NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES n WASHINGTON, D.C. VOL. 43, NO. 24 n December 19, 2011 Board OKs major change to NACo drug card program
By Beverly Schlotterbeck and election guidelines for second EXECUTIVE EDITOR vice president candidates at their fall meeting held this year in NACo’s Board of Directors ap- Orange County (Orlando), Fla., proved a significant change to the Dec. 8–10. popular NACo Prescription Dis- By a near unanimous vote, the count Card Program, adopted a Board directed staff to move for- $20.7 million consolidated annual ward with negotiating a new con- budget for 2012 and postponed tract for the prescription program a decision to eliminate printed with CVS Caremark that provides copies of County News in favor of participating counties with an a weekly, electronically delivered option to receive a $1 fee for each publication. Board members also okayed See NACo BOARD page 7 new legislative policy priorities Photo courtesy of the Wakulla County, Fla. Sheriff’s Office Santa Claus hears gift requests from the children of Wakulla County, Fla. during Christmas in the Park, the QuickTakes Uranium 12th such annual event sponsored by the sheriff’s office and parks and recreation department. Top Five mining could Christmas Tree Warm temperatures can’t melt Producing States come to rural 1 - Oregon Virginia Christmas spirit in Florida county 2 - North Carolina 3 - Michigan By Charles Taylor By Charlie Ban “It’s our way to reach out to The Sheriff’s Office sponsors 4 - Pennsylvania SENIOR STAFF WRITER STAFF WRITER the community,” Massa said. “We the event, along with the county’s 5 - Wisconsin want everyone to have a chance to parks and recreation department, Source: National Christmas Tree Association, A National Academy of Sciences In Florida’s panhandle, songs see Santa.” and a local bank. USDA Census of Agriculture 2009 study, due out any day, may help like “Let it Snow” demand a Massa himself once donned determine whether uranium mining certain suspension of disbelief. the jolly man’s red snowsuit and is allowed in Pittsylvania County — But as abstract as a lot of win- held court, but recent weight loss CountyNews and elsewhere — in Virginia. ter imagery can be for children, rendered him an unconvincing Informed by this and other recent the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Kriss Kringle. He delegated the Happy Features studies, the Virginia General As- Office does its best to make the role to one of his volunteers, who sembly is poised to decide when it holiday season special for them. soldiered through two hours of convenes in January whether to lift Its Christmas in the Park cel- pretty warm temperatures to hear Holidays a 29-year moratorium on mining the ebration, now in its 12th year, saw the Christmas wishes of hundreds radioactive element in the state. its highest participation yet, with of children. The county of 63,500 in south- more than 500 children waiting “We can have cold temperatures Whatever holiday you central Virginia is home to the largest in line to meet Santa Claus. The in the winter, it can be downright celebrate this time of underground uranium ore deposit event is routinely scheduled for bone chilling, but the last week, known to exist in the state, worth the second Friday in December. we’ve had highs in the mid-70s,” year, may it be merry. an estimated $7 billion. Virginia Maj. Larry Massa, the event’s he said. Happy Holidays from Uranium Inc. says it can safely mine longtime coordinator, attributed Despite the temperatures, Massa the staff at County a site it owns, with substantial benefit the crowds to the tough eco- said the holiday spirit was evident to the county’s economy. nomic conditions in the county in the more than 1,300 attendees, News and NACo. Uranium-related operations of 30,000 south of Tallahassee. the copious decorations and bevy could generate more than 1,000 Even without snow, Azalea Park of activities. jobs and pump $3 million or more drew hundreds of families for “It’s pretty good as it would a year into local and state tax activities, including train rides, be anywhere,” he said. “We don’t face painting, art stations and a need snow to bring out the same See URANIUM page 6 raffle for bicycles. emotions.” 2 December 19, 2011 CountyNews • Helping county health through tough economic times
By Anita Cardwell contain health care costs,” said SENIOR ASSOCIATE NACo president Lenny Eliason, whose presidential initiative directly Approximately 70 county officials complements the Healthy Counties and county staff from nearly 40 coun- Initiative as he is focusing on help- ties attended NACo’s 2011 Healthy ing counties develop local programs Counties Forum, “Creating Healthy and policies that promote healthy Counties: Investing in County Health lifestyles. “We heard about a range in Tough Economic Times,” Dec. of efforts from both urban and rural 1–2, in Washington, D.C. counties that have made great strides Featuring a mix of speakers toward improving the health of their including federal officials, county populations through innovative leaders and private sector representa- solutions involving public-private tives, the forum highlighted a range partnerships and other strategies,” of topics such as tools that can help he said. guide county health policy deci- Future forums, conference work- sions, opportunities to improve care shops and webinars will be offered coordination and the importance of through NACo’s Healthy Counties building broad community partner- Initiative, which is guided by a public- ships to support local health and private advisory board of county wellness promotion efforts. officials and staff, and the initiative’s Dr. Anand Parekha, a deputy as- Photo by Anita Cardwell corporate supporters. Commissioner sistant secretary at the Department of (l-r) Joan Ralph, Premier, Inc.; DeKalb County, Ga. Commissioner Larry Johnson, chairman of the Healthy Coun- Larry Johnson from DeKalb County, Health and Human Services, opened ties Advisory Board; NACo Second Vice President and Linn County, Iowa Supervisor Linda Langston; NACo Ga. is the 2011–2012 chair of the the forum with a detailed overview President and Athens County, Ohio Commissioner Lenny Eliason; and Nick Macchione, health and human advisory board. of recent federal-level investments services director, San Diego County, discuss how public-private partnerships can support county health activities To download copies of the forum in prevention and public health. Dr. during a breakout session of the Health Counties Forum. presentations, visit www.naco.org/ Jonathan Fielding, director, Los healthycountiesforum, and for more Angeles County Department of implementing these changes in among local governments, private are involved with, such as public information about NACo’s Healthy Public Health and the county’s health 2006, the county has already seen its entities and other key stakeholders health, county employee health Counties Initiative, see www.naco.org/ officer, followed by highlighting how employee health care costs markedly in the community health assessment coverage and direct care delivery healthycountiesinitiative. counties play a key role in creating the decline. and improvement process. services. local-level conditions for community Throughout the forum, at- The forum was held as one of “The forum provided an im- health and wellness through policy, tendees also heard from many the activities of NACo’s Healthy portant opportunity to examine a system and environmental decisions. of NACo’s Healthy Counties Counties Initiative, launched this number of health issues, including Another session featured model Initiative corporate partners about year to engage county officials and how counties can implement and President | Lenny Eliason county initiatives to incorporate ways that collaboration with the private sector partners to support and sustain prevention-focused initia- Publisher | Larry Naake Public Affairs Director | Tom Goodman health factors in county planning and business community and innova- promote best practices within the tives that have strong potential to Executive Editor | Beverly Anne Schlotterbeck land use decisions, as well as ways tions offered through the private many areas of health that counties improve community health and Senior Staff Writer | Charles Taylor to improve county employees’ well- sector can support counties’ health Staff Writer | Charlie Ban Graphic Artist | Jack Hernandez ness and promote access to healthy activities. Presenters said coun- Editorial Assistant | Christopher Johnson and affordable food. Baltimore City ties can use mapping and other councilwoman Helen Holton, chair data-synthesizing tools to more Online Achievement Award ADVERTISING STAFF of NACo’s Large Urban County effectively target local public health Job Market/Classifieds representative Applications Now Available Christopher Johnson Caucus, spoke about Baltimore’s resources and options for improving National Accounts representative Food Policy Initiative, which is an communication among safety net Beverly Schlotterbeck intergovernmental collaboration to health care providers to provide Applications for the 2012 Achievement Award program are now (202) 393-6226 • FAX (202) 393-2630 provide healthier food selections in better and more cost-effective care available. The annual program is non-competitive and recognizes Published biweekly except August by: innovative county government programs. Since this is not a com- National Association of Counties areas of the city where these options for individuals with chronic diseases Research Foundation, Inc. are lacking. and behavioral health care needs. petition, each submission is judged on its own merits based on the 25 Massachusetts Ave., N.W. “The initiative is based on a broad The forum’s second day included criteria outlined in the application information. STE. 500, Washington, D.C. 20001 range of partnerships and is taking a session moderated by NACo Sec- Last year, more than 470 programs were recognized from 97 (202) 393-6226 | FAX (202) 393-2630 counties in 29 states. E-mail | [email protected] a very comprehensive approach to ond Vice President Linda Langston Online address | www.countynews.org implement a number of innova- and featured federal-level speakers This year’s application process moves to an all-electronic format. tive policies and programs to help who outlined key issues concerning Applicants must submit each program narrative and any supplemental The appearance of paid advertisements in County News materials through the online application system. This new process elimi- in no way implies support or endorsement by the Na- increase healthy food options for a provision in the Affordable Care tional Association of Counties for any of the products, residents in need,” Holton said. Act (ACA) related to the local health nates the time and costs associated with mailing application materials. services or messages advertised. Periodicals postage paid at Washington D.C. and other offices. Among the many efforts of the care safety net. To guide applicants through the process, there is a Frequently Mail subscriptions are $100 per year for non-members. initiative is a virtual supermarket Specifically, the ACA requires Asked Questions document and a video tutorial of the application $60 per year for non-members purchasing multiple cop- which allows individuals to purchase that nonprofit hospitals conduct process on the Achievement Awards page of the NACo website, ies. Educational institution rate, $50 per year. Member county supplemental subscriptions are $20 each. Send groceries online, including using periodic community health needs www.naco.org/achievementawards. payment with order and address changes to NACo, 25 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance assessments to identify and address All application materials must be uploaded by Feb. 13, 2012. Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001. Program (SNAP) food stamp local health needs. Counties have a In these tough times, the Achievement Award program provides POSTMASTER: send address changes to a way for counties to recognize not only innovative programs, but County News, 25 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., benefits, and pick them up at local vested interest in ensuring that these Ste. 500, Washington, D.C. 20001 also the dedicated employees who make these programs successful. library branches. tax-exempt hospitals will comply (USPS 704-620) n (ISSN: 0744-9798) “As the economy continues to flounder, counties are taking innova- The same session also featured with the provision and are measur- © National Association of Counties how Manatee County, Fla. has trans- ably taking on uncompensated care tive steps to provide services and programs to their residents,” said Research Foundation, Inc. formed its county employee health in their communities. Jacqueline Byers, NACo director of research. “Sharing innovation plan using financial incentives and One of the presenters, Paul Stange through the Achievement Award program is a way to help other comprehensive health management from the Centers for Disease Control counties with their own problems and also a way to recognize your programs to encourage employees and Prevention, emphasized the need hardworking employees for their successes.” to adopt healthier behaviors. Since for effective regional collaboration • CountyNews December 19, 2011 3 N.J. counties eye police department shift
By Charlie Ban summit on police consolidation though Cappelli said certain pock- “That’s the way a lot of counties framework to transfer authority to STAFF WRITER Dec. 2. ets of crime in the city drive up the in other states we’ve been studying the county. In Camden County, budget crime rate especially high. — Maryland, Delaware, Virginia Camden County’s investigation Counties in New Jersey are pressures have already forced the Camden County comprises 37 — do it,” Cappelli said. into county-wide policing is not weighing the options to change the city of Camden to lay off half its different municipalities that are Another option is to keep mu- simply motivated by the city’s crime way policing is done. police department at the beginning home to more than 550,000 people. nicipal forces to provide routine troubles. Smaller municipal depart- Police power in the state is of the year. So far, Donnadio said, Representatives from several of public safety services, but concen- ments are feeling pressure, too. largely concentrated in its 565 mu- Camden has been the first county those municipalities are serving trate expertise and equipment for “I think it’s inevitable,” Cap- nicipalities, but financial stresses on to make serious moves to pursue on a planning committee that is specialized functions in specific pelli said of consolidation. “The those individual departments are that change. exploring two different options for departments, including detectives, 2 percent limit will continue to motivating some to consider con- “The last few mayors of (the city police consolidation. Both rely on a bomb squad or canine unit, have an impact on staffing and solidated county-based services. of) Camden have inquired about voluntary participation. which would serve participating with fewer officers on the streets, “With a 2 percent limit on feasibility, but we’re really starting The wholesale county police municipalities. municipalities will be forced to tax increases, the municipalities to see some traction now,” said department would be relatively “We have seven different SWAT look into some kind of regional can’t always keep up with the Louis Cappelli, Camden County’s simple, with participating mu- teams in our municipal police de- relationship.” fiscal demands for police protec- freeholder director. “We’re down nicipalities disbanding their police partments and we don’t need that Donnadio said consolidation tion on this level,” said John 300 officers throughout the county forces and reallocating their bud- many,” he said. “This is a perfect remains a touchy subject among Donnadio, executive director of over the last two years, and there’s gets to the county, which would example of an efficiency that will law enforcement, but like Cappelli, the New Jersey Association of no way the city of Camden can administer the department. Urban allow us to provide better service in he sees the alternative to be a lot Counties. “Municipalities have afford to hire new officers. If this Camden would have its own a more pragmatic and cost-effective less palatable. been increasingly looking into movement to a county force gets off metropolitan division and other manner.” “If municipalities don’t do equipment sharing and service the ground, Camden city is going parts of the county would have If any municipality elects to go something, they’ll eventually get to consolidation, but this seems like to be the driver.” regional divisions, with resources countywide, Cappelli estimated it the point where layoffs are the only the next big step.” The city is noted as one of the allocated based on population and would take at least four months to option,” he said. “Consolidation is The state association held a most crime-ridden in the country, call volume. build the legal and administrative the long-term solution here.” Dutchess County, N.Y.’s longest-serving executive to retire
By Charles Taylor he’d ever considered, but he saw it been a major part of county govern- SENIOR STAFF WRITER as a way to combine vocation and ment whether you agreed with him avocation. or disagreed with him, whether it Election Day 1949 is an impor- “I could have the professional was a lot or a little,” Rolison said. tant day in the life of Bill Steinhaus. vocation of being in a manage- “When you have that kind of tenure It was that rare occasion when he ment, leadership position with in a position, I think it is the end wasn’t running for anything — the the avocation of being involved in of an era.” day he was born. the political side of the world and Steinhaus accepts compliments Sixty-two years later, Election campaigns,” he said. and criticism. “My leadership Day 2011 marked another mile- In 1978, he was elected clerk model is very driven by can-do,” stone. It was the first four-year cycle at the tender age of 28. It was the he said, “and my leadership per- since 1978 that his name wasn’t on warm-up act for the main attraction sonality is one of being not very the ballot for something. and helped lay the groundwork for patient or tolerant with critics and Steinhaus is retiring at the end his success as the county’s CEO. negativity, when people then don’t of this month, after 20 years — “It was a great 13 years as the offer solutions.” five terms — as Dutchess County, clerk and actually in many ways, After he retires at the end of this N.Y.’s elected executive preceded I miss that to this day,” he said. month, what’s next? There’s a to-do by 13 years as county clerk. He’s “Because in a clerk’s position, it’s list on his refrigerator. been the county’s longest-serving the ultimate retail one-on-one tak- “I’m going to exhale a little bit executive and the fourth most Photo courtesy of Dutchess County, N.Y. ing care of customers that I enjoy and take a little bit of time to just tenured in the state’s history. Dur- William R. Steinhaus, county executive of Dutchess County, N.Y., says the so much.” sort of chill and take care of those ing that time, he also served as “greatest honor” of his 20 years in office was welcoming home members But the management aspects things around the house and the president of the New York State of the 727th Military Police Detachment of the New York Army National of his next job, county executive, yard that always seem to get set Association of Counties (NYSAC) Guard in August 2007 as they returned from Iraq. They had flown the also played to his strengths. He was aside,” he said. and as a NACo board member. county flag over their base in Baghdad. elected to the post in 1991. He’ll also spend more time “He set a standard for county “When I was in college,” he with his two young grandsons — government service, and we will destined for elective office or some going to be in Dutchess County for said, “I managed, organized and “I’ve already been looking at the continue to try to measure up,” said kind of public service. generations and decades to come,” produced all the major concerts schedule for the monster truck Mary Pat Hancock, chair of the “I got an introduction in my Steinhaus said. for the student government on the show that I can take the grandsons Genesee County, N.Y. legislature teens to civics and public service Later, armed with a political college campus, once a month — to in February.” and president of NYSAC. and the political process,” he said. science degree, Steinhaus got his big groups like Chicago, and The And eventually, after decades of The son of politically active And his first year at community first Dutchess County job at age 25, Association, Brooklyn Bridge, and “60-, 70-, 80-hour workdays,” he’ll parents, Steinhaus was practically college would foreshadow things as a management assistant in the all the biggest names of that era in probably go back to work. Probably to come. His government professor, executive office. He apparently did the ‘70s, and I just loved the idea not fulltime, and instead of one job CORRECTION Jack Lippman, was also chairman a good enough job to attract notice of managing things and making he’ll probably do two or three things. of the charter commission that cre- when word broke that the county things work.” As for his NACo involvement, Immediate Past President Glen ated the county executive position treasurer was retiring. Robert Rolison, chairman of he’ll miss the camaraderie and Whitley was appointed to the Steinhaus would later hold. “Somebody in the county build- the County Legislature — and like intellectual stimulation. “I think as nationally based Governmental “Here I was a 17-year-old fresh- ing came up to me in the hallway Steinhaus, a Republican — said the much as each county official maybe Accounting Standards Advisory man in college and the professor and said, ‘A couple of us were county executive has a very “out is able to contribute to NACo’ s Council. An article in the Dec. 5 teaching me about government talking over coffee, Bill, and we front” personality and leadership success, I think all of us walk away issue incorrectly identified the was really redefining what the think you should run for county style, and the two haven’t always better prepared and better educated name of the council. county government structure was clerk,’” he recalled. It wasn’t a role seen eye to eye on the issues. “He’s public officials,” he said. 4 December 19, 2011 CountyNews • County program lends a helping paw year-round
By Christopher Johnson “It’s all about the animals,” cookies called “savory treats” made EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Young said. “I couldn’t live a day with unbleached flour, oats, Italian without them, and I never want a bread crumbs, broth and eggs, and For most senior citizens, pets are senior to have to give up their pet “Elvis” cookies, made with peanut companions that add sweetness and over food.” butter, bananas, flour, eggs and comfort to their golden years. But Young got the idea during a vanilla. Cookie cutters are used to the volatile economic climate can County Board of Commissioners create shapes that reflect the season. require difficult choices, and strug- meeting in 2010. While listening to Currently, they are snowflakes and gling seniors are often forced between a report from the Isabella County snowmen. feeding themselves or their pets. Commission on Aging, she realized “People could try these cookies Brenda Young, Isabella County there were things other than medical but they probably wouldn’t enjoy Mich. deputy clerk, created “Food 4 expenses that many seniors struggle them because of their lack of sugar,” Paws,” a program that assists senior to pay for. So she started baking for Young joked. citizens by providing pet food for pets to raise money for the program. She decided to start selling them those who can’t afford it for their Young makes two kinds of for $2 per pack at three local vendors. companion animal. all-natural dog treats: traditional The money raised goes to purchase pet food for dogs or cats. Nearly nine batches of cookies, or 40 packages, are baked and sold Profiles each week. Proceeds from their sale provide an average of 250 pounds ($250–$300 worth) of pet food being Photo courtesy of Brenda Young, Isabella County, Mich. in Service delivered to seniors each month. Pet owners in Isabella County help the Food 4 Paws program by buying The program is growing in popu- all-natural pet cookies, made by Brenda Young, at three local stores for Frank Newton larity. Requests are made monthly $2 per pack. » through the Commission on Aging NACo Board of Directors with 15–16 dogs and 10 cats getting make sure pets are in good health operation small at the start,” Young Community Development Administrator food per month. Owners talk with and up to date on their shots. She said. “One of the worst things you Cobb County, Ga. Young about specific types of food also would like to start educating could do is grow too big too fast their pets need based on their age, pet owners on how to properly feed and lose the meaning behind what breed or other factors. their pets. the program is.” Number of years active in NACo: 26 Young hopes to explore includ- Her advice to others considering For more information on Food- Years in public service: 45 ing veterinarians in the program a similar program: “The biggest 4Paws, contact Brenda Young at Occupation: management consultant who could possibly donate time to thing to remember is to keep the [email protected]. Education: B.A., public administration, University of Florida; master of public administration (MPA), University of Georgia The hardest thing I’ve ever done: directed the Southeast operations on behalf of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) County turns to Shakespeare to during the Mariel Boatlift crisis between April 15–Oct. 31, 1980. Three people (living or dead) I’d invite to dinner: Sam Nunn, President Bill Clinton and former Atlanta Journal-Constitution col- keep youth offenders out of jail umnist Celestine Sibley. program was launched more than a chosen could have been sentenced A dream I have is to: buy an RV and see all of North America. By Christopher Johnson decade ago with juvenile offenders for a variety of offenses and under You’d be surprised to learn that I: commute 250 miles one-way to EDITORIAL ASSISTANT in western Massachusetts and won supervision of a probation officer. work (once a week.) a presidential award in 2006. Cor- Anyone who violates conditions of All the world’s a stage, and for rections alternatives that use theater his or her probation could be handed The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is: found the courage some Milwaukee County youth as a means of encouraging adult more traditional juvenile punish- to open my first consulting business in 1982. offenders treading the boards could offenders to deal with unresolved ment, including state incarceration. My favorite way to relax is: spend an entire day in my favorite be alternative punishment. emotional issues and bolster their Not everyone is excited about public library. The county’s judiciary commit- confidence also have a number of the new program. Sheriff David I’m most proud of: my family — especially my wonderful grand- tee voted to spend $65,000 to start a precedents nationally. Milwaukee A. Clarke Jr. believes the $65,000 children. new program to take some juvenile would be the first county in the proposed for the program could be Every morning I read: The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. offenders and sentence them to Midwest and state of Wisconsin to put to better use. perform in plays written by William implement this program, according “The money should be returned My favorite meal is: prime rib. Shakespeare. This gives offenders to officials there. to taxpayers instead of being spent My pet peeve is: when someone breaks a promise. from the ages of 13–17 who are Shakespeare & Company has on this,” he said. “It’s enough money My motto is: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” found guilty a chance to stay out developed programs for youths that to pay the salary of a sheriff deputy The last book I read was: The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw. of jail. The funding comes from a also were adapted for young offend- for one full year.” projected savings from a new inmate ers in Pittsfield, Mass. in 2001. A The county has proposed laying My favorite movie is: “Everything is Illuminated.” screening program that started more similar program would be under- off 61 deputies in 2012 to keep My favorite music is: music soundtracks of old Western movies, slowly than expected. taken in Milwaukee County through the budget from veering into the and singers like Marty Robbins. “This is a very good investment an arrangement with the University red. The overall county budget is My favorite president is: Jimmy Carter. that will quickly pay for itself by of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s theater expected to wind up $3.3 million avoiding more expensive treat- program in cooperation with county in the black at the end of the year. ment or state juvenile institutional judges, if the full board and County Whether the Shakespeare pro- placements,” Supervisor Gerry Executive Chris Abele sign off on gram is to be or not to be is a ques- Keep up with NACo online ... Broderick said. Teenage offenders the idea. tion for the full board to answer. If sent to state correctional facilities Kids chosen for the program approved, it would head to County each cost the county more than would be under sentence, with the Executive Abele, who has not taken www.naco.org $100,000 a year. Shakespeare participation likely a public position on it, to approve The idea is not new — the a condition of probation. Those or veto the proposal. • CountyNews December 19, 2011 5 ‘Heartless’ Virginia supervisor raises a ruckus
By Charles Taylor heart becomes weaker, according to sion that this was his only option; he SENIOR STAFF WRITER the National Heart Lung and Blood had no heart function left.” Institute. It’s less able to pump blood After his surgery, Miller was Jack Miller is one heartless through the body and maintain able to return home Oct. 14, to politician. a normal rhythm. This can lead celebrate the couple’s 44th wedding No, the Middlesex County, Va. to heart failure or irregular heartbeats anniversary. supervisor isn’t lacking in compas- called arrhythmias. “He is the only boy I ever dated sion or the milk of human kindness Such was the case with Miller. in high school, and I married him — quite the opposite, say those who When his heart rhythm became er- soon after we got out of school, know him. ratic, he had an internal defibrillator and he is my life,” his wife said. “I He has no heart. It was removed implanted. told one of the nurses one day, if Sept. 15 and replaced by an artificial “It was hard on him to have to something were to happen to him, one. His “total artificial heart” runs live like that because he never knew y’all would lose a patient. But if on air via two tubes through his from one minute to the next what something happens to him, for me, abdomen that connect to an external his heart was doing to do,” said his I lose everything.” battery-powered device. wife, Mary Lou. If his heart went into About three weeks later, Miller “All I’m doing now is marking arrhythmia, the defibrillator would was re-elected to his fifth four-year time until we get a heart from a donor, kick in within about two seconds, term as a supervisor, and this year and as soon as that occurs we’re going she said, delivering a painful shock to Thanksgiving redefined gratitude as right on into the hospital,” said Miller, the heart that could be very stressful. never before. He is in line to become 62, chairman of Middlesex County’s “It was a bad way to live, but it was president of the Virginia Association Board of Supervisors. It could be the only way he could live,” she said. of Counties next year, having been tomorrow, or it could take a year. Miller’s condition improved a bit voted president-elect last month. “Got my fingers crossed; but I last summer, but his doctors warned “It’s pretty incredible,” Mary declare, I feel good as you can feel that he could “go downhill, and he Lou Miller said. “I’m a nurse, and I in this situation,” he said. could go downhill quickly,” Mary haven’t worked in quite a number of Miller has suffered from cardio- Lou Miller continued. That’s what years — so I’ve been away from this myopathy, a degenerative ailment of happened in September. “He had a type of thing for a long time. It’s new the heart muscle, for the past dozen bad episode with the defibrillator. to me, and it’s pretty incredible the years. As the condition worsens, the Within a week they made the deci- advances that have been made over Photo courtesy of Jack Miller the years. And for him to be part Middlesex County, Va. Supervisor Jack Miller shows off his “Freedom Driver,” of it is astounding. It takes a little the battery-powered external unit that pumps his “total artificial heart.” Word Search getting used to.” The mere reality of The air tubes entering his abdomen cause the artificial organ to beat. Miller’s high-tech heart isn’t all that takes getting used to. The contraption said. “The first couple of nights you a slew of resolutions — especially if Counties with kicks up an audible ruckus. hear it, but after a while it just kind the new year brings a donor organ. At the November Board of Super- of blends in and you don’t notice “When I get my new heart, the first Holiday-themed Towns visors meeting, a woman in the audi- it.” It doesn’t interrupt the couple’s thing I’m going to do is take about ence asked, “What is that noise?” sleep, he added. a two-hour, good hot bath.” Since I A P A V A Y C N F F Z H C U O B E C A Miller’s wife, who was seated nearby, “It doesn’t bother me, as a matter his surgery, he’s only been able to L I C K I N G O V R S D C A S J A T A N replied, “It’s Mr. Miller’s heart.” Or of fact, it gives me a little confidence take sponge baths — because of the W P P P M U S C O G E E Q L N O B H M G his “capuccka,” as her eight-year- to know that as long as it’s making “sterile area” where the air tubes M Z T T H R A N O V X Q P D E I W S M L old granddaughter, Emma, calls it a noise it’s working, and as long as enter his body must be kept dry. D C B Y E M T A X X H T Y W K N L G Q R because of the sound it makes — a it’s working, I’m working.” Like many a baby boomer, Miller N X H F N I K W L J E A S E C W L V S T rhythmically repetitious capuckka- He said the portable “Freedom knows the Tin Woodsman’s refrain Q O F R E B D M H V W J N L I O Z O A I capuckka-capuckka. A reporter could Driver” air pump that he must carry from “The Wizard of Oz” — “If I easily hear it in the background — with him at all times has also taken only had a heart,” the tin man sings. V E T R C L A Y Q A J W Y L P R R Z U C foreground, almost — while talking some getting used to. It weighs 13 “I know his feeling exactly. I’m J K N N R C V O D J B N R T W B T J S L with Miller by phone. pounds and has a battery life of about sitting here waiting everyday for a L V W K I E B O Y T E E E P C K B S Q E For him, it’s the rhythm of life. two hours. But as long as there’s a heart,” he said. B O E D M L N X S S I V M Q V M W X H N “It’s like buying a new grandfather 110-volt wall outlet handy, he can For now, Miller’s capuckka will B H W W F F C O V A J A O Z V Z O A H N clock that you put in the house,” he plug in and recharge. have to do until the real thing comes L F O R R D Q N E A E D G U X L R H M G As 2012 approaches, Miller has along. K K D J I I E T I H W A T D T N H U Z E A W N P Z D G W H E S I N A E T V P K O X S N F Z N E H B T A V O Y C Z O I N Y In Case You Missed It ... I C C U I R Z S T K S D M A G P P C K O B K S U V O W O D A N X Q L W G S C S N News to Use from Past County News U S Q S Z Y L P L N C X Z U Y W Y N C K Share your point of view ... X Learn green infrastructure techniques T H R J U Q I I L H U J N S V H Q U Q A with new NACo issue brief BROWN (Rudolph, S.D.) MUSCOGEE (Candlestick, Ga.) Letters to NACo’s Green Infrastructure Program helps counties to use CALDWELL (Vixen, La.) NEVADA (Donner, Calif.) management of natural resources to enhance water quality, abate CLAY (Elf, N.C.) NODAWAY (Reindeer, Mo.) flooding, lower heat in urban centers, lessen the effects of climate CLINTON (Snow, Ky.) PICKENS (Bell, Ala.) the Editor change and build more resilient communities. FRONTIER (Cupid, Neb.) PIKE (Jolly, Ga.) HARNEY (Blitzen, Ore.) RENO (Partridge, Kan.) Please include a phone number with NACo and the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory JEFFERSON (Comet, Mont.) SCOTT (Snowflake, Va.) your letter. Mail, fax or e-mail to: Council (NUCFAC) have released an issue brief, “Building Resilient LICKING (Swans, Ohio) WHITE (Joy, Ark.) County News / NACo Communities: Green Infrastructure for Counties,” which covers the LOWRIDES (Dasher, Ga.) WRIGHT (Antler, Mo.) 25 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. basics of green infrastructure techniques and applications. To view MONTGOMERY (Peartree, Tenn.) YAVAPAI (Humbug, Ariz.) Washington, DC 20001 this brief, visit www.naco.org Research Publications or contact 202.393.2630 • [email protected]. Created by: Christopher Johnson Carrie Clingan at [email protected] or 202.942.4246. 6 December 19, 2011 CountyNews • Decision could have impact across Virginia, beyond
URANIUM from page 1 potential human health risks from “Unfortunately, they couldn’t exposure to ‘daughter’ products of prove this because there’s no loca- coffers, according to a recent study radioactive decay of uranium.” tion in the United States that I’m by Chmura Research & Analytics, It is also looking at how such aware of where federal regulations commissioned by the state’s Coal operations have fared elsewhere have ensured that disasters don’t and Energy Commission. in the world in places with similar occur at uranium mining locations,” County supervisors quashed a col- geologic, hydrologic, climatic and Lester said. He also fears uranium league’s proposal earlier this month population characteristics to those mining could stigmatize Virginia to ask the legislature to delay lifting found in Pittsylvania County. and scare off businesses consider- the ban for one year — seeking more Some proponents of lifting the ing locating there. He hopes that time for study findings to be assessed. ban say Bessines, France is that possibility might resonate with Supervisor Hank Davis proposed place — with 50-some years of pro-business Republicans in the the delaying resolution. “It’ll be just uranium-mining operations without legislature. days, the legislature says, before the significant negative consequences. Bodnar, the professor, acknowl- final reports are in, and to ask them But for all its similarities, it lacks edges that this is an issue fraught to hurriedly jump up and write regu- a meteorological threat common with controversy, but he said deci- lations. It just wouldn’t be right,” he in Virginia — hurricanes. In the sions should be based on science. said. “They won’t have a chance to county, there are fears that days of “If we can develop mining and even digest the studies.” torrential rains from such storms Photo courtesy of the Chatham Star-Tribune milling methods so that there’s no But the county has already gone could flush uranium-contaminated A technician drills uranium core samples at Coles Hill in Pittsylvania possibility of endangering the public on record with several earlier resolu- water into reservoirs that supply County, Va., where there are deposits valued in the billions of dollars. health, then we should make the tions, including one asking the state public water systems. The Virginia General Assembly may decide early next year whether to decision,” he said. “But I don’t think not to allow mining unless it could Robert Bodnar, a Virginia Tech lift a ban on uranium mining in the state. that we should make the decisions be done without “damage or harm ... professor of geochemistry, is con- prematurely until we have all of the to Pittsylvania County, its businesses, ducting a study of the “maximum watershed at this time,” said Jeanne and if the moratorium is lifted, data that are needed.” institutions, environment and its probability rainfall event” that could Bailey, a spokeswoman for Fairfax they’ll probably take appropriate Hearkening back to the Chmura citizens....” be expected from a hurricane over Water, an independent author- action at that time.” study, Davis, the Pittsylvania A majority of Davis’ colleagues a one-, two- or three-day period, ity whose board members are ap- County supervisor, said uranium felt those are sufficient to convey the for example. pointed by the Fairfax supervisors, Federal Regulations May mining could potentially be great for county’s concerns. James Snead, “There are very sophisticated “ but it’s a significant enough issue Not Suffice the county. “However, there’s a good vice chairman of the Board of Su- models that have been developed by that our board felt it was important Lester doesn’t think it’s worth potential for harm,” he cautioned. pervisors, opposed Davis’ resolution the Army Corps of Engineers and to prepare to understand the issue the risk. He said the Chmura study “To me, if the legislature follows “because right now the studies are others that allow you to predict what should there be sites identified in emphasizes “over and over” that that report and decides to roll the pretty much on the final leg, if not the stream flows would be, what the our watershed.” their findings are subject to strict dice and take a chance with uranium already complete,” he said. “Let’s maximum flood levels would be, and Officials in Culpeper, Fauquier, enforcement of federal regulations, mining — which is probably what get the study done, and then see what so on, based on what the topography Madison and Orange counties are and the hope that those regulations they’re going to do, in my opinion happens. And then there’s a possibil- of the region is,” he said. He and re- also watching closely; in the 1970s, will be effective. — then we’re in trouble.” ity the board can step in.” searchers will assess the implications the now-defunct Marline Uranium Mining could be a boon to this of such an event occuring “right at Corp. leased thousands of acres in the county, once dependent on textiles Coles Hill.” area — nearer to northern Virginia and tobacco. But with an unemploy- Still, he thinks it’s “likely” ura- than to Pittsylvania County — with ment rate of 7 percent, according nium mining, milling and processing hopes of mining uranium. to Davis — lower than the national could be done at Coles Hill with The city of Virginia Beach, about average — it’s not in dire need. “minimal and acceptable risks to the 200 miles east of Chatham as the The uranium lode in Pittsylvania environment and to the public health” crow flies, has already conducted a County is at Coles Hill, about six — based on experiences elsewhere. water study. Its drinking water source, miles northeast of Chatham, the Lake Gaston, is downstream of the county seat, and was discovered in Bi-state Counties Express Coles Hill site. the 1970s. However, mining interest Concerns Closer to home, several nearby flagged in the ‘80s when the bottom While Pittsylvania County has counties such as Mecklenburg and fell out of the uranium market. The been the focal point, Andrew Lester, Halifax have passed resolutions legislature imposed the moratorium executive director of the Roanoke expressing concerns, as have Halifax, in 1982. River Basin Association, said he’s Granville, Vance and Warren coun- With the passage of time, and been advising state lawmakers that ties in North Carolina, Lester said. a change in political climate — a this is a statewide — and bi-state Chatham, is closer to Raleigh, the current Republican governor with a — issue. capital of North Carolina, than to focus on energy independence — the “Once it’s opened up, then it can Richmond, its Virginia counterpart. time may be right for the legislature to be mined anywhere (in Virginia),” he And the issue has reverberated act. GOP lawmakers also comprise said, “and even if it’s only mined in across the state line — Pittsylvania a majority of the state’s House, this location, it’ll have ramifications County’s southern boundary — be- and the Senate is split 50-50, with a for the entire state.” cause the region’s watershed drains Republican lieutenant governor able Water system officials hundreds through a lake that straddles the to break tie votes. of miles removed would appear to border, whose outflow runs south The legislature is likely to give agree. to the Outer Banks. great weight to a National Academy In Fairfax County — 200 miles Counties in the Tar Heel State of Sciences’ study, due out this away in northern Virginia, court- are also concerned about water month. house to courthouse — the water pollution. Photo courtesy of Cattaraugus County, N.Y. Among other aspects, it aims authority has commissioned a study “North Carolina is very irate Like father. Like son: In January, NACo Past President Jim Snyder, to “assess the potential short- and of the possible effects of uranium because they have nothing to gain Cattaraugus County, N.Y. (right) will be joined on the County Legislature by his son, Jim “Joe” Snyder (l) for the first father-son long-term occupational and public mining and milling if the moratorium and everything to lose down there,” legislative duo in the county legislature’s history. Jim, senior, who health and safety considerations from is lifted and the activity were to be said Lester, who has met with state was NACo president in 1988–1989, has served on the legislature uranium mining, milling, process- allowed in other parts of the state. officials. “They’re just waiting in the for nearly 30 years. This will be his son’s first term. ing, and reclamation, including the “There’s no identified site in our wings to see what’s going to happen, • CountyNews December 19, 2011 7 Survey on County News delivery in the works for 2012
NACo BOARD from page 1 proposal, NACo staff is working with Caremark to finalize the new prescription filled when the NACo contract with the goal of having the card provides a discount. NACo program in place by Jan. 1, 2012. would receive a 50-cents marketing A second proposal to the Board fee per prescription filled, which it signaling a dramatic change to the would share with state associations delivery format and schedule of that endorse the NACo program. County News sparked wide-ranging State associations would receive discussion and a 40–39 vote for 40 cents and NACo would keep 10 postponing a decision until the next cents. The prescription discount card Board meeting at NACo’s Legisla- would continue to be free. tive Conference in March 2012. Counties now enrolled in the As proposed, two current program could continue under their electronic newsletters — The current contract, which provides no Legislative Bulletin and eNews — revenue to counties, or they could would be consolidated into County opt to switch to the new program. News, which in turn would become Photos by Bev Schlotterbeck Residents in counties that choose a weekly, emailed publication. Veteran NACo Board members announce their resignations: (l-r) Dutchess County, N.Y. Executive Bill Steinhaus; not to receive revenue would receive County News and eNews are now Forrest County, Miss. Supervisor Lynn Cartlidge; and Armstrong County, Pa. Commissioner James Scahill bid a slightly higher discount savings mailed or emailed every two weeks adieu to their colleagues. rate — 2 percent to 2.5 percent. on an alternating schedule. NACo sought the change The new emailed version was is expected to be undertaken in Priorities,” for expanded list.) 2012. Nonetheless, NACo remains because a number of competitors slated to be launched around the the first quarter of 2012. On the budget front, the 2012 in sound financial shape with are challenging NACo’s leadership time of the Annual Conference in budget appears little changed from revenues expected to increase in in the prescription discount card July 2012. There would be no more 2012 Legislative the one adopted by the Board in some areas, expenses to remain industry by offering revenue to printed versions of County News. Priorities 2011. An anticipated decline in under control and a small surplus of counties and state associations that The move would save the as- NACo’s key legislative priori- membership dues and new federal revenue over expenses anticipated. buy into their programs. sociation approximately $350,000 ties for 2012 program year support regulatory requirements associated In his report to the Board, CFO The proposal was discussed in a annually in printing and mailing a balanced approach to the federal with NACo’s retirement programs Board forum a day before the vote costs, and take advantage of the deficit that would not gut programs restrict the budget’s growth for See NACo BOARD page 8 was taken. Some Board members growing popularity of tablets, like of significant benefit to counties expressed their unease with approv- iPads, and smartphones. and their citizens. They also ing the revenue option because they Board members expressed present a balanced demographic Larry Naake to Retire in 2012 felt that residents should receive the reservations about the total support for programs that benefit highest savings possible and did not elimination of the printed version, rural, suburban and urban coun- NACo President Lenny Eliason has announced the resignation want to change the program from citing some members inability to ties. of NACo Executive Director Larry Naake effective in the fourth its original purpose. access email in their counties. The key priorities support quarter of 2012. The announcement came during the fall Board Others, however, suggested that Others spoke of the marketing reauthorizing the Farm Bill, sur- of Directors meeting in Orange County (Orlando), Fla. given the strain on county revenues and retention value to NACo of face transportation and aviation Naake was named NACo executive director on July 8, 1991. and the competition for county having printed copies in county programs, maintaining partner- Prior to becoming NACo’s chief executive, he served as executive business, it would be a prudent offices nationwide. ships for financing Medicaid and director of the County Supervisors Association of California move for the association to offer a It was suggested that NACo social services and full funding (CSAC) for 10 years. revenue option. staff survey NACo members for PILT and SRS, among others. Eliason said the Board Search Committee expects to hire a With a positive vote on the about their preferences. A survey (See “2012 Key NACo Legislative search firm early in 2012; begin interviewing candidates by NACo’s Legislative Conference in March; and select and introduce the new director at the 2012 fall Board meeting, generally held the first week in December. 2012 Key NACo Legislative Priorities
• Promote a balanced approach to deficit reduction. Protect County programs during budget deficit reduction and appropriation considerations. Balance includes looking at discretionary, defense, entitlement spending and revenue enhancements. • Support reauthorization of the Farm Bill and priority for Rural Development Programs • Work to eliminate the federal health benefits “inmate excep- tion” for persons in county jails and detention centers who are in custody pending disposition of charges. • Maintain the original federal-state-local partnership for financ- ing and delivering Medicaid and social services, and oppose measures that will shift Medicaid and social service costs to counties. • Maintain full funding for Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program. Reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. • Reauthorize Surface Transportation and Aviation Programs. • Oppose unfunded mandates and preemptions. NACo President Lenny Eliason (r) congratulates outgoing FSC Managing Director and CEO Steve Swendiman on his imminent retirement. Waiting in the wings (l) is the new FSC CEO Peter Torvik. 8 December 19, 2011 CountyNews • NACo in strong financial position, CFO tells Board
NACo BOARD from page 7 2009. (See “Guidelines for Can- Guidelines for Candidates for NACo didates for NACo Second Vice David Keen said the association is President”). in a strong financial position with • Accepted a report from the Second Vice President more than $8 million in cash and Programs and Services Committee, nearly $20 million in investments which included among other items, Section 1. A candidate who wishes to run for guidelines, and submit it concurrently with the — due to its diversified revenue information about a new credential- the office of NACo Second Vice President should: candidate’s written notification, and sources — and well-positioned to ing program, Credential in County • sign a statement acknowledging that he or withstand tough economic times. Leadership, that NACo is expected • notify the NACo Executive Director, in writ- she complied with these guidelines, and submit In other Board action: to offer to members. Credits would ing, of his or her intent to run for NACo Second it to the NACo Executive Director not later than • The Board approved revisions be available in three areas: Leader- Vice President. The written notification should be the first day of the Annual Conference. to the “Guidelines for Candidates ship Perspectives, Communications made no earlier than October 1 of the year preced- for NACo Second Vice President,” and Management. The program will ing the election and no later than January 31 of the Section 2. A candidate who follows the guide- which it had initially adopted in be piloted in 2012. same calendar year as the election lines provided in Section 1: • agree to limit all non-travel-related campaign expenditures to no more than $25,000 • shall have his or her letter of intent and • agree to limit travel-related campaign expen- completed questionnaire published in a February ditures to travel only to those state associations edition of County News and posted on the NACo that endorse candidates at meetings held in-state website, and prior to the NACo Annual Conference and to • will be introduced at a general session at the those NACo-sponsored meetings and events that Legislative Conference, and afforded an opportunity occur after written notification is made (e.g., the fall to address the delegates. meeting of the NACo Board of Directors, LUCC meetings, RAC meetings) Section 3. A candidate who chooses not to • submit to the NACo Executive Director a com- follow the guidelines in Section 1 will not be af- pleted candidate certification/profile questionnaire forded the benefits provided in Section 2, but will by January 31, so that it may be timely published be afforded other benefits generally provided to all in a February edition of County News; candidates (e.g., campaign tables at the Western • agree that all campaigning, and spending of Interstate Region Conference and the Annual campaign funds (except for materials necessary Conference, lists of the names, mailing and/or to commence campaigning), is restricted to the email addresses of all conference registrants who period that begins on the day written notification permit such a release of information). is made and ends on the day of the election at the Annual Conference Note: Bold-faced material indicates changes. Photo by Bev Schlotterbeck • sign a statement acknowledging these The Lady of Hats and new Audit Committee chair, Carol Holden, commis- sioner, Hillsborough County, N.H., swaps her stylish chapeau for a Kringle cap. Research News Despite Tight Budgets, Holiday Celebrations Continue
Counties across the nation have merce as well as local businesses, and a home and business decorating museum where volunteers will be Web page also provides a link and been facing tighter budgets when arts venues, religious institutions, contest sponsored by the Grayson dressed in frontier-period attire. A directions for private organizations it comes to holiday celebrations. clubs and neighborhood associa- County News and the county tourism night parade with floats will move and individuals to add their events Many seasonal activities have been tions. commission. The county public through the county and culminate to this list. downsized or curtailed altogether Wakulla County, Fla.’s annual library is also sponsoring a Kiddie in the downtown area where singers, Grand County, Colo. has created because of the shortage of funds. Christmas in the Park event was Christmas, and the Grayson County craft booths and food vendors, all a page called “A Grand Colorado But in the face of this challenge hosted by county Sheriff’s Office Historical Society is sponsoring the sponsored by local businesses, will Christmas” that lists activities con- many counties have discovered volunteers, the county parks and Christmas home tour. provide a push for holiday shopping. ducted in cities throughout the other methods of making sure that recreation department and a local Kinney County, Texas is launch- Another option that counties are county. Dutchess County, N.Y. residents can continue participating bank. ing its first ever Frontier Christmas using to increase the holiday spirit Tourism has created a website called in specially designed holiday events. Kalkaska County, Mich. has a this year which, in addition to the in this tight economy is creating “What’s New — In the Dutchess Los Angeles County continues to series of events planned including a city and county, has numerous a section of the county Web page County Spotlight,” which currently sponsor at least one major holiday holiday cookie sale sponsored by the sponsoring organizations and that lists all of the holiday activities features notices about numerous event. Its Los Angeles County friends of the county library and a individuals helping to make it a in the county in one location. This events in the county from candle- Holiday Celebration, a concert pancake breakfast sponsored by the success. These activities range from makes it easier for residents to locate light tours to cut-your-own tree that is funded by the Los Angeles friends of the seniors at the county a Deck the Streets program, which, events whether county-sponsored or locations. County Board of Supervisors, is an senior center. The elementary for $125, allows various businesses not, and allows for maximum ease Orange County, Calif. has a admission-free, three-hour seasonal school PTO is sponsoring a Holiday and individuals to purchase holi- of participation. By offering these website called “Holidays in the music and dance show. The entire House Craft Shop, and the local area day banners that will be hung on comprehensive lists, many counties O.C.” that lists activities in all of the event is simulcast live on KCET hockey association is sponsoring a streets around the county. A list of are providing substitute activities cities in the county. It also includes public television. free holiday swim and skate. donors will be published in the local for residents who might miss those a link to download a special holiday One popular option for counties Grayson County, Ky.’s Home- newspaper. previously conducted by the county. song sung by a local artist and has that can no longer afford major town Christmas Parade is sponsored An event called Lighting of Bucks County, Pa. has created live links to the Web pages of all events is partnering with private sec- by the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Bracketville (the county a website called “ 2011 Christmas, of the cities in the county to check tor sponsors to continue to provide and the theme this year honors the seat) will kick of the holiday season Hanukkah, and New Year Events” for additional holiday information. some of the events that residents military. The county’s celebrations and a hayride is also scheduled. The which provides a lengthy day-by-day have come to expect. Partners can will also include a beauty pageant hayride will provide a tour of the city list of activities that are occurring in (Research News was written by Jacqueline include the local Chamber of Com- sponsored by the county Jaycees, and pass by the county historical the county around the holidays. The Byers, director of research and outreach.) • CountyNews December 19, 2011 9 News From the Nation’s Counties
XCALIFORNIA Cooper described the program • TULARE COUNTY is form- as appealing to socially conscious ing a crack team of doctors, nurses consumers as a means to combat and other medical personnel to substandard dog-breeding facilities respond to local disaster and major or “puppy mills.” health-related emergencies. “This rating system will use Members of the Tulare Medical the powers of the free market to Reserve Corps could be called out make pet buyers — and the stores to help deal with emergencies rang- that want their business — more ing from pandemic virus outbreaks responsible,” he said. “Raising to natural disasters to chemical or the bar will benefit the county’s biological terrorist attacks. four-legged residents as well as our The Tulare County Health and two-legged (ones).” Human Services Agency would recruit and train the volunteers in XNORTH DAKOTA responding to emergencies and Commissioners in CASS disasters. COUNTY recently denied a peti- The Tulare Advance-Register re- tion from 15 residents of the rural ported the program would require no Photo courtesy of Madison County, Ga. county who want to secede from additional county funding, though it XGEORGIA the county and become part of will include granting HHSA author- More than 60 people showed up to watch MADISON COUNTY commissioners re-enact the first com- RICHLAND COUNTY. ity to receive grant funding for the mission meeting held two centuries ago, costumed in suspenders and wide-brimmed hats and adorned with Residents of Pleasant Township program. jugs filled with (pretend) moonshine, the Athens Banner-Herald reported. No one knows for sure if the first believe the neighboring county commission meeting — called the Madison County Inferior Court at the time — had moonshine, but it’s would better protect their interests XFLORIDA likely, said Madison County Historian Linda Fortson, who organized the event. regarding a proposed Red River • Concern over whether Inter- The agenda included events from the county’s first two years of agenda items from the county’s record. diversion project. They live in an net sweepstakes cafes are illegal The re-enactment is the last bicentennial event for Madison County, officially formed in 1811. area designated to hold back extra gambling parlors has motivated water during times of severe flood- HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY to ing, inforum.com reported. ban the games. hundreds of measures dealing with opposed the reintroduction of elk XNEBRASKA Commissioner Darrell Vanyo Commissioners say devices at firearms and could no longer bar by way of a letter to the Maryland Nebraska counties’ courthouse said the democratic process is the the cafes function much like slot people from bringing guns into Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation, “Do a Good Deed, Feed Those in traditional path to address such machines and are at the center of a government buildings. which is supporting the effort. Need” Food Drive Challenge has concerns. “It seems to me the op- quickly spreading form of business The lawsuit asks the court to “We were never included in become a two-state affair. Kansas portunity is there next November in Florida. find that the law is unconstitutional, preliminary talks and we would counties joined in the effort for the through the normal process of PINELLAS and SEMINOLE stop the governor from being able be the ones that would have to live first time this year — and won. electing officials,” he said. Border- counties have also cracked down to remove local officials from office with the elk,” he said. “I learned Kansas will receive the “State change measures previously have on the businesses, Tampa Bay Online and order that they can’t be fined about it by reading the newspaper. Traveling Trophy.” Fifteen counties been on the ballot. reported. for breaking the law. Why not wolves or bison?” collected 21,882 items from 1,286 County Auditor Mike Montplai- An undercover sheriff’s deputy Nearby ALLEGANY COUN- employees with an average of about sir said 15 of the area’s 19 voting- told commissioners that employees • POLK COUNTY is evicting TY Commissioner Bill Valen- 17 items per employee. LANE aged residents signed the petition of sweepstakes cafes unabashedly a colony of at least 30 feral cats tine said meetings with sports- COUNTY, Kan. accounted for to “de-annex” from Cass County. refer to their business as gambling in one of its parks. A group called men’s groups in that county nearly a third of those items with operations. Their customers are the Feral Fanciers had secretly set will be set up to receive in- 7,149 collected by 44 employees. XOHIO invariably elderly, often lured by free up shelters and feeding stations put about elk reintroduction. NEMAHA COUNTY, which Counties are asking state lawmak- food. He said he was even recruited for the cats. won the “Nebraska Traveling ers for the same ability universities to attend the commissioners meet- County Manager Jim Freeman XMICHIGAN Trophy” in 2009, reclaimed it and regional transit authorities have ing in support of owners with the said the group’s activities violate The Michigan Sheriffs’ Associa- from the last year’s winner, ROCK to upgrade outdated government offer of a free ride and pizza. the county’s parks ordinance and tion (MSA) is objecting to a bill in COUNTY. buildings more cost-effectively. has given them two weeks to come the state legislature that would allow “First and foremost, the winners Counties, unlike those entities, • Angry over a gun law that up with plan to remove the cats. concealed handgun applicants to get were the food banks throughout can’t sell their buildings to private went into effect Oct. 1, the PALM Otherwise, county officials will trap permits outside their home counties. Nebraska and Kansas,” Nebraska developers and then lease the space BEACH COUNTY Commission the cats and turn them over to the Such a measure would allow county officials said. A combined while the developer renovates and has sued Gov. Rick Scott (R), At- county’s animal services. would-be gun purchasers to bypass total of 44,865 items were delivered modernizes the building to standards torney General Pam Bondi, and the Commissioner Melony Bell the permitting process they might to participating counties. set by the county, the Toledo Blade Florida House and Senate. told The Ledger that Feral Fanci- consider too slow or overly dif- reported. The commission’s lawsuit com- ers representatives would like the ficult. The association represents XNEW YORK The COUNTY COMMIS- plains that the new law, which county to lease some land to them Michigan’s 83 county governments The SUFFOLK COUNTY SIONERS ASSOCIATION OF nullifies local gun ordinances, is at a nominal rate to house the cats. and sheriffs. Legislature has created what it says OHIO (CCAO) supports the unconstitutional because it violates County Attorney Michael Craig The MICHIGAN ASSOCIA- is the nation’s firstrating program concept being pushed by LUCAS the separation of powers by giving said the fact that children are com- TION OF COUNTIES and for pet stores that sell puppies. COUNTY that would allow a the governor the ability to remove ing in contact with the animals Prosecuting Attorneys Association Legislator Jon Cooper, the bill’s county to buy back the improved local officials from office and strip- heightens his liability concern. of Michigan are also opposing sponsor, modeled the law after New building at the end of the lease, ping local officials of immunity the effort, the Grand Rapids Press York City’s restaurant rating system, which could last no longer than from lawsuits, the Palm Beach Post XMARYLAND reported. which rates eateries based upon 40 years. “At a time when county reported. GARRETT COUNTY has Home-county authorities have the cleanliness of their operations. financial resources are limited, the Local officials who violate the lived life well enough without information about pending arrests Cooper’s Puppy and Dog Protec- sale and lease-back option would law could be removed from office Rocky Mountain elk, and the com- or troublesome contacts that don’t tion Rating Program, however, will not require any county to upfront and face a $5,000 fine. missioners want to keep it that way. show up on traditional electronic reflect the quality of care provided the cost of renovations,” said Brad After the law went into effect, Garrett County Commission checks, said MSA Executive Di- to puppies at pet stores as well as the Cole, a CCAO spokesman. municipalities, counties and state Chairman Gregan Crawford told the rector Terrence Jungel, a former standard of care provided to dogs agencies were forced to scrap Times-News the commission officially IONIA COUNTY sheriff. at the sourcing breeders. See NEWS FROM page 10 10 December 19, 2011 CountyNews • Financial Services News The H.R. Doctor Is In U.S. Communities Announces New An HR Doctor Flooring Products Services Contract Holiday Card U.S. Communities Government 8 million pounds of carpet and lation services for facilities that Purchasing Alliance, a NACo- padding and is projecting a total require unique treatments such as ’Twas the night before Christmas founded and sponsored program, of 18 million pounds by the end dense cubicle environments and And throughout County Hall has announced a new flooring of the year. libraries. The Empire team can also Not a bureaucrat was stirring products and services contract. One of the key components al- assist public agencies with product No sounds heard at all The city of Seattle acted as the lowing Empire to provide quality performance reviews, calculating lead public agency, managed the products at great prices is its direct the total cost of ownership and mak- The janitor’s night off, the alarm competitive solicitation process and mill and manufacturer relation- ing recommendations for specific systems set awarded the national contract to ships — allowing the company to flooring solutions in public spaces. The beacons for security and decora- Empire Today, a leading provider streamline, simplify and reduce The contract is available to all tions met of installed carpet and flooring, the cost of the selection and pro- public agencies, including counties, The ambient light kept the stars out delivering quality products and curement of carpet and flooring cities, schools, universities, housing of sight world-class service for more than products. Carpet manufacturers authorities, ports and airports. The No Bethlehem star could be seen on that night 50 years. include Shaw Flooring, The Mo- program is also open to nonprofit Empire’s U.S. Communities hawk Group and Bolyu. Vinyl and organizations. U.S. Communities Those bringing gifts were turned back at the door contract delivers end-to-end floor- hard-surface manufacturers include will be conducting webinars for No gifts could be given, auditors hired galore ing solutions, including free on-site Armstrong Flooring, Mannington, registered agencies. Registered No risk of polluting the ethics machine consultation, comprehensive ac- Congoleum, LSI Floors, Daltile agencies can sign up by visiting www. Even frankincense and myrrh would have to be screened count management, installation and and Johnson Premium Hardwood uscommunities.org and clicking on customer service for organizations Flooring. The contract also allows “What’s New” and on “Webinars.” While Christmas and Chanukah meet in December of all sizes. Empire to source from other manu- The webinars are scheduled for We seem to forget what we all should remember The contract also provides facturers at competitive pricing Tuesday, Jan. 17 and Thursday, Jan. Of friendship and family, of futures so bright LEED certification efforts, includ- to provide virtually any products 19, 2012 and will last approximately Of civil behavior and doing what’s right ing carpet and padding recycling needed by public agencies. one hour. programs in conjunction with Empire provides just-in-time For for more information, contact The holidays tell us of great lessons learned Carpet America Recovery Effort delivery and installation to en- Jim Sawyer at [email protected] or A safer and better world to be earned (CARE). This program helps able public agencies to coordinate Empire Today at 866.588.2353 or visit Give gratitude and joy — the greatest gifts, we believe assure that used carpet and pad- replacements, remodeling and www.empiretodayuscommunities.com. It’s better to give than it is to receive ding does not end up in landfills. new construction, with all install- The major recycling efforts began ers being locally sourced from the (Financial Services News was written by With Love and Best Wishes for a “Service to Others” Holiday earlier this year, and as of Oct. 31, communities that Empire services. Steve Swendiman, managing director/ Season… Empire has recycled more than It also provides specialized instal- CEO, NACo Financial Services Center.) Phil Rosenberg, HR Doctor Charlotte Rosenberg, HR Spouse Elyse Rosenberg, HR Daughter Salt Lake County moves budgeting Rachel Brown, HR Doctor Daughter Toby Brown, HR Son-in-Law responsibilities away from auditor Evie Brown, HR Granddaughter www.hrdr.net NEWS FROM from page 9 losing on this program,” Harris said. made five years ago. In 2006, the County Board XTENNESSEE XUTAH voted to make the ME’s office A tire disposal program that was SALT LAKE COUNTY voted independent of the state system, supposed to help counties has ended recently to move budgeting respon- and it now draws revenue from 14 NACo on the Move up costing many of them. MADI- sibilities from the elected county other counties. SON COUNTY has lost more than auditor’s office to the mayor’s office. The office performed 431 au- » NACo Officers and Elected Officials $100,000 over the past four years The auditor, Gregory Hawkins, was topsies last year, only 86 of which • Chris Rodgers, NACo second vice president, in a state tire waste management not amused and is suing the county, were from Fond du Lac County. spoke about NACo, including Healthy Counties, program, county officials said. the nine members of the County The rest were done for other coun- at the Nebraska Association of Counties annual The state reimburses counties in Council and County Mayor Peter ties on a contract basis at a cost of conference in Buffalo County Dec. 14–16. part for participating in the program Corroon to block the change, Deseret about $1,600 apiece, according to run by Department of Environment News reported. the Fond du Lac Reporter. » NACo Staff and Conservation, in which tire Corroon said he supports the “When it comes to autopsies, • Jim Philipps, media relations manager, dealers dispose of tires through a County Council’s decision to we felt we could do it more ef- spoke on a workshop panel discussing how to Chris Rodgers recycler, the Jackson Sun reported. move the budget office based on a ficiently by ourselves,” County effectively use social media during the Colorado “Ninety percent of the counties consultant’s analysis. “Litigation Board Chair Martin Farrell said. Counties, Inc. 2011 Winter Meeting in El Paso County (Colorado lose money on it,” Madison County is unfortunate,” he said, “but my “We’re performing services to Springs) Nov. 28–30. Mayor Jimmy Harris said. office will follow the legal process other counties, saving money and County Finance Director Mike in place for this type of situation.” easing the property tax burden at » Coming Up Nichols said rural areas lose more the same time.” • Andrew Goldschmidt, director of membership marketing, money because of the prevalence of XWISCONSIN will be presenting a workshop on NACo and exhibiting on behalf tires used in agriculture, which are While other county departments (News From the Nation’s Counties is of NACo Membership Recruitment and Retention at the Virginia heavier and cost more to dispose of. struggle to get by, the Medical Ex- compiled by Charles Taylor and Charlie Association of Counties 2012 County Supervisors Forum, January However, the state repays counties aminer’s Office in FOND DU LAC Ban, staff writers. If you have an item 6–8, 2012 in Richmond, Va. the same amount regardless of tire COUNTY is prospering, thanks to for News From, please email it to ctay- On the Move is compiled by Christopher Johnson. weight. “That’s where we get caught an entrepreneurial move the county [email protected] or [email protected]. • CountyNews December 19, 2011 11
Model Programs From the Nation’s Counties DeKalb County, Ga. County Pledge Urges: Guns Not for Celebrations
By Charlie Ban from or limit its sale in the two and two Gwinett County men STAFF WRITER days prior to those holidays, and were charged with involuntary individuals can agree to stop cel- homicide. When a New Year’s celebration ebrating by shooting firearms and The program relies mainly on inadvertently claimed the life of promise to urge others to do the word-of-mouth promotion and a four-year-old, DeKalb County, same. The pledge also petitions costs very little. The public safety Ga. put its foot down on partiers the Georgia Legislature to fur- department produced an in-house with their fingers on a trigger. ther penalize those charged with public service announcement The fatal wounding of Marquel engaging in celebratory gunfire. that broadcasts on the county’s Peters, while he sat in a midnight Miller said in the years before public-access television station. church service with his mother, Marquel’s death, DeKalb County Closing on the two-year an- spurred the county to crack down would get an average of 500 phone niversary of Marquel’s death, on celebratory gunfire. A ballistics calls on July 4 and New Year’s more than 20,000 people have expert told the Atlanta Journal- Eve expressly to complain about signed the pledge, Miller said, and Constitution that the bullet, which gunfire. Since the pledge publicity the county hopes to get 100,000 broke through the church’s roof, push began in 2010, that number signatures. most likely came from an AK-47 dropped significantly, almost 50 assault rifle and was probably a me that shooting guns substituted of passage to be old enough to fire percent, for the following July 4. Model Programs from the Nation’s half-mile away, which underscored for the fireworks shows that cost a gun in the air,” he said. “That’s Meanwhile, outside DeKalb Counties highlights Award-winning the far-reaching and unintended professionals thousands of dollars faded a lot, but unfortunately, not County, two more people in programs. For more information consequences of firing guns into to put on.” enough.” the Atlanta metropolitan area on this NACo Achievement Award the air. Holidays at 911 call centers The pledge focuses on two have been struck by celebratory winner, visit NACo’s Web site, www. In response, DeKalb County’s have been inundated with calls groups. Business owners who sell bullets in the nearly two years naco.org Research & Publications public safety department de- reporting gunfire for years, mainly ammunition are asked to refrain since Marquel’s death. One died, Find Solutions. veloped Marquel’s Pledge, a around July 4 and New Year’s Eve. community outreach program to “Our reports show that it spread the word about the danger crosses socio-economic lines,” Job Market & Classifieds of celebratory gunfire. Bell said. Sgt. Adrion Bell, DeKalb William Z. Miller, director of X empt. Closes Jan. 16, 2012, 5 p.m. MST. and preparation of assessment apprais- County sheriff’s spokesman, DeKalb County’s public safety DETENTION WARDEN – EDDY COUNTY, N.M. EOE M/F V/D. als. Requires Bachelor’s in business floated a theory as to why people department, said what was once Salary: $69,640–$73,166; DOQ. administration, mathematics, statistics choose to celebrate that way. a widely accepted cultural feature The Warden works under the su- XDIRECTOR OF EQUALIZATION – or related field plus five (5) years’ expe- “Up until a few years ago, in the South has largely faded as pervision of the five-member Board MINNEHAHA COUNTY, S.D. rience appraising real property for tax you couldn’t buy fireworks in population density increased. of Commissioners and the County Salary: $2,541–$2,737 biweekly; purposes. Comparable experience may Georgia,” he said. “It seems to “People used to consider it a rite Manager. Benefits include: paid vaca- DOQ. be considered. CSDA, CAE designa- tion, sick leave and holiday pay; PERA Minnehaha County in Sioux Falls, tion, budget management and previ- retirement plan; health, dental, vision S.D. area invites applications for the ous supervisory experience preferred. and life insurance paid at 100 percent for Director of Equalization to lead the Salary: DOQ. Appointment above the full-time employees and 60 percent for planning, operation and manage- hiring range DOQ/DOE. Competitive What’s dependents. Full specifications may be ment of a 20+ staff who annually benefits package with health, life, paid acquired at the Eddy County Adminis- values all real residential, commercial, time off, and retirement. tration Complex, 101 W. Greene Street, industrial and agricultural County For full list of qualifications and in a Carlsbad, NM 88220; the Department property. Develop policies to comply application process: http://jobs.min- of Workforce Connections or online at with applicable law; prepare budgets; nehahacounty.org or contact HR at www.co.eddy.nm.us. analyze market income and construc- 605.367.4337. Application deadline: Seal? Starting Salary: DOQ. FLSA Ex- tion data; and oversee the calculation Jan. 16 at 5 p.m. EO/AA Employer. »Potter County, Texas www.co.potter.tx.us Looking for Potter County, Texas was formed in 1876 from the Bexar District. Quality Staff? CONT@CT The county is named after Robert Potter, legislator, cabinet member Get rate schedules online ... and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. US During the California gold rush, gold seekers passed through the area following trails blazed by explorers such as Josiah Gregg and “Contact Us” provides members Randolph B. Marcy. In the 1870s, buffalo hunting decimated the with information and answers! herds that once roamed the area and forced the Indians, who were dependent upon the buffalo, to leave. Just use the “Contact Us” feature on the NACo The seal shows a star in the center, representing the state of Texas. website to e-mail your question to us. It’s in the upper right corner of the NACo website ... (If you would like your county’s seal featured, please contact Christopher www.naco.org Programs & Services Johnson at 202.942.4256 or [email protected].) Hire Quality Staff www.NACo.org 12 December 19, 2011 CountyNews • Get it First! Get it Fast! Get it Now! It’s Easy ... and saves paper to boot! CountyNews Online & E-mail Delivery
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