COUNTY CERTIFICATION COUNTY HOSPITALS FACE COUNTIES CREATE SAFE PROGRAM HELPS LOCAL SHORTAGES AS COVID-19 HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES BUSINESSES. PG. 4 CASES SURGE . PG. 7 DURING COVID-19. PG. 9

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES VOL. 52, NO. 23 DECEMBER 7, 2020 Vaccine development progresses to final steps

by Blaire Bryant and Sarah Gimont

Pfizer and its partner Bi- oNTech became the first COVID-19 vaccine manufac- turers to apply for an emer- gency use authorization (EUA) last month from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The application came days af- ter Pfizer announced that its vaccine showed 95 percent ef- ficacy at the completion of its Phase 3 clinical trial. While Pfizer was the first to President-elect Joe Biden speaks to members of the NACo Board of Directors Dec. 4 during the group’s Fall Board Meeting. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris apply for an EUA, Moderna and Julie Chavez Rodriguez, who will direct Biden’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, also spoke to Board members.Photo by Leon Lawrence III quickly followed with an EUA application Nov. 30, after final analysis of its vaccine showed President-elect Biden, county government it is more than 94 percent ef- fective. These recent updates in vet, addresses NACo Board of Directors vaccine development present serious implications for coun- by Charlie Ban President-elect Kamala Harris the NACo Board, called to or- tional policy priorities for the ties, which will play an integral senior writer also spoke to members at the der by NACo President Gary new year and outlined the pro- role in coordinating vaccine remote meeting. Harris served Moore, judge/executive for cess and timeline for selecting distribution logistics for a pro- If faith in government is for two terms as district attor- Boone County, Ky., also ap- a South Region representative. cess that could start as early as going to be restored, it’s go- ney in San Francisco County, proved a proposal to adopt a “You are the single most this month. ing to happen at the county Calif. remote format and expanded consequential government The results from Pfizer’s level, with federal help, Pres- In addition to hearing from schedule for the 2021 Legisla- Phase 3 trial provided the data ident-elect Joe Biden told the the incoming administration, tive Conference, approved na- See NACo Board page 3 needed to seek FDA approval, NACo Board of Directors Dec. the final step in the vaccine de- 4 at its Fall Board Meeting. And velopment process. The FDA working closely with county of- grants EUAs during national ficials will be a priority, he told NACo urges Congress to act on direct emergencies, when the known them. benefits of a product outweigh In addition to Biden, a two- funding, CRF deadline extension year veteran of the New Cas- by Eryn Hurley legislation that would extend tinued job loss in the local See VACCINE page 2 tle County, Del. Council, Vice the Coronavirus Relief Fund government sector. In Octo- NACo is urging bipartisan (CRF) deadline. The letter can ber 2020, local governments agreement on a new round of be viewed here: https://www. experienced the largest de- direct flexible funding to local naco.org/letter-covid-relief. crease in employment — with governments of all sizes in the The letter highlights the non-education jobs ranging next COVID-19 response pack- devastating fiscal impact of from law enforcement officers age. the pandemic on America’s to health care practitioners, In a Dec. 2 letter to con- counties, which could total a social workers, maintenance gressional leadership, NACo combined $202 billion through crews, construction workers also highlighted the need for fiscal year 2021. These costs Congress to immediately pass are compounded by the con- See LEGISLATION page 2 2 DECEMBER 7, 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES COUNTY NEWS Vaccine distribution could strain local budgets Contact your Senators, Reps From LEGISLATION page 1 From VACCINE page 1 future relief bill but not any leg- islative text. its known and potential risks. and administrative support, The “COVID-19 Emergency To date, the FDA has autho- remaining 354,000 below its Relief Framework” contains rized 289 COVID-19 tests and February 2020 level. In total, many county priorities includ- five treatments via EUA, how- local governments have lost 1.2 ing increased food assistance ever, Pfizer and Moderna are million jobs since the outset of and emergency funding for the first to request approval for the pandemic. childcare, re-upping the Pay- a vaccine. Over the past several months, check Protection Program, re- EUAs differ from biologics members in both chambers viving unemployment benefits license applications (BLAs), of Congress have introduced and providing $160 billion in which involve a lengthier and several proposals that would aid to state and local govern- more substantial process of appears to be the only one the vaccine. Pfizer expects to address the immediate needs ments. FDA approval that requires sig- that requires storage tempera- produce globally up to 50 mil- of local governments, includ- The framework also includes nificant evidence of both safe- tures below normal freezer or lion vaccine doses by the end ing counites, in pandemic re- an extension of the Coronavi- ty and effectiveness. Despite refrigerant levels. The storage of 2020 and up to 1.3 billion sponse activities. rus Relief Fund (CRF) Dec. 30, differences in these approval requirements will pose un- doses in 2021, while Moder- The HEROES Act (H.R. 6800), 2020 deadline, and new fund- processes, the FDA has firmly precedented technological and na is set to produce 20 million as passed by the U.S. House, ing for vaccine development, maintained that EUA approv- logistical challenges to county doses for U.S. distribution by would allocate $187.5 billion in distribution, testing and trac- als for the COVID-19 vaccine, governments and local points the end of the year and up to 1 direct, flexible relief to counties ing and the U.S. Postal Service. a two- to four-week process of dispensing sites, which will billion doses globally in 2021. of all sizes based on population. As Congress considers next on average, will be transparent need to help facilitate travel Distribution of a vaccine will HEROES Act funding could steps on these proposals, and adhere to scientific integ- and storage of vaccines. be resource-intensive for state be used both for tremendous NACo urges county leaders to rity. Additionally, the Pfizer and and local governments and is public health expenditures contact their U.S. Senators and The transparency of the EUA Moderna vaccines, like most likely to strain county budgets. and the catastrophic losses in U.S. Representatives to support approval process is critical to others in development, will Although the CDC has granted county revenue, both of which direct and flexible funding for counties’ ability to create pub- require two doses, further un- states roughly $200 million for are key county priorities in the counties of all sizes. lic confidence in a vaccine. The derscoring the need for supply, vaccine planning purposes, next round of COVID-19 relief. To facilitate this process, information provided will be staffing and technological -re given the logistical and supply Most recently, on Dec. 1, a NACo has multiple, customiz- important to the messaging sources to support these efforts needs, state health officials bipartisan, bicameral group of able advocacy resources avail- strategy employed by county in local communities. have estimated that over $8 bil- legislators unveiled its $908 bil- able at http://www.naco.org/ public health officials who are The FDA has announced that lion will be needed for success- lion coronavirus aid proposal, covid19. responsible for ensuring equi- it has scheduled meetings of its ful distribution of a vaccine. aiming to help break the grid- table vaccine uptake. Vaccines and Related Biolog- Counties are an essential lock on the latest COVID-19 Eryn Hurley is an associate leg- The Pfizer vaccine will need ical Products Advisory Com- component of any vaccine dis- negotiations. This framework islative director in NACo’s Gov- to be stored at the extremely mittee Dec. 10 to discuss the tribution strategy and, as the contains broad objectives for a ernment Affairs department. cool temperature of minus 94 request for EUA of a COVID-19 development of vaccines con- degrees Fahrenheit. While all vaccine from Pfizer and on tinues to progress, support for the vaccines in development Dec. 17 to discuss the Moder- county governments and for will need to be stored at very na vaccine. If granted EUAs, local public health will be crit- cool temperatures, including the two companies are likely ical. Moderna’s, Pfizer’s vaccine to begin rapid distribution of NACo will continue to advo- cate for additional federal aid for counties while also moni- toring, tracking and reporting on COVID-19 vaccine develop- TOP 5 MOST POPULAR CHRISTMAS TREES ment and distribution updates. For more information and re- Balsam Fir sources visit NACo’s COVID-19 Douglas Fir Vaccine Distribution Toolkit: naco.org/covid19/vaccine-dis- Fraser Fir tribution-plans. Scotch Pine Colorado Blaire Bryant is an associate Blue Spruce legislative director and Sarah Gimont is a legislative assistant

Source: Farmer’s Almanac in NACo’s Government Affairs department.

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 DECEMBER 7, 2020 3 Biden calls for greater intergovernmental coordination on pandemic response, relief

NACo President Gary Moore helms the NACo Fall Board Meeting.

● Late February: Policy fers’ term. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris addresses members of NACo’s Board of Directors Dec. 4. steering committee meetings ● Early March: NACo Board National policy From NACo BOARD page 1 doesn’t have to stay that way,” tion of hospitals and long- meeting, with the Board sitting priorities he said. “If we act now, we re- term care facilities, coroners’ in as the Resolutions Commit- The Board approved 10 na- officials,” Biden said. “You gain the momentum to start to and medical examiners’ offic- tee tional policy priorities for 2021: represent more people, other build back a better future, and es and more. ● Early March: Federal pol- ● Advocate for additional fed- than governors, and you have I don’t think there’s any time “You haven’t made it a icy conference, workshops, eral COVID-19 relief in the form responsibility for things that to lose.” partisan issue, it’s about the plenary sessions and net- of direct, flexible aid to counties aren’t as clearly understood by “The sooner we pass the health of your residents,” he working opportunities. This of all sizes the public. That’s exactly what funding, the sooner we can said, promising to take the includes virtual advocacy with ● Restore the balance of fed- you’re supposed to do and are turn the corner on COVID-19, same approach in aiding local congressional leaders and eralism and optimize intergov- doing. You’re also the basis but any package passed during governments, when he intro- committees, and senior White ernmental partnerships on which people have faith or the lame duck session won’t be duced Julie Chavez Rodriguez House and federal agency of- ● Promote county infrastruc- don’t have faith in the govern- enough, it will just be a start.” as his designee for director of ficials. ture priorities ment — it’s all local.” Biden’s address to county the White House Office of -In NACo’s Virtual Federal Pol- ● Promote mental health and Though the U.S. Supreme leaders was the latest in a se- tergovernmental Affairs. “It icy Summit in October served substance use treatment and Court gets a disproportionate ries of his transition team’s doesn’t matter if you’re from a as a successful rehearsal for a address essential criminal jus- amount of attention, Biden consultations with state and blue county or a red county, it larger remote conference. tice reforms added, the actions and func- local leaders. doesn’t matter a bit to us. Ev- With a vacancy on the Ex- ● Boost advanced broadband tions of local county courts He sees a clear consensus, ery American community de- ecutive Committee, NACo’s deployment and accessibility will show much more imme- calling for better intergovern- serves the full support of the South Region will select an in- while preserving local deci- diate results for most Ameri- mental coordination on deal- American president as a true terim representative Jan. 14 to sion-making cans, who also know when the ing with the pandemic, on the partner.” fill six months of Person Coun- services they need aren’t pro- medical front as well as on the Biden also acknowledged ty, N.C. Commissioner Ray Jef- See NACo BOARD page 5 vided. economic front. the anonymity in which coun- “What you do, wheth- “There’s a strong sense of ty officials often operate. As er you’re responsive or not common purpose, a real desire he campaigned for the New makes them wonder whether for bipartisanship between the Castle County, Del. Council in OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS government is responsive or cities, states and counties and 1970, he imagined the reaction not,” Biden said. “I think, with the federal government,” he from the residents when he all due respect, you sometimes said. “There’s a strong con- knocked on their door, asking Ikaika Anderson G. Riki Hokama underestimate your conse- sensus that we need to move for their votes. Honolulu County, Hawaii Maui County, Hawaii quence.” forward in a coordinated way “They’d look at me and I Cindy Bobbitt B. Ray Jeffers The COVID-19 pandemic on implementing what works, knew what they were wonder- Grant County, Okla. Person County, N.C. will continue to be the prism including federal guidance on ing — ‘What the hell does the Ken Borton David Landis Ketchikan through which people will universal masking, expanded county council do?’” Otsego County, Mich. Gateway Borough, Alaska view how much they trust the testing, delivering economic In addition to hearing from government, and the actions relief to counties, cities, states Biden, Board members also Cindy Bulloch Timothy McCormick by Congress and his adminis- and their communities soon- took care of NACo business. Iron County, Utah Ohio County, W. Va. tration, the support they give er, rather than later and with With the continued stress on Richard Cecil Jimmy Odom state and local governments, greater flexibility for you all county officials during the Delaware Association of Cass County, Mo. will be paramount, he said. to shore up your budgets and pandemic likely to continue Counties Hal Smalley Kenai Biden is urging Congress to meet your needs — this in- through next March, a public Greg Cox Peninsula Borough, Alaska pass a $900 billion relief pack- cludes clearer guidance for health order limiting gather- San Diego County, Calif. age during the lame duck ses- reimbursements on COVID ings in Washington, D.C. and Chuck Weed sion, noting it would have to testing and treatment.” the host hotel temporarily out Kenneth Dahlstedt Cheshire County, N.H. be the first of several such re- Biden recognized the role of operation, the Board voted Skagit County, Wash. Jack Woodrum lief packages. counties have been playing to hold the 2021 Legislative Bryan Desloge Summers County, W. Va. “The economy is stalling, it in handling local health func- Conference remotely. The for- Leon County, Fla. James Zwetzig remains in the midst of one tions during the pandemic, mat allows for an expanded Jim Healy DuPage County, Ill. Morgan County, Colo. of the worst economic job cri- which include COVID testing, schedule, broken down as fol- ses of modern history, but it contact tracing, administra- lows: 4 DECEMBER 7, 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES COUNTY NEWS Colorado county program helps local businesses by Charlie Ban senior writer

The numbers in Mesa Coun- ty, Colo. held steady for three months at 200. Then, in No- vember, 400 more. But these weren’t coronavirus cases, they were businesses signing on to demonstrate their commit- ment to safe operations during the pandemic. Now, the county’s “Five Star” certification program, through the county health department and the Grand Junction Cham- ber of Commerce, has more than 600 local businesses fol- lowing strict guidelines and the county’s groundwork during the first eight months of the pandemic is helping support the program even as infections rise. The buy-in, according to Chamber President and CEO Staff at the Hot Tomato Cafe proudly display their business’ Five Star certification from the Mesa County, Colo. Health Department.Photo Diane Schwenke, has been courtesy of the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce dramatic. “Early on, we didn’t have stormed with the Chamber of ed in a comprehensive list of “The state orders to close recycling centers were full of many people wearing masks, Commerce on how to make the qualified businesses published down businesses that are not cardboard boxes from internet and there was some lip service process more fluid. daily by the county health de- the source of the infection was retailers when businesses were being paid by some of our es- “We were trying to figure out partment, chamber of com- not the answer,” Kuhr said. initially restricted. “If you have tablishments because the over- how we could get businesses merce and the Grand Junction “Why punish the businesses? this certification, you’re among all risk factor was perceived as to comply with best practices Daily Sentinel. Businesses that We knew the sources of in- the best of the best, and that low,” she said. “We’ve wanted without inspecting every busi- lose their certification are also fection because we had been means a lot to people when to approach this with a carrot, ness and how to attract cus- listed. tracking it.” they are worried about if they’ll rather than a stick.” tomers back into brick-and- But that isn’t all. As COVID Even as the number of par- be safe while shopping.” Jeff Kuhr, executive director mortar stores,” Schwenke said. cases increase in Mesa County, ticipating businesses has in- The Five Star program faced of the health department, has “This was right about when the these Five-Star certified busi- creased, the county health opposition in late November appreciated the help in open- governor’s mask mandate was nesses have some insulation department and the chamber when the state government ing a “second front” on the war starting, and that seemed like from tightened restrictions by of commerce have dedicated warned Mesa County that the against the pandemic with the the best first step.” virtue of their safety measures. more personnel to managing program would not be via- chamber’s help. It was an opening to direct They might not all be able the program and streamlining ble under tighter restrictions. “Public health cannot always businesses to the best practic- to continue operating at the the inspection process. Kuhr, Schwenke, county com- be the face of what we’re do- es promoted by the Centers for 50 percent of capacity at the “The underlying integrity of missioners, hospital CEOs and ing,” he said. “You’ve got peo- Disease Control and Preven- county’s peak of relaxation, but the program is valid,” Schwen- the Daily Sentinel publisher all ple who want your communi- tion and the state department restaurants can still offer limit- ke said. lobbied Gov. Jared Polis (D), ty to be completely open and of public health. ed on-premises seating. “This has to be so hands-on; which not only changed his you’ve got people who want “There’s always a little hesi- “Mesa County held off the you also have to make sure mind, but has sparked more in- your community to be com- tation in inviting a government pandemic as long as we could,” you have capacity in the local terest in adapting the program pletely closed, but this is a per- entity to come and inspect your Kuhr said, helped in part by health department [and] the statewide. Larimer and Doug- fect middle ground because we business,” she said. “Making it the county’s inland location, a local chamber to partner on las counties have inquired have assurances that the busi- voluntary was key, and busi- cocoon, as he put it, that pro- the ground so they can do the about implementing the pro- nesses that are opening with nesses didn’t have to pay or be vided a geographic buffer for w o r k .” gram. the Five Star certification are a member of the chamber to the county and a head start to The program has offered Mesa County is not in the operating responsibly. participate.” learn from first-wave counties’ both continuity during the up- clear yet, and the state health “It was driven by people who Participating businesses experiences. tick and promotion for small department still has the pro- wanted us to tell the commu- submit business safety plans, “We protected the nursing businesses. gram on its watch list, but Kuhr nity about them because they including the best practices, homes, the jail and our home- “We have a lot of small, remains confident the Five Star were doing everything they then submit to an inspection less population, and we had mom-and-pop businesses and program is the right approach. were supposed to, based on the by county public health staff. If the staff to do vigorous con- they don’t have the resources “We have some counties that guidelines.” they score greater than 45 out tact-tracing to clamp down on for marketing that the chains have said ‘we’re not closing The program debuted in July, of 55 on the inspection, with community spread.” do, so we wanted to preserve anything down, regardless of as restrictions began lifting to several mandatory criteria tai- What the county’s data has as many of those as we can and what the state orders,’” he said. 30 percent of capacity, then 50 lored to different industries, pointed to during its first wave the only way we do that is to “But I ask wouldn’t you rather percent. As businesses opened businesses are given a seal of of infections this fall, was infor- make customers feel as com- have businesses open under a up and requested variances, approval for display on their mal but sustained gatherings of fortable as possible,” Schwen- controlled environment rather the health department brain- windows and will be includ- family and friends indoors. ke said, noting the county’s than everyone going rogue?” COUNTY NEWS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES DECEMBER 7, 2020 5 In-school testing programs combat Board meeting From NACo BOARD page 3

● Support full funding for COVID-19 spread in classrooms Payments in Lieu of Taxes and the Secure Rural Schools pro- by Rachel Looker quirements. personnel. “We know for many of our gram staff writer The county emergency man- “We do asymptomatic kids when they’re in school, ● Promote county priorities in agement team is leading eight screening for schools looking we know they’re safe, we know future Environmental Protec- It’s been a rollercoaster ride groups with team leaders from for hidden pockets of the vi- they’re learning and we know tion Agency and other federal for schools across the United each county department. The rus,” McMahon said. “Then for they’re getting fed,” he said. rulemaking States as they work to match teams are also targeting specific symptomatic cases, we set up “These are all important things ● Strengthen election security the ebb and flow of increased ZIP codes that have higher pos- our own testing site where we’re for our community overall.” and safety COVID-19 cases by closing, itivity rates in addition to testing doing at least 200 symptomatic Officials in Suffolk County, ● Enhance community resil- re-opening and often using a within schools. tests per day so that parents can N.Y., where certain areas have ience through regional and lo- hybrid model somewhere in “Our priority was to keep kids quickly get their children back been designated in the yellow cal disaster preparedness between. in school for in-person learn- into the classroom.” zone as of Nov. 23, also part- ● Promote workforce oppor- Counties are taking steps to ing,” he said. McMahon said as of Nov. 24, nered with school districts to tunities and supportive services keep school doors open and Parents have to opt-in for the county has seen “very ilttle establish a school-based testing for county residents in chang- provide a place for in-person their child to be tested and ac- spread” of COVID-19 in class- program. ing economies. learning by launching in-school cording to McMahon, almost rooms. County Executive Steve Bel- testing initiatives to find and all parents opted to have their “Kids going to school is the lone said during a Nov. 19 press Candidates for NACo isolate cases of the virus. children tested. School person- right thing for kids, but it also conference that the targeted second VP Onondaga County, N.Y. Exec- nel also opt-in to the testing helps keep the economy open,” testing program’s main goal is Candidates who wish to run utive J. Ryan McMahon said the program. he said. “Your continuity of care to keep schools open to allow for the office of NACo second county has held multiple initia- “We saw tremendous partic- issues aren’t disrupted.” for in-person learning. vice president should notify tives to protect school commu- ipation from our teachers and With Onondaga County just “Testing is one of our most Executive Director Matt Chase nities since students returned to our faculty,” he said. being under the population re- valuable tools in combatting the in writing of his or her intent school in the fall. The county uses BinaxNOW quirement for CARES Act fund- virus,” he said. by Jan. 31, 2021. Contact Jenny The county launched a back- rapid tests to test asymptomatic ing, county dollars are funding The county’s first free, Hilscher at [email protected] to-school testing initiative at the individuals. the testing initiatives. school-based testing initiative to do so and for a full account- end of the summer which tested McMahon said these tests McMahon said they have re- launched in Hampton Bays ing of guidelines related to cam- over 6,000 faculty members to produce results in a timely fash- ceived testing kits through the where the county provided 400 paigning. find and isolate positive cases of ion. Onondaga County also es- state that were passed down rapid tests to students, teach- the virus. tablished a symptomatic testing from the federal government, ers and faculty at the Hampton New Board members After school started, McMa- site outside of school buildings which has been helpful despite Bays school district. ● Dan Eggleston, chief, Albe- hon said the county launched where there is one line specif- the remaining personnel costs Suffolk County Health De- marle County Department of a second asymptomatic saliva ically for students and school the county has to cover. partment nurses were on site Fire Rescue, International As- screening initiative in school at the Hampton Bays middle sociation of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), buildings to test individuals school to assist the school’s Affiliate each day and identify those who nursing staff in administering ● Judd Freed, director, had the virus with no symptoms. tests. Emergency Management and As cases began to increase Bellone said the school dis- Homeland Security, Ramsey throughout the state, New tricts held a series of parent we- County, Minn. and president, York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) binars to discuss the program International Association of enacted micro-cluster restric- and the school district deter- Emergency Managers (IAEM), tions that impacted New York mined which individuals will be Affiliate schools. Areas of Onondaga tested. ● Robert Gelder, commis- County were first listed in the “Our goal in launching this sioner, Kitsap County, Wash. yellow zone and some moved free school-based testing pro- ● Brent Johnson, Assembly to the orange zone at the end of gram is to be proactive in our ef- member, Kenai Peninsula Bor- November. fort to get control of these num- ough, Alaska For schools to remain open bers in the county and to keep ● Joey Manahan, coun- in the yellow zone, 20 percent of school open,” he said. cilmember, City and County of the in-person school commu- According to Bellone, the Honolulu, Hawaii nity (which includes students, Hampton Bays area has recent- ● Alexander Mirabella, Free- faculty and staff) must be test- ly seen increased COVID-19 holder chairman, Union Coun- ed per week. Schools in orange positivity rates. ty, N.J. zones must close for four days Within a five-day period, the ● Greg Puckett, commission- and ensure that all students Hampton Bays rate was around er, Mercer County, W.V. and school personnel receive 6.5 percent, compared to the ● Tom Tombarello, commis- a negative test before returning overall 3.5 percent rate through- sioner, Rockingham County, N.H. to in-person classes. Upon re- out the county. ● Jonathan Vlaming, associ- opening in the orange zone, 25 “We’re going to be proac- ate superintendent, Three Riv- percent of the school is required tive which is what this testing ers Park District, Minn., Nation- to be tested per week. program is about,” he said. “It’s al Association of County Park McMahon said the county a part of our larger compre- and Recreation Officials (NAC- has over 70 school buildings hensive effort to get our arms PRO), Affiliate which require multiple testing An individual receives a COVID-19 test as part of in-school testing around these numbers and stop ● Clay Walker, mayor, Denali teams to meet the state’s re- initiatives in Onondaga County, N.Y. Photo courtesy of Onondaga County the surge in the county.” Borough, Alaska 6 DECEMBER 7, 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES COUNTY NEWS

2021 NACo ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS CELEBRATING 51 YEARS OF INNOVATION

SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE: NOTIFICATIONS OF March 31, 2021 at ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS: 11:59 p.m. EDT Week of April 26, 2021 HOW TO APPLY Does your county have an innovative program that improves county government and enhances services for county residents? Apply for the 2021 Achievement Awards! There are 18 categories ranging from information technology, health, criminal justice, human services and many more.

To begin your application visit: www.naco.org/achievementawards

QUESTIONS? Contact [email protected] COUNTY NEWS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES DECEMBER 7, 2020 7 As COVID-19 surges, county hospitals face staffing challenges, space shortages by Rachel Looker staff writer

Nationwide hospitalizations for COVID-19 patients reached an all-time high at the end of November. Over 90,000 individuals were hospitalized across the United States with the coronavirus in the last week of November, set- ting a record-breaking number for hospitalizations during the pandemic, according to the COVID Tracking Project. The Centers for Disease Con- trol and Prevention (CDC) re- ported the overall weekly hos- pitalization rate is now at its highest point in the pandemic. “Our hospital is full,” said Dr. John Fankhauser, CEO of the Ventura County, Calif. Medical Center. The county-run hospital is beyond capacity for adult med- ical surgical space and is hold- The Minidoka Memorial Hospital is a county-run facility located in Minidoka County, Idaho.Photo courtesy of Minidoka Memorial Hospital ing patients in the emergency room each day as the facility lenge is staffing. county departments to coordi- experiences an uptick in emer- “We have a really significant nate supplies. gency room visits, he said. challenge finding the staff that She agreed with Fankhauser The Ventura County Medical are needed to staff the ICU and that the greatest challenge is Center is utilizing an overflow the medical surgical units,” he with staffing. Earlier in the pan- area in a vacated facility that said. demic when there were high used to serve as the former In anticipation of an in- numbers of cases throughout hospital. creased number of COVID-19 California, other locations had Over a 12-day span, the cases through the winter, the relatively low numbers which number of COVID-19 patients hospital has a surge plan that allowed for flexibility with jumped from one to 16. includes contracts with regis- staffing. “We’ve restored one floor of tries and visiting nurse agen- “Now with everyone in crisis that hospital, so we have been cies to provide more staffing mode and nurse registries dry- Nurses work at the Minidoka Memorial Hospital in Minidoka Coun- ty, Idaho, a county-run critical access facility seeing an increased using that throughout the crisis and the repurposing of vacant ing up, the potential for health number of COVID-19 patients. Photo by Drew Nash, Magicvalley.com for overflow and it’s currently space if necessary. care workers themselves to get 100 percent capacity, so we’re “The surge is real and this is sick and just the very under- Emergency Management Co- However, Vega explained looking to staff additional beds something that can affect all of standable fatigue and burnout ordinator Kim Vega also serves that other hospitals in the area in that overflow unit,” he said. us,” Fankhauser said. of a marathon and not a sprint, as the emergency management are facing their own capacity The medical center has nine Erica Murray, president and staffing levels are a huge con- director for Minidoka Memori- challenges and are sometimes ICU beds, nine telemetry beds, CEO of the California Associ- cern,” she said. al Hospital, a county-run criti- unable to admit additional pa- 12 definitive observation unit ation of Public Hospitals and Murray said county hospitals cal access facility. tients. beds and 48 general medical/ Health Systems, said coun- are prepared for a potential- Vega said the hospital has “With all of south central surgical beds. ty-run hospitals throughout ly larger outbreak this winter been seeing an increase in and eastern Idaho being hit so Fankhauser works with other California are seeing a sharp from the experiences they had cases over the last few months hard, it’s getting to the point hospitals throughout Ventu- uptick in cases and prepar- with surge preparation in the with an average of three to four where it’s harder and harder ra County to discuss capacity ing for rises in hospitalization spring. The situation has left COVID-19 patients each day at to find places to send patients,” challenges. numbers. many county hospitals plan- the emergency room depart- she said. He said the Ventura County “There’s typically a lag be- ning for the worst, but hoping ment. Staffing has also proven to be Medical Center is one of the tween a spike in cases and for the best. With 17 beds and three spe- a challenge for the hospital. hospitals that will expand ca- hospitalizations, so I would “What we’re seeing are num- cifically for COVID patients, “It’s hard to run a small com- pacity if needed. characterize the situation for bers and the greatest fear is Vega said the hospital can treat munity hospital when so much “We’re prepared to bring California’s county hospitals as that those numbers are going COVID patients unless they of your staff is out,” she said. more patients in and we pur- ‘braced,’” she said. to translate into patients and need a ventilator, in which case “Our biggest issue hasn’t been chased more beds for that Murray said one of the bene- that we’re soon going to be they will be sent to other hos- that we don’t have enough space,” he said. fits of being a county hospital is overwhelmed,” she said. pital facilities located 40 miles room, it’s been we don’t have The hospital’s greatest chal- the strong connection to other In Minidoka County, Idaho, away. enough staff.” 8 DECEMBER 7, 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES COUNTY NEWS NACo launches student art competition for NCGM Whether it’s nursing the art depicting an aspect of what County Government Month. phone numbers). sick at county hospitals, counties accomplish in their ● The artwork must be hori- building bridges, facilitating community. zontal 11” x 8.5” (PDF or JPEG). Deadline and pet adoptions or extinguish- NACo members will have ac- The most important elements submission ing fires, counties’ responsi- cess to an online toolkit on the of the artwork must not extend requirements bilities are an integral part of National County Government beyond 10.5” 8” to account for ● The competition submis- the fabric of our communities Month web page (www.NACo. trimming during the calendar sion period opens Dec. 7, 2020, nationwide. org/NCGM) that will include production process. and closes May 31, 2021, at As part of NACo President artwork ideas, social media 11:59 p.m. ET. Gary Moore’s LEAD initiative, posts, a customizable press Judging criteria ● Students must submit their we are building on the core release and more so you can ● Technical skill: The artwork artwork for consideration via themes of Leadership, Educa- share information about the must display artistic skill in NACo.org/ncgm. tion, Action and Development. art competition with schools Eligibility painting, drawing or digital art. ● The artwork must be sub- We are magnifying education- and communities. ● Only students living in the ● Creativity: The artwork mitted as a PDF or JPEG. (Win- al programs that help enrich Winning artwork, 18 entries United States, who are 18 years must be original in its expres- ners will be notified and asked the public’s understanding of in all, will be selected and fea- of age and younger in grades sion of a personal vision or to mail their original artwork county government. tured in a glossy 18-month 1 through 12 during the 2020– voice. It must be the student’s to NACo.) NACo is spreading the word NACo calendar, which will be 2021 academic year are eligi- own work and cannot be pla- ● The artist’s statement in- about how counties operate distributed to NACo members ble. giarized or in violation of any cluding name, age, grade level, to children and young adults nationwide. Winners will also ● Each submission must be copyright. school, teacher or art teacher across the country by inviting be announced in County News original artwork created in the ● Artist’s statement: Along and contact information for a them to create artwork for a and their artwork may be fea- current school year by one stu- with the artwork, each student guardian or teacher must be 2021-2022 “Counties Matter” tured at NACo events and at dent. is required to submit a state- submitted as a .doc or .docx calendar to celebrate April as NACo headquarters in Wash- ment that explains how “Coun- file. National County Government ington, D.C. Winning students Artwork guidelines ties Matter” in their communi- ● For digital art or graphic Month. will receive pizza parties for ● Submitted artwork must ty or complete the sentence “I design submissions, the de- The goal is to start a dia- their class from the calendar present a county activity that love my county because…” sign must be 300 dpi and RGB logue with students to help sponsor. shows how “Counties Matter” ● Each entry must include color. them learn about county re- Before submitting any art- and inspired by the sentence “I the artist’s name, grade, ● Only one submission per sponsibilities and leadership. work for consideration, stu- love my county because…” school, county and contact in- student is allowed. Students are invited to com- dents must make sure that they ● The artwork must reflect formation (for the student, a ● There is no entry fee. plete the sentence “I love my are eligible and able to adhere some aspect of a county gov- parent or guardian’s email ad- county because…” with an ac- to all of the competition guide- ernment function, service or dress and phone number) and For more information, visit companying creative work of lines. program, to celebrate National a teacher (email address and naco.org/ncgm.

NACo Knowledge Network

Inspiration Overload! NACo Knowledge Network www.naco.org/education-events COUNTY NEWS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES DECEMBER 7, 2020 9 Counties adapt holiday events BEHIND THE to meet COVID-19 restrictions SEALSEAL by Rachel Looker staff writer

For the Parks and Recreation WISE COUNTY, VA. Department in Watauga Coun- ty, N.C., this year’s holiday ise County, Va. event is being called a “cheer supervisors spreader.” Wapproved the Following a year dominated county seal in 1976 as by a global pandemic filled with the official emblem for sickness, unemployment and the county. Former County economic turmoil, COVID-19 Administrator Joseph C. has not stopped county parks O’Brien designed the seal and recreation departments using red, spruce and deep from celebrating the season in gold colors and incorporat- pandemic-friendly ways while ed symbols to represent keeping all involved safe. the county’s history. Wise Watauga County Parks and County registered the seal Recreation is hosting a drive- as its trademark in 2005. through Christmas parade to encourage residents to get into The seal includes the year the holiday spirit. 1856 to represent when the Recreation Specialist Keron county was established. Poteat said all of the annu- al parades in the area were cancelled because of the pan- demic, which encouraged the county department to provide a safe event for the community. “Folks who are typically driv- ing down the road as the pa- Santa rides in a Henrico County, Va. firetruck as part of the Henrico Holiday Express Tour where dec- orated county vehicles visited local communities. Photo courtesy of Henrico County rade marchers, they’re going to be stationary in parking spaces occasion and modifying its supervisor. which consisted of decorat- and the public will be driving Holiday in the Park event to To follow CDC recommen- ed county vehicles that drove through our parking lot to see bring people together from the dations, Peterson said all staff through neighborhoods during all of the different exhibits that safety of their cars. and volunteers will be wearing a three-night stint. In the center of the seal, a will be participating,” she said. Last year, participants at- face masks, gloves and follow- Henrico Recreation and tree is placed in an outline of Dancers, bands, business- tended the event in person, ing social distancing guidelines Parks Specialist Julian Charity the county to represent the es, the fire department and of walking around the park to during the free event. said the department typically Trail of the Lonesome Pine, an course, Santa, will be among watch a tree-lighting ceremo- “We knew that we weren’t partners with the City of Rich- early 1900s romance novel 30 vendors participating in the ny, visit different stations, par- going to be able to have an mond for an annual Christmas set in Wise County and written by John Fox, Jr. parade while people drive by ticipate in games and sit on in-person event, but we still parade, which was held virtual- and a DJ plays Christmas mu- Santa’s lap. wanted to find a way to get peo- ly this year. sic. In the year of the pandemic, ple out of their houses but in a The department wanted to Watauga County Parks and families will drive to the park, safe way that they could engage host another event in response The pick The ax Recreation Director Stephen stay inside their cars and roll and feel like a part of the com- to the pandemic to engage the symbolizes represents coal mining. the timber Poulous said the parade will down the windows to look at a munity,” she said. community and keep people industry. be held in the parking lot of the large Christmas tree, lights and The department is modeling safe. county’s new $40 million recre- receive gifts including a free or- the Holiday in the Park event “This is a way to kick off the ation center, where construc- nament kit, a reindeer food kit after a similar drive-through holidays,” he said. If you would like your county’s tion has been delayed because and candy canes. event held for Halloween. Vehicles from county or- seal featured in “Behind the of COVID-19. Santa will also make an ap- “We’re trying to do our best ganizations including police, Seal,” contact Rachel Looker “We’re not open yet, but the pearance alongside a mailbox to bring some holiday cheer fire, libraries, public works and at [email protected]. parking lot lends itself to this where kids can drop off letters to our community,” Peterson public utilities participated in venture,” he said. to be sent directly to the North said. “If one person comes to the tour. The department is hoping Pole. the event and has a good time, “2020 has kind of dealt us a to make the parade an annual “We still wanted to be able to we’ll consider it a success.” bad hand, so we’re trying to Hire Quality Staff event. celebrate the holidays and do Community members in make the best of it,” Charity “We’re hoping to bring a our best to serve our commu- Henrico County, Va., didn’t said. “It’s something that we @ Jobs Online little bit of normalcy back to nity and give them a reason to even have to leave their houses can do just to meet you where www.naco.org/ 2020,” Poteat said. get out of the house and come to get into the holiday spirit. you are and not have to put In Chatham County, N.C., out and celebrate,” said Mallo- The department held the you into a huge crowd where jobsonline the parks and recreation de- ry Peterson, Chatham County Henrico Holiday Express Tour people could feel uncomfort- partment is hosting a similar Parks and Recreation program the first week of December able.” 10 DECEMBER 7, 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES COUNTY NEWS Investing for the long term in a volatile market When investing, you need to which will automatically adjust “miss out” — you’ll be buying be aware of market risk, which the investment mix based on when the market is low, as well is the potential for investments your time to retirement. 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Using asset allocation rebalance your asset allocation it’s important to avoid making swings, understanding some scenarios to see how you can as part of an overall investment at least once a year. decisions based on short-term key principles for long-term in- achieve them. And of course, strategy does not assure a prof- 3. Contribute regularly fluctuations or emotion. 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COUNTIES MATTER

Learn more NACo.org/ncgm #NCGM COUNTY NEWS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES DECEMBER 7, 2020 11

BRIGHTIDEAS MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Ohio Ohio County Encourages Green Living with Sustainability Competitions ability programs, which led to challenges such as installing In 2017, the county launched inclusiveness of the program PROBLEM: the county’s first Bring Your solar fields, building electric Bring your Green 2.0 which in- for employees, students or oth- Small businesses and Green Challenge in 2015. charging stations or having a cluded a Healthy Schools plat- er community members. organizations lack resources Through a partnership with green fleet of vehicles. form targeting environmental “We really tried to make it as for sustainable practices and Dayton Power & Light, the “The more they recycle, the standards at schools. More inclusive as possible to allow face challenges measuring challenge was available to all of more points they get for waste than 100 student teams par- everyone in the community sustainability performance the utility’s customers in com- diversion and the system ticipated. The latest challenge to do something to become benchmarks. mercial buildings in Montgom- translates those numbers into launched in 2019 and added more green and sustainable,” ery County and surrounding greenhouse gas emission re- two additional platforms — Mubaslat said. SOLUTION: counties. duction,” Mubaslat said. green government and green The program is open to any Create competitions to reduce “We wanted to do some- Other competitions involve eats. business or community in energy, educate community thing beyond just a checklist,” energy rating tools, energy re- The sustainability challenges Ohio. Mubaslat said she is in- organizations about sustainability Mubaslat said. “We know that duction, rebates and resources, have reduced more than 12.5 terested in opening the chal- and measure positive outcomes. businesses have done ener- waste and water reduction and million tons of CO2 into the lenge to all counties across the gy efficiency projects because employee and citizen engage- atmosphere and more than 2.6 country. they’ve received enhanced re- ment. million tons of waste diverted “I would love to see this as by Rachel Looker bates from the utility company, “It gives local governments from landfills. On average, the the way that different counties staff writer but we couldn’t capture those ideas of what they could do lo- challenges’ participants see throughout the state can track results.” cally to help their community $851,000 in energy cost sav- their progress and compete A little friendly competition The Bring Your Green plat- become more green,” Mubaslat ings. with each other,” she said. never hurt anyone in Mont- form allowed businesses to said. These reductions are equiv- For more information about gomery County, Ohio when it track their progress by using Participants are able to see alent to taking 1,700 homes off the Bring Your Green Challenge, comes to taking the steps nec- their utility bills and adding where they stand online at the the grid, 2,500 cars off the road contact Montgomery County essary to reduce carbon emis- data about energy, gas, elec- data-tracking leaderboard. or planting over 350,000 trees, Sustainability Manager Lamees sions and save energy costs. tricity and water use. The chal- More than 200 locations according to the Bring Your Mubaslat at mubaslatl@mco- The county launched the lenge is available to all levels from the business and govern- Green Challenge website. hio.org. Bring Your Green Challenge to including cities, city organiza- ment communities participat- Over 400 businesses in total engage organizations in sus- tions, people within organiza- ed in the inaugural challenge have participated in the Bring Montgomery County’s Bring tainability competitions. Using tions and citizens at large. where winners received a total Your Green Challenge includ- Your Green Challenge is the a web-based software platform Through the competition, of $80,000 in cash prizes from ing local governments, schools, recipient of a Best in Catego- designed by the county, partic- more efficiency means more Dayton Power & Light. universities and non-profits to ry 2020 NACo Achievement ipants learn about energy use points, which are calculated “Competition drives innova- engage in sustainability com- Award in the County Resiliency: effectiveness, track progress automatically through the plat- tion, and it drives participation petitions. Infrastructure, Energy and Sus- and engage with other compet- form by completing various at the same time,” Mubaslat said. Mubaslat emphasized the tainability category. itors throughout the commu- nity. Lamees Mubaslat, Mont- gomery County sustainability manager and Dayton Regional Green director, said prior to the Bring Your Green Challenge, the county launched a Green Business Certification Pro- gram, which serves as a check- list to help businesses become more sustainable and receive enhanced rebates. Businesses that receive a green business certification can join the Bring Your Green Challenge to increase sustain- ability efforts for cash prizes. The challenge is inclusive for any organizations with the goal of achieving large-scale energy and resources reductions while educating the community about sustainability. Mubaslat said she wanted to find a way to engage coun- ty employees in more sustain- Five Rivers Metro Parks is awarded $1,000 for the Bring Your Green Tenants Award in 2017. Photo courtesy of Montgomery County, Ohio 12 DECEMBER 7, 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES COUNTY NEWS

GET TO Niagara County, N.Y. KNOW... finally! Welcome Niagara with a significant history County, N.Y. in manufacturing. Niagara County is With a close proximity NACo swag located in northwestern to Canada, the county is is now New York across the important to internation- border from Canada. al trade and commerce. available The county was creat- Niagara County’s online! ed in 1808 and its name most prominent geo- naco.org/store is of Native American logical feature is the origin. One interpretation Niagara Falls. Millions of of the name means “at visitors travel to the area the neck,” referring to to see the American side the Niagara River that of the falls at Niagara joins Lake Erie and Lake Falls State Park, which is Ontario. The county seat recognized as the oldest is Lockport. state park in the country. The county has 12 Other attractions towns and three cities, throughout the county one being North Tonawa- include the Erie Canal nda which was once and the Niagara Wine regarded as the lumber Trail. capital of the world. Niagara County is now “Get to Know” features known for its agriculture new NACo member and tourism industries counties.

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Find out more at NACo.org/Skills COUNTY NEWS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES DECEMBER 7, 2020 13 HOLIDAY EDITION COUNTIES WITH TOWNS WORD BEARING SEASONAL NAMES PROFILES IN SEARCH Created by: Charlie Ban

SERVICE R F D Y N W T X M M Q J C F I B E R G H Y B G T S W N S D Q X V H C S Z O U G R JONATHAN H L Q L Z A B A T V M Q R A T Q T D O V VLAMING A Q L B S L L I H Y A D I L O H E O W P Y E J O L E C J N O Q N S R C S L L Y B NACo Board Member B M F E J I M G M R T N T N I A T P O L Associate Superintendent T S C D L X T T M N R I M I M U S H W J of Planning, Design and O E C V E O O Z I R D K A R H V I Y N P Technology at Three Rivers O D D L G E P C E L F M S R A I M U Y R Park District E B S X G G H H T N D K V O P N Q T L Y Hennepin County, Minn. U M F G E O T W T F X T I N O G U G K B J Q N J L E O X M R G F L N D C R N H X Number of years involved S O B A T N E V D A O V L A H U T T W O in NACo: This is my first year G A S W T F J D E R A N E F B Z T F V X as the National Association of A C M I Y D B P E L F H O T P X E W U E County Park and Recreation Offi- Vlaming I F A A O N L A H S E H S F R F M K E Z cials (NACPRO) liaison to NACo. V I O P V Z X A O Y T O P V K W O C D I Years in public service: 30 My favorite meal is: Hot dogs Travis McGee series by John D. P M H A N E B P J D R G G Z O Y C F B U MacDonald. There are 21 books D H L H F O D Y J F A N T L E R S I O R Occupation: Parks and at a baseball game. in the series, and they take place L J T J U H D T X I L Z H G Q X B M P F natural resources planning and People My pet peeve is: in southern Florida. Living this far management who have no understanding of north, you need this sort of thing ADVENT: Jackson County, W.Va. ELF: Clay County, N.C. shopping cart etiquette in the Education: BA in Geography to help get through the winter. ANTLERS: Marquette County, Mich. FROSTBURG: Allegany County, Md. and MS in Forestry from the grocery store. HOLIDAYHILLS: McHenry County, Ill. My favorite music is: Any live BELLS: Westmoreland County, Pa. University of Minnesota The best way to JOLLY: Pike County, Ga. My motto is: music. BLITZEN: Harney County, Ore. The hardest thing I’ve ever predict the future is to create it. CHRISTMASVILLE: Carroll County, MISTLETOE: Owsley County, Ky. My favorite U.S. president done: Caregiving of a parent The book I am currently Tenn. NORTHPOLE: Kootenai County, Idaho is: Teddy Roosevelt, for his who refused help. The first book of the COMET: Summit County, Ohio RUDOLPH: Kenedy County, Texas reading: conservation vision. Thank you, EGGNOG: Garfield County, Utah SAINTNICHOLAS: Duval County, Fla. Three people (living or Teddy. dead) I’d invite to dinner: Isaac Asimov, Leonardo da Vinci NACPRO is a NACo mem- ber because: Parks, health, and a translator since I don’t My favorite ON THE MOVE the environment, the economy, speak Italian NACo STAFF quality of life are all more suc- movie is: • Rodney Garner has joined NACo as an IT A dream I have is to: Hike cessful when packaged together. Specialist. He previously served as the IT support the Pacific Crest Trail from end to Counties are agile and adept at Monty Python analyst for Medstar and IT systems specialist/ end in one trip. moving good ideas forward. network administrator for Montgomery County You’d be surprised to learn and the Holy Public Schools in Maryland. He earned a bach- that: I used to play in a punk Grail elor’s degree in Computer Science Technology. rock band. • Andrea Newsom has joined NACo as a Garner The most adventurous grant staff accountant. Prior to joining NACo, thing I’ve ever done: Set Andrea served as the financial analyst for Max- up roadblocks on highways imus Inc. and director of purchasing and bud- and hand out travel diaries to geting and grant manager for Hendrix College collect tourism data in Arkansas. She earned a bachelor’s degree in in Idaho. My partner Mathematics. and I fished all of the • Gozel Holt has joined NACo as senior ad- blue-ribbon streams in ministrative assistant. She previously served Newsom Idaho during our off- as program officer and program coordinator hours. for Counterpart International. Gozel earned My favorite way to relax a bachelor’s degree in English Language and is: BBQ, beer, a fire, family Literature and a master’s degree with a con- and friends in the backyard. centration in International Peace and Conflict Resolution and Woman Studies. I’m most proud of: My • Chief Technology OfficerRita Reynolds sons, my wife, my brother and participated in the Digital Communities Work- Holt the shed I built this summer. group discussion Nov. 17 held by eRepublic For work — a nature-based and focused on IT modernization for the future. regional trail through four fully • Executive Director Matt Chase delivered developed cities and my staff — the keynote speech Nov. 18 to the Nevada As- they are great! sociation of Counties at its 2020 Virtual Annu- Every morning I read: The al Conference and spoke on federal advocacy newspaper on my phone. Nov. 19 at the Alaska Municipal League’s 2020 Virtual Annual Conference. 14 DECEMBER 7, 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES COUNTY NEWS

KENTUCKY NEWS Employees from the es. The bill states that council members who receive contri- FROM GRAYSON COUNTY Road Department are getting into butions of $500 or more would ACROSS be unable to take part in plan- the holiday spirit by hang- ning decisions for land-use ing decorations through- out the City of Clarkson. and zoning cases involving the Staff hung new LED pole individuals who made the con- THE NATION decorations featuring snow- tributions, Bethesda Magazine flakes and wreaths on tele- reported. Council members a personal holiday to use by phone poles throughout say there are inconsistencies June. Employees can be tested the town. with a county law and confu- during the workday. The pro- Photo by Scotty Gore sion over the bill’s language. gram is modeled off a similar incentive program in KERN MICHIGAN COUNTY. WAYNE COUNTY launched an online marketing tool to FLORIDA help small businesses during CALIFORNIA Officials inORANGE COUN- the holiday season. Business- ● Health officials in LOS AN- TY participated in a ceremony es can sign up for free on the GELES COUNTY initiated a to break ground on what will be county’s website to be added temporary ban on outdoor the world’s largest White Cas- to the directory where shop- dining as COVID-19 cases con- tle. The restaurant will have in- pers can filter the list by type tinue to rise throughout the door and outdoor seating and of business. The county used state. The ban prevents restau- two drive-thru lanes. County CARES Act funding to create rants, breweries, wineries and officials anticipate it will bring the online marketing tool. bars from serving customers more than 100 jobs to the area, in outdoor settings for three as well as help with tourism MINNESOTA weeks. The California Restau- in the county. It is expected to MARYLAND there was minimal traffic and Commissioners in HEN- rant Association filed a lawsuit open in 2021. ● Speed camera ticket cita- individuals exhibited more NEPIN COUNTY approved challenging the county’s ban, tions are on the rise in BAL- dangerous driving behaviors. funding for a social worker but a judge rejected the plea, ILLINOIS TIMORE COUNTY, with a 10 Reported violations spiked in position at the county jail. the Los Angeles Times reported. Officials in COOK COUNTY percent increase compared to the county in July. The health and human ser- launched a free legal services last year. The Baltimore Sun re- vices social worker will work program for those facing evic- ported that speed camera reve- ● Council members in alongside a deputy and records tions. The Early Response Pro- nue has increased by nearly 38 MONTGOMERY COUNTY op- staff to identify individuals who gram provides legal assistance, percent in 2020. The increase posed a state bill that limits may need services that are not counseling, pre-court media- in speeding is attributed to their participation in certain available at the jail, 5 Eyewit- tion and case management for the COVID-19 lockdown when land-use and zoning cas- ness News reported. The social residents and landlords experi- encing evictions and aims to prevents cases from landing in court, the Chicago Tribune MARYLAND reported. The program is part ● Officials inWICOM - of the Cook County Legal Aid ICO COUNTY revealed ● When rising COVID-19 cas- for Housing and Debt initia- plans for a new inclu- es prompted SANTA CLARA tive. sive playground that will COUNTY to ban contact include a sensory trail sports within the county for KANSAS and expand upon a re- three weeks, it put the San The Centers for Disease Con- cent project designed to Francisco 49ers out of a home. trol and Prevention released provide individuals with The team was scheduled to a report on the impacts of a physical and mental dis- play host to the Buffalo Bills of mask mandate on the spread abilities a place to play ERIE COUNTY, N.Y. and the of COVID-19 cases in Kan- baseball. The regional Washington Football Team of sas counties. Gov. Laura Kelly project will allow children PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, (D) issued an executive order of all levels of ability to Md. ESPN reported that the in July requiring masks to be play together. Photo courtesy Niners could play those games worn in public spaces, but al- of Wicomico County in MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. lowed counties to opt out of the or DALLAS COUNTY, Texas. mandate. Of the 105 counties in the ● TULARE COUNTY state, 24 counties initially fol- launched a COVID-19 Testing lowed the mandate. The CDC Incentive Program for county found that COVID-19 cases workers to help slow the spread decreased by 6 percent in the of the virus. County employees 24 counties that followed the who take four COVID-19 tests mask mandate but increased between November and the in 81 counties that opted out by end of December and submit 100 percent per 100,000 peo- a verification form will receive ple. COUNTY NEWS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES DECEMBER 7, 2020 15

worker will collaborate with federal governments in the en- zoning code for mines, allow- considering establishing a col- When police officers require the county’s Behavioral Health forcement of laws or investiga- ing mines in all zones in the lection service for food scraps a tow, the emergency com- Center to fast-track individuals tions regarding firearms. county, requiring only minor and yard trimmings. Trash munications center contacts arrested for low-level offenses Regulations that cannot be setbacks from property lines audits found that food scraps a company from a list of com- through the pre-booking pro- enforced per the measure in- and wetlands. Mines larger make up more than one-fifth panies. Tow fees are inconsis- cess to receive services at the clude taxing firearms and fire- than 5 acres would still need a of the residential waste stream. tent between different com- center. arm accessories, any restric- county certification to operate. The county is trying to divert up panies, with no consistency tions relating to the ownership The sand and dirt from mines to 90 percent of waste from in- with regard to fee schedules of non-fully automatic firearms are crucial for concrete pro- cineration by 2038, Arlington- or mechanisms for the county and registering, tracking and duction, especially when rais- Now.com reported. The county to manage those discrepan- background-checking related ing structures above sea level, has collected grass clippings, cies, The Roanoke Times re- to firearms. the Myrtle Beach Sun News re- cut flowers, brush, hedge trim- ported. Willamette Week report- ported. mings and leaves year-round ed that it wasn’t clear if they since 2016, and residents can WASHINGTON would be enforceable, because TEXAS drop off food scraps. ● KING COUNTY approved the attorney general has not BEXAR COUNTY is lobby- funding for a groundbreak- asked for a formal opinion and ing the Legislature to sponsor a ● HENRICO COUNTY Man- ing criminal justice diversion the issue has not come up in a bill allowing a broader range of ager John Vithoulkas is pro- program that will let commu- lawsuit to which DOJ is a party. non-violent, low-level offenses posing the county-funded nity groups decide on pun- to be eligible for cite-and-re- creation and construction of a ishment for a select group of PENNSYLVANIA lease programs. $14-million detox and recov- accused felons. The state Department San Antonio police officers ery center that would be man- Community Restorative of Health will offerfree and Bexar County Sheriff’s aged by Henrico Area Mental Pathways will involve a NORTH CAROLINA COVID-19 testing in coun- deputies can issue citations Health and Developmental non-profit community pan- Looking to meet the de- ties without their own health for certain misdemeanors, like Services but ultimately oper- el to decide how the accused mands of a genealogy research departments. Five teams will marijuana possession, rather ated in partnership with one person can be held account- boom during the pandemic, provide regional testing over than arresting the person on- or more non-governmental able for their non-violent the BUNCOMBE COUNTY 12 weeks for people in the 61 site, and the Commissioners entities, the Henrico Citizen re- crime. If the offender fails to Register of Deeds is launching counties, based on the total Court would like to add of- ported. The center would be a follow through with the com- a new cemetery finder. The number of confirmed cas- fenses, including prostitution, 24-hour, in-patient, medically munity group’s recommend- website combines tax records, es per 100,000 people and in possession of a wider array of supervised detoxification and ed punishment or account- Old Buncombe Genealogical counties where outbreaks are drugs and higher-level crim- recovery center with an initial ability, the original criminal Society records, recorded doc- happening, The Tribune-Re- inal mischief charges. KSAT capacity of 12 to 16 beds. charges could still be pursued uments and FindAGrave.com. view reported. The testing sites News reported that between in court. The program would Tax information has also been will work as drive-through and July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020, focus on low-level felonies, incorporated so that a user can walk-in faciltiies and can serve the Bexar County District At- primarily property offenses, find the contact information if 450 people per day. The new torney’s Office received 2,481 KOMO News reported, and it is available. testing sites will not replace citations, which it calculates could not include domestic “The Cemetery Finder is an- pop-up testing locations. avoided nearly $1.9 million in violence or sexual assault cas- other example of how informa- booking costs. es. The $6.2 million budget tion can be more accessible, SOUTH CAROLINA ● ROANOKE COUNTY may for the program was diverted especially if all you know is TheHORRY COUNTY Coun- VIRGINIA create an advisory board to from the Sheriff’s Office. the road name or an alternate cil is considering rewriting its ● ARLINGTON COUNTY is regulate towing companies. name to a cemetery as several ● PIERCE COUNTY’s new have changed over time,” Dep- Restaurant Rally program uty Register of Deeds Miranda will reimburse nearly 300 lo- Stewart told the local ABC af- cal restaurants 100 percent filiate. for gross sales, excluding al- Previous lists were very ba- cohol and third-party orders, sic and often had duplications for the two-week period that without verifiacation. ended Thursday, Nov. 19. Pre- viously, the reimbursement OREGON was 50 percent, The Suburban Two counties passed ballot Times reported. measures Nov. 3 that make lo- Indoor dining was suspend- cal officials criminally liable ed under Gov. Jay Inslee’s (D) for enforcing most local, state new COVID-19 guidelines, and federal firearm regula- but a number of restaurants tions. had ordered supplies, had Voters in COLUMBIA and NORTH CAROLINA food on hand and had in- UMATILLA counties passed TheONSLOW COUNTY Health Department and the Jacksonville Onslow Council for the Arts curred expenses for in-person the measures, making it a class have partnered to commission a mobile mural to promote the “3W” campaign to reduce the dining. A misdemeanor for county spread of COVID-19: Wait, Wear and Wash. officials to participate in the The mural, by local artist Edith Graves, is also part of a social media project to interact with Charlie Ban and Rachel Look- enforcement of any laws or community members. er scour the country for news regulations regarding firearm “We felt like the messaging was getting stagnant,” said County Health Director Kristen Rich- about county governments. use. They also prohibit local mond-Hoover. “We wanted to do something different and still be interacting with our commu- Does your county have news to officials from using county -as nity during a time when community interaction is limited to virtual interaction.” report? Contact cban@naco. sets or funds to aid the state or org and [email protected]. 16 DECEMBER 7, 2020 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of COUNTIES COUNTY NEWS the HR DOCTOR The Data of Culture with Philpot & Winkeler

he end of the cal- endar year is often a time of closure, looking ahead and Tresolutions. It is a time of change by its very nature. This year, which has been full of so much change, is no different. Some organizations are seeing high rates of retirement as we head into the new year. Some retirees may be moving clos- er to family, focused on what is important in their lives as the result of the pandemic. Yet others have underlying heath conditions and feel it neces- sary to leave the workforce. Some retirees may be taking advantage of high home prices as they downsize. Whatever the reason, they take institutional knowledge with them. The loss is felt by the colleagues, who during this time of disconnec- tion and distance, may feel that and pay progression. Who is or generalists? Good follow-up 6. What is the turnover rate the staffing picture? loss differently than previous your most senior employee? questions with employees on this team or in this depart- While culture can be hard retirements. One department Are a lot of employees new in might include whether the job ment? Are there some posi- to measure, there are multi- director said of a colleague re- their roles? Good follow-up description and/or title reflect tions that churn consistently? ple data sources that can help tiring with over 20 years of ser- questions might include: Who what the employee does. Does Perhaps an entry-level job has a new manager have a better vice, “He’s earned it, but we’ve are the leaders in this depart- there appear to be support if a high turnover. Is that due to understanding of the culture. worked together every day of ment? Who do you go to when person is out? Who supports the position being an effective These data points can be clues my career, so I am wistful.” you need assistance? Who you if you are out or need help? bridge to a promotional oppor- to unlocking information about Upon those retirements, new trains new employees? Who is cross-trained to be your tunity and a portal to a new ca- the culture that are not just an- supervisors, managers and di- 2. Review the organization- backup? reer? Is this a position that peo- ecdotal or the result of percep- rectors come to fill vacant lead- al chart. The organizational 4. Dig up the most recent ple either really love or don’t tion alone. This information ership roles and must evaluate chart can tell you a lot about applications of your staff. feel a connection to the work? combined with information the culture of their workforce. the team. Are the direct reports Reading the applications will Is the position low paying? about budget and policy can They may be internal or com- balanced between the supervi- allow you to see work histo- What has been done to address provide a strong foundation to ing to the county from another sors or have staff been moved ry. Perhaps an employee has turnover in this role? the success of a new leader. Ac- jurisdiction or from the private to or away from a certain su- worked in a different public 7. Look at the number of cepting a new position is excit- sector. Likely, these new super- pervisor? What is the average sector agency and has strong temporary employees the ing and having the information visors will speak with their em- number of direct reports? Are relationships with that agen- department hired in the last you need when you start that ployees to learn about the cul- their staff who supervise one cy. What are the skills each year. Does the department journey makes the transition ture they are entering. Talking staff member? Organization employee brings to work each use seasonal temps? On-call smoother and more effective. to staff, meeting colleagues and charts may evolve to capitalize day? Knowing the skills and temps? Interns? This data can And, if you aren’t new in your identifying leaders is import- on the strengths and avoid the strengths of your employees not only show when the work- position, looking at your data ant, but there is also data that weaknesses of individuals. If a can help you engage those load is at its peak, but how re- and seeing what it would tell can assist in assessing culture. new supervisor compares the skills. It is also a great conver- liant the department is on tem- you if you were new to the po- Here are several data points actual department structure sation starter when you meet porary staff. It is also important sition can be enlightening as incoming directors or super- to structures they have seen with each person individually. to get a list of independent con- well. Wishing you a happy and visors can gather from Human elsewhere, it can tell them a 5. How much vacation, sick tractors the department utiliz- fulfilling 2021. Resources when putting a fin- lot about the people. It is also or PTO does each person es as those do not run through ger on the pulse of culture: good to know when the organi- have? Are there staff that are payroll and may need to be ob- From Coconino County, Ariz., 1. Look at an internal eq- zational structure was last up- losing vacation because they tained from Finance. HR gurus and contributors, uity report of your team. It dated and when the structure are up against an accrual cap? 8. Review the current va- Erika Philpot, human resourc- should include staff names, ti- itself last changed. This report can give you insight cancy rate. In addition to the es director and Rose Winkeler, tles, hire date, date in current 3. Consider the job descrip- as to whether staff feel they can number of vacancies, do staff deputy county attorney, address position and pay rate. This re- tions of all the team mem- take vacation or if they feel the have alternative schedules, common and critical HR ques- port will show you longevity bers. What are the titles of the workload is so high they can’t flexible schedules or telecom- tions from their “boots on the but also pay inconsistencies staff? Are the roles specialists step away. muting agreements? What is ground” perspective.