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Week of Jan. 3, 2012
 District meeting update
So far 175 people have registered for the 2012 District Meetings, which kick off in Troy next week. Register here.
 2012 ACCA Directory
You may recall that we have moved to an annual directory, so the newly updated one will be distributed at the district meetings. Many thanks to administrators for all their help proofing the information!
 E-verfiy in effect
Alabama’s new E-verify requirements for government contracts went into effect on Sunday. Get the details and some helpful info here.
 Support for 9-1-1 bill grows
Verizon has joined the coalition supporting the 9-1-1 reform legislation, leaving no known opposition from any telecommunication company.
 Happy New Year to the Joint Bid Program
New prices and items have become available, so start your shopping online.
Week of Dec. 27, 2011
Last chance for 2011 prices
The current prices in the ACCA Joint Bid Program expire at year’s end, with new prices taking effect Jan. 1.
Time to think about local legislation
Counties working on local laws should remember that they must be advertised once a week for four consecutive weeks. With the legislative session beginning Feb. 7, counties should make local bills a priority in the next couple of weeks.
Safety conscious
Information will be mailed next week on the new Safety Incentive Program for counties that participate in the liability or workers’ compensation self-insurance funds. That mailing will also include a new safety manual.
In the mail
New Participation Agreements, Coverage Documents and Endorsements have been mailed to all counties and entities participating in the ACCA Liability Self-Insurance Fund. Counties are encouraged to complete these important documents and return them as soon as possible.
Happy New Year!
The ACCA office will close at noon on Friday, Dec. 30, and reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3.
Week of Dec. 19, 2011
Another county goes online
Pike is the latest county to go online through ACCA’s County Website Initiative, so be sure to take a look at www.pikecommission.com. If your county does not have a website, contact Sallie Gowan for more information or to be added to the waiting list. Next up is Lawrence County!
Checks in the mail
Participants in the ACCA Workers’ Compensation Self-Insurers’ Fund should have received their refund checks, which were mailed last week.
New leadership at liability fund
Baldwin County Administrator David Brewer has been appointed to the board of trustees for the ACCA Liability Self-Insurance Fund. In addition, the following trustees have been reappointed: Sumter County Engineer Anthony Crear, Houston County Administrator Bill Dempsey, Elmore County Commissioner Joe Faulk, Limestone County Commissioner Bill Latimer and Etowah County Commissioner Jeff Overstreet.
New leadership at workers' comp fund
Three new trustees have been appointed to the board of the ACCA Workers’ Compensation Self-Insurers’ Fund. They are: Pickens County Commissioner Frederick Kennedy, Calhoun County Engineer Brian Rosenbalm and Chambers County Commissioner Debbie Wood.
Merry Christmas!
The ACCA office will be closed Friday, Dec. 23 and Monday, Dec. 26 in observance of Christmas.
Week of Dec. 12, 2011
No hams or turkeys
Under Alabama’s new ethics law, public officials and public employees may not accept seasonal gifts. The Ethics Commission has issued two recent opinions regarding receipt of gifts.
Streamlined Sales Tax comments
The preliminary report of the Alabama Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Commission was released Nov. 28, and interested parties now have until Jan. 12, 2012, to comment.
Last chance for changes to 2012 directories
Tuesday, Dec. 13, is the last day to submit revisions to your county’s information for the 2012 ACCA Membership Directory. For questions, please contact Paulette Williams.
Headed to D.C. in March?
Registration is now open for the NACo Legislative Conference, scheduled for March 3-7 in Washington, D.C.
Mark your calendar
The 2012 Don’t Drop it on Alabama Spring Cleanup is scheduled for the week of April 21-28. People Against a Littered State (PALS) plans to follow up with individual counties after the first of the year. For more information, contact Jeannine Wilder.
Week of Dec. 5, 2011
AG weighs in on immigration
The attorney general has issued two guidance memorandums on the new immigration law. These memos, and other related resources, can be found at http://ago.alabama.gov/Page-Immigration.
ACCA is "brand" new
We launched a new logo featuring the tagline, “67 Counties, One Voice” at last week’s conference. Additional lapel pins featuring the new logo will be given out at district meetings in January. You can view the new logo by going to www.alabamacounties.org. That’s right – our web address is changing too, as are the ends of staff email addresses (i.e. sgowan@alabamacounties.org). But don’t worry, the old web and email addresses will still work for few weeks during the transition.
Getting ready for the 2012 session
ACCA members approved the 2012 Legislative Program (PDF) and Legislative Priorities at the Legislative Conference last week. It’s going to be a busy year!
A correction for the 2012 calendars
Please correct your 2012 ACCA calendar. Confederate Memorial Day should be on April 23, 2012. For counties that did not pick up their calendars in Auburn last week, ACCA will mail them out this week.
Streamlined Sales Tax comments
The draft report of the Alabama Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Commission was released Nov. 28, and interested parties now have 45 days to comment.
Week of Nov. 28, 2011
Finishing draft
The Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Commission meets today at 9 a.m. and is expected to finalize a draft report regarding steps that would be taken should the U.S. Congress approve the national sales tax program to collect revenue from internet sales transactions. Chaired by Houston County Commission Chairman Mark Culver, the commission is expected to consider county concerns in its final report.
Getting ready
ACCA staff members will meet today with staff of House Speaker Mike Hubbard to discuss legislative priorities for the 2012 legislative session. Although the ACCA membership will not set its priorities until later this week, House and Senate leaders have already released their top legislative goals for the coming year.
Have you returned it?
Participation Agreements have been distributed to counties for both the ACCA Workers' Compensation and Liability self-insurance programs. If your county has not returned the agreements, please do so as soon as possible.
Election Reimbursement Committee
The next meeting of the Election Expense Reimbursement Committee has been scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 8.
Saving all you can?
The U.S. Communities national purchasing program, which fully complies with Alabama's bid law, now has a search engine to identify products available through the program. If your county is preparing to make purchases, please utilize the new feature to check the best national prices.
Week of Nov. 21, 2011
Insurance savings
The ACCA self-insurance funds are preparing to launch a Safety Incentive Program that could save counties more than $10,000 a year. Look for details in early December.
45 Partners strong
In just its second year, the ACCA Partners Program has grown to include some 45 companies and agencies that have joined with us to enhance and improve county government. Please tell your local representatives of these Partners how much we appreciate their support.
Happy Thanksgiving
In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, the ACCA office will be closed on Thursday and Friday.
ACCA's new look
At the annual convention, ACCA President Tim Choate promised a new image and message. Make sure you attend the Legislative Conference to see the first phase of the project roll out.
At the Legislative Conference
Two publications – the 2012 ACCA calendar and election handbooks – will be given out at the Legislative Conference next week. Make sure someone from your county picks up your bundle of calendars and returns it to the county administrator for distribution.
Week of Nov. 14, 2011
Latest from NACo
Commissioner Joe Bryan of Wake County, N.C., sent this update for NACo’s South Region.
Tomorrow is deadline to reserve your room in Auburn for Nov. 30
If you are staying overnight for the ACCA Legislative Conference and haven’t booked your room yet, there’s one more day to make a reservation at the conference rate. The room block at the conference hotel is full, and additional rooms are available at the Holiday Inn Express on College St. You can call the Holiday Inn Express at (334) 502-1090 and ask for the ACCA room block.
Local Government Records Commission annual awards
Counties are eligible to enter an awards program honoring special accomplishments in records management and preservation. Nominations are due Nov. 30, and the details can be found online.
Election Expense Committee to meet again
The legislative committee charged with establishing a list of additional county election expenses that will qualify for reimbursement from the State of Alabama will meet again prior to December 19. The committee asked many positive questions at its meeting last week and is gathering information on the costs of the additional expenses before taking final action. Counties will be provided a copy of the additional items by early January in preparation for the March primary election.
Steps forward on immigration
The first meeting with the various state agencies involved in the implementation of the new immigration law was productive. A second session, aimed at beginning work on a set of implementation rules, will be held on Nov. 21 at the ACCA office. Homeland Security Director Spencer Collier has called on us to assist with this process and we are very excited about our involvement on behalf of counties.
Week of Nov. 7, 2011
Registration open for district meetings
Whether you are in the north, south, east or west – there’s a district meeting for you in 2012. Get the details and register here.
Welcome Clay County to the web!
The Clay County Commission has launched its brand-new website at www.claycountycommission.org. The website is part of the ACCA’s County Website Initiative to help more counties get online. For more information, email Sallie Gowan.
Election Expense Reimbursement Committee meets Tuesday
Thanks to all the administrators, probate judges and steering committee members who submitted information about election expenses. The new legislative committee, which will determine what additional expenditures will qualify for state reimbursement, meets this week, and we’ll inform you of the panel’s decisions next week.
Implementing the immigration law
On Wednesday, members of the ACCA staff will be participating in meetings to start writing rules to assist in the implementation of the immigration law.
Ludgood, Norris appointed
ACCA has appointed Mobile County Commission President Merceria Ludgood to the Commission on Girls and Women in the Criminal Justice System. Monroe County Probate Judge Greg Norris, who is also president of the county commission, has been appointed by ACCA to the State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board.
Week of Oct. 31, 2011
Time to sign up for E-Verify
There’s an April deadline for all employers, including counties, to verify the legal status of all employees using the federal E-Verify website. For more details on implementation of Alabama’s new immigration law, check out this update from ACCA.
Windfall not coming until 2013
Last week, Hot 5 announced that the Alabama Trust Fund board was expected to act on a windfall for cities and counties. The good news is that the county portion – at $38,053,033 – is slightly larger than expected. The bad news is that this money won’t actually be distributed until April 2013. At that time, each county will receive $258,000 plus a population-based share of the remaining $21 million. The bottom line is don’t spend it yet.
Bridge grant application
Fourteen counties came together to submit another TIGER grant application. This one is for $30 million to replace 44 bridges across the state. Many thanks to all those who helped prepare the grant. The application and supporting materials – including a video from Crenshaw County – are all online.
ACCA directory deadline
Appreciation is expressed to all the counties that have already submitted their changes for the 2012 ACCA Membership Directory! Tomorrow is the deadline to submit marked up pages and new pictures. If you have questions, email Paulette Williams.
Brasfield appointed to study group
Legislative leaders established the Initiative to Streamline Government for Accountability and Economic Growth, and ACCA Executive Director Sonny Brasfield has been tapped to serve as the emergency management representative on the nine-member study group focused on public safety, regulatory and emergency preparedness.
Week of Oct. 24, 2011
Bids awarded
The Houston County Commission was expected to award bids for the 2012 Joint Bid Program this morning. Appreciation is extended to all members of the Joint Bid Committee, who have worked hard to make sure counties get the best possible prices on heavy equipment, herbicides and road signs.
Trust fund windfall
The Alabama Trust Fund board of trustees is expected to vote Tuesday to distribute windfall funds to the state General Fund, cities and counties. The county portion has been estimated at $37.6 million.
Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Does your county have a policy on social media usage by employees? Is your county using social media to reach out to citizens? Let us know by emailing sgowan@acca-online.org.
Participation agreements on way
All participants in the ACCA Self-Insurance Fund will receive a copy of the new participation agreement this week. Because all counties have already adopted resolutions approving the new agreement, the document simply needs the signature of the county commission chairman. A similar new agreement for participants in the Workers Compensation Fund will also be forwarded to counties by mid November.
Hot topic
Implementation of Alabama’s new immigration law is all over the news, and it will be a featured topic on Nov. 30 at the ACCA Legislative Conference. Register here.
Week of Oct. 17, 2011
Latest on logging
ACCA representatives made a presentation last week to the Alabama Forestry Association on the possibility of statewide registration system for loggers. This proposal was an effort to respond to their concerns and was based on work of our ACEA logging committee. We are waiting on reaction from AFA.
ALDOT update
The Engineers’ Fall Meeting, planned by the Alabama Department of Transportation, begins today with a variety of technical updates.
Make counties whole
On Tuesday, Sonny Brasfield plans to testify before the Legislative Redistricting Committee regarding the Association’s desire to see as many counties as possible held whole in the redistricting process.
Immigration law implementation
The ACCA is working with the Alabama Department of Homeland Security on plans to develop rules for implementation of the immigration law, especially regarding the sections that require citizenship verification before providing governmental services or entering into business transactions. Further meetings are expected in early November.
Tax planning
The ACCA leadership, staff and representatives of the County Administrators met with several tax officials on Friday to map out the possibilities of a common legislative agenda for the 2012 to address several issues related to ad valorem taxes in Alabama. The session, led by ACCA Second Vice President Debbie Wood, produced recommendations that will be considered by the ACCA’s Finance and Taxation Steering Committee later this week.
Week of Oct. 11, 2011
Redistricting public hearings
The Legislature’s public hearings on redistricting continue through Oct. 18. Check the schedule for a meeting near you.
Commission should focus on local decisions, not taxing authority
A Sunday editorial in The Birmingham News states Executive Director Sonny Brasfield’s challenge for the Constitution Revision Commission this way, “Finding a better way for local elected officials to make local decisions -- not arguing over taxing authority -- should be the focus of the revision commission's work, Brasfield said.” Read the full editorial here.
Legislative program development continues
The process to develop the ACCA Legislative Program continues this week with the meeting of the Public Works and Rural Transportation Steering Committee on Wednesday.
New immigration law
ACCA Executive Director Sonny Brasfield is meeting with Alabama Department of Homeland Security Director Spencer Collier this week to discuss implementation of the new immigration law.
Forestry talks
After a hard-fought legislative battle earlier this year, the ACCA staff is reopening talks this week with the Alabama Forestry Association about loggers and county roads.
Week of Oct. 3, 2011
ALGTI schedule released
The Alabama Local Government Training Institute has released its 2012 schedule of courses.
Brownfield grants
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released new guidelines for the 2012 brownfields grants program. Proposals are due Nov. 28, 2011. A webinar is scheduled next week to help applicants.
Survey deadline nears
The Tornado Recovery Action Council of Alabama is still collecting feedback from local governments through a survey that ends Oct. 10.
AG: OK to redraw district, precinct lines now
The attorney general issued an opinion last week to clarify an apparent conflict in state law that occurred when the 2012 primary was moved to March 13. A separate statute said counties should make any adjustments to precinct lines at their first meeting in March of even-numbered years. The opinion states that county commissions are not required to wait until their first regular meeting in March 2012 to redraw district and precinct lines based on the 2010 census. This will allow more time for election preparations, including securing preclearance with the U.S. Justice Department.
Busy week
The ACCA staff is looking forward to seeing many members at the office this week. Visitors will be here Monday afternoon for the Minority Issues Steering Committee meeting, Tuesday morning for the Joint Bid Program’s bid opening, Wednesday morning for the Legislative Committee meeting and Thursday morning for the Association of County Engineers Board of Directors meeting.
Week of Sept. 26, 2011
Marketing agreement
The ACCA Board of Directors last week approved a marketing agreement with the company distributing the Coast2Coast discount prescription drug card. Many counties have already been reviewing this program and the ACCA Board is encouraging all counties to evaluate this program in order to make the savings on prescription drugs available to consumers. Look for more details in a memorandum from the ACCA staff later this week.
Action alert: CDBG funding in danger
The Senate Appropriations Committee passed a bill last week that included $2.85 billion for CDBG, nearly a $500 million cut compared to current funding. This cut is in addition to the $600 million cut the program sustained in FY 2011, which would total a 38 percent reduction in two years. Urge your senators and representatives to continue the freeze in CDBG formula funding. Any reduction in CDBG funding would severely slow down and/or eliminate thousands of local and state projects and programs that contribute to our regional and national recovery. View the alert from NACo.
Webinar: Improving Local and State Partnerships in Sentencing and Corrections
NACo is offering this learning opportunity at 1 p.m. Wednesday to discuss Performance Incentive Funding, an idea which state fiscal incentives are provided to community corrections agencies or local entities to design and utilize community-based programs as alternatives to incarceration. Get more information.
Policy process gets underway
Next week the ACCA Legislative Committee has its first meeting in preparation for the 2011 Legislative Conference, all aimed at getting ready for the 2012 regular session.
Constitutional reform
The next meeting of the Constitutional Revision Commission is to include discussion on county powers, procedures on local legislation and other matters related to counties. ACCA’s staff and Legislative Committee will be attending.
Week of Sept. 19, 2011
GASB 54
Sample resolutions for complying with the new GASB 54 regulations have been posted on the administrators’ resource page. Big thanks to Matt Sharp from DeKalb County for preparing these.
Attention revenue officers
The 2012-13 training schedule for the County Revenue Officers Association of Alabama has been posted online.
Self-governance steps start soon
For any county that wants to put the health and safety self-governance powers on the ballot next year, resolutions must be passed by Nov. 14. Click here for a full schedule.
Coming this week
The ACCA 2011 Legislative Conference is set for Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at the Hotel at Auburn University. Registration and hotel information will be circulated to county officials and employees this week.
A new look for ACCA
We are working behind the scenes on an exciting branding project that will be unveiled later this year. Stay tuned!
Week of Sept. 12, 2011
New guidandance on RSA's overtime policy
It now appears that RSA intends to stick by its position that all overtime must be excluded from contributions paid for or on behalf of an employee, regardless of how a normal work week is defined. Get the ACCA memo.
In D.C.
Cleburne County Probate Judge and Chairman Ryan Robertson is one of more than two dozen county officials from 16 states who are converging on Washington, D.C., this week to urge continued funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program.
Got dues?
Invoices for ACCA 2011-2012 dues have been sent. Payment is due Oct. 1.
Tee time
More than 50 teams of golfers will hit the links Wednesday for ACCA’s 20 th Annual Golf Bash, a fundraiser for Alabama Commissioners United.
Sales tax chair
Houston County Commission Chair Mark Culver was elected chair of the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Commission last Wednesday. The group gets to work in earnest this week with day-long committee sessions on Wednesday.
Week of Sept. 6, 2011
AEMA logistics policy
The Alabama Emergency Management Agency has released a new Logistics Disaster Assistance Policy to describe how commodities and resources will be distributed and who is responsible for paying for them in the event the governor declares a state of emergency.
Feds to change sign policy
The Federal Highway Administration announced in a news release last week that it will eliminate the deadlines for replacing all traffic signs to comply with new retroreflectivity requirements.
Steering committees tapped
The 2011 Legislative Steering Committees and Minority Issues Steering Committee have been appointed, and here’s a schedule for their meetings, which begin Oct. 3.
Mark your calendars
The fall meeting for the Association of County Engineers of Alabama has been set for Oct. 17-18 in Prattville.
300
During the orientation session for new county commissioners, Sonny Brasfield challenged those persons first elected in 2010 to set a goal they could achieve during their first year in office. Sept. 6, 2011, marks the 300th day in office for those newly elected commissioners, who have now served more than 20 percent of their four-year terms.
Week of Aug. 29, 2011
Want to know more?
Many of the presentations and handouts from the convention have been posted online.
County windfall still on track
According to The Birmingham News last week, the state is still expecting to make a one-time $37.6 million payment to counties. ACCA will let you know when this is final, and it is our recommendation that you do not factor this payment in to your budget projections for the coming year.
Tornado talk
Gov. Robert Bentley will host a conference call for all mayors and county commissioners in areas affected by the April tornadoes on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 5 p.m. Representatives from EMA and FEMA will also be on the call. Further, the Governor’s Long Term Community Recovery efforts will be discussed in detail. There will be time for any mayor or county commissioner to ask questions. Call in information is as follows: Call in number 800 311-9404; Passcode: 03947.
CGEI update
The next CGEI class available is the Oct. 26-27 class on Leadership, and the 2012 schedule has just been released. Find it here.
Fundraising for oratorical competition
Urban Success for Children, a Huntsville-based nonprofit, is raising money to sponsor an oratorical competition for children in grades 1-12. For more info, contact Linda Kinlaw at 256-774-1367.
Week of Aug. 22, 2011
Join up
New ACCA President Tim Choate will soon appoint members to the Association’s important steering committees. County officials and employees interested in volunteering to serve may click here for a volunteer sheet.
Verifying citizenship
A memo from the Alabama Department of Revenue outlines what can be used to prove citizenship when someone is registering a car or renewing a driver’s license.
Wood new second vice president
Chambers County Commissioner Debbie Wood was elected Second Vice President during the ACCA Convention last week. She joins DeKalb County Commission President Ricky Harcrow, First Vice President, and Choate as the ACCA’s officer team for the 2011-12 year.
Finalizing safety program
The Association’s insurance funds will officially announce a new safety program in December. Designed to help reduce injuries and incidents giving rise to lawsuits against counties, the program will encourage county officials and employees to take an active role at the local level. Details will be provided in December.
Commission begins work
The Constitutional Revision Commission created by the Alabama Legislature this year will get to work at its first meeting Aug. 31.
Week of Aug. 8, 2011
Steer the ACCA
If you are interested in serving on one of the five subject-matter steering committees, please fill out this form and fax it to Mary Pons at 334-263-7678. Steering committees help develop the association’s legislative program.
Something new in the exhibit hall
The Association’s 83 rd Annual Convention is just around the corner, and you’ll notice something new in the Exhibit Hall this year. Special red signs will designate exhibitors who are members of our Partners program.
Robertson nominated
The Association has nominated Cleburne County Probate Judge Ryan Robertson to participate in a Washington, D.C., “Fly-in” in September to promote the continued funding of the Payments-in-Lieu-of-Taxes to counties throughout the country. Counties receive more than $700,000 per year in PILT payments for federal lands in Alabama. The fly-in is sponsored by the National Association of Counties.
New safety incentive program for members of insurance funds
At least one person from each county should attend the ACCA Workers Compensation and Liability Self-Insurance Fund meeting at the convention. The insurance session will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday in Sand Castle II. Topics will include important issues such as refunds, coverage issues and a new safety incentive program.
Mark your calendar
The County Government Education Institute has released a tentative schedule for next year.
Week of Aug. 1, 2011
Get your county online
Does your county need a website? ACCA is launching a new initiative to help out. The pilot website is www.coosacountyal.com – check it out! If you are interested in a user-friendly, low-cost website for your county, come to the session on this topic at the convention. It will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday in Salon D. If you have questions in the meantime, email Sallie Gowan.
Looking toward next year
The ACCA Nominating Committee will meet on Aug. 2 for in-depth discussions with those persons seeking the positions of second vice president and minority director. The candidates for second vice president are Chambers County Commissioner Debbie Wood and Bibb County Commissioner Al Green. The candidate for minority director is Jefferson County Commissioner George Bowman.
Insurance refunds?
At least one person from each county should attend the ACCA Workers Compensation and Liability Self-Insurance Fund meeting at the convention. The insurance session will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday in Sand Castle II. Topics will include important issues such as any refunds approved by the boards of trustees.
Funding opportunity
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries has a new funding opportunity for green energy/economic development projects across the state, with special emphasis on Black Belt counties. Get the details.
Tornado recovery call
Gov. Robert Bentley will host a conference call for all mayors and county commissioners in areas affected by the April tornadoes on at 5 p.m. Aug. 2. In addition to Governor Bentley, representatives from EMA, FEMA, and the Corps of Engineers will also be available to provide updates and answer questions. Topics discussed will include debris removal, demolition, mitigation, and recovery. There will also be time for any mayor or county commissioner to ask questions. Call in number: 800 311-9404. Passcode: 03947.
Week of July 25, 2011
Retirement contributions
Questions are still coming in about recent changes to employee retirement contributions, changes that are optional for local government. Here’s an overview that explains the issue in detail.
Better communication
ACCA Executive Director Sonny Brasfield is participating in the annual conference of the Alabama Association of Tax Administrators, speaking to the group about better communication and cooperative efforts between the AATA and the Association.
Task force begins work
A task force established by the Association of County Engineers of Alabama to develop common statewide policies for access to and utilization of county roads by logging operations will begin its work on Thursday. This group is chaired by Elmore County Engineer and in-coming NACE President Richie Beyer.
Appointments made
Madison County Sales Tax Director Betty Peterson and Houston County Commission Chairman Mark Culver will represent the Association on the statewide commission to develop a plan for Alabama's participation in the national Streamlined Sales and Use Tax program. The commission's work is to begin in September and is to be completed by the start of the 2012 regular session of the Alabama Legislature.
Got PR?
The Association is compiling a list of the public relations contacts in each county. If your county has someone who is designated as the public information officer, please email the person’s name and contact info to Sallie Gowan.
Week of July 18, 2011
Overseas absentee voting
ACCA has appointed Lee County Probate Judge Bill English to the newly formed Electronic Overseas Voting Advisory Committee, which is charged with advising the secretary of state on an electronic absentee voting mechanism for persons overseas.
Thinking of running?
Nominations are still being accepted for the board of directors and legislative committee. These positions are elected by district. Forms for these positions must be received in the Association office no later than Aug. 5.
ADEM boosts fees
The Association was notified last week that ADEM is increasing fees for environmental permits 19 percent starting Oct. 1. We are getting this information out to you now so you will be able to incorporate the increase into your budget. Representatives of ADEM are available at 334-271-7715 if you have questions.
Heads up
The ACCA Board of Directors has approved Association dues for the 2011-12 year. The dues for this year were recalculated utilizing the 2010 census and the most-recent information regarding the valuation of property in each county. Although the dues are not technically “due” until Oct. 1, 2011, counties will receive a memo this week with the dues amount for the coming year for budget planning purposes.
Setting rates soon
The State Employees Insurance Board, which oversees the Local Government Health Insurance Program, meets soon to set rates for the coming year. The good news is that the SEIB Advisory Committee recommended that rates remain unchanged.
Week of July 11, 2011
Getting going
The Alabama Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Commission, established by the 2011 ACCA-sponsored law, will begin its work with an organizational meeting on September 7, 2011. The Association will make two appointments to the commission, which must complete its recommendations before the 2012 regular session of the Alabama Legislature.
Bid spec time again
The County Joint Bid Committee is beginning its work on preparation of bid specifications for this year’s bid offering.
Saying thanks
St. Clair County Chairman Stanley Batemon will speak to a general session of the National Association of Counties’ annual conference to thank counties from around the nation for their help during tornado response.
Cutting red tape
Cullman County EMA Director Phyllis Little is testifying Thursday before the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management in Washington, D.C. The title of the hearing is FEMA Reauthorization and Cutting the Red Tape in Recovery.
Friday's the deadline
Friday, July 15, is the last day to submit your name to run for ACCA second vice president or minority director. The form is available here. Fax it back to Donna Key at 334-263-7678.
Week of July 5, 2011
County Golf Bash to continue as planned
The 20 th Annual County Golf Bash is scheduled for Wednesday, September 14, 2011, at Timberline Golf Club in Calera. Many of you have already been contacted by company representatives requesting that you play on their teams. There have been some questions in regards to the new ethics laws and we want you to know that we have received precertification approval for our event from the Alabama Ethics Commission, and here’s the official letter. This letter will authorize you to play if you would like to. If you have questions please call the ACCA office at (334) 263-7594.
Want to run for 2nd vice president or minority director of ACCA?
Those wishing to run for Second Vice President or Minority Director of the Association should fill out this form and return it to the ACCA Office no later than Friday, July 15, 2011. All candidates should be available to come to the ACCA office in Montgomery to meet with the Nominating Committee on Tuesday, August 2, 2011, at 10 a.m.
Got Awards?
The ACCA Awards Committee will meet this week to review the nominees for awards to be presented during the ACCA Convention in August. If you have not made plans to attend the ACCA convention, registration for the event continues.
When in Portland …
When you're in Portland, Ore., for the NACo Conference, be sure to attend the Alabama Delegation Caucus scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Sunday, July 17.
Medicaid changes could hurt states
New analysis from the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities shows that proposed Medicaid changes would achieve savings for the federal government by shifting costs to states. In Alabama, this would further pinch the state General Fund budget, reducing funds available for prisons and highways.
Week of June 27, 2011
Insurance boards to meet
The two ACCA insurance fund boards of trustees are set to meet the first week of August. Premiums will be set at those meetings and communicated to counties so that they can include those estimates in their budget planning.
Clearing up confusion
Sonny Brasfield prepared this overview of HB 414, which makes changes to employee contributions to retirement.
Public library surveys
County commissioners are asked to complete this online survey for the Alabama Public Library Service to tell the APLS about the priorities and plans you would like to see for Alabama libraries.
Talk to the governor, EMA
Gov. Robert Bentley will host a conference call for mayors and county commissioners in tornado affected areas at 5 p.m. June 28. The call will include a briefing from EMA officials. Mayors and county commissioners will have the opportunity to ask questions and the call will last approximately 1 hour. Call-in information is the same as in past calls. Dial in number: 1-800-311-9404, passcode: 03947.
Narrowbanding questions?
If you have questions about narrowbanding, the FCC-mandated change to radio frequencies that will likely affect law enforcement and highway department radio systems, check out this letter from the Department of Homeland Security and ACCA.
Week of June 20, 2011
Bid law changes
One of the new laws passed during the 2011 Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature is Act No. 2011-530 (HB 13 by Rep. Jack Williams), which makes several changes to Alabama’s competitive bid law and the public works law. Mary Pons has written a memo detailing how to comply with the changes.
Talk to the governor, EMA
Governor Robert Bentley will host a conference call for mayors and county commissioners in affected areas at 5 p.m. June 28. The call will include a briefing from EMA officials. Mayors and County Commissioners will have the opportunity to ask questions and the call will last approximately 1 hour. Dial in number: 1-800-311-9404; passcode: 03947.
AAND early registration ends Friday
The Alabama Association of 9-1-1 Districts’ Annual One-Day Workshop on July 12 is fast approaching, and this Friday is the deadline for early registration for just $12. You can register online. The entire afternoon will be devoted to reviewing the 9-1-1 reform legislation.
PILT payments released
The U.S. Department of the Interior has released the 2011 payments in lieu of taxes (PILT). These are federal payments to local governments that help offset losses in property taxes due to nontaxable federal lands within their boundaries. In Alabama, payments to 46 counties totaled $721,010. Get the details here.
Partners meeting
Executive Director Sonny Brasfield will take part in a Partners meeting on Wednesday morning. The gathering is organized by ADECA to focus on long-term community recovery in the wake of April 27th’s deadly tornadoes.
Week of June 13, 2011
Engineering cookouts OK'd
The Alabama Ethics Commission has granted pre-approval to the barbecue lunch activities held by many engineering departments to celebrate holidays or other special events. Click here for a copy of the letter.
March presidential primary now law
It’s official – Act 2011-566 moves Alabama’s primary elections in presidential election years to March. That means if you’ve got commission elections in 2012, time is short for redistricting.
Awards deadline nears
Entries for the 20 th Annual Awards for Excellence are due June 24. Get your application in soon for Outstanding Contribution to County Government or Excellence in County Government! Check Convention Notes Vol. 2 for details..
Busy board
Last week, in conjunction with the last day of the session, the Association Board of Directors met, and then members went over to the State House for some one-on-one meetings with legislators. Are you interested in running for the board or legislative committee? The deadline to apply is Aug. 5. Check Convention Notes Vol. 2 for details.
What was that Hot 5 item from last week?
The weekly Hot 5 is now archived. There’s a link at the bottom of the Hot 5 page..
Week of June 6, 2011
Big day on Thursday
This Thursday is the last day of the legislative session as well as a meeting of the ACCA board of directors. Members of the Legislative Committee are also invited to Montgomery to help on our final lobbying push.
Reaching 105
Have you called your member(s) of the Alabama House of Representatives? There are 105 representatives, and each one of them should receive multiple phone calls in support of SB 90, the jailer liability protection bill. Check the home page for talking points.
ACCMA Summer Conference
Perdido Beach Resort has extended the room reservations deadline to June 11, 2011. To reserve your room at Perdido Beach Resort, please call 1-800-634-8001 and reference ACCMA Summer Conference or register online at http://www.perdidobeachresort.com/reservations/ and enter ACCMA code 6622 to receive the conference rate. (Note: Rooms are also available at the group rate for Sunday, June 25 – Sunday, July 3.) If you have any problems or questions regarding the conference or making your hotel reservations, please contact Mignon Bowers at (256) 777-6701. Click here for the updated conference agenda.
NACo Annual Conference
Have you registered for the NACo Annual Conference, which will be July 15-19 in Portland, Oregon? Registration is still open but the hotel room rates are guaranteed only through this Wednesday, June 8 th, so be sure to reserve your room today. To receive a discount of $25 per registration, you should register for the conference and the hotel online at www.naco.org. (Note: The ACCA staff will be staying in the Portland Hilton. We recommend that you select the Portland Hilton as your first choice. The second choice is the Doubletree Hotel, and the third choice is the Crowne Plaza.)
Attention administrators
Presentations from the recent conference of the Association of County Administrators of Alabama are now available online.
Questions? Please call the ACCA office at (334) 263-7594.
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