General Assembly convenes to begin Biennium

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1 JANUARY 2013 VOLUME 39, NO. 1 Education is essential for Commissioners The primary mission of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners is to represent county governments at the state Legislature, and there are many reasons why counties and other local elected bodies, such as cities, school boards and sheriffs, hire professional lobbyists to represent them at the Legislature. While advocacy may be our primary mission, it is not our only mission. Education for county commissioners is an equally important part of our purpose. When you President s Perspective are elected as a county by Howard Hunter III commissioner, you become involved with a lot of highly technical, complex facets of county government, such as public health, social services, and budgeting. The NCACC provides numerous training opportunities for county commissioners, beginning with the Essentials of County Government programs that are being held throughout the state in January and February. This comprehensive two-day course provides an in-depth overview of the roles and responsibilities of county commissioners. Ideally suited Please see Perspective on Page 2 NCACC Second Vice President Glen Webb, a Pitt County Commissioner, cleans out a cage at the Pitt County Animal Shelter. Webb has been spending a half-day with employees from various county departments since last summer so that he can learn more about the programs that the county offers and the challenges faced by county employees. By Johanna Reese Director of Government Relations Photo by Rhett Butler/The Daily Reflector General Assembly convenes to begin Biennium The NC General Assembly convened for its legislative session on January 9 in a day filled with ceremony and organizational matters. After swearing in new and returning members, electing leadership in the House and Senate, and making committee assignments, both chambers adjourned to return on Jan. 30, when the work on the state budget and new legislation will begin in earnest. The Senate unanimously elected Sen. Phil Berger from Rockingham County for his second term as president pro tem, and Sen. Louis Pate from Wayne County as deputy president pro tem. Lt. Gov. Dan Forest presided over the body for the first time. Rep. Thom Tillis was again elected speaker of the House, and Rep. Paul Stam was elected speaker pro tem. Gov. Pat McCrory attended session in both chambers and made the rounds of the legislative building to greet legislators. The resignation of Rep. Mitch Gillespie, who took a post with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the death of Sen. Ed Jones brought the number of new faces for the biennium to 56. The 56 departing legislators had more than 600 years of experience in the General Assembly. Jones will be replaced by Angela Bryant, who moved from the House to the Senate. Bryant s House spot was taken by Rep. Bobbie Richardson. Leadership has said the General Assembly will be considering comprehensive tax reform, unemployment insurance, voter identification, and education reform. You can expect numerous other topics to emerge in legislation. Your advocates will actively monitor issues at the Legislature, work to ensure county interests are protected, and keep you informed as matters progress. Webb spends time with county departments By Ginger Livingston The Daily Reflector Glen Webb said he knew the smells and sights at the Pitt County Animal Shelter would be difficult to handle but he did not anticipate the job s emotional toll. Webb, who is halfway through his first term on the Pitt County Board of Commissioners, started spending a halfday with employees of various county departments this summer so he could learn what goes into providing services to residents. When I started this I wanted to smell what they smelled, feel what they felt and do what they did. I wanted to be hands on, Webb said. The biggest thing I ve learned is that the county commissioners may run the county but they don t make the county run, Webb said. Please see Commissioner Webb on Page 4 Inside this issue: Pages 4 & 5 NACo Legislative Conference Educational Workshop Descriptions Page 7 Legislative Information for 2013 Session Page 9 Controling Your Risk: Speed and Distractions a Recipe for Disaster Managing Your Risk: Understanding Symbols for Automotive Coverage Page 12 Health and Human Services training information Have a smartphone? Visit our mobile site!

2 2 NCACC STAFF NOTES Casandra Skinner named Legislative Counsel Casandra G. Skinner was named Legislative Counsel by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners in late December. Skinner brings a wealth of knowledge about state government through her extensive experience. She began her new duties Jan. 7, Casandra s legal career has provided her with experience at many levels of state government and the General Assembly, said NCACC Executive Director David F. Thompson. She has worked in the executive branch, the judicial branch and the legislative branch. We are grateful that she has agreed to utilize her expertise on behalf of all our county governments in North Carolina. Prior to joining the NCACC, Skinner served as the chief legal counsel for the N.C. Department of Public Safety since it was created in January 2012 after serving as chief legal counsel for its forerunner, the N.C. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, for more than two years. Prior to joining the Department of Public Safety, she served as Legislative Liaison and Associate Legal Counsel for the N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts for one year, as legislative counsel to the Office of the Governor from January 2007 through January 2009, and as a research assistant to two N.C. Supreme Court justices and one N.C. Court of Appeals judge. We are thrilled that Casandra will join our team. said NCACC Director of Government Relations Johanna Reese. Her legal background and legislative work will be great assets in interpreting how proposed legislation will impact counties. Skinner attended high school in Buncombe County and earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. She obtained her J.D. from N.C. Central University School of Law and spent one year on the faculty at NCCU as an Adjunct Law Professor. Perspective Continued From Page 1 for new commissioners, the programs also offer a valuable refresher course for veteran commissioners. But our educational efforts don t stop there. The NCACC, in conjunction with our training partner, the School of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, offers numerous courses, webinars, workshops and other opportunities throughout the year. We are offering a new course this spring to address one of the most complex facets of county government. Human Services Basics: What Every County Commissioner Should Know, is a one-day session on understanding human services (see p. 8 for more information). Counties are the safety net for many citizens who are experiencing difficult times or find themselves unable to properly care for themselves or their children. Counties provide many programs that offer assistance to these citizens, but the laws, regulations and guidelines are usually set by either the state or federal governments. And these laws and regulations are frequently changing to meet new circumstances. Keeping up with all this information is difficult, but this course will help give commissioners a better baseline understanding of what our roles and responsibilities and duties are for these critical human services issues. In the coming months, the Association and School of Government will provide many more opportunities for commissioners to become more knowledgeable about the complex, critical issues that we face every day to help you make the best possible decisions for your citizens. Please take advantage of as many of these opportunities as you can NCACC OFFICERS/BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP AND REPRESENTATIVES Kitty Barnes, Catawba County, Legislative Goals Committee Co-Chair Terry Garrison, Vance County, Legislative Goals Committee Co-Chair Charlie Messer, Henderson County, Agriculture Steering Committee Chair Jimmy Clayton, Person County, Environment Steering Committee Chair Johnnie Ray Farmer, Hertford County, Health & Human Services Steering Comm. Chair Gary D. Blevins, Wilkes County, Intergovernmental Relations Steering Committee Chair Jerry Langley, Beaufort County, Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee Chair Leon Inman, Stokes County, Public Education Steering Committee Chair Joe Bryan, Wake County, Tax and Finance Steering Committee Chair Ann Holton, Pamlico County, RMP Board of Trustees Representative Lee Worsley, Durham County, County Managers Representative EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Howard Hunter III, President Hertford County Commissioner B. Ray Jeffers, President Elect Person County Commissioner Ronnie Beale, First Vice President Macon County Commissioner Glen Webb, Second Vice President Pitt County Commissioner Kenneth Edge, Past President Cumberland County Commissioner David F. Thompson, NCACC Executive Director DISTRICT DIRECTORS 1: Sandra Duckwall, Camden Co. 10: Craig Kennedy, Moore County 2: Ronnie Smith, Martin County 11: Sam Watford, Davidson County 3: Jerry Jones, Greene County 12: Jerry Simpson, Union County 4: Phil Norris, Brunswick County 13: Larry Yoder, Alexander County 5: Jerry Stephens, Robeson Co. 14: Kenny Poteat, Avery County 6: Jefferson Strickland, Sampson Co. 15: Julius Owens, Rutherford Co. 7: Marcelle Smith, Halifax County 16: Larry Chapman, Transylvania Co. 8: Tony Cozart, Granville County 17: Michael Edwards, Graham Co. 9: Vacant 18: Kevin Austin, Yadkin County is published monthly by the NCACC 215 N. Dawson St., Raleigh, NC Phone: (919) Fax: (919) ncacc@ncacc.org Executive Editor: David F. Thompson Editor: Todd McGee Assistant Editor: Chris Baucom is provided to county officials as a benefit of NCACC membership. Subscriptions are available to non-members at $20 per year, plus applicable sales tax. To request subscription information, make changes in an existing subscription, or request display or career opportunities advertising information, or offer an idea for a story, communications@ncacc.org. NACo DIRECTORS Joe Bryan, Wake County Kay Cashion, Guilford County Betty Lou Ward, Wake County Noah Woods, Robeson County AT-LARGE DIRECTORS Jeannette Council, Cumberland Co. James Klein, Lincoln County Melvin McLawhorn, Pitt County Garry Meiggs, Camden County Judy Poe, Ashe County

3 3 Commissioner Webb Continued From Page 1 He also learned that for many Pitt County employees, their work is more than a job. When Webb arrived at the shelter, located on County Home Road, one morning he was surprised to learn how many animals are cared for by the shelter s five-person staff. I thought there was maybe one or two animals out here, Webb said. When he visited the shelter there were 35 dogs and cats available for adoption and 17 dogs and cats in the holding section. He saw how the shelter s staff begins each day solving a math equation. They calculate how much space is needed for animals that are picked up by the animal control officers of various municipalities and the ones that are left there overnight and on weekends. They calculate how many animals are under quarantine or have been ordered held. They calculate how many strays have been held the mandatory 72 hours for reclaiming. They calculate how many out of that group may be suitable for adoption. They calculate how much space is available. Staff then decides how many animals have to be euthanized. The day Webb visited was particularly hard because along with four cats and two adult dogs, a litter of 11 puppies had to be euthanized. The shelter did not have the space to keep the mother and her litter because the puppies could not be weaned for another two or three weeks, said Michele Whaley, Pitt County Animal Control. Other agencies didn t have space to hold the animals and a foster family was not available. They have a lot of difficult decisions they have to make, Webb said. There is an emotional toll on the employees. They NCACC Second Vice President Glen Webb (left) speaking at a are out here because NCACC Board of Directors Meeting with NCACC President Howard they like animals, Hunter III (right) looking-on. not because they Photo by Chris Baucom want to put animals down. the euthanized animals are disposed Webb, who is a Greenville police with the county s other waste. detective, said while he can view an autopsy with little problem, he avoided the At the shelter he saw how upsetting the shelter staff finds that process. The euthanasia because he knew it would be upsetting, made even more so after he remains are transported by pickup truck interacted with many of the former pets. and sometimes the animals are visible Prior to visiting the shelter, Webb to the public, prompting the occasional worked with the county s solid waste telephone call from an outraged citizen, department. It was there he learned that Whaley said. She has proposed purchasing a crematory so the remains can be disposed of onsite but it is low on the county s priority list because of budget shortfalls. The county could lease-purchase a device that operates on natural gas and produces no smoke or smell for about $80,000, she said. Webb said he hopes to discuss the crematory in future meetings. Webb spent the rest of the morning cleaning out animal cages, accompanying an animal control officer to retrieve a trapped animal and touring the offices of Spay Today, a nonprofit that works in conjunction with animal control. Webb said it was disappointing when commissioners could not find the revenue to fund a pay raise for county employees this year, making it four years since one has been given. He said he hopes his project demonstrates how much he appreciates their work. I ve learned that government employees aren t as jaded as people perceive. They buy in to the mission of the county, Webb said. I wanted (employees) to know what they are doing is important to me. That I appreciate what they do and it isn t in the abstract. I understand how hard they work, Webb said. (Editor s note: Reprinted with permission from The Daily Reflector.) Multiply Your Savings Just in time for the annual year-end dealer discounts and buyer incentives, Local Government Federal Credit Union is offering a great, low interest rate on new auto loans! Don t miss this opportunity to save big! Call or stop by your local branch today. *APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Current rate is 1.99% for new vehicles, payroll rate. Direct pay is 0.5% higher. Rate subject to change based upon current prevailing market conditions and borrower eligibility. New vehicle is defined as current or prior year with less than 10,000 miles. / To improve the lives of our members /

4 4 Monday, March 4 Block I 8:00 a.m. 8:50 a.m. NACo Dental Discount Program: Dramatic Savings for Your County s Residents NACo has introduced a dental discount program that provides savings of 5 percent to 50 percent on a wide variety of dental procedures. The program is not insurance, but is easy to implement and administer and directly assists county residents with any dental services not covered by insurance. Hear from key NACo staff and the program administrator, Careington International, regarding how you can easily implement this program to help your county residents with their dental needs. (Staff Liaison: Andrew Goldschmidt, 202/ ) Disaster Recovery: What You Need to Know Have you ever considered what will be your top challenges if your county faces a disaster? This workshop provides practical information from both NACo members in communities that have experienced recent disasters and nationally recognized experts on disaster recovery. Learn how you can initiate an effective disaster preparation discussion in your county, including predisaster planning, gaining public support and designing strategies to mitigate the effects of a disaster. (Staff Liaison: Dalen Harris, 202/ ) Does it Have To Be So Hard? Ideas To Help You Invest For individuals who are not going to manage their investments on a daily basis, how do they make sure that they are diversified to meet their long-term goals within their risk tolerance? There are many options, and this workshop will review the difference between asset allocation, automatic rebalancing, risk-based funds, target date funds, and managed accounts. Data that highlights how to have better outcomes using some of these available options will be discussed. (Staff Liaison: Lisa Cole, 202/ ) MAP-21: How the New Highway and Transit Legislation Can Benefit Your County Almost three years late, Congress finally passed and the President signed a 27-month highway and transit authorization legislation, known as MAP- 21. It is important that county officials understand this new law. The measure provides approximately $52 billion annually in highway and transit funding. Many of the past highway programs have been consolidated or eliminated, though most of the core programs for which counties received funding continue. Transit programs remain the same, but with some important modifications. The project approval process has been streamlined, particularly as it applies to environmental review, which was requested by counties. Learn all the details from the federal officials who wrote and are now implementing this new legislation. (Staff Liaison: Robert Fogel, 202/ ) Monday, March 4 Block II 9:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m. NACo 2013 LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS Counties in the Global Economy: Increasing Exports from Your Community The Brookings Institution has pioneered the Metropolitan Export Plan as an essential strategy to creating jobs and economic growth in the new American economy. Brookings has collaborated with several metropolitan regions in the U.S. and, in 2012, published a guide for local leaders that outlines 10 key steps toward developing a successful export initiative. At this workshop, county officials from counties of all sizes can pick up tips and learn about resources to advance local economic competitiveness through international trade and development. (Staff Liaison: Stephanie Osborn, 202/ ) 2014 Medicaid Expansion: Preparing for the Impact on Counties The upcoming expansion of Medicaid in 2014 is perhaps the largest and most far-reaching federal change affecting counties in decades. Federal Medicaid revenue will grow, and the number of citizens using health and behavioral health services will also expand. Counties need to plan and prepare for these dramatic changes. This session will review the new provisions and discuss actions that counties are currently taking to prepare. (Staff Liaison: Paul Beddoe, 202/ ) Cyber for Counties: What Elected Officials Need to Know The 101 Cybersecurity is one of the most serious economic and national security risks facing our nation. NACo President Chris Rodgers Cybersecurity Task Force is working to raise awareness and educate county officials on this topic. The economic prosperity in the 21st century will depend on secure networks; and county systems are target rich environments due to the enormous amounts of critical data they contain. These networks are also key to ensuring citizens receive essential public services. When these services are disrupted the consequences are severe. This workshop will provide further information on cyber threats, and share direct services that are available to your county to reduce the hazard. (Staff Liaison: Karon Harden, 202/ ) Engagement that Resonates: Effectively Communicating with Others Back by popular demand, Parag Mehta, will lead an interactive discussion about communicating so that others will listen. Mr. Mehta is a well-respected political strategist who has spoken with audiences all over the country about effective communication. Join him to learn how to win over difficult constituents and walk away with some best practices to effectively engage in powerful communication within your county. (Staff Liaison: Amanda Odorimah, 202/ ) The Cliff, Sequestration, Deficit Reduction and Counties Regardless of which deficit reduction scenario is played out by Congress, the implications for counties are quite significant. This workshop will provide an overview of the actions taken in the lame duck session and what to expect from Congress. Find out the possible impact this will have on domestic and entitlement programs of interest to counties. (Staff Liaison: Deborah Cox, 202/ ) Public Pension Reform: Navigating the Regulatory Landscape State and local government leaders face difficult issues involving retirement and healthcare benefits. Current fiscal conditions, along with changing demographics and employment structures, are prompting many local governments to reexamine their retirement plan. This workshop will provide a national perspective on public pension reforms, examine the impact that recent regulatory reforms and cost-shifting modifications will have on local public employee retirement systems and county budgets. Also, find out how some county governments are addressing reform and responding to the long-term fiscal challenges of pension fund obligations. (Staff Liaison: Deseree Gardner, 202/ ) Monday, March 4 Block III 10:45 a.m. 12:00 Noon Economic Development 101 for Rural Counties What are the most effective actions rural county officials can take to spur economic development and job growth in their counties? All rural counties face unique economic development challenges and have some role in promoting economic development. Learn from dynamic local experts and federal rural development specialists about simple and advanced steps your county can take to help boost job growth. (Staff Liaison: Erik Johnston, 202/ ) Health Reform: Where Do We Go from Here? With President Obama s reelection and a divided Congress, what will happen to the Affordable Care Act? Will it be funded? Amended? Implemented as it was written? And what will the states do? Knowledgeable Washington insiders will explore the options and answer your questions about the path forward. (Staff Liaison: Paul Beddoe, 202/ )

5 5 Cyber for Counties: Emergency Response to Cyber Attacks Does your county have an Emergency Response Program for natural disasters? How about a Cyber Emergency Response Program? Counties are the first responders in an emergency, but your critical infrastructure systems could be the cause of the next cyber disaster. The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US- CERT) has created a Control Systems Security Program and an Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency NACo 2013 LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS Response Team (ICS-CERT) to help counties prepare for a cyber incident. Attend this workshop to find out about services and resources available to you and your county. (Staff Liaison: Karon Harden, 202/ ) Making Your Message Heard in Washington: Effective Advocacy Techniques Your participation in NACo s advocacy effort is key to our legislative success. Discover how you can get the attention of Congress and the Administration. Washington experts will share their insight into lobbying techniques that work both while in D.C. and from home. (Staff Liaisons: Erik Johnston, 202/ and Marilina Sanz, 202/ ) Using Transparency to Build Trust County officials are frequently asked to respond to public information requests from citizens or journalists. State laws typically govern what information is considered a public record, but these laws can be confusing and contradictory. This session will help attendees understand how making your government activities as transparent as possible can help build trust in the community and avoid negative press. (Staff Liaison: Jim Philipps, 202/ ) The Battle Over Tax Reform: What s at Stake for Counties? Think tax reform is all about the 2001/2003 tax cuts? Think again. Counties need to ensure they are at the table rather than on the menu when it comes to the wide array of tax provisions and policies involved in the debate. Come learn how future tax and fiscal policy for counties run the risk of existing in a world without hallmarks such as tax-exempt bonds or local decision-making on how to distribute tax burdens. (Staff Liaison: Michael Belarmino, 202/ ) Tuesday, March 5 Block IV 10:45 a.m. Noon Jobs, Nutrition and Farms: Counties and the Farm Bill Counties of all sizes are impacted by the broad range of programs authorized in the Farm Bill. Learn about the current status of the Farm Bill and what is at stake for county priorities such as rural development, conservation, renewable energy, nutrition assistance, local food systems and support for the next generation of farmers. (Staff Liaison: Erik Johnston, 202/ ) Medicaid Roundtable States and counties are using the existing flexibilities built into the Medicaid program to transform their local healthcare delivery systems. Meanwhile major structural changes to the program are being considered in Washington that will affect the ability of counties to operate the local healthcare safety net and to continue to pursue innovation and reform. Attendees will be briefed on options available to them, changes under consideration and an opportunity for peer-topeer problem solving. (Staff Liaison: Paul Beddoe, 202/ ) Smart Justice: Reentry Programs for Creating Safer Communities Each year, 7 million individuals are released from county jails and return to local communities. County healthcare, human services, social services and public safety are just some of the many local services that will be needed to successfully reintegrate ex-offenders back into the community at large. Securing education, employment, and housing are essential and can effectively lower recidivism rates, enhance public safety and save taxpayer dollars. This workshop will explore available resources within the Corporation of Supportive Housing, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Department of Justice that counties can access to assist ex-offenders. (Staff Liaison: Dalen Harris, 202/ ) Need Revenue to Close Your Budget Shortfall? NACo Prescription Program Can Help Are you facing difficult budget decisions? You re not alone. Counties across the country are confronting similar problems cut services or reduce staff. The NACo Prescription Discount Card Program offers another option that could help close the budget gap. As a program participant, you can choose to receive a marketing reimbursement fee, which would pay your county $1 per prescription when the card is used to receive a discount. This funding could help save a needed program or prevent staff layoffs. Your residents, especially those without insurance, can save, too! Savings can be up to 75%; the average savings rate is 24%. More than 65,000 pharmacies participate, including all the major chains. The program is free, easy to use and everyone is eligible. It s a winning program! It s a winner for residents and for counties. Sign up today! To learn more about the program, go to or scan the QR code. Operated by CVS Caremark. This is NOT insurance. Discounts are only available at participating pharmacies. Rev 04.12

6 6 Robeson County DSS makes strides in improving delivery of services to its residents By Chris Baucom Communications Specialist Robeson County is one of the largest counties in terms of land area in the state of North Carolina. Its population of over 128,000 residents is spread throughout the vast county, and many of them are in need of the services provided by the county s Department of Social Services. Although its population is not among the highest in the state, nearly 30 percent of Robeson County s residents live at or below the national poverty level. The percapita income is more than $10,000 below the national average according to a 2010 Northwoods report on the county s Social Services Department. In addition, the number of households receiving food stamps has been steadily on the rise for the last few years. So, the services offered by Robeson County Department of Social Services (RCDSS) are all the more important to its residents. The department has undergone a number of changes over the past few years, including opening a new facility, streamlining record keeping, and striving to reduce wait times to make its services more efficient and user friendly. In 2009 while still operating from their old facility, the department was beginning to run out of space for paper case files. At that point, the department knew it was going to be moving to a new facility, but department leadership also wanted to move to a paperless system. Not only would it save space, but it would enable staff to be more efficient in meeting the needs of clients because documents would be more easily accessible and better organized than under any hard copy filing system. When we started planning for a new building we had to start planning for what to do with the files, said RCDSS Director Becky Morrow. In the end, the electronic system was a cost savings since the construction of a Robeson County DSS had a growing problem with file storage in 2009 when they began shifting to electronic files. The new Robeson County Department of Social Services Facility is a 105,000 square foot building that houses all of the more than 300 RCDSS employees. The department moved there in April of The building also houses the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Courtroom and training rooms for the county. storage area large enough for the files would have been very expensive. The department also installed a software system developed by Northwoods to track clients and keep wait times down. This scheduling system helped to ensure that wait times are kept to a minimum so that the long wait times reported in the past did not continue to be a problem for residents seeking services. Before system implementation wait times of 30 minutes to an hour or more were reported. With the system in place, employee's schedules are tracked as well as clients' movements through the system to ensure the clients are served as quickly as possible. Another major change for the department came in 2011 when the new facility was dedicated and opened to the public. The two story 105,000 square foot building was built to handle the volume and the more than 300 Photo Courtesy Robeson County employees of the Department of Social Services. It was constructed at a cost of $17.5 million, approximately 66 percent of which was paid for from state funds. Those funds were awarded based upon the amount of services being received in Robeson County. The need for the facility was known for years, and many avenues were explored to alleviate the issues of the overcrowded and out-of-date building that was still in use until You only had to look at our Photo Courtesy Robeson County The county's new DSS facility allows for a much more efficient and client friendly work space where clients' privacy is much easier to maintain. old facility to see why it was important for a new facility to be built, said Noah Woods, Robeson County Board of Commissioners Chair. "Our old building was very outdated and needed replacement." The new building, dedicated to Robeson County Department of Social Services Board chair and County Commissioner Raymond Cummings, Photo Courtesy Robeson County marked the end of a 10 year process and has totally changed service delivery according to Morrow. It has helped everybody, said Morrow. Even the clients feel differently coming into this new facility. It s wonderful. The new building was constructed using state-of-the-art techniques that will make it a useful facility for years to come. The building was given a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certification by the United States Green Building Council. It is the first building in Robeson County to receive this green building designation. Some of the green or sustainable design features of the building include water efficient landscaping, light pollution reduction, maximization of open space, and regional/recycled materials used. Even after all of the improvements, the RCDSS still continues to strive toward improving its services. The demand for services in the county continues to be high as recent reports say the RCDSS serves more than 22,000 households with its food stamp programs alone. Officials say they can get anywhere from 100 to 200 new cases per month. Robeson is the state s 23rd most populous county and its residents received more than $65 million through the supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in The program is federally funded, but the states are tasked with the distribution of those funds. In North Carolina, county departments of Social Services are responsible for that task. With the amount of received benefits increasing by a total of $18 million from , the need for RCDSS continued push toward increased efficiency is all the more important. The new building and improvements are wonderful, said Woods. It s a nice facility. The clients have the privacy that was not available in the old facility, and the employees have the space to do their jobs. JOBS ON TWITTER Visit to see the latest NCACC Career Opportunity Postings

7 General Assembly preview: Leadership and changes Committee Chairs for Leadership Senate Committee Chairs Senate Agriculture/Environment/Natural Resources: Sens. Brock, Jackson Appropriations/Base Budget: Sens. Brown, Brunstetter, Hunt Appropriations on Department of Transporation: Sens. Harrington, Rabon Appropriations on Education/Higher Education: Sens. Apodaca, Soucek, Tillman Appropriations on General Government & Information Technology: Sens. J. Davis, Tucker Appropriations on Health and Human Services: Sens. Pate, Hise Appropriations on Justice and Public Safety: Sens. Bingham, Goolsby, Newton Appropriations on Natural and Economic Resources: Sens. Brock, Jackson Commerce: Sens. Gunn, Meredith Education/Higher Education: Sens. Soucek, Tillman Finance: Sens. Rabon, Rucho Health Care: Sens. Hise, Pate Insurance: Sens. Apodaca, Meredith Judiciary I: Sens. Goolsby, Newton Judiciary II: Sens. Allran, Daniel Pensions, Retirement and Aging: Sens. Apodaca, Hise Program Evaluation: Sen. Hartsell Rules and Operations of the Senate: Sen. Apodaca State & Local Government: Sens. J. Davis, Tucker Transportation: Sens. Daniel, Harrington Ways & Means: Sen. Apodaca House Committee Chairs Agriculture Committee: Reps. Dixon and Langdon Appropriations: Rep. Dollars, Senior Chair; Reps. Burr, Holloway and Johnson Appropriations Subcommittee on Education: Reps. Blackwell, Horn and McGrady Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government: Reps. R. Brown and Cleveland Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services: Reps. Avila, Brisson and Hollo Appropriations SubCommittee on Information Technology: Rep. Saine Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety: Reps. Boles, Daughtry, Faircloth, Hurley Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural and Economic Resources: Reps. McElraft, West Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation: Reps. Shepard, Torbett Banking: Rep. Samuelson Commerce: Rep. Murry Education: Reps. Johnson and Langdon Election Law: Reps. Lewis and Moore Environment: Reps. McElraft and West Ethics: Reps. Carney and Howard Finance: Rep. Howard, Senior Chairman; Reps. R. Brawley, Lewis, Setzer Government: Reps. Stone,Warren Health and Human Services: Reps. Hollo, Jones Homeland Security, Military, and Veterans Affairs: Reps. Cleveland, Hastings, Pittman Insurance: Rep. Dockham Judiciary: Rep. Daughtry Judiciary Subcommittee A: Rep. Blust Judiciary Subcommittee B: Reps. Jordan, McGrady Judiciary Subcommittee C: Rep. Stevens Public Utilities: Rep. Hager Regulatory Reform: Rep. Moffitt Rules: Rep. T. Moore State Personnel: Rep. Collins Transportation: Rep. W. Brawley, Iler President: Lt. Governor Dan Forest President Pro Tempore: Senator Phil Berger Deputy President Pro Tempore: Senator Louis Pate Majority Leader: Senator Harry Brown Majority Whip: Senator Jerry W. Tillman Majority Caucus Secretary: Senator Fletcher L. Hartsell, Jr. Joint Majority Caucus Leader: Senator Andrew Brock Minority Leader: Senator Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Deputy Minority Leader: Senator Clark Jenkins Deputy Minority Leader: Senator Floyd McKissick Deputy Minority Leader: Senator Gladys Robinson Minority Caucus Secretary: Senator Eleanor Kinnaird Minority Whip: Senator Josh Stein Minority Caucus Co-Chair: Senator Dan Blue, Senator Dan Clodfelter House of Representatives Speaker: Speaker Thom Tillis Speaker Pro Tempore: Rep. Paul Stam Republican Majority Leader: Rep. Edgar V. Starnes Republican Majority Whip: Rep. Mike Hager Republican Deputy Majority Whips: Rep. Pat McElraft, James L. Boles, Jr. Republican Conference Leader: Rep. Ruth Samuelson Republican Freshman Leader: Rep. Rick Catlin Republican Freshman Whip: Rep. Dean Arp Democrat Minority Leader: Rep. Larry D. Hall Democrat Deputy Minority Leader: Rep. Michael Wray Democrat Minority Whips: Rep. Winkie Wilkins, Rep. Susan C. Fisher, Rep. Rosa Gill Democrat Conference Co-chairs: Rep. Deborah K. Ross, Rep. Marvin Lucas New Faces for Freshmen Senators Sen. Chad Barefoot Sen. Tamara Barringer Sen. Angela Bryant (previously served in House) Sen. Ben Clark Sen. William M. Cook (previously served in House) Sen. David L. Curtis Sen. Joel Ford Sen. Eugene B. McLaurin Sen. Earline Parmon (previously served in House) Sen. Ronald J. Rabin Sen. Shirley Randleman (previously served in House) Sen. Norman Sanderson (previously served in House) Sen. Jeff Tarte Sen. Trudy Wade Sen. J. Michael Woodard Freshmen Representatives Rep. Dean Arp Rep. Nathan Baskerville Rep. John R. Bell, IV Rep. Mark Brody Rep. Brian Brown Rep. Rob Bryan Rep. Dana Bumgardner Rep. Rick Catlin Rep. Debra Conrad Rep. Carla D. Cunningham Rep. Ted Davis, Jr. Rep. Jeffrey Elmore Rep. Carl Ford Rep. Valerie P. Foushee Rep. Jim Fulghum, M.D. Rep. George Graham Rep. Duane Hall Rep. Edward Hanes, Jr. Rep. Jon Hardister Rep. Yvonne Lewis Holley Rep. Charles Jeter Rep. Donny Lambeth Rep. Chris Malone Rep. Susan Martin Rep. Deb McManus Rep. Allen McNeill Rep. Chris Millis Rep. Michele D. Presnell Rep. Joe Sam Queen Rep. Nathan Ramsey Rep. Bobbie Richardson Rep. Dennis Riddell Rep. Stephen M. Ross Rep. Jacqueline Michelle Schaffer Rep. Michael Speciale Rep. Bob Steinburg Rep. John Szoka Rep. Evelyn Terry Rep. Paul Tine Rep. Rena W. Turner Rep. Ken Waddell Rep. Andy Wells Rep. Chris Whitmire

8 8 Career Opportunities Career Opportunities listings online: twitter.com/nccountycareers RESEARCH ANALYST - NORTH CARO- LINA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY COM- MISSIONERS. The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners seeks a Research Analyst to provide research and analytical support to further its mission. A primary responsibility of this position is to collect and analyze fiscal, policy and survey data regarding local government programs and finances. The person should be able to plan, organize and implement research programs and projects, both on a continuing and ad hoc basis. Qualifications: A qualified candidate for this position must have a thorough knowledge of theories, principles, practices and techniques of program evaluation and analysis, a thorough knowledge of performance measurement criteria and techniques, and the ability to analyze programs and develop recommendations for improvement. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, are a must. Miscellaneous Information: The position is open until filled. Please send application and resume to: HR Director / NCACC / 215 North Dawson Street / Raleigh, NC or fax to TOURISM DIRECTOR - MARTIN COUN- TY. The Martin County, NC Tourism Development Authority seeks experienced, dynamic self-starter to direct and coordinate tourism development and promotion. Administers marketing strategy and programs, promotes County tourism assets, programs, events and resources. Work involves setting policies and goals under the direction of the Tourism Development Authority Board and County Manager. Combination of degree and experience in marketing, communications, public relations, tourism or related area. Ability to multi-task, interface with governmental, community and volunteer groups essential. Experience with website management, budget management, MS Excel, basic financial reporting, basic photography and social media highly desirable. Salary dependent on qualifications and experience. Involves supervision of additional TDA employee(s). A pre-employment background check will be completed for the selected finalist. Applications should be submitted to the Employment Security Commission, Williamston office (407 East Blvd., Williamston, NC 27892). Submit letter of interest, resume, references, salary history and salary requirements along with the state PD-107 application form. Application deadline is March 1, For more information, County Manager David Bone at dbone@martincountyncgov.com. MANAGER OF FINANCE AND ADMINIS- TRATION - ONSLOW COUNTY. Onslow is recruiting for a Manager of Finance and Administration for Albert J. Ellis Airport to provide day to day management planning, supervising and directing administrative, financial, properties, customer services and related business functions. Albert J. Ellis Airport is a Part 139, commercial service airport currently enplaning in excess of 175,000 passengers annually. This position will report to the Airport Director and will work with a high level of independency. To provide day to day management planning, supervising and directing administrative, financial, properties, customer services and related business functions. Salary and benefits package commensurate with qualifications and experience. Graduation from a college or university with a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, aviation, business or public administration or related field and three years of increasingly responsible experience including one year of supervisory or administrative responsibilities. Must be capable of passing a TSA Criminal Hisotry Records Check (CHRC) and a Security Threat Assessment (STA) to obtain an airport SIDA (security) badge. Apply online at onslowcountync.gov. Calendar of Events For a complete listing of events, visit February 6-8 North Carolina City & County Management Association Winter Seminar - Sheraton RTP 8-9 Winter County Attorneys' Conference - Chapel Hill 20 NCACC Board of Directors Meeting March 7 LELA: Strategic Planning for Elected Officials, Buncombe County 19 LELA: Human Services Basics: What Every County Commissioner Should Know, Asheville, Buncombe County 26 LELA: Human Services Basics: What Every County Commissioner Should Know, New Bern, Craven County Job Advertising policy The NCACC publishes career opportunities on its website and monthly in. Career opportunities posted on the web are promoted on the NCACC County Careers Twitter All ads are limited to 3000 characters, which is approximately 400 words. only rates (monthly) $75 per ad for N.C. counties and county entities; $150 per ad for all others. Website and rates $100* per ad for N.C. counties and county entities; $200* per ad for all others. Website only ads available *See our website for details. NEW - Feature your job listing Online! For an additional $25** per ad, list your entity's job as a featured job at the top of all job listings on our website. At the top of the job listings page and at the top of each job category page are "Featured Listings". Have your listing be the first to be seen! **See our website for details and restrictions. General information and instructions All ads should be submitted through our online form at our website jobs.aspx. Ads published in run in one issue only unless otherwise requested by the advertiser at the time of submission. Ads published on our website will remain posted on the website until the position s closing date or the position is filled, for up to 90 days. Advertisers are asked to notify the NCACC when their position has been filled in order to keep ad listings up-to-date. This policy was updated Jan. 1, Strategic Leadership Education for County and Municipal Elected Officials Essentials of County Government January 9 10, 2013 asheville January 30 31, 2013 new Bern FeBruary 12 13, 2013 winston-salem FeBruary 22 23, 2013 Chapel hill This workshop prepares newly elected county commissioners to govern their communities. The following topics will be covered: Transition from campaigning to governing Carrying out the public responsibilities of a commissioner Working together as a board Understanding key elements of county law, finance, and administration Entire boards are encouraged to attend together. Faculty members include experts from the School of Government, NC Association of County Commissioners, and county officials. To learn more, visit or contact Susan Hutchinson, program manager, at or smhutch@sog.unc.edu. Water and Economically Vibrant Communities: What Every Local Leader Needs to Know January 9, 2013 asheville January 30, 2013 new Bern FeBruary 12, 2013 winston-salem FeBruary 22, 2013 Chapel hill Water is one of the state s most precious resources and is fundamental to quality of life and economic development. Water availability and pricing are important issues facing local elected leaders. This engaging workshop will provide a basic understanding about water supply, drinking water systems, wastewater treatment, and storm water. Elected officials will learn the right questions to ask water utility staff in order to provide strategic direction to water utilities. To learn more, visit or contact Susan Hutchinson, program manager, at or smhutch@sog.unc.edu. Visit for an up-to-date calendar of educational programs offered through the Local Elected Leaders Academy. To learn more, contact Donna Warner at or warner@sog.unc.edu.

9 Okay, by now the holiday decorations have been stowed away, the last of the cookies devoured, the fitness resolutions have been broken, and things have pretty much returned to normal right? This also includes work. The turmoil that is often associated with the holidays gives way to the mundaneness of January. As we all get back into our routines, it is a good time to establish new habits that will make sure we will all make it to the next holiday season safely. There is one task that is performed on a daily basis by county employees that also carries a high level of risk for the employee operating a motor vehicle. To whatever degree you are operating a vehicle-continuously, as seen with law enforcement and transportation functions; frequently, as seen with case workers, building inspectors, or EMS; or intermittently, as seen with the administrative or office based staff.- you must practice safety. Volumes have been written, and entire businesses have been built on improving the safety of the driving experience and consequently reducing the number of injuries and death due to auto crashes. A major emphasis is placed on the use of passenger restraints and airbags for reduction of injury and saving lives, which they should be but aren t the fact that they are deployed actually a sign the ultimate goal to prevent the crash was not met? Would it not be better if actions could be taken earlier in the sequence that would prevent the crash to begin with? The driving environment constantly changes while you drive. When driving at 60 mph, you are 88 feet closer to your destination every second that you drive. This means that practically EVERYTHING could change about the driving environment within just a few seconds. The surface on which the car is moving, the overall environmental conditions, traffic density, traffic flow, and other drivers all will be different in some way just moments in the future. For most drivers, these changes pretty much go by unnoticed, and we reach our destination without incident. At other times, however, the deer runs out in front of my car. The slow driver in front of me suddenly stops. The driver of the SUV pulls out of the side street right into my path. Even though I have my lights and siren on, warning everyone I am coming through, someone still pulls out in front of me, or ignores the warning lights. Hopefully, only my day changed and the vehicle I was driving was merely damaged but my life could also be changed - forever. Basically speaking, a vehicle crash occurs because the vehicle was not able to stop in time or take evasive action to avoid the crash. A typical private passenger vehicle weighs about 3000 pounds, and when moving at 60 miles Understanding Symbols for Automobile Coverage Recently the insurance requirement and request of having Symbol 9 automobile coverage has surfaced from the Pool s membership on a reoccurring basis. It has originated most often from a county Department of Social Services and centers around county employees using their own vehicles on behalf of the county while in the process of fulfilling their job responsibilities. So what is symbol 9 and how can you tell if its coverage design is included in your policy? First, understand that coverage symbols for automobile insurance originate through the insurance industry s use of Acord forms 1. Acord forms are standardized documents which include all basic applications for coverage, certificate of insurance forms, loss notice forms basically all of the most commonly needed forms to facilitate the process of applying for, maintaining and servicing insurance clients in the retail market. In addition, they may be specific for a state and accordingly may differ slightly from state to state. Their use is designed to allow insurance agents/brokers/companies to request, provide and utilize standardized documents to improve accuracy in coverage design as well as diminish errors and misunderstandings. In North Carolina, this use of numerical symbols is part of the Acord 137 NC Commercial Automobile Application, and there are nine basic symbol classifications that may apply to the business auto application section. Their use clarifies how coverage is to be provided on a fleet of automobiles. They are designed to limit or broaden coverage depending on which numerical symbol is utilized in the application for coverage and quoting phases. It might help to first clarify what are the nine numerical symbols that apply to business auto: Symbol 1 - Denotes ANY AUTO and coverage is to apply to any auto used in behalf of the business or entity regardless of ownership (broadest in coverage design) Symbol 2 Denotes ALL OWNED AUTOS and coverage is to apply to any autos owned by the business or entity (according to vehicle s title) Symbol 3 Denotes OWNED PRI- VATE PASSENGER AUTOS only Symbol 4 Denotes OWNED AUTOS OTHER THAN PRIVATE PASSENGER (Trucks, etc.) Symbol 5 Denotes ALL OWNED AUTOS WHICH REQUIRE NO FAULT COVERAGE Symbol 6 Denotes OWNED AU- TOS SUBJECT TO COMPULSORY UM LAW Symbol 7 Denotes AUTOS SPECI- FIED IN SCHEDULE (If not listed then not covered) Symbol 8 Denotes HIRED AUTOS (Taxi, Group Transportation through a vendor, etc.) Symbol 9 Denotes NON-OWNED AUTOS Specifically, symbol 9 is used to denote the extension of automobile liability coverage to third parties for bodily injury and/or property damage arising out of the use of a vehicle not owned by the business or entity but Managing Your Risk used in behalf of the business or entity. It does not include physical by Michael Kelly damage for NCACC Risk Management the non-owned automobile, as this is completely the option of the automobile owner, (collision or comprehensive coverage) and as such, should be covered under his or her own policy. A frequent example of this county liability exposure is employees using their own personal, private passenger type automobiles in the course of their job, such as with the DSS. It is important to note the language as defined and described in an insurance policy is in fact NON-OWNED AUTO and not Symbol 9. However, by standardizing the application for coverage process through use of said symbols, a wide variance of automobiles to be covered (or not covered) is possible during the underwriting/quoting process. It is important to remember coverage specifics are defined in the actual insurance policy, not on a certificate of insurance or through an application for coverage. Additionally, for non-owned automobiles, typically the coverage that is primary (first in line for payment) is the owner s insurance policy written on the automobile owned by the employee; then the non-owned coverage applies, on an per hour, takes about 300 feet, or the length of a football field, to actually stop. This is based on a dry and level solid surface. Change the operating environment increase traffic, change the road surface, or environmental conditions, and the distance needed to stop increases dramatically. Included in the stopping distance by Bob Carruth NCACC Risk Control is the amount of time it takes to react to a situation in front of my vehicle, and take the necessary action. The average reaction time for a human being from the time of perceiving a threat until taking action to stop, takes about 1.5 seconds, or 132 of the 300 feet. The critical thing to note about the reaction time anything that happens within the 132 feet pocket in front of the vehicle will likely lead to a collision or crash, as you won t have time to take action to avoid it. So if it takes 300 feet, or basically a football field, for a passenger vehicle to come to a complete stop from 60 mph, and almost half of that distance is just waiting on the reaction of the driver to the event, then a basic principle can be employed by every driver, that would have the effect of eliminating many of the debilitating crashes seen in our state each year Slow Down, and Pay Attention. Higher vehicle speeds than the conditions will allow, combined with being distracted from the driving task is a excess basis. It is for this reason best practice dictates a county risk management policy that states anyone using their own vehicle in their job is required to purchase a specific minimum level of automobile liability insurance. This should be reviewed for compliance along with the procurement of an MVR report providing past driving record history on an annual basis. The main point is the requirement that your automobile insurance policy affords symbol 9 coverage, which means it has to include NON-OWNED AUTO coverage. This is the language to look for in a certificate of insurance in order to be in compliance. Non-owned automobile coverage is routinely included in virtually 99 percent of all commercial automobile policies, as to omit it could be considered an error in professional judgment. The exposure of non-owned automobiles in the operation of virtually all commercial businesses is so prevalent, most agents and brokers routinely include it as a standard matter of coverage composition. The additional cost is minimal and generally considered a no-brainer decision to include as a part of the commercial automobile policy. Finally, as a footnote for clarification, if your owned automobiles are covered through the NCACC L&P Pool, the nonowned automobile coverage is included in our basis coverage document automatically. 1 Acord Forms "Association for Cooperative Operations Research and Development" are trademarks of ACORD and are proprietary. Speed and Distractions a Recipe for Disaster Controlling Your Risk deadly combination. Increase your speed, even 10 miles per hour, and the distance to stop goes up exponentially. Add talking, texting, or eating to that and your reaction time is slowed (and distance covered increases). The converse is true as well reduce your speed based on the ever changing conditions around you, and maintain a high level of attention to the driving task, and that stopping distance decreases, and the distance you will cover while reacting will also decrease. This principle is at work all around us, and you may not even notice it in most downtown areas, even in the smallest of towns, the speed limit is set at 20 mph. The interstate highways have limited access points, all of which are merges, and wide shoulders for emergency use. In the former situation, there are many distractions present as well as increased congestion, which make higher speeds impractical, and in the latter, certain safety features exist that allow for higher operating speeds. Finally, a late arrival to the NC highway culture the much debated traffic circle, provides a way to force all traffic to slow down at an intersection. So this year, as you strive to create new habits, and improve the safety culture of your organization or team, remember Slow Down, and Pay Attention. Finally, if you would like further assistance on helping your staff to drive safer, or perform their other duties safer, please feel free to contact our risk control staff at the NCACC. 9

10 10 County Briefs Annual Emerging Issues Forum focuses on manufacturing All county officials invited to attend special breakfast on Feb. 12 Manufacturing has changed dramatically in recent years. Higher-paying, more skilled jobs can transform the state s economy, and these industry changes are creating major multiplier effects within counties. North Carolina is uniquely positioned to take advantage of these opportunities. The Tar Heel State is the fourth largest manufacturing state in the country and ranks first among southeastern states in terms of manufacturing employment. Given the importance of manufacturing to North Carolina s economy and the opportunities that exist within that sector, North Carolina county officials should have a particular interest in the 28th Annual Emerging Issues Forum, which will highlight those manufacturing opportunities on Feb at the Raleigh Convention Center. The Institute for Emerging Issues is currently accepting registrations at edu/iei/. County government officials receive the $275 registration rate. The Association is a sponsor of the Forum, and county commissioners who attend will receive credits toward recognition in the Local Elected Leaders Academy (LELA), a partnership between the School of Government, the NCACC and the N.C. League of Municipalities. The three-level LELA Recognition Program is for individual county commissioners. County commissioners will earn six workshop/program credits by attending the Forum. The NCACC is also helping to sponsor a special Local Government Breakfast on Day Two of the event (Tuesday, Feb. 12) from 7 7:45 a.m. All North Carolina county officials, regardless of whether they are registered for the full Emerging Issues Forum, are invited to attend the breakfast. City of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett will speak at the breakfast. In 2011, he launched a Manufacturing Partnership that connects area employers with potential employees through a unique and tailored skills training program. Barrett, who has served as the city s mayor since 2004, previously served five terms in Congress and held seats in the Wisconsin State Assembly and State Senate. Gates County hires Mendenhall as Manager The county announced the hiring of Jon Mendenhall as Gates County Manager effective Jan. 14. Mendenhall is a native of High Point and was the Deputy County Administrator in Southampton County, VA for nearly two years before accepting this position. I am grateful to the Gates County Commissioners for their confidence in my ability to lead the county, said Mendenhall. Gates County is a vibrant community that has taken positive steps to secure a bright future and I look forward to continuing that stewardship for the Board and the community; I am very excited to be a part of the Gates County team." Mendenhall is an undergraduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, and a graduate of East New Gates County Manager Jon Mendenhall. Photo by Lisa Nolen Carolina University with a Masters in Technology Systems. Additional studies in Project Management have been completed at NC State University. Prior to his current job in Southampton County, where he was hired in April of 2011, Mendenhall served as Director of Engineering Services for Albemarle, NC; Planning Director for Tift County, GA, and County Planner for Stanly County, NC. This gentleman has an exceptional background in local government and will be a real asset to Gates County in the future, said Commission Chairman Henry Jordan. His experience in budgeting, grant writing, management, engineering, planning, water and sewer systems, GIS, computer operations and transportation gives Gates County a person with many talents. Best of all, however, is his ability to be a real people person who can relate to the citizens of Gates County. Community Development Academy to be held This six-day course covers the concepts, methods, and strategies of community economic development, and provides community development practitioners with significant perspective and practical skills surrounding community development in North Carolina. It will be held March and again April at the School of Government in Chapel Hill. In addition to School of Government faculty, participants will hear from state agency staff, federal grant administrators, nonprofit leaders, and other community development practitioners. Program topics will include community development finance, affordable housing strategies and tools, the role of economic development, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and related grant programs, environmental finance, visioning and citizen participation, tools for group decision-making, and measuring success. To register online and view program details, visit The registration deadline is March 4. The Faculty Coordinator is Tyler Mulligan, Assistant Professor of Public Law and Government. For more information contact Carla Stowe, Program Manager, at or cstowe@sog.unc.edu. NCACC Announces 2013 District Meeting Locations and Dates The Association has announced locations for its series of six district meetings to be held this April. The tentative times for each meeting are 5:30-8 p.m. Dinner will be included. There is no registration fee to attend the meeting, but county officials are asked to register in advance so the Association will have accurate meals counts. Online registration will soon be available at Attendees will earn three credits in the Association Sponsored Programs category toward Practitioner, Master or Mentor status through the Local Elected Leaders Academy (LELA) Recognition Program. DATE COUNTY LOCATION Thursday, April 4 New Hanover Wilmington Convention Center Wednesday, April 10 Jackson Western Carolina University Thursday, April 11 Caldwell J.E. Broyhill Civic Center Thursday, April 18 Wake Quorum Center Wednesday, April 24 Pitt Hilton Greenville Thursday, April 25 Pasquotank College of the Albemarle Alleghany County receives grant funds for Park The Alleghany County Board of Commissioners was awarded a grant by the state Department of Parks and Recreation to build a new park in Sparta. The park, to be named Veterans Memorial Park, will be located on the South Sparta Parkway (U.S. 21 bypass). The grant amount, $172,479.50, reflects half the projected cost of the project, with the county responsible to pay the remainder of the funds. The board had requested funds for the park a second time in January of this year after being turned down in the last budget cycle. According to information from earlier discussions on the park, it would include a multi-use field that would accommodate regulation soccer, two smaller fields that could accommodate soccer play for younger players, a concession stand, a paved parking area, a picnic area, bathrooms, a walking track and access to the creek, which already is stocked with trout by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. A bridge would connect the parking lot, bathrooms, picnic and concession areas with the playing fields on the other side of the creek. The plan, submitted to the commissioners earlier this year by Recreation Director David Evans, shows the cost breakdown for the $344,959 project. State officials had told the county that adding more amenities to the park, giving it more uses for the public, would add points to the application score. The applications with the highest scores have the best chance of being funded. Along those lines, the county added the walking path and picnic shelter. The facilities will be handicapped accessible.

11 11 Orange County names Emergency Services Department Director Haywood County Health Department now offers screenings for Veterans Jim Groves will replace retiring Director Frank Montes de Oca, who led the Department of Emergency Services for five years. He starts his new job Jan. 22. As Emergency Services director, Groves will lead the Fire Marshal s Office and a 119-member staff that meets the county s emergency medical, communication and management needs, while working with other local, state and federal agencies to handle large-scale emergencies. He also will oversee a major expansion and upgrade to EMS and 911 Center services. Groves has worked since 2006 as senior manager with ICF International in Durham. The consulting firm specializes in emergency service Pictured is newly named Orange County Emergency Services Director. Photo Courtsey Orange County response programs and inter-agency collaboration. He also served three years as Lee County s emergency services director, 10 years as the emergency management coordinator for Durham County and was a member and assistant chief of Durham s Parkwood Volunteer Fire Department from 1984 to Wayne County Commissioner Evans, former Lenoir commissioner Whitfield die J.D. Evans, a longtime Wayne County Commissioner and former member of the NCACC Board of Directors, died Dec. 17. He was 71. J.D. served on the Wayne County Board of Commissioners, Wayne County Planning Board, Wayne County Public Library board, Social Services board, WAGES board and Smart Choice for Youth board. Evans was originally appointed to the board in May 2000 and served for more than 12 years. Evans was active within the NCACC, serving for the last several years on the Public Education Steering Committee. Former Lenoir County Commissioner Marguerite Whitfield died Sunday, Jan. 13. She served the citizens of Lenoir County for 12 years as a Lenoir County Board of Commissioner and Department of Social Services Board Member. She was also active in the NCACC, serving on the Health and Human Services Steering Committee for several years. Sampson County accepts grants for Animal Shelter The county has accepted more than $16,000 in grant funds that will assist in effectively dismantling and destroying the gas chamber as a form of euthanasia at the Sampson County Animal Shelter, while also reducing the number of animals put to death due to health reasons. Three grants were received and formally accepted by the Sampson County Board of Commissioners this week, along with nearly $5,000 in donations from a recent holiday fundraiser locally. One of the grants received is from the Humane Society of the United States, which offered $7,000 to phase out the use of the gas chamber. The two other grants are from the Petfinder Foundation, including a $6,300 award to fund a kennel cough vaccine program and a $3,000 grant to fund a FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) vaccination program. The goal of both programs is to reduce the number of animals euthanized for health reasons. Alan Canady has recently been named the Animal shelter director. Canady was selected among 20 applicants for the job. For the past six years, Canady worked for Cumberland County Animal Control, most recently as lead officer and also serving previously as an acting animal control supervisor for the agency. Before that, he was employed by the Sampson County Sheriff s Department as a detention officer and the North Carolina Department of Corrections as a correctional officer. Beginning Jan. 14, newly-enrolled veterans in Haywood County and the seven western counties can receive their initial health screening for Veterans Administration benefits at the Haywood County Health Department, instead of driving to Asheville. On Monday, Jan. 7, the Haywood County Board of Commissioners approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the Haywood County Health Department and the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville for health department clinic space to be used for the initial vesting appointment for new veterans. By approving the MOU, Haywood County becomes the first county in the nation to roll out this type of partnership, which is part of the VA Medical Center s Rural Health Initiative to increase healthcare access and health education for veterans. Brandon Wilson, Haywood County Veterans Service Officer, expects it to be the first of several health access and education activities that could operate in collaboration with the Haywood County Health Department in the next few years. A vesting appointment, which involves blood work and a general health interview, is required before a veteran can be assigned a medical provider and start receiving medical benefits covered by the VA. By conducting these appointments at the Haywood County Health Department, Wilson anticipates the wait time for veterans will be cut from several months to a few weeks. This is an exciting step for Haywood County to be the first to enter into a partnership like this, Wilson said. Not only will it keep all veterans from Haywood County to Murphy from having to go to Asheville for this initial appointment, but they should be eligible for their health care benefits in 2-3 weeks instead of 2-3 months. I anticipate we will add additional services, like flu clinics or smoking cessation classes, over the next few years. This will save our veterans a lot of time and travel. Wilson thanked the Haywood County Health Department for supporting this initiative. Health Director Carmine Rocco and his staff have been instrumental in this collaboration and I applaud them for stepping up, as well as the commissioners for approving this partnership, Wilson said. To schedule an appointment, veterans must first complete the application (VA form EZ) for healthcare, as well as be eligible for services. Applications are available online at or by contacting your county Veterans Services office. In Haywood County, the Veterans Services Office can be reached at SHORTS Chatham County: The county recently celebrated the opening of their new Justice Center. The new facility replaces the historic courthouse in Pittsboro. It holds 100 employees and has four courtrooms. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held in January... Davidson County: The Juvenile Crime Prevention Council is slated to receive $385,970 for at risk programs from the NC Department of Public Safety. The funds will be used to fund programs including family counseling, psychological assessments, sex offender treatment, mentoring, skill building, vocational development and several other areas. Also, George Hodges, Transportation Director for the county, retired. Hodges had served in the role for five years and had worked for the department for 25 years... Guilford County: Charlie Collicutt has been named Elections Director when current Director George Gilbert steps down in March. Collicutt has served as Deputy Director and has been with the department since Henderson County: Zentric Inc. has announced plans to locate a facility in the county and invest $7 million. The move is expected to create 116 new jobs with an average salary of $40,000 per year. The company credited Henderson's strong business climate as one of the reasons the Nevada-based company decided to locate there... Lincoln County: The county's Planning Board and Board of Commissioners have given approval for Strata Solar to move foward with plans for a solar facility in the western part of the county. The 35-acre farm will sell the energy it produces to Duke Energy. The county also received $671,400 in grant funds in December for water system improvements from the Rural Economic Development Center... Moore County: Moore County Sheriff Lane Carter has announced his retirement effective May 1, Carter has been Sheriff since 2002 and started his career as a deputy there in New Hanover County: Tara Duckworth is the county s new parks and gardens director. Duckworth worked for the county as a parks and gardens manager since 2010, with responsibilities that included coordination of the parks bond projects, community group advocacy and supervision of administrative staff, according to a news release.

12 12 School of Government offers new course on human services basics for county commissioners There are almost as many different reasons why people run for county commissioner as there are county commissioners. Even so, very few county commissioners come into office with a focus on, or even a basic understanding of, a county s role in providing human services for citizens. Because of this lack of experience and knowledge, the Association and the School of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have teamed up to offer a new course that will help county commissioners, especially those newly elected, to understand the relationship between county government and human services agencies. This interactive, one-day workshop will cover public health, social services, and mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities programs. When I first became a commissioner, I knew very little about human services, said Hertford County Commissioner Johnnie Ray Farmer, who serves as the chair of the NCACC s Health and Human Services Steering Committee. As a matter of fact, I didn t know the difference between Medicaid and Medicare. Getting that training made a big difference in getting my feet on the ground. When we are elected, we all come from specific backgrounds and professions, and we are weaker in some subjects and stronger in others, said NCACC Second Vice President Glen Webb, who is in his first term as a Pitt County Commissioner. Having a class and some instruction on human services and its role in county government is invaluable, because you are going to be ultimately making decisions that affect those services. The workshop came about as a result of feedback from commissioners. A significant portion of a county s budget goes to funding human services agencies operations, and county commissioners play a key role in establishing, appointing and sometimes serving on the agency boards. Health and Human Services is so unique, said Macon County Commissioner Ronnie Beale, who chaired the NCACC Human Services Steering Committee in It touches almost every life in North Carolina, every family in some way. More and more things are being passed down through social services, yet with that, there is no more money for extra employees. Social Services across our state and our county are becoming more and more important. Health and Human Services encompasses much more than mental health. It is one of the largest departments. The program will cover the following topics in depth: What do human services agencies do? How are they organized and governed? What is a county commissioner s role with these agencies and services? The workshop will be held in two locations: March 19, 2013, at the North Carolina Arboretum in Buncombe County (Asheville) and on March 26, 2013, at the Doubletree by Hilton in Craven County (New Bern). To learn more or to register, visit or contact Carolyn Boggs, program manager, at (919) or boggs@sog.unc.edu. Scholarships are available to elected officials through the Local Elected Leaders Academy.