A LONG, BUSY...BUT GOOD WEEK AT THE STATE HOUSE.
This week was a busy one for legislation involving Alabama counties. The Association-sponsored legislation enhancing the enforcement of Alabama’s litter laws was PASSED by the House and has been sent to Gov. Bob Riley for his signature, and the Senate approved the $1 billion road-and-bridge program funded by revenue from the Alabama Trust Fund. Get the scoop on all the week's activities in the Weekly Update.
Click here for a list of committee and floor activity this week.
Remember: Your legislators need to hear from you concerning legislation that is important to Alabama's counties. Look up your Representatives and Senators online. Each legislator has a web page using the links here. Click on the name of your legislator to bring up the page for additional contact information. Or, call the Senate at (334) 242-7800 and the House of Representatives at (334) 242-7600.
Check the Legislative News section often as this section will be updated as information is delivered from the State House. If you have questions, please contact ACCA staff at (334) 263-7594.
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ACCA's goal for National County Government Month is 100 percent!
National County Government Month in April will give counties more time to raise public awareness and understanding about the roles and responsibilities of our local governments. Activities in Alabama's counties should help local citizens understand how their counties can respond to their needs. In many ways, the month of April is an introduction for county residents to their local government and its services. Click here for an informational packet of ideas, as well as access to Tipster, ACCA's mini-newsletter delivered each Wednesday, for more tips to make your programs a success.
The Association has always supported this very important activity, and we continue to be pleased by Alabama's local government support of this national movement. This year, we are encouraging 100 percent participation by Alabama's counties to show our pride in the programs offered to Alabama's residents!
Check out ACCA's Weekly Hot Five!
ACCA's Hot Five e-zine is a behind-the-scenes look at how the Association’s relationships with outside organizations, departments and special committees can keep you informed of all the HOT news in Montgomery and across Alabama. Each Monday morning, ACCA members can expect news about special events and programs ACCA staff are working on for the benefit of our membership and county government in Alabama.
Order your 2010 other publications online today!
If you don't have a copy of ACCA's 2010 Annual Calendar, then you are already in the dark on the complete listings for ACCA's and our affiliate's activities for the year. This is the best way for you to plan your year and take part in some of the best events of 2010. Calendars are $10 each. To purchase any ACCA publication by check, click here. To order with a credit card click here. And, don't forget to subscribe to the Association's multiple award-winning magazine, County Commissioner! Subscriptions are $20 each.
Do you Self Gov?
This is an election year, which means it's time to face the question, "To self-gov, or not to self-gov?" Self governance gives a county commission the authority to abate certain nuisances, only applies to the unincorporated areas of the county, and essentially gives Alabama voters the ability to return control of the local communities back to the local level. Self governance is certainly not a question to be taken lightly, but it is a very serious question to be considered during an election year.
Educate yourselves on the finer points on just what self governance really means. Check out the self governance Web site. Questions? Please contact Mary Pons at (334) 263-7594.
Looking for information on bonds? Don't miss this opportunity!
The Alabama Department of Finance has provided some information on bond opportunities made available through the Recovery Act. Click here for more information. This is intended to help counties educate themselves on these opportunities and to determine if a particular need can be addressed through these bonds. Please address any questions to Young Boozer or Gina Smith at the Alabama Department of Finance at (334) 242-7160.
Do you understand ARRA reporting requirements?
There are multiple funding opportunities available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Act requires any recipient of ARRA funds on the Section 1512 reporting list, including counties, to report ARRA funding activity through www.federalreporting.gov if they have received an award greater than $25,000 prior to the last day of each reporting period. To read the letter from Gov. Bob Riley detailing this information, click here.
Statement from the Examiners of Public Accounts...
The Department of Examiners of Public Accounts has prepared the County Government Bond Financing Review Form in accordance with Act Number 2009-757. This form became effective Oct. 1, 2009. Click here for a copy of the memo sent to ACCA along with a copy of the County Government Bond Financing Review Form. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Examiners of Public Accounts at (334) 242-9200.
ACCA drafts resolution on transportation of bodies to state forensic labs.
On Aug. 20, 2009, the membership of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama adopted a resolution urging the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences to resume the transportation of bodies for the purpose of autopsy at state forensic laboratories utilizing the $250,000 appropriated for that purpose by the Alabama Legislature. Click here for a copy of that Resolution. The Department of Forensic Sciences recently announced that they did not intend to resume transporting bodies for autopsies.
Changes in rules for use of space and utilities for courts and personnel.
The Administrative Office of Courts has been working to amend Rule 3 of the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration, the court rule requiring county commissions to provide space and utility services to courts and court personnel. The new Rule 3, which took effect July 27, 2009, is available here. Most of the changes in this rule are minor. The most major change in this court rule is the requirement that the counties provide access to courtrooms, offices, etc. for court personnel and the public Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
As under the prior version of Rule 3, this amended rule allows for agreements between the county commission and the court system for additional services. However, there is no requirement that the county commission provide any services or equipment not otherwise mandated by Alabama law. If you have any questions about the amended Rule 3, please contact Mary Pons.
Attention county administrators...
Chief Examiner Ronald Jones of the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts has issued a statement on the procedures for agencies that desire to use Life Cycle Cost Analysis in the evaluation of competitive bids for personal property and to procure goods using Reverse Auction. Click here for a copy of the memo.
Stretch every inch out of those purchasing dollars. How can you do it?
How does your county purchase office supplies? Furniture? What about auto parts and accessories for the county vehicles? Maintenance and janitorial supplies? These days when counties are tightening their financial belts and clamping their pocketbooks shut, there are still the bare necessities that must find a way into the county shopping cart. But, that certainly doesn’t mean that Alabama’s counties have to pay, or overpay, for the things needed on a daily basis. Please download a memo from ACCA staff that outlines the procedures that should be followed and contains a list of approved companies. You may also download a letter from the Department of Public Examiners approving the purchasing program. Want to know more?
