids are al- vising all campers and staff to fore.” Camp staff regularly take “We had to take all the pro- ready familiar with that,” she wear masks. “We had to just start over temperatures, ask questions grams and say, ‘How can we explained. Minor described how all from scratch with program- about symptoms, sanitize change this to make it work?’ Forsberg described the of the games are contactless and praised the creativity of staff who came up with ideas such as using a pool noodle as an arm to remain socially distanced while playing tag and games such as “Run and Shout” to keep children away from each. “They have risen to the chal- lenge, so that’s been great to see how creative and how tal- ented the staff that we have here in Gwinnett County are able to address the issues while still keeping the programming very engaging,” he said. In addition to providing rec- reational opportunities, Mi- nor said the parks department has stepped up to fill in gaps throughout the county such as increasing its summer meals programs, operating 33 drive- through meals sites at different locations throughout the coun- ty and performing wellness checks on elderly residents who were stuck at home. “We did everything we could just to assist the community and we realized that parks and Kids play at Camp Park & Play, an outdoor camp that replaced Carteret County, N.C.’s traditional indoor summer camp program because rec can still have a role outside of the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo courtesy of the Carteret County Parks and Recreation Department of just recreation,” he said. 18 AUGUST 3, 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES COUNTY NEWS NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NATION

expunging records for individ- uals who have completed pro- bation, the San José Spotlight reported. The reforms aim to strengthen trust between the public and law enforcement.

COLORADO ● Officials in LARIM- ER COUNTY submitted a COVID-19 mitigation plan to CALIFORNIA help lower its upward trend ● KERN COUNTY supervi- of COVID-19 cases. The plan sors approved a convalescent includes enforcing social dis- FLORIDA plasma donation program to tancing and mask wearing, hir- ● ORANGE COUNTY held its first everEmployee Service Awards Curbside Ceremony to encourage county residents ing staff to monitor wastewater, recognize employees for their service to county government. The curbside ceremony allowed who have recovered from creating an automated regis- participants to practice social distancing while still celebrating their career milestones. Sixteen COVID-19 to donate their plas- tration and notification system employees were recognized and participated in the ceremony by decorating their vehicles while ma. The program will be de- for a community testing site county officials and other employees held congratulatory signs.Photo courtesy of Orange County veloped by the county’s public and expanding contact tracing, health services department, the Coloradoan reported. If the Bakersfield.com reported. An- county lowers its rate, it will a five-star rating and be listed tel rooms to isolate and stop workers, first responders and tibodies within the plasma of continue to meet the state-lev- in the newspaper. The program the spread of the coronavirus. the homeless. individuals who have recov- el variance to allow higher oc- is in partnership with Mesa The program helps multi-gen- ered from COVID-19 may be cupancy in restaurants, brew- County Public Health and the erational households where INDIANA useful to help those recovering eries, places of worship and Grand Junction Area Chamber family members may be at risk ● ST. JOSEPH COUNTY from the coronavirus. Supervi- hold larger public gatherings. of Commerce. for spreading COVID-19. The Parks and Health Depart- sor Mike Maggard said of the county established a help line ments launched the “Be Well!” 4,300 people who have recov- ● MESA COUNTY launched FLORIDA that is now available to resi- guided walking program to ered from the virus in the coun- a variance protection program ● MIAMI-DADE COUNTY dents with or without symp- encourage wellness for coun- ty, only 37 donated plasma. to encourage businesses to expanded a hotel isolation toms, WPLG-TV reported. ty residents. The program follow public health orders. program to provide county Previously, the county provid- involves a free guided walk ● The district attorney in The program scores business- residents with temporary ho- ed hotel rooms for healthcare throughout a county park that SANTA CLARA COUNTY is es on how they follow federal, no longer pursuing the death state and local health orders. penalty as part of new reforms Businesses receive a number INDIANA within his office. Reforms in- based on a 50-point scale and ● The PORTER COUNTY clude sentencing alternatives will receive suggestions on how Sheriff’s Office added11 to incarceration, refraining to meet health standards, The hybrid squad cars to its law from fines and fees for low-in- Daily Sentinel reported. Busi- enforcement vehicle fleet. come individuals, working to nesses with 40 out of 50 points The Ford Police Interceptor end cash bail in the state and that require masks will receive Hybrid SUVs reduce emis- sions and save taxpayer dol- lars on fuel costs, Next-Gen CALIFORNIA Transportation reported. ● SANTA BARBARA COUNTY officials voted The county is one of the first to add electric vehicle chargers and establish law enforcement agencies in charging fees in locations throughout the coun- the state to adopt the new ty. New chargers will be located in parking lots technology, Sheriff David near the county administration Reynolds said. The vehicles buildings and will be used for the were purchased with funds public and employees’ personal from the Indiana Rural En- vehicles, the Santa Barbara In- ergy Innovation grant pro- dependent reported. Supervisors gram as part of the Indiana also approved a fee structure for Office of Energy Develop- the new chargers that changes the ment. rate to a per-kilowatt hour charge Photo courtesy of the Porter County to meet a future state mandate. Sheriff’s Office COUNTY NEWS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES AUGUST 3, 2020 19

includes discussions on well- MISSISSIPPI county commissioners defied UTAH ness, community services and In his last act of service to save his 10-year-old son, a the governor by moving the SALT LAKE COUNTY has wellness apps, ABC57 report- DESOTO COUNTY deputy died after jumping into waters county to the “yellow” phase opened new housing for ed. The county will hold dif- off the coast of Florida. William Nichols jumped in the wa- prior to the governor’s approv- homeless young adults ages ferent sessions for additional ter when his son, who was swimming at Fort Walton Beach, al while the state’s emergency 18-21. The Milestone Transi- walks. Fla., became caught in a rip current, The Memphis Com- management law was in effect. tional Living Program added mercial Appeal reported. He pulled his son out of the water With fewer than 500,000 resi- a four-bedroom house that MARYLAND but was dragged back into the water by the currents. Res- dents, Lebanon County’s CRF was remodeled in partnership The MONTGOMERY COUN- cue personnel performed CPR, but Nichols did not survive. money came first to the state. with Good Shepherd Luther- TY Council approved the Nichols served as the director of the Search and Rescue LANCASTER COUNTY also an Church. The newly added Early Care and Education Unit for the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department. defied the order, but has more home required several months Initiative Recovery Fund to than 500,000 residents, Lan- of renovation and $70,000 in provide grants to childcare caster Online reported. costs, with time and supplies programs and businesses. The “The governor did not make a donated by volunteers, The $10 million grant fund will help been the target of complaints the university. The project will decision to withhold the fund- Deseret News reported, noting childcare businesses that need and evaluate them using a allow the university to study its ing,” said Lyndsay Kensinger, that “the houses look like those assistance to reopen and fi- checklist. The businesses must student body, faculty and staff Wolf’s press secretary. “Leba- of any college students, with nancially recover from the eco- address safety precautions, and the county at large with the non County’s decision to vio- bright, trendy decor — except nomic distress caused by the including the state’s masking hope of gathering information late the law deemed the county perhaps cleaner.” COVID-19 pandemic, Bethesda order, occupancy restrictions on public health and econom- ineligible for CARES funding.” Residents are referred by Magazine reported. Childcare and physical distancing re- ics that will help inform deci- Workforce Services, the Di- businesses must provide child- quirements and take note of sions during this and future vision of Child and Family care to children from birth to 5 whether bars and restaurants pandemics. Penn State was set Services, the Youth Resource years old and be in good stand- separate tables, restrict indoor to begin testing local residents Center or the county’s juvenile ing with the state to be eligible capacity to 25 percent, enforce for virus antibodies Aug. 1. receiving center and crisis res- for the program. mask orders on staff and cus- “Many of us spend our re- idential treatment facility and tomers, end dining services at search careers thinking about can stay up to a year and a half, NEW JERSEY 11 p.m. and post signs remind- problems away from campus,” with the average stay ranging In New Jersey, county free- ing customers of precautions, professor Matthew Ferrari told between nine and 10 months. holders may soon be called The Tribune Review reported. the Centre Daily Times. “Now is During that time, Milestone of- commissioners. A legislative Results will be posted on the the time when we really are all VIRGINIA fers therapy and other resourc- bill is on track to pass soon. county’s website. uniquely focused on the needs The LOUDOUN COUNTY es. The program runs with “This change itself symboliz- of our neighbors and commu- Board of Supervisors has di- county and federal funding. es who we are and what we be- nity.” Nearly 2,000 full-time rected county staff to study the lieve in as a people,” Somerset county residents have already various financial and logisti- WASHINGTON County Freeholder Director volunteered to participate in cal implications of switching ● Since 2013, counties have Shanel Robinson, who said future studies aimed at mea- to a police department from had the authority to regulate the term freeholder is offen- suring the health, economic, a sheriff’s office. The report is ATV use on county roads sive, told local radio station educational, and social im- due in April 2021. The Wash- where speed limits are 35 mph 101.5-FM. “We do not want to pacts of the coronavirus for at ington Post reported that the or less. CLARK COUNTY is be tied to the old misogynistic least the next two years. supervisors are seeking more considering allowing them. and racist title,” Robinson said. transparency, accountability Language for a draft ordi- “It does not fit or work in this ● With tens of thousands ● LEBANON COUNTY sued and oversight. The transition nance to that effect has been day and age.” of students due to return to Gov. Tom Wolf (D) over his de- would also provide more secu- based on similar regulations in “As our nation tears down Penn State University in Au- cision to withhold nearly $13 rity for law enforcement per- COWLITZ, LEWIS and THUR- symbols of injustice, we must gust, CENTRE COUNTY will million in federal Coronavirus sonnel, who, under the sher- STON counties, The Colum- also tear down words we use in become ground zero for a re- Relief Fund money, local me- iff’s office, can be fired for any New Jersey that were born from search project managed by dia outlets there reported. The reason. See NEWS FROM page 20 racism,” the governor, Assem- bly speaker and Senate presi- dent said in a joint statement, NEW YORK according to New Jersey 101.5. The WESTCHESTER “It’s past time for New COUNTY Legislature has Jersey to phase out the approved the use of a $4.5 term ‘freeholder’ from million bond to buy a fleet our public discourse — of electric buses. Two of the a term coined when only buses will be entirely elec- white male landowners could tric, while 118 buses will run hold public office.” on a combination of electric- ity and diesel fuel. The clean PENNSYLVANIA diesel electric buses and the ● Following a spike in positive full electric buses have been coronavirus tests, ALLEGH- credited with saving the ENY COUNTY is deploying county over 1 million gal- a new COVID field response lons of fuel and preventing team to monitor businesses 18,400 tons of greenhouse and ensure they are following gas emissions, the Hudson public health orders. The team Independent reported. will visit businesses that have 20 AUGUST 3, 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES COUNTY NEWS

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NATION GET TO Perry County, Ind. KNOW... From NEWS FROM page 19 by state law. They include ar- resting people who break the bian reported. The county’s law, executing warrants and Welcome, after the Norfolk Southern ordinance would require ATV court orders and suppressing Perry County, Ind. Railway terminated service riders to have driver’s licenses “riots, unlawful assemblies and Located in southern Indi- to the county. The county’s to legally operate on the roads insurrections.” ana, Perry County, Ind. was Port Authority purchased and could also ban ATV use Councilmember Girmay Za- the abandoned rail line to organized in 1814 as the on specific roads, even if those hilay told The Seattle Timesthat preserve rail transportation last county before the Ter- roads have speed limits of less the move would give the coun- that would attract industries. ritory of Indiana applied to than 35 mph. cil the power to define the sher- Congress for statehood. The The 22-mile county-owned iff’s duties. Norfolk Southern Railway. The county, with a population short line is named the ● The Metropolitan KING “That kind of big, bold funda- Port Authority is located in the around 20,000, is named Hoosier Southern Railroad COUNTY Council voted to sig- mental change I don’t think we after Commodore Oliver Haz- and connects the Perry county seat of Tell City, “where nificantly scale back the au- can rely on just a sheriff’s de- ard Perry, a commander who County River Port with the the river meets the rail.” tonomy of the county sheriff, partment that’s independently defeated a British squadron moving the measure to county elected that we can’t truly over- in the Battle of Lake Erie voters on the November bal- see,” he said. during the War of 1812. lot. The position would be ap- If voters approve the change Perry County is the hilliest pointed, rather than elected. in November, Sheriff Mitzi Jo- and most forested in the It would also give the County hanknecht, elected in 2017, state with over 60,000 acres Council the ability to reduce would serve the remainder of of the Hoosier National For- the scope of the sheriff’s of- her four-year term and would est. The county borders the fice and make the county ex- then be eligible to be appoint- Ohio River and the Ohio Riv- ecutive the county’s repre- ed as sheriff. er Scenic Byway runs along sentative in negotiations with Highway 66 in the southern the sheriff’s deputies union. News From Across the Nation portion of the county. All were changes recom- is compiled by Charlie Ban and mended by a yearlong review Rachel Looker. Does your coun- In 1991, the Perry County commission. ty have news we should know Board of Commissioners Currently, the duties of the about? Reach us at cban@naco. decided to create the Sheriff’s Office are established org and [email protected]. Perry County Port Authority

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BRIGHTIDEAS LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. Volunteer-Run Enrichment Program Helps Shelter Animals ently stressful place,” Stively of the homeless pets needing they can do at home on their needs,” Stively said. PROBLEM: said. “Trying to figure out ways medical or behavioral inter- own schedule,” she said. The program has seen pos- Dogs experience stress in kennel that we can address those is- vention. Volunteers may help create itive results with the euthana- environments that often lead to sues with the least amount of Through the Busy Buddies “Busy Boxes” by donating emp- sia rate dropping 21 percent behavioral and health problems. stressful intervention possible program, LCAS recruited vol- ty cereal boxes and newspaper in the last four years, disease was our goal.” unteers by highlighting that not and stuffing the boxes with the outbreaks dropping 60 percent SOLUTION: The county is required to all volunteers have to physical- crumpled paper and treats to and the length of stay at the Create a volunteer-driven program take in stray, unwanted, lost, ly interact with animals at the provide dogs with a safe shred- shelter dropping by nine days. to improve the mental health of homeless, seized or aban- shelter, Stively explained. ding activity that can be done “People cannot help you if animals in shelters. doned dogs belonging to any “We have a fair number of in their kennels. they don’t know where you Loudoun County resident. high schoolers or people look- At the shelter, volunteers of- need the help,” Stively said. LCAS receives over 2,400 an- ing for some sort of community ten smear peanut butter on the “The shelter is just a stopping by Rachel Looker imals per year with 60 percent service type opportunity that walls to distract dogs when it’s point; the community is really staff writer time to clean their where the solution has to hap- A volunteer from kennels. pen.” The transition to kennels for the Busy Buddies “The volunteers Busy Buddies has operated program stuffs food many dogs is not easy. into rubber toys really focused on at almost no expense to the When staff at Loudoun to provide dogs a this program to county. County, Va. Animal Services fun activity to do in help soothe the LCAS, which already had saw shelter dogs experiencing their kennels at the animals and help a volunteer coordinator, Loudoun County, behavioral and health chal- them destress launched the program and cre- Va. Animal Services lenges, they knew they needed shelter. Photo courtesy while they were ated an Amazon wish list that to intervene to reduce the rates of Loudoun County Animal here,” she said. frequently receives donations of contagious disease, stress Services Other volunteers “Once you get the word out and euthanasia. participate in K9 there, it is a very easy program Loudoun County Animal Storytimes, fieldto sustain and the rewards are Services (LCAS) launched Busy trips, doggy DIY just endless,” Stively said. Buddies, an enrichment pro- time and olfactory She added the importance of gram that is volunteer-operat- and auditory stim- LCAS being transparent with ed and aims to reduce kennel ulation which in- the community and explained stress, poor coping behaviors volves introducing how staff often post pictures on and disease risks. essential oils and social media and use it as a tool Loudoun County Animal food spices to a for recruitment opportunities. Services Director Nina Stively dog’s kennel. This The Busy Buddies program said for years, LCAS has been helps calm down has been expanded to all spe- providing informal enrichment dogs experiencing cies and now includes guinea to animals, but never through a high levels of stress. pigs, rabbits, cats and pigs. structured program. Volunteers also “We are very committed to “We knew that with limit- help stuff KONGs, making sure that people un- ed staff, we only had so many which are rub- derstand that an animal shelter hours in the day, so we tried to ber dog toys, with is a place for second chances,” figure out a way to engage our canned dog food Stively said. volunteers and keep them,” she to provide a fun ac- “We want to make sure that said. tivity for each dog. the community understands Dogs experiencing frustra- The toys are provid- that we are here as a resource. tion from being confined to ed to dogs as part We are here as a support agen- kennels often face behavioral of the enrichment cy to humans and their pets.” deterioration that is displayed building program. For more information about as barking, jumping up or “The volunteers the Busy Buddies Program, grabbing people’s clothes, all of have really done an contact Loudoun Coun- which make it harder for dogs amazing job mak- ty Animal Services Director to find homes, she said. ing sure that this Nina Stively at Nina.Stively@ These animals often face program is some- loudoun.gov. medical challenges such as thing that works kennel cough, suppressed im- for any animal in Loudoun County’s Busy Bud- mune systems and GI prob- the shelter but can dies Program is the recipient of lems. also be custom- a best in category 2020 NACo A volunteer reads to a dog during K9 Storytime as part of the Busy Buddies Pro- “No matter how hard we try, gram at the Loudoun County, Va. Animal Services shelter. Photo courtesy of Loudoun ized for those who Achievement Award in the Vol- an animal shelter is an inher- County Animal Services have more specific unteers category. 22 AUGUST 3, 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES COUNTY NEWS RESOLUTIONS Given the unprecedented situation, the NACo Board of Directors facilitated an expedited policy process. On May 14, the Board adopted a motion to extend all 161 resolutions approved at the 2019 Annual Conference and the interim policy resolutions approved at the 2020 Legislative Conference until the 2021 NACo Annual Conference. In consultation with the Policy Coordinating Committee, comprised of the NACo Executive Committee and the 10 policy steering committee chairs, the Board on July 15 approved nine emergency policy resolutions submitted by NACo member counties.

COMMUNITY, in GOMESA funds to the Gulf ECONOMIC AND producing states that are es- WORKFORCE sential in producing these rev- enues. DEVELOPMENT ADOPTED POLICY: NACo ob- jects strenuously to the al- Additional location of federal mineral Workforce Funding revenue to federal programs ISSUE: Support emergency unless the allocation also in- funding for workforce devel- creases the GOMESA revenue opment programs to provide that is shared with four Gulf short-term and long-term Coast states (Texas, Louisiana, supports to the U.S. work- Mississippi and Alabama), force negatively impacted by which is a critical recurring COVID-19. source of revenue to address ADOPTED POLICY: NACo critical coastal protection and urges Congress to provide restoration needs. a fast infusion of workforce development funding at the Oppose Material local level to get America’s Preference job seekers back to work as Legislation soon as possible to assist in ISSUE: There is a national the overall economic recov- effort to eliminate local con- ery, due to COVID-19 and re- trol of water, wastewater and cord-breaking unemployment stormwater (water) infrastruc- rates. These additional funds ture systems, and it would should bolster programs such deny engineers, utilities, local as WIOA – Title I, Wagner Pey- governments and public enti- ser-Employment Services and ties the ability to design water youth-related initiatives. systems in the manner that best serves the needs of their ENVIRONMENT, community. select for water infrastructure ISSUE: The COVID-19 pub- es being experienced by state ADOPTED POLICY: NACo sup- projects, but NACo recognizes lic health emergency has and local governments due ENERGY AND ports local control of decisions that communities have unique triggered an economic crisis to COVID-19. This would be a LAND USE related to water infrastructure needs regarding water infra- which has drastically reduced tremendous boon to strained and thus opposes Material structure and their autonomy county revenues, threatening municipal budgets across the Support Increased Preference Legislation, or so- to address those needs should the ability of counties to pro- country and help preserve vi- Allocations of called “open competition” or not be restricted or limited in vide basic services. tal public health and public GOMESA Revenues “innovative materials” leg- this manner. ADOPTED POLICY: NACo urg- safety services. Understanding to Gulf Producing islation. Local communities es Congress to immediately additional relief is still being States are in the best position to de- enact additional emergency considered and debated at ISSUE: Legislation is cur- termine the type of water in- FINANCE, fiscal relief for states and lo- this moment, we implore Con- rently being considered frastructure investments that PENSIONS AND cal governments. The relief for gress to amend the Coronavi- through the Great American are best for their community. INTERGOVERN- counties and municipalities rus Relief Fund established in Outdoors Act (S.3422) to divert State and federal governments should be divided equally. the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, a greater share of Outer Con- should not pass laws or reg- MENTAL AFFAIRS Counties of all sizes should and Economic Security Act tinental Shelf (OCS) revenues ulations that restrict or limit receive their funding directly (CARES Act) to permit those to support national park im- local governments’ ability to Support Urgent from the federal government. funds, including those already provements and maintenance invest in the types of water in- Congressional We strongly support the con- allocated, either directly or and fully funding the Land frastructure that best suit their Action to Provide tinued efforts of Congress to through state distributions to and Water Conservation Fund, needs. NACo is neutral as to State and Local approve much-needed emer- counties and municipalities, while providing no increase which materials communities Fiscal Relief gency relief for revenue loss- to be used to offset lost reve- COUNTY NEWS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES AUGUST 3, 2020 23 nue due to the public health law’s proscriptive provisions emergency and resulting eco- ‘NACo urges Congress to provide a fast infusion of intended to reduce the use of nomic slowdown. Permissible congregate care so that states uses of the fund should be workforce development funding at the local level to and counties already proceed- flexible and include offsetting get America’s job seekers back to work as soon as ing with similar efforts may revenues lost due to the public continue to do so. Due to the health emergency and result- possible to assist in the overall economic recovery, impact of COVID-19, NACo ing economic slowdown. due to COVID-19...’ urges Congress to extend the FFPSA implementation dead- HEALTH line at least one additional equitable coordination for the store funding for existing pro- dent Trump signed into law year to enable state and coun- Declare Racism following services and materi- grams or grants from which the Family First Prevention ty child welfare agencies to a National Public als, including, but not limited funds may have been diverted Services Act (FFPSA). The law continue to focus on the im- Health Crisis to: personal protective equip- or transferred in the near-term provides new federal enti- mediate need to respond to ISSUE: Communities of ment (PPE), reliable and valid response. Additionally, coro- tlement funding for optional families and children during color are disproportionate- testing, lab capacity, contact navirus relief funds should foster care prevention services COIVD-19. Additionally, Con- ly impacted by a multitude tracing, room and board for be available to reimburse for meeting stringent best prac- gress should extend federal of socioeconomic and public isolation and quarantine, ex- county expenses as well as to tice benchmarks and creates IV-E waiver authority through health challenges facing coun- panded and/or temporary offset lost revenues. new federal requirements re- Sept. 30, 2024 unless compre- ties across the country, and COVID-19 treatment beds, lating to congregate (group hensive child welfare finance this disproportionality is root- medical countermeasures Enhance Federal home) care that would reduce reform that reflects NACo’s ed in individual, systemic and (e.g. ventilators and remde- Resources federal IV-E reimbursement priorities is passed and imple- institutional racism. sivir), telehealth technology, for Veterans’ and shift costs to states and mented before waivers expire. ADOPTED POLICY: NACo urg- behavioral health supports Mental and counties. The FFPSA did not es the Federal Government and vaccines. When proven Behavioral Health extend federal IV-E waivers PUBLIC LANDS to: (1) Assert that racism is a effective, robust funding will Services During which expired Sept. 30, 2019 public health crisis affecting be essential to adequately the COVID-19 but were extended for two Oppose Use of the our entire country (2) leverage source, promote, coordinate Pandemic years in a subsequent law, the Land and Water a racial equity lens in evaluat- and distribute vaccines to the ISSUE: The COVID-19 pan- Family First Transition Act. Conservation Fund ing federal policy (3) Develop public at-large in an equitable demic is straining counties’ Given the coronavirus pan- to Acquire Private relevant policies aimed at im- and timely fashion. ability to provide critical demic, protecting children Lands for Federal proving health and economic Funds from the Provider health resources— including and families has become Estate in States opportunity in communities Relief Fund should be direct- key mental and behavioral even more challenging, shift- with Greater Than of color and (4) support local, ed to public health care and health services— to veterans. ing resources and attention 50% Federal Land state and federal initiatives hospital systems that serve a ADOPTED POLICY: NACo sup- to the immediate public Ownership that advance social justice. disproportionate share of low ports legislation that would health emergency which has ISSUE: Congress is consider- income, uninsured and Med- provide additional federal slowed FFPSA implementa- ing permanent funding of ap- Support Urgent icaid patients. resources to develop mental tion planning in many states proximately $900 million for Congressional Congress should also take and behavioral health ser- and counties. Furthermore, the Land and Water Conserva- Action For action to stabilize the feder- vices for veterans as commu- in December 2019, Congress tion Fund, 40 percent of which COVID-19 Response al-state-local partnership for nities respond to increased appropriated $500 million un- would be granted to federal and Protecting financing and administering local needs stemming from der the Family First Transition agencies to acquire addition- Local Public Health the Medicaid program for the COVID-19. NACo specifically Act to assist states in planning al land for the Federal estate, Funding duration of both the public urges Congress and the ad- for FFPSA implementation, thereby exempting acquired ISSUE: The World Health Or- health and the state and local ministration to supplement but those funds have yet to be lands from local property tax- ganization has declared the fiscal crisis. These stabilization existing mental and behavior- distributed to states. All states ation. outbreak of the 2019 novel measures should include, but al health services for veterans must fully implement the FFP- ADOPTED POLICY: NACo urg- coronavirus (SARS-CoV2), to are not limited to: repealing or through the development of SA by Oct. 1, 2021. es Congress to prohibit the use be a pandemic and the Sec- delaying the scheduled stat- pilot programs and innovative ADOPTED POLICY: NACo urg- of the Land and Water Conser- retary of the U.S. Department utory reductions to the Med- solutions around the following es the U.S. Department of vation Fund to acquire private of Health and Human Services icaid disproportionate (DSH) key areas for veterans: depres- Health and Human Services lands for the Federal estate (HHS) has declared a public hospital payments, placing a sion, anxiety, suicide preven- (HHS) to provide administra- in any state where more than health emergency for the en- moratorium on finalization tion, substance use disorders, tive flexibility in the Family 50 percent of the land area is tire United States. Counties of the Centers for Medicare post-traumatic stress disorder First Prevention Services Act already under Federal own- are the front line of response and Medicaid Services (CMS) (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain (FFPSA) to minimize the an- ership. These states include: to the outbreak. proposed Medicaid Fiscal Injury (TBI). ticipated cost-shifts to states Nevada (approx. 85 percent), PROPOSED POLICY: NACo Accountability Regulation and counties that will occur Utah (approx. 65 percent), urges Congress to enact addi- (MFAR), permitting states HUMAN by denying FFPSA Title IV-E Idaho (approx. 62 percent), tional emergency supplemen- with Medicaid 1115 waivers eligibility to children who Alaska (approx. 61 percent), tal appropriations and annual expiring in 2020 or 2021 to ex- SERVICES AND would remain eligible for and Oregon (approx. 53 per- appropriations sufficient to tend them by at least twelve EDUCATION state or county-funded foster cent). If additional federal expand and strengthen global, months and lifting the Med- care and adoption assistance. land acquisitions in any of the federal, state, territorial, tribal icaid institutions for mental Urge Congress and Congress should also provide states listed above are deemed and local capacity and coordi- disease (IMD) payment exclu- the Administration states and counties with suf- necessary by the impacted nation to adequately respond sion. to Maintain County ficient flexibility to serve and state and county, such land to this disease on a sustained NACo will work to ensure Child Welfare protect abused and neglect- acquisitions should be off- basis over time. that all coronavirus relief Flexibility and ed children as done currently set with a relinquishment by County public health and funding not be offset by reduc- Funding under some state laws. NACo trade or sale of public land to health care systems require ing or eliminating other public ISSUE: In February 2018, further urges that Congress private ownership within the robust federal funding and health programs and to re- Congress passed and Presi- amend and/or mitigate the same county. 24 AUGUST 3, 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES COUNTY NEWS the HR Recruiting Remote Workers, DOCTOR with Philpot All Across the United States & Winkeler Fourth, what does your state retirement system need regarding these employees? s organiza- Are there different rules for tions revise out-of-state employees? job postings Fifth, will the remote work- to allow for ers have flexibility of hours or remote work, will they work the same hours someA counties are consider- as the rest of your in-person ing revising certain positions workforce? What if they reside to be 100 percent virtual, in a different time zone? meaning these positions may Sixth, speak with your legal be able to be filled by individ- counsel about the difference uals who reside outside of the between hiring these individ- county with no intent to ever uals as employees or engag- return to a formal workspace. ing them as independent con- Certainly, this possibility ex- tractors. Which is the more pands recruitment options appropriate designation? and the pool of potential It will depend on how much highly qualified candidates. the county directs the work, Applicants may consider who owns the tools used by such positions more attrac- the individual and other con- tive as remote work from siderations. their out-of-county residence It is also important to dis- relieves them of the need to itations to this in state law, Security does not require the provide a notary seal on Form cuss whether the individual relocate, find new schools for possibly requiring in-county authorized representative to I-9. will be performing the same their children or find work for residency to hold certain po- have specific agreements or With this in mind, you may kinds of work as employees a trailing spouse. sitions. other documentation for Form need to use a notary service who work in person. This may also allow them to Here are some additional I-9 purposes. If an authorized and, in the present environ- Seventh, right now, with start work early, rather than things to consider regarding representative fills out Form ment of virtual offices, finding COVID-19 and wildfire sea- taking months to relocate. 100 percent virtual employ- I-9 on behalf of the employer, a notary may require the new, son, you may need employees Such an option could assist ees. the employer is still liable for virtual employee to go to a to be able to rotate to emer- rural counties which may First, how will you connect any violations in connection bank, a contract station of the gency operations centers, struggle to find qualified ap- the virtual employees to your with the form or the verifica- U.S. Postal Service or go to a call centers and other assign- plicants within their commu- technology? Will the employ- tion process. UPS Store. Not all UPS stores ments. nity or areas where the cost of ees be able to use their own When completing Form I-9, offer notary services and Fe- Will this position need to living is high. computer? Will they need to the employer or authorized dEx does not offer notary ser- have that kind of flexibility? Of course, while there may be issued a county-issued representative must physical- vices. And can that be done through be many benefits, there are laptop or other device? Will ly examine, with the employ- Also, these options will the remote employee’s devic- also many things for employ- they be permitted to access ee being physically present, have notary fees. Is the or- es? ers to consider when evaluat- your network? each document presented ganization paying the notary The bottom line is that be- ing how much work can and Second, who will complete to determine if it reasonably fee? Is the time spent getting ing able to engage remote should be done remotely. their I-9 verification? Tradi- appears to be genuine and re- the I-9 completed paid orien- workers may seem more fea- As existing employees may tionally, the I-9 verification lates to the employee present- tation time? sible compared to a year ago. have worked — or may still is done on an employee’s first ing it. Reviewing or examin- Third, who will verify the It’s important to thoroughly be working, remotely for sev- day at the workplace or at new ing documents via webcam is applicable state and local review any policies you have eral months — the variety of employee orientation, where not permissible. laws in the other states? Em- or regulations you may be positions that can function Human Resources staff can If the authorized represen- ployees who work virtually subject to regarding remote with independence may be personally view their identi- tative refuses to complete out of state will require your work, the practicalities of much wider than previously fication documents, such as a Form I-9 (including providing finance department to get a such work and whether it’s thought. driver’s license. a signature) another autho- tax ID in those different states in the best interest of your How sustainable is that What can employers do if rized representative may be and file taxes in those states. county. amount of independence? Is the employee is hired to per- selected. Unemployment and work- Great challenges bring it dependent on the individ- form their work at great dis- If the employer hires a no- er’s compensation laws and about great opportunities ual currently performing that tance from the workplace? tary public, the notary public processes vary by state, as do and technology is allowing work or is it innate in the po- U.S. Citizen and Immigration is acting as an authorized rep- laws regarding employment us to redefine our workplace sition? Services states: resentative of the employer, and specifically break peri- and our teams like never be- Consider whether the Employers may designate not as a notary. ods. fore. county is ready to commit to an authorized representative The notary public must You will also need to ensure maintaining this position as to fill out Forms I-9 on behalf perform the same required you are meeting the mini- Erika Philpot is the human entirely remote, even after the of their company, including actions as an authorized rep- mum wage in not only that resources director and Rose need for restrictions arising personnel officers, foremen, resentative. When acting as state, but that city. Notify your Winkeler is the deputy county out of the pandemic ends. agents or notary public. The an authorized representative, risk manager, payroll staff and attorney for Coconino County, There also may be lim- Department of Homeland the notary public should not work with your attorney. Ariz.