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CountyLines: June 2010 Counties lend an ear to youths Tomorrow's leaders will have a voice today – er, in August – during the NCACC's 103rd Annual Conference, which will be held Aug. 26-29 at the Greenville Convention Center and the Hilton Greenville in Pitt County. The conference agenda will include "Youth Voice 2010," the Association's first youth summit. In partnership with N.C. Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Services, selected high school juniors and seniors from each county will develop a youth agenda to present to the NCACC at the Aug. 28 Business Session.
 NCACC mourns death of its original field administrator Frank Lewis, who was responsible for bringing North Carolina county membership in the NCACC and the National Association of Counties (NACo) to 100 counties during his 12 years on the job, died June 4 at the age of 93. He was hired Sept. 15, 1969, making history by becoming the first field representative for a state association of counties in the nation.
Help on the way via 911 funds?  Counties may be growing closer to achieving a long-standing legislative goal during the 2010 short session. A bill that would allow greater flexibility in the use of 911 funds, as well as provide additional local government representation on the state 911 Board, received a thumbs up from the House Public Utilities Committee on June 9.
Basnight looks long-term; here and now for Hackney  Addresses by Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight and Speaker of the House Joe Hackney during County Assembly Day on May 19 foreshadowed the differences between the two chambers' budget proposals, with the Senate protecting the University of North Carolina system and the House going to bat for teachers and public schools.
 Keep citizens in the know when you're on the go Many of us are up for election this fall – either to retain our seat on the board of commissioners, or perhaps election to a different office. It is tempting, then, to stick close to the campaign trail this summer. But staying close to home could result in a missed opportunity – both for you as a commissioner and for your county.
Reno set to welcome county officials from across U.S.  North Carolina attendees will elect a new representative to the National Association of Counties Board of Directors during NACo's Annual Conference & Exposition, which will be held July 16-20 at the Reno-Tahoe Convention Center in Reno/Washoe County, Nev.
Survey: half of county jails over capacity in 2009
State prison population data collected annually helps guide planning and decision-making at the state level. The General Assembly’s Fiscal Research Division issues reports with current trends and financial consequences of these trends. Recognizing that such data collection and analysis for county jails would be useful for counties, the NCACC surveyed county jail officials to collect as much data as possible to allow local and state leaders to effectively evaluate current conditions and plan for future needs.
'Real pain' marks counties' budget deliberations County commissioners across North Carolina have been hunkered down for months debating cuts, layoffs, furloughs, service reductions and tax increases in an effort to fashion a balanced budget before June 30.
At least seven counties have upcoming referendums on quarter-cent sales tax Following the success of Duplin, New Hanover and Onslow counties on May 4, several other counties have made plans to pursue or have discussed holding a referendum on the local option quarter-cent sales tax granted to counties in 2007.
State may study consolidation of county DSS admin functions The Human Services Steering Committee met May 13 and discussed a special provision in the 2009-10 state budget that directs the General Assembly's Program Evaluation Division (PED) to study the consolidation of administrative functions in county departments of social services.
Perdue's proposed Mobility Fund draws committee support The NCACC Intergovernmental Relations Steering Committee during its May 18 meeting endorsed the creation of the NC Mobility Fund, which has been proposed by Governor Beverly Perdue to provide funding for very specific mobility projects across the state.
Weiss: Support remains for tax structure reform The Tax and Finance Steering Committee met May 20 and heard a bleak budget report from Rep. Jennifer Weiss (Wake County), one of the chairs of the House Finance Committee.
Watershed rules wield major impacts on development During its May 26 meeting in Raleigh, the Environment Steering Committee heard reports on the recently adopted Jordan Lake and Falls Lake rules, an update on biosolids from an official with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and an update on the electronics recycling laws that are set to go into effect Jan. 1.
Farm to cork Homegrown wineries have a hard-earned place in North Carolina's agricultural sector
Guilford initiative targets substance abuse Following a survey showing that 85 percent of residents rank drug abuse as a top priority to be dealt with in their county, Guilford County commissioners formed a committee to begin tackling the problem of substance abuse among adolescents and young adults. The NCACC's Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee learned about the county's efforts from Guilford County Commissioner Kay Cashion during its May 11 meeting in Raleigh.
Increase in gang activity concerns Education Steering Committee Gangs continue to spread their tentacles throughout the state, members of the NCACC Public Education Steering Committee heard May 12 during their meeting in Raleigh.
Managing Your Risk A sound risk management plan follows a rather simple protocol that bears review and reflection with each renewal season. The degree of risk that your county may be willing to accept can and should vary with insurance market conditions, pricing, coverage availability and the direction of your own trending loss experience.
Healthy waistlines equal healthy county wallets Have you seen your county's insurance claims rise over the years? Have you wondered how to cut costs without cutting your employee benefits package or increasing premiums? Many counties are encouraging their employees to become active in their healthcare by getting healthier and participating in preventative care such as annual physicals and mammograms. This article provides the basic steps to a successful wellness program.
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