NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES ■ WASHINGTON, D.C. VOL. 41, NO. 24 ■ DECEMBER 14, 2009 Board adopts $19.9 million budget, Two county librarians win legislative priorities for 2010 some ‘love’

BY TOM GOODMAN BY CHARLES TAYLOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTOR SENIOR STAFF WRITER

The NACo Board of Directors, Just in time for Christmas, meeting in Sonoma County, Calif. two county librarians are $5,000 Dec. 4–5, approved a $19.9 million richer after winning I Love My budget for 2010, seven key legislative Librarian Awards from the Car- priorities for the coming year and negie Corporation of New York guidelines for candidates for second and The New York Times. vice president. Ten librarians are selected The 2010 budget, effective Jan. for the honor annually. This 1, is approximately $300,000 less year’s winners include Dwight than the 2009 budget. The reduc- McInvaill, director of libraries tions were achieved through a in Georgetown County, S.C., and variety of cost-saving methods that Sol Gomez, a branch manager will not affect the delivery of services with the Pima County Public to members. Library in Arizona. They are the NACo is ending the 2009 budget only county librarians among this year strong fi nancially. Because the year’s winners. staff has been proactive in managing McInvaill reacted with “dis- expenses, the association is expected belief ” when he learned he had to end the year with a net surplus won. greater than the budget goal of “In addition to disbelief, I $602,000. was astounded,” he said. “I don’t The Board approved four policy consider myself particularly lov- issues as part of the budget: a able.” He might not, but at least 401(k) match of 3 percent for staff, Photo by Tom Goodman three people — who nominated the same as the 2009 level; capital Past NACo President Betty Lou Ward (center) comments during the Board discussion on NACo’s 2010 budget. him — do fi nd him to be a librar- purchases of $245,000, which is a Looking on are (l-r): Leslie Korgel, McLean County, N.D.; Danny Wright, Vance County, N.C.; Ward; Karen ian to love. Geales Sands is one Miller, Boone County, Mo.; and Carol Holden, Hillsborough County, N.H. decrease from $661,000 in 2009; of them. waiving the 3.5 percent surplus “Dwight McInvaill is a quiet, humble, intelligent, empathetic See BOARD page 2 community leader,” said Sands, Red Flags rule delayed again who is executive director of a The Federal Trade Commission including local governments, to operations and transactions are local philanthropic foundation. has once again delayed enforcement adopt a written Identity Theft covered in your county, consult “He does amazing work through of the “Red Flags Rule” — until Prevention Program that is geared with your legal counsel or contact the libraries, but he accepts and June 1, 2010. Aimed at combating towards detecting, preventing and the FTC at [email protected]. You takes no fanfare whatsoever.” the growing problem of identity mitigating identity theft. The rule can also visit the FTC’s dedicated Others, however, do take note. theft, the rule requires creditors, generally applies to municipal Web site at www.ftc.gov/redfl agsrule One of the accomplishments utilities and other government where you can download the com- for which he was recognized is QuickTakes operations that defer payment for mission’s new publication Fighting what he referred to as “landing services on a recurring basis. Fraud with the Red Flags Rule: A a spaceship in a cornfi eld” — Counties with Applicability of the rule to How-To Guide for Business. a particular county activity will See LIBRARIANS page 6 HHighestighest depend on how and when payment PPercentageercentage ooff FFoodood is collected for the service. For SStamptamp RRecipientsecipients example, if the county provides a utility service that is subsequently HHappyappy HolidaysHolidays Wade Hampton Borough, Alaska 49% paid for by the consumer at the end Whatever holiday you celebrate Owsley County, Ky. 49% of a billing cycle, the county has ex- Shannon County, S.D. 49% tended credit for the purpose of the this time of year — may it be merry. Pemiscot County, Mo. 47% rule. As a result, the county utility Happy Holidays from the staff at Todd County, S.D. 46% must have a written Identity Theft County News and NACo. Prevention Program in place. Source: New York Times, June 2009 To determine what types of 2 December 14, 2009 CCountyountyNNewsews • NACo Board plans 13 major goals, initiatives for 2010 LaHood BOARD from page 1 2010 budget Although additional funding announces requirement for the year; and no is provided in the 2010 budget for cost-of-living or merit increases new programs or initiatives, there for staff. The Board did approve are new programs included among millions for $150,000 in funding for one-time the 13 major goals and initiatives staff bonuses to be distributed at planned for 2010. streetcars the discretion of the executive The major goals are: director. • maintain the number of mem- U.S. Transportation Secretary ber counties and dues revenue at 2009 Ray LaHood has announced the Candidates' Guidelines levels (three-year goal) availability of $280 million for The guidelines for candidates for • maintain the number of major urban circulator projects such second vice president ask that can- conference attendees and registration as streetcars, buses, and bus didates notify the NACo president revenue at 2009 levels (three-year facilities to support communities, of their intention to run and fi ll out goal) expand business opportunities a questionnaire by Jan. 31 of the • add 50 new sites to the Network and improve people’s quality of same year as the election. Candidates of Care program life while also creating jobs. are also asked to agree to limit all • begin the Veteran’s Network of The money represents the non-travel-related expenditures to Care program with federal partners fi rst batch of funding by the no more than $25,000 and only to and Trilogy Integrated Resources Obama administration for its visit those state associations that en- • advance the Restore the Partner- Livability Initiative, a joint dorse candidates at in-state meetings ship campaign by getting 100 co- venture of the U.S. Department prior to the Annual Conference. (See sponsors for H.R. 3332, which would of Transportation (DOT), U.S. Guidelines for Candidates for NACo establish the National Commission Department of Housing and Second Vice President, below.) on Intergovernmental Relations and Urban Development (HUD) and The guidelines require that the help establish a Congressional Local U.S. Environmental Protection candidates limit campaign functions Government Caucus Agency (EPA). and distribution of materials to a • implement a NACo Bond “This represents a signifi cant period from the fi rst day of the Leg- Financing conduit through NACo’s effort to promote livable commu- islative Conference to election day at Financial Services Center, U.S. nities, improve the quality of life the Annual Conference. Candidates Communities and Joint Powers for more Americans and create will have information about their Authority by the end of the fi rst more transportation choices that Photo by Tom Goodman candidacy published in County News quarter, with the fi rst issue by the serve the needs of individual and on the NACo Web site. In addi- Burrell Ellis, Southern Region Representative to NACo’s Board of Direc- end of 2010 communities,” LaHood said. tors, reports to the board on his participation in the White House Forum tion, candidates will be introduced implement a pilot program for “Fostering the concept of livabil- on Jobs and Economic Growth. During the forum, attended by President • at the Legislative Conference and Obama and Vice President Biden, Ellis was involved in a break-out session, the Dental Discount Card Program ity in transportation projects will allowed to address the delegates for “Strengthening Workers and Main Street.” He says the discussion focused in partnership with Careington, stimulate America’s neighbor- three minutes. on accelerated retraining of the workforce, extension of Recovery Act Inc. hoods to become safer, healthier The Board also approved the Funding directly to local governments, and federal incentives to revive • establish a self-supporting and more vibrant.” second vice president candidate housing appreciation and new construction. Secretary of Labor Hilda “data warehouse” and have its fi rst A maximum amount of $25 questionnaire and a policy that Solis co-moderated the session Dec. 3. Ellis is chief executive of DeKalb phase operational by the Legislative million per project will be made allows minority reports on steering County, Ga. Conference available from approximately committee actions. • continue the redesign of the $130 million in unallocated dis- NACo Web site with an initial cretionary New Starts and Small launch at the Legislative Confer- Starts Program funds. Eligible Guidelines for 2nd VP Candidates ence and project completion by the projects include streetcars and Annual Conference other urban circulator systems. The NACo Board of Directors adopted new or other description that states how the candidate’s • launch a “Healthy Counties Priority will be given to projects guidelines for candidates for the election for Second background and experience qualifi es him or her for Initiative” patterned after the Green that connect destinations and Vice President that will be held at the Annual Con- the position. Government Initiative with county foster the redevelopment of com- ference next July in Washoe County, Nev. Between • agree to limit all non-travel-related campaign and corporate participants munities into walkable, mixed- Jan. 1–31, candidates will need to send to President expenditures to no more than $25,000 • increase educational pro- use, high-density environments. Valerie Brown a letter of intent to run for the offi ce. • agree to limit travel-related campaign expendi- gramming by adding marketable, A second pot of money total- A candidate questionnaire must also be completed. tures to travel only to those state associations that in-house advanced leadership train- ing $150 million in unallocated Candidates’ letters and completed questionnaires will endorse candidates at meetings held in-state prior ing capability, offering 30 webinar discretionary bus and bus facility be published in a February edition of County News. to the NACo Annual Conference programs, providing regular NACo funds will be available for projects The new guidelines also restrict the length of • submit to the NACo executive director a com- reports to members via webinars and that would foster the preservation campaigns and the amount of money that can be pleted candidate certifi cation questionnaire by Jan. piloting a virtual conference and enhancement of urban and spent campaigning. The guidelines follow below. For 31, so that it may be timely published in a February • complete activities related to rural communities by providing further information, or if you have questions about edition of County News, and President Valerie Brown’s health new mobility options that pro- the guidelines, contact Ed Ferguson at 202.942.4214 • agree that performance of campaign functions care initiative, and vide access to jobs, health care, or at [email protected]. and distribution of campaign materials are restricted • plan for First Vice President and education, or contribute to to the period that begins on the fi rst day of the Glen Whitley’s initiative on raising the redevelopment of neighbor- Guidelines for Candidates for NACo Legislative Conference and ends on the day of the public awareness and understand- hoods into pedestrian-friendly Second Vice President election at the Annual Conference. ing about the role and importance vibrant environments. A candidate who wishes to run for the offi ce of All candidates’ letters of intent and completed of America’s counties. The Notice of Funding Avail- NACo Second Vice President should: questionnaires will be published in a February edition The Board also authorized ability will provide further details • notify the NACo president, in writing, of his or of County News and concurrently posted on the NACo spending $50,000 from the 2009 for applicants. The Federal her intent to run for NACo Second Vice President. Web site. Each candidate for NACo Second Vice budget to help fund a challenge to a Transit Administration (FTA) The written notifi cation should be made between President shall be introduced at one of the Legislative Federal Communications Commis- plans to announce grants early Jan. 1 and Jan. 31 of the same calendar year as the Conference general sessions, and will be allowed to sion ruling that would limit counties in 2010. For further information, election. The notifi cation must include a resume address the delegates for no more than 3 minutes. from managing the placement and contact Paul Griffo at USDOT construction of cell towers. at 202.366.4064. • CCountyountyNNewsews December 14, 2009 3 EPA lays groundwork for In My View ... greenhouse gas regulations What Copenhagen Could

BY JULIE UFNER endangerment. mechanism to address GHGs. The Mean for Local Government ASSOCIATE LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR While a fi nding is not a regula- House passed its version in June; BY CARA MARTINSON tion, it is expected that several related the Senate continues to work on its LEGISLATIVE ANALYST, CALIFORNIA STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES The U.S. Environmental Protec- new rules and regulations would be version. This endangerment fi nding tion Agency’s (EPA) recent fi nding released in the coming months. These puts pressure on Congress to move In California, climate change policy is not a new thing. According that greenhouse gases are dangerous may include joint EPA-U.S. Depart- climate change legislation forward the California Air Resources Board, the state produces roughly 1.4 to both the environment and public ment of Transportation regulations since many industry groups oppose percent of the world’s, and 6.2 percent of the total U.S., greenhouse lays the groundwork for the agency governing emissions from light-duty efforts to regulate GHG through gases. Consequently, California has been working on and fi nding to set up its own framework for cars and providing required guidance the agencies versus a free-market solutions to our effects on climate for some years now. regulating greenhouse gases. to polluting industries on how to mechanism. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 2005 executive order on climate An “endangerment” finding replace old technology with lower- In the meantime, the EPA’s an- change provided the momentum to further advance clean renewable would give EPA direct authority to polluting technology. nouncement couldn’t have come at energy and other solutions to lower our state’s greenhouse gas (GHG) require emitters of greenhouse gases EPA’s move presents a chal- a better time for the administration emissions. In 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (GHG) to make changes to decrease lenge to Congress, which has been — at the start of the international issued a waver allowing California to implement its Low Carbon the amount of GHG emitted. The actively involved in crafting a climate climate change discussions in Co- Fuel Standard. And, the landmark California Global Warming six GHG pollutants in question are change bill featuring a cap-and-trade penhagen, Denmark. Solutions Act of 2006 established the fi rst comprehensive program carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous of regulatory and market mechanisms to achieve real, quantifi able, oxide, hydro fl uorocarbons, per- cost-effective greenhouse gas reductions. fl uorocarbons and sulfur hexafl uo- This momentum is not just limited to state government in ride. The three major sources of Apply online for NACo's California. Local governments across the state have developed greenhouse gas emissions include their own climate action plans, making commitments to reduce electricity generation, transporta- greenhouse gas emissions at the local level. tion and industry. 2010 Achievement Awards From a local perspective, one of the bigger questions surrounding County activities or facilities that Copenhagen and a global climate framework is how this will fi t emit GHG such as construction Applications for NACo’s 2010 has honored thousands of county in with other national, state or even local climate-change policies. and renovation, landfi ll operations, Achievement Award program are government initiatives that have Despite these looming questions, local governments are not wait- heating plants, health and education now available. The annual program improved service delivery, achieved ing for our national leaders to take action. Local governments are services, fossil fuel-fi red electric is non-competitive and recognizes greater cost effi ciency, provided actually laying an important foundation that will be in place when generating units or sewage treat- innovative county government pro- better customer service and helped actual greenhouse gas reduction targets are established. ment facilities could trigger an grams. Each submission is judged to develop a better-trained work Copenhagen has the potential to create a groundswell of op- on its own merits based on the force. portunity for local governments. More serious international and criteria outlined in the application For more information and for national commitments to greenhouse gas reductions could mean information. the 2010 application information, more potential funding opportunities, and increased investment in NACo is introducing a new please visit www.naco.org/achieve- clean technologies and renewable energy. President | Valerie Brown application process this year that mentawards. Publisher | Larry Naake Public Affairs Director | Tom Goodman requires that part of the application Executive Editor | Beverly Anne Schlotterbeck to be completed online. Contact in- Senior Staff Writer | Charles Taylor formation and the title and category Staff Writer | Charlie Ban of the program must be submitted Graphic Artist | Jack Hernandez Editorial Assistant | Christopher Johnson through NACo’s Web site. Payment by credit card can also be made on- ADVERTISING STAFF line, but checks and purchase orders Job Market/Classifi eds representative Christopher Johnson may still be mailed. The program National Accounts representative narrative and any supplemental Beverly Schlotterbeck (202) 393-6226 • FAX (202) 393-2630 materials must still be mailed along Published biweekly except August by: with the e-mailed confi rmation page National Association of Counties that is generated with your online Research Foundation, Inc. 25 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., registration. All applications and Ste. 500, Washington, D.C. 20001 materials must be postmarked by (202) 393-6226 | FAX (202) 393-2630 Feb. 12, 2010. E-mail | [email protected] Last year, more than 770 ap- Online address | www.countynews.org plications were submitted from 123 The appearance of paid advertisements in County News counties in 30 states. in no way implies support or endorse ment by the Na- tional Asso ci a tion of Counties for any of the products, In these tough times, the Achieve- services or messages advertised. Peri od i cals postage ment Award program provides a paid at Wash ing ton D.C. and other offi ces. way for counties to recognize not Mail subscriptions are $100 per year for non-members. $60 per year for non-members purchas ing multi ple cop- only innovative programs, but also ies. Edu ca tion al insti tu tion rate, $50 per year. Member the dedicated employees who make county supple men tal subscrip tions are $20 each. Send payment with order and address changes to NACo, 25 these programs successful. Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washing ton, D.C. 20001. “Counties and their employ- POSTMASTER: send address changes to Coun ty News, 25 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., ees are demonstrating continued Ste. 500, Washington, D.C. 20001 resilience during these difficult (USPS 704-620) ■ (ISSN: 0744-9798) economic times,” said Jacqueline © National Association of Counties Byers, NACo director of research. Research Foundation, Inc. “This program provides a way to recognize and reward these employ- ees for their hard work.” Since the its inception in 1970, the Achievement Award Program 4 December 14, 2009 CCountyountyNNewsews • Counties search Internet for sales tax revenue

BY CHARLIE BAN should go to counties. Tax (SST) Governing Board. Pe- STAFF WRITER A 1992 U.S. Supreme Court terson’s organization coordinates a Losses Tied to the Inability decision, Quill v. North Dakota, multi-state effort to standardize tax After the dust clears from the looms over the current debate. It laws and lobby Congress to make to Collect Due Taxes in 2009 holiday cyber-shopping season, required retailers that have a physi- federal changes. U.S. total: $6.95 billion California: $1.2 billion counties may see less sales tax cal presence in a state to collect sales So far, 23 states have passed leg- Texas: $531 million New York: $528 million revenue than ever before, thanks taxes from customers in that state. islation that accomplishes many of Florida: $490 million Illinois: $309 million to online retailers who don’t have The ruling left it up to customers in these steps, including establishing Source: State and Local Government Sales Tax Revenue Losses to collect and remit sales tax in other states to pay their own sales uniform defi nitions and terminol- from Electronic Commerce - University of Tennessee, April 2009 certain states. taxes. In what has been a surprise to ogy, reducing the number of tax Getting those retailers to start almost nobody, self-reported sales rates and standardizing tax return collecting the tax and how much taxes have largely been lacking. forms. to match its tax codes to other taxes, it will be up to taxpayers to to compensate them for their effort As retailers extend their na- Some of those revisions involve states.’ Income tax forms now have declare and pay their sales taxes. is the main obstacle facing states tional reach using the Internet, the policy changes, which has hung up a line for taxpayers to estimate their The federal legislation champi- lobbying Congress to legislate a decision gave them a leg up over several states’ full participation, online purchase total for the year. oned by the Steamlined Sales Tax standard policy. “physical” stores, because online Peterson said. Peterson said some of the states requires states to pay businesses Estimates of how much money sellers are able to omit the sales In September, the SST govern- aren’t going further because they reasonable expenses associated goes uncollected vary, but a recent tax from the total price. ing board considered a proposal for want to see some positive move- with collecting the sales tax. University of Tennessee study “There is no such thing as a compensating vendors, similar to ment from Congress. Potrikus said online retailers placed it at nearly $3.1 billion in tax-exempt sale on the Internet the requirements likely to be in the Any state with a large popula- typically argue against their having 2009. Organizers of a multi-state — people aren’t paying taxes they federal legislation. One proposal tion of computer-savvy shoppers to collect tax — claiming it’s too lobbying effort say approximately owe,” said Scott Peterson, executive would use more than one-third of is losing out, according to Ted complicated to juggle 8,200 dif- one-third of the uncollected taxes director of the Streamlined Sales the tax revenue to compensate ven- Potrikus, executive vice president ferent sales tax jurisdictions in the dors. Several state offi cials worried of the Retail Council of New York country. But he doesn’t buy that. that this might cost too much of the State. “Consumers can sample “To hear companies that rely on anticipated new revenue. goods in a store and then buy them technology to make their money Profi llees in Service John Kohlstrand, spokesman online, hurting the business and say that it’s too expensive to use for the Ohio Department of Taxa- the local government that would technology to calculate sales tax tion, said, “We’ve tried to educate have gleaned some tax from the is nonsense,” he said. “There is consumers, telling them about their sale.” software that can match the pur- » Jack A. Hilbert tax responsibility, but obviously That makes online retailers chaser’s zip code with the local enforcement is a problem.” the logical choice to collect the tax rate. Technology is available NACo Board of Directors Ohio has completed almost tax, which eliminates the price now that was not around when County Administrator all of the steps prescribed by the advantage they have over physical the Supreme Court last opined. Douglas County, Colo. Streamline Sales Tax. The state has stores. But until Congress compels The barriers they recognized long passed several pieces of legislation Internet retailers to collect the ago are gone.”

Number of years active in NACo: 3 Years in public service: 17 Occupation: Retired – AT&T management NACo-Nationwide Scholarship Education: University of Phoenix, Business; University of Southern Colorado, Behavioral Sciences open now to high school seniors The hardest thing I’ve ever done: lay-off my entire department of This spring, four high school help prepare for a fi nancially suc- As provider of the NACo deferred 62 people in one day — in my private-sector career seniors will earn $2,000 for col- cessful future. compensation program, Nation- Three people (living or dead) I’d invite to dinner: Dennis Miller, lege from the NACo-Nationwide To be eligible, applicants must wide regularly reports to the NACo Ted Nugent and Winston Churchill Scholarship. Winning applicants be graduating high school seniors Deferred Compensation Advisory will have written a short essay who are legal U.S. residents and Committee on industry trends, You’d be surprised to learn that I: had Secret Service detail for describing why it’s important for their parent or grandparent must be updates statistics on the program Presidents Ford and Nixon. a public-sector employee to start enrolled in and contributing to the and provides ongoing education The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is: bull-riding. saving early for retirement. NACo 457 Deferred Compensation on retirement issues. My favorite way to relax is: listening to Indian fl ute music. This is the fi fth consecutive Plan. In addition, the student must NACo receives payment from I’m most proud of: my wife who raised our children then started year that Nationwide and NACo enroll in a full-time undergraduate Nationwide Retirement Solutions have teamed up to encourage course of study no later than the for NACo’s endorsement and her career. high-school seniors to think about fall term of the 2010–2011 school license of its name and logo for Every morning I read: other people…..being intuitive to others is retirement. year at an accredited two- or four- use by Nationwide in connection critical to communications effectiveness. Why spur students who haven’t year college. with the NACo Deferred Compen- My favorite meal is: seafood linguini. even started full-time work to think In addition to these qualifi ca- sation Plan, and related products My pet peeve is: people who mislead, manipulate, abuse, take about retirement? Three reasons tions, applicants will also be asked and services. These funds are used — by applying for the scholarship to answer a question (in 500 words by NACo to enhance programs advantage of or cause people to be unnecessarily alarmed. the students: or fewer) on why it is important for and services for the benefi t of its My motto is: “If you are not at the table then you may be on the • must consider the fi nancial a public-sector employee to start members. menu.” impact of their decisions about early when saving for retirement. The last book I read was: Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Good- college and their career, and realize The application and entry must More Information it is never too soon to start thinking be submitted online no later than All of the information about win. about saving for retirement Jan. 31, 2010. eligibility, judging criteria and My favorite movie is: 300. • begin to recognize the value The NACo-Nationwide Schol- notifi cation process are on the My favorite music is: traditional county western. perspective in turbulent fi nancial arship is just one of the services NACo and Nationwide Web sites. My favorite president is: Theodore Roosevelt. times when diffi cult decisions often arising out of a 30-year relation- For more information, go to www. are required, and ship between Nationwide and the naco.org/retirementscholarship or • identify specifi c actions that National Association of Counties. www.nrsforu.com/scholarship. • CCountyountyNNewsews December 14, 2009 5 Illinois county prison could land ‘Gitmo’ detainees Federal purchase of state prison could pump $1 billion into local economy

BY CHARLES TAYLOR SENIOR STAFF WRITER Counties in Two States

Carroll County, Ill. is used to Could Benefi t hard times. Its jobless rate hit 10.5 percent in September of this year. According to a White House analysis, several counties in the region, The county took a punch to the including Carroll County, Ill., could benefi t from the possible federal gut in 2000 when the Savanna purchase of Thomson Correctional Center (TCC). Army Ammunition Depot closed. They include Whiteside, Lee and Rock Island counties in Illinois A maximum-security state prison, — whose September jobless rates were 10.6 percent, 10.9 percent and completed in 2001, sits unopened 9.5 percent, respectively — and Clinton and Jackson counties in Iowa, due to lack of state funding. both of whose unemployment rates were 7.7 percent. But the county’s luck could be The Rock Island Arsenal, an Army post in Rock Island County, about to change, now that the prison, could provide support to a federally owned TCC, part of which would Thomson Correctional Center, has be run by the U.S. Department of Defense, according to Rick Baker, become a top contender to house co-chief executive offi cer of Quad Cities First, a bi-state regional a “limited number of detainees” economic development organization. currently located at Guantanamo Carroll County is located near the Quad-Cities region (Rock Island, Bay. No exact number has been Moline and East Moline, Ill., and Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa), specifi ed. 150 miles west of Chicago. The U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is considering purchasing the facility — which has 1,600 to the area would make it “ground Daviess, Lee and Rock Island coun- maximum-security cells that never zero for Jihadist terrorist plots, ties in Illinois, and have been used. The BOP would recruitment and radicalization,” • 20 percent to Clinton and Jack- run 75 percent of the facility, and he said then. More recently, he has son counties across the Mississippi the Defense Department would run moderated his tone, calling for a River in Iowa. the 25 percent that might house the “dispassionate” discussion of the “The economic benefi ts from terror suspects. issues, according to the Chicago Tri- Thomson being fully operational go It could be the county’s eco- bune. The state’s U.S. senators, Dick way beyond just Carroll County,” nomic salvation. Operated by the Durbin and Roland Burris, both said Kelly Murphy, executive direc- Photo courtesy of the Illinois Department of Corrections federal government, the prison Democrats, support the proposal. tor of the Illinois Association of The maximum security section of Thomson Correctional Center in Car- “could generate more than $1 bil- At the local level, there is bipar- County Board Members. “Prisons roll County, Ill. has remained vacant since its completion in 2001, for lion in economic activity during tisan support for the prison’s sale. lack of state funding. A portion of its 1,600 cells could house relocated its fi rst four years of operation Eight of the board’s Republican See PRISON page 20 Guantanamo Bay detainees. and up to 3,880 ongoing, full-time members supported the resolution. jobs,” according to an Illinois De- And of residents, Bork said, “I partment of Corrections (IDOC) would say the biggest share of them report that cites an analysis by the are in favor of it.” White House Council of Economic In neighboring Rock Island Advisers. It projects the jobs and County, which could also benefi t investment could cut the county’s economically, Jim Bohnsack, chair- unemployment rate by 2 to 4 per- man of the County Board, says the centage points. prison would be “very, very dif- “It’s just sitting there, and it’s fi cult” to escape from or break into. supposed to be one of the state-of- He said his county was considering the-art prisons. We could certainly a resolution supporting federal use the jobs and the economy needs purchase of the prison. it,” says Gerald Bork, a retired The IDOC report notes that Ralston-Purina employee who has the prison was built to maximum- served on the Carroll County Board security specifi cations, with a dual- for eight years. “I don’t really see a sided electrical stun fence capable downside to it.” of carrying 7,000 volts, 312 security The board recently voted 12–1 cameras on a fi ber-optic surveillance in favor of a resolution supporting network, and armed outer and inner federal purchase of the facility. perimeter towers. Whether sold or not, IDOC has Bork said the prison “defi nitely slated the prison for closure. would be a good thing for this com- Board Member Joyce Schubert munity.” cast the lone “no” vote because “It’s not just for Carroll County; of safety concerns. She worries it’s for the surrounding area too,” he about “homegrown terrorists that added. “People in Clinton [Iowa] could come to this area and cause need jobs too and surrounding problems.” counties. It’s a regional deal.” Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), a U.S. The economic benefi ts are ex- Senate hopeful, put it more starkly pected to accrue as follows, accord- when the news broke last month that ing to the White House report: the prison was being considered. • 40 percent to Carroll County Bringing Guantanamo detainees • 40 percent to Whiteside, Jo 6 December 14, 2009 CCountyountyNNewsews • Story County literacy program enters next chapter

BY CHARLIE BAN their reading component into their including a librarian and pediatri- STAFF WRITER examination routine, limiting the cian, chooses the books for each amount of time it adds to each age level. Those partners, Jons said, The pun is not lost on Jane Hal- appointment. were pivotal in getting doctors to liburton when she talks about the Carlyn Jons, vice president of buy into the system. success of Story County, Iowa’s Raising Readers in Story County, “Adopting counties will need Reach Out and Read Program. the community group that supports to be sure to have partners to take If all goes well, the county’s the program through fundraising responsibility for handling the book- children will grow up to understand and book distribution, said each friendly waiting room,” she said. and appreciate less-obvious turns book serves a purpose in the general Story County started its offi cial of phrase because their parents read checkup. Reach out and Read program in the stories to them from an early age. “Children can relate very closely McFarland Clinic in Ames in 2006, All of Story County’s medical to the subject matter in each book,” but the Morning Rotary started giv- care providers are participating in she said. “Six-month-olds like look- ing books to pediatricians in 2003. this early-childhood literacy pro- ing at other children’s faces, and if “There is an incredible window gram through which doctors talk they can sit up straight and hold onto of opportunity to develop skills to to parents about reading to their the book, the doctor can evaluate read and a love of books,” Jons said. children and by providing children’s Photo courtesy of Story County, Iowa their motor skills.” “Those fi rst fi ve years are when it books in their offi ces. That makes Story County Supervisor Jane Halliburton (left) receives a certifi cate from At 1, a child should be able to happens.” Story the fi rst county in the country Debra Salowitz, chairwoman of the Reach Out and Read-Iowa Advisory recognize a word and point to a From here, the program will Committee, in recognition of the Story County’s Reach Out and Read sites, to be a Bookend Community. corresponding picture; at 2, a child expand into family literacy work- which qualify the county as the nation’s fi rst Bookend Community. Halliburton, a Story supervisor, should talk in at-least two-word shops, to give parents more guidance said she sees great potential for the phrases and at 3, doctors will look on how to nurture their children’s program to work in any county Doctors and nurses participat- to children as they wait for their for a child to be able to retell a appreciation for books. nationwide. ing in the program have been appointments. story. “Reading to a 6-month-old is a “It’s a commitment from the trained in strategies to encourage The national Read Out and Raising Readers buys 10,000 different proposition than reading medical community to a holistic parents to read to their children Reach campaign calls it “immuniz- books a year, with fundraising help to a 2-year-old,” Jons said “We approach to children’s health,” she and address them while in the ing against illiteracy.” from the Ames Morning and Noon can help fi ll in the knowledge gaps said. “It’s their intellectual health. exam room with the child and Doctors in Story have integrated Rotary clubs. A team of selectors, between doctor visits.” A large number of parents don’t parents. They give a new, age- even think about reading to young appropriate book to each child children, but the doctors stress it between 5 months and 6 years when they are talking about their old who visits the offi ce. Many 'I Love My Librarian' Awards recognize children’s health — a time when of their waiting rooms sport parents are all ears.” volunteers who read books aloud library winners with $5k cash prize LIBRARIAN from page 1 Steps — collections of books in ap- collaboration with the University proximately 40 childcare centers. of Arizona’s School of Information securing funding for construction In 2007, the Georgetown librar- Resources and Library Sciences. of the high-tech Carvers Bay ies received national recognition Valadez wrote, “Mr. Gomez has branch library in a poor, formerly from Institute of Museum and a strong working relationship with agricultural part of the county. Un- Library Services with a National the seniors of his community. The employment in the predominantly Medal for Library Service, pre- Pima Council on Aging Mature black community is 12.5 percent, sented by former First Lady Laura Worker’s Program has an offi ce he said, and 38 percent of kids Bush. in the library. Mr. Gomez worked don’t graduate from high school. McInvaill, 55, has headed to bring the Senior Community For African-American males, the the county’s libraries since 1996. Service Employment program to fi gure is 50 percent. Gomez in Pima County is more South Tucson, and the program is Sands said, “He took that branch of an up-and-comer. getting national recognition.” library, and with grant funding from At 32, Gomez sees the award as Corella, who has been a men- our organization, made it into one of an incentive to do more. “It’s defi - tor to Gomez, also sees in him a the most innovative and technically nitely more of an encouragement possible successor. Personalized E-mail Updates advanced libraries in the nation.” It to continue,” he said. “I won this “I’m on my way to retirement was included in a short video by the award, but there many, many, many soon, hopefully in a year or two,” Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, more out there that are doing just as Corella said, “and just to see this Receive e-mail updates whenever new highlighting four innovative library much or even more than I am. new fresh face coming. It would programs nationwide. “It made me just want to work be nice if I could train this guy to information is posted on NACo's Web site! The program includes a comput- even more and try even harder.” take over where I’m at.” er gaming club and tournaments. Pat Corella, deputy director The cash awards the winners Just click on the “e-subscribe” icon To participate, students must have of Pima’s libraries, said Gomez received are theirs to do with as on the homepage or on one of the many “E-mail a library card and check out a began working as a children’s librar- they please. McInvaill said, “I’m designated number of items per ian about four years ago. He was doing what everyone in America is Update” icons located throughout the site. month — which they are required promoted to manage the county’s doing; I’m paying my debts.” to report on. Sam Lena South Tucson Branch Gomez will do likewise. “We fi - Under McInvaill’s leadership, Library after about a year. nally bought some air-conditioning the library collaborated with nine County Supervisor Ramon Va- this past summer. Most of it’s actu- other local cultural agencies to ladez was one of Gomez’ nomina- ally going to that. We put it on a create the Georgetown County tors. He touted the librarian’s “great credit card. This is good timing.” Digital Library to preserve the rapport with his main client base, For more information about community’s history. The library the teens.” Gomez helped create the I Love My Librarian Awards, www.naco.org also has established — in concert a chess club, a reading program visit www.ilovelibraries.org/ with Georgetown County First and Top Chef South Tucson — a lovemylibrarian. • CCountyountyNNewsews December 14, 2009 7 County’s leaf exchange program is all give and take

BY CHARLES TAYLOR ticulate matter 10 microns or less SENIOR STAFF WRITER SpeedRead »»» in diameter). The leaf exchange is part of a Michael King is passionate » Leaf exchange program launched strategy that includes regulating about cultivating his one-third acre to help improve air quality open burning, emissions controls of city land in Jackson County, for vehicles and discouraging the County database helps leaf givers Ore. » use of smudge pots in the valley’s and takers connect His goal of turning it into a many pear orchards, which were “living oasis” was recently helped » Many leaf recipients use the used to keep the plants from freez- by a county program he read about leaves for composting ing in cold weather. in the local newspaper — a leaf Though unable to quantify the exchange. It matches donors with leaf exchange’s exact contribution, leaves to get rid of and recipients and we essentially allow them to Baures said every component of who want the fallen fl ora for com- work it out; they’ll contact each the air-improvement program post material. other.” In Larimer County, Colo., helped. “I see my job as being to feed the city of Fort Collins also operates “The return on investment is the soil and worms, and let them a leaf exchange. great on it,” he added, “because feed my plants, which in turn will Jackson County’s program is there’s not much time that you feed me,” said King, a “passion- part of a several-pronged effort to actually have to put into it once it’s ate gardener” who uses the leaves improve the area’s air quality that actually up and running.” for composting. “The leaves are began nearly two decades ago. Before hearing about the pro- an excellent foundation for this The county is in southwestern gram, King said he spent the past purpose.” Oregon’s Rogue Valley, which is several weeks trying to coordinate The free voluntary program prone to temperature inversions with neighbors to pick up their could hardly be simpler. The that can trap pollution on the landfi ll-bound leaves — a process county’s Environmental Health Di- valley fl oor — including smoke that “took some effort and syn- vision maintains a database of leaf from open burning and chimneys, chronicity.” During his fi rst week givers and takers that includes their Baures explained. Prior to 1991, in the leaf exchange, his family contact information, said Jackson the area was in violation of federal collected more than 25 bags of Baures, the division’s director. “And air quality standards for airborne leaves “from the fi rst few grateful then we send out that information, particles, known as PM-10 (par- homeowners.” Homeowners like John Harris, a leaf donor, are also thankful for Word Search the program. This is his second year participating in the exchange that Photo courtesy of the Daily Tidings, Ashland, Ore. Counties with saves him time and money. Greg Carey and Meredith Lowry are leaf recipients in Jackson County, Ore.’s Leaf Exchange Program, designed to reduce leaf burning and improve Holiday-named Towns See LEAVES page 10 the region’s air quality. They use donated leaves for compost material. O C I N Y S Q L T R R Q Q C A I F P H R R C U E Y I W B J B T I U T H S T B J I T V S Y C D U W C Y X C L A Q Y B E I L B U E A R P R C M O V E Z K J B D K I E Food stamp use rising nationally B Q T D P E T R C Y D A A P O G I L A Z O Q K A C R E G L A X U G L Y E P E K T BY SARAH SUNDERMAN counties where use has historically about 28 agencies with additional L F T N H C F S F J V Y I N U U L V M D RESEARCH ASSISTANT been the lowest. With equal in- resources every week, but now the J R E K K X H J I C C V S D F L Z S Y R creases across the board, it becomes demand is up to 40 agencies. Q P S P Y H V L D R A Y P I T O F A R P It doesn’t matter if a county is evident that counties, which usually Like Forsyth County, Montgom- S J E L W E M X L R S Q M O S N X L N U rich or poor; food stamp usage is on have had few residents qualifying ery County, Md. is also one of the the rise. In the United States, more for assistance, suddenly have seen nation’s richest counties. In fact, it O D V R D U Z C E L C V O J C N L K E K than 36 million people rely on food a sharp increase in need. was recently named by the Census L A W R E N C E D K O M X M M I J O H L stamps to buy their groceries. Shannon County, S. D. has one Bureau as the 12th wealthiest county T F X U R A T M L O B R E C K A L O C A To put that in perspective, this is of the highest percentages of food in the nation. Despite its ranking, Y W O J X G C O A S N K R L Q S F T M V about one in every eight Americans, stamp recipients. In June 2009, 49 its food stamp usage has jumped N L O C N I L H U K M A Y A W H T E H U and one in every four children. Addi- percent of the county’s residents 56 percent, and its county-run food H U K R C S G A B F G U L F C S Z N X D tionally, in more than 800 counties, relied on the program. Not surpris- pantry has seen a record number of M J S W A I A V U D H M U D Y J W A L N food stamps help feed one in three ingly, according to recent U.S. Cen- recipients. Just before Thanksgiv- D X I J G N B E P C S T E A R N S I A R children. According to an analysis sus data, the county has the fourth ing, Montgomery County’s Manna H W M M W R G P S O Q N X L K B Z H K C of local data collected by The New highest poverty rate in the nation. Food Center had a record-setting P Y A G N I U E Q P O T C I D Z V J E W York Times, there are 239 counties In contrast, Forsyth County, Ga. 321 people who lined up for canned where at least a quarter of the popu- had the highest household income and dry goods in a single day. ALGER (Christmas, Ariz.) MCHENRY (Holiday Hills, Ill.) lation receives food stamps. in the south in 2007, yet food stamp Despite the increase of those BOLIVAR (Christmas, Miss.) MOHAVE (Santa Claus, Ariz.) In the past two years, food stamp usage has surged by 160 percent needing and using assistance to CARROLL (Christmasville, Tenn.) ORANGE (Christmas, Fla.) usage has increased in every part of since that time. cover their basic needs, nationwide, DELTA (Saint Nicholas, Mich.) PASCO (Holiday, Fla.) the country; however some of the A very similar trend has been food stamps only reach about two- DUVAL (Saint Nicholas, Fla.) SCHUYLKILL (Saint Nicholas, Penn.) most surprising increases have come seen among county-run food thirds of those eligible. County food GILA (Christmas, Ariz.) SPENCER (Santa Claus, Ind.) in many of the wealthiest counties. pantries. In Middlesex County, pantries help supplement this as well KOOTENAI (North Pole, Idaho) STEARNS (Saint Nicholas, Minn.) Since 2007, the 600 counties with the N. J., the Middlesex County Food as fi ll some of the gap, but there is LAKE (Christmas Valley, Ore.) TOOMBS (Santa Claus, Ga.) highest percentage of individuals Organization and Outreach Dis- still a growing need. Right now all LAWRENCE (Christmas, Kent.) UTAH (Christmas City, Utah) LINCOLN (Christmas Cove, Maine) benefi ting from food stamps added tribution Services provides food to counties must adjust to the rising an additional 1.3 million new recipi- soup kitchens and pantries across dependency on both food stamps MCDONALD (Noel, Mo.) Created by: Christopher Johnson ents. The same is true for the 600 the county. A year ago it helped and food pantries. 10 December 14, 2009 CCountyountyNNewsews • 2009 NACo Legislative Accomplishments Report

The passage of the American and environmental planning at the corporate bonds, resulting in higher testifi ed on behalf of NACo at an Recovery and Reinvestment Act SpeedRead »»» regional level. It would fund $100 interest rates and increased costs to April 16 IRS meeting concerning (ARRA) earlier this year provided million in competitive grants. It taxpayers. The bill, which is part of the proposed regulations. multiple resources for county op- » CDBG gets $1 billion in Recovery supports interagency collaboration a larger package of fi nancial reform erations. Act funding involving HUD, the Department of initiatives, is expected to come to f Preemption of Taxation Au- In addition to this funding, Transportation and the Environ- the fl oor later this year. thority: NACo has been successful » Energy Efficiency Block Grant is NACo has been successful in a mental Protection Agency. NACo A draft bill has been released in blocking legislative attempts to funded in ARRA number of other areas during the passed a resolution supporting this by the Senate Banking Committee preempt state and local taxing au- fi rst session of the 111th Congress. » Renewed Rural Development regional integration planning, and that aims to impose uniform ratings thority over online travel operators, Following are some highlights. Campaign pays off for rural Sen. Christopher Dodd’s (D-Conn.) on corporate and municipal bonds such as Expedia and Travelocity. development The Livable Communities Act of based on risk of default. Agriculture 2009, S.1619. f Streamlined Sales and Use f Telecom Taxes: On June Tax: As of now, no streamlined f Recovery Act – NACo Act for rural communities. One f Passage of Help Families 9, then-NACo President Don tax legislation has been introduced Testimony and Coalition Lead positive outcome of the testimony Save Their Homes Act of 2009: Stapley testifi ed before the House in the 111th Congress. However, Rural Development Victories: was that USDA announced new The Mortgage Reform Act to help Subcommittee on Commercial and it is believed that a bill will be in- The Recovery Act included funding funding for technical assistance to homeowners prevent foreclosure Administrative Law in opposition to troduced as a placeholder by Rep. for an assortment of USDA Rural rural communities. and curb predatory lending prac- the Cell Tax Fairness Act of 2009 Bill Delahunt (D-Mass.). NACo Development programs, which tices passed in May. The legisla- (H.R. 1521). The bill would impose has been working with House and translates into more than $35 bil- Community and tion expands the HUD Hope for a fi ve-year moratorium on any new Senate staffers on draft legislation lion in grants and loans for rural Economic Development Homeowners program to allow state and local discriminatory taxes that would require vendors to collect communities. The rural projects refi nancing via the Federal Housing on wireless services. To date, no taxes on Internet and other remote funded through these programs f Recovery Act Funding for Administration and establishes new further action was taken on the bill sales. Efforts to advance the bill have include water and wastewater in- Key Housing Programs: A $1 bil- renter protections. by the full Judiciary Committee. been hampered by disagreements frastructure, community facilities, lion addition for the Community over vendor compensation, which business development, housing and Development Block Grant (CDBG) f Environment, Energy and f Three-percent withhold- could cost member states (and their broadband deployment. entitlement communities was Land Use: NACo successfully ad- ing: The Recovery Act extended counties) more than any increase in NACo led a coalition of rural included in ARRA. The Neighbor- vocated for funding for the Energy the effective date of the 3 percent remote sales tax revenues. stakeholders through the Campaign hood Stabilization Program Round Effi ciency and Conservation Block withholding requirement to Jan. for a Renewed Rural Development 2 received $1.93 billion. Also, $50 Grant (EECBG) Program at $3.2 1, 2012. Once again, legislation f Election Reform: Legisla- to advocate for this $35 billion in million was included for technical billion in ARRA. More than 400 (H.R. 275 and S. 292) has been tion has been enacted that seeks to funding. NACo was instrumental assistance grants, with $1.5 billion counties were direct entitlement introduced to repeal the require- improve the voting process for mili- in organizing a briefi ng that high- for homeless assistance grants for counties. ment. NACo fi led comments with tary and overseas voters. The bill, lighted the rural development needs urban counties, metro cities and the IRS regarding the agency’s supported by NACo, was amended of rural counties and the need to states. Finance and proposed regulations implement- in committee to ensure that new include rural development funding Intergovernmental ing the requirement and Tim voting requirements would apply in the stimulus. f FY10 Appropriations: Both Affairs Firestine, chief fi nancial offi cer House and Senate passed FY10 of Montgomery County, Md., See ACCOMPLISHED page 11 f Increased Appropriations Appropriations bills that provide The Recovery Act contained for Rural Development and Rural significant increases in funding a number of provisions aimed Renewable Energy: NACo priority for housing-related programs over to stimulate economic growth, a programs in the areas of rural de- FY09 levels. The House and Sen- number of which were advocated Leaf exchange program velopment and food safety did well ate will need to confer before fi nal for by NACo: increase in the small- under the law. USDA Rural Devel- passage. issuer limitation from $10 million to leaves mulch to be desired opment received $2.97 billion, $246 $30 million; fi nancial institutions million above FY09, and Country f CDBG, HOME, Section permitted to invest 2 percent of LEAVES from page 7 can locate additional leaves for of Origin Labeling implementation 8: The Community Development their assets in tax-exempt bonds; mulching or composting in your was fully funded. Block Grant (CDBG) Program and exemption from Alternative “If I didn’t use the leaf program, yard or garden, or locate recycling The law provides $23.3 billion would receive $4.45 billion ($4.16 Minimum Tax (AMT) for tax I would need to load up all the bags options for your leaves (and avoid in discretionary spending, a $2.7 billion in formula grants) in the exempt bonds. of leaves into my truck and drive out extra charges on your trash bill).” billion increase above the FY09 House, and $4.2 billion ($3.99 in In addition, ARRA created a to White City to either ‘biomass’ or The city’s trash rates are based enacted level and $325 million above formula grants, a $350 million new funding mechanism — Build to the dump transfer station.” upon bulk. the Obama administration’s request. increase). Neither bill includes the American Bonds, which provide a Greg Carey and Meredith Back in Oregon, King — an Mandatory spending programs CDBG formula changes proposed tax credit to purchasers or a cash Lowry are leaf recipients, accord- author and teacher — says he raised received $97.83 billion, a boost of by the president. subsidy to the issuer equal to 35 ing to the Ashland (Ore.) Daily 500 lbs. of food in his fi rst year of $10 billion above FY09. The Senate included the same percent of the interest payable on Tidings newspaper. The couple gardening. His future use of leaves funding for the HOME Investment the bond during the calendar year. uses donated leaves for compost will include building raised beds f NACo Testimony Leads to Partnerships Program at $1.82 The program has been so successful to develop a community garden on in his yard, surrounded by river Increased Technical Assistance billion. The House included $25 that talk has begun to extend the a plot that had been an informal rocks, and turning each bed into “a Funding: NACo Rural Develop- million above the House-passed program indefi nitely after its current dump site. worm cultivation/compost” area ment Subcommittee Vice Chair F.D. amount. The Senate provides $18.1 termination date of Jan. 1, 2011. “We’re trying to take an eyesore to develop new soil in these beds, Rivenbark testifi ed in June before billion for Section 8 Housing Choice and turn it into something beauti- he said via e-mail from his home the House on the need to provide Vouchers, similar to the House level, f Municipal Bonds: The House ful,” Carey told a reporter. “It will in Ashland. enhanced technical assistance to $1 billion above FY09. Financial Services Committee give people within the neighbor- “The goal is to create brand ensure that the nation’s most rural approved the Accountability and hood an opportunity to grow their new soil which is exceptionally counties have an opportunity to f Sustainable Communities Transparency in Rating Agencies own food, which is incredibly rich for growing food, fl owers and compete for USDA Rural Devel- Initiative: The House and Senate Act (H.R. 3890) that would require empowering.” ornamental plants.” opment programs funded in the include $150 million for a new Sus- rating agencies to apply the same In Fort Collins, the leaf ex- Recovery Act. He also expressed tainable Communities Initiative, an rating scale to both municipal change program is e-mail based, (For more information about Jackson support for enhanced rural develop- Obama administration request. The and corporate bonds. Even with using Yahoo! Groups to facilitate County’s Leaf Exchange Program, ment funding for rural counties and initiative would support integration a very low default rate, municipal exchanges. Its Web homepage contact Jackson Baures at 541.774.8206 fair implementation of the Recovery of housing, transportation, energy bonds are often rated lower than says, “Through the program you or [email protected].) • CCountyountyNNewsews December 14, 2009 11 Lake County takes PASSAGE to relieve road congestion

BY JAMES DAVENPORT State Toll Highway Authority PROJECT MANAGER (ISTHA), the regional Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB) Traffi c is backed-up due to a and other local municipalities. crash up ahead. You are late for an appointment. If you only had What Is PASSAGE? known about the accident before PASSAGE, which received a 2009 you passed the last intersection. NACo Transportation Achievement What are you going to do now? Award, is an ITS program designed Counties and cities have tried to to provide motorists with real-time address traffi c congestion for many traffi c congestion information when years. And the costs of congestion there are crashes or construction to counties and their residents are activity. These events are commu- enormous. nicated through the Police Depart- A recent report from the Texas ment’s Computer Aided Dispatch Transportation Institute (TTI) esti- (CAD) system that is sent directly mates that congestion already costs to the Transportation Management Americans $63.1 billion a year and Center (TMC), then communicated is getting worse. Factoring in today’s back to highway users via www. fuel prices adds another $1.7 billion Photo, courtesy of Lake County, Ill. lakecountypassage.com, PASSAGE per year. Monitors are ready to display real time traffi c incidents at the Lake County, Ill. Transportation Center. Highway Advisory Radio 1620-AM, With environmental and fi nan- and variable message signs. Using a cial factors constraining additional fi ber-optic network, CAD coverage, highway construction, Lake County, It identifi ed a large number of improvements would fail to fully congestion in the region. congestion segments, and cameras, Ill. was searching for new ways to county roads and intersections address the congestion problem. This was the birth of the “PAS- PASSAGE will eventually cover all relieve congestion. The county, in as being over capacity. The Lake LCDOT applied for and was SAGE” program, developed of Lake County. the northeastern corner of Illinois, County Division of Transportation awarded Federal Highway Admin- through the coordinated effort of A key component of PASSAGE has a current population more than (LCDOT) recognized that trying istration (FHWA) funding to deploy the Lake County Division of Trans- is the TMC, which opened in 600,000 and is expected to grow by to alleviate the congestion with an Intelligent Transportation Sys- portation, Illinois Department of another 200,000 by 2020. additional lanes and intersection tem (ITS) to help mitigate increasing Transportation (IDOT), Illinois See PASSAGE page 16 NACo supports lands-into-trust legislation, ‘Restore the Partnership’ Act

ACCOMPLISHED from page 10 in Health Reform Debate: Then- increase in Medicaid’s federal medi- Sept. 30, 2010. COPS; $225 million for Byrne Com- President Elect Valerie Brown met cal assistance percentage (FMAP). Appropriations: The Labor- petitive Grants; and $125 million to the extent that state compliance with health policy staff for the NACo further secured a provision HHS-Education 2010 funding bills for rural law enforcement. Many was required only “to the extent Obama transition team in January that requires states which man- pending before Congress include counties were declared “disparate” possible.” and was invited to attend the White date counties to contribute to the either the same or increased fund- and received favorable splits with The bill also removed the require- House Health Reform Summit in non-federal share of Medicaid to ing for the Social Services Block municipal governments. ment that a military or overseas March — the only state or local pass the increase through to those Grant, Low Income Home Energy Appropriations: While the voter’s application for an absentee elected offi cial so honored. In June, counties, commensurate with their Assistance, Older Americans Act, regular appropriations process has ballot remain valid for the next two working group members and Large contribution. elementary, secondary and special not been completed (now in confer- federal election cycles. Legislative Urban County Caucus (LUCC) education, and Head Start. ence), the picture for FY10 appears efforts may continue to institute leaders met with White House Of- f The Restoring the Partner- Kinship Guardianship: NACo favorable with the exception of an online voter registration system. fi ce of Management and Budget, ship for County Health Care Costs has been working with the Na- the State Criminal Alien Assistance While such systems may result in and health reform and intergovern- Act (H.R. 2209): NACo continues tional Governors Association, the Program (SCAAP). SCAAP substantial cost savings for counties, mental affairs offi cials to discuss to educate members of Congress National Conference of State Leg- has received $400 million in the NACo will continue to oppose a health reform in general — and to about the costs associated with islatures and the American Public House and $228 million in the Sen- mandatory, one-size-fi ts-all process. push back against proposed cuts to pretrial jail inmates’ loss of federal Human Services Administrators ate. NACo helped organize a delega- No action is expected to be taken by Medicaid disproportionate share health benefi ts. Reps. Alice Hast- to reverse program instructions tion from Maryland to meet with either the House or Senate to impose hospital (DSH) payments. ings (D-Fla.), Rush Holt (D-N.J.) that would not allow states and Sen. Barbara Mikulski’s (D-Md.) “paper ballot only” voting. Both the House-passed bill and and Michael Burgess (R-Texas) counties to extend the new federal counsel and Sen. Ben Cardin’s (D- Senate committee bills incorporate reintroduced their legislation to kinship guardianship program to Md.) counsel. The president has f Lands Into Trust: Legisla- NACo priorities, including near- remove limitations on Medicaid, children who were in state kinship zeroed-out the program in his tion has been introduced (S. 1456), universal health insurance coverage, Medicare, SSI and SCHIP benefi ts arrangements prior to passage of budget. The House has marked jail supported by NACo, which would signifi cant investments in public for persons in custody pending the 2009 Fostering Connections to reentry funding legislation at $100 compensate local governments for health, disease prevention and disposition of charges on April 30. Success and Increasing Adoptions million in FY10, while the Senate lost tax revenues when lands are health promotion, delivery system The bill has 24 cosponsors. NACo Act. While the group succeeded in mark is $50 million. taken into trust for Native Ameri- reforms that promote work access continues to make the case that the getting high-level attention to the cans. Unfortunately, prospects for to coordinated care and measures provisions of H.R. 2209 should problem, the issue has not been f Criminal Justice Reinvest- passage are dim due in large part to grow the health workforce. be incorporated into fi nal health resolved and will most likely require ment Grant Program: After Sen. to the current economic downturn. Work remains to be done to reform legislation. legislative action. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) in Efforts are continuing to open minimize potential cost-shifting in October circulated draft legislation talks for review and revision of the the Medicaid expansion, cuts to Human Services and Justice and Public Safety to “establish a criminal justice current lands-into-trust process Medicaid DSH and excise taxes Education reinvestment grant program to help administered through the Bureau on higher-cost employee health NACo supported Recovery Act states reduce spending on correc- of Indian Affairs. benefi ts. f ARRA: The American Recov- funding for justice programs that tions,” NACo worked with his staff ery and Reinvestment Act extended resulted in more than $3 billion in counsel to change the legislation Health f Medicaid Fiscal Relief in states’ ability to use child support funding to counties, cities and states. to fund local governments as well ARRA: NACo worked ensure enforcement incentive funds to This included $2 billion for the f County Perspectives Heard that ARRA included an $87 billion draw down federal funds through Byrne JAG program; $1 billion for See ACCOMPLISHED page 13 • CCountyountyNNewsews December 14, 2009 13 Workforce development programs received $4.8 billion

ACCOMPLISHED from page 11 consolidate and streamline relations Education and Labor held a hear- f Renewable Fuels / Electric- interests, suggested to Congress with the federal government for state ing on H.R. 2067, the Protecting ity Standards to Include Woody that a defi nition of eligible biomass as states in lowering jail and prison and local governments. America’s Workers Act. NACo, Biomass: H.R. 2454, the Ameri- feedstock should put working for- populations and then reinvesting the along with a number of public can Clean Energy and Security Act ests on an even playing fi eld with savings. NACo’s input along with f Reauthorize the Flood Insur- employer groups, expressed strong of 2009, was passed by the House in other renewable energy sources. that of others has led to a number of ance, Predisaster Mitigation and opposition to this legislation, as an June. The bill contains provisions changes in the draft bill to embrace Severe Repetitive Loss Programs: unfunded mandate. The bill would that would signifi cantly modify the Telecommunications and jails as well as prisons. NACo was successful in getting the mandate OSHA coverage for all defi nition of “renewable biomass” Technology House and Senate Appropriations public employees, including those under the renewable fuel standard f Sustained Funding for DHS’ Committees to include language in currently working in non-covered (RFS) and renewable electricity NACo worked to avoid costly Key State and Local Assistance the 2009 DHS Appropriation bill that states. To date, no further action standard (RES), expanding the litigation on telecommunications Programs: In 2009, NACo contin- reauthorizes the Predisaster Mitiga- has been taken on the bill by the allowable pool of agricultural issues, worked with counties and ued to advocate for sustained fund- tion, National Flood Insurance full committee. and forestry feedstocks that could industry to attempt to craft a new ing for Department of Homeland Program and Severe Repetitive Loss be used. paradigm for telecommunications Security’s (DHS) key state and local Program until November 2010. f Pension and Retirement The original Waxman-Markey taxation, worked on broadband assistance programs. Recently, the Benefi ts: The IRS and Treasury ex- biomass language explicitly ex- deployment and adoption issues, president signed the DHS appro- tended the time by which a govern- cluded woody biomass. This and worked on interoperable public priation bill, and the fi nal legislation SpeedRead »»» mental plan must comply with fi nal language proved to be problematic safety communications. The asso- provides a slight increase in funding regulations on distributions from a for forested communities across ciation also worked with the FCC for key state and local fi rst responder » $4.8 billion for workforce devel- pension plan upon attainment of the nation as different regions of Intergovernmental Affairs Advisory assistance programs. opment programs normal retirement age (“the NRA the country contribute different Committee through NACo’s repre- regulations”) beyond the date previ- strengths to renewable energy sentative, and worked with the other » FLAME Act enacted into law f FEMA Oversight – PFO: In ously announced. NACo and other and fuel generation. NACo, in local government organizations on 2006, Congress enacted compre- » Renewable fuels standards to public employer organizations fi led conjunction with a larger coali- hensive FEMA reform legislation include woody biomass comments with the IRS regarding tion of forestry professionals and See ACCOMPLISHED page 15 with numerous provisions that the agency’s proposed regulations NACo members supported. Dur- implementing the requirement. ing congressional hearings in the f H.R. 3377, The Disaster aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Response, Recovery, and Mitiga- Public Lands NACBHDD appoints issues were raised about the exis- tion Enhancement Act of 2009: tence of both a Principle Federal NACo worked with the House Implementation of the Secure Offi cial (PFO) as well as a Federal Transportation and Infrastructure Rural Schools Program (SRS): new executive director Coordinating Offi cer (FCO), which Committee to introduce H.R. 3377, Following the enactment of led to ambiguities of authority and the Disaster Response, Recovery, the four-year reauthorization of The National Association of responsibility. This could severely and Mitigation Enhancement SRS, NACo has actively worked County Behavioral Health and hamper response as well as recovery Act of 2009. The legislation was with both the administration and Developmental Disability Directors efforts during disasters. approved by voice vote by the full congressional oversight com- (NACBHDD), a NACo affi liate, NACo members called for Con- committee last month. The Senate mittees on implementing of the has announced the appointment gress to limit or abolish the PFO has not yet introduced legislation, program. NACo legislative staff of Ron Manderscheid, Ph.D. as position in a Stafford Act-declared but a comprehensive Stafford has coordinated and managed con- the association’s executive director, disaster or emergency. NACo has Act authorization bill is being gressional communications to the effective Dec. 1. Manderscheid will worked with Congress to limit the drafted with NACo’s support and USDA advocating completion of assume responsibility for the policy PFO’s role. assistance. charter approvals and expeditious and administrative functions of House and Senate Appro- appointments of Federal Advi- the organization, with particular priations Committees included Labor and Employment sory Committee Act-chartered attention to national health reform language in the 2010 DHS Ap- Resource Advisory Committee and current issues confronting propriation bill that would prohibit The American Recovery and members. Currently, NACo staff county systems, such as Medicaid any federal funds from being used to Reinvestment Act provided $4.8 is coordinating congressional shortfalls. Ron Manderscheid, Ph.D. support “any position designated as billion in funding to several existing communications to USDA re- Leon Evans, NACBHDD board NACBHDD Executive Director a Principal Federal Offi cial for any workforce development programs, questing clarifi cation of allowable chair, said, “We are delighted to Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief including three state formula grant expenditures under Title III of have Dr. Manderscheid guide the work on national health reform, and Emergency Assistance Act de- programs that provide funding for the act. Finally, NACo staff has association during this signifi cant particularly for the Whole Health clared disasters or emergencies.” youth ($1.2 billion), adults ($500 requested formal oversight hearings time. He is an accomplished and Campaign, which represents the million) and dislocated workers on implementation in congres- knowledgeable leader who will mental health and substance use f DHS Intergovernmental ($1 billion) authorized by the sional committees of jurisdiction. provide great promise for NACB- care and prevention communi- Offi ce: When Congress created Workforce Investment Act (WIA). HDD’s future.” ties. Throughout his career, he the department in 2002, NACo led ARRA provided $750 million f Passage of the Federal Land Manderscheid has served in has served as a strong advocate advocacy efforts to create DHS’ Of- for high-growth and emerging- Assistance, Management and research and managerial posi- for both the consumer and family fi ce of State and Local Government industry sector grants. Of the Enhancement Act (FLAME): The tions at the National Institute of communities. Coordination and Preparedness, total allotment, $500 million was FLAME Act was recently attached Mental Health, and the Substance NACBHDD represents the and the offi ce reported directly to provided in competitive grants to the Department of the Interior Abuse and Mental Health Services county directors of mental health, DHS secretary. However, in July for strategic partnerships and appropriation conference report and Administration. Most recently, he substance use, and developmental 2005, the offi ce was transferred other entities to prepare workers enacted into law. NACo has been has been a program director for disabilities in the approximately 750 and no longer reported directly to for careers in energy effi ciency involved in the development and Mental Health and Substance Use counties with programs in these ar- the secretary. A critical provision to and renewable energy industries, advocacy of this legislation, which Programs at SRA International eas. County directors are responsible rename DHS’ Offi ce of Intergov- and $250 million was provided was designed to alleviate funding and an adjunct professor at the for the operation and continuity of ernmental Programs to the Offi ce for competitive grants for worker problems caused by emergency Bloomberg School of Public Health, public and related services in their of Intergovernmental Affairs (OIA) training with a priority on projects wildland fi re costs. Along with Johns Hopkins University. local areas. The organization was was included in the recently enacted that prepare worker for careers in the creation of a secure fund to be He is known nationally and formed a decade ago to represent FY10 Department of Homeland the health care sector. used specifi cally for suppression of internationally for his research on mental health and substance use Security (DHS) Appropriations bill. catastrophic emergency wildland adults with serious mental illness, county program directors — devel- The new offi ce will report directly to f Employment Standards: In fi res, the fund will reduce depletion publication of the biennial report opmental disability directors were the offi ce of the DHS secretary and April, the House Committee on of the other agency programs. Mental Health, United States, and his added fi ve years ago. • CCountyountyNNewsews December 14, 2009 15 Transportation fared well in Recovery Act; ‘highway’ bill reauthorization on hold

ACCOMPLISHED from page 13 programs were not completed Program; and a Transit program committees with jurisdiction over f Aviation: Congress is at- before the Sept. 30 expiration date, that is not dramatically changed the surface transportation bill have tempting this year to complete the fi lings in various matters before the which has in turn necessitated a but would get a greater percentage taken any action and have generally process of reauthorizing the federal FCC. series of extensions which now funding for transit. supported an 18-month extension airport and aviation programs. The expire Dec. 18. The House High- The price tag for the legisla- of the current program. That also federal airport and aviation pro- Transportation ways and Transit Subcommittee tion is about $450 billion over six remains the position of the Obama grams expired on Sept. 30, 2007, approved its 775-page draft bill. years, a $163 billion increase over administration, which wants more and there have been a number of f The American Recovery and Developed by Chairman James SAFETEA-LU, and includes $337 time to provide input on the legisla- extensions of the program, the Reinvestment Act: ARRA provided Oberstar (D-Minn.) and supported billion for highways, $100 billion for tion and more time to fi gure out how latest through Dec. 31. The House substantial funding for transporta- by the Republican leadership of the transit, and $12.6 billion for highway to fund a larger program. in May passed its reauthorization tion infrastructure. Highways committee, the adopted measure is a safety. It also appears to increase the bill, H.R. 915. It provides an aver- received $27.5 billion with 30 per- complex proposal that focuses on a authority of metropolitan planning f Highway Trust Fund: Con- age of $4 billion for the Airport cent distributed using the surface number of major formula programs, agencies and places some additional gress passed legislation that the Improvement Program (AIP), $150 transportation program formula. and eliminates or consolidates about emphasis on rural planning. president signed in August that pro- million for Essential Air Service Transit funding was $8.4 billion, 75 of the 108 existing highway and One major concern is that in vided $7 billion to keep the highway (EAS) and increases the passenger and a new Surface Transportation transit programs. consolidating the federal bridge pro- program running through Sept. 30, facility charge (PFC) from $4.50 to Competitive Grant program was The highway portion focuses gram, the off-system bridge set-aside the end of FY09. This action was $7. The Senate Commerce Com- provided with $1.5 billion. The Air- on a Critical Asset Investment is eliminated, which is important to required because the Highway Trust mittee approved its bill in August, port Improvement Program, which Program that combines the In- counties. The bill that was passed by Fund was running out of money but no further action has occurred. provides capital grants to public terstate Maintenance, Bridge and the subcommittee does not contain in mid-August due to less driving, It includes $4.1 billion annually for airports, received $1.1 billion. The National Highway System pro- a revenue title, which if included, reduced revenue because higher the AIP, $175 million annually for biggest winner, high-speed rail, grams; a Metropolitan Mobility would have provided details about gas prices earlier in the year led to EAS and $35 million annually for received $8 billion. Amtrak was and Access Program; Projects of how the program will be paid for less consumption and the impact the Small Community Air Service funded at $1.3 billion. National Signifi cance; a Freight Im- — nor does it include any distribu- of an economic slowdown. The Program. It does not include any f Highways and Transit: Con- provement Program; an expanded tion formulas for the programs or $7 billion comes from a transfer of increase for the passenger facility gressional efforts to reauthorize Surface Transportation Program; earmark projects. general fund revenue to the Highway charge. the federal highway and transit a Highway Safety Improvement In the Senate, none of the four Trust Fund. There is some chance the Senate bill will come to a vote this year before the current extension expires Making a Difference on Dec. 31. f 2010 Transportation Fund- ing: The Senate and House have both approved their Transportation- Douglas County Register of Deeds Treasury-HUD bills. While each chamber’s bill totals about $76 billion, there are some differences in priorities, which will have to be First to E-record in Nebraska resolved in conference committee. The Federal Highway Program (Do you know an elected offi cial any legal uncertainty surrounding is funded at approximately $41 bil- in your county who has shown special the issue.” lion in the House bill and at $42.5 leadership and improved the quality Battiato moved quickly. She billion in the Senate bill, while the of life for the county’s residents? If so, knew that interest was high among Federal Transit Program is funded submit his or her story to County News. her users to e-record. In early at $10.5 billion in the House bill and We may feature it in a new upcoming August, she held an e-recording $11 billion in the Senate bill. The series “Making a Difference,” in honor kickoff attended by more than 100 Airport Improvement Program is of NACo’s 75th Anniversary in 2010. supporters, representing more than funded in both the House and Senate E-mail to [email protected]) 40 businesses, organizations and bills at $3.51 billion level, which is government offi ces. Simplifi le, her the same level that the program has If you asked Diane Bat- initial e-recording vendor, demon- been funded for the past fi ve years tiato what word in the nation’s strated the service and registered and the same as the House bill. IT lexicon caused her the most attendees for training. Essential Air Service gets a mental anguish in recent years, she Then, in late August, Battiato big increase over current funding, would reply, with little hesitation, made history. Her offi ce became the going from $123 million to $175 “e-recording.” Battiato, who is the fi rst offi ce in Nebraska to e-record. million in both bills. Amtrak is Douglas County, Neb. register of The offi ce now has close to 80 funded at $1.48 billion, about the deeds, came into offi ce more than submitters and has recorded nearly same levels in both the House and fi ve years ago. One of her goals, Photo courtesy of Douglas County, Neb. 1,400 documents. In late October, Senate measures. However, there she says, was to move the offi ce Diane Battiata, Douglas County, Neb. register of deeds, sorts through the offi ce had its fi rst “more-than- is an additional $1.2 billion for forward technologically. paperwork before it is digitized. 100-documents-recorded” day. “We intercity and high-speed rail in E-recording was near the top were elated,“ Battiato said. “Every- the Senate bill as compared to an of her to-do list, but seemingly in Nebraska,” Battiato said. “After a after a seemingly endless fl ow of e- thing went smoothly, for the most additional $4 billion in the House unattainable. E-recording, formally while, e-recording became the brass mails, letters, and phone calls — and part. Now, we’re looking forward bill. An addition to the traditional known as electronic recording, is the ring for me. I wanted it for our users, a fl urry of last-minute clarifi cations to a 200-document day because we transportation appropriations in process of submitting, receiving and for Nebraska. It simply did not make — Battiato received word from the know that we can handle it.” the Senate bill, but not in the House processing documents for recording sense that we weren’t using this secretary of state. In the meantime, Battiato ex- bill, is $1.1 billion for grants to via the Internet. E-recording can be amazing piece of technology.” “I received an offi cial opinion in pects more companies and counties support signifi cant transportation done by individuals or companies. Battiato decided to launch her June,” she said. “In short, Secretary to jump on the e-record bandwagon. projects, similar to what was in “Not being able to e-record own campaign to e-record. What of State John Gale gave us the green “Why not? It’s a great service that’s the stimulus bill, which carries was unfathomable. Hundreds of followed were months of commu- light to move forward. He expressed long overdue, and it’s clearly a ‘win- a requirement that at least $250 counties around the nation were nication between the secretary of complete confi dence in what we win’ for submitters, us and the state million of these funds be spent in e-recording, but not a single county state’s offi ce and her offi ce. Then, wanted to do, and thus eliminated of Nebraska.” rural communities. 16 December 14, 2009 CCountyountyNNewsews • Innovative software helps Model Programs counties control traffi c PASSAGE from page 11 According to Lake County FROM THE NATION'S COUNTIES Board Chairman Suzi Schmidt, February 2006. The 4,700-square- Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Rep. foot facility houses technology and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) negotiated $3.6 staff needed for the PASSAGE million in federal funding toward Program Pushes Heating program. the cost of the initial phase of PASSAGE. “Intergovernmental How PASSAGE Works cooperation was crucial in getting Oil-level Mindfulness and Why It’s Important this transportation management PASSAGE combines technology center constructed and will continue BY CHARLIE BAN and communications to improve traf- to be important as we develop and STAFF WRITER fi c fl ow and manage traffi c incidents expand our intelligent transporta- on arterial roads. This is important tion system throughout the county,” Last year, Roberto Rodriguez because the county has limited Schmidt said at the opening of the hammered home to Ulster resources to invest in congestion TMC. County, N.Y. residents for mitigation. “The county is limited to An additional $3.2 million in months that a heating oil tank investing about $22 million annually federal funding was secured to begin that is a quarter full might as for road construction projects and the second phase. The federal share well be empty. it can cost as much as $4 million to for the fi rst two phases was around That repetition paid off when build one mile of new roadway,” 60 percent through earmarks. The only 10 residents lost heating said County Board Member Diana county match, 40 percent, came capabilities in their homes, O’Kelly, chair of the Public Works from the regular county highway compared to 43 the previous and Transportation Committee. capital program funds. winter. LCDOT partnered with key state Even in its early stages, PAS- Now, Ulster’s Winter Watch agencies and local communities SAGE has already been providing a enters its second year. Rodriguez, to interconnect traffi c signals and number of important benefi ts to the social services commissioner for expand the system. In addition, an motorists of Lake County. That has the county, hopes to eliminate important aspect of the program been seen through the following: more causes of heating capacity is the coordination among other • interconnection of traffi c sig-

loss and cut the number of fi res Image courtesy of Ulster County, N.Y. signifi cant partners including law nals throughout Lake County enforcement and fi re departments. engineers using the cameras during the winter. The Ulster County, N.Y. Social Services Department PowerPoint pre- • “The more we can get people sentation briefed town supervisors on winter emergency plans and “Our operators at the Transpor- and fi ber-optic tools to review and to recognize urgency before it repeated messages to residents, months ahead of winter, to monitor tation Management Center receive fi ne tune highway operations while becomes immediate, the better,” the heating oil levels in their homes. traffic-related information from reducing the need for site visits he said. the Lake County Sheriff’s 9-1-1 • processing information on Much of last year’s Winter computer-aided dispatch program 152,875 events and providing trav- Watch infrastructure will remain Rodriguez said Ulster County and country governments were that alerts them to traffi c crashes, eler information for 14,261 events in place. Various county depart- did not record any deaths from expected to do in coordination stalled vehicles and other incidents since March of 2006 ments are updating a widely hypothermia or exposure last with the nonprofi ts involved. that would impede traffi c fl ow,” said • the PASSAGE Web site that distributed informational pam- winter. He receives alerts three days “Winter Watch did a great Carol Spielman, former chairwoman contains congestion segments al- phlet, and food bank collection in advance through the National job of disseminating useful in- of the Lake County Board’s Revenue, lows motorists to view congestion by Boy Scout troops will esca- Weather Service for predictions of formation,” he said. “Each town Records and Legislation Committee. hot spots along its 85-mile long fi ber late. Each town supervisor in the temperatures below 10 degrees. chose its own way to distribute “This allows them to adjust traffi c optic network county will keep extra kerosene If a household loses heating the fl iers, but they all gathered a signal coordination to keep traffi c • the traffi c signal system re- on hand to tide residents over capacity for more than six hours, lot of information in one place fl owing as effi ciently as possible.” sponse plans that have been devel- until they can get a long-term each town has designated shelters, and the individual residents I Offi cials noted that the cameras oped allow operators to quickly heating oil refi ll. based on kitchen, bathroom and cot talked about it were very ap- used in the PASSAGE program are adjust individual signal timings The quarter-tank message availabilities. After two days, the preciative.” not used by law enforcement to in response to signifi cant roadway was largely effective, Rodriguez Social Services Department takes As important to McDonough catch red-light runners or speeders, events thus reducing drivers’ vehicle- said. over. Rodriguez said no families as the heating oil messages were nor is the video recorded. hours, emissions, fuel consumption “It helped us avert a lot of reached that point last year. the energy effi ciency tips. But he and number of stops. emergencies where several “Our buildup is aimed at making echoed Rodriguez’ emphasis this Program Costs The PASSAGE program sup- people would run out of fuel at residents self-reliant and able to year on safety. and Funding ports improved coordination be- the same time,” he said. “We help their neighbors,” he said. “We “A lot of people wound up The PASSAGE program is be- tween the Lake County Division of didn’t have many people waiting don’t expect it to be 100 percent with chimney fi res when trying ing deployed in phases, each phase Transportation and local emergency out a delivery bottleneck. They effective, but have enough people a different kind of energy, so making optimal use of existing response providers. This aspect of took care of their fuel needs prepared that they can help those they’re thinking about ways to infrastructure by tying together the program has been very favor- early.” who aren’t. change their heating habits,” communications elements owned ably received by the Lake County The pamphlets compiled With an increase in state grant he said. by multiple agencies. The fi rst phase Sheriff’s 9-1-1 dispatch center for helpful phone numbers for vari- funding for repairing and replacing McDonough would also like involved the opening of the TMC, the enhancements that it provides ous county programs, energy- furnaces, the county can afford to re- to see the county contract with fi eld interconnects and new ITS fi eld to its command and control capa- efficiency tips, maintenance place some troublesome appliances a gas supplier, as it has for a devices. The total cost for phase one bilities. guidelines, consumer advice and in households that demonstrate heating oil supplier. was $6.3 million. More information on the Lake safety precautions. fi nancial need. The second phase included ad- County’s PASSAGE project is avail- The information campaign Rosendale Town Supervisor Pat- (Model Programs from the Nation’s ditional ITS fi eld devices for more able at www.lakecountypassage.com. will also stress clean chim- rick McDonough served as liaison Counties highlights Achievement roads, more communications, For more information on the NACo neys, because Ulster County to the rest of the town supervisors. Award-winning programs. For more interconnections and central system project or to submit information homes had 89 chimney fi res in He said communication in the plan’s information on this and other NACo upgrades. The total cost for that on other county based congestion 2008–2009, compared to 68 in execution was very clear, and the Achievement Award winners, visit phase is approximately $5.6 million. management programs, contact 2007–2008. organization clarifi ed what the town NACo’s Web site, www.naco.org.) Initial planning has begun for the James Davenport at jdavenpo@naco. next phase. org or 202.661.8807. • CCountyountyNNewsews December 14, 2009 17 News From the Nation’s Counties

XCALIFORNIA stores can be built, how big they to adopt this pilot initiative. Other • Delivering frozen meals to can be and how much space can counties might accept payment on- 1,400 seniors will keep SACRA- be devoted to selling groceries and line, but still require a signed guilty MENTO COUNTY from putting other non-taxable items. plea and ticket to be mailed in. its Meals on Wheels program on ice. XFLORIDA XMINNESOTA A budget deficit forced the • Four new partners have joined SCOTT COUNTY auditors Board of Supervisors to cut several HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY’s will revoke farm status and the programs, and this move will save Cell Phones for Soldiers drive. accompanying property-tax rate nearly $681,000. The change would Coca-Cola Global Finance Shared from properties that are not actively reduce the need for kitchen staff Services, Jefferson High School’s used for agriculture. and drivers, who currently have to Best Buddies Club, the Sun City Typical property tax bills will work daily. Center and the 26th Annual Plant increase by $1,000 or more, County “The same number of people City Christmas Parade will all hold Auditor Cindy Geis told the Star will be served,” Department of phone drives. Tribune. Human Assistance Director Bruce ReCellular, a used-commu- Approximately 100 properties Wagstaff told The Sacramento Bee. nication device reseller, pays the would likely be affected, and many “What we’re doing is changing the program for each unused or obsolete more would be removed from the way they’ll be served.” phone and communication device Green Acres program, which sup- Wagstaff said approximately donated. Those proceeds buy presses property values for farmers 150 seniors would still get daily pre-paid calling cards for soldiers close to metro areas, as land prices hot meals. abroad. Since the program began nearby rise. in 2004, more than 500,000 prepaid State laws categorizing farmers • LOS ANGELES COUNTY calling cards have been sent to ser- say their properties must be at least and the University of California vice men and women overseas. 10 contiguous acres of tillable land (UC) system will reopen Martin that produces crops for sale. Luther King Jr.-Harbor Hospital • PALM BEACH COUNTY in South Los Angeles. commissioners have tentatively XNEVADA The Board of Supervisors voted approved ethics reforms, includ- WASHOE COUNTY offi cials to provide funding and a new facility, ing creating an inspector general’s are working on a new ordinance after the UC Board of Regents voted offi cial position and establishing a Photo courtesy of Clackamas County, Ore. designed to shield junk vehicles to contribute physicians and start a fi ve-member ethics commission. XOREGON from public view. They’re hope- graduate teaching program. The commission would be ap- Portland-area counties are showing their pet-friendly holiday spirit ful it will help eliminate blight in The county and university pointed and the inspector general this year. CLACKAMAS COUNTY Dog Services observed so-called unincorporated areas near Reno system will appoint members of would have the power to review, Black Friday by offering 50 percent off all pet adoption fees Nov. 27 and Sparks. the hospital’s nonprofi t board. The audit and investigate county govern- and 28. Their efforts netted new homes for six dogs, like Fletcher shown The County Commission had 120-bed facility is scheduled to ment functions and contracts. Board here with new family members, Rylie and Caeden Rogers. The shelter been considering limiting residents to open in late 2012, with a full-service commissioners will approve the cut in half its $55 fee for dogs under six years of age and $35 for dogs no more than two inoperable vehicles emergency center and outpatient inspector’s contract and allocated six years old or older. per lot. However, as a compromise ambulatory care center. a 0.25 percent surcharge on county “Having a home for the holidays is wonderful, for people and pets, there would be no limit on the num- The hospital closed in 2007 fol- contracts to fund the inspector gen- and we’re hoping to make that a little easier with this sale,” said Diana ber of clunkers, so long as they aren’t lowing repeated lapses in medical eral’s offi ce, estimated at $700,000 or Hallmark, dog services manager. visible to the public. A fi nal vote is care, according to The Contra Costa more. The inspector general can be MULTNOMAH COUNTY Animal Services is also offering scheduled for Jan. 12. Times. Since then, it has functioned removed if fi ve of the seven county discounted pet adoption fees — $10 off — for those who bring a food A related ordinance, passed in only as a walk-in clinic. commissioners fi nd cause and the donation to its shelter. And make that “people” food, not Alpo. September, will enable the county ethics commission agrees. During December, visitors who bring two cans of food to the shelter can to hire hearing offi cers to hear • MERCED COUNTY super- The ethics commission seats adopt at the cut-rate fee. Collections will benefi t local homeless humans. violators’ cases, uphold fi nes and visors passed new restrictions on would be fi lled by representatives “We take care of homeless pets all year long, and this month we want monitor compliance, mercurynews. off-road ATV riding on unincor- from the county association of to go beyond that,” said Mike Oswald, director of Animal Services. com reported. porated county land. police chiefs, a coalition of minor- “With this drive we want to help people struggling fi nancially to care for Off-highway vehicles are pro- ity lawyer groups and the board of themselves in order to care for their pets.” XNEW JERSEY hibited on private property if they the County League of Cities. Also Governor-elect Chris Christie create a noise disturbance to nearby sitting the board would be the head says state associations representing residential property. The sheriff’s of the local chapter of the Florida • Emergency dispatchers in mately 45 bars, restaurants and other counties, cities and school boards offi ce will have sound meters to Institute of CPAs and the Florida TROUP COUNTY will be able establishments. should give back state-sponsored enforce the ordinance, which is Atlantic University president, ac- to pinpoint the locations of cell Cook, DuPage and Lake coun- and taxpayer-funded pensions, and punishable by fi ne, according to The cording to The Palm Beach Post. phones that call 911 beginning in ties have already banned these health benefi ts. “It’s not right,” he Merced Sun-Star. April. machines. The Kane County Board told The Record newspaper. Noise from agricultural vehicles XGEORGIA Dispatchers cannot currently voted Dec. 8 to ban them. Representatives of the groups is exempt, as is noise from recre- • FULTON COUNTY will buy locate cell phones, according to said they didn’t ask to join the ben- ational vehicles in commercial areas the Atlanta Jail for $41.7 million. the Ledger-Enquirer. The service • Drivers pleading guilty to efi ts systems but that state lawmak- that have conditional-use permits. The county will be able to use four will add 50 cents to the current $1 traffi c tickets won’t have to drive ers, as far back as the 1950s, believed courtooms in the city courthouse in charge for each 911 call made from to the post offi ce to pay their fi nes they should be included. • A four-person panel will exchange for letting the city use 400 a cell phone. in ST. CLAIR COUNTY. De- Celeste Carpiano, executive draft MONTEREY COUNTY’s of the roughly 1,300 beds in the facil- fendants can log their guilty plea director of the NEW JERSEY AS- policy for big-box retail store ity, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution XILLINOIS and pay online using the circuit SOCIATION OF COUNTIES, development. reported. Fulton is under a federal • MCHENRY COUNTY has clerk’s Web site, and make credit said her association’s “employees Representatives from resident, consent decree to ease overcrowd- joined several of its neighbors card payments towards outstand- were enrolled in good faith as a labor, retail and development groups ing and improve other conditions in banning video gambling in ing traffi c, misdemeanor or felony term of employment — not an will fi ll those seats, according to the in its county jail. The Atlanta jail businesses outside of municipal cases, or make restitution to crime option.” Salinas Californian. The ordinance is also closer to the Fulton County borders, the Daily Herald reported. victims. would set guidelines on where Courthouse. The ban will affect approxi- It’s the fourth of 102 counties See NEWS FROM page 18 18 December 14, 2009 CCountyountyNNewsews • Research News A Cell Phone Conundrum

The Census Bureau recently Younger users are accustomed to any one location or address, this determined by GPS or similar gency notifi cations at contact points released a report that tracked the having not only their communica- traditional method of responding technology. The phase-in period for other than their landline phones. growth of cell phone ownership in tion device (phone, text or e-mail) to 911 calls is insuffi cient. Enter these updates ends in 2012, when However, just as in the Texas the U.S. The data shows that in 1998, with them at all times, but also their the Federal Communication Com- all wireless providers must be in counties, residents need to register 36 percent of the households in the music player, camera and video re- mission, which created new rules compliance with both phases. their additional contact options, United States had at least one cell corder, too. There is no comparison for 911 calls received from wireless The rules, which apply to all which can include cell phones, fax phone. By 2005, that number had between this capability and landline devices to assist local emergency wireless providers, require that they machines, e-mail, PDAs and offi ce increased to 71 percent. phones. responders. transmit all 911 calls to a Public voice mail. For those households that in- But the proliferation of cell The FCC created two phases Safety Answering Point, without clude individuals who are 29 years phone use is creating the need for concern for whether the caller is Minnesota old or younger, the rate of growth change in many other areas. The their subscriber or not. Steele County, Minn. is also in the ownership of cell phones in- impact of this phone revolution Many counties also provide reaching out to its residents to reg- creased more dramatically. In 1998 automated emergency call-out ister to receive urgent pre-recorded only 35 percent had cell phones, yet notifi cation in the case of a natural telephone messages in targeted by 2005 that number had increased The impact of this disasters such as hurricanes, fl oods, areas. This system is similar to others to 81 percent. phone revolution can be wildfi res, chemical spills and gas in that it uses an existing database What is more telling about the substantial for counties leaks. These notifi cations, which tell of telephone numbers, generally data from this report is the decrease with emergency response county residents what to do, when already tied to an address or some in landline phones for the under-29 requirements ... to evacuate, when to take cover other geographic location. age group. Landline ownership among other things generally use However, the county is encour- dropped from 93 percent in 1998 to the publicly available telephone da- aging the following to go register 71 percent in 2005. A recent study tabase. However, no such database online: by the National Center for Health can be substantial for counties with currently exists for cell phones. • all businesses Statistics shows that wireless-only emergency response requirements, To fi ll the gap, counties are • residents with unlisted phone households have increased from and cause changes in the ways of implementation for these new reaching out to cell phone users who numbers 6.1 percent in 2004 to 15.8 percent people communicate. How do you rules. Phase One requires that 911 don’t have landlines asking them to • residents who have changed in 2007. call 911 from a cell phone? calls from cell phones be routed to register their cell phones to receive their phone number or address in Not surprisingly, the households Most 911 calls, when made from a responder based on the location these emergency messages. the last year with the highest percentage of land- a landline, identify the physical ad- of the cell tower that receives the • residents who use a cell phone lines are occupied by people age 65 dress of the caller so that emergency call, and Phase Two requires that Texas as their primary phone and older and the lowest percentage responders can be dispatched. Since the routing of the call be based The Capital Area Council of • residents who have recently by those under age 29. cell phones are not attached to on the location of the cell phone Governments (COG) in Texas has moved, but kept their same num- created such a program. This emer- ber gency system serves a 10-county area • residents who wish to receive that includes Travis, Williamson, text or e-mails, and Christmas tree gets reprieve from Hays, Bastrop, Caldwell, Burnet, • residents who receive their Llano, Lee and Fayette counties. phone service over the Internet. courthouse lawn ban The program, which started in early Many other counties across the October, directs cell phone users to country have purchased so-called NEWS FROM from page 17 Local Gift Shift” while holiday Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio the COG Web site where they can mass emergency notifi cation sys- shopping this year. The two said said the board received at least 100 enter their cell phone number and a tems, which have the capacity to XNEW MEXICO they will spend at least 10 percent e-mails in two days from residents street address or at least one specifi c notify cell phone users in emergency A new pilot program to dis- of their shopping budgets at local opposed to the grounds task force’s location on a map. situations. But, these systems, once courage drinking and driving in businesses this year and urged other decision. County residents can enter mul- again, are only as good as their da- BERNALILLO COUNTY just Utahns to do the same. tiple addresses for one cell phone, tabases, which may not include mil- might be working. The county has Every dollar spent on a Utah XWISCONSIN including a home, business or school, lions of younger wireless-only users. expanded its Safe Ride program product adds $1.50 to $2.50 to the Call them wanted posters on as long as it is in the regional area. Ed For now, outreach and registration beyond offering free rides home state’s economy, according to The steroids. The BROWN COUNTY Schaefer, the director of homeland for this population is key to keeping from bars. Salt Lake Tribune, citing the Utah’s Sheriff’s Department will use bill- security for the COG, estimates there them plugged in and well-informed Over Thanksgiving weekend, Own program. boards to help track down people are currently 1 million cell phones in in emergency situations. the program also gave free taxi County and city offi cials said with pending arrest warrants. use in the Council of Government’s For additional information rides to bars and restaurants. It’s shopping close to home can also Those being sought face charges regional area. about the FCC requirements go a joint venture between the county help reduce greenhouse gases ranging from speeding to battery to www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/ and the New Mexico Hospitality to littering. Arizona wireless911srvc.html. Retailers Association, KOAT.com XVIRGINIA “We obviously don’t have the In Yavapai County, Ariz., the reported. The LOUDOUN COUNTY manpower to go out and hunt down Sheriff’s Offi ce is offering residents (Research News was written by Jacque- Last year, over the Thanksgiv- Board of Supervisors overturned that many individuals,” Lt. Keith the opportunity to receive emer- line Byers, director of research.) ing holiday weekend there were 33 a decision by the county’s Facili- Deneys said. DWI arrests in the county; this year ties and Grounds Task Force that The billboards will feature 10 there were 13. The program is also banned the display of a Christmas pictures of wanted people every available on non-holiday nights, but tree on the courthouse lawn. day for two weeks, WISN-TV it offers only free rides home. Supervisors say they were reported. unaware of the decision until the XUTAH Rotary Club’s request to put a (News From the Nation’s Counties is SALT LAKE COUNTY Mayor Christmas tree on the courthouse compiled by Charles Taylor and Charlie Peter Corroon joined his city coun- grounds was denied just before Ban, staff writers. If you have an item terpart, Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Thanksgiving, the Loudoun Times- for News From, please e-mail ctaylor@ @@NACoTweetsNACoTweets Becker, in pledging to “Make the Mirror reported. naco.org or [email protected].) • CCountyountyNNewsews December 14, 2009 19 The H.R. Doctor Is In Deere John Special thanks go to the very fi ne was only barely eligible to enter the Moline, how that simple idea has to appreciate not only the products more money than expected at the people at the Iowa State Association door, owning only a small John morphed into huge tractors and of modern agriculture but also the John Deere store, the experiences of Counties. The HR Doctor had a Deere utility tractor. Nonetheless, combines, some of which can oper- values that go along with living in and the people I met at the Iowa great time conducting two seminars the equipment was astounding if ate via GPS and computers without an agricultural community during State Association of Counties em- at the recent Fall Conference in not also complicated and certainly much need for human direction. more than 12 years as county human bodied all of these characteristics. Coralville, Iowa. The best way to get not your great-great-grandfather’s resources director and the chief What a very enjoyable experience to Coralville from South Florida is to farm equipment. administrative offi cer in central to make new Iowa friends, to come fl y to the airport in Moline, Ill. Scottish immigrant John Deere California’s Stanislaus County. This away with a clear sense that the val- Just saying the name “Moline” arrived in the United States at about is one of America’s very top- produc- ues of personal and family strength elicits strong emotions in the hearts the time in the 1840s and 1850s ing agricultural areas. are alive and well in Iowa, and that of anyone who is, was, or ever wants when new territories were opening What a wonderful place it was to the corn chowder is every bit as good to be a farmer. Moline, Ill. is the up and land was plentiful for farm- raise two amazing daughters. Besides as I expected it to be. headquarters of John Deere. In fact, ing. New forms of transportation great schools at the time, the kids got Special thanks to the Iowa State the prospect of fl ying to Moline was and technology, including railroads to go to county fairs, corn feeds, farm Association of Counties CEO Wil- so exciting that my good friend and and steam power were appearing. While the HR Doctor spent festivals and farmers’ markets. The liam Petersen and the wonderful colleague, Mike Conlan, couldn’t The Deere fellow soon identifi ed considerable time staring at the lat- HR Doctor once even got to judge Stacy Horner who helped coordi- wait to join the HR Doctor in the a serious problem facing farmers est in rather small four-wheel drive, the Miss Patterson Apricot Festival nate and make my visit positive and experience. and set about fi guring out a way to four-wheel steering, diesel utility Queen competition — a diffi cult memorable for me and, I hope, pro- Mike grew up on a small farm cure the problem. Plows got stuck tractors, Mike was busy climbing and dangerous undertaking! The ductive and valuable for the many at- in New Jersey, in which he was in prairie sod, which meant that at least two stories into the cabs of HR Daughters were also able to tendees at the seminars I conducted. surrounded by and used John Deere plowing was slow and ineffi cient. super tractors and combines, no spend time with friends who “lived” HR subjects are very much on the farm equipment as a boy and today He soon created a plow blade that doubt imagining how such monster the values of farm families. These minds of my Iowa colleagues, just collects John Deere farm equip- automatically moved sod out of the machines could make short work of values of acceptance of personal as they are for colleagues in urban, ment, which certainly qualifi es him way and eliminated clogging. This his entire four-acre farm retreat. responsibilities, hard work, honest high-density areas. to be an honored guest at the John made prairie plowing far more ef- One of the most enjoyable and relationships and fun are the phi- Just as agriculture is the back- Deere Pavilion — a modern exhibi- fi cient than ever before. It was very thought-provoking parts of the losophies that have shaped America bone of what has made America tion hall in Moline. The HR Doctor hard to imagine, without being in visit to the John Deere Pavilion was every bit as much as our technology successful, great HR is what can watching a very well produced fi lm and economic power. enable great outcomes and reduced about the legacy and contribution At work, these are the charac- liabilities in all of America’s local of agriculture to the United States. teristics that make for promotions, governments! As a child, the HR Doctor lived successful achievement, service and What’s in Brooklyn, N.Y. in a high-rise satisfaction. It was no wonder then tenement and then “matured” in that after drooling over John Deere Phil Rosenberg in a urban Los Angeles. Later, I learned farm equipment and spending far The HR Doctor • www.hrdr.net Seal? NACo Interoperable »Iredell County, N.C. Communications Policy Forum www.co.iredell.nc.us/welcome.asp February 25–26, 2010 • Mobile, Alabama Iredell County was incorporated in 1788 when it was formed from adjacent Rowan County. It is named for James Iredell (1751–1799), Most costs to participate are covered. Applications are lim- attorney general of North Carolina during the Revolutionary ited by budget and space availability for teams that include War, who was an ardent supporter of the Constitution and was appointed to the original U.S. Supreme Court by President George at least one elected offi cial with up to three others. Washington. The seal of Iredell County is simple and succinct, composed of an outline of the county superimposed atop two circles. The seal Hurry! shows the location of the county seat, the city of Statesville, as Application deadline noted by the star. The two intersecting lines dividing the county into quarters are Interstate 40, which runs east to west, and Interstate is January 8, 2010. 77, which runs north to south. Statesville is approximately 42 miles north of Charlotte, and approximately 145 miles west of Raleigh, For more information, the state capital. Lake Norman, one of North Carolina’s largest man-made lakes, extends into the southwest portion of the county contact Rocky Lopes with approximately 520 miles of shoreline. at [email protected] The county’s motto is “Crossroads for the Future” and plays or 202.661.8841. upon the historic and modern-day signifi cance that Iredell County has played, and continues to play, in transportation, agriculture and commerce in the western Piedmont of North Carolina and beyond. (If you would like your county’s seal featured, please contact Christopher Johnson at 202.942.4256 or [email protected].) 20 December 14, 2009 CCountyountyNNewsews • Financial Services News Government Has Potential to Achieve Greatness Over the past few years, Ameri- This article is the fi rst in a series off another government agency’s Fairfax County also purchases Rental, the city is forecasting a direct cans have become increasingly criti- that will examine the different ways previously solicited contract) has its offi ce supplies from Los Angeles savings of $132,000 annually or an cal of government and cynical about governments have been successful been proven to reduce administrative County’s contract with Offi ce Depot. approximately 25 percent decrease government’s ability to “do good.” in delivering efficient, effective, and product costs, increase effi cien- The county received discounts of up in costs from its current rental equip- Despite these stereotypical views and fi scally responsible and innovative cies and stretch shrinking budgets to 72 percent on certain products and ment contracts. criticisms, we see countless compel- results in the communities they during diffi cult times. achieved rebates of nearly $700,000 Throughout the United States, ling examples to demonstrate that serve. The series, titled the Great Cooperative procurement ag- in FY09 alone. governments are demonstrating ef- government can achieve greatness. Government Series, will demonstrate gregates the purchasing power of New Jersey recently adopted fi cient, effective, fi scally responsible We applaud the dedicated govern- how incremental budget reductions multiple government agencies in Charlotte/Mecklenburg County’s and innovative ways of meeting their ment offi cials and employees who and revisions to standard models order to drive down deeper discounts auto parts contract with AutoZone. constituents’ needs. Using coopera- work tirelessly for the overall benefi t of operation have the potential not on goods and services. Cities, coun- Based on a projected purchase of tive procurement is just one example of the American public and would only to close budget gaps but also to ties, states and school districts across auto parts for state fl eet vehicles of governments achieving IOR, even like to offer a helping hand by sharing improve outcomes. the country are demonstrating IOR and equipment of $9 million to $10 during diffi cult times. real-life examples of governments The Great Government Series and greatness today by utilizing million in FY09, the state expects to We view the Great Government achieving greatness. will explore the role that improved cooperative procurement. save about $1.5 million to $2 million Series as a collaborative and living There is no better time for govern- operating results — IOR — play in The city of Los Angeles recently by using the cooperative contract. effort. We welcome input from our ment to exhibit greatness than the the path to achieving greatness. IOR saved 10 percent through its pur- Budget constraints were prevent- government leaders and the public at present. Governments, under intense will be used in the series to refer to chases of offi ce supplies from Los ing San Antonio, Texas from replac- large. If you have thoughts on great economic pressures, are still expected new knowledge, ideas, methods or Angeles County’s contract with ing aging construction equipment or government or would like to share to preserve life and public safety, plus innovations that have been used by Offi ce Depot. Since 2006, the city procuring additional equipment. The some examples of great government quality-of-life, public benefi ts that one or more government agencies has estimated savings and rebates city relied, instead, on renting equip- in your community, we’d love to are often taken for granted. At least to increase productivity, reduce of approximately $1.8 million based ment. Currently, it uses four contracts hear from you. Please contact us at 48 states in the United States are costs and improve the effi ciency and on the purchase of $18 million in for equipment rental and spends [email protected]. facing a cumulative budget shortfall effectiveness of operations, services offi ce supplies. When the city was $679,000 annually. Through the use of $166 billion, or nearly a quarter and programs. outfi tting 400 new workstations in its of North Carolina State University’s (Financial Services News was written by of their budgets. More than ever, A simple, yet innovative method new Police Administration Building, contract with Hertz Equipment Steve Hamill, U.S. Communities.) government at every level is faced of achieving IOR is through the use of it saved more than $13.5 million by with the burdensome challenge of cooperative procurement. Coopera- using Fairfax County, Va.’s contract doing more with less. tive procurement (or piggy-backing with Haworth. Job Market / Classifi eds

XDETENTION ADMINISTRATOR – at the Curry County Administration CURRY COUNTY, N.M. Offi ce, 700 N. Main, Suite 10, Clovis, Illinois, Iowa counties could benefi t Salary: $68,259 – $85,324; DOQ. NM 88101 or online at www.currycounty. The Detention Center Administra- org. from federal purchase of state prison tor works under the supervision of the fi ve-member Board of Commissioners XPSYCHIATRISTS – SANTA CRUZ PRISON from page 5 Mark Hunt is economic devel- spouses. So we think that our region and the County Manager. Benefi ts COUNTY, CALIF. opment project manager for the would fare well in attracting some include: paid vacation, sick leave and Salary: $160,139 – $173,264; DOQ. offer high-paying jobs with good Bi-State (Iowa and Illinois) Regional of those people as either residents holiday pay; Public Employee Retire- Santa Cruz County is seeking ment Association 25-year retirement staff Psychiatrists to join their Mental benefits. Typically workers are Commission, the regional planning or spouse-workers,” he said. plan; health, dental, vision, legal and Health and Substance Abuse Services drawn from surrounding counties agency for the Davenport-Rock Bohnsack noted that Quad City life insurance. The County pays 75 per- (MHSAS) division to ensure new com- as well as the host county.” Ac- Island-Moline metropolitan statisti- International Airport in Moline cent of medical and life insurance. munity resources and opportunities for cording to the White House report, cal area. in his county is capable of land- This at-will position is responsible recovery and resiliency in this small correctional offi cers would have He foresees benefi ts to the Quad- ing Air Force One. Visitors to the for the safe operation of a 254-bed adult coastal community in Northern Califor- an annual salary, with benefi ts, of Cities area if the federal government Defense Department portion of and a 16-bed juvenile detention facility nia. MHSAS is part of a large Health $82,000 in the fi rst year of operation were to purchase the Thomson the prison — which would house in Curry County. Duties include: overall Services Agency that provides a broad as a federal prison — and salaries prison. “We have housing; we have former Guantanamo detainees — security and operations of the facilities; range of services for mental health care. would increase over time. services; we have employment for are expected to include attorneys, overall supervision of 77 FTEs; safe The County is known for having many diplomatic offi cials and delegates transportation of inmates to courts innovative programs and a strong his- and other facilities; budget review and tory of effective collaboration. For job from the International Committee development; kitchen and food services details and/or to apply, please visit www. of the Red Cross. NACo on the Move contractor; alternative sentencing pro- santacruzcountyjobs.com and click on the Others enthusiasm aside, Schu- gram and the outsourcing of overfl ow Psychiatrist job title. For any questions bert, the Carroll County Board In the News adult inmates and juvenile inmates to and/or to learn more about this position » member, remains skeptical about other facilities. contact Dr. Charles Lewis Johnson, Valerie Brown, NACo president, was were quoted in the Santa • how many new jobs would be Full specifi cations may be acquired M.D. by calling 831.454.5468. Rosa Democrat article “National county organization tackles policy created by a federal prison — or in Santa Rosa” on Dec. 3. whether the good outweighs the Job Market/Classifi eds Rate Schedule • NACo was quoted in the USA Today article “County consolida- bad. “They’re saying big numbers, tion gains steam across the USA” on page A3 Dec. 2. • Line Rates: $7 per line, NACo member counties; $10 per line, others. but a lot will go to the Army and • Display Classifi ed: $50 per column inch, NACo member counties; $70 per column federal employees they already inch, others. » NACo Staff have.” • Billing: In voices will be sent after pub li ca tion. Paul Beddoe, associate legislative director, Her colleague, Gerald Bork, is • Mail advertising copy to: Job Market, County News, 25 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., gave a Health Care Reform update at the open- more optimistic. “You’ve got to put Washington, DC 20001. • FAX advertising copy to: Job Mar ket, County News, 202.393.2630. ing general session of the Association of County prisoners somewhere. I’m person- Commissioners of Alabama in Montgomery • E-mail advertising copy to: [email protected]. ally pretty excited about helping the • Be sure to include billing in for ma tion along with copy. County, Ala. Dec. 9. state of Illinois and being able to • Estimates given prior to publication are approximations only and do not necessarily get 3,000 jobs and a billion dollars. refl ect fi nal cost. (On the Move is compiled by Christopher Johnson.) Paul Beddoe That’s something that doesn’t hap- For more in for ma tion, contact the Job Market representative at 202.942.4256. pen every day or every decade.”