40th Year Cultivating Economic Growth: A Workshop Tour

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1 40th Year JULY 2014 VOLUME 40, NO. 7 NCACC Annual Conference an important event for commissioners Being a county commissioner is a fulltime job with part-time pay. The benefits we receive are usually personal ones. We take satisfaction knowing that we are doing the best we can to make our communities a better place to live. Most of us got involved with county government out of a genuine desire to help our citizens. The President s Perspective NCACC s by B. Ray Jeffers Annual Conference, which will be held Aug in Buncombe County, is designed to help us become better commissioners. The educational workshops keep us current on hot topics and the speakers motivate us to work even harder. But one of the biggest advantages of attending the conference the chance to network with your peers from around the state is not found in the program or on the mobile app. The opportunity to sit down and share a meal with a Please see Perspective on Page 2 The NCACC is accepting online registrations ($295) for the 107th Annual Conference through July 25. After that date, only on-site registrations will be available ($345). Visit annualconference for conference details and to register. Cultivating Economic Growth: A Workshop Tour Cultivating Economic Growth, the theme for the 107th Annual Conference, will focus on helping county leaders foster an environment for jobs to sprout and their county economies to blossom. A diverse community of stable and growing employers is the lifeblood of a healthy county. County boards will have differences in vision and policies, but commissioners play a crucial role in cultivating that economic growth. The Annual Conference will help showcase those various approaches, provide a forum for attendees to learn from others successes and failures, and talk with experienced economic development professionals. The conference, which will be held Aug in Buncombe County, offers attendees 13 workshops that will help county officials realize their existing assets and resources, and forge synergy around economic development. Workshop highlights are listed on page 5. With the exception of Thursday s workshop on health and human services consolidation, workshops are held during four blocks, with each block offering three concurrent workshops. Please see Annual Conference on Page 5 Tax Rate Survey gives overview of rate changes By Julie Hochsztein Research Analyst Inside this issue: Page 4 Second VP Profile Page 6 Tax Rate Survey Results Page 8 Job Opportunities Page 10 County Briefs Page 12 Managing Your Risk: Coverage Year renewal season results facebook.com/ncacc1908 youtube.com/ncacc1908 twitter.com/ncacc instagram.com/ncacc1908 Have a smartphone? Visit our mobile site! As County Commissioners adopted their budgets, the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners collected data on county tax rates across the state. Highlights from this year s tax rate survey are: nearly three quarters of counties adopted the same property tax rate as the previous year or the revenue neutral rate, 18 experienced a tax increase, and six counties were able to cut their rate. Three counties adopted interim budgets and will adopt a final budget after the fiscal year starts. Of the nine counties that went through revaluation, seven found that the revenue neutral rate was higher than the previous year s tax rate, meaning that property values in the county had declined since the last revaluation. The revenue neutral rate is considered to be the rate that when applied to the revalued property tax base would generate the same amount of property tax revenue as the previous year s rate did on the old property tax base. In the past properties generally increased in value in the years prior to a revaluation, meaning that a lower rate would be required to generate the same amount of property tax revenue. As the recession caused property values to decrease, the revenue neutral rate generally needed to be adjusted higher for counties to generate the same amount of revenue to fund critical public services. For example, Chowan County s revenue neutral rate was 76.7 cents per $100 of value, which is 8.2 cents higher than the rate of 68.5 cents. The Board of County Commissioners adopted a rate of 70 cents, effectively lowering the tax rate by 6.7 cents even though the rate is 1.5 cents higher. The latest figures from the N.C. Department of Revenue show that 65 counties have assessment sales ratios higher than 100 percent with the average at 103.9%. This signifies that properties are on average selling for 4 percent less than their assessed value, another sign of decreasing property values. Complete survey results as well as summary statistics can be found on page 6.

2 2 July 2014 Northampton Commissioner becomes County Ambassador NCACC NOTES Northampton County Commissioner Fannie Greene became the latest North Carolina County Commissioner to fulfill the requirements to be named a County Ambassador. The NCACC Board of Directors approved the creation of a County Ambassadors Program in 2012 to recognize commissioners who actively engage citizens and the media in understanding more about the role and importance of county government. The program was part of Past President Kenneth Edge s desire to increase awareness about county Fannie Greene government. Commissioners who make a minimum of 10 public speaking engagements per year where they discuss county government will be recognized as a County Ambassador. Greene spoke to more than 1,000 citizens about county government throughout the year at speaking engagements to various citizens groups, churches and county events. You can learn more about the County Ambassador Program by visiting the NCACC website at NCACC OFFICERS/BOARD OF DIRECTORS Perspective Continued From Page 1 commissioner from another county and to learn about the challenges they have faced and the solutions they developed in response to these challenges is worth the price of admission alone. You can learn a lot from the other 579 commissioners in the state, and the Annual Conference offers many wonderful opportunities for this kind of interaction. I encourage all of you to make plans now to attend the NCACC s 107h Annual Conference. Attending the conference is just one of many ways to get involved with this Association. As even more commissioners attend and actively participate in our events, our grassroots strength will continue to grow. Counties need a strong voice in Raleigh, and the Association is that voice. I hope to see you in Buncombe County. Visit: countymatch.ncacc.org to Play! COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP AND REPRESENTATIVES Kitty Barnes, Catawba County, Legislative Goals Committee Co-Chair Terry Garrison, Vance County, Legislative Goals Committee Co-Chair Gary D. Blevins, Wilkes County, General Government Steering Committee Chair Charlie Messer, Henderson County, Agriculture Steering Committee Co-Chair Jerry Jones, Greene County, Agriculture Steering Committee Co-Chair Jimmy Clayton, Person County, Environment Steering Committee Chair Johnnie Ray Farmer, Hertford County, Health & Human Services Steering Comm. Chair Brenda Howerton, Durham County, Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee Chair Leon Inman, Stokes County, Public Education Steering Committee Chair Fred Belfield, Nash 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, Economic Development Task Force DISTRICT DIRECTORS 1: Tracey Johnson, Washington County 10: Nick Picerno, Moore County 2: Ronnie Smith, Martin County 11: Keith Mabe, Rockingham County 3: Bill Pate, Wayne County 12: Jerry Simpson, Union County 4: Phil Norris, Brunswick County 13: Johnnie Carswell, Burke County 5: Bob Davis, Scotland County 14: Kenny Poteat, Avery County 6: Jefferson Strickland, Sampson Co. 15: Julius Owens, Rutherford Co. 7: Thomas Lucas, Wilson County 16: Larry Chapman, Transylvania Co. 8: Tony Cozart, Granville County 17: Vacant 9: Renee Price, Orange County 18: Kevin Austin, Yadkin County EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE B. Ray Jeffers, President Person County Commissioner Ronnie Beale, President Elect Macon County Commissioner Glen Webb, First Vice President Pitt County Commissioner Fred McClure, Second Vice President Davidson County Commissioner Howard Hunter III, Immediate Past President Hertford County Commissioner David F. Thompson, NCACC Executive Director 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 Ed Booth, Beaufort Co. Jeannette Council Cumberland Co. Theron McCabe Craven County Garry Meiggs Camden County D. Cole Phelps Washington County PAST PRESIDENTS Kenneth Edge Cumberland County Darrell Frye Randolph County Billy King Cumberland County

3 July 2014 Stimulate Private Investment and Main Street Businesses 3 North Carolina communities can select from a wide array of financing tools in their efforts to attract and grow businesses, improve real estate, and build community assets. In order to select the right approach for your project, it helps to understand the options. Development Finance Toolbox presents the basics of economic development financing mechanisms used in North Carolina communities. This two-day course, held at the UNC School of Government, is designed to provide the tools for local governments and their community partners to help stimulate private investment and assist Main Street businesses. Development Finance Toolbox A Survey of Local Government Financing Tools for Community and Economic Development September 17 18, 2014 School of Government, UNC- Chapel Hill Program Topics: Federal financing programs and tax credit financing Local government capital financing Tax increment financing (also known as TIF or project development financing) Business improvement districts Incentive programs for Main Street businesses Pre-course workshop: Fundamentals of Developer Real Estate Financing The pre-course workshop is included in the registration fee. The workshop content lays the foundation for the rest of the course, so attendance is strongly encouraged. Who Should Attend: Community and economic development professionals seeking a greater understanding of the development finance options available to North Carolina local governments, elected officials, city and county managers, assistant managers, and clerks. Elected officials are encouraged to attend this course with their city manager or economic development staff members. Scholarships: Scholarships are available for elected officials through the Local Elected Leaders Academy. A limited number of full scholarships will be awarded to managers who attend the entirety of the program with an elected official from the same jurisdiction. Scholarships are also available for all School of Government courses through Local Government Federal Credit Union. Visit the course page at for links to scholarship applications. To Register: Visit edu/node/1184. For more information: Contact Gail Wilkins, program manager, at wilkins@ sog.unc.edu or (919) , or Tyler Mulligan, assistant professor of public law and government, at mulligan@sog. unc.edu or (919) For updates about community and economic development issues and training opportunities, follow the School s Community and Economic Development in North Carolina and Beyond blog at ced.sog.unc.edu and on A little further west: Annual Conference Western Tour Come a little further west during your Annual Conference visit with a guided tour to several attractions in scenic Macon County, the home of NCACC President Elect Ronnie Beale. There is no registration fee, but you must register in advance by Friday, Aug. 1. Visit to register. The tour includes lunch and transportation via luxury mini-coach. The tour departs the Renaissance Asheville Hotel at 9 a.m. and heads to downtown Franklin for visits to the Scottish Tartans Museum and Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum. The Scottish Tartans Museum is the only one of its kind in the United States. The museum is a direct extension of the Scottish Tartans Society in Keith, Scotland. The collection housed showcases Franklin's rich Scottish roots. Franklin is known as the Gem Capital of the World. Tiffany s mined here for sapphires and rubies. Learn about the town's gem connection at the Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum that is housed in the old Macon County Jail built in A catered lunch by Fat Buddies Ribs & BBQ will be served at the Macon County Community Building, located at the Veterans Memorial of Macon County. The tour continues at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, a 1,500 seat state-of-the-art facility that is one of the premiere venues for world-class performances and showcases artists in Western North Carolina and the surrounding areas. The center nurtures the development, understanding and appreciation of the arts throughout the community and the region. While at the Smoky Mountain Center, attendees will be treated to a performance by Blue Ridge Southern Gospel Quartet, a versatile music group that began as an outgrowth of a county-wide youth group in Franklin and has since crisscrossed the country with a contagious style of gospel music. One of Blue Ridge s members, Kevin Corbin, is chairman of the Macon County Board of Commissioners. No trip to Macon County is complete without seeing some of the county s beautiful falls, and the tour will head toward Highlands with a stop at one of the many gems of the Nantahala National Forest, Dry Falls. A short trail from the parking lot provides access for visitors to walk behind the waterfall without getting wet. Time permitting, the tour will swing past Bridal Veil Falls before a brief stop in downtown Highlands. The bus will return to the Renaissance by 5 p.m. Raleigh Wilson Kinston Toll Free:

4 4 July 2014 Howerton of Durham County seeks NCACC Second Vice President Statement I am Brenda Howerton, candidate for 2nd Vice President of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. The NCACC has produced outstanding leaders, and I want to be in a leadership role and continue to effectively support the goals of the Association. Since my first election as a Durham County Commissioner in 2008 it has been an honor to work with my colleagues and serve the citizens of Durham County. Our county s accomplishments on behalf of our fellow citizens have been noteworthy and recognized locally and nationally. We have partnered with the City of Durham on economic development projects to create jobs. We have been aggressive in building projects that changed the landscape of the city with the Human Services Complex Building that houses the Health Department and Department of Social Services. Another project we are proud of is the new courthouse, which will service our community well into the future. We have worked collaboratively with the City of Durham to achieve major successes. I believe my particular skill set will 21 Years SERVING the counties The ratings and rankings above are accurate as of 12/16/11 and reflect rating agency assessment of financial strength and claims-paying ability. They are subject to change at any time and are not intended to reflect the investment experience or financial strength of any variable account, which is subject to market risk. Nationwide Retirement Solutions, Inc. and its affiliates (Nationwide) offer a variety of investment options to public sector retirement plans through variable annuity contracts, trust or custodial accounts. Nationwide may receive payments from mutual funds or their affiliates in connection with those investment options. For more detail about the payments Nationwide receives, please visit Nationwide Retirement Solutions, Inc. and Nationwide Life Insurance Company (collectively Nationwide ) have endorsement relationships with the National Association of Counties and the International Association of Firefighters-Financial Corporation. More information about the endorsement relationships may be found online at Retirement Specialists are registered representatives of Nationwide Investment Services Corporation, member FINRA Nationwide Retirement Solutions Inc. All rights reserved. One Nationwide Blvd. Columbus, OH Nationwide, On Your Side and the Nationwide framemark are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. NRM-8969AO-NX.2 (11/12) be an asset to the NCACC. The same skills that lead me to spearhead Durham County s Strategic Plan are the same skills that will support the NCACC. As an active member of the Association, I have developed an understanding of the issues and appreciate the relationships and the hard work that are needed to work for the change our counties need. The Association has demonstrated the importance of critical partnerships 22 Years SERVING public EmployEES, thanks to the StabIlIty of NatIoNwIdE y. They are subject to change at any time and are not intended to reflect the and collaboration, and I will continue to foster that direction. I believe in listening and providing clear communication, which leads to practical solutions to complex problems. My passion, commitment, effective communication skills, enthusiasm and humanity in conjunction with a little wit will support the continued forward progress of the Association. After all, we are all in this work because we want the best for the people in our counties. Besides serving as Vice Chairman of the Durham Board of County Commissioners and on the Joint City/ County Planning Committee, I am also active in many other local, state and regional commissions, including serving as chair of the NCACC Justice and Public Safety Committee and former co-chair of the Government Committee. We must be ready to lead strategically, think creatively, and act collaboratively in light of the challenging issues facing our counties. Background When you choose Nationwide Retirement Solutions for your retirement plan needs, you re choosing a company that s been dedicated to helping the public sector for nearly 40 years. you re also putting 80 years of Nationwide strength and stability to work for your employees and their families. a+ rating (A.M. Best) A1 rating (Moody s) A+ rating (S&P) There s a proven way to prepare for and live in retirement. contact linda barber at BARBERL@nationwide.com NRSforU.com/plansponsor Brenda Howerton was elected to the Durham County Board of Commissioners in 2008 and was re-elected in She served as Vice Chair in She currently serves as the Chairman of the NCACC s Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee. Howerton serves as Chair of the Durham Joint City/County Planning Committee. She also serves on a number of local, state and regional commissions including: Transportation Advisory Committee, Audit Oversight Committee, Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, Durham City-County committee, Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Public Health Board, Workforce Development Board, Museum of Life and Science, Lincoln Community Health. She was a member of the NCACC's Presidents Mentoring Initiative in , and At- Large Director for the North Carolina Association of Black County Commissioners. Brenda Howerton received a B.S. Degree in Business Management from Shaw University and a certification in Executive Coaching from North Carolina State University. She is the owner of The Howerton Consulting, Inc., which specializes in organizational development and executive coaching for public and private industries. Her interest in county government stems from her education and work background. She not only has certifications in business, but also certifications from two political leadership institutions. She served as an elected Soil and Water Supervisor for six years and worked in the General Assembly in Raleigh, North Carolina. Commissioner Howerton is the mother of four children, two of whom graduated from Durham Public Schools, and three grandchildren. Past Board and Committees Memberships Cancer Advisory Board on Health Disparities Library Board of Trustees Commission Liaison Project Safe Neighborhoods Durham Convention and Visitors Bureau Alternate, Audit Oversight Committee Vice Chair, Durham City County Planning Committee Community Child Protection Team Supervisor, Elected Soil and Water District Chair, Durham Million Man March Victim Assistance Political Chair, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Treasurer, Tarleton West Homeowner Association Human Relations Commissioner

5 July Annual Conference Continued From Page 1 For the first time, both conference General Session speakers, Neal Petersen (Friday morning s Opening General Session) and Dr. Vincent Covello (Saturday morning s Second General Session) will host workshops that delve deeper into their keynote addresses. A Friday workshop on setting up public-private partnerships will qualify for CLE (Continuing Legal Education) credits for attorneys. ANNUAL CONFERENCE WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS This is not a full listing of workshops. Check the Annual Conference website, for a full listing of workshops and descriptions. Thursday, August 14 2:30 5:30 p.m. 2-in-1: A How-To Guide to Governing in a Consolidated Human Services Model Sponsored by the NCACC Health and Human Services Steering Committee In 2012, the General Assembly granted all counties the flexibility to restructure and consolidate human services administrative functions to improve services and realize efficiencies. More than 20 counties have since taken advantage of the ability to bring social services and public health administration under one roof and in line with a board of county commissioners vision. The new model brings new responsibilities for county commissioners acting as social services, health and/or consolidated health and human services board members. This session will boost county officials understanding of the nuts and bolts of consolidated human services governance. For counties considering consolidation, a panel discussion of county commissioners that have adopted the consolidated model will share their challenges and opportunities. Moderator: Johnnie Ray Farmer, Commissioner, Hertford County; and Chairman, NCACC Health and Human Services Steering Committee Presenters and Panelists: Sherry Bradsher, Deputy Secretary for Human Services, N.C. Department of Health and Human Services; Danny Staley, Deputy Division Director and Chief Operating Officer, N.C. DHHS Division of Public Health; Kevin Austin, Chairman of the Board, Yadkin County; and others. Friday, August 15 Block I 10:30 11:45 a.m. Learning from History: The Settlement of Appalachia, the Development of Its Economy A history lesson on the Appalachian region and how its land, culture and people have shaped a unique economy. Presenter: L. Scott Philyaw, Director, Mountain Heritage Center, and Associate Professor of History, Western Carolina University Don t Miss the (Freight) Train! Taking Advantage of Rail Communities across the nation are finding that local rail lines are often their most marketable assets. Understanding local rail infrastructure, the logistical requirements of local employers, and how communities fit into the nation s evolving logistical system are key components in developing and maximizing rail. This workshop will promote a better understanding of the business of freight railroading, how counties fit into the overall development plan, how to leverage existing assets to foster job growth, and what financing opportunities may be available. The final workshop in this block will explore place-based economic strategies, with a focus on Western North Carolina successes. Block II 1:45 4:45 p.m. Lessons in Leadership: Adapting to Change Keynote speaker Neal Petersen will lead this special three-hour workshop that builds upon the incredible survival story of the Ernest Shackleton-led Imperial Trans- Antarctic Expedition from Petersen will include his own experiences in dealing with life-threatening danger and constant change to help attendees hone their own leadership skills by learning to lead through rapid change and anxiety by developing a vision, mapping out a strategy, dealing with threats and failure, and developing a sustainable culture with your workforce. 1:45 3 p.m. The ABCs of Contracting with P3s This workshop will provide an overview of the legal framework for public-private partnerships (P3s), specifically the legal requirements for contracts between public and private entities and statutory requirements that must be followed. Attendees will receive examples of P3s to bring back to their counties and utilize in moving forward with public-private partnerships. County attorneys are encouraged to attend; the Association has applied for CLE (Continuing Legal Education) credits for this session. Presenter: Norma Houston, Lecturer in Public Law and Government, UNC School of Government The final workshop in this block will explore the strategic development of economic development plans and incentives policies, sponsored by the NCACC Economic Development Task Force. Block III 3:30 4:45 p.m. Raise Your Glass: A Site Visit to Sierra Nevada s East Coast Brewery Sponsored by the NCACC Agriculture Steering Committee North Carolina s mountains are well-known for being part of the Blue Ridge, but Sierra Nevada? Thanks to a successful state and local recruitment effort, the brewery that shares the namesake of the western United States mountain range has a new home in Mills River, located in Henderson County 20 minutes south of downtown Asheville. Hop on the bus for this rolling workshop, which includes a tour of Sierra Nevada s East Coast brewery, the crown jewel of North Carolina s booming craft-brewing industry. Transportation departs the Renaissance at 3:15 p.m. Buses will travel directly from the brewery to the N.C. Arboretum home to the Horn O Plenty following the tour. Host: Charles Messer, Chairman of the Board, Henderson County; and Co-Chairman, NCACC Agriculture Steering Committee NC Connect: NC s Plan for Broadband and the County Role High-speed internet service is consistently referenced as a major economic necessity in our counties. Internet connectivity is no longer seen as a luxury service it is a required utility for public safety, education and commerce purposes. Join the conversation on this important topic and hear from Mike Ozburn, who has been tapped by Governor Pat McCrory to lead the statewide broadband initiative NC Connect. The final workshop in this block will focus on the NACo-endorsed Network of Care, which offers online human services solutions. Saturday, August 16 Block IV 10 11:15 a.m. Governmental Immunity and County Officials: What If I Am Sued? Sponsored by the NCACC Risk Management Pools The UNC School of Government s Trey Allen and NCACC Risk Management Pools Director Michael Kelly will lead this workshop on governmental immunity and how it directly relates to commissioners and county government staff, and how counties can protect themselves through liability coverage :30 a.m. Running the Numbers: Demystifying Regional Economic and Social Data and Analysis Sponsored by the NCACC Tax and Finance Steering Committee Quantitative information is in many ways the language of regional economic and social policy, yet many civic leaders often possess a limited grasp of fundamental data concepts, sources and techniques. This session will provide a high-level orientation to essential sources of economic, demographic and labor market data compiled by public statistical agencies. Specifically, the session will profile key data products from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the U.S. Census Bureau; demonstrate practical applications to actual regions within North Carolina; and offer some useful tips about how to be better consumers of quantitative information. By the end of the session, participants will have deepened their understanding of the public statistical system and its practical usefulness in addressing matters of economic and social policy. Presenter: John Quinterno, Principal, South by North Strategies, Ltd., and author of Running the Numbers: A Practical Guide to Regional Economic and Social Analysis The final workshop in Block IV will be led by Dr. Vincent Covello, who will build upon his General Session presentation on building and repairing public trust in government through communication. (Note: This two-hour workshop will run from 10 a.m. noon.)

6 6 July 2014 North Carolina Counties Tax Rate Survey Results County '13-14 Tax Rate '14-15 Tax Rate rev. Change 2014 Sales Assess Ratio Effective Tax Rate Alamance $ $ (0.0100) 107.3% $ Alexander $ $ % $ Alleghany $ $ % $ Anson $ $ % $ Ashe $ $ % $ Avery $ $ $ % $ Beaufort $ $ % $ Bertie $ $ % $ Bladen $ $ % $ Brunswick $ $ % $ Buncombe $ Interim Interim 95.2% Interim Burke $ $ % $ Cabarrus $ $ % $ Caldwell $ $ % $ Camden $ $ % $ Carteret $ $ % $ Caswell $ $ % $ Catawba $ $ % $ Chatham $ $ % $ Cherokee $ $ % $ Chowan $ $ $ (0.0670) 98.7% $ Clay $ $ % $ Cleveland $ $ % $ Columbus $ $ % $ Craven $ $ % $ Cumberland $ $ % $ Currituck $ $ (0.0050) 94.4% $ Dare $ $ % $ Davidson $ $ % $ Davie $ $ % $ Duplin $ $ % $ Durham $ $ % $ Edgecombe $ $ % $ Forsyth $ $ % $ Franklin $ $ % $ Gaston $ $ % $ Gates $ $ % $ Graham $ $ % $ Granville $ $ % $ Greene $ $ % $ Guilford $ $ % $ Halifax $ $ % $ Harnett $ $ % $ Haywood $ $ % $ Henderson $ $ % $ Hertford $ $ % $ Hoke $ $ $ % $ Hyde $ $ % $ Iredell $ $ % $ Jackson $ $ % $ Johnston $ $ % $ Jones $ $ $ (0.0023) 98.2% $ Lee $ $ % $ Lenoir $ $ % $ Lincoln $ $ % $ Macon $ $ % $ Madison $ $ % $ County '13-14 Tax Rate '14-15 Tax Rate rev. Change 2014 Sales Assess Ratio Effective Tax Rate Martin $ $ % $ McDowell $ $ % $ Mecklenburg $ $ % $ Mitchell $ $ $ % $ Montgomery $ $ % $ Moore $ $ % $ Nash $ $ % $ New Hanover $ $ % $ Northampton $ $ % $ Onslow $ $ $ % $ Orange $ $ % $ Pamlico $ $ % $ Pasquotank $ $ $ % $ Pender $ $ % $ Perquimans $ $ % $ Person $ $ % $ Pitt $ $ % $ Polk $ $ % $ Randolph $ $ $ % $ Richmond $ $ % $ Robeson $ $ % $ Rockingham $ $ % $ Rowan $ $ % $ Rutherford $ Interim Interim 102.8% Interim Sampson $ Interim Interim 102.6% Interim Scotland $ $ % $ Stanly $ $ % $ Stokes $ $ % $ Surry $ $ % $ Swain $ $ % $ Transylvania $ $ % $ Tyrrell $ $ % $ Union $ $ % $ Vance $ $ % $ Wake $ $ % $ Warren $ $ % $ Washington $ $ % $ Watauga $ $ $ (0.0142) 98.9% $ Wayne $ $ % $ Wilkes $ $ % $ Wilson $ $ % $ Yadkin $ $ (0.0190) 103.7% $ Yancey $ $ % $ State Average Effective Tax Rate $ Rates Rate Changes Sales Asses Effective Avg $ Avg increase $ % $ Avg decrease ($0.0196) High $ $ % $ Low $ ($0.0670) 83.5% $ Summary of Actions Increases = 18 Decreases = 6 No change = 73 Interim = 3 100

7 July NACo Study on Economic Development Highlights Three NC Counties By Julie Hochsztein Research Analyst A new NACo report, Strong Economies, Resilient Counties: The Role of Counties in Economic Development, highlights the role that counties play in economic development. Counties invest $193.7 billion annually on economic development, double the amount spent by cities. Counties are involved in a wide range of economic development activities including: workforce development, business recruitment and retention, regional marketing and branding, entrepreneurship and small business support to infrastructure investment. Specific findings from the report include: 1. Counties are sponsors of local economic development initiatives. 2. Workforce challenges are at the top of the county economic development agenda. 3. Collaboration is the key to county economic development initiatives. These findings come from a NACo survey conducted between September and October 2013 and 35 case studies of counties or regional economic development organizations using interviews of county elected officials, county staff and others as recommended by the county in each of the profiled counties. Three North Carolina counties were included as case studies in the report. Catawba County Catawba County is highlighted for transitioning the county economy into the 21st century by becoming a premier data center hub in the face of the long-term decline of the furniture and textiles manufacturing industries. One of Catawba Economic Development Corporation s most successful projects is the recruitment of the Apple Data Center to host icloud and itunes services. This project is the largest investment by a private firm in North Carolina history. One of the primary reasons Catawba County was selected by Apple was readiness of the site. The county and municipalities planned to finalize the development of utilities, roads and signage at the data center campus before a buyer was secured. With plans already in place Apple purchased the entire park and began operations within a very short time-frame. Apple received $7.3 million in tax incentives, which other prospective data center firms are eligible for if they meet certain requirements. Halifax County Halifax County is highlighted for its efforts in industry diversification. After the closing of textile mills in the 1990s put nearly 12.7 percent of the county s population out of work, county officials began to actively work to improve the county s resilience through economic diversification to reduce the impact of the declining textile and lumber mill industries on county residents. These efforts include building the Halifax Industrial Center and the Halifax Corporate Park, which is home to Reser s Fine Foods, Pelican Packaging, and PCB Piezotronics. These sites offer industrial-quality utilities, including water, electric, sewer, telecommunications and natural gas; proximity to major roadways such as Interstate 95, ports in both North Carolina and Virginia and a CSX rail line; and are North Carolina Certified Industrial Parks. Additionally the county recruited an international lumber company, Klausner, and a number of lumber-related businesses to the county for a multiplying effect that created 1,500 jobs. Lee County Lee County is highlighted as an example of workforce training for manufacturing. The manufacturing sector is responsible for 31 percent of local employment in the county, almost three times higher than the state average and three and a half times higher than the national average. Faced with a deficit of educated and trained labor, Lee County prioritized workforce development to improve its competitive advantage in attracting new businesses and diversifying industries. Lee County collaborated with Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) to develop the Innovation Center, a dual-purpose industrial incubator and workforce training facility. This collaboration resulted in a $28.3 million Caterpillar expansion project and gave rise to an award-winning apprenticeship program through which the CCCC and Caterpillar recruit and train high school juniors. Following the success of the Caterpillar apprenticeship program, the CCCC developed the Central Carolina Works program, which aims to inspire local high school students to pursue careers in development training. The full report as well as an interactive map with more information about the 35 case studies can be found at: Strategic Leadership Education for County and Municipal Elected Officials Are You Prepared? Legal Issues Facing North Carolina Public Employers in Disasters and Other Emergencies by Diane M. Juffras, Professor of Public Law and Government North Carolina public employers encounter a multitude of natural and man-made disasters ranging from storms and flooding to pandemic flu. Providing essential services is a challenge, in part because government employees and their families experience the same disaster scenarios as the population at large. This book covers the employment law issues faced by government employees that are specific to disasters and other emergencies: Preparing for disaster and emergency circumstances Compensation issues Legal issues specific to public health emergencies To order, visit or contact the School of Government bookstore at Collaborating for Successful Economic Development AUGUST 14 ASHEVILLE Collaboration may be the latest buzzword, but what does it really mean for you as an elected leader? In this workshop, you will learn specific tools and techniques to tackle the challenges of time, turf, and trust in order to build productive partnerships. We encourage you to attend with other officials from your community (city, school board, regional partners, and/or adjacent counties) to begin developing your shared vision and action plan. Featured speakers include Peg Carlson, organizational psychologist and adjunct associate professor at the UNC School of Government, and Donna Warner, director of the Local Elected Leaders Academy. This pre-conference seminar will be held at the NCACC Annual Conference. Scholarships are available to county commissioners to cover the $95 registration fee. For more information or to register, visit 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.

8 8 July 2014 Career Opportunities Career Opportunities listings online: twitter.com/nccountycareers COUNTY MANAGER - Polk County is seeking qualified candidates for the position of County Manager. The county is located in western North Carolina and has a population of approximately 20,000. The county operates under a commission/manager form of government with a five-member board, has 153 full-time employees, and an annual general fund budget of approximately $25 million. The County Manager is responsible for the overall management of the county government s operations, including financial and budget preparation/management, administration, project management, and the supervision of department heads. Duties include short/long range planning, budgetary direction/ guidance, personnel responsibilities, capital improvements planning, directing and coordinating the overall operation of the county, and working with the Board of Commissioners on major initiatives/priorities. Qualifications: A bachelor s degree in public or business administration or related field, with a master s degree preferable, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Special Requirements: A minimum of five years local government experience. Considerable experience in a management level position with a public sector organization, and knowledge of all areas of local government. In-depth knowledge of finance operations and experience in preparing and overseeing budgets in the range of $25 million annually. Must establish permanent Polk County residency within twelve (12) months from the date of initial employment. Miscellaneous Information: Submit detailed resume with salary requirements and completed Polk County employment application to Beth Fehrmann, Clerk to the Board, P.O. Box 308, Columbus, NC by August 8, address:. A Polk County application can be obtained at HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DI- RECTOR Haywood County. Description of Duties: Directs all activities of the newly consolidated Haywood County HHS. Primary functions of HHS are: Economic Services, Child Welfare Services, Family Support Services, Meals on Wheels, Community and Public Health Services, Clinical Services, Dental Services, Adult Protective and Placement Prevention Services. Position will also serve as the Assistant County Manager working with Veteran's Services, Parks and Recreation Services and other duties as assigned. For a full list of duties, Essential Functions and detailed job description interested applicants may contact Kathi McClure, PHR Haywood County Human Resource Director at WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERA- TOR IN RESPONSIBLE CHARGE - The Martin County Regional Water and Sewer Authority (MCRWASA) is constructing a new 2.0 million gallon per day (MGD) surface water treatment plant in Williamston, NC. The new water plant will withdraw water from the Roanoke River, treat it, & provide potable water in bulk to water systems in Williamston & Martin Co. MCRWASA seeks an experienced, dynamic self-starter to supervise & manage the daily operations & staff of the new water treatment plant. Position requires H.S. Diploma or GED. Position requires ability to plan, organize, supervise & direct the operations of a public water plant; ability to administer allocated funds to achieve greatest economy and efficient service; ability to keep records & to prepare accurate and clear reports of plant operations; ability to meet and & interact effectively with representatives of industry, outside officials, & the public. Knowledge & experience in potable water treatment & disinfection plant operation & maintenance; (CONVENTIONAL &/or SUPERPULSATOR) process knowledge preferred. Requires minimum (5) years of considerable experience in a responsible capacity at a water treatment including supervision; or an equivalent combination of training & experience. Requires Grade A Surface Water Certification. Requires Cross Connection Control Certification or have the ability to obtain within (180) days of hire. Must maintain State Certification; possession of a valid North Carolina driver s license. Salary dependent on qualifications & experience. A preemployment background check & drug screening will be completed for the selected finalist. Applications should be submitted to the NC Division of Employment Security, Williamston office (407 East Blvd., Williamston, NC 27892). Submit letter of interest, resume, references, salary history & salary requirements along with the state PD-107 application form. Application deadline is August 13, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. For more information, MCRWASA Chairman David Bone at dbone@martincountyncgov.com. TOWN MANAGER - The Town of Broadway is seeking a qualified candidate with education and experience in municipal government for the position of Town Manager. The Town of Broadway has a Council/Manager form of government. The council is made up of five commissioners and a Mayor. The fiscal year 2014/2015 budget is $1.2 million. The Town of Broadway has a population of 1,250 and is located between the Research Triangle and Ft. Bragg in Lee County. Preferred qualifications include a Bachelors degree in business, finance, management or related field or five years experience managing traditional municipal services. Management experience should include finance, personnel, law enforcement, public works, water distribution and wastewater systems. The candidate should have experience and knowledge of and compliance with state and federal rules and regulations. The candidate needs to have strong interpersonal skills and is expected to be active and visible in the community and accessible and responsive to citizens. To apply send cover letter and resume to Town of Broadway, Attn: Mayor Donald Andrews, P.O. Box 130, Broadway, NC Resumes will be accepted until Tuesday, September 2, The Town of Broadway is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information regarding the Town of Broadway visit HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR - City of Concord. Rapidly growing city adjacent to Charlotte with approximately 82,000 residents and 900+ coworkers seeks professional to oversee its full service human resource management function. Job requires overall management responsibility for recruitment, classification and compensation, benefits, wellness (including employee clinic), training, employee relations, and personnel records processing and maintenance functions. Successful applicant will become a key member of the city s management team and will be asked to provide consulting services to other department heads and coworkers to assist in achieving the City s mission through knowledge and promotion of its core values. Requires undergraduate degree in related field with a master s degree preferred, and extensive professional experience in public sector human resources management. The position offers a competitive compensation package that is negotiable depending upon experience and other qualifications. To apply, please visit concordnc. gov or concordcareers.silkroad.com. Employment applications must be submitted by midnight on Friday, August 22, The City of Concord is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ASSISTANT HUMAN RESOURCES DI- RECTOR Burke County. Burke County, NC is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Assistant Human Resources Director to provide principal assistance to the Director of Human Resources in the planning, organizing, directing, supervising, managing and evaluating the County's Human Resources programs, functions and activities. Responsible for programs and activities associated with recruitment, classification, compensation and benefits, equal employment opportunity (EEO), Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), Affordable Care Act (ACA), discipline, grievances, appeals, personnel rules and related human resources programs and activities. Work requires employee to perform personnel work that involves in- depth research and analysis of concepts, solutions, or policies; and development of recommendations and resolution of technical, difficult and complex issues or problems. Employee makes decisions that impact highly specialized, technical areas requiring application of data, facts, situations, procedures and policy. The employee is responsible for the ongoing analysis of the County s compensation and classification plan and will assist the Human Resources Director and the County Safety Committee with the implementation of key safety policies and procedures to minimize workplace hazards. Qualifications: Bachelor s Degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Human Resources Management, Business, or a related academic field. Seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional personnel experience, preferably in the public sector, three (3) years of which must have been in a supervisory or management capacity, with emphasis in recruitment, classification and compensation; or the equivalent in education, training, and experience that would provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities. Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) certification or PHR or a Certified Professional by IPMA is preferred. A Master s Degree is desirable. Miscellaneous Information: Submit application to Burke County Human Resources. Burke County applications can be obtained at the Human Resources office during regular office hours at 200 Avery Avenue, Morganton, NC or at the following address: Burke County Human Resources P. O. Box 219, Morganton, NC Phone: FAX: WATER TREATMENT PLANT SUPERIN- TENDENT - Richmond County is seeking the employment of a Water Treatment Plant Superintendent to manage the operation of our water treatment facility in Rockingham, NC. The water treatment facility is a 6.7 MG design conventional surface water treatment facility. That is currently under construction to be upgraded to 9 MGD. Routine Responsibilities: Supervise, direct and assist staff in the day to day water treatment operational duties. Ensure that the plant is operated to meet federal and state water quality requirements. Manage recordkeeping and communication of information. Evaluate routine testing of water to adjust and optimize the operational strategies. Troubleshoot operational problems. Ensures that facilities and equipment are properly maintained by coordinating maintenance and repair needs with maintenance staff and outside vendors. Ensure contract deliverables are met. Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the client and regulatory agencies. Complete all required internal and external reports. Ensure that supplies and materials are ordered. Ensures all resources required for staff to complete their work are on hand. Applicant must possess supervisory experience, water treatment plant management experience, good working knowledge of conventional surface wastewater treatment plant operations, current Class A-NC Water Treatment Plant Operator s certification or able to attain within 18 months, computer skills, valid NC driver license and good driving record. College degree or course work in environment science or related field is highly desirable. Starting salary negotiable and is commensurate with education and experience. Excellent benefits package. Qualified individuals must complete a PD-107, state application with Employment Security Commission. Applications will be reviewed after July 25th, 2014; however the position will remain open until filled. Richmond County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. HUMAN RESOURCES/RISK MANAGER - Hertford County is seeking to fill the following position within governmental operations: Under general supervision, this position is responsible for the day-to-day functions and direction of the County s Human Resources activities, to include employment, compensation, employee relations, benefits, training, employees services, and risk management. Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from a fouryear accredited college or university; with major course work in human resources management, organizational psychology, business or public administration or related field and five years of professional experience in human resources management, or a master s degree in human resources management, business, public administration or related field and three to five years human resources generalist experience. Degrees must be from accredited institutions. SHRM or IPMA Certified Professional Certification (IPMA-CP) preferred. Salary Range: $46,840 - $72,602. The closing date is August 22, 2014 or until filled, whichever is first. Submit your completed Hertford County Employment Application and proof of Certifications to the Human Resources Office Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. or mail to: Hertford County Manager s Office ATTN: HR/Risk Manager Recruitment PO Box North King Street Winton, North Carolina (252) ext. 3104, (252) Fax. Cover letters and resumes are encouraged to supplement a completed County Application, but are not accepted in lieu of the County Application. Hertford County is an Equal Opportunity Employer/AA. COUNTY MANAGER - Rowan County is seeking qualified applicants for the position of County Manager. The County has a population of 138,000 and is located in the central piedmont area of North Carolina between Greensboro and Charlotte. The County operates under a commission/manager form of government with a five-member board, 750 full time employees, and an annual general fund budget of approximately $135 million. Highly skilled professional work in the direction and administration of Rowan County Government; ensures that the orders, ordinances, resolutions, and regulations of the Board of Commissioners are executed within the County; plans and attends all meetings for the Board of Commissioners; directs and supervises the administration of County offices, departments, boards, commissions, and agencies under the control of the Board of Commissioners; prepares and submits the annual budget and capital program; prepares a complete report on finances and administrative activities of the County; appoints County officers, employees, and agents whose positions are created by law or by action of the Board; prepares and recommends programs and policies for adoption by the Board of Commissioners; and acts as the information resource for County Government. Must possess excellent communication and management skills; demonstrate fiscal responsibility skills; have the ability to maintain positive working relationships with citizens, staff, elected officials and media; and be an innovative leader with high ethical standards and integrity. Minimum educational experience is a Bachelor s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or Accounting; Masters degree in Public Administration or Business Administration preferred. Minimum five years local government experience including economic development, budgeting, strategic planning and community relations; experience as County Manager preferred. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. BENEFITS. Submit detailed resume with salary requirements and application to Rowan County Human Resources, 130 W. Innes St., Salisbury, NC by August 4, We administer Pre-employment Drug Tests. Applications available at CHIEF CODES ENFORCEMENT OFFI- CER - Hertford County. Performs difficult technical and intermediate administrative work in the inspections of building plans and construction; does related work as required. Plans, supervises and participates in the inspection of residential, commercial and industrial properties under construction, alteration or repair; preparing notices of violations, preparing and maintaining files and records. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the County Manager. Must have thorough Knowledge of all types of building construction materials and methods, and of stages of construction when possible violations and defects may be most easily observed and corrected; thorough knowledge of State building, related codes, minimum housing code, related laws and ordinances; ability to detect poor workmanship, inferior materials and hazards of fire and collapse; ability to read and interpret plans, specifications and blue prints of ordinary complexity quickly, accurately and to compare them with construction in process; ability to contact building owners, contractors, the public and to establish effective satisfactory working relationships; firmness and tact in enforcing building ordinances and codes; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates. Minimum Qualifications: Minimum Training and Experience Required Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by course study in area of inspections specialty and a minimum of 3 years in the building construction trade. Special Requirements: Applicants must have a valid North Carolina driver s license and possession of N.C. Code Officials Qualification Board Level I Certification in Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical Inspections, or ability to obtain Level I prequalification through the N.C. Code Officials Qualification Board, which must be submitted with a completed employment application. Preference will be given to candidates with Level III Certifications. Salary Range: $34,952 54,176. The closing date is August 7, 2014 or until filled, whichever is first. Submit your completed Hertford County Employment Application and proof of Certifications to the Human Resources Office Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. or mail to: M. Ashe, Human Resources Director PO Box N. King Street Winton, North Carolina

9 July As an elected official, you have plans and policies to put into action. By partnering with a professional city, town, or county manager you can set the wheels in motion and know that they will run more smoothly. Leverage their strengths in leadership, management, efficiency, and ethics, and make your community great. Their job is to bring your vision to life. Log on today to learn more about how professional local government managers work with you to build communities we are proud to call home. LifeWellRun.org/elected-officials

10 10 July 2014 County Briefs Davidson County board vacancy filled The Davidson County Republican Party has selected Steve Shell to fill the unexpired term of longtime Davidson County commissioner Billy Joe Keply who died unexpectedly in June. Lance Barrett will be placed on the ballot for the November general election. Currituck County honors retiring clerk Clerk since May Each Commissioner, along with County Manager Dan Scanlon and County Attorney Ike McRee, wished Gilbert well in retirement and praised her friendly demeanor and cheerful attitude. They also recognized her professionalism, skill, and tact in dealing with citizens, staff, and commissioners for many years. Commissioner McCray honored with a resolution Washington County Commissioner Raymond R. McCray was honored at the commissioners June board meeting with a resolution. He died on Friday, May 16, McCray was a resident of Washington County. He began his term as a County Commissioner in December He served as Vice Chairman from December 2012 until November 2013, and served on the Social Services Board from 2007 until He served on the Albemarle Commission Board from May 7, 2007 until January 1, In the resolution, the commissioners said, Commissioner McCray will be missed by all those whose lives he touched, especially the members of the Washington County Board of Commissioners who saw him as a dear friend. Pitt County hires Social Services Director The Currituck County Board of Commissioners recognized Mary Gilbert in June during her final public meeting as Clerk to the Board of Commissioners. Members of the Board presented a plaque of appreciation to Gilbert, who retired on June 30 after more than 20 years of service to Currituck County. Gilbert has worked in the County Manager's office as secretary, and has served as Jan Elliot is the new Social Services Director in Pitt County. She was chosen from among a pool of about 30 applicants. Elliot had previously served as the regional director of social services for the N.C. Division of Social Services. She also held the director's position in Person and Scotland Counties, and currently serves on two aging work groups at the local and regional levels.

11 July 2014 Worth took unconventional route to becoming County Manager in Warren 11 By Amanda Stratton Staff Assistant As a continued commitment to the International City/County Manager Association s (ICMA) Life, Well Run campaign, the NCACC interviewed Warren County Manager Linda Worth about her 22 years working with the county. Worth began working with Warren County in 1985 as the Clerk to the Board and Assistant to the County Manager. After a brief period working for then-congresswomen Eva Clayton from 1993 to 2000, she returned to her hometown to continue serving her community. A self-described native daughter of Warren County, Worth progressed from tax assessor to interim county manager to manager. When I was approached to see if I would do it on the interim basis, I said oh my goodness, that s not something I had planned as a career move...but I was ready for the challenge, she said. As manager, Worth guided the county through unexpected challenges, especially as the entire state and country faced the economic recession. Many of the success stories of Warren County during this trying period are thanks in part to Worth and her staff. We went through furloughs of staff, we went through several years without salary increases, but through it all we were able to maintain morale everybody bought in to the fact that hopefully Worth became County Manager in Warren County after holding several other positions in County Government over her 22 years there. this will be short term, she said. By doing so, they were able to cut spending and increase the fund balance. Further, the projects completed by Warren County during this period were incredible for a rural county in the midst of a recession. Even in those lean times we never considered cutting services, we moved forward on critical capital projects, she said. We have constructed, during the last five years, two EMS substations, we constructed a new library, we constructed a new high school, we renovated a courthouse annex, a former armory...we have also renovated our former library and two office buildings. Even with these achievements, Worth is most proud of the fact that a native of Warren County was chosen to lead the county government. Worth s enthusiasm about serving her community and her desire to lead an excellent organization were two themes that radiated through her comments about being a county manager. It has indeed been my privilege and my pleasure to serve the citizens in this county, she said. This job has been a great vehicle for me to give back to my community and particularly the young people. Worth speaks to many citizens group. Through various speaking events, she seizes the opportunity to offer her real world knowledge in hopes of helping the youth of Warren County have successful careers and lives. With nine years working as manager for the county, Worth also has plenty of advice for those interested in the county management profession. I think in order to be successful, you have to be able to handle stress well, you have to be very versatile, you have to be open to hearing all sides before taking a position, you have to be an excellent delegator, she said. And the most critical piece of it all is that you've got to work hard to find that perfect balance between your work life and your personal life to keep yourself from being burned out. She also emphasized that, while a job as county manager can be very rewarding and exciting, it can also be very challenging. You cannot depend on praise and pats on the back as your motivators because they re few and far between, she said. IT S BACK! Our Win-Win contest was so popular we re doing it again! with Win both a laptop and a tablet. Win control over your finances. Sign up for Compass or log in to your Compass account via computer and you could win an electronics prize package from LGFCU. How to Enter: Not a Compass user yet? Sign up before July 31, 2014 and you ll be automatically entered to win. Already a Compass user? You have two chances to win! Log in to your account via computer at least once in June and then again in July to be automatically entered in each month s drawing. You Choose A Prize Package: Win your choice of either a 13-inch MacBook Pro and a 16gb ipad or a Dell Inspiron Laptop and a 32GB Samsung Galaxy Note. With a brand new laptop and tablet you can take Compass with you wherever you go this summer! For official rules, visit: lgfcu.org/winwin Logging in to the Compass by LGFCU app via mobile phone or tablet does not qualify as contest entry. Winners are ineligible to win additional LGFCU Compass Promotions for the subsequent calendar year, following notification of their win. Winners must be verified LGFCU members at the time of award to be eligible to receive prize.

12 12 July Coverage Year renewal season results One of the main areas of focus for this column is to discuss questions or topics raised during travels while meeting with members of the NCACC Risk Management Pools. Another is to provide a point of communication about upcoming planned risk pool events as well as provide details on operational results. This month s article will provide some specifics on how the risk pool membership collectively fared through this renewal season and what the standard insurance market renewal trends were for their policyholders this year. Workers compensation continues to be the toughest line to find reasonable terms. For the larger, non-pool member counties, the standard insurance companies generally forced counties to take a larger retention (deductible) averaging an increase of $50,000 to $100,000 per loss occurrence. As an example, those that had $450,000 were quoted only with a $500,000 or $550,000 retention, depending on their own loss experience. This was coupled with an average price increase of 11% to 16%, for all counties, regardless of their size. Several were not offered renewals at all, forcing them to scramble to find another insurance carrier. For the property and casualty coverage lines, the observed non-member renewal trends from the standard insurance companies centered around price increases of 8% to 13%, with some slight restriction in coverage terms as well, also in offered per occurrence deductibles. These kind of unexpected, cost increases coupled with coverage restrictions created some opportunities for the risk pools to quote potential new members - some as late as mid-june. Unfortunately it is becoming a more common practice for commercial insurance companies to hold the release of their renewal pricing for as long as possible. This makes it very difficult to have enough time to secure alternate quotations from other markets, forcing a renewal under less than optimal conditions. After the dust settled, the NCACC Risk Management Pools once again experienced a stellar renewal season. We retained 100% of county membership while adding Halifax County to the family, bringing the total county member count to 68 counties participating in one or both of the pools. For the county related entity membership, participation was 37 with two additions, Western Piedmont Regional Transit Authority and Appalachian Area Transit for Workers Compensation. This marks the third year in a row that all county members opted to continue their Managing Your Risk membership. We have added six new counties by Michael Kelly during this NCACC Risk Management time. During this past three years, the Pools have not increased their actual rates and have managed to deliver a maximum per member pricing cap goal each year of 10 percent for the Liability & Property Pool and 15 percent for the Workers Compensation Pool regardless of individual county loss experience. As such, we believe membership is better understanding our major tenets of operation to provide coverage stability and long-term sustainability. Our operational/service model puts a much higher emphasis on membership retention than membership growth. We want to grow, but do so in steady increments while maintaining the previous membership base. The longer our membership retention stays 100 percent, the easier it is to keep our rates and renewal pricing relatively flat. The bottom line goal is to provide expertly designed risk coverage for a cost that varies little each year, thus allowing counties to budget with greater confidence and fewer surprises for their Property, Casualty and Workers Compensation coverage. This month marks the 10th year I have had the privilege of working for the NCACC Risk Management Pools. The entire concept of founding governmental self-funded risk pools in North Carolina has been very successful since our beginning. I believe the level of membership and current solid financial position each pool enjoys illustrates this point quite well. Specializing is our way to maintain leadership, and we will continue to provide refined expertise in risk management solutions that are specifically designed for county government. NCACC Risk Management Director Michael Kelly writes a regular column on risk management for. With more than 35 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 and CIC - Certified Insurance Counselor professional designations. He can be reached at michael.kelly@ncacc.org or (919) Signup and info: (704) (336) Educational Conference September 7 10, 2014, Wrightsville Beach, NC Take this Job and Love It! Keynote by Martha Bryan Education topics focused on the challenges faced by risk management, safety and school personnel provide attendees with an excellent opportunity to meet and share knowledge with peers in your field. Sponsorship and/or exhibitor opportunities available. A few of the many workshop topics available: Is your DOT Testing Program for School Bus Drivers Compliant? You Might Be Surprised! FTA, FMCSA and Drug Free Workplace Programs: What are the differences? Roundtable Discussion Mold & Asbestos Roundtable Discussion Workers Compensation Cost Containment Don t Pay Twice! Indemnity, Contractual Liability and Additional Insured Getting the Most Out of Your Safety Committee Addressing Return to Work Challenges Cyber-Risk in the Public Sphere Real Time Trends in Information Crime Insurance and Risk Basics Employment Practices Update & Mock Trial Conference location is the Oceanfront Holiday Inn Resort at Wrightsville Beach with rates starting at $129 per night. Reducing Risk