NCACC staff visits Wilson County

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1 JANUARY 2015 VOLUME 41, NO. 1 NACo is important to all counties across our state and nation I recently returned from a trip to Washington, D.C., to meet with presidents from the other state associations of counties. The annual event is sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo), which has been representing county governments in our nation s capital since We attended a briefing from White House staffers, where we heard about such topics as homelessness among our veterans, immigration and increasing technical skills for the next generation of job seekers. It is great to be a part of a national organization that can provide such wonderful opportunities to officials from counties as small as Macon County. NACo has programs and services that benefit all counties, small and large, urban and rural. Like our state association, NACo staff members are the experts in advocating for county interests, but this time at the Federal level. NACo s team works the halls of Congress every day to educate Representatives and Senators about the needs of counties or about how certain legislation could prove beneficial or detrimental to counties. NACo is our eyes, ears and voice in Congress. Also like our state association, they provide many more services than advocacy. NACo sponsors webinars and training sessions throughout the year for elected county officials and administrative staff. Their annual Legislative Conference, which is being held next month at the Please see Perspective on Page 2 NCACC staff visits Wilson County NCACC staff visited Wilson County in December to get an in-depth look at operations and programs the county offers its citizens. Here, NCACC Executive Director Kevin Leonard listens to a presentation during the visit. Pictured to the left is Wilson County Commissioner and NCACC Board Member Thomas Lucas and to the right is Wilson County Manager Denise Stinagle. Photo by Charlie Eaton District meeting locations set for 2015 Each spring, the NCACC hosts a series of District Meetings throughout the state. The meetings offer county commissioners and management staff an opportunity to learn about the latest legislative developments in Raleigh, to share information from their conversations with legislators, to network with officials from other counties, and to learn about the latest NCACC programs and services that benefit counties. Commissioners who attend a district meeting earn three credits in the Association Sponsored Programs category toward Practitioner, Master or Mentor status through the Local Elected Leaders Academy (LELA) Recognition Program District Meetings will be held at the following locations. Each meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will include a complimentary dinner. Each meeting will conclude by 8 p.m. The meetings are: March 25, Martin County; April 1, Jackson County; April 2, Iredell County; April 9, Onslow County; April 15, Durham County; and April 16, Hoke County. Pre-registration is required and is available on the NCACC website. Counties enjoy another great year in 2014 In late 2013, we were inspired with an idea. A manager called to let us know about some accomplishments his county had in 2013, and we thought it would be a great idea to have a unique feature in our January 2014 issue of. The features were wellreceived last January, so we want to highlight accomplishments of counties throughout the state again this year. Obviously each county has accomplished some important things in 2014 for its citizens, but we wanted to hear about the ones counties really wanted to share with others. We asked them to let us know how a decision by commissioners, a change in operations, or a completed capital project changed how they interact with citizens. Those were just a few suggestions, but submissions were not limited to that. In the following pages, we have stories on various scales from counties all across the state that give some insight into the work county governments do for citizens. Inside this issue: Page 3 County Accomplishments Page 6-7 County Accomplishments Map Page 8 Job Opportunities Page 9 County Manager Profile Page 11 County Explorer Page 12 Managing Your Risk facebook.com/ncacc1908 youtube.com/ncacc1908 twitter.com/ncacc instagram.com/ncacc1908 Have a smartphone? Visit our mobile site! Orange County Creates Agri-tourism Campaign Orange County s tourism and economic development departments introduced several new agri-tourism efforts in 2014 to remind residents and visitors alike of the county s agricultural roots. Agri-tourism shows people what the farm experience really is and where their food comes from. It accounts for a small fraction of agricultural revenue, but farmers in the Orange County area hope to see it grow. To help this niche industry grow, the county s tourism bureau, Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau, increased marketing with a new campaign that included print advertisements, brochures, a wall calendar and a website. Additionally the economic development department sponsored meals and marketing materials for the county s annual Agricultural Summit as part of an effort to grow awareness and attendance at the annual summit. Economic Development and Tourism also provided sponsorship funds for the annual Farm-to-Fork To promote agri-tourism in Orange County, the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau increased its marketing program to improve public awareness of the many farms in the area that are open to the public. event in Orange County, which continues to attract greater audiences each year. The Visitors Bureau s campaign included: An eight-page agri-tourism insert that was placed in The Chapel Hill magazine; creation of an annual wall calendar that highlights local farms; an annual rack brochure, listing Orange County farms open to visitors; sponsorship of a local farm-to-food event, TerraVita, and co-producer of a regional website: The Bureau s campaign included news of farm markets, farm dinners, See Accomplishments on page 3

2 2 January 2015 NCACC STAFF NOTES Perspective Continued From Page 1 Johnson joins the NCACC as Government Relations Coordinator Hugh Johnson joined the NCACC as Government Relations Coordinator, effective Jan. 5. Johnson served as a Policy Analyst in the Office of the Governor since March Hugh s knowledge of the executive and legislative branches of state government will be very beneficial as we work with the state on behalf of counties to provide services to North Carolinians, said NCACC Hugh Johnson Executive Director Kevin Leonard. I m excited to join the NCACC and its great team, and I look forward to working on behalf of all 100 counties across the state, Johnson said. Johnson s background in public policy includes working for the Government Affairs Department for Kraft Foods in Washington, D.C., and as a Policy Research Associate for Americans for Tax Reform in Washington, D.C. While in the nation s capital, Johnson earned his Master s of Public Policy degree from the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy. Johnson, who graduated from high school in Mecklenburg County, is a 2008 graduate of Wake Forest University with a B.A. in Political Science. Hugh s experience and interest in policy issues critical to North Carolina counties make him a great asset to our advocacy team and membership, said Director of Government Relations Johanna Reese. Marriott Park hotel in Washington, D.C., provides information on the latest federal initiatives that could impact counties. Their Annual Conference, which is held in July and will be hosted by North Carolina this summer in our very own Mecklenburg County, is filled with educational workshops and networking opportunities on a variety of topics. NACo helps save counties and county taxpayers money through such programs as their shared purchasing alliance called U.S. Communities. This program enables all counties to leverage their cumulative purchasing power by accessing the same terms as purchasing contracts awarded to individual counties. NACo also sponsors a Grants Clearinghouse that helps counties find federal, state and private grants available for counties and community-based organizations. NACo also sponsors some great programs that help your citizens save money. The Prescription, Health & Dental Discount Program, which is administered by CVS Caremark, includes discounts on prescriptions, vision care, LASIK & PRK vision procedures, hearing aids & screenings, prepaid lab work, prepaid diagnostic imaging, diabetic supplies and dental care. It doesn t cost counties anything to sign up, and the benefits for your citizens are immediate. If you are not familiar with NACo, I urge you to visit their website ( org) to learn more about the programs and services they offer to counties and county commissioners. NACo can prepare for you an individualized report that shows the benefits your county and county residents have earned through participating in the various programs NCACC OFFICERS/BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP AND REPRESENTATIVES Jeannette Council, Cumberland County, Legislative Goals Committee Co-Chair Gary D. Blevins, Wilkes County, Legislative Goals Committee Co-Chair Ronnie Smith, Martin County, General Government Steering Committee Chair Charlie Messer, Henderson County, Agriculture Steering Committee Co-Chair Eddie Settle, Wilkes County, Agriculture Steering Committee Co-Chair Ellen Reckhow, Durham County, Environment Steering Committee Chair David Monteith, Swain County, Health & Human Services Steering Comm. Co-Chair Trevor Fuller, Mecklenburg County, Health & Human Services Steering Comm. Co-Chair Randy Isenhower, Catawba County, Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee Chair Bill Upton, Haywood County, Public Education Steering Committee Chair Jerry Jones, Greene County, Public Education Steering Committee Chair Darrell Frye, Randolph County, Tax and Finance Steering Committee Chair Ann Holton, Pamlico County, RMP Board of Trustees Representative Lee Worsley, Durham County, County Managers Representative Larry Phillips, Surry County, State Government Efficiencies Task Force Leon Inman, Stokes County, Mental Health Task Force DISTRICT DIRECTORS 1: Tracey Johnson, Washington County 10: Nick Picerno, Moore County 2: Melvin McLawhorn, Pitt County 11: Keith Mabe, Rockingham County 3: Bill Pate, Wayne County 12: Tom Keigher, Gaston County 4: Charles McDowell, Columbus County 13: Johnnie Carswell, Burke County 5: Bob Davis, Scotland County 14: Bill Slagle, Mitchell County 6: James Burgin, Harnett County 15: Vacant 7: Thomas Lucas, Wilson County 16: Larry Chapman, Transylvania Co. 8: Jimmy Clayton, Person County 17: Connie Orr, Graham 9: Renee Price, Orange County 18: Kevin Austin, Yadkin County EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Ronnie Beale, President Macon County Commissioner Glen Webb, President Elect Pitt County Commissioner Fred McClure, First Vice President Davidson County Commissioner Brenda Howerton, Second Vice President Durham County Commissioner B. Ray Jeffers, Immediate Past President Person County Commissioner Kevin Leonard, NCACC Executive Director is published monthly by the NCACC 215 N. Dawson St., Raleigh, NC Phone: (919) Fax: (919) ncacc@ncacc.org Executive Editor: Kevin Leonard 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 Kay Cashion Guilford County Betty Lou Ward Wake County Noah Woods Robeson County AT-LARGE DIRECTORS Ed Booth, Beaufort Co. Kenneth Edge Cumberland Co. Gloria Whisenhunt Forsyth County Tony Cozart Granville County PAST PRESIDENTS Kitty Barnes Catawba County

3 January farm-to-fork restaurant tours, promotion of Accomplishments the annual Piedmont Farm Tour Continued From Page 1 and reminders of farm-related events. County Commission Chair Earl McKee owns a farm near Hillsborough and said the county has the population base to make something like agri-tourism successful. People use their discretionary funds to enjoy entertainment like agri-tourism, which can be a challenge for some residents after paying living expenses, McKee said. Agri-tourism is a small component of the county s overall agricultural industry, and more growth has happened in the production and direct market sales. Economic development accomplishments in Chatham County In May 2014, the Chatham County Board of Commissioners participated in a groundbreaking for a new Agriculture & Conference Center, which will be funded with limited obligation bonds requiring no tax increase. This facility meets critical countywide needs for conference and convention facilities, which will boost the local economy. The facility will include almost 6,000 square feet of exhibit hall space and a large stage. It also will provide offices for Cooperative Extension, Soil & Water Conservation and other agriculture-related agencies. The county s recent upgraded bond ratings helped the county receive $1.38 million premium on the project bonds that will not have to be repaid. In October 2014, Chatham County learned that it is in very select company in earning a AAA bond rating from Standard and Poor s and a Aa1 rating from Moody s. Only eight other much larger counties in the state and 89 counties in the entire nation had earned a AAA rating from Standard and Poor s, as of 2013 Census reports. The higher ratings mean better interest rates for bonds on projects like the new Agriculture & Conference Center. In addition to those accomplishments, the Chatham Economic Development Corporation hosted an event on June 20, 2014 to announce that the N.C. Department of Commerce had certified the Chatham-Randolph Megasite, which sets a precedent as the first state-certified megasite. The 1,818-acre site west of Siler City has been touted in economic development publications as a prime choice for automotive manufacturers. It is an important site in a part of the county that had been impacted by several plant layoffs and closures. State certification means that the site is verified as ready for immediate development. The EDC has launched a website to market the site: chathamrandolphmegasite.com Chatham County also completed a major phase of renovating the Courthouse Annex after all court offices moved into the new Judicial Center. This allowed the Register of Deeds Office, County Manager s Office and Tax Office to expand so that residents are more effectively and efficiently served. It is the first time in eight years that all County Manager s Office staff has been housed together. County and state officials announced in June that the Chatham-Randolph Megasite was the first state-certified megasite. The 1,818-acre site is being touted as a prime choice for automotive manufacturers. Mobile dental clinic, school and jail construction projects among Wayne County highlights Wayne County officials didn t think the list would be so long when asked to talk about the county s accomplishments for As the list was being written, they realized just how much had been achieved in the past year: breaking ground on two new middle schools, moving forward on the preliminary design phase of a proposed agriculture center, consolidation of fire districts, opening of a new library, construction of two new radio public safety communication towers and selecting an architectural firm for design of a new jail were only some of the goals accomplished by the county. A nearly seven-year quest to establish a veterans cemetery in Wayne County became a reality in 2014, with a fall groundbreaking ceremony. The cemetery not only will pay tribute to veterans, but also will help the county protect Seymour Johnson Air Force Base by helping control encroachment around the base. The cemetery is also expected to have an economic impact in tourism dollars. In addition, the Health Department acquired a mobile dental clinic that travels to three area schools, providing services for children in need. The 50-foot tractor-trailer arrived in mid-2014, after more than a year working to secure funding and being prepared for use. Dental decay is the most common chronic disease of early childhood, five times more common than asthma. The mobile unit has two treatment rooms where teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, X-rays, cavity treatments, and extractions are performed. Dental professionals also provide patients with education on proper brushing, flossing techniques, and healthy eating habits. These units provide dental care to children that otherwise may not make a trip to the dentist. Poor oral health of children has been related to poor performance in school, poor social relationships and less success later in life. If children are in pain, it distracts them from concentrating on schoolwork. Low- and moderate-income children miss a disproportionate amount of school due to oral disease. The mobile unit was formed to help perform preventive treatment for elementary students. By bringing the service to the school, the program is able to help eliminate one more barrier between the student and receiving critical preventative care. The service is paid for with Medicaid, Health Choice and a sliding scale fee available for uninsured patients. Wayne County began operating a mobile dental clinic in The 50-foot tractor-trailer travels to three area schools and provides services to children in need. The mobile unit has two treatment rooms where teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, X-rays, cavity treatments, and extractions are performed. Wilson County expands EMS and more in 2014 Wilson County Emergency Medical Services is working to improve response times to meet growth demands. In 2014 the county began construction on sites for two satellite stations. The county acquired land on the north side of the county for its first satellite station in the town of Elm City. Construction is rapidly underway, and soon the station will be prepared to respond to emergencies. The same is true for Wilson County s south side. An arrangement has been made for construction of a satellite station in Lucama. Arrangements for the Lucama station were completed in 2014, and construction will start in Both of the initiatives were needed to increase response times in the county. This is a new precedent for Wilson County s EMS having satellite services outside of the City of Wilson, said Terry Barber, EMS Director. We will continue to track response times and evaluate the efficiencies of these facilities. We are thankful for our commissioners support to look out for the needs of Wilson County s citizens. The Department of Social Services, along with several community partners, hosted the first Wilson Area Health Fair in September Free health services were provided to all age groups. This Health Fair was intended to meet a need in the community. According to the N.C. Institute of Medicine, 9% of children up to age 18 are uninsured, and 22% of adults ages are uninsured in Wilson County. The Wilson Area Health Fair involved the hard work and dedication of multiple community partners: First Baptist Church, Wilson Luncheon and Evening Lions, Wilson Advocacy for the Blind, Carolina Family Health Center, Carolina Outreach, Wilson Medical Center, Wilson County Health Department, Wilson Community College, Barton College, Eastern Carolina Chiropractic, Eastpointe, Wilson Mental Health Association, N.C. Cooperative Extension, OIC of Wilson, Rite Aid Pharmacy, Wesley Shelter, Wilson County Substance Abuse Coalition, Wilson Family YMCA, and Wilson Fire/Rescue Services. Available services and providers included: N.C. Baptist Dental Van, N.C. Lions 21st Century Mobile Screening Unit (Vision and Hearing), flu shots, blood pressure and glucose screenings, HIV Testing, fall safety and screening, stroke awareness and warning signs, chiropractic care, substance abuse prevention and treatment information, fire and safety awareness, domestic violence awareness, healthy eating and food preparation, physical fitness and fire safety. Approximately 200 attended the Health Fair located at the Wilson County Agriculture Continued on page 4

4 4 January 2015 Center. The Wilson Area Health Fair set a precedent for agencies, non-profits and the faith community working together to offer comprehensive, coordinated health services to a degree that hadn t been accomplished before. Obstacles to planning an event this large in scale include logistical challenges, availability of providers and making the most of a non-existent budget. The need for dental services proved to be overwhelming. Plans are underway for the 2nd Annual Wilson Area Health Fair, featuring the addition of Rex Mobile Mammography unit as a precursor to forecasting an even larger health fair to be held in October. While DSS was hosting its first Health Fair, the department responded to employer feedback and made significant changes to its 14th annual Greater Wilson Area Job Fair. Many employers have experienced difficulties finding qualified job seekers to fill vacant positions. A typical job fair usually results in an overwhelming number of job seekers, who may or may not be work-ready. Instead of helping job seekers find employment and employers find qualified applicants, there was frustration on the part of the serious job seeker and on the employer. The overwhelming crush of people made it difficult to sort through and find the qualified applicants. The Ticket to Work Job Fair matched qualified job seekers with employers who had jobs to fill. The Ticket to Work Job Fair benefits those seeking employment and employers, utilizing a pre-qualification process to ensure that job seekers had the minimum qualifications of a high school diploma or GED, Career Readiness Certificate, certification through an Employment Readiness program, positive attitude, long-term job experience, a college diploma or certification. The concept of pre-qualification met a need that employers had expressed to multiple community agencies providing employment services to those who are unemployed or underemployed. Wilson County DSS, through a collaborative process with various community stakeholders, thoroughly researched this concept and believed that this would meet the needs of job seekers and employers. The Job Fair Planning Committee stakeholders were intent on achieving a positive experience for all involved. Job seekers received a ticket to participate in the Job Fair, after being pre-qualified by a community partner. The planning process took time and investment from the community. Community stakeholders contributing to this process included: Veterans Residential Services, NC Vocational Rehabilitation, Upper Coastal Plains Area Agency on Aging, Wilson Community College and Barton College. For those who did not meet the pre-qualification process, resources were made available to improve their employability and help them find work. The Department of Labor s NC Job link mobile unit was on site with computers and Internet access for job seekers to register for NCWORKS, complete job applications and to print and copy resumes. Community resource booths were also available to assist job seekers. Approximately 300 people attended the event, held at the Wilson County Agricultural Center in May Feedback from employers and job seekers was overwhelmingly positive, and planning has already begun for the 2015 Ticket to Work Greater Wilson Area Job Fair. In an effort to improve response times, Wilson County Emergency Medical Services began developing two satellite stations in The county will open satellite stations in Elm City and Lucama in 2015, thanks to the support of the county commissioners. Rockingham County makes strides in many areas during 2014 Rockingham County became the first county to take advantage of a new law that allows landfill revenues to be used to fund programs to pick up litter along public roadways. The county is using inmates from the county jail to clean up the roadways, thus enabling the inmates to make a positive contribution to the community while they are incarcerated. Craig Travis, the vice chairman of the Rockingham County Board of Commissioners, had pushed for the program for two years, but the county couldn t find funding. It just so happened one night I was laying there, he said. I was thinking if they are picking up litter and litter is concerning trash, then why can t we use the landfill fund for it? He pitched the idea to County Manager Lance Metzler, but state law dictated that landfill money could only be used to operate landfills. Travis said state Reps. Bert Jones and Bryan Holloway and Sen. Phil Berger helped change the law. They thought it was a common sense approach, so they made a bill to reword the bill for the landfill enterprise fund, Travis said. The language was incorporated into the Technical Corrections bill (H1133). The change means the county can access money it already has to pay for this prisoner work program. The work is good for the prisoners, the roadways are cleaner, and the taxpayers save money because it would otherwise cost more to do this, he said. When we have businesses come to Rockingham County, one of the first things they notice is whether it s beautiful or trashy. According to Travis, the county expects to spend $200,000 to buy the equipment needed and hire two litter control deputies. The positions are funded by the Rockingham County Landfill and will be housed in the Sheriff s Department. Since this is a waste management program and therefore an eligible Landfill Fund expense, no General Fund (property tax) money was needed. He said it should cost $90,000 yearly. The county plans to cut that expense by also cleaning roads maintained by the N.C. Department of Transportation. Instead of them doing it, if we can do it for them, then they can reimburse the county for the burden on the enterprise fund for the landfill so it s not so substantial, Metzler said. Travis said residents shouldn t worry about safety because dangerous inmates won t be used. Inmates who qualify and volunteer for the program can earn time off their sentences while learning valuable job skills. Rockingham County improves program integrity in DSS The Program Integrity and Fraud Investigation program in the county Department of Social Services (DSS) cost the county nothing to create and saved county taxpayers a significant amount in Here are some of the figures for the program through the end of 2014: Total Collection in Calendar Year 2014: $89, Total Collections by DSS PII & Detective 2/ /2014 = $329, Total Retention (Incentive) Returned to Rockingham Co. 2/ /2014 = $52, Cases Pending Felony Report Completion 38 Cases Pending Administrative Disqualification Hearing 78 Cases currently under Investigation These efforts directly impact the children and families in Rockingham County in a positive way by providing much-needed income and medical coverage for at-risk families and holding accountable those individuals who attempt to or receive benefits under false pretenses. The program has a detective stationed in-house within DSS who serves multiple purposes. His presence serves as a very real deterrent to those who consider providing false information on their application for public assistance. He conducts field investigations and accompanies staff into dangerous situations. He also provides security to the lobby and within the entire building. Program Integrity Investigation is an essential service for Rockingham County taxpayers. These efforts were accomplished through the diligent and continuous efforts of the Program Integrity Investigator, Wendy Yates; Detective Mike Smith of the Rockingham County Sheriff s Office; and in collaboration with the Income Maintenance and Support Staff at DSS, the other local Law Enforcement agencies in the county, and the Judicial Staff with AOC. Rockingham County pushed for a change in state law to allow revenues from the landfill to be used to pay for programs to pick up litter along public roadways. The county uses inmates from the county jail to provide the service. Because existing funds are used for the program, there was no impact on the county s general fund. Cleveland County makes health and wellbeing a priority in 2014 Cleveland County is proud of the partnerships created with municipalities in the county. One of the Commissioners Strategic Goals for 2014 was to build a playground for citizens with physical/developmental/behavioral disabilities. Seeing a need to serve those citizens in need, Commissioners partnered with the City of Kings Mountain on this very important project. Construction was completed in December and will be enjoyed by

5 January many in the warmer months. In 2014, Cleveland County created an aggressive wellness initiative called Cleveland County STRONG. As part of the initiative, more than 200 employees have been participating in the YMCA Diabetes/Pre-Diabetes program at no cost to the employee. Since September, they have lost more than half a ton. As part of the initiative, Cleveland County has partnered with the YMCA to offer all employees family memberships for only $28 a month. Cleveland County STRONG shirts are distributed to those employees who exhibit healthy behaviors, and Cleveland County STRONG wellness awards will be part of our Employee Recognition event in early responsibility. Since the county already owned a wastewater treatment plant in the northeastern part of the county, it was immediately able to gain operational efficiencies and leverage purchasing power for supplies, chemicals and other goods and services. These efficiencies will help stabilize annual operating expenditures. Further, the county s size and bond rating will provide enhanced debt capacity for future plant upgrades and expansion. Ultimately, this asset purchase agreement will help foster long-term growth and development in Stanly County. Catawba County Cooperative Extension Program helping farmers become more successful wins national recognition Cleveland County partnered with the City of Kings Mountain to build a playground designed for citizens with physical/developmental/behavioral disabilities. Construction was finished in December. Stanly County sets economic development plan in motion In 2013, the Stanly County Economic Development Commission, with the financial assistance of Duke Energy, contracted with Jeannette Goldsmith to evaluate strategic opportunities to enhance industry recruitment, existing business expansion, job creation and retention in Stanly County. The study revealed a weakness in the county s sewer infrastructure as well as its overall operational structure for utility provision. The complex web of sewer treatment, transmission and collection providers made it difficult for prospective businesses and/or site consultants to obtain timely and accurate utility rate data. Further, the fragmentation of service providers in the western part of the county was hindering growth opportunities and leading to fairly significant utility rate fluctuations. This level of uncertainty was not good for existing businesses or industry recruitment. As such, the consultant recommended the county assess opportunities for a more consolidated and regional approach to utility provision. After a few months of planning and evaluation, Stanly County began informal discussions with the Town of Oakboro regarding the wastewater treatment plant that serves the municipalities of Oakboro, Stanfield and Locust and several unincorporated areas via the Stanly County Utilities Department. The wastewater treatment plant is critical for continued growth in Stanly County because it serves the area of Stanly County that is closest to Charlotte and is within 10 miles of I-485. Given the Town of Oakboro s budgetary size and debt capacity, the longterm financial stability and growth of the plant was questionable. After several months of negotiating and due diligence, Stanly County and the Town of Oakboro reached a tentative agreement in early However, it still took several months to research and clear up property deeds, easements, contractual arrangements and existing liens resulting from loans. Further, since the county was assuming a USDA loan and paying the Town of Oakboro via a multi-year installment plan, the LGC also had to provide approval for the sale and acquisition. In early June 2014, the county acquired the plant and took full operational The Immigrant Agriculture Program, a cooperative effort of Catawba County Government, the North Carolina Cooperative Extension-Catawba Center and the Cooperative Extension Program at North Carolina A&T State University, has been recognized by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) with the 2014 ICMA Community Sustainability Program Excellence Award. The Immigrant Agriculture Program works primarily with Hmong farmers living in Catawba County to help them become more successful in growing and marketing their produce. It features a Growers School, designed to teach participants basic production and marketing skills needed to be successful in a farming enterprise, and community gardens at the County s EcoComplex, which provide the participants with hands-on experience with new crops, equipment and methods. According to information at the Community Sustainability Program Excellence Awards, recognize the innovative local government programs or processes that demonstrate innovation, excellence, and success in balancing that community s social, economic, environmental, and cultural needs. Only two programs in the United States were presented with the award this year. The Hmong are nomadic hill-tribe farmers from Northern Laos, many of whom sought political asylum in the United States after the Vietnam War. There are roughly 3,000 Hmong living in Catawba County. Many of these families participating in the program have low income jobs, earning less than $50,000 per household, said Der Xiong, Immigrant Agricultural Agent. Many of the participating families saw an increase in their farm profitability. In 2012, the participants were able to net a total of $31,618 by implementing different techniques learned. One component of the Immigrant Agriculture Program consists of a demonstration site and community garden plots. To reduce barriers to land access, a three-acre plot was secured at Catawba County s EcoComplex through a partnership with Catawba County Utilities and Engineering, with half of the site serving as a community garden for six families that produce food for their families. This has also provided an opportunity for women and men to get out, get some physical activity and socialize with other individuals in the community. The rest of the acreage is utilized as a demonstration garden. The farmers at the demonstration site have indicated they felt having access to land and being able to farm has improved their quality of life. One farmer said, The [demonstration] site has helped me gain more physical activity and grow food that I m used to eating. Another farmer at the demonstration site said that, during the months when she is raising her own crop, she sees a significant difference in the amount of money she spends because she s raising her own produce rather than purchasing it. One of the biggest impacts is empowerment, said Dr. Michelle Eley, Community & Economic Development Specialist at NC A&T. All of the women from the program have reported that the program has given them ownership of their farm and business. As a result of this program s success, we are exploring the opportunity to write a curriculum for other organizations who wish to work with immigrant groups such as the Hmong. As we continue to expose Hmong families to modern, sustainable methods of farming, we anticipate an improvement in the quality of life for many of these individuals, reduction in barriers and increase in profit in the coming year. We re really proud of the work that Der does through this program, and of the positive impact it is having on the community, said Assistant County Manager Mary Furtado, who supervises Cooperative Extension. This initiative shows the value of a true partnership and sets an example for how local government can meet the needs of all segments of the population with a little bit of creativity. This project is important for those reasons as well as for the support it provides to the Board of Commissioners goal around supporting the local food movement here in Catawba County. Raleigh Wilson Kinston Toll Free:

6 6 January 2015 Burke County Stanly County Completed new 911 building and implemented consolidation of all 911 PSAPs in Burke Co. Initiated construction of new EMS Base No. 7. Completed Broadband Expansion Survey and attained more than double the response rate ever experienced in N.C. Developed and Board of Commissioners approved agreement to close the regional Burke-Catawba District Confinement Facility for Burke and Catawba Counties. Selected Vannoy Construction to provide Construction Manager at Risk services for the new jail project. Rockingham County Rockingham County makes strides in many areas during 2014, Page 4 Rockingham County improves program integrity in DSS, Page 4 Stanly County sets economic development plan in motion, Page 5 McDowell County Governor Pat McCrory dedicated the opening of the Universal Advanced Manufacturing Training Center. The 50,000 square foot Community College training facility cost $4 million. It created one-third more space at the college and freed up an additional 22,000 square feet of space for expansion. The Center consolidated all manufacturing training under one roof and located the County economic development office to the facility. McDowell County and the Public School System completed a $14 million expansion at McDowell High School. The project included renovations to the two Middle Schools and allowed for a restructuring of the grade assignments at all of the elementary schools. The One-to-One laptop initiative was also expanded to now include grades 9 through 12. Catawba County The Child Wellbeing Project is expanding to assist adoptive families in an eightcounty region of North Carolina. The program uses the Success Coach model of post-adoption services. Thanks to a grant from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Resources, this service is now being made available to any family who has adopted and is currently living in one of the following counties: Ashe, Alleghany, Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Watauga and Wilkes. Children who have been adopted often struggle with their identity and may have trouble fitting into their new family or adjusting to a new school. Post Adoption Success Coach Services assign a Success Coach to these families, allowing them to receive additional help and support. This assistance is free for the adoptive family. Catawba County Cooperative Extension Program helping farmers become more successful wins national recognition, Page 5 Cleveland County Davidson County Cleveland County makes health and wellbeing a priority in 2014, Page 5 Davidson County, is pleased to announce its latest addition of mobile offerings to citizens for GIS data. The WebGIS is now available for use with most all web browsers on a smartphone or tablet device. The mobile WebGIS site is specifically designed for touch screen mobile devices. It is packed full of features such as access to multiple data layers, aerial photography, searches by owner name, parcel id, pin number or street address. The mobile site can pinpoint your current location using the built-in GPS of the mobile device. Mobile users can identify a property by a simple touch of the screen and get accurate property information. The mobile WebGIS benefits surveyors, realtors, contractors, builders, etc that work in field and need GIS access on their mobile devices. The site was very difficult to use in today s mobile environment when many of the users need access while out working in the county at job sites or researching property. It was started in September 2014 and completed November Using your smartphone or tablet device, you can access and click on the ArcGIS Server GIS link.

7 January Orange County Chatham County Orange County Creates Agritourism Campaign, Page 1 Economic development accomplishments in Chatham County, Page 3 Wilson County Wilson County expands EMS and more in 2014, Page 4 Wayne County Wayne County officials didn t think the list would be so long when asked to talk about the county s accomplishments for 2014, Page County Accomplishments at a Glance Johnston County After a successful bond referendum in November 2013 for Johnston County Schools ($57 million) and Johnston Community College ($7 million), the county sold the first installment of GO Bonds ($19 million) in the winter of 2014 at a rate of 3.24%. The 911 Communications Center received re-accreditation status from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch as an Accredited Center of Excellence with the medical, fire and police protocols. An economic development strategic plan was adopted in 2014 which will help guide future economic development efforts in Johnston County. County officials, municipalities, chambers of commerce and the business community were among those involved in the study. The Economic Development office also moved to the newly opened Johnston Regional Airport. The Board distributed approximately $400,000 in recreation and open space funds to municipalities and rural athletic associations to improve and enhance open space and recreation opportunities in their communities. These funds are collected during the residential subdivision review process. Robeson County Robeson County Solid Waste has revitalized and expanded the recycling program for Robeson County. The county has the largest collection site program in the state with 20 sites to serve the citizens. The recycling program has recently completed a project that would introduce co-mingled recycling to the county collection sites through the use of a compactor that specializes in the specific collection of mixed recyclables. The county also has a Plastic Pesticide Container program that collects recyclables from farmers and commercial applicators. The program for Robeson County recently received an award for our service from This program has expanded from collecting at 5 locations to now operating 7 collection sites throughout the county. The department is in the process of revitalizing the Abandoned Manufactured Home program that assists in the deconstruction and removal of manufactured homes that meet pre-determined criteria. Robeson County Solid Waste and the Public Schools of Robeson County have initiated a pilot program to introduce recycling to students in the school setting. The landfill will be receiving a new building in 2015 to house Mercury products collected at the collection sites and at the landfill. The county also has revitalized the Electronics Waste Collection box truck by adding a wrap promoting the program. Many of these programs have been funded by grants from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, Walmart Foundation and NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service. Over 75 collection site monitors enjoyed training June 2014 in various areas including recycling. The county is in the process of transitioning, changing and expanding services and programs that educate the citizens, encourage participation and make recycling accessible to all citizens in 2015.

8 8 January 2015 Career Opportunities Career Opportunities listings online: twitter.com/nccountycareers DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTOR Alleghany County - The Alleghany County Social Services Board is accepting applications from qualified applicants for the position of County Social Services Director. The Director of the Alleghany County Department of Social Services serves as administrator of the County Department of Social Services and is responsible for administering state and federal social services programs established by Chapter 108A of the North Carolina General Statutes in accordance with applicable federal and state rules. The Director is also responsible for budget preparation and administration, approval and execution of contracts, serving as the Social Services Board secretary and executive officer, appointment supervision, discipline, and discharge of county social services employees, along with other powers and duties. The Director oversees an annual budget of approximately twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000) and maintains direct involvement in conflict/complaint resolution, staffing and personnel issues for a staff of twenty-four (24) employees. $58, Grade 79. Applicants should possess a master s degree in social work (MSW) and two (2) years of supervisory experience in the delivery of client services; or a bachelor s degree in social work and three (3) years of supervisory experience in the delivery of client services one (1) of which must have been in Social Services; or graduation from a four (4) college or university and three (3) years of supervisory experience in the delivery of client services, two (2) of which must have been in Social Services; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Contact john.blevins@ alleghany.nc.gov for more information. GRASSROOTS COORDINATOR NCACC - The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners seeks a Grassroots Coordinator to assist with legislative and other advocacy objectives by developing and implementing a program to build stronger relationships for the betterment of the NCACC s membership. Responsibilities include being a staff liaison for various membership meetings and presidential initiatives, assisting with legislative agenda development, monitoring legislative committees as needed, collecting and distributing information to improve advocacy efforts, and coordinating county visits. This position reports to the Director of Government Relations. A qualified candidate for this position will have a Bachelor s Degree, preferably in political science, public administration or non-profit management, with 1 3 years of related experience. A general knowledge of strategic planning concepts and county government structure is also required. The candidate must have effective written and oral communication skills, strong organizational skills, be able to deliver presentations to association members and outside groups and be able to travel to member counties. The person in this position will NOT be a registered lobbyist. The position is open until filled. Please send a resume to: HR Director/NCACC/215 N. Dawson St., Raleigh, NC or fax to RESEARCH DIRECTOR NCACC - The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners seeks a Research Director to develop and administer its Center for County Research, an emerging repository and source of data analysis for county-based information. A primary responsibility of this position is to oversee the collection, compilation, and analysis of fiscal, policy and survey data regarding county government programs and finances. The qualified candidate should be able to direct the selection, planning and organizing of county-based research programs and projects, analyze fiscal policies and economic activities, and advise county governments on fiscal and program evaluation matters. A qualified candidate for this position must have a comprehensive knowledge of research methodologies and statistical analysis, possess the theories, principles, practices and techniques of program evaluation and analysis, and have the ability to analyze data, policies, and programs and develop recommendations for improvement. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, are a must. A Masters in Public Administration, at least 5 years of local government knowledge or experience, and knowledge of state budget and fiscal policies as they relate to county governments are preferred. Please send resume to: HR Director / NCACC / 215 North Dawson Street / Raleigh, NC or fax to The position is open until filled. POLK COUNTY HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER - Polk County local government is seeking to hire a Human Resources professional to plan, organize, and manage the County s Human Resources. This person will be highly involved in planning, developing, and directing comprehensive Human Resources Programs including position classification, compensation, recruitment, employee selection, training, benefits administration, employee relations, policies and procedures, performance appraisal system, employee orientation, and health insurance. Work is performed under the general supervision of the County Manager. Education and experience requirements are a Master s Degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related human services field and three years of human resources or related work experience including supervisory, or managerial work; or Bachelor s Degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related human services field and five years of human resources or related work experience including one year of supervisory, or managerial work; or equivalent training and experience demonstrating knowledge and abilities. A complete job description is available on the county website at and applications and resumes will be accepted in the County Manager s Office, Womack Building, 40 Courthouse Square, Columbus, NC. Polk County Government is an equal opportunity employer and the position will remain open until filled. DIRECTOR OF AGING SERVICES Hertford County - Essential Functions/Typical Tasks: Performs intermediate professional and administrative work planning, coordinating and directing services, activities and programs for elderly residents of the County; does related work as required. Work is performed under the general supervision of the County Manager. Supervision is exercised over all departmental personnel. Developing and maintaining programs and services for the County s aging population; preparing and monitoring associated budgets. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of gerontology and the social, recreational, health, and socioeconomic needs of the elderly; thorough knowledge of the available public and private resources and services available locally for the elderly; general knowledge of state and federal guidelines governing services for the elderly; Minimum Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in gerontology, human relations or related field and a minimum of 3 years administrative and/ or supervisor experience in a human services agency. Physical Requirements: This is light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently or constantly to move objects; work requires reaching, fingering, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is not substantially subject to adverse environmental conditions. Salary Range: $33, to $51, Annually Application Deadline: Open until Filled. Application Process: To be considered for this position, you must complete a Hertford County Application for Employment, in its entirety. Your application must be signed, and received by our office. Cover letters, resumes, transcripts, and other supplemental documentation may accompany your Hertford County Application for Employment. Selected candidates are subject to a criminal background check and motor vehicle record check. Submit applications by mail, , facsimile, or in person to: Hertford County Attn: Leah Craddock, HR/Risk Manager PO Box 116/704 N. King St. Winton, NC Fax: (252) (include cover sheet) jobs@hertfordcountync.gov Hertford County is an Equal Opportunity Employer/ AA. How do your employees take their retirement? Having your coffee made-to-order is one of life s little luxuries. Shouldn t your employees have that same luxury with their deferred compensation account? That s why Nationwide offers a wide variety of educational resources and quality investment options to fit the unique needs of public sector employees. Offer your employees a deferred comp program that s made-to-order. 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9 January 2015 By Amanda Stratton Membership Education Specialist The life of a county manager always presents new challenges, yet is incredibly rewarding. That is the theme we are hearing from our conversations with county managers across North Carolina. Halifax County Manager Tony Brown is no different. Working with the county for 17 years has given Brown the opportunity to face challenges head on and transform the way citizens view their government. Being a county manager in a rural but populous county means Brown has the opportunity to talk with and be a positive influence on many people. Every phone call could be a new and interesting challenge and something I ve never experienced before, said Brown. This is why he has self-imposed the challenge to return every phone call he receives within 24 hours when in the office and within 48 hours when out of the office. Even when he has bad news to share with a citizen, he tries to explain the rationale behind a decision. Lending a sympathetic ear and helping change citizen perspectives on government are two ways Brown has helped his community. Brown has also led the county in maintaining the same property tax rate for the past 12 years. At $0.68, this has helped keep money in the pockets of Halifax County citizens even when the economy was suffering. Sometimes this meant delaying certain county projects. It s a double edged sword, but I don t regret that we made that decision, said Brown. This is a testament to his customer service mentality. Brown is also skilled at navigating complex systems and maintaining amicable relationships. Halifax County is one of two counties in North Carolina with three school systems. Since counties are responsible for school maintenance and construction, the role of county manager in ensuring an equitable system for prioritization is critical. Brown has established periodic meetings with all three school boards and now involves them in the budget process. I think I ve improved relationships with them, said Brown. Brown has endured ups and downs with the county during his 17 years of service, but being a county manager County Manager is a job full of challenges was not always his career goal. His background was with the military, higher education, and personnel. The more time Brown spent with the county manager s office, he knew it was the right direction for his career. I like it more and more because it s a big hands-on type job. You re at the front lines, versus other levels of government, said Brown. With local government, Brown said, it is often easier to see the direct results of an action or initiative. For those thinking about entering the county management profession, there will likely be many opportunities with several managers expected to retire in the coming years. It s a fast-paced environment, and you have to be a jack of all trades and a master of none, said Brown. This 24/7 job is also one that often goes unpraised. Brown credits the thank-you s he does receive as well as thick skin for helping him face the criticisms. His tactfulness with citizens, staff, and his Board as well as his passion for helping Halifax County has helped Brown be successful as county manager. His 17 years of service to his county shows his devotion to the profession and the people he serves. Job Opportunities Continued From Page 8 9 PHN Director I Dare County - Home Health and Hospice Unit Nursing Director Dare Home Health and Dare Hospice. Position is responsible for oversight of the Home Health and Hospice Unit. This includes ensuring compliance with applicable licensure, certification, accreditation and regulatory guidelines for all services provided, with an emphasis on excellent quality care, optimal patient outcomes, customer service and maximum efficiency in the provision of care and services. This position manages the Home Health and Hospice budget and ensures adequate revenue realization and maintains budgetary oversight for programs and services within the HH&H unit. PHN Director I, develops and implements policies, procedures, contract agreements and forms. Ensures adequate staffing, oversees Quality Improvement activities and outcomes and proposes long-range and strategic planning for the unit. Applicant must possess good communication and interpersonal skills, budgeting skills and ability to accurately interpret applicable regulations, a working knowledge of local community resources as well as those available on a regional or state level. Must be knowledgeable of Home Health and Hospice standards, work effectively under stress and communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats. Must be able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a timely manner. Education and Experience Required: Master s Degree in Nursing, Public Health Administration or related area, three years experience in Public Health including one year of experience in a supervisory capacity; Or graduation from a four year college or university with a BS Degree in Nursing which includes a Public Health Nursing rotation, four years of Public Health Nursing experience including two years experience in a supervisory capacity; or graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing, five years of professional nursing experience, four of which must have been in public health including two years experience in a supervisory capacity; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Submit County of Dare application to: Dare County Human Resources, PO Box 1000, 954 Marshal Collins Drive, Manteo, NC (252) fax (252) Strategic Leadership Education for County and Municipal Elected Officials Essentials of County Government January 8 9 January February February WINSTON-SALEM CHAPEL HILL ASHEVILLE NEW BERN After the November elections, the UNC School of Government and the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners jointly hold a twoday program on county government in four locations across the state. This program is for newly elected officials, veteran elected officials, and managers. Entire boards are encouraged to attend together. Program topics: What counties do and how they do it Governing board roles and responsibilities Financing county government State-mandated ethics training Budget simulation exercise Bottom Line! LeaderShop for Veteran Elected Officials: Managing Conflict How to Disagree and Still Work Together January 8 January 23 February 11 February 18 WINSTON-SALEM CHAPEL HILL ASHEVILLE NEW BERN Conflict on a board is inevitable. Many decisions have long-term and serious consequences requiring all sides of an issue to be heard. Effective board members know how to encourage difficult conversations, respectfully disagree, and continue to work together effectively. This informative and practical workshop on managing conflict will explore the ways in which conflict is part of the governance process. Instructors will share tools to do the following: Build self-awareness Articulate your point of view in a constructive way Encourage others to share their viewpoints To register, visit or contact Susan Hutchinson at or smhutch@sog.unc.edu. Scholarships are available for both courses thanks to Prudential Retirement, Food Lion, and Local Government Federal Credit Union. 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.

10 10 January 2015 Five ways to make every dollar count! Retirement may not be the first thing on your mind at the start of a new year, but perhaps you should consider adding it to the list. That s because if you are a North Carolina public employee and retire with 30 years of service, you will receive a pension that is roughly 55 percent of your annual pay but is that really enough? The NC Department of State Treasurer recommends having at least 80 percent replacement income at retirement. Even with Social Security, you may only reach percent. Luckily, there are some things you can do to give your retirement a boost. Start Saving in a Supplemental Retirement Plan. If you don t have any money earmarked for retirement other than your pension and Social Security, the NC Total Retirement Plans is a great place to start. Visit www. NCTotalRetirementPlans.com to learn about three retirement savings vehicles that may be Give your retirement a Boost in 2015 available to you: the NC 401(k), NC 457, and NC 403(b). Increase Your Contributions Remember, it s easier to save when you re making money, so if you can squeeze out a few extra dollars a month now, you ll be thankful when you re moneyearning years are behind you. Also, if your employer offers a matching contribution, take advantage. Otherwise, you re leaving money on the table. If you re an active employee, log on to ORBIT and access your Annual Benefits Statement, which will tell you how much you need to save to be on track. Make Catch-Up Contributions It s never too late to save more. If you are age 50 or older, consider making a catch-up contribution of $1,000 or more (for 2015). Over several years, this extra savings will add a nice boost to your bottom line. Revisit Your Risk Tolerance Perform a yearly checkup to make sure your retirement portfolio is still aligned with your goals and risk tolerance. As you experience major life changes, like having children, taking on more debt, or moving closer to retirement, you may want to take on more or less risk. Rebalance Plan Investments. As the market fluctuates, your retirement portfolio may become unbalanced, meaning your assets are not being allocated according to your risk tolerance. If you are an NC 401(k) or NC 457 member, you have access to the free asset allocation program, GoalMaker, which helps determine the investment mix that s right for you. Overtime, your GoalMaker portfolio automatically adjusts to ensure it stays in line with its original asset allocation. If you are an NC 403(b) member, consider one of the target-date funds offered, which automatically adjusts your asset allocation to become more conservative as you near retirement. Here s to a financially fit new year and a well-funded retirement! Article provided by the NC Department of State Treasurer Retirement Systems Division. Stuck with a BANK that treats you like a NUMBER? to LGFCU Bring all of your accounts to one trusted place. At LGFCU, you re a member, not a number. We offer a variety of products and services designed to help you make the most of your money so you can focus on what matters to you most. Beyond just your Share Account, LGFCU has great rates on mortgages, a convenient and affordable Checking Account and a Visa credit card that makes it easy for you to spend smart. To request an LGFCU Checking Account, Credit Card and more log in to Member Connect at lgfcu.org.

11 January NACo County Explorer Mapping County Data By Emilia Istrate NACo Research Director and Cecilia Mills NACo Research Assistant This past summer, the National Association of Counties (NACo) unveiled its latest interactive map, the County Explorer available at It is a one-stop-shop for county data and includes profiles for each of the 3,069 counties in the nation, while incorporating city-county searches and other queries. This is an upgraded version of the previous NACo database County Intelligence Connections (CIC), with the addition of familiar Find a county searches available on the NACo website. What can the user find on NACo s County Explorer? The map is available for free to NACo members and other users interested in county information. It is easy to access either going through the regular NACo website at www. naco.org/countyexplorer or going directly to explorer.naco.org. The interactive features allow the users to map county data from more than 70 datasets and 500 county indicators for the latest year available. The indicators range from county finance and demographics to the number of bridges and roads in a county. What users notice first when accessing the County Explorer is the colorful, interactive U.S. county map (image one). The interactive guides users to visualize data and benchmark counties quickly by color. First, the user needs to select an indicator by clicking on the top left corner Map an Indicator. For example, how many county-operated hospitals are in each county? By selecting the Health & Hospitals category in Map an Indicator, then hovering over Hospitals and clicking on Number of County Facilities, the user can see the map of the number of county-run hospitals and click on any county to see specific data. Beyond the individual county data, the map shows how counties compare with each other on a specific indicator. The darker the color on the map, the higher up is the county in the rankings on that indicator. Most often, the five colors in the legend show the bottom 20 percent, the following 20 percent up to the top 20 percent of counties for the mapped indicator. The legend placed at the bottom right side of the map explains not only what the colors on the map represent, but also the year of the data and the name of the indicator. Below the map, County Explorer has the list of the definitions for the indicators shown on the map. The County Explorer allows users to see two indicators for a county simultaneously (image two). For example, a user might want to see the number of county operated hospitals and the share of county households within the $10,000- $24,999 income bracket. To see the second indicator, the user needs to click on Compare an Indicator tab in the top right corner and select the appropriate category, in this example, Economy then Household Income and click on Percent of Households with Income Between $10,000- $24,999. The interactive tool also incorporates the information available through NACo s Find a County. The user may locate a county on the map directly by clicking on the location of that specific county or typing in the name of the county in the search box in the top right corner. In case the user wants to find out the county in which a city or a township is located, she would click on the top right corner on the City Search and type in the name of the City in the search box. The interactive tool will pinpoint the county on the map. The State Search button provides the user the ability to see a list of all the counties in a state with some of the basic county info. In addition, by double-clicking on any county on the County Explorer map, a user can find the names of the county officials in the county and other county government information. County Explorer is a do-ityourself tool, allowing any user with a computer or a tablet and an Internet connection to access county Image one: What users notice first when accessing the County Explorer is the colorful, interactive U.S. county map. Image two: When the user clicks on the county of interest, they see information specific to the selected county. Image three: NACo updates the database every month to keep information as up-to-date as possible. information and maps any time of day. County elected officials and staff can use the County Explorer in their daily work or strategic planning, communication and advocacy activities. The data provided for each county for the wide range of available indicators and the ability to see the figures for any other county in the country can help county officials in making decisions in their activities. Also, users can use the map images in their materials and presentations as long as they attribute all images to NACo Research. For advocacy purposes, the County Explorer includes a category of printable county profiles on specific topics such as Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT), the estimated cost for counties of the removal of the federal exemption of municipal bond interest and profiles of county economies. For PILT profiles, the user would select Map an Indicator and then select County Profiles, then PILT and click on PILT Profiles. Clicking on any county on the map or typing the name of a county in the search box in the top right corner will allow the user to see the one page printable PILT profile for the selected county. Because these PDF profiles show up as an additional webpage, the user needs to ensure that the web browser allows popups. County specific profiles can be a useful tool for county leaders and decision-makers with in-depth looks at specific areas of concern. The County Explorer map has a companion data query tool. The County Explorer Extraction Tool is useful for more sophisticated data users. For a paid annual subscription, users can access data files of the data shown on the map and also previous years of data starting with 2000 to build their own trends and rankings. A user interested in purchasing a subscription would need to click on the top right corner Access more data button, click on the here button in the following popup and fill out their info in the box showing up by clicking Contact for Price for an Account. The user will receive a follow-up with the price of the subscription and the license agreement. Every month, NACo updates the County Explorer map and the extraction tool with new data and additional datasets. Users accessing the County Explorer page are met by the latest monthly update and the announcement for the following month s update. For example, in December, the NACo Research Department, which maintains the database, added Marketplace and Internet Fairness Tax Act (MITFA) state profiles as well as current and projected county Ozone concentration levels. In January, the County Explorer will gain 2013 education attainment data. To be alerted when new data has been added, users should plug in their address in Sign up for our monthly update here in the welcome box. The County Explorer is one of the latest NACo products and is a continuous work-in-progress (image three). This is a product that can be value-added to our members and others who work on behalf of counties. Our hope is that many NACo members will utilize the County Explorer and join us in building a more useful and effective tool.

12 12 January 2015 NCACC Risk Pools introduce free HR Legal Helpline Service This month s column is designed to raise awareness of a new tool available to members of the NCACC Risk Management Pools. This resource is designed to help our members take preloss, positive action in the area of risk management for employment liability exposures. Simply stated, it is controlled access to attorneys experienced in employment law in order to assist with basic, time-sensitive employment issues. Most importantly, we have established this service directly with pool attorneys to provide the requested advice at no initial cost to members. In order to use the Helpline, a member will complete a request form and send it by or fax to a legal professional as outlined in the instructions on the form. Once the request is received and vetted, an attorney will contact the designated requestor no later than the close of the following business day, but response time is typically sooner. Examples for when the Helpline could be utilized might include: Disciplinary actions Terminations Harassment allegations Reasonable accommodation requests Discrimination and retaliation allegations FMLA questions/compliance concerns Civil Service questions/compliance concerns. It is also important to emphasize that the Helpline is limited in scope and not intended to replace any of the services afforded by statutory/local legal counsel, your HR Department, or HR consulting firms. You will still need to consult with your own legal counsel or other contracted HR professionals for the following instances or similar circumstances: Court or administrative hearing appearance on behalf of member In person meeting with member Sending correspondence to adverse party on behalf of member Creation, review and editing of employment policies, handbooks or personnel descriptions Civil Service matters revolving around a layoff or job abolishment Circumstances that will require extensive legal research or time The NCACC Pools HR Legal Helpline will provide risk pool members with specific legal advice to assist with handling situations where decisions need to be made on employment related issues in a timely manner. Should a circumstance require services beyond the intended design level, NCACC risk pool members Managing Your Risk by Michael Kelly NCACC Risk Management are free to contract directly with engaged pool attorneys at their own expense, as desired. While many counties are large enough to have their own HR Department, with experienced staff for dealing with employment law, many are not. We hope this new service will help both our small and large pool members handle employment-related decisions according to the law and proven best practices. For access to the HR Legal Helpline, the intended point of contact from the county should be the County Manager, HR Director or County Attorney. Contact NCACC Risk Management Director Michael Kelly via at michael. kelly@ncacc.org, with any additional questions you may have concerning accessibility. The NCACC Risk Pools are continuing to explore, develop, and roll-out services to help our members manage their risks, as well as control expected losses. Bottom-line, this translates to flatter renewal rates, broader coverage specifically designed for county governments, and our continued 100% membership retention. Currently, 68 counties are members of at least one pool, and we add a few new counties each year. While this new resource is limited to NCACC risk pool members. If you would like access to this resource but are not currently a pool member, we hope you will consider joining or rejoining us this year we would love to have you. Please see our NCACC website under Risk Management for access to the request form. NCACC Risk Management Director Michael Kelly writes a regular column on risk management for. With more than 36 years of risk management/ insurance experience, he holds the CPCU - Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter, ARM-P - Associate in Risk Management for Public Entities, CRM - Certified Risk Manager, ARe - Associate in Reinsurance and CIC - Certified Insurance Counselor Professional Designations. He can be reached at michael.kelly@ncacc.org or (919)