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base, 'housand delegates are expected this week in Harris County, Texas for NACO's

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Beverly A. Schlotterbeckeditor

When Dean Martin sang theofHouston in his 1965 hitof

mme name, the Harris Countywas the 14th largest city in the

States. Now, it is America'largest city, while its homeof Harris is the third largest

in the nation.Houston's population willswell

another 4,000 or more this week, as

delegates to NACo's 61st AnnualConference amve in the city to electNACo officers, set NACo legisla-tive policy, and hear from nationalleaders and experts on the chal-lenges facing county governments.

Former astronaut and Apollo 13

commander James Lovell will ad-

dress delegates at Sunday's open-

ing General Session, while politicalpunditsAriannaHuffington andBobBeckel will debate the country'hot issues from their respective con-servative and liberal viewpoints at

Tuesday morning's General Ses-

sion.The issue ofsustainable devel-

See OVERVIEW, page 20

losel

17856

Only

The Court ruled 7—2 in twosimilar cases, O'Hare Truck Ser-vice v. Nonhlake and Board ofCounty Commissioners V. Umbehr,that government agencies cannotfire independent contractors forsupporting candidates orexpress-ing views on public issues (see

County iVews, 4/I/96).Justices Antonin Scalia and

Clarence Thomas voted in the

By Mary Ann Bartonsenior staff writer

a county government hires a'jig ', the contractor can sup-icrl ' county supervisor's oppo-

End can criticize county poli-Eod not get fired for it, the

Court said in two rulings, June 28.

N

minority. "Favoritism ... happensall the time in American politi-cal life, and no one has everthought that it violated —of allthings —the First Amendment,"Scalia said.

The rulings are significant be-cause county government, likestate and federal government, is

See SUPREME COURT, page 2

...; Upreme Court: Contractors can't be firedpolitical disloyalty or criticizing policies

By Mary Ann Bartonsenior staff writer

County News: How wouldyou descri be y our year as NACo

president?

Bovin: The past year was a

blur. A totally full, totally won-derful experience because ofthose I represent and those I had

the pleasure of meeting andworking with throughout the

year.

Douglas R. BovinCounty News: What do you

feel were your greatest accom-

plish ments or achievements dur-ing your year at NACo's helm?

the NACo Board, all the stateassociations, and the variouspartnerships and coalitions thatwe formed to strengthen our po-sitions on a number of issues

and areas.In the area of legislative af-

fairs, we did not compromisecounties regarding the federalbudget, but successfully foughtto bring recognition of countyneeds to the process. Weachieved an increase for Pay-ments In Lieu of Taxes fundingand continue to fight to stop un-funded mandates.

We have successfully ad-

vanced aging andintergenerational issues, as wellas technology development andtelecommunications. I'm espe-

cially happy with the severalteleconferences that we'e had.

The Conference of LocalGovernments, held in Novem-ber in Cook County (Chicago),Ill., is an excellent example ofcollaboration and cooperation by

Bovin: SpreadingtheNACotheme, bringing NACo to thestates and counties, and build-ing grass-roots support were the

greatest achievements. I'm most

happy with starting the two re-gional conferences and hopethey'l continue to develop inthe future.

Our goal, as the only nationalassociation to represent coun-ties, should truly be to representeverybody —all geographicalregions, all political persuasions,counties of all sizes —and Ibelieve we have accomplishedthat this year.

Subtle changes, making con-ference schedules more mean-ingful and participant-friendly,was an accomplishment —likediscontinuing general sessionson Sunday mornings so peoplecould attend religious services.

Major accomplishments in-volved working with the NACostaff, the Executive Committee, See INTERVIEW,page 2

D E

Vol. No.13 ~ 8, 1996

Bovin reviews hisyear at NACo helm

630.MIISCTION: WE Arruonosv loess os Mnr 27~w Coeior Nrrrsso wxw rosy ws oscsm m once

"~ A sures rsa. Ar IEAsr our's fes Eunsosooo~namuorssaorna Jwa 24saes oermMArn- Asses Tfa AEAE eonsosrew s A wr irwoso Ale

ososs so wr u. s ua vcLwooaesl roArua useE I'AoEO of rla asoE AOE~r ferro, so, wrws cAEE, roo ceo rns a%coral

sl ss eeoc

The iwo candidates fori~ ~ NACo second vice prasl-

dent, Dick Cecil and C.Vernon Gray, presenttheir platforms.

Dick Ceca Vernon Gray pages 4-5

Bridging ihs lniergsneratlonal gap willbecome animperative sooner than we think.

psgs 6

page 20County Services NewsHow did NACD do at thafederal level on propos-als affecting countygovsrnmsnts7 Rnd outln Issues Updsro. Also,learn about ths activi-ties of the County Ser-vices Department. Ycumay get some Ideas onhow they csn help you.

pages?-f?

News From the Nation's Counties, Neat PelrcaCommentary page 22

Notices, Job Market psgrl 26I

NACo Services News, Research News, NACo On

the Move, Membership News pago 21

County News, July 8,

ing restoration began when theappropriations subcommittee forVeterans Affairs (VA), Housingand Urban Development (HUD),and independent agencies cutCDBG by $400 million.

This 10 percent cut was par-

County officials and other us-ers of Community DevelopmentBlock Grants (CDBG) for infra-

A number ofstudies

House restores CDBG funding to $4.6billion'DBG

at $4.6 billionCOuntyOffiCialS muStremain Vigilant doing so Lewisdescribedin their support of CDBG and theHOME Program.

to restore funding"structure, housing, economic de-velopment, social services andother purposes scored a majorvictory when the House voted onJune 25 to fund CDBG in FY97 atits freeze level of $4.6 billion.

The relatively swift successionof events which led to full fund-

ticularly troubling because thesubcommittee had been allocatedmore funds than in FY96 in orderto avoid budget battles with theAdministration down the road. Asa result, HUD programs eitherhad been funded at their freezelevels or slightly above, includ-

Dallas County (Texas) TreasurerBillMelton has been tapped to serveas the public announcer for soccer atthe Olympic Games in Atlanta, Gathis summer.

Melton willannounce both men'and women's semifinals, medalrounds and awards ceremonies.

A former NACo Board member,Melton is also past chairman ofNACo's Taxation and Finance Steer-ing Committee, was NACo's repre-sentative to the Governmental Ac-counting Standards Board from 1990to 1994, and served as president ofthe National Association of CountyTreasurers and Finance Officers(NACTFO) and the Texas Associa-tion of Counties.

Melton's years ofannouncing in-clude soccer's World Cup '94 inDallas, three Super Bowl games, 18Cotton Bowl Classics, 10 years for

BillMelton'he

Dallas Cowboys, five years forthe Texas Rangers, 22 years forSouthern Methodist University foot-ball and basketball, and numerousNCAAtrack and fieldand basketballchampionships.

SUPREME COURT t,. Icontractors.

The decision goes a step fur-ther in tearing down the traditionof political patronage.

The threat of retaliation "maychill speech on matters of publicconcern by those who, because oftheir dealings with the govern-ment, are often in the best posi-tion to know what ails the agen-cie.. for which they work," saidJustice Sandra Day O'onnor,who wrote the majority opinionin Board ofCounty Commission-ers v. Umbehr.

The case involved the countyboard in Wabaunsee County, Kan.and Keen Umbehr, a trash haulerwho criticized county policies innewspaper articles and at com-mission meetings.

Don Patterson, attorney for theWabaunsee County Commission-ers, said counties can still termi-

have a "legitimate governmentreason." The commissioners in-volved in the dispute, which be-gan in 1991, are no longer on theboard.

The second case involved thecity of Northlake, Ill., and towtruck driver John Gratzianna, whosupported the incumbent mayor'opponent. After the incumbentwon the race, Gratzianna lost busi-ness from the city after more than30 years.

"We cannot accept the propo-sition ... that those who performthe government's work outsidethe formal employment relation-ship are subject to what we con-clude is the direct and specificabridgment of First Amendmentrights described in [Gratzianna's]complaint," Justice AnthonyKennedy said in writing the ma-jority opinion.

County News invites Letters to the EditorIfyou have a compliment, complaint or different point of view,let us know. Please include a phone number with your letter.MaB or fax to: County News, NACo, 440 First St., N.W.,Washington, DC 20001-20$ 0, 202/393-2630.

County treasurer toplay role in Olympics

ing the HOME Program andhomeless assistance, which weremaintained at their FY96 levelsof $ 1.4 billion and $ 823 million.

Various subcommittee mem-bers expressed dismay over thecut, while others felt that CDBG,which had not been cut like otherHUDprograms in previous years,should contribute to deficit re-duction. However, SubcommitteeChairman Jerry Lewis (R-Calif.)expressed his intention to restoreall CDBG funds at a conferencecommittee once the bill waspassed by the House and Senate,assuming the Senate would fullyfund CDBG.

The fullHouse AppropriationsCommittee added $ 100 millionback to CDBG. RepresentativeRichard Durbin (D-III.) offeredan amendment for fullrestoration

of the remaining $ 300 million.which was rejected on a party-line vote.

County officials got on thephones and made other contactswith their representatives urgingthem to either sponsor or supportan amendment for fullrestorationof CDBG.

This generated a quick re-sponse. Rep. Durbin indicated thathe would once again offer hisamendment to fully fund CDBGduring the

floor

debat. Otherrep-resentatives contacted NACo ex-pressing interest in sponsoring thesame amendment.

Feeling thegroundswell ofsup-port from constituents and othermembers of Congress, Rep.Lewis, as the floor manager forthis appropriations bill, decidedto offer the amendment to fund

CDBG as the most effectivteral-local partnership —ablock grant program. In theit was the users themselvucounty and other localment officials, nonprofit piuers and others —who fcarried the banner for CDBGHouse passed the VA-HUDpropriations bill (H.R. 3666)vote of 269 —147.

Action now shifts to theate VA-HUDappropriatioaicommittee, which will marlits version of the funding bill

July 8. A campaign like tbtlaunched in the House hasin the Senate.

County officials mustvigilant in their support ofand the HOME Program uaulpresident signs the fundingprobably in September.

INTERVIEWfro p g 1

local government officials to ad-dress the nation's problems.

Our media coverage and con-tacts have greatly improved andwe now have a written strategy inplace that is guiding our mediaefforts. Additionally, we are rais-ing public awareness about countygovernment and confidence ingovernment through the Commu-nity Countdown 2000 campaign.

On the business side, afteryears of financially operating inthe red, our budget is finallyburst-ing out and into the black; we'eshowing a positive financial fu-ture. Hopefully, we'e resolvingthe building issue.

One issue has definitely beenresolved. We'e negotiated andimproved a new 10-year contractwith PEBSCO on the deferredcompensation programs. In addi-tion, the development of enter-prise programs through the Fi-nancial Services Center has beenextensive.

I want to emphasize that theseare not my accomplishments, butour accomplishments.

County News: What was themosrchallenging pariofyourroleas NACo president?

Bovin: Thegreatestchallengewas my concern for representingNACo well, because it's a tre-mendous responsibility. Pickingthe leadership team for our vari-ous committees was a major job.Once the committee leadershipwas assembled, they did an excel-lent job for us. Recruiting andgetting more people involved wasalso challenging. but re warl)jtJg.because so many have answered

listen to them —it helped mi

work more effectively.

the call to contribute.

County News: Whar did youfindmost interesting or exciting? County News: What'

Doug Bovin?Bovine At national and state

conferences, Ialways carried statemaps which identified countylines. And as I talked with countyofficials, I would indicate theircounty with a check mark on thosemaps and now I can identifycounty officials from 1,736 coun-ties with whom I have had anindividual dialogue. I had thechance to meet on an individualbasis arith many people and allwere helpful, interesting, friendlyand dedicated to the improvementof county government.

It also was exciting to developcoalitions with the U.S. Confer-ence of Mayors, the League ofCities, the National Conferenceof State Legislatures, schoolboards, school administrators, theAmerican Association ofRetiredPersons, and, of course, all ofouraffiliates and corporate sponsors.A lot of credit goes to the entireteam —Larry Naake, the Execu-tive Committee and the NACostaff.

Bovin: My immediateto pay more attention to mymy family and the folks in

County. After that, it's open.sibly, going back intomaybe at the college level. I

continue to work in countyernment. I may run for stats

fice some time in the future.But I willalways be an

cate for local government and

cation.1

County News: An)thoughts?

Bovin: My present ters «i

office willgive me 31 years ttelected local official. Duringtime, I can recognize thatties are gaining acceptancibeing criticallyimportant beet«

of the advocacy of county Icials, strong state associatioaiNACo. We'e got terrificat all levels. I'e been prosit

them all.Without a doubt, NACo is

stronger legislatively andthan it has ever been in the '1 jNACo is preparing counties

devolution and even moresibilities which local countycials are ready to accept.

Finally, I want to thank

family, Delta County, the Mid

gan Association of Countiei,NACo Executive Committee,entire NACo staff, and I meat

County News: What advicewould you give your successors

Bovini Be open to everybody,because everybody has somethingof value to offer. Long beforebecoming president, I had thepleasure ofvisiting all 50 states. Iwas able to draw on my knowl-edge of and the beauty of thestates and their people. I wouldencourage my successors to reach - of theNACostagf;Theyout to as many as possible and to rior.

~ .

By Larry B. Naakepublisher

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did the year goy What did Idov What did we accom-

are questions that Doug Bovinand,sny NACopresident

as their whirlwindyear ends 'at the helm of the onlynrgsnfzation representing America's counties.

is so busy and such s blur that they, and we, tend to

of their many signfflcant achievements.that we pause as Preskknt Doug's term ends and

forhbbsidersbip,bard worksndmany sacriffcex He

thathe IeffNACoabetter,stronger organdzatktn than

IL

"BigTen" AchievementsNACo a1995-1996 Annual lfeport'*and the status report

1996 "NACa Vision and Three-Year Plan" outlinedozens of accomplishments for NACo under Doug's

Doug is from Michigan and believes strongly in the

sad realitv of the "Bl -Tsu~'onferences we shouldpresident Doug's "BigTen" acldeve ments during 1995-

Publisher 's Perspecti ve

tYear forDoug Bovin!

Great Year for NACo!

Award of Excellence in the APEX'96 Awards for Publication Excel-

lence, sponsored by Communications

Concepts, a professional communi-

cators publisher. Caunry News wss

recognized in the graphic design cat-

egory for its March 13, 1995 pageone layout, which featured coverage

ofNACo's 1995LegislativeConfer-ence.

This year's award marks the sec-

ond time County ¹ws has been rec-

ognized for its editorial and graphicachievement in the APEX competi-tion. Two years ago, it receivedawards in both the writing asd de-

sign categories.Altogether, the APEX '6 contest

attracted nearly 4,!00 entries.

AWARDS FORPUBLICATION EXCELLENCE

County News winspublication design award

County News has received an WINNER

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they sre. Under Doug's leadership in 1995-1996, NACo:oninlergenenufanaf fssues through his primary theme of

the Generatlonsi The Nation's Countiin Tsdde Aging and

Issues. Activities induded publicabon ofa series ofns aging issues in County News, a 'qnst practiced'uide on

inlergenerational programs that work, a series of focus groupto develop an intergovernmental policy, and a series of

on aging issues for county and state leaders.

off an exciting ffve-year pubffc awareness campaign

Community Countdown 2000 to raise public awarenuu andin county govenunent and to bdp prepare county offickds

for greater ~ilitiesas we decentralize our govern-

legislative successes, including protection of theYouth Program; protection offunding for Community

BlockGrants and the HOMEProgram; an increase

for Payments In Lieu of Taxes; protection ofcountyin the massive telecommunications bill;snd enactment

bill that recognizes the role of counties in rural

nnk NACo to the counties through three satefgnv~ that

downRaksitesandtluxsstux lsofcountyofffcialsonthenf municipal bond~ evvdutim snd ~unica-gtrtxefh two regftmaf ctntftvencrs in Wisconsin and Idaba

five years of hard work, eliminated the NACo deficit$L5 million in the red to zero . and started building up(to nearly $400,000) for the first time in 15 years.

the successful negotiation of a 10-year NAColcontract that vastly improves our Defened

Program for county participants.a successful liest year of the NACo Financial

Center by introducing three services (an Arbitrage Rebate

Service, a Cooperative Purchasing Alliance and aftasace Program) and completing ~r partnership

for enhanced financial services to complement tbe

Beferred Compensation Program for county employees.Istieduced NACo on the World Wide Web, with more thanpnges of information on NACo, County News, model pro-

and calendar information.>tatak us to the verge ofa negotiated settlement on the NACo

er achieving a settlement through the courts; we alsoIsfibuildingwith long-term leases through the year 2007.

Brantstically expanded ourinformation services Io mem-

iespouding to more than 1,600 requests for informationoflicials and staff, tbe media and others.

"em they are, Doug Bovln's "BigTen" for 1995-1996! Ihsve chosen any number ofother successes, but these seem

«t as those that willhave a lasting, positive impact onsad on Amerka's counties.

Please join me in giving s big THANKYOU to Presidentgstv!a for a great year as our leader!

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~ICa Secaac/ VDCan JlJato Pla/faoea

C. Vernon GrayCouncil MemberHoward County, Md.

T here is an old joke about adimwitted mechanic whoasked his friend to help

him check the turn signals on hiscar. The mechanic got into the carwhile the friend stood behind towatch the lights. The mechanicsaid, "When I turn on the signal,you tell me whether or not it isworking." As the lights blinked,his friend replied, "It's working... it's not working. It's working... it's not working. It's working... it's not working."

As we witness our national gov-ernment working to balance boththe federal budget and the distribu-tion ofpowers among federal, stateand local governments, Isometimesfeel like that friend watching theturn signals. It's working ... it's notworking. As we look forward tochange at the federal level, we incounty government need to helpshape that change. We need to helpdevise a system that works ... andworks ... and works!

I seek election as Second VicePresident of NACo to assist inguiding that change and in advo-cating the role of local govern-ment in the new federal-local part-nership. The issues which we findimportant in this debate includethe following: achieving eco-nomic stability at the national,local and personal levels; ensur-ing public safety; providing ef-fective transportation systems;and ensuring sound investment ineducation to provide for the long-term productivity of our society.

I endorse three principles forthis change in federal and localroles, pertinent to the many is-

C. Vernon Gray

sues which we face. The prin-ciplesare: I) fullfundingofman-dates, 2) placing responsibilityat the lowest appropriate level ofgovernment, and 3) forging pro-ductive partnerships to attackproblems.

First, the level of governmentwhich requires action must be pre-pared to support it. NACo hasbeen strong in its opposition tounfunded mandates. We must con-tinue to endorse this principle.

We enjoy a strong nationaleconomy with low unemploymentrates and strong economic growth.But we have national debt whichburdens not only this generation,but also those which will follow.The goal of a balanced nationalbudget is widely accepted, butthe means to achieve it is highlydisputed. In a period of overallgrowth, the gap between rich andpoor is widening. As our federalofficials seek answers to nationalproblems, we at the local levelmust be observant and we mustparticipate in the solution.

Local governments support astrong national economy and rec-ognize the importance of nationaleconomic policy to local economic

health. We can support efforts tobalance the federal budget, butthat balance must be achieved witha responsible mixture of revenuegrowth and budget cuts.

We must watch carefully asthe federal government attemptsto devolve programs to the locallevel. We are prepared to acceptresponsibility, but only where theresources to carry out that respon-sibility ate seni " ilh the programand only where local differencesin the program really are an ad-vantage to the people. The seduc-tion of local autonomy is quicklyrecognized as a siren's call iftheprice of autonomy is programswe cannot afford.

The refrain ofthe 1960s, "free-dom isn't free" has new relevancein the devolution context. We canembrace welfare reform, for ex-ample, which is tied to local au-tonomy in determining benefitsand which is accompanied by ad-equate resources not only for theincome support and health ben-efits for those recipients who re-main on welfare, but also for thetraining and costs ofemploymentwhich are necessary to ensuremeaningful employment at a live-able wage. But welfare reform with-out those resources is a sham, andwe must have the courage to say so.

A second principle which weendorse is the responsibility shouldbe placed at the lowest level ofgovernment which can ensure fair

and effective service. Local gov-ernments are eager to assume re-sponsibility for local programpolicy, but we recognize that thereare some programs for which na-tional standards provide a mea-sure ofequity which is important.Some issues, such as civil rights,are appropriately debated in thenational arena to ensure that allcitizens have equal opportunityand treatment, wherever they maylive in America,

We must be concerned aboutthose programs which affect oursecurity and our future. We en-dorse local flexibilityin definingstandards forpublic education andin deciding the delivery and fund-ing mechanisms for public edu-cation. We support the flexibilitythat a block grant for workforcedevelopment would give in shap-ing education and training at thelocal level. Increased funding forPayment In Lieu ofTaxes (PILT)must continue to be a priority.

Public safety remains a highpriority. While we accept respon-sibility for our local police agen-cies, we look to our federal part-ner for assistance in stoppingcrimes which cross local, stateand national borders. We are par-

As we look forward to change at thefederal level, wein countygovernmentneed to help shape that change. Weneed to help devise a system thatworks ... and works ... and works!

ticularly concernedtrafficand the tragicof the growing abuse ul

our citizens. Our plforce our local laws,to our partners at thefederal level to ensureacross our borders isated.

Finally we endorseciple of partnership.the decaying icities, transportationcess to higher edother important issuei

resolved only by theof governments at all Iiwelcome partnershipsning and executingwhich improve theat the local level, butduce benefits beyondames of our counnes.„"0) lovel, we seekfor government andsector to work together

problems whichone sector or theour society.

The issues localwill face m the nextdiverse; the solutionsSometimes thosework, sometimes theyfiningsome principlesas we tackle those issues

us for the unforeseen u

for the obvious.Abraham Lincoln saii

public address thatciples may and must be

As we look forflexibleemerging problems, we,

inflexible in our loyaltyciples which are

By Verna McDaniel

TIJe NACo aIBiate for human re-sourres and personnel irectors —theNational Association of County Hu-man Resource Administrators(NACHRA)—willbegin a safes ofcolumns in County News to answer~ managementquestionsfiomany NAComember, as wellaspfovideinfonnadon and advioe on human re-source issues facing counties.

Allcounties —large and small,urban and rural —share great op-portunities and liabilities arisingfiom how human resource mattersare handled. From Fair Labor Stan-dards Act confusion through disci-pline, employee development, la-bor relations, discrimination com-

plaints, downsizing, and opportu-nities for personal and organiza-tional performance improvements,human resource management is agrowing area of attention for coun-ties throughout the country.

The "personnel doctor" columnwill be NACHRA's version ofDear Abby, Doctor Ruth and DaveBarry all rolled into one.

Do you have a human resourcequestion or concern for the person-nel doctor? Ifso, write a letter, senda fax, or call Lany Jones, associatelegislativedirector, NACo,440FfrstSt., N.W., Washington, DC 20001,phone: 202/942-4228, fax: 202/942-4281. Watch for the answers to yourquestions in future columns.

Is your county's personnel di-rector amemberofNACHRA? Join-

ing is simple and easy. Contact anyNACHRA officer or Larry Jones,or come to the NACHRA table oraffiliate's meeting at NACo's An-nual Conference in Harris County(Houston), Texas, July 12—16.

Current NACHRA officers arePresident Verna McDaniel, humanresources director, WashtenawCounty, Mich., phone: 313/994-2410; Vice President/President-elect Phil Rosenberg, human re-sources director, Broward County,Fla., phone: 954/357-6044; andNACo Board Member Steve Klem,human resources director, CookCounty, Bl., phone: 312/443-6584.

(McDanie/ is president ofNA CHRA and WashtenawCounty, Mich. human resourcesdirector.)

County News to launch newfeature: "The Personnel Doctor Is In"

'THE W/SDOM TO KNOWAND THECOURAGE TO DEFEND THE PUBL/C/NTEREJ/

Prcsidenc Doug BovinPubli slu c Larry Naake

Public A+acus Dieeaoa Tom GoodmanEdi Jori Beverly Anne Schloiiecbeck i

IIEditorial Stag:Mary Ann Barton, senior stag w rife rSusan D. Gcubb, senior stag wriJcr

Jay Sevidel, graphic oals 7

Advertising SlagBeverly Schloiiecbeck, notional dcconaa reprcscnioinc

Angelo Sides, Job Morkc7 repmsenionvc2027942-4256 'AX202/393-2630

by

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Published biweekly «scapi August by:National Association ot Counties Research Foundation, tsc

440 First Street, N.W.Wash ingioa, D.C. 2000 1-2000

202'3934I'226 FAX 202 393-2630The appeanmx ofpaid sdveeuseemsuin Coeafy ldewsin as wayby ibe Nssoeal Assodsiion ofCoooiies forsay ofdn prod aas, scevices ceIbeiodwul peauec paid U Wssiaaeiaa DC. Uai alba emcee

Mail~ Uc SSXSO pae year f«onvaunbas 555 pcr year ue aaaescobescapias. Edacadoasi ianiaaioa ala, SC Lss pcr year. Mcnber oauay oidcoesmcacJL Scni JUJIOOU «Ilb oldie sad a&eccl cbuisal lo NACo,440 Fast SL NWCease Neer mant be mpaw'bie far aaanceud aoanaipu.

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we face at the countylevel. We have con-

from our constitu-services —espe-

area of public safety.the revenues we

and the anticipatedour constituentsto grow.things even fur-

of us have seen a de-

tax base of our coun-of corporate

And each ofus contin-with the growing

unfunded mandates thaton to our local level.

increases are not an ac-

to this challenge.bas fought hard to battle

mandates. Thismust continue. Weto insist that the fed-

VOII

I in

Dick Cecil

eral government has to provide itsfair share of revenues for essentialservices as well as full funding formandated services. This is an area

ofconcern where NACo as an orga-nization can make a difference forevery county government.

In addition, I believe that NAComust continue to help with the build-

ing of an even stronger network ofstate associations. Our state asso-

ciations are the backbone ofa strongNACo. I have seen this firsthand. Ihave been president of the Dela-ware Association of Counties and

also have served as the DelawareAssociation's nonpaid acting execu-tive director. I have worked hard to

support the efforts of the state asso-

ciations as a member of the NACoBoard of Dimctors since 1985.

As elected officials, each ofus is

well aware of the importance ofhelping our constituents to have a

greater understanding of how theircounty government functions and

of the services county governmentprovides. Often, the citizens in ourcounty do not understand the rolethe county plays in their daily lives,nor do they see the countygovernment's relationship to the

stateand federal government. NACocan help by providing real leader-

shipinthiseducational undertaking—an informed and active elector-

the counlies and county elected offi-cials it serves. As an organization

that cares about counties, NACo is an

agent of change, while at the same

time it provides a continuity of pur-

pose for each state association and

county in the United States. Its mis-

sion is more important today than

ever before as we move into the 21st

century and facethechallengesahead.

One of the most enjoyable as-

pects of being involved in NACo is

the opportunity to stay in touch withall the friends from throughout the

country that my wife, Lynn, and Ihave made over the last 20 years.

Thanks to all of you for your en-

couragement and support.

ate is the greatest strength of localgovernment.

NACo must continue to workfor a strong local law enforcementsystem to protect all the citizens ineach of our counties. Additionalrevenues are needed for personnel,technology, education and training.NACoisastronglobbying forceforthis priority concern.

Although I am from a largecounty in a small eastern state, Ihave traveled extensively —visit-ing every state at least once —dur-

ing my 20 years in NACo. This has

given me a very good understand-

ing of the diverse problems faced

by counties throughout America.In my contact withNACo mem-

bers, I have learned much about the

unique challenges confronting myfellow county elected officials—from the timber issues in the North-west to the special interests of the

small rural counties, from the PILTconcerns of the West to the urgentneeds in the large counties in metro-

pohtan areas.

In my view, NACo must buildon its strengths. I believe that:

~ NAComust continue its strongefforts in the battle against unfundedmandates

~ NACo must continue to sup-

port our state associations of coun-

ties in every way possible —theyare the backbone ofa strong NACo

~ NACo must continue to pushfor needed resources for a stronglocal law enforcement system toprotect our citizens, and

~ NACo must continue to give

us assistance as we work to provideour constituents with a greater un-

derstanding ofhow county govern-ment functions as well as what ser-

vices it provides.NACo provides an impressive

array of services and information to

"Good news, Mayor, Ifound some mowers the

park district can afford. "

Often, the citizens in our county do notunderstand the role the county plays intheir daily lives, nor do they see thecounty government's relationship to thestate and federal government.

When budgets aren't large enough to get the

job done right, maybe it's time to follow the lead

of other government entities. By getting the

equipment you need with a lease/purchase planfrom 1)ne Associates. This type of public financing

eliminates large up-front cash outlays and general

obligation bond issues. And because it workslike an installment plan, payments are appliedtoward purchase. To learn more about why

Development(SDCG) Program

grantprogramby the EPA.

is one of the 25reforms an-

by President Clinton inas part of the National

Review's Reinvent-Regulation Ini-

and well-being.Through this program, EPA

also intends to further the visionand goals of the President'sCouncil on Sustainable Devel-opment.

This grant program is designed

to encourage community-basedprojects that promote sustainable

development, leverage private and

public investments to enhance en-

vironmental quality, and build part-

nerships to increase a community'slong-term capacity to protect the

environment.

TheSDCGProgram willbetar-geted to the local level, and eli-gible applicants include commu-

I

nity groups, nonprofit organiza-tions, local governments, tribesand states.

The EPA expects to fund a lim-ited number ofproposals for a totalofapproximately $500,000 in FY96.

A Federal Register notice re-

questing FY96preapplications(andcomments on implementing theFY97 program) is expected to be

published this month. Preapplica-tions must be postmarked no laterthan Aug. I, 1996.

(For more information on the

SDCG Program, contact Pameta

Hitn, EPA 's 0+ice ofRegional Op-erationsand State/Local Relations,

at 202/260-0422.)

others are choosing these lease/purchaseplans, just call The Associates.

1-800-421-4779~u~~ntotr Vua~ +

Program willchal-ties to plan and

local initiatives thatenvironmental pro-

foster economic pros-providing equitable

for health, safetyrr i.\ I C nu I UL:tel sOAI no DIJ I olllu la oui naia noliatlsnllluslll,Cflulsilat Elo

', launches Sustainable Developmentllenge Grants; deadline Aug. 1

News,

Bridging the GenerationsWhy intergenerational programs make sense for county governments

that has recently come to the fore-front of public policy, county pro-gramming and media attention. Itspopularity stems in part from anawareness that, inadvertently,America has become an age-segre-gated society in which the genera-tions are becoming more and moreisolated fmm one another.

Over the course of the last cen-tury, America has become highlyage-segregated. Active elders go tosenior centers to receive services,while children go to schools orcom-munity centers. Frail older peoplego to adult daycare centers, whileyoung children go to child daycarefacilities. The elderly often live inage-restricted housing develop-ments, while children and theirpar-ents live in homes that typically donot include older extended familymembers.

The isolation between the youngand old has resulted in the old fear-ing the young and the young notunderstanding the old. As a result, itis not surprising that our society issuffering from intergenerational ten-sions.

The changes that willcome as aresult of devolution —the shift ofprograms and responsibilities fromthe federal government to state and

By Doug BovinNACo president

Today, we are only beginning towitness and experience the impli-cations of an aging America. Se-niors are already the fastest grow-ing segment of America's popula-tion —a trend that is expected tocontinue well into the next centurywhen, by the year 2040, one out ofevery four Americans willbe overthe age of 60.

At the same time that America isaging, we are also struggling withsome other major societal trendsthat have equally enormous conse-quences. Rapid changes in familystructure and stability, coupled withincreasing rates of child poverty,teen pregnancy and juvenile crimehave placed many of our nation'schildren and families at risk.

Responding to these demo-graphic trends poses major inter-generational challenges and oppor-tunities for county governments aswe struggle to meet the needs oftheyoung and old with increasinglylimited public resources.

"Intergenerational," meaningbetween and across generations, isnot a new concept, yet it is a term

The isolation between the young and oldhas resulted in the old fearing the youngand the young not understanding the old.

local governments —will likelyincrease those tensions as servicesto meet the needs of the young andthe old are restricted and, in somecases, reduced.

Proposed changes to Medicaidand welfareprograms would directly

affectservicesto�bothof�these

group.As the debates heat up over shrink-ing public resources and shifting in-

tergovernmental responsibility, wehave already seen at the national,state and even at the county level,advocates for the young and old lockhorns to save their constituents'ro-grams and services —again, makingthe situation ripe for charges ofintergene-rational conflict.

Intergenerational programs arebecoming increasingly popular as away to bring together the young andthe old thmugh mutually beneficialexchanges. These programs haveproven particularly effective sincethey meet the needs ofmultiple gen-erations by sharing limited resources.

Intergenerational programs canhelp tie together some ofthe dispar-ate parts of the social services sys-tem by promoting cooperation andcollaboration among agencies andservice providers.

These efforts can bridge the gapathat often exist between the formalsystem of social services adminis-tered by the county and the informalservices that are provided by fami-lies, neighbors, churches and syna-gogues, and other community orga-nizations. They can also pool re-sources to encourage intergenera-tional equity.

Although intergenerational pro-gramming is often viewed as theyoung helping the old or the oldserving the young, many intergene-rational programs involve the mid-dle generation as well. Often facedwith caring for dependent childrenas well as aging and increasinglydependent parents, the middle or"sandwich" generauon can benefitsignificantly from trigenerationalpartnerships.

Already, hundreds of intergene-rational programs are being oper-ated in counties across the nation.In my own county, we started an

intergenerational volunteerprogramthat has reaped numerous benefitsfor our county's youth and seniors.Through the program, the youngand old develop links that provide

~nawith a greater sense of under-

"I didn't think I had anything incommon with them [students], any-thing they'd be interested in, but Istarted telling them about my daysin the Navy and was flabbergastedat their interest."

found itselfexperiencing anincreasein the number of children in itspublic schools andin itsagingpopu-lation. Growingclass sizes,coupledwith a tightening school budget,were placing additional stresses onthe county's school personnel.Teachers did not have the time togive many students the extra tutor-ing and individual attention theyneeded to succeed. Given the growthin two-income families and single-parent households, many schoolsfound that they had to look beyondtheir traditional pool of volunteers—mothers —to provide the extraclassroom support they needed.

On the aging side, the countyrealized its elder population wasgrowing. The vast majority ofthesewere active, healthy seniors look-ing to give something back to theircommunity. The only obstacle theyfaced was overcoming a stereotypi-cal image of the elderly as "frail,boring, feeble and worthless," andfinding agencies in the communitywhere they could volunteer theirtime and talents.

By Kelly Schulmanresearch associate

In the aging arena, "intergenera-tional" is becoming a popularbuzzword. However, operating pro-grams that successfully bridge thegenerations is not that easy.

i Recognizing the tremendousstrides taken to achieve their suc-cessful intergenerational initia-tive, the National Association ofCounty Aging Programs (NACAP)awarded its 1996 Award of Ex-cellence to Johnson County, Kan.for its innovative Eldernet Edu-cation Committee.

Led by the Johnson County Hu-man Services and Aging Department,the Eldernet Education Committeehas brought six school districts and adozen organizations together to re-I

cruit and support older volunteers inthe public schools; create mutuallybeneficial exchanges between thecounty's young and old; promotepositive images ofaging; and to offeropportunities for teachers, studentsand seniors to learn more about agingissues and the aging process.

Program developmentand operation

Led by the county's Human Ser-vices and Aging Department, theEldernet Education Committee iscomprised of representatives fromthe county's six school districts anda dozen organizations, including thecounty's parks and recreation de-partment, 50 Plus Program, thecounty library system, the Ameri-can Association ofRetired Persons,Johnson County Community Col-lege, and local church groups. Informing the partnership, the com-mittee combines the resources ofallthe organizations to promote andsupport intergenerational program-ming in the county's schools.

A staff member from themultiservice center of the HumanServices and Aging Departmentserves as the committee's chair andspends 25 percent ofher time imple-menting intergenerational pro-grams. Coordinators of the de-partment's six multiservice centers,

Twin challengesThe program has been a great

success, according to program staffand participants. "It's one of thegreatest experiences of my life,"said senior volunteer John Schrock.

Recognizing needfor intergenerationalprograms

Five years ago, Johnson County Sce ELDERNET, page 20

Johnson County, Kan. winsNACAP Award of Excellence

NACO, N

draft jointstate-on aging

America is agingrapidly. The elderlyincreased 11-foldand 1994. By 2050,over population isincrease from 3321994 to 80 million.

A recently releassiBureau report warmaging ofthe nation'swill transform everylife in the Unitedrising numbers of65+ sge group, willreaching effects oncounty programs,vices and budgets.

A window ofexists now for statepoflcymakers tnan aging Americavices. Housing. Ttion. CommunityEmployment.most all of theby state and countJments wdl be affectal

coming "age wave."To help state aad

policymakers begin tian aging America,theNationalLegislatures (NCSL)veloped s draftment on aging whidi

reviewed at eachannual conventionThe statement is

serve as a guideliniand countybegin to plan for tht

implications that will

bly result from thewave.

(Copies ofthewillbe available ating ExhibitBooth ui kConference in Hand

(Houston), Texas July

by contacting Sandy

or KellySchulmanFirst Sl., N.W. W20001, phone:202/942-4246.)

standing of the needs ul

as well as the commuuti

By bridging the gears

Intergenerational V

gram in Delta CouatJ

well as othergrams that are being

counties across the cm<

fectively and success(ub

the generations togetita

to one another and «> >

nity. These efforts aicr'in

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AgricUltUre and Rural Affairs

Q»I

1995 Farmand Rural

counts —water andbusiness and communityity programs —as hadauthorized in the farm bill,of the accounts was broto include housing as wellcommunity facility pro

The proposed fundingfor water and sewer loansgrants (rural utilities) isthe same as this year. Aof $ 496 millionwould beable which is $ 165 mfllio!Ilow the president's requei!would be left to the secof agriculture to determiniamounts to be used forand for grants.

Funding for the ruraling and rural business-erative assistance program!down slightly from FY9gpropriation levels.

Much of the decrease iicounted for by lowerrates on loan programs. 1!

not clear about thelevel of the loan programider the proposed fundingthe mix of grants andwill be left to the secretaqagr! culture's discretion.

The new EnvironmQuality Incentives(EQIP) would be fullyat $ 200 million. Half of

EQIP funding is to be use!i

a new animal waste pThe Resource Conseand Development (Rprogram would be fundetslightly more than thelevel, $ 29.4 million.

The new farmlandconservation farm optionwere given $2 millioneach

upfunds. Funding forthelife habitat incentiveswould be delayed one year.

(Staff contact: Ralph Iassociate legislative

new Environment Quality In-centives Program (EQIP).

The latter program is autho-rized to receive $ 130 millionin FY96 and $ 200 million an-nually thereafter. Half of thesefunds are designated to be spenton livestock-related conserva-tion and environmental im-provements.

Development BillThe recently enacted farm

bill, formally titled the Fed-eral Agriculture Improvementand Reform Act (FAIR), au-thorizes a new process forfunding rural developmentprograms administered by theDepartment of Agriculture(USDA). The farm billconsoli-dates several existing USDArural development programsunder a new Rural Commu-nity Advancement Program(RCAP). Authority for mak-ing grants and loans would bedecentralized to the stateUSDA director for rural de-velopment (formerly FarmersHome Administration direc-tor).

The USDA rural develop-ment directors will be able totransfer up to 25 percent ofthose funds between commu-nity facilities, business, orwater and sewer funds basedon the needs in that state. Inaddition, USDA is required toestablish a block grant programunder which five to 10 percentof the RCAP funds would bedeposited in state revolvingfunds for use in financingprojects similar to those fi-nanced by USDA.

In determining, how thefunds will be spent, the stateUSDA director is required toconsult with state and localgovernments, rural businesses,agriculture and other organi-zations in developing ruralstrategic plans which are basedon and coordinated with localand state plans.

Counties and other localgovernments have to certify

Rural DevelopmentFunding

that any proposed infrastruc-ture projects will benefitpeople living in that area. Thestate director also is requiredto work with rural developmentcouncils in planning and imple-menting rural development ef-forts.

The bill authorizes $ 100million annually for distancelearning and telemedicinegrants and loans. Additionalshorter-term funding for ruraldevelopment programs and re-search was authorized in the"Fund for Rural America"which would receive $ 100 mil-lion annually for three years(1997, 1998 and 1999).

One-third of these funds isdesignated for rural develop-ment purposes and one-thirdfor research and extensiongrants. The secretary of agri-culture will decide how tospend the remaining funds, ei-ther for more rural develop-ment or additional research orboth.

A new Environmental Con-servation Acreage ReserveProgram (ECARP) was estab-lished as the "umbrella" overthe Conservation Reserve Pro-gram (CRP), the Wetlands Re-serve Program (WRP), and the

The House of Representa-tives passed a FY97 appro-priations bill (H.R. 3603) forthe Department of Agriculture(USDA) that cuts rural devel-opment, food stamp and con-servation programs below cur-rent year spending levels. TheSenate Appropriations Com-mittee is expected to mark upthe billafter the July 4 recess.

As recommended by the. House Agriculture Appropria-

tions Subcommittee, the leg-islation would have rewrittenparts of the recently enactedfarm bill including cuts incontracted crop subsidy pay-ments.

However, an additional$ 473 million was allocated tothe agriculture spending billto restore crop payments andfunding for conservation pro-grams. This eliminated mostof the controversy in the fullappropriations committeemarkup.

NACo's concerns about pro-posed changes in rural devel-opment programs also weretaken care ofprior to the Housemarkup. The appropriationscommittee struck languageprohibiting transfer of fundsbetween three funding ac-

Community and Economic Developmen

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Department ofHousing and UrbanDevelopment (HUD)Appropriations

The House approved the FY97VA-HUD appropriations billwhich provides $ 19.7 billion forHUD —almost $ 1 billion morethan in FY96. Most programs ei-ther were maintained at theirfreeze [current] level or receivedslight increases.

Community DevelopmentBlock Grants (CDBG) werefunded at the freeze level of $4.6billion, but not without an uphillfight.

First, the VA-HUDappropria-tions subcommittee cut CDBGby $400 million—a 10 percentcut —to $ 4.2 billion. The fullHouse Appropriations Commit-tee restored $ 100 millionof that

vill II l ~ nllIciaw wI I. IIU

cut. Following intense outcry bycounty officials and other recipi-ents of CDBG funds, the Houseapproved an amendment by Ap-propriations Committee Chair-man Bob Livingston (R-La.) tofullyfund CDBG at $4.6 billion.

Likewise, the HOME programand homeless assistance are

.'JIIJlltlnu& uni

funded at their respective freezelevels of $ 1.4 billion and $ 823million.No authorization legisla-tion on CDBG and HOME is ex-pected this year.

Public HousingThe House and Senate in H.R.

2406 and S. 1260, respectively,have passed public housing re-form bills that consolidate cat-egorical public housing programsinto two block grants.

The legislation also gives lo-cal authorities more managerialflexibility, in accordance with a

locally developed plan, to abolishseverely distressed units, set rentlevels, pursue strategies thatachieve mixed-income projects,convert public housing funds intovouchers, undertake new housingin partnership with private devel-ll>I Iv . Imb W QIIIxl1I IIJ u< ruIKnlnthi

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to

opers, and make othertrative decisions.

Both bills envision local

ernments playing a greater

managmg pubhc housmg,larly m coord mating the

process for public housing

the consolidated plans whirl!

scribe how jurisdictionsfunds from the HOMEand CDBG.

The Senate bill woulda county to certify that a

lic housing plan iswith the jurisdiction'sdated plan. The House gott

ther and would requireelected officials formall1

prove or sign-off on the

housing plan.Th

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Employmentstrong role in the delivery ofworkforce development services.

Local elected officials musthave the authority to appoint lo-cal work force developmentboards; review and approve localwork force development plans,budgets and one-stop systems; andreview and evaluate locally oper-ating job training and employ-ment programs. Anything less isunacceptable.

NACo's opposition to H.R. 1617is not based solely on the dimin-ished role of local elected officials.Other concerns include the fact thatthe legislation:

~ lacks the necessary provi-sions that would ensure that fundsare targeted to those most in need—economically disadvantagedadults, dislocated workers and at-risk youth

~ permits states to use virtuallyall state funds for skills upgradingfor employed workers at the ex-pense of economically disadvan-taged adults, dislocated workers andat-risk youth

~ grants governors final fiscaland programmatic authority overprograms operating within localwork force development areas

force development legis-once thought to be a sure

luring the current Congress,

m be facing increasingly dif-movement as majority mem-ieek to force legislation

that is neither acceptablepresident or many minority

ram)'96 bill, known as the

Development and Ca-

Act or H.R. 1617, is facingopposition from a wide

of groups. Nonetheless, Re-leaders seem determinedbilloutofconferenceand

president for signature or

access to work force developmentservices through a central intakepoint.

NACo has traditionally sup-ported this kind of legislation.However, NACo cannot supportthis bill because it would virtu-ally eliminate any role for countyand city elected officials. Countyand city elected officials wouldonly be permitted to appoint alocal work force developmentboard. All other responsibilitieswould either be given to gover-nors or to the independently oper-ating local work force develop-ment board. NACo believes thatlocal elected officials must have a

eisn

s. It

ms

gI I

tary bill would consolidate a

rmge ofjob training and edu-

programs under a singlegrant that would be distrib-

it the local level.would consolidate the Job

Partnership Act (JTPA),and adult education, lit-

training and other programstone-stop career system thatprovide eligible clients with

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Chded

, munity and ECOnOmiC DeVelOPment continued from poge8BIJD to withhold CDBG stantially contributed to a public has named members to the confer-from a jurisdiction upon a housing authority being desig- ence committee. The conference

that the actions or inac- nated as a troubled authority. will proceed deliberately, because

the local government sub- The House, but not the Senate, by repealing the Housing Act of

1937, H.R. 2406 marks a majorrevision in federal housing policy.

(Staff contact: Haron Battle,associate legishui ve duector)

~ eliminates federal oversightand accountability

~ grants governors authority foradministering programs withoutconsideration for county or cityneeds and desires

~ allows governors to establishan allocation formula that may fa-vor some areas at the expense ofothers

~ grants all local authority toindependent work force develop-ment boards, rather than electedofficials

~ repeals the School-to-WorkAct that has provided hundreds ofthousands of school-aged youthwith the opportunity to obtain theskills they need to move into theworkplace, and

~ fails to authorize a sufficientfunding level to ensure programintegrity.

NACo is urging members ofCongress to oppose this bill as cur-rently drafted and asking membersto craft a bill that is responsive tolocal elected officials that meetsthe needs of economically disad-vantaged adults and youth and dis-located workers.

(Staff contact: Neil Bomberg,associate legislative director)

II04

Environment, Energy and Land Use

ch

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ub

FioINControlresponse to the 1994 U.S.

Court ruling on flowa flow control/interstate

bill, S. 534, was passed byin May 1995. A similar

vis reported out of the Housettee on Commerce,

and Hazardous Materialstime month. Both bills per-

local governments to exer-limited flow control if theydesignated specific facilities

theCourt'sdecisionor, incircumstances, were in theof building or selecting

or had adopted anda flow control law

tr) 5/15/94. Flow controlwould end when bonds

ispaid, contracts expired, orrat())1 lifeof the facilityended.

Jmiaary of this year, refus-tr) allow a vote on any flow

bill in his committee,Committee Chairman

Bliley (R-Va.), attemptedHouse floor action by

a suspension of the rules.I« 'tic angered House Demo-iad,coupled with the pow-opposition of the private'rrdustry, assured the bill'

Further movement of am thilus Congress is unlikely.

Safe Drinking WaterLast May, the Senate unani-

mously approved a reauthorizedSafe Drinking Water Act, S. 1316,which for the first time requiresEPA to use a risk-based approachto setting new standards for con-taminants in drinking water. With-

In the meantime, several appel-late level courts have narrowed thebreadth of the Supreme Court deci-sion to allow continued flow con-trolby contract, by substituting fee-financed public collection for pri-vate collection, and by engaging inan open-bid, widely advertised, andtime-limited flow control ordi-nance.

out legislation to scale back themandates of the current law, EPAestimates thatdrinking watersys-tems nationwide will invest $ 1.4billion to $ 1.7 billion annually toimplement all of the regulationscurrently in place or scheduled tobe implemented by the year2000.

In the House, the CommerceCommittee reported out its ver-sion of the bill, H.R. 3604, withbipartisan support. It now headsto the floor propelled with elec-tion-year pressure for the 104thCongress to produce at least onepiece of environmental legisla-tion.

A few obstacles to final pas-sage remain, particularly dis-agreement with the Senate billonradon standards and consumereducation.

The latter —a requirement thatlocal governments with drinkingwater systems mail a report an nu-ally to each customer informingthem about unregulated and vir-tually undetectable contaminantsin the water —has the potential tocreate an expensive new unfundedmandate.

5uperfundThe Comprehensive Environ-

mental Response, Compensation,and Liability Act of 1980(CERCLA), commonly referred toas "Superfund," imposes "jointandseveral" liability on a county thatowned or operated a landfill site onEPA's Superfund clean-up list, aswell as any party which collectedmunicipal trash and delivered it tothe site or generated the waste, im-posing enormous financial burdenson local governments.

Both the House and Senate havedrafted Superfund reauthorizationbills, but they are stalled in commit-tee and no action is expected soon.

Clean WaterDespite the easy passage of a

Clean Water Act reauthorizauonbill, H.R. 961 in the House in May1995, the Senate has failed to takeup the issue. H.R. 961 engenderedfierce opposition from the environ-mental community, along with thethreat of a presidential veto. Sena-tor John Chafee, chairman of theSenate Environment and PublicWorks Committee, has opposedsweeping changes to the law andhas indicated that no action is likelythis year.

(Staff contact: Diane S. Shen,associate legislative director)

HealthMedicaid Reform

A new Medicaid reform billhas moved through the HouseCommerce and Senate FinanceCommittees, but it is facing thesame partisan battles it did lastyear. The bill, the Medicaid Re-structuring Act of 1996 (H.R.3507, S. 1795), is a modified,200-plus page legislative versionof the National Governors'sso-ciation six-page proposal releasedin February.

The legislation caps the fed-eral financial commitment to theprogram through a block grant tostates which grows less than therate of inflation. A small rainyday fund is available to stateswhich experience greater thanprojected growth in caseloads.The fund can only be accessed inthe first year that the caseloadincreases, however.

Low-income pregnant womenand children up to age 18 areguaranteed coverage, but stateshave the complete flexibility toset the amount, duration and scopeof the services. For persons withdisabilities, states would have theoption of creating a new defini-tion for determining eligibilityorstaying with the current federaldefinition under the Supplemen-tal Security Income program(SSI).

The bill would reduce federalspending growth by $72 billionover six years. The president pro-poses to cut $ 54 billion over thesame time frame. At least 37 stateswould have their matching ratereduced. The maximum statematch would be lowered from 50percent to 40 percent. States couldalso create different reimburse-ment rates, service levels and con-tracts in different areas of the state.

NACo has opposed the billbecause of the potential costshifts to counties with the elimi-nation of the federal guarantee

and capping of the federal con-tribution. Under the bill, therewould be 16 percent fewer fed-eral dollars by 2002. Assumingthat states willonly fund the pro-gram up to the point where thefederal matching funds are ex-hausted, there would be a com-bined federal and state reduc-tion of 24 percent by 2002.

The ability of states to deter-mine the amount of services to beprovided may also shift costs tothose counties having ultimate re-sponsibility for the uninsured.

The president, congressionalDemocrats and the Democraticgovernors all oppose the bill,pri-marily because the guarantees tocoverage are reduced or elimi-nated and the billblock grants theprogram. It is highly unlikely thatlegislation in its current form willbe enacted into law this year.

Ryan White AIDSReauthorization

After months of delay, whiletrying to forge a compromise onHIV testing of pregnant women,Congress adopted and the presi-dent signed a five-year reauthori-zation of the Ryan White CAREAct (P.L. 104-146). The Act dis-tributes federal funds to metro-politan areas with at least 2,000cases of AIDS. This year, 42 ar-

eas including counties receivedfunding under the bill. The chiefelected officialoverseeing healthservices is responsible for ap-pointing an HIVplanning councilto distribute the funds to provid-ers. States also receive funds todistribute to communities. Theformula was changed slightly toaddress rural state needs. Othertitles provide federal funds forearly intervention and primarycare.

The funding formula for themetropolitan areas was changedto count only those cases ofAIDSoccurring within the past fiveyears rather than the epidemic'sbeginning. This will affect thedistribution of dollars, but allmetropolitan areas were basicallyheld harmless for the next fewyears.

The most controversial provi-sion in an otherwise non-partisanbill was the requirement that allnewborn babies be tested for HIViftheirmotherhad notbeentested.Opponents of the measure ques-tioned the costs versus benefits ofthe provision.

A compromise was reached torequire states to show that theincidence of HIV in newborns isdecreasing with time or that 95percent of pregnant women weretested for HIV by the year 2000.States failing to meet either ofthese criteria would be requiredto begin mandatory testing of allnewborns.

NACo has supported the RyanWhite Act since its enactment in1990. It remains as one of the fewfederal programs providing directgrants to counties.

Health InsuranceReform

What was originally a straight-forward bill to provide individu-als with a greater ability to qualify

for and retain private healthsurance has turned into a

brawl over Medical Savings At Icounts(MSA). While thereis f bitxdebate about limiting the i

p!of insurance companies tocoverage to individuals with pri

'xistinghealth conditions, oradding provisions allowingviduals to carry coveragejob to job, the reform bill, 6 IJI3103, contains an amendmentallow tax-deductible savings st

counts for medical expenses.Democrats object to the

, prsion, arguing that it is relatiuntested and benefits healthiermore affluent individuals.choosing this option wouldthe rest with insurance in a

expensive group.counter that the proposalconsumers more choices in

.i Ieschasing health care. As this pfdate went to press, the MSAvision was proposed forbusiness and the self-embut Democrats continued to

ject to its scope.The bill also contains

san language from the Senate iiquiring insurance companiesprovide mental health servicesthe same terms and conditions, Fphysical health services.House and Senate confereesconcerned about the costs toployers of such an thand are looking for a

mise, perhaps a study on the

fects of parity.NACo has continued to

port limits on pre-existingtion limitations and the

1

ity of insurance. It also su

the parity for mental healthvices, because of the countyvice costs incurred when i

als exhaust their privateNACo has taken no positionMedical Savings Accounts.

(Staff contact: Tom 1associate legislative director)

Human Services and EducationWelfare Reform

Welfare reform is beginning tomove in Congress after being stalledfor several months. All the Housecommittees, as well as the SenateAgriculture and Finance commit-tees have marked up their bills. Thebill may be on the House floordur-

ing NACo's annual conference.At the moment, the welfare re-

form bill in both Houses is con-nected to Medicaid reform. Anylegislation that contains both Med-icaid block grants and welfare re-form is expected to be vetoed. Therewere rumors that the leadershipwould make an announcement atthe Finance Committee markup thatthe two bills would be split, but thatdid not happen.

The bill consolidates Aid toFamilies with Dependent Children

„IMPS

~000

(AFDC)payments, administration,emergency assistance, and the JobOpportunities and Basic Skills(JOBS) program into TemporaryAssistance for Needy Families, a

capped block grant, $ 16.3 billion a

year, with no individual entitlement.

Eight programs would be con-solidated into a Child Care and De-velopment Block Grant, funded at

$22 billionover seven years. This isan increase of $4 billion from H.R.4, the bill vetoed by the president.

The bill would require that aftertwo years on assistance, an indi-vidual must be working or in a workprogram and has a five-year life-time limit, with some exemptionsfor hardship. The billnow has workparticipation requirements that are

considerably stricter than those pro-posed by the governors, although$3 billion in discretionary fundingwas added to the House bill to helppay for this mandate.

There would be a state option todeny assistance to an out-of-wed-lock child born to a minor, or to theteen parent until the parent reachesthe age of 18. Children born to

a

(S

te

Continued on page II ff

parents on welfare would be

assistance, with a state optics

provide assistance.

The bill would bar most

immigrants currently in the U

States from SupplementalIncome (SSI) and FoodThe billwouildbar new ffrom most federal means-tested

grams for five years. Most

federal needs-basedwould considerasponsor'savailable to the immigrant for

bilitypurposes.Foster care and adoption

tance maintenance payments,

ministrative costs and

would remain open-ended

vidual entitlements. The

dent Living Program would

j~ gl1 SCrVICCS QIId EdUCQtlOI1 continuedfrom page 10

Senate billhas fewer reductions than

the House bill. The seven SchoolNutrition Optional Block GrantDemonstration programs that had

been included in H.R. 4 weredropped from the bill.

Food Stamps would remain a

federal entitlement program, butthere would be an optional blockgrant. Unlike H.R. 4, there will be

no annual spending cap, but therewillstill be benefit reductions. The

current law. Neither billi in., an optional foster care

tisab proposed by the gover-

Ac. the House bill does in-

tittlr block grants of other childtility, programs.

trimpre.ir to

ndi.'rom

iI.R, ry Reformat te efforts to Pass a comPre-

regulatory reform billCongress adopted a scaled-

Jroposal which was signed"e)J by President Clinton onant 29, The new legislation,

lose 121, gives Congress vetoover final rules and regu-

issued by federal agen-:ans

the legislation, federalPun 're required to submit a

uP. af their rules to CongressP«i- General Accounting Of-

0) before they can takete4, Agencies must also sub-

rast benefit analysis show-economic impact of the

any other agency analy-under the Regulatory

s to Act, the Unfundedsos Reform Act and rel-

Executive Orders.any major rule that is ex-

, to have an annual effect onem- y of $ 100 million or

the GAO is required to pro-the appropriate commit-

within 15 days after receiv-agency's report, an as-

of the agency's compli-with these statutes.

law also provides for an ex-review procedure that must

in the Senate within 60a rule is received by Con-

or published in the Federal. Withinthis period, any sena-

introduce a resolution ofwhich must be approved

ph, to annul theagency'sI

Levin (D-Mich.) in the Senate andRepresentatives Edolphus Towns(D-N.Y.)and Cardiss Collins (D-Ill.) in the House, offered severalamendments to prohibit thewaiver of environmental, publichealth and workplace safety stan-dards. Allwere defeated by party-line votes.

Republicans argued that lan-

guage was added in both versionsof the bill to ensure protection ofthese critical standards.

In the House version, languagewas added to prohibit waivers thatwould diminish environmental,public health and workplacesafety standards.

In the Senate version, languagewas added to limitwaivers to regula-

tory and statutory requirements offinancial assistance programs (such

as job training and community and

economic development) and notcross-cutting laws and rules (such as

the Safe Drinking Water Act, CleanAirAct or Davis-Bacon) which gen-erally apply to numerous grants.

Democrats were not satisfiedwith these changes and havepledged to oppose the bills on thefloor unless an agreement can bereached.

Democrats decided to filibus-ter the measure after the Republi-can leadership refused to drop pro-visions that would require federalagencies to review existing regu-lations to determine ifthey shouldbe continued or eliminated, andto expand the rights of individu-als to challenge federal regula-tions in court.

Loca/ Empowermentand Flexityi%tyAct5. 88/H.R. 208ty

Although the Local Flexibilityand Empowerment Act (S. 88/H.R. 2086) has been approved bycommittees in both Houses, par-tisan disagreement and opposi-tion from environmental and la-bor special interest groups has

stalled final floor action.Democrats in both chambers have

expressed concerns about the waiverprovisions of the bill, which theybelieve willundermine the enforce-ment ofcritical environmental, pub-lic health and workplace safety stan-

dards.Under the legislation, which is

supported by NACo and otherpublic interest groups, grant re-cipients would be allowed to com-bine two or more categoricalgrants, adapt them to the specificneeds of their local communitiesand receive waivers from statu-

tory and regulatory provisions thatimpede the effective delivery ofservices.

The legislation creates a five-year demonstration program un-

der which state and local govern-ments would be allowed to de-

velop and submit local flexibilityplans for combining categoricalgrants and identifying rules that

need to be waived.Plans must be submitted to the

governor for comments and to a

Flexibility Council at the federal

level for approval.During committee consider-

ations, Democrats led by Sena-

tors John Glenn (D-Ohio) and Carl

Advisory Commissionon IntergovernmentalRelations

Legislation is pending Senate flooraction that would continue the Advi-sory Commission for Intergovern-mental Relations for the next twoyears.

Under a Senate proposal, S.

704, the Gambling Impact StudyCommission Act, ACIRwould be

required to conduct a study todetermine the impact ofgamblingon state and local communities.

A similar proposal, H.R. 497,passed the House on March 5 butwithout the language requiring ACIRto conduct the study. However, the

House leadership is expected to goalong with the language in the Senate

bill. Under current law, funds forACIR will run out on Sept. 30 and

unless legislation can be enacted be-

fore that date, the agency may be

forced to shut down.After Congress enacted legis-

lation requiring ACIR to con-duct a study to determine the

impact of existing federal man-dates on state and local govern-ments, the House voted to elimi-nate all funds for ACIR in the1997 budget.

The Senate was successful,however, in urging that $ 334,000be restored to allow ACIRto com-

a resolution of disap-is approved by boththe agency's rules will

null and void un-is vetoed by the president

fails to override the

mtponse to increasing regula-that impose costly and burden-

on state and localNACo has long urged

for legislation that wouldagencies to prove that

to be derived from a pro-outweighs the costs and to

cost benefit analyses and

before issuing new

legislation (H.R. 9)these concepts was ap-

in the House in Marchaction on the Senate ver-

(8 343) was suspended in-on July 20, 1995, fol-

a lengthy filibuster. Onseparate votes, the Senateto produce enough votes tofloor debate.

Intergovernmental Relati

The bill continues to have localgovernmentconsultation language,but efforts to strengthen that lan-

guage have been unsuccessful.

(Staff contact: Marilina Sant,associate legislative director)

onspiete the study, which was calledfor in the Unfunded Mandates Re-

form Act of 1995.The desire to eliminate the fed-

eral budget deficit has led manymembers to vote for the elimina-tion of numerous independentagencies. However, proponentsof ACIR assert that it is the onlyfederal agency that brings fed-eral, state, county and city offi-cials together to discuss and findanswers to intergovernmentalproblems. NACo supports the

continuation of ACIR.

Fan Freedomand CommunityProtection Act

On April 25, the House Judi-ciary Committee approved legis-lation that would require the Na-tional Football League (NFL),National Basketball Association(NBA), and the National HockeyLeague to: I) offer an expansionteam to any city or county thatloses a team when the team'sowner decides to relocate (exceptthose that relocate within 25miles) to another area, 2) notifythe local governments affected bythe relocation 180 days before theteam is scheduled to play in thenew area; and 3) allow the localcommunity to retain the teamname if the team has been in thecommunity for 10 or more years.

Leagues that refuse to offer an

expansion team to local commu-nities that lose their existing teamswill be liable for damages equalto three times the purchase priceof the team and have their anti-trust exemption for pooling thebroadcast rights to games sus-

pended for one year.The proposal, H.R. 2740, spon-

sored by Representative MartinHoke (R-Ohio), was also referredto the House Commerce Commit-tee, where it is expected to be

considered before the August re-cess. Rep. Hoke is optimisticabout getting the House to con-sider the bill before the Augustrecess. No action has been sched-uled on the Senate version of thebill, S. 1625, at this time.

Both county officials who have

professional sports teams in theircommunities and those who are in-terested in getting a team should con-

sider this legislation. NACodoes nothave a position on the bill or the

issue.

Please send us your views onthis issue.

(Staff contact: Larry Jones,associate legislative directorJ

Justice and Public SafetyJu/y e,

Reauthorization ofthe Juvenile Justiceand DelinquencyPrevention Act

NACo supports the reauthoriza-tion of the Act, but is seeking some

significant changes. NACo's posi-tion is that the act should promote"collaborative planning and author-ity" at the local leveL

Presently, while most of thefunds under the Juvenile Justice and

Delinquency Prevention Act(JJDP)are spent locally, the State Advi-sory Group for Juvenile Justice has

been given a dominating role indeveloping program strategies forthe entire state.

NACo maintains that this func-tion should be shifted to the locallevel through a countywide collabo-rative process.

At the Legislative Conference,there appeared to be wide consen-

sus that the statewide advisorygroups for juvenile justice shouldconcentrate their focus on training,technical assistance, research andevaluation, but programmaticdecisionmakingandpriority settingshould be performed at the locallevel.

NACo's Justice and PublicSafety Committee has also adoptedplatform language that favors the

retention of "core requirements" inthe Act such as the removal ofjuve-niles from adult jails.

Republican leaders in Congress,Representative BillMcCollum (R-Fla) in the House and Senator OrrinHatch (R-Utah) in the Senate, haveintroduced legislation that wouldabolish the JJDP Office and replaceit with a new agency that wouldprovide incentives for states to takemore punitive measures in dealingwith violent juvenile crime.

Under the McCollum bill (H.R.3565), "The Violent Youth Preda-

tor Actof 1996," the JJDP Office'scurrent authorization would be

tripled to $500 million and a newOffice of Juvenile Crime Controlwould be created . One-half of thefunds would be directed to states inthe form of block grants if they

implement policies that ensure thatjuveniles ages 14 orolderwhocom-mit serious crimes are "treated as

adults forpurposes ofprosecution."Unlike the current law, there is

no pass-through requirement ofanyfunds to local governments.

The remaining $ 250 millionwould be used for"incentive grants"ifthe state agreed to establish gradu-ated sanctions for juvenile offend-ers, maintain and make public juve-nile arrest and disposition records,and hold parents responsible fortheir children's serious delinquentacts, among other requirements.

Youth DevelopmentCommunilyBlockGrant

NACo strongly supports Sena-

tor Nancy Landon Kassebaum'sYouth Development CommunityBlockGrant(YDCBG) (S. 673/H.R.2807), which has been reported outof the Senate Labor and HumanResources Committee.

Unlike the Juvenile Justice and

Delinquency Prevention Act, theYDCBG does not focus on the ju-venile justice system. The legisla-tion consolidates 21 existing pre-vention programs into a single youthdevelopment block grant. The leg-islation creates youth developmentboards at the county level and di-rects funding to these countywidestructures. Its proposed funding is

$900 million.The legislation builds on Title

V. It is a major breakthrough incollaborative decisionmaking at thelocal level. The appointment of the

local board reflects this collabora-tive process with input by the chiefexecutive officer of the county, a

mayor, and representatives from thelocal youth development, school and

drug abuse prevention communi-ties. Itisnotyetclearifthe YDCBGBlock Grant can be adopted in the

current session before Sen.Kassebaum leaves the Senate.

If Sen. Kassebaum's bill isadopted, Title V of the JuvenileJustice and Delinquency Actwouldbe eliminated but counties wouldgain the potential formore substan-

tial funding and a countywide fo-cus.

Apossible problem with the leg-islation is that a few of the 21 pro-grams that would be eliminated andfolded into the block grant (such as

the Drug Free and Safe Schools

Program) have strong constituen-cies and would prefer their ownseparate funding and specializedplanning focus.

Although the legislation repeals

some federal initiatives, and throwstheir funding into the block grant

pot, a "grandfather" clause in the

bill permits communities to con-

tinue funding forany local programcurrently receiving funding fromthe repealed programs.

The legislation is given a 50/50chance for passage during the re-

maining days of the 104th Congress.

law EnforcementBlock Grant

In January 1995, the new leader-

ship in the House of Representa-

tives proposed majorchanges in the

1994 Crime Act, including a $ 10

billion block grant measure (H.R.728) that would give counties and

cities flexibilityto fund and designlocal criminal justice and preven-tion programs.

Although NACo supports theconcept offlexibleblock grant fund-

ing, the association strongly op-poses the block grant formula, whichis unfavorable to many counties.

The formula targets high crimeareas but fails to consider the divi-sion ofresponsibility between local

governments in dealing withlent crime. NACo has longcated a balanced approach to

nal justice funding and favuuuse ofcriminal justicedata as the best way togovernmental responsibility ie

tematically distributing the

House and Senate staffencome to recognize the serious

ness of the current formula,are trying to incorporateture data in a formula revisionoutdiminishing support forof placing 100,000 policeat the community leveL

NACo maintains that the

must be in balance tofectively and that itwouldterproductive for onethe system to receive a

tionate share of the funds.After the new majority a

House sought to replace the

program with a more flexiblegrant program, Presidenttwice vetoed appropriationsought to accomplish that

tive. In late April, Congrmpromised and appropriated$ 1.

lion for the COPS programmillion for the LawBlock Grant.

Congress, however, took

to retain the Chabot-Lofgrenment as a "safety valve" to

counties fmm majorthe formula.

As events unfolded, the

tial disparity between citiet

counties was so great that

ties are now potentiallychallenge their formula

Underthe amendment, ifattorney general determia'u

county qualifies as a

risdiction," the county and'ities)would have to argue

funding plan or nowould receive any of the

The FY97 appropriatiomexpected to be the vehiclethe formula. Aside from an

change in the formula, the

appropriations billwillbe

lar to FY96.(Staffcontact: Donald

associate kgislative direcieii

Labor and Employee BenefitsPension Reform

Protection ofpublic sector 457deferred compensation programsfrom creditors has garnered broadbipartisan support. Despite thissupport, the Congress has beenslow to produce legislation thatwould protect public sector 457accounts.

While supported by a broadcoalition of Republicans andDemocrats, reform language has

generally been part ofother legis-lation that has been vetoed by thepresident. The current proposal—the Small Business Job Protec-tion Act of 1996 or H.R. 3448—is bogged down in the Senate.

Under current law, 457 de-ferred compensation assets belongto the public sector organization

for which the employee works,even though contributions aremade by the employees. As a re-

sult, 457 deferred compensationassets have been subject to credi-tors even though the assets be-

long to the employees.Senate Republicans and Demo-

crats along with the Administra-tion have sought to protect 457deferred compensation assetsfrom bankruptcy and other tak-

ings by requiring that 457 assets

be placed in trust for the personscontributing to the program. Thiswould prevent creditors from ob-taining these assets in the event ofa county default or bankruptcy.

Earlier efforts to prot«i

deferred compensationmet with failure. Passed ie

as part of the FY96bill, 457 protection was

by the president because the

get reconciliation billreductions in funding the

president could not accept

The Small Business Juh

tection Act of 1996 or H.R.

—which includes 457

compensation protectÃioverwhelmingly passed

of Representatives inMul't

has had a much mu«

Conrinued on page fl

County News, Ju/y 8, 1998

LabOr and EmPIOyee BenefitS continued from page 12

tith

Ig

to

voti

y ln

ers

isla.

oiithe

:tinn

t in

e

le

t

ss

$ 1A

nd

cult time making its way throughthe Senate, however. In part, thisis because the House merged taxreform and the minimum wageproposal after both bills passedinto H.R. 3448. Also, the Senateis not convinced that the Houseoffsets for tax relief are valid.Action on the billis expected soonafter a conference committee ofHouse and Senate members ironout their differences.

Fair Labor StandardsActReform

Efforts by local and state gov-ernments to amend the Fair LaborStandards Act (FLSA) have gen-erally not succeeded during thissession of Congress. Only a pro-vision that would allow employ-ees to use company or govern-ment vehicles without compensa-tion for commuting time seemslikely to pass Congress. Attemptsto adjust the FLSA so that certainclasses of workers would be ex-empt from overtime compensa-tion appear to be making little orno headway.

States and localities have beenattempting to exempt high rank-ing police and fire officials fromovertime compensation and havesought to permit emergency medi-cal technicians to utilize flexiblework schedules like those cur-rently used by fire and police of-ficers. But Congress appears un-

willing to make the necessarychanges.

Counties throughout the UnitedStates are being sued by police, fireand emergency medical personnelforovertime wages rather than com-pensatory time. The courts haveruled that employees who mustrecord their hours and take leave bythe hour must be treated as hourlyemployees, and given overtime payrather than compensatory time. Theimpact on counties has been mas-sive. Throughout the country, coun-ties are faced with multimilliondollar judgments.

Affirmati ve ActionIn a March memo designed to

provide guidance on implement-ing effective affirmative actionpolicies within the constraintsestablished by the Supreme Courtin Adarand v. Pena, the Depart-ment ofJustice asserted that thereremains a role for affirmative ac-tion in the federal employmentand contracting arena, albeit afiner, more narrowly tailored one.

The Supreme Court ruled thatemployment and contracting pref-erences based upon race, ethnicityand gender are unconstitutionalunless it is possible to demon-strate that job and contracting dis-crimination is an ongoing prob-lem.

The new policy could be use-ful to counties that have, in the

wake of the Adarand decision,begun re-examining their ownaffirmative action policies. Theguidelines, which interpret thecourt's ruling, go a long way to-ward affirming efforts achievinga diversified work force withoutengaging in racial quotas.

According to the Justice De-partment, affirmative action poli-cies simply must be altered toshow that there is a compellinggovernment interest that can beremedied through a tailor-maderesponse.

In the Adarand decision, thecourt agreed with the critics ofaffirmative action, and ruled thatpast discrimination is irrelevantwhen establishing employment andcontracting policies unless there isevidence ofongoing discrimination.What matters, the court ruled, iswhat is happening now.

The Justice Department, how-ever, believes that the federal gov-ernment does have a compellinginterest because there is evidence ofcontinuing discrimination.

To narrowly tailor a response torace-based discrimination, the de-partment recommends that race-neutral solutions be considered be-fore those utilizingrace or ethnicity,that the manner of using race orethnicity in drawing conclusions ondiscrimination be used judiciously,that the number ofminorities withina job not be compared to the num-ber of that minority in the labor

force since the numbers ofqualifiedapplicants may be substantiallyfewer than the eligible population,that consideration be given to thescope of the program, and that con-sideration be given to the durationof the program and the impact onnon-minorities.

However, the Administration'shope that this memorandum wouldput the issue ofaffirmative action torest may have been premature.

A bill prohibiting any type ofaffirmative action is winding its waythrough the House and Senate. Thebill, which was introduced in theHouse by Representative CharlesT. Canady (R-Fla) as H.R. 2128(the Equal Opportunity Act of1995), and sponsored in the Senate

by former Senate Majority LeaderRobert Dole (R-Kan.) as S.1085,would prohibit the federal govern-ment from implementing any typeof affirmative action policy andwould outlaw preferential treatmenton the basis of race, color, nationalorigin or sex with respect to federalemployment, contracts and pro-grallls.

The Senate Labor and HumanResources Committee recently heldhearings on the bill. However, im-mediate action is considered un-likely. The bill, however, is likelyto be reintroduced in the next Con-gress, where itmay receive a moreconsidered review.

(Stttffcontact: Neil Bomberg,associate Jegiskrtive director)ias

>2

Public Lands

cit)

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i"ct

Qgt

nl

he

iat

t.

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ins

Payments In LieuofTaxes (PILT)

The Payments In Lieu ofTaxesProgram is very much up in theair for FY97. The House just fin-ished its floor consideration ofthe FY97 Interior appropriationsbill,and has provided $ 113.5 mil-lion for next year.

This is the same amount as

FY96, and the FY96 PILTpayoutwillnot occur until Sept. 30, 1996.Congress increased the FY96PILT Program by $ 12 million af-ter an amendment by SenatorMark Hatfiield (R-Ore.). It is un-likelythat the Senate willincreasethe funding above House levelsfor FY97.

In 1995, NACo was successfulin securing a new authorizationfor the program, (Public Law 103-379), which essentially increasedthe authorized ceiling for PILTpayments from $ 105 million toapproximately $232 millionovera five-year phase-in period, bychanging the formula and popu-lation ceilings.

NACo supports fullfunding ofthe PILT Program, to the autho-rized levels, for each of the phase-in years of p.L. 103-379 and be-)'ond.

We have been asking for $ 150million for FY97, but due to sub-stantial decreases in funding al-locations to the subcommittees, it

is unlikely we will receive thatamount.

The PILT Program was con-ceived in 1976, and the autho-rized funding level had notchanged since that time. Thesefunds are used to offset costs in-curred by counties for servicesprovided to federal employees and

families, and to the users of the

public lands. These are things likeeducation, solid waste disposal,law enforcement, search and res-

cue, health care, environmentalcompliance, fire fighting, parksand recreation, and other impor-tant uses.

PILT funds do not fully com-

pensate counties for their costs,

and full funding each year wouldstill leave counties a shortfall.This is considered a major"underfunded mandate" and it is

extremely important to the 1,789public land counties in 49 statesthat rely upon the PILT Programto provide some equity for theservices they provide.

The NACo Public Lands Steer-ing Committee and the Western In-terstate Region had a "PILTRally"on the West Front of the U.S. Capi-tol, Tuesday, March 5, 1996, as

part of the NACo Legislative Con-ference. Sen. Hatfield announcedhis intention ofoffering his amend-ment that same day.

The rally was intended to drawattention to the need forfunding theprogram at its fullyauthorized levelto ensure counties can continue toprovide services in support of fed-eral public lands.

Also, in early May, 10 countyofficials flew to Washington to pro-mote PILT, and managed to contact94 apprqpriators with visits andmaterials. We believe this was in-strumental in maintaining our fund-ing level for FY97.

Endangered SpeciesAct

As of this date, there is only onebill that makes an attempt to ad-

dress county concerns regarding thereauthorization of the EndangeredSpecies Act, and that is SenatorDirk Kempthorne's (R-Idaho) S.

1364.

While this bill will die at theend of this Congress, itwillbe re-introduced next year and we willsupport it because it does recog-nize the important roles countiescan play in this important arena.

Through NACo, America'counties have expressed theiragenda as it relates to this reau-thorization:

I) a recognition that if it is inthe national interest to protect spe-cies, then it must be a nationalpriority to attempt to forestall list-ing by aggressively providing forprelisting incentives to affectedgovernments and private propertyowners to avoid the negative ef-fects of the act by entering intoconservation agreements with thesecretary of the interior

2) for greater involvement bylocal governments in planning andmanagement decisions affectingthe listing process

3) forasignificantimprovementin the scientific review process byincluding verifiable peer review bya qualified agency other than theU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service orthe U.S. Biological Service

4) the effects on the economic,social and cultural aspects of hu-man activity and their communitiesmust be fullystudied and taken intoaccount in all decisions made pur-

Continued on page J4

PubliC LandS continued from page 13

suant to the act

5) a full partnership for the af-fected state, its local governmentsand affected private property own-ers in the post-listing consultationand decision-making process, in-cluding critical habitat, habitat con-servation plans and full-scale re-

covery plans, and

6) adequate protection ofprivateand public property rights:

~ Prior to a listing, no action shall

be taken to restrict or interferewith the use ofprivate or pub-lic property without consulta-tion with the affected landowner. Every effort should be

made by the secretary of theinterior and the affected landowner to establish volun-tary agreements for speciesconservation and habitatpro-tection.

~ Following a listing, no action

shall be taken to diminish the

use ofproperty until fullcon-sultation has taken place withaffected landowners and fullcompensation is agreed uponbetween the landowner and

the secretary.Ifthe secretary refuses to act or

limits the compensation to belowfairmarket value, the affected land-owner is granted status to pursuedue process in the appropriate Fed-

eral District Court.These concepts provide the ba-

sis for our support of a reauthoriza-tion of this important species pro-tection measure, and we believecounties can be signficant partici-pants in species conservation ifgiven the opportunity. It appears

any final action on this measure thisyear is unlikely.

(Staffcontact: JeffArnold, as-

sociate legislative director)

mIS

prt

po

sit

Collection ofMail-Order Sales Taxes

Efforts of a coalition of state,

county, city and retail business as-

sociations to pass a mail-order sales

tax bill again were stymied in Con-

gress. Senator Dale Bumpers (D-Ark.) introduced S. 545 last year.The measure would require largermail-order companies to collectstate and local sales taxes and remitthe revenue to the appropriate state.

The Senate Finance Committee,which has jurisdiction over the leg-islation, questioned whether there

would be time to consider the bill.So far, the committee has taken no

action on the bill.Charging that mail-order firms

mislead consumers, the coalitionrecently petitioned the FederalTrade Commission (FTC) to requirecompanies to disclose to shopperstheir obligation to pay sales and use

taxes on interstate purchases.The petition urges that tax obli-

gations be clearly shown on mailorder forms or stated clearly ontelephone sales. Most consumersare not aware of their obligation to

pay the tax and are surprised whencontacted by state agencies regard-

ing overdue tax bills along withhefty penalties and interest.

The FTC has issued numerousguidelines for industries to correctactions that are misleading or have

the capacity to deceive. The peti-tioners believe that failure to in-form consumers oftheirsalesorusetax obligations is deceptive.

The FTC is expected to take sev-

eral months for its initial investiga-tion before making a decision on

how to proceed in this matter.

Tax-Exempt BondLegislation

The 104th Congress consideredmajor tax legislation, but the billbecame embroiled with the omni-bus budget reconciliation packagethat was vetoed by PresidentClinton. The legislation contained

large tax cuts and many other taxchanges including several minortax-exempt bond provisions. Be-cause of the controversy surround-

ing the proposed tax cuts, the legis-lation has not been revived.

Earlier this year, the Adminis-tration proposed to eliminate thetwo percent de minimis rule forcor-

porate investments in tax-exemptdebt to pay for its tax-reductionproposals. The provision was partof a package of measures designedto close corporate tax loopholes.

It is estimated that the proposalcould increase state and local gov-ernment leasing costs by 200 to 400basis points.

House Ways and Means Com-mittee Chairman Bill Archer (R-Texas) has stated his strong opposi-tion to eliminating the IRS rule and

questioned the revenue increaseclaimed by the Administration. Abipartisan group of 35 senators

wrote to President Clinton oppos-ing the provision.

Rep. Archer also has indicatedinterest in amending the current law

and regulations regarding arbitrageinterest earnings on tax-exemptbonds. He particularly would liketo reduce the cost and administra-tive burden for counties and citiesincomplying witharbitrage require-ments.

NACo, with several other orga-

nizations, sent out a questionnaireon compliance costs. The informa-tion is being analyzed and will be

used to develop legislative recom-mendations to Rep. Archer. TheU.S. Treasury Department also is

involved in the analysis of the data.

Any legislative proposals would be

considered in the next Congress.

Tax ReformA number of bills were intro-

duced in 1995 to reform and drasti-

cally change the current federal tax

structure. The bills ranged from re-

placing the income tax with a newconsumptiontax,toestablishingoneflat rate for all income tax, to a

value-added tax similar to the tax in

European countries.Former HUD Secretary Jack

Kemp headed a Republican tax re-

form task force that reported its

recommendations earlier this year.

Taxation and FinanceThe task force favored reform ofthe

income tax, but did not endorse anyparticular proposal.

The House Ways and MeansCommittee is holding a number ofhearings this year on the impact oftax reform on various sectors of the

economy. The committee heard tes-

timony in early May on the impacton counties, cities and states. NACojoined 18 other organizations in stat-

ing that eliminating the tax prefer-ence for municipal bonds under taxreform would sharply raise borrow-

ing costs for infrastructure projects.A report released at a hearing by

the Joint Tax Committee —a con-

gressional research group —esti-

mated that eliminating tax-exemptbonds would drive up borrowingcosts by 1.5 percentage points rela-

tive to corporate bonds. It wouldcost state and local bond issuers an

extra $3.1 billion a year for debtservice over the life of $204 billionissued in 1994.

It was pointed out that replacingthe federal income tax with a na-

tional salestax wouldhavethemostdrastic impact on states. Since 37

states conform closely to the fed-

eral code, these states would have

to get rid of their income tax orcreate their own separate income

tax systems.

Ways and Means Chairman BillArcher indicated that he will be

drafting a tax reform bill later this

year and will be introduced earlynext year. He stated that he wants

the expertise of state and local offi-cials in fashioning a new system.

(Staffcontact: Ralph Tabor, as-

sociate legislative director)

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Transportation and TelecommunicationsIntermodal SurfaceTransportationEfficiencyAct

The process to reauthorize theIntermodal Surface TransportationEfficiency Act (ISTEA)has begun,although ISTEA does not actuallyexpire until Sept. 30, 1997.

With the passage of ISTEA in1991 came the promise of more

funding for county highways,bridges and mass transit systems,

andaprogram whichwouldbemoreflexible and responsive to the needs

of local governments.

A

In general this has been the case

but it varies from state to state

Most ISTEA funds come to coun-

ties through the surface transporta-

tion program, the bridge programand several transit programs.

The House Transportation and

Infrastructure Committee has

started the two-year reauthorization

process with a series of hearings

this spring and summer.NACo has testified once and is

scheduled to do so again in late

July.In the Senate, where the Envi-

ronment and Public Works Com-

mittee has jurisdiction over the high-

way program and the Banking Com-

mittee has jurisdiction over the tran-

sit program, no hearings have been

held or are scheduled.

The U.S. Department of Trans-

portation has been holding regionalhearings throughout the countryabout what the future highway and

transit program should look like.NACo has already approved its

policyon the future ofISTEA, which

calls for the retention of the basic

ISTEA structure. Several national

transportation organizations have

adopted policy which would scrap

Continued on page J5

Transportation andtnany of the reforms instituted byIS TEA.

Resolving these differences and

providing enough funding for trans-

portation will determine how andthe level at which county govern-ments willbe able to participate inthe future federal highway and tran-sit pfogfalrls.

TransportationFunding

NACosupports maximum fund-ing for ISTEA and opposes the useof transportation trust funds to bal-ance the federal budget.

While counties own 1.7 millionmiles of roads, 219,000 bridges,operate one-third of the transit sys-tems, and invest billions of dollarsto build and maintain these sys-tems, there remains a substantialneed for federal funds to supple-ment county investment.

Generally, funding forhighwaysaad transit has increased over thelife of ISTEA, though never to theauthorized levels. For FY96, thefederal highway program is fundedat $ 17.5 billion, a $300 million in-crease over the prior year.

However, transit receivedslightly more than $4 billion—a 12

percent decrease, the first decreasein a number of years.

The Administration proposed anFY97 transportation budget thatcalls for slight increases in highwayhad transit and a small decrease inairport funding.

The budget did not include a

proposal that outlined a major re-vamping of the transportation pro-grams and was included in last year's

TeleCOmmuniCatiOnS continuedf om page 14

budget.The House passed its FY97

Transportation appropriations billin late June.

It includes $ 17.5 billion in fund-ing for the highway program, thesame as the current-year level, andfreezes transit spending at $2 bil-lion for formula grants, $400 mil-lion for operating assistance and$ 1.6 billion for capital discretion-ar/ gfallts.

The Airport Improvement Pro-gram is cut from $ 1.4 billion to $ 1.3billion and Essential AirService isreduced from $23 million to $ 10million.The Senate willbegin work-ing on its bill in July.

One strategy to avoid major cutswould be to take the highway, tran-sit and aviation trust funds off-bud-get, an appmach with which NACoconcurs. Currently, these trust fundshave a balance of$31 billionwhichis used to make the federal deficitappear smaller.

H.R. 842, the Truth in Budget-ing Act, was passed by the fullHouse on April17 by a vote of284-143.

The measure removes the trustfunds from the federal unified bud-get. Asimilar bill,S. 729, was intro-duced in the Senate on April 27,1995 by Senators Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and Max Baucus (D-Mont.),though no further action has beentaken.

Feb.g. The measure contains a num-ber of victories for county govern-ments. These wins willhelp protectcounty government authority in thenew era of telecommunications de-regulation and open competition.

As part of the final agreement,compromise language was workedoutonthecontentiouspublicrights-of-way issue.

With the competitive barriersbetween various telecommunica-tions industries dropping, local gov-ernments had insisted that publicproperty used by these industries toprovide new service must continueunder the control ofcounty and citygovernments.

The new legislation should, inmost cases, protect the ability oflocal governments to manage theirpublic rights-of-way and receive fairand reasonable compensation fortheir use.

Much of that use willoriginatewithcable operators offering phoneservice and phone companies pro-viding video or cable service as

both of these industries begin tocompete against one another.

NACo's other major issue waspreventing the pre-emption of localzoningauthorityovertheplacementof cellular towers.

NACo was successful in over-turning a House-passed provisionthat would have required the Fed-eral Communications Commission(FCC) to issue regulations pre-empting local zoning authority.

A compromise was reached thatallows local governments, except incertain limitedcircumstances, to con-tinue to exercise their zoning author-ity in respect to cellular towers.

TelecommunicationsCongress overwhelmingly

passed the Telecommunications Actof 1996 on Feb. 1 and PresidentClinton signed the bill into law on

Other provisions in the bill af-fecting local governments includederegulation ofmost cable rate regu-lation, taxation of direct broadcastsatellite services and zoning of di-rect broadcast satellite dishes. Inthe meantime, the FCC is issuing a

number of rulemakings that affectlocal government.

AviationCounties operate or participate in

the operation of one-third of thenation's airports. The federal gov-ernment funds infrastructure at pub-liclyowned airports through the Air-port Impmvement Program (AIP).

In recent years, funding has rangedfiom the current-year level of$ 1.45billion to slightly more than $2 bil-lion.

The AIP expires Sept. 30 andNACo supports its extension at anauthorized level of $2.2 billion an-nually.

On June 6, the House Trans-portation and Infrastructure Com-mittee approved a three-year AIPbill, H.R. 3539, that funds the pro-gram at slightly over $2 billion an-nually. The Senate Commerce Com-mittee, on June 13, approved a one-year bill at the authorized level of$2.2 billion.

Additionally, the federal airlineticket tax, the proceeds ofwhich gointo a trust fund to fund the AIP,expired on Jan. 1, resulting in a lossof some $500 million monthly.

The extension of this ticket taxhas passed several House and Sen-ate committees, but has not seenany final action.

(Staffcontact: Bob Fogel, asso-ciate legislative director)

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From NACo 's June 12 Satellite Broadcast,"Counties and the New Telecommunications Law"

RESERVE YOUR COPIES NOWy FOR DELIVERYIN LATE JULY1

Please ship tolNameAddressPhone

ORDER FORM

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Na. ofBooks desired

No. ofvideotapes desired

Shipping and Handling:

Ca $ /9.95 each (NACo member counry)Ca $24.95 each (nonmember county)Ca $40 each (NACo member county)I $45 each (nonmember county)

Basic rare $2.50 per item. Add $/ for each additional item.

Total

Payment Method: (Select one) Check VISA/MC P.O./Voucher Money Orderiuvvi ham p.a. St

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For credit card or PO/Voucher payments: FAX this form ta: Publications, NACa, 202/3932630; or mail order form along withpayment ta: Publications, NACa, 440 First Sr., NW, Washington, DC 20001-2080.

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ervices

e ar "men"The County Services Depart-

ment focuses on member serviceand education, and consists of

-'ivedivisions: Research, HumanServices, Training and Employ-ment, Community Services, andConferences.

Department staff providetraining and technical assistanceprograms, educational programs,publications and services de-signed to help busy county offi-cials better serve their constitu-ents.

Here are highlights of activitiesfrom each division during thepast year.

Pesectech DivisionAt mid-year, research staff be-

gan supplying material for a newcolumn in County News, and begana series of brief reports on topicalissues affecting county govern-ments. The research staffalso playeda significant role in developingNACo's World Wide Web home

page.Throughout the year, the research

staff continued its commitment toproviding timely, quality research

assistance to NACo members, an-

swering more than 1,600 requests

for information from county offi-cials and staff, the media, and oth-

ers. That figure represents a jump ofmore than 40 percent over last year'

total. Other services include over-

seeing NACo's AchievementAwards Program and conductingNACo surveys.

Vumon Services DivisionThis division provides services

and information to counties about

"people programs" provided bycounties, ranging from children to

the elderly and everything in be-

tween. Important activities con-

ducted over the past year include:

NACo and the National Confer-ence of State Legislatures (NCSL)were awarded a jointgrant from the

Helen Bader Foundation to develop

and assist county officials in meet-

ing the challenges and opportuni-ties posed by an aging America.

Through the grant, NACo and

NCSL will publish a series of ar-

ticles and guidebooks on aging forstate and local leaders, develop a

jointpolicy statement to encourage

county and state leaders to worktogether to meet the needs of the

elderly, conduct a series of trainingsessions on aging issues at national

and state conferences, and developa clearinghouse of aging informa-tion.

NACo and the National League

of Cities are co-directors of a grantthat was awarded to the Local Col-laboration for Children and Youth

by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

The grant willassist the collabo-ration in developing an actionagenda to foster a vigorous, unifiedand integrated approach to meeting

the needs of our nation's childrenand youth both at the national leveland in communities across the na-

tion.The collaboration, composed of

six national organizations represent-

ing local governments and schools,

plans a wide range of activities.

During the year, the volunteerism

project published "Volunteers dr

Counties: Partners in Service," a

guide to 12 successful county vol-unteer programs; developed fourvolunteer management briefs topro-vide assistance to counties on the

subjects oflegal issues, policies and

procedures volunteer recruitmentand volunteer recognition; distrib-uted a volunteer recognition packet

to help county governments planactivities during National Volun-teer Week; published a quarterlyupdate of volunteerism resources

and program examples that was

mailed to more than 800 countyofficials; conducted workshops at

NACo conferences and state asso-

ciations ofcounties'eetings; and

responded to more than 1,000 re-

quests for materials and assistance.

Ttxtininq ctrl Emplot)ment

P poq txtmsThrough a grant from the U.S,

Department ofLabor and funds fmmservice fee members, NACo'sTraining and Employment Pro-

grams provide information and tech-

nical assistance to county elected

and appointed officials involved in

locally based job training programs.

The last year has seen a national

debate on the future ofjob training

programs. NACokeeps the employ-

ment and training community in-

formed through its biweekly news-

letter, "Update on Job Training,"and by providing late-breaking news

by fax and telephone. In addition to

the fallEmploymentPolicy/HumanServices Conference, NACo spon-

sored a number of technical assis-

tance workshops, and presentations

were made at regional, state and

local job training meetings. Publi-

cations such as the "Special Update

an Jab TrainingforCounty Elected

Officials" and a Blueprint Series

that highlights model programs co'n-

tinue to be published. In response to

a need in the job training system,

NACo produced a survey of ser-

vices planned for the Summer Youth

Employment Program. Again this

year, NACo willpromote program

excellence and innovation through

its Awards forExcellence Program.

Communiitj Services Division

Programs involving the "nuts and

bolts" ofcounty services are housel

in the department's Community

Services Division. Highlights from

the past year include:

5 gmMC tft 1~The Sustainable Communiger

Initiative was launched during dm

1996 Legislative Conference withimeeting of the newly formed

Sustainability Leadership Team

(SLT).The SLT comprised of countJ

officials from different parts of tht

country, will advise NACo on dm

initiative's major undertaking fm

1996 —the development of tht

Joint Center for Sustainable Com.

munities (JCSC). The JCSC is icollaborative effortbetween NACs

and the U.S. Conference ofMayotr

to promote community-based pro>

lem solving among local goveni.

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incnts and their communities. TheJCSC will provide technical and

financial support to processes that

are collaborative and solution-ori-ented in nature. The initiative has

provided information to countiesthrough NACo publications and

county examples that are sent tomembers upon request.

Telecommunicationsand Training DirectorLois Kampinsky Iieft)consults with NACoExecutive DirectorLarry Naake at a 1996videoconference ondevolution.

The Coastal Watershed Advi-sory Committee that advises the

project met in Sarasota and Mana-tee counties, Fla in December 1995.

Recommendations were developedwhich were published in the NACoreport, "Watershed Managementand Susrainabte Development inCoastal Counties. "

Special services and informa-tion is provided to counties incoastalareas of the country, including theGreat Lakes. able Housing: Profiles in Leader-

ship." The video highlights the roleelected officials play in affordablehousing programs, and featuresmodel programs in four communi-ties and counties. More than 500copies of the video have been dis-tributed.

tions in three states also aired theprograms.

Launched in January, thisproject's purpose is to promote thepublic health and economic ben-efits ofdeveloping and implement-ing source water and wellhead pro-tection plans in counties and otherlocal governments. The project willinclude a public education campaignaud technical assistance and infor-iuation transfer to counties. Also, anew initiative involving counties,the National Rural Water Associa-tion, senior volunteer organizations,and the EPA, willbe implemented.

Other activities included collabo-rating with the Association CountyCommissioners of Georgia on a

workshop scheduled for this fall,uud collaborating with the CoastalWatershed Project on a two-daywater conference to be held inMichigan later in the year.

At the initiative of PresidentDouglas R. Bovin, regional semi-nars were conducted in two loca-tions during the past year —Mara-thon County, Wis. and KootenaiCounty, Idaho. These seminars weredesigned to serve areas not usuallyserved by larger NACoconferences,and pmgram content was devel-oped with the input and cooperationof state associations of counties inthe surrounding area.

The project recently establisheda Local Radon/Indoor AirCoordi-nators'etwork of more than 400county radon/indoor air coordina-tors. The coordinators represent 425counties in 44 states that engage inaddressing the radon and indoor airpollutant concerns of their commu-nities. To date, the Radon/IndoorAir Project has provided three in-door air quality training sessionsfor the EPA. More than 75 coordi-nators have participated in the ses-

sions, held at NACo headquarters.

In addition to having the pri-mary responsibility for presentingNACo'spopulsr seminars for newlyelected officials at recent Legisla-tive and Annual conferences, thedivision has been working on im-provements in the format and pre-sentation of all NACo conferenceworkshops. At this year's AnnualConference, for example, seven fo-cus areas were identified to servemember needs, and changes in theprogram booklet and evaluationprocedures also were made. Re-search is now underway regardingthe feasibilityofofferinworkshopsthat qualify for earning continuingeducation units.

Training activities conductedduring the past year included satel-lite broadcasts, regional seminars,conference workshops and a spe-cial project focusing on the Ameri-cans With Disabilities Act. High-lights include:

In April, the project received a

fiant from the EPA to providecounty officials with informationtud technical assistance on how toprevent pollution of the air, wateruud at the source of generation.With this and other funding, NACopublished "Preventing Pollution inOur Cities and Counties: A Com-pendium of Case Studies" in col-laboration with the U.S. Confer-ence ofMayors, the National Asso-ciation of City and County HealthOfficials, and the National Pollu-tiun Prevention Roundtable. Thou-sands of copies of the publication,which describes the program expe-dcnce of 19 local governments, havebeen distributed.

The ramifications of the Ameri-cans With Disabilities Act are thefocus of this project, conductedjointlywith the National League ofCities. A part-time consultant has

been hired to answer questions aboutthe act, to provide technical assis-

tance, and to create written reportsand articles.

hOMe~During the past year, more than

2,000 technical reports and guide-txiuks were distributed to assistcounties in developing affordablehousing programs for their commu-uitics. In addition, NACo took thelead in partnership with the Na-"'uual League ofCities and the U.S.Conference ofMayors to produce a"14co,"Local Officials and Afford-

9xug uu uuunmm 9

ConfevencesNACo's four major conferences

provide an opportunity for countyofficials each year to participate inworkshops, to hear outstandingspeakers, to network with col-leagues, and to interact with staff.

The 1995 Annual Conference,held in Fulton County, Ga., last July,

In cooperation with the Govern-ment Finance Officers Association,the Training Division produced a

satellite broadcast, "AWhole NewBallgame in Municipal Bond Dis-closure," to more than 100 commu-nities in October 1995. It focusedon the scope and impact of the Se-

curities and Exchange Commis-sion's new rules for governmentsissuing municipal bonds.

Fifteen other organizations sup-

ported the broadcast, helping coverits cost. Other satellite broadcasts,

produced with the Legislative Af-fairs Department, included: "Deal-

ing With Devolution: Opportuni-ties and Risks" and "The New Tele-

communications Act."These broadcasts, two hours in

length, were received by NAComembers and others at hundreds ofdownlink sites. Cable television sta-

urti oo zslifluoo oi aulintziura abri

attracted more than 4,600 county of-ficials. Speakers from the Adminis-tration and Congress were featuredand delegates could choose frommore than 60 workshops offered in a

wide range of subject areas.

The exhibits program, which al-lows companies to present theirproducts and services at each An-nual Conference, continues to grow.

Last year, more than 145 compa-nies purchased space in the exhibithall.

The EmploymentPolicy/HumanServices Conference, was held inOrange County, Fla., last fall.

Although attendance was slightlyhigher than in 1994, overall atten-dance at this conference has seen a

steady decline in recent years. Theconference is attended primarily by

Sue Mohr (below) of Lewisand Clark County, Mont.participates in a workshop onwork force development at the1996 Legislative Conference.

professional staff in county depart-ments providing these programs.

Highlights of this year's Legisla-tive Conference inWashington, D.C.were the addresses of PresidentClinton and leaders of Congress.Attendance was higher than in 1994,and the conference was well-received

by delegates.

Theconferencegivesofficials the

opportunity to meet withmembers ofCongress and to learn about legisla-tive issues.

The Western Interstate RegionConference, held this year in May inSummit County, Colo., attracts del-

egates from the 15 Western states

and focuses on public lands and otherissues important to them. Nearly 400persons attended the conference this

year.

County News, Ju/y 9, 1996

NAGo joins with arts agencies forcommunity developmentBy Michael HightowerNACo president-elect

As county leaders, we are charged

with finding and fostering solutions

to mounting economic, social and

educational problems. And as we

move toward the new millennium,there is a prevailing need to provideinnovative alternatives to violentcrime, drug abuse, delinquency, un-

employmentandothercivicconcerns.One such alternative being met withsuccess in counties nationwide is the

arts.NACo is taking steps to ensure

that as county leaders, you are em-

powered with the knowledge, the

skills and the inspiration to pioneer

local partnerships that willshape the

way we solve problems by findingnew solutions.

By the same token, I am pleased

to announce our partnership with the

National Assembly of Local ArtsAgencies (NALAA)and NALAA'sInstitute for Community Develop-ment and the Arts, the only national

research and policy center devoted to

issues related to cultural program-

ming as an agent for community

change.NALAA'sinstitute,launchedlast

year, was established to research and

document more than 1,000casestud-

ies demonstrating the creative role ofthe arts in community development.

Working together with NACo and

other national civic organizations,NALAA'sinstitute hasdemonstrated

that the arts are both a vital means ofcommunity enrichment and a sound

economic investment for counties.

There are currently 3,800 local

arts agencies nationwide, defined as

agencies of county or city govern-

ment, or designated community arts

councils or city arts commissions.

Today, 100 percent of the local

arts agencies in America's 50 largest

counties and cities invest public and

private funding to address civicprob-

lems through community arts pro-

grams. Nationally, 61 percent of alllocal arts agencies provide this type

of programming.NACo, together with NALAA's

institute andourotherpartners repre-

senting local leaders, will continue

research into the community devel-

opment and problem-solving ben-

efits of thearts. We willwork to finthe models, materials and technical

assistance to help government and

arts leaders utilize this nation's cul-

tural resources to the fullest extent in

building better counties throughout

AmericaTo that end, I encourage you to

learn more about how counties are

already using the arts to spark com-

munity and economic development;

provide young people with alterna-

tives to gang violence, drug abuse

anddroppingoutofschool; and forge"nontraditional" partnerships be-

tween arts organizations and other

county agencies, such as public hous-

ing authorities, law enforcement, de-

partments ofeducation, gite pqnvenx,

tion and visitors bu- tiveofthe Texas Com-

reaus. mission on the Arts,

This year's An- 'n partnership withnualConferencewill,;.~ .,:, public housing au-

include a Commu- ~ ~ '. thorities, schools,

nity Development '~W ~ parks and recreation

Through the Arts, departments, and arts

Panel on July 15, fea- organizations.

turing representa- ~ In Multnomah

tive s from three County, Ore., "art" is

model arts programs a40-footcity bus that

in urban and rural stops at local cultural

counties: Michael Hightower sites and popular tour-

~ Project B.R.I.D.G.E., in Hanis ist attractions. The bus is decorated

County, Texas,isamultiyearinitia- inside and out, and stocked with

maps and information on Portland's

cultural sites. The county govern-ment works with the Regional Artsand Culture Council, corporatesponsors, and Tri-Met to developthis very strong cultural tourisminitiative.

~ The Community Arts Reach

Program was developed by the

United Arts Council ofRaleigh and

Wake County, Inc. for rural and

suburban Wake County, N.C. com-

munities; their parks, recreation and

cultural resources departments; and

community volunteers to assist them

in providing high-quality, profes-

sional cultural arts programs forchildren and adults.

Robert Lynch president and

CEO of NALAA, will moderate

that panel and will be available to

talk about NACo's partnership withNALAA'sInstitute forCommunityDevelopment and the Arts.

Sharing information with other

counties about ways the arts con-

tribute to our economy and countylivabilitywillstrengthen us as lead-

ers and enable us to serve our citi-zens the best we can.

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County News, 8, 1996

Stand for Children highlights need for leadership

0RS $ ,;a((t,By Randy Johnson

NACo first vice president -OrAn historic march occurred in

our nation's capital in June, theStand for Children. More than200,000 people from across the

country converged at the LincolnMemorial in Washington on June1 for the most massive, upliftingdemonstration for children in thenation's history.

On this bright and surny day,busloads of children, parents,grandparents, teachers and reli-gious leaders came to Washing-ton to focus public attention andpolitical power on the needs ofAmerica's youngest citizens.

Why does the most powerfulnation in the world need a marchto draw attention to something as

precious as children? Well, con-sider these statistics: Every dayin this great nation, 2,660 babiesare born into poverty, 2, g33 chil-dren drop out of school, and 493children are reported abused orneglected.

And, consider how the care ofchildren in this country ranks withother nations. The United Statesranks 12th among 15 industrial-ized nations in math achievementof 13-year-olds, lgth among in-dustrialized countries in the gapbetween rich and poor children,1 g th in infant mortality, and 16thin living standards of our poorestchildren.

Public opinion polls show thatfor the first time in our country'history, many Americans nolonger believe that their childrenwill have a better life than theyhave. In one study, nearly two-thirds of Americans (64 percent)said that family life has gottenworse since the time that theywere growing up.

The public is realizing thatmany of America's children andfamilies are in trouble. Ameri-cans see increases in crime andviolence, the availability ofdrugs,an uncertain economic outlook,decline in moral values, and fam-ily instability as major problemsthat are directly threatening ourchildren, our families and ournation.

How can we turn this situationaround? How can we as a nationensure that all of our children havea chance to grow up safe, healthyand educated in nurturing familiesand caring communities?

The only way to achieve thisimportant goal is through commit-ment. Individual commitment toensure that each of us does ourshare to help a child. Communitycommitment to ensure that the pub-lic agencies, businesses and com-munity organizations effectivelysupport families in their efforts toraise healthy children. And, nationalcommitment to ensure that the needsof America's children and fami-lresdo not getlostinpoliticalrheto"-

(At left) NACo First VicePresident Randy Johnson(r) is Ilanked by U.S.Conference of MayorsExecutive Director TomCochran and otherparticipants at Stand forChildren, a June I marchin Washington, D.C. toraise awareness of theneeds of the nation'schildren.

Mzt Its NAO

C

i.a )pj (0

,,FO~'0

Every dayin this great nation, 2,660 babiesare borninto poverty, 2, 833 children dropout ofschool, and 493 children are reportedabused or neglected.

(At right) AStand for

Children marchvolunteer

speaks withNACo First

Vice PresidentRandy Johnson

at the CountyInformation

booth.

and should play a critical role inmobilizing communities to meetthe needs of children.

As local leaders, we are in a

unique position to build partner-ships in our communities between

all of the individuals and groupsthat care or should care about chil-dren. We can be the catalysts toforge partnerships withcounty lead-

ers, city officials, school boardmembers, school administrators,nonprofit agencies, communitygroups and businesses to help fami-

ric from either side of the aisle.The commitment that I am talk-

ing about is not necessarily a com-mitment to create more governmentprograms for children. Govern-ments do not and should not raisechildren —families should raisetheir children with the support ofthe community and assistance,where necessary and appropriate,of the government.

But governments, particularlylocal government organizations—counties, cities and schools —can

a~ „,~~

Ittl.

lies raise healthy children. By build-ing these partnerships, people are

finding out what the real needs of

children are, and they are collec-tively finding ways to meet those

needs.

missioners of Georgia (ACCG)used the Internet to post daily up-dates of legislation of interest to

countyofficials. Itwasaverysimpleprocess that took less than one hour.

Not only was our legislative in-formation provided in a more timelymanner, itwas better organized and

provided links to the fulltext of the

legislation. As a result, our countyofficials were in a better position todiscuss legislation with their legis-lators when they came home for theweekend.

The Library of Congress, theU.S. Senate and the U.S. House are

all providing similar types ofinfor-mation on federal legislation. Mostof the other states are also develop-ing Internet sites to provide the

public with legislative information.

assist us in several ways when itcomes to explaining the problem.First, it provides a mechanism forquicklydistributing information onthe details of the legislation and itspotential impact.

Internet forms, surveys and e-

mail provide an efficient way forconstituents to express their opin-ions and provide a legislator withspecific local examples illustratingthe impact of the legislation. Sincethe information is received in elec-tronic form, the time and effortrequired to organize itforpresenta-tion is greatly reduced.

While we are still working outsome of the details, we also feel theInternet will be a valuable tool incollecting and maintaining infor-mation on relationships betweencounty officials and other key play-rs in the political process. With's information, we can make a

ore intelligent decision about the

ople who should make a phoneall to or be included in a meetingith key lawmakers.

the Internet at the same time we are

publishing them in paper form.In a similar way, we are creating

links to reports published on theInternetbyotherorganizations. Thispermits our members to quicklyfind a specific report and print a

copy ifneeded.

By Jerry GriffinACCG executive director

Whether you are an electedcounty official,a county employee,an association employee or a gov-ernment vendor, the Internet is go-

ing to affect what you do and how

you go about doing it.Consider the following five

questions that policy analysts rou-

tinely ask themselves:~ What does that legislation do

and what is its status?~ Who can help explain the

problem to a key legislator?~ What did that report say about

this problem?~ Who else has this problem?~ Is there an expert who can

help us with this?Increasingly, there is informa-

tion on the Internet that can help us

answer these and similar questions

in a more efficient and more effec-

tive way. Come with me as we take

a look into the not too distant fu-

ture.

SummaryAs you can see, the Internet is

helping us perform routine tasks

such as providing information on

the status of legislation in a moreeffective manner. We are system-atically applying it to other areas

and we continue to take fulladvan-

tage of work done by others. Ittakes only a few key strokes toestablish a link to another site.

We anticipate going through a

learning curve with our members

just as we did when the fax ma-

chine was introduced several years

ago. It is, however, fun to watch mynontechnical friends use the mouse

as they review campaign contribu-tions for their legislators. If youprovide the information they want,

they will learn how to get it.As Ijokingly tell people, we are

slowly moving out of the informa-tion cul-de-sac and onto the super-

highway"

Explaining the e

problem to legislators tluThis information is of limited m

value ifit cannot be used to affect pethelegislativedecisionprocess. The c

key is determining the impact on a wlegislator's district, communicat-ing that impact to his or her con-

stituents, and then having constitu-ents explain the problem in localterms.

-The-Interact'hss '.hetiotentitd-

The Internet libraryReports and other useful docu-

ments have a way of getting mis-placed. In Georgia, we are system-

~uaalty-Pe n &su romans to

Tracking thelegislative process

During the past legislative ses-

sioll, theAssociatlolr&lu~

County government and the Internet: Agood mix

0 VERVIIEWfrom page I

opment willalso take front stage

with an address to delegates byDianne Dillon-Ridgely, member,President's Council on Sustain-

ability on Monday. Secretary ofHousing and Urban DevelopmentHenry Cisneros is also expected

to address delegates on Monday.Throughout the conference,

delegates willalso hear from the

two candidates for NACo second

vice president, Howard County(Md.)Council Member C. VernonGray and New Castle County(Del.) Councilman Dick Cecil.Traditionally, the winner of the

second vice president's race be-

comes NACopresident after terms

as second vice president, first vice

president and president-elect.

The election will take place at

the association's Annual Business

Meeting on Tuesday. Delegates at

that session willalso vote to adoptthe 1996-97 NACoPlatform, acom-

pilationofNACo'spolicypositions.NACo's Platform guides theassociation's lobbying activities.

Over the course of the confer-

ence, NACo's 12 policy steering

committees and Board ofDirectorswillconsider some 40 policy reso-

lutions on issues ranging from the

minimum wage to grazing reform

in the country's Western states. The

results oftheir deliberations are pre-

sented for adoption at the AnnualBusiness Meeting.

The Annual Conference also

presents delegates with the op-portunity to expand their knowl-edge base by offering approxi-mately 60 workshops, seminars

and roundtable discussions. Thisyear, these educational offeringsare clustered in seven focus ar-

eas: Leadership, Financial Man-agement, Information Technol-

ogy, Presidential Initiative, Infra-structure/Economic Develop-ment, County Service Deliveryand Policy Issues.

Some workshop highlights in-clude the "Unfunded MandatesReform Act: Implementation Up-date," which willexamine the ef-fectiveness of the new mandate-

relief legislation; "A Fair Share

located in each school district, workwith the districts to establish senior

volunteer programs and to recruitolder adults as volunteers.

As a senior school volunteer,

volunteer coordinators match each

older adult with a teacher. Both theteacher and the volunteer go throughan orientation program to ensure

that each understands their role inassisting the students. The teacher

then assigns the senior volunteer towork with a set of students for at

least two hours a week. Serving as

tutors, classroom aids, music edu-

cation assistants, math laboratoryinstructors and many other useful

roles, volunteers assist at all levels,from kindergarten through highschool.

In addition to the classroom vol-unteers, the Eldernet EducationCommittee also initiated a livinghistory program in the schools.Through this effort, seniors are re-

cruited to serve as guest speakers toshare their personal accounts ofhis-

tory with the students. The seniors

are trained by professional story-tellers to make presentations on theirlifehistory. Through their presenta-

tions, the seniors enhance theteacher's curriculum by bringinghistorical events to life for the stu-

dents. The students are able to hear

firsthand from the living historyspeakers what it was like to livethrough a world war and the Great

Depression, and can find out what

life was like before the advent oftelevision, personal computers,shopping mails and video games.

To further the hands-on inter-generational activities in theschools, the Eldernet EducationCommittee also publishes a bi-monthly newsletter, "Connec-tions," which provides readers withsuggestions of intergenerational ac-

lno'uuulno

tivities that can be undertaken, back-

ground information on the aging pro-

cess, and information on how best to

bring young and old together.

Program costThe total annual cost of the

Eldernet Education Committee's ac-

tivities is about $ 13,200. This fig-ure includes the chair's staff time,

training for the living history in-

structors, orientation materials forteachers and volunteers, and the

printing costs associated with the

newsletter.Other expenses are provided as

in-kind support by the Human Ser-

vices and Aging Department, the

library and other member organi-zations. In addition, four of the sixschool districts support paid volun-teer programs that assist with the

senior volunteer program as part oftheir other duties. The costs associ-

ated with these positions, as well as

the time that the school librariansand administrators spend workingwith the senior volunteers, is ab-

sorbed by the school districts them-

selves.

ChallengesInitially,the Eldernet Education

Committee lacked the financial and

staff support necessary to carry outits objectives. This challenge was

overcome by developing a high level

ofvisible involvement and supportfor the initiative across county and

community agencies. Other chal-

lenges faced by the committee re-

volved around "turf."When form-

ing the senior volunteer program,the committee found that two of the

county's six school systems had

fledglingprojects in place. The com-

mittee had to assure those districtsthat their efforts would assist them

in the development of their pro-,fls insrh zsd Ys)I iuti .zcstz .!r rd

ELDERNETf p g 6

for Counties: Maximizing Fed-

eral Revenue in Health, Justice

and Human Services," duringwhich representatives from theNew York State Association ofCounties (NYSAC) and Deloitte&Touche willpresent aspects ofNYSAC's Federal Revenue Maxi-mization Program (NYSAC has

recovered more than $45 millionfor counties in New York duringthe program's first six months);and "Please Mr. Postman, Is There

a Vote in Your Bag for Me: Vot-ing by Mail," where the discus-

sion willfocus on the cost-effec-tiveness ofallowing voters to cast

their election ballots through the

mail. This session has attractedthe attention of the U.S. Postal

Service, which willbe on-site to

videotape the session.In another attention-attracting

event, county officials will helperect a "Habitat for Humanity"home in a Harris County suburb,

Sunday morning, to promote the

cause of low-cost housing for thenation's poor and disadvantaged.

grams and not duplicate or replace

their existing efforts.

Program successAfterfiveyears ofoperation, the

program has more than 400 senior

volunteers and 80 living historyspeakers. Evaluations from the

schools, students and seniors alikeindicate that the committee's ac-

tivities have been successful."I'd give up almost any other

program ifI had to in order to keep

the senior volunteers," saysSomerset Elementary School Prin-

cipal Cynthia Anderson. 'The im-

pact these volunteers make on the

children is unbelievable," she says."Our test scores just keep going upand I believe the individual atten-

tion students get from the volun-teers is an important part of the

reason."Students love the program, too.

"He really knows what he's talkingabout," says student Matt Talleyabout his class'enior volunteer."He pays attention when we ask

questions and takes his time givingus good answers. He also helps us

with some rocket projects."The effort is truly a win-win-win

for all involved. The school system

wins, since the program provides

them with the support they need in

the classrooms. The students winbecause they benefit both from the

one-on-one attention that the senior

volunteers provide them as well as

gain an increased knowledge and

appreciation for the aging process.

And the seniors win because they

are able to share their time, talents

and experience to better the lives ofanother generation.

(Formoreinformationon model

countyinrergenerarionalprograms,contact KellySchulman ofNACo's

Aging Project at 202/942-4246.)xi~got~ yd bstoanoqz,lnr ws sdT

In Delta County, Mich.,teens and older adults areworking hand-in-hand toperform a variety of com-munity service projects. InMontgomery County, Md.,older adults are serving as

tutors and mentors to poorimmigrantyouth whoareof-ten struggling to adjust tolife in the United States. InBroward County, Fla., highschool students are servingas companions to help fraflseniors.

These are only a few ex-

amples of the successfulcounty intergenerationalprograms that are includedin NACo's new guidebook,"Bridglug rhe Generations:County InrergeueratlonalPrograuis Thar Work."

The guidebook, preparedas part of NACo PresidentDoug Bovin's special initia-tive on aging and intergene-rational issues, highlightsseveral county programs thatbring together the young andold in mutually beneficial ac-

tivities. As Bovin says, "Asthe needs of the young andthe old continue to grow andpublic dollars to meet thoseneeds continue to decline,intergenerational programs—like those included in thisguide —only make sense.

Intergenerational programsaddress real human needs

while at the same time break-ing down programmatic bar-riers that segregate our soci-

ety and our services unnec-essarily."

Intergenerational pro-gramming is a concept thatis gaining in popularity na-tionwide as communitiesstruggle to meet the needs ofthe growing numbers of at-risk children, youth, fami-lies nnd frail elderly.

Instead of addressing theneeds of these groups in iso-

lation, intergenerational pro-grams enable communities todraw upon the talents andresources of one group toserve another group, and inthe process build relation-ships that help everyone.

Older people's wisdom,patience and experiencemake them perfect candi-dates to tutor school chil-dren, guide troubled teens,

and mentor young single par-ents. Young people's energyand exuberance make themwonderful choices to serve

as companions to lonely se-

niors living in nursing or re-tirement homes, to provide

ulntergeneratlonalprograms addressreal human needswhile at the sametime breaking downprogrammaticbarriers thatsegregate oursociety and ourservicesunnecessarily."

Doug BovinNACo president

chore services and do errandsfor frail elders, and to teachseniors new technologies.

Older adults and youngpeople also make a perfectteam to address communityproblems likecleaning up theenvironment, advocating forsafer communities, and ad-

dressing the needs of the less

fortunate.Any county interested in

initiating an intergenera-tional program willfind thebooklet a useful startingpoint. The guide providesbackground on programs, in-formation on program devel-

opment and operation, costs,and resulting benefits as wellas challenges that had to be

overcome to achieve success.

Ifyou would like a copy of"Bridgiag the Generations,"contact NACo Publications,440 First Street, N.W., Wash-

ington, DC, 20001, phone:202/942-4256. Copies of the

guide are available for a $ 10

charge.(To find our more about

county in/ergenera/ionalpro-grams, conracl KellySchulman or Sandy Mar%-

wood at NACo, 202/942-4246or 202/942-4235.)

(County Services News was

written by Kelly Schulman,research associate )

County ervices ews

New book looks atteen-senior programs

ACo ervices ews

A Legislative TrackingSystem on the Internet

esearc ews

The hanging o eOf Gounty Government

At the Annual Conference thisweek, NACo willdebut a variety ofnew Internet information services formembers. For a sneak preview ofany ofthe followingservices, be sure

to visit the NACo Home Page. Yopcan locate the following services bypointing your Web browser to hnpd/www.naco.org/policy..

BilltrackingNACowillinmxluce a new legis-

lative tracking system that allowsInternet users to keep up with legisla-tion moving through Congress. Thissystem, known as the NACo LTSflegislative tracking system) Gate-way, organizes information on the

status ofbills identified by NACo as

relevant to counties.

On each bill, the system reportstho NAcn onalvsis of the ilnpact on

counties, informafion on thebills'ponsor(s),the committees in Con-

gress and at NACo that are workingon the bill, and links to the cunentstatus of the bill from the Library ofCongress'homas system.

Because this system is linked tolargerdatabases ofinformation aboutelected officials and pending legisla-tion, a NACo member can dig into

NACo.'='-""'-'""'-"""

the background of any bill, deter-mine the history of the legislation,learn which members of Congresshave the most influence over the bill,read the comments a member madeduring debate on the measure, andfind out about relevant campaigncontributions.

Vote analysisMembers who are interested in

the voting records of members ofCongress from their state delegationwill appreciate another new NACoInternet service which presents thevoting records of each senator and

member of Congress on five issues

ofimponance to counties. The votes

are listed by member name and state

deleganon and are flip)ay tg " IC1

which make comparing the recordsofthe members quite easy. The recordfor each member is linked to otherrelevant information, including leg-islation sponsored and campaigncon-tributions received.

(NACo Services News was writ-ten by Woodson Martin, technologyspecialist)

As most county officials know,county government has changed dra-

matically over the past20 years. Thatdevelopment is readily apparent when

one reviews data on county govern-ment employment gathered by theU.S. Bureau of the Census.

In 1972,county gov-emment em-

ployed theequivalent of1.2 million-piusfufl-timeemployees

(FIE), according to Census Bureaufigures. That figure jumped to twomillion-plus full-time equivalentworkers in 1992.

Not only did county governmentgrow in size, its role in society was

transformed over this time.One ofthe most marked trends was

the~emphasisplacedbycountygo~,„~~l ~ services traditionally

perceived as "urban," as evidenced bya 654 percent jump in employment fortransit activities and a 397 percent rise

for housing and community devdop-ment programs. Huge increases also

were experienced forsolid waste man-

agement activities (277 percent) and

corlecrions (232.8 percent).

e ers ip News

bItrit( tq-~ -'rb~l'I')4FTE (1992)

o 2L3%12.2%

9.9%

11.0%

5.7%

$3%43%6A%73%L9%

„13%1.49o

IL7%

% Change+03%43%4L7% .

+0.7%

I

+L5%413%. I

+2.6%

+38%+039o

+03%+0.6%

a.t%

Furthermore, substantial alter-ations occurred in the relative share

of county government employment

for various actlvttles uunng ho roudecades (see chan above), as well as

the absolute number of employees.Reflecting an increased emphasis

on law enforcement activities, theshare of total full-time equivalentemployees rose 3.8 percent for cor-rections and 1.5 percent for police

pmtection. Rising substantially as

weB was the portion of employeesdedicated to health, which increased> X now ont

The largest losers were highwaysand hospitals. Both experienced a

4.3 percent dedine in their share oftotal county governmentemploymentbetween 1972 and 1992.

(Rosorrrch News wns wrirren byShnron lawrence,resonrrhdbecrov.)

I~it I~~~.

~s Wsllli+~l ~ r~Function FTE (1972)

I Education .o,:-w 2L1% .

Hospitals 163%

I Public Welfare 10.69o

General Administratioa 103%

I Highways 10.0%

Police 621%

I Finandal Administration 5.0%

Health 3.8%o

I Corrections 3.7%

Parks tk Recreation L6%

I Libraries 1.0% .

Fire Protection 0.$ %

I Other 8JI%

ont emove

+ Earlier last month, Associate Legisla-tive Director Diane Shen met with SenatorDirkKempthorne (R-Idaho) to discuss strat-egies for improving the Safe Drinking WaterAct reauthorization billonce it is taken up bya conference committee.

+ A joint meeting of the NACo Executive

Committee and the NACo Finance Committee

was held in Chicago, Ill.,June 21, to settle litiga-tion concerning the NACo building.

(NACo On rhe Novo is compifed by AngelaN. Sides, special correspondent.)

Diane Shea

+ On June 21 —25,NACo President DougBovin, President-electMichael Hightower andExecutive Director LarryNaake attended the U.S.Conference ofMayors meet-

ing inCleveland, Ohio, whereBovin and Hightower were

plenary session speakers. Doug Bavin Michael HightowerAlso, Cuyahoga County(Ohio) Commissioner Mary Boyle addressed a session for womenmayors.

Bovinand Membership Marketing Director Cynthia Feathersonwere participants at the New Jersey Association of Counties annualmeeting, June 12—14, in Atlantic City, N3., and also at the HoridaAssociation of Counties annual meeting, June 26-28, in Orlando,Ha.

+ In Washington, D.C. on June 20, President-electMichael Hightower discussed steering committee appoint-ments and other issues with NACo staff in preparation for histerm as NACo president, which begins after the AnnualConference.

Whenthe general i >Bpublic g ill In lthinks ofgovern-ment, they usually conjure up imagesof a huge bureaucracy, of namelessbees, and of rules and regulations.

Many citizens do not equate thegovernment withindividuals whohavenames, families, and even hobbies.

But far from being faceless gov-ernment bureaucrats, many govem-ment employees contribute signifi-cantly to their communities.

Below are fourcounty employeeswho have been recognized for theirjob-related and personal achieve-ments. These are some of the peoplewho make up government and whatis right about county government.

Sharon Cruz, deputy county at-

tomey forBroward County, Fla, was

the recipient of the 1996 Florida BarLocal Government Law Section'sRalph A. Marsicano Award.

Cruz, who was nominated by the

current county attorney and a formercounty attorney, received the awardfor her professional legal service toBroward County and personal vol-unteer service to Iaw-afllliated orga-nizations.

Ray Sibley, a risk manager forWashoe County, Nev., mceived the

PublicRisk~ofthe YearAwardduring the Public Risk ~entAssociation (PRMA)conference.

'Ibe award, sponsored by Coregis

and he's had the opponu-nityto better each ofthemand better the bottom line .

for the county," statedLockhart

Columbus WilliamsJr.

was named Head StartHu-manitarian ofthe Year forthe state of South Caro-lina Williams MarionCounty (S.C.) council-man, was nominated byMarion County Head Startrepresentative MillieOdom and staff of theSpringville Center. Theaward goes to someonewho is community-ori-ented and who has con-tributed to the overallgrowth of the program.

The Virginia Chapterofthe International Asso-ciation of Anon Investi-gators has a new presi-dent JeffHippo,chieffiremarshal for the LoudonCounty (Va.)Department

and Rescue, was elected president ofthe association this spring.

The association consists of ap-

proxirnately 500 arson investiga-tors throughout Virginia, includingfire manhals, insurance investiga- .

tors, private investigators and po-lice officen.

(Membership Nnvs wm wnrren

by Susan Pnrvrsh, memborrh(p co-onffnnrtw.)

Nev„ is the 1996 Public Risk ManagYear.

and PRIMA, recognizes a publicsector risk manager who has devel-oped, implemented and adminis-tered quality risk management pro-grams. Sibley was nominated byKay Lockhart, an independent in-surance agent who has worked withSibley for the past eight years. "Heseems very well organiztxL Somerisk managers don't have ovenightin all areas. But Ray has them all,

Four receive well-deservedrecognition

Nea circe Co entary

Habitatll: GrimFears, DawningHopes for World Cities

CALIFORNIA~ LOS ANGELES COUNTY

has added something new to itshome page: agendas ssd state-ments of proceedings for meet-ings of its board Agendas forTuesday and Thursday meetingsare posted the preceding Thurs-day. Statements of proceedings.listing actions takes by the board,are posted within 10 days. To ac-cess the site, Internet users shouldzo to httn:!/~~~. 0. ~ ca.a.a.uk

MARYLAND~ ANNE ARUNDEL

COUNTY plans to study priva-tiziog its municipal golf course.The group studying the effort isled by former Maryland Gover-nor William Donald Schaefer.While mayor of Baltimore,Schaefer privatized five golfcourses that were losing $ 1 mil-lion per year

MICHIGAN~ OAKLAND COUNTY is

implementing recommendationsmade by the Oakland County Busi-ness Roundtsble, a gmup of 125men snd women &omgovernment,business asd education Tbe com-mktee is chaired by Geseisl MotorsChairman Robert Stempel and PatsyFultos, former chancellor of Oak-land Community College.

"When I established the Busi-ness Rousdtsble three years sgo,I promised at the time that alltheir hard work would not end upon s shelf somewhere to gatherdust," Oakland County ExecutiveL. Brooks Patterson said

One of the ideas: establishinga "One-Stop-Shop" for businessdevelopment, providing entrepre-neurs with services ranging frommarketing research to site loca-tion assistance. Complementingthe center is s new Export Assis-tance Center, providing busi-nesses with ways to expand tradeopportunities.

NEW JERSEY~ UMON COUNTY's open

house in Msy was so successfulthey decided to throw another onelast month. The open house washeld at the county's new "OneStop" Customer Information Cen-ter at its County Complex ssdtook +ace between 3 aud 0 p.m.

i

so that people who work duringthe day could also take part.

The open houses feature em-ployees from a variety of countydepartments who dispense infor-mation about everything frommosquito control to breast exams.Other topics include services forseniors asd the disabled, mentalhealth issues, drug abuse and pre-vention; camping, consumer af-fairs, Medicaid, food stamps, etc."T~ list goes on and on," saidFreeholder Di Giovatmi.

"We want county governmentto be easily accessible to our resi-dents," she said. "By a visit to ourCustomer Information Center, orby a call to our Customer Infor-mation Line, residents can quicklyand easily be matched up with thepeople, departments and servicesthey seek." The center is openMonday through Friday from 8:30am. to 4 p.m. The county is con-templating adding newsites sodavali.

PENNSYLVANIA~ DAUPHIN COUNTY re-

cently opened the Woodside Fam-ily Center, s work release pro-gram for female offenders. TheDauphin County Prison, which isdesigned to hold 40 female in-mates, currently houses 114, saidCounty Board Chairman SallyKlein.

"Our goal in creating this pro-gram is to hold these women ac-countable for their crimes with-out punishing the children for theactions of their mothers," Kleinsaid. "Hopefully, through this pro-gram, we can prevent these chil-dren from growing into futureoffenders."

The center is the second of itstype in Pennsylvania. ALLEGH-ENY COUNTY operates a simi-lar facility.

VIRGINIA~ Several counties in Virginia

have officially taken themselvesout of the running fora new base-ball stadium. ARLINGTONCOUNTY's proposal last monthfor a stadium site wss not accept-able to the VirginiaBaseball Sta-dium Authority.Arlingtondid notwant to pay s $ 150,000 applica-

'Ii

t Carr!ster(rnxiragr 25 .i '.< '.i . Ir

hlation's Counties

By Neal R. PeirceWashington Post Writers

Group

(Neai Peirce is a syndicatedcofnrnnist who wrbes aboutio-calgov crnmenr issues. His col-umns do nar reflect rhe opin-ions of County News or theNarionalAssociarion ofCoun-ries.)

The brute facts of soaringpopulation in the burgeosingmetropolises of Africa, Asiaand Latin America perme-ated every session of HabitatH, the United Nations-spon-sored "City Summit" justconcluded here.

About 250,000 people sreadded to the stet .', Papula.lion each day. Already 2.5 bil-lion, the globe's population isprojected to double again, tofive billionby 2025. And while40 to 50 percent ofthe world'population already lives in ur-ban slums, people of the de-veloping world still pour intothe cities in hope of somechance for a better life.

By 2015, only one of theglobe's 10 largest cities —To-kyo, with 28.7 millionpeople—will be in the developedworld.The others are projectedto be Bombay, India (27A mil-lion), Lagos, Nigeria (24.4),Shanghai, China (23.4),Jakarta, Indonesia (214), SaoPaulo, Brazil (208), Karachi,Pakistan (20.6), Bejing, China(19A),Dhaka, Bangladesh(19),and Mexico City (ISJI).

Consider Istanbul. Itwould have been hard to finda more appropriate spot for aglobal conference on citiesthan this fabled trading cityon the Bosphorus, rich in bothMuslim and Christian his-tory, the spot where Asia sndEurope meet.

Yet from 600,000 souls in1923, Istanbul bas explodedto about 10 million today andcould be headed for over 20million in the next two de-cades. Hundreds ofthousandslive in Istanbul's shanty-towns. The city suffers im-mense education, health andtransport problems withoutclear time frames for solu-tion.

Pakistan Prime MinisterBenazir Bhutto caught someof the world's urban dilemmawhen she spoke here of"over-packed cities that seethe withdirt, slums, pollution, soise,high divorce rates, drugs, vio-

lence and criminal activity evenin youngsters.

Yet paradoxically, theIstanbul conference wss also scelebration of the world's cit-ies.

In 1976, at the Brst U.N. con-ference on human settlementsheld in Vancouver, only diplo-mats and official delegationswere on hand, asd the only talkwas of what central govern-ments could do for cities

In Istanbul, by contrast,thousands of nondiplomstscame from sll continents. Therewere mayors and other localofficials, members of nationaland local legislatures, business,foundation, banking snd youthgroup leaders.

By the thousands, in pouredpeople from a colorfullydiverseset of nongovernment organi-zations (NGOs) ranging fromthe Banana Kelly CDC (com-munity developmentcorporstioa)in America's South Bronx to or-ganizations championing the roleof women snd families in neigh-borhoods across the globe.

Here, for the first time ever,the United Nations recognizedlocal government officials asofficialparticipants —"unpar-alleled recognition at s U.N. con-ference," in the words ofHabitat's Conference SecretaryGeneral, Wally N'Dow. Localgovernments snd NGOs thatwere included on the individualnation committees for Habitat,indeed were seen as major con-ference participants.

Physicauy, Habitat IIwss soenormous and dispersed acrossIstanbul, with information sofragmented, that one had thefeeling —in the words of JanePerlman, founder of tbe USi-based Megacities organization—"that no matter where you were,yon should be somewhere else."

But tbe thousands assembledin Istanbul constituted what'surely the most significant worldconference on cities ever held, notjust forits scale, but because mostparticipants share a belief—thegrim statistics notwithstanding—that a sustainable global futuremay still be within mankind'sreach.

The most favored answers lay

in more attention to sanita-tion and public health inneighborhoods, to women'rights and child welfare, asdto an expanded definition forhousing —not only as shel-ter but as a growingly impor-tant workplace for poorpeople taking in work orfouading their own small en- .

terprises.'rch~nb ofcumumnniiyn

snd belief in people's inher-ent skills "is occurring glo-bally," said British urbanobserver David Sstherwaitet"Ifyou support indiddualsdeveloping their own neigh-borhoods, you willget bettercities. Add water, sanitation,drainage snd health care,schools and dsy centers, andyou'e immensely reducedtbe problems named at thisconference."

Neither municipal or na-tional authorities should be irelieved of their responsibil-ity for support, said Sather-waite,addingi "ButessentisBy,the process is from the bottomup, rather than trymg to im-pose order from thetopdown."

InVancouver, the focus luulbeen on coaxing or forcingpeople to stay on the land. InIstanbW, cities'trengths wereunderscored.

From electricity to water tosewer to heating to garbagecollection, Perlman noted,costs are much lower per per-son in cities than rural areas.When people come to cities,their economic opportunitiesexpand, health care improves,and they have less children.Now, she said, worhl citiesshould focus on "~eco-systems in cities, so that allwaste gets recyded for reuse.

"Istanbul," said N'Dow,"announces the good news thatwe don't always have to cursethe dsrliness, the sodsl catas-trophes in cities, that there'hope for s sustainable globalsociety.

Whistling in tbe dark?Maybe. But with a worldwidenetwork of newly connected

people focused on the sameobjectives —yes.

u) nn, wasMagtaa Fast wHlas Gnap

"A rebirth of community" and belief inpeople's inherent skills fs occurringglobally."

David BathenvaiteBritish urban observer

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News, Ju/y 8, 1998 23

](otic s

PUBLICATIONS~ "On Borrowed Land: Pub-

/ic Policies for F/oodp/ainsw is

the title ofthe newest publicationfrom the Lincoln Institute ofIand Policy. This report presents

case studies of local responses tothe disastrous 1993 floods, as wellas other river basin managementprograms around the country. The

report also suggests alternativesto making floodplains safe fordevelopment through locallybased planning and flood hazardmanagement in cooperation withregional, state and federal levelsof government. Cost is $ 14.

To order, contact Lincoln In-

stitute ofLand Pol icy, 113 BrattleSt., Cambridge, MA02138-3400,phone: 800/526-3873, fax: 617/661-7235.

~ RANDhas developed a newpublication titled "The New Fis-caf Federalism and the SocialSafety Net: A View From Califor-nia," It is the result of the May1996 RANDConference. This col-lection of essays reviews the im-plications of the new fiscal feder-alism for the states, particularlyCalifornia, from the perspectiveofintergovernmentalrelations,fis-cal impact, program administra-tion and consequences for the pub-lic. The cost is $ 15.

For more information, contactRANDDistribution Services, P.O.Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA90407, fax: 301/451-6996.

(Notices is compiled byAnge/a I Sides, special corre-spondent. j

EWS FROM /rom page22fee or for a study requested

the Federal Aviation Adminis-, since a proposed site was

to National Airport.'phree other Northern Virginia

ounties also dropped out.AIRFAX COUNTY residents

ed about traffic and noise.UDOUN COUNTYofficials

out over concerns aboutto pay part of the bill.

AFFORD COUNTY offi-felt they were not taken

ly.An investors'roup in North-Virginia is trying to bring a

league team to the area andstill hoping to get the Houston

Houston recently lost itsfootball team, the Oilers, toville. Baseball proponents

they'l still find a site, but willwith private landowners in-of the counties.

WASHINGTON~ Counties in Washington are

having trouble once again with so-called anti-government "patriot"groups and militia leaders.

In CHKLANCOUNTY, BruceAlden Banister disagreed with hissentence of seven months on workrelease for assaulting a police of-ficer after he was stopped for ex-pired tags. He said his sentenceshouldberevokedbecausethecourtlacks jurisdiction over him and hisname was misspelled in courtdocu-ments (all uppercase). He also saidthe state of Washington is a ficti-tious entity, among other arguments.

But Chelan County SuperiorCourt Judge Carol Wardell told himthat she wouldn't hear any more ofhis arguments, unless he paysattorney's fees. The judge said hisarguments are "nonsensical and lackany logical link."

QaA Pohro Seawmof

Ndo redmw rhwr wtnld.cal and gef free mformaom

orl how lo ofofeol fmn ohldrorfrom shots and wrferweh Tow oghehood

Ceg lefdd NE PREVENT

CHILDREN DRAW WHATTHEY SEE, ANDWHATTHEY SEE IS A CRIME.

Jo ar etASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF

ENVIRONMENTALENGINEER-ING AND PROJECT MANAGERIV—BROWARDCOUNTY,FLANA progressive Public Employer inSouth Florida offers the followingop-portunities, exempt from Civil Ser-

vice: Assistant Director of Environ-mental Engineering, $ 43,858$73,366, and Project Manager IV,$43,858 —$73,366. Each ofthese highlyresponsible positions will participatein all phases of planning, design andconstruction of multi-million dollarcapital programs. They willbe expectedto exercise considerable independentjudgement in the application of theprinciples and practices ofengineeringand construction management as ap-plied to the construction and mainte-nance ofpublic water, waste water andstorm drainage facilities. Incumbentswilldirectly supervise subordinate en-gineers and project managers. Bothwill be instrumental in developmentand administration of consultant andconstruction contracts. Successfulcan-didates must have demonstrated abil-ity to establish and maintain effectiveworking relationships in a team envi-ronment comprised of diverse back-grounds and objectives. In addition tosound engineering skills, knowledgeof the principles of management andpublic and business administration isrequired. Excellent communicationskills, both verbal and written, are es-

sentiaL Candidates for either positionmust: 1) have a relevant, four yearengineering degree from an accreditedcollege, 2) be a Registered ProfessionalEngineer in the State of Florida or beable to acquire registration within six(6) months ofappointment, and 3) havea minimum of 12 years experience inmanaging large capital programs. Sendresume and salary history to Directorof Environmental Engineering, 2555West Copans Road, Pompano Beach,Florida 33069; to amve no later thatAugust 30, 1996. Resumes are subjectto public disclosure in accordance withFlorida's Public Records Law. BrowardCounty is an Equal Opportunity Em-ployer and Provider of Services (Mi-nority/Female/Disabled/Veteran).

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR—CASS COUNTY,MINN.:Classi-fication: Grade 46. Location Of JobSite: Cess County Courthouse, 300Minnesota Avenue, Walker, MN56484. Hours Weekly: 40-FLSA Ex-empt. Salary Range: $47,208-$ 61,608DOQ Plus Fringe Benefits. Qualifica-tions: Bachelor's degree in Public orBusiness Administration, or relatedfield, plus minimum five years PublicAdministrative experience, or any com-bination of education and experiencethat provides equivalent knowledge,skills, and abilities. Complete job de-scription furnished upon request. Forapplication forms and job description(please include resume) contact: LindaC. Husby —Administrative Secretary,Cass County Auditor's Office, Cess

County Courthouse, 300 Minnesota

Ave., Walker, MN 56484, phone (218)547-7260. Closing Date: July 31, 1996,4:30 P.M.

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR—ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MINN.:(pop. 198,000). Starting Salary range$88,000 to $96.000. Located in north-eastern Minnesota covering 7,092squaremiles. Positionreportstoseven-member County Board, is responsiblefor general administration and super-vision ofall County appointed depart-ments, and works closely with theelected positions ofAuditor-Treasurer,Attorney, and Sheriff. Directors oftwelve operating departments report tothe Administrator and the Administra-tion Department is composed of sixgeneral administrative divisions. TheCounty has a budget of $225 millionand 2,300 employees. Prefer Master'Degree (Bachelor's degree accepted)in Public or Business Administrationplus ten (10) years progressively re-

sponsible experience, preferably in a

county or related local governmentposition. Send resume by August 9,1996 to: James L. Brimeyer, TheBrimeyer Group ExecutiveSearch,904Mainstreet¹205,Hopkins, MN55343,(612) 945-0246, fax: (612) 945-0102,E-mail: BrimGroupQaoLcom.

COUNTYASSESSOR —FREE-BORN COUNTY (ALBERT LEA),MINN.: Salary Range ($32,753 to$44,018) standard county benefit pack-age. Supervisory position responsiblefor a subordinate staff and direct ser-

vice, duties and responsibilities. Of-fice responsible for a wide range ofassessment and appraisal activity.Oualificationv Requires advanced spacialized knowledge gained through a

four year degree and up to two years ofprogressive related experience or eightto ten years ofexperience beyond highschool; experience ofat least two yearssupervising a professional appraisalstaff of at least two F.T.E.'s; Minne-sota residency; able to be accredited as

a Senior Accredited Minnesota Asses-sor. Desirable Attributes: Commercial/Industrial property appraisal experi-ence; governmental appraisal/supervi-sory experience. Aoolication deadline:July 28, 1996. For information con-IfLch'fficeof County AdministratorCounty Court House, 411 South Broad-way, P.o. Box 1147, Albert Lea, MN(507) 377-5116.

DEPUTY DIRECTOR, OF-FICE OF ENVIRONMENTALSERVICES — BROWARDCOUNTY, FLA.T Salary Range$53,068 to $88,773. Broward County(1.3 million population), located insouth Florida, along the AtlanticGoldCoast, is seeking highly motivatedand qualified applicants for the posi-tion of Deputy Director of the Officeof Environmental Services (540 em-ployees), which provides retail andregional services in the areas of wa-ter supply, wastewater treatment andreuse, and stormwatear and surface

Visit

MetroPOLISThe Official Home Page of

Pitt County, N.C.

www-.co.pittec.,uslPittl

water management. Requires a

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering,Environmental Services. Business, orrelated field (preferably supple-mented by graduate level or special-ized training) and a minimum of 8

years of progressively responsiblesenior management experience withlarge and complex water utility sys-tems. Experience in local govern-ment and public sector managementis preferred. Send resume and salaryhistory to Director ofOES, 2555 WestCopans Road, Pompano Beach,Florida, 33069; to arrive no later than5:00 p.m. on Friday. August 2, 1996.Resumes are subject to public disclo-sure in accordance with Florida'sPublic Records Law. Broward Countyis an Equal Opportunity Employerand Provider of Services. (Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,ARIZONA ASSOCIATION OFCOUNTIES —PHOENIX, ARIZ N

The Arizona Association of Coun-ties (AACo) a non-proflit organiza-tion which serves Arizona's 15 coun-ties, is seeking an Executive Directorwho understands the political systemand can provide strong managementleadership to this multifaceted orga-nization. This individual willadmin-ister and direct the programs and ac-tivities of the association. The suc-cessful candidate willbe a proactive,hands-on manager who willprovideeffective leadership to staff, overseethe organization's financial re-sources, and is a strong legislativeadvocate. Salary is open and nego-tiable depending on qualifications,plus benefits package. Ifyou are in-terested in this oppohunity. pleasesubmit your request for an applica-tion packet to: The Hon. Gary H.Butler. President Arizona Associa-tion of Counties, 1910 W. Jefferson,Phoenix, Arizona 85009-5223. FinalFiling Date is Friday, August 16,1996.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,BREVARD WORKFORCE DE-VELOPMENT BOARDBREVARD COUNTY, FLAN TheBrevard Workforce Development

Continued on page 24

Job Market-Classified Rate

Schedule~ Line Rates: $ 5 per line, NACo

member counties; $7 per line.others.

~ Display ClassiTied: $30 percolumn inch, NACo membercounties; $50 per column inch,others.

'illing:Invoices willbe sentafter publication.

~ Mailadvertising copy toi JobMarket, County News, 440 FirstStw N.W., Washington, DC20001.

FAX advertising copy to: JobMarket, County News, 202/393-2630.

Be sure to include billinginformation along with copy.

For more information callAngels Sides, County News,

National Association of Counties,.Jr.rt 202842425(kr ~ TA JJ

24

JOB MARKET/o p g 23

County News, Ju/y 8, Ii

Board, a non-profit corporation injob training and workforce develop-ment, is seeking to fillthe position ofExecutive Director. This professionalposition is responsible for the admin-istration of workforce developmentprograms, specifically the adminis-tration of JTPA funds according tofederal regulations, in addition tomanagement of budgets, contracts,and other funding sources. The posi-tion and the duties and responsibili-ties are subject to a dynamic businessenvironment and the candidate shoulddemonstrate the ability to adapt tothe changes. The successful candi-date shall have proven managementexperience in the public or privatesector and have the ability to interactwithelected officials, community andbusiness leaders. The candidateshould have an advanced degree and/or minimum of 5 years executivemanagement experience in businessor public administration. The candi-date must demonstrate effective pro-fessional and interpersonal skills.This position reports directly to theBoard of Directors. Send resume to:Brevard Workforce DevelopmentBoard, Director of Personnel. 4450W. Eau Gallic Blvd., Suite 200,Melbourne, FL 32934. Resumes mustbe postmarked by July 29, 1996.E.O.E.

employees. Key positions appointedby and reporting through an Assis-tant City Manager liaison to CityManager. Replaces Department Di-rector retiring after 37 years withCity. Requires bachelor's degree inengineering, public or business ad-ministration or related field. Master'degree in the same or related fieldpreferred and/or combinations ofedu-cation, skills and experience of anequivalent nature. Professional En-gineering license helpful, but not re-

's iI

quired. Requires significant fiscally-conservative, seasoned professionalmanagement experience and skills,principally as water and wastewaterutilitydirector, manager or assistantin similar or larger governmental or-ganization or authority. Significantexperience and sufficient technicalknowledge of modern water andwastewater resources and capacityplanning, customer service, collec-tion, treatment, distribution and regu-latory requirements. Experience in

ss 8

aa se

dealing with contractors, developersand industriaVcommercial/residentialusers. Experience in budgeting andcross-departmental problem-solving.Understanding of team management,customer service, continuous im-provement and other progressivemanagement techniques. Strong lead-ership, analytical, administrative,consensus-building, decision-mak-ing, delegation, facilitation, publicrelations and negotiating skills. Cre-ative, "strategic-thinking" individual

who is business-oriented, an

lent organizer, communicator,new ideas and proven conceptualinterpersonal skills. Confidential risumes should be sent by July 3l

1996 to James L. Mercer, PresidestThe Mercer Group, inc.,990Drive Suite 510 Atlanta, GA 30321

http://www.mindspring.corn/-merciiEqual Opportunity/Affirmative Attion Employer. MinorityandCandidates are Encouraged to

Ply.

INFORMATION TECHNOL-OGY DEPARTMENT —KENTCOUNTY (GRAND RAPIDS),MICH.: Kent County is the fourthlargest county in Michigan and has

approximately 2,000employees. Dueto the growth and development ofcounty departments and the intro-duction of new technology severalopenings at various levels for profes-sional and technical staff will beavailable in the County InformationTechnology Department over the nextseveral months. Compensation pack-ages will be competitive and willdepend on experience, education andtraining. If you have experience ininformation technology and wish tohave your qualifications consideredfor current and future vacancies withKent County, please submit a resumeto the Kent County Personnel De-partment, Attn: Liz lsHak, 300 Mon-roe NW, Grand Rapids, Ml49503 orcall (616) 336-3524 for more infor-mation.

Government agencies can

J

earn the commissions

they deserve with AT&Tas the primary long distance carrier on their public phones.

UTILITIES DJRECTOR-CITY OF GREENSBORO, N.cdPopulation: 200,000. Recent All-America City and high quality of lifecommunity (108 sq. miles). Cultur-ally and racially diverse communitywhich is centrally located in NorthCarolina and along the eastern sea-

board within easy driving distance ofmountains and Atlantic Oceanbeaches. As a major City in S MS A ofI million, Greensboro enjoys manyadvantages of smaller town commu-nities while still offering amenitiestypically associated with larger cit-ies. Full-service council/managerform of government. Salary nego-tiable DOQ. Probable hiring range ofmid $70's to low $90's, plus $300/month auto allowance and excellentfringe benefit program. Water andwastewater department. $ 35M de-partmental operating budget (enter-pris» fund). Sizable capital budget,including wastewater plant expan-sion. 7g,000 customers. 27g FTE

It's simple. With over 34 million AT&TCalling Card customers, government agencies like yours

will have access to the industry's largest 0+ call volume. And since each call generates compet-

itive commissions, you can see how payments to you can really add up. Of course, your callers

1 800 304-8411, ext. 50.

And to see the details for yourself on your own

computer screen, call 1 800 220.31N, e)tt. 690

for your copy of the Interactive AT&T Government

Commission Ljnk'"software program.

hrwiPUBUCTECHNOLOGY,INC. ATILT

ixNs xrsr All ivgha Ress~

i llva \

will also benefit from the quality and reliability of AT&T. So for more information, call AT&Tat

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Counties Care forAmerica

2County News 1996 Annual Conference Guide, Ju/y 8, 1996

So many workshops, so little time —but don't miss these

By Susan D. Grubbsenior staff writer

More than 60 workshops in seven

"focus areas" are on tap at this year'

Annual Conference. The focus ar-

eas are Leadership, Financial Man-

agement, Information Technology,Presidential Initiative, Infrastruc-ture/Economic Development,County Service Delivery and PolicyIssues.

(Workshops are also listed, byfocus area, in a convenient, seven-

track grid in your conference pro-

gram.) But in the meantime, to help

you get on track fast, NACo staff

have suggested you consider the

following workshops for the top ofyour agenda.

Sunday, July 14"Unfunded MandatesReform Act:Implementation Update"(10-1 1 i30 am., Room 308A)

The effectiveness of the new

mandate-relief legislation will be

examined by the head of the Advi-

sory Commission on Intergovern-

mental Relations and a representa-

tive of the Congressional Budget

Office.

"Please Mr. Postman,Is ThereaVotein YourBagfor Me: Voting by Mail"(3:15-4:30 p.m., Room 303B)

Allowing voters to cast theirelection ballots through the mailhas proven to save money and

boost voter participation in many

counties. Delegates will hear

from representatives of those

counties who have made it workand how it can work for yourcounty.

"Making 'CommunityService' Part of WelfareReform: Is Your CountyReady?"(3:15-4i30 p.ru., Room 308A)

Community service is a compo-

nent in many state and federal wel-

fare reform initiatives. Volunteer-

ism and human services officials

willtalk about the new prominence

ofcommunity service and what ad-

ministrative changes counties can

expect.

"Measuring Performanceand Applying theResults"(3:15-4:30 p.m., Room 307A)

Many counties have turned to

performance-based approaches,

such as benchmarking and per-

formance auditing, to measure and

help clarify their mission and pri-orities. This roundtable session

will bring together leaders who

use this technique to critique this

new approach.

Monday, July 15"ACounty-Wide Strategyto Prevent DomesticViolence"(loi45 a.m;Noon, Room 307A)

Taking a collaborative approach

to preventing domestic violence is

the subject ofthis session which willfeature panelists from county gov-

ernment as well as the U.S. Depart-

ment of Justice.

'Tainting the Town Green:Community DevelopmentThrough the Arts"(10:45-Noon, Room 301B)

Learn how the arts can be used as

a tool to improve your community

from a panel ofart professionals who

willhighlight three model arts pro-

grams in urban and rural counties

that have addressed community de-

velopment, public art, youth-at-risk,

literacy, cultural tourism and eco-

nomic development.

"Diverting Persons WithMental Illness From theCounty Jail"(1i45-3 p.m., Room 307D)

Several nationally acclaimed

programs and initiatives that have

been successful in diverting the

mentally ill from the criminal jus-

tice system will be highlighted at

this workshop.

''Laughing YourStress Away"(I:45-3:15 p.m., Room 307C)

DianeDecker,consultant, Qual-

ity Transitions, will focus on the

value of humor in managing stress

and change to help participants"lighten up" and develop skills to

get through tough times.

"Wireless: Sitingand RegulatoryChallenges of WirelessCommunications"(1:45-3 p.m., Room 301D)

The evolving environment ofwireless communications and how

it is affecting counties'and use

planning strategies willbe explored

by an official from AT&T.

"An Option for FinancingRural CommunityFacilities"(1:45-3 p.m., Room 303B)

MelvinPadgett, senior loan spe-

cialist with the Rural Housing Ser-

vice (RHS), willprovide examples

offacilities that have been financed

by rural communities using RHS

funding and how to take advantage

of the RHS loan programs.

"ArchivalPreservation"(3:15-4:30 p.m., Room 308A)

Nancy Kraft, Preservation Li-brarian, State Historical Society ofIowa, will talk about good preser-

vation or maintenance practices to

help recover or replace disintegrat-

ing county records..

'Tros and Cons ofRelocating ProfessionalSports Teams"(3:15-4:30 p.m., Room 303A)

As a record number of profes-

sional sports teams consider mov-

ing to new communities, local offi-cials have had to invest hugeamounts ofpublic funds in buildingnew stadiums to lure teams or keep

them from leaving. You'l hear

about the pms and cons fromcounty

officials who have been in the thick

ofnegotiations with team owners at

this workshop.

"AFair Share forCounties MaximizingFederal Revenue inHealth, Justice andHuman Services"(3i15-4:30 p.m., Room 303B)

Representatives from the New

YorkState Association ofCounties

and Deloitte &Touche willpresent

aspects of the New York State As-

sociation of Counties'NYSAC)Federal Revenue Maximization Pro-

gram. NYSAC has recovered over

$45 million for counties in New

Yorkduring the program's first six

months.

"BuildingIntergenerationalPartnerships in YourCommunity: A PracticalHow-To Lesson"(3:15-4:30 p.m., Room 302E)

This session willexamine ways

in which communities can benefit

frombuilding intergenerational part-

nerships and strategies for develop-

ing them.

Tuesday, July 16oEnabling Seniors toWork OffTheirProperty Taxes"(10:45 a.m;Noon, Room 302E)

Panelists from Aiken County,

S.C. and Larimer County, Colo. willdiscuss the potential benefits and

problems associated withprograms

that allow seniors on fixed incomes

to work off their property taxes by

performing services for the county.

"Innovations Roundtable"(loi45 a.m.-Noon, Room 307A)

Three of last year's county win-

ners in the Ford Foundation's Inno-

vations in American Government

Program will review their award-

winning projects and comment on

the nature of innovation in county

government.

"How to Add Staff—Without Increasing YourBudget"(10:45-Noon, Room 303A)

Billed as "an upside to down-

sizing," this workshop willhelp del-

egates find out how to take advan-

tage ofthe many resources and staff

expertise that NACo has to offer.

"Helping BusinessesOperate m the 21stCentury: A New Approachto EnvironmentalProtection"(10:45 am;Noon, Room 303B)

This hands-on, interactive work-

shop will allow attendees to get a

first-hand look at the production ofwaste in the business climate and

waysin whichcountiescanhelpbusi-

nesses improve their envimnmental

performance.

"Redesigning CountyGovernment for the Year2000 and Beyond"(10:45 am;Noon, Room 302A/B)

To help catty out their functions

more effectively, many counties have

considered changing the structure of

government to that ofcounty execu-

tive/council or city-county consoli-

danon. Speakers vnll tevtew the ad-

vantages and disadvantages ofsuch a

change.

"Yours, Mine and Ours:Taking Charge of OurCommunities"(3i15-4:30 p.m„Room 307B)

AIlerspeakingearlierin themorn-

ing at the General Session, Dianne

Dillon-Ridgley, member of the

President's Council on SustainabiTity,

willaddress delegates at this session

which willfocus on sustainable com-

munities and introduce the new Joint

Center forSustainable Communities

being launched by NACo and the

U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Don'Forget

to Vote!County News's

Presidential Straw Poll

Ballots availablenext door and also in

copies of the on-siteconference newsletter,

the ANNUALDaily.

Voting sites located at:'

NACo Membership Booth

(next to Credentials Counter)

~ PEBSCO (Exhibit Hall Front),',i

Exhibit Hall~ Booth ¹126 AIG Public Entity Division

~ Booth ¹135 Champion Health Care

~ Booth ¹513 Diversified Health Services~ Booth ¹606 Coregls Group

~ Booth ¹61 8 Valuation Management~ Booth ¹642 Universal Field Services

~ Booth ¹653 Pride

Voting ends Monday, july 15 at 5 p.m.

Voting results willbe published in the Tuesday,

July 16 edition of the ANNUALDaily.

Wanttostartavolunteer program?NACo's Volunteerism Project wiB offer a free, 30-minute con-

sultation to any delegate who wants to establish a volunteer pro-

gram in his/her county. Free materials and sample ideas from

successful programs already in operation willbe available.

Sessions willtake place on Sunday, July 14 from 10 a.m.-Noon

and on Monday, July 15 from 2-5 p.m.Toscheduleyourappointment,signupat the NACoVolunteerism

Project Booth in the registration area, or call Peter Lane at NACo

at 202/942<288 before the conference.

ofn-

ii-

it a

News 1996 Annual Conference Guide, Ju/y 8, 1998

Speakers to cover topics fromspace exploration to politics'1 u

rn-

me

.he

sty,

ionm-Iinttesthe

Captain James LovellAstronaut

Sunday, July 14y July

gnvited)

Former Sen. Robert DoleMonday, July 15

(Invited)

?

>n

m0

ee

HHUD

Monday,

Dianne

15

Huffington

ytator

uesday, July 16

County News Presidential Straw Poll Ballotlen Deposit at one of the followingofficialpolling sites:te.r, Community Countdown 2000 ~ PEBSCO (Exhibit Hall Front)y —in the Exhibit Hall —Booth ¹ 126 AIG Public Entity Division

Booth ¹ l35 Champion Health Care ~ Booth ¹ 513 Diversified Health Servicesth.r) Booth ¹ 606 Coregis Group ~ Booth ¹ 618 Valuation Management

st) Booth ¹ 642 Universal Field Services ~ Booth ¹ 653 Pride

Check One: 0 Clinton 0 Dole* 0 Other*Optional - tf you voted for Dole, whom would you like to see as his running mate:

For ballot to be counted, please fill in:Title

County

State Initial here

4County News f999 Annual Conference Guide u frs, rsr?

Several sessions highlight the latest in technology i

By Susan D. Grubb

senior staff writer

Having trouble keeping up with

the constantly changing world of in-

formation technology? Then you'lwant to make room in your confer-

ence itinerary for some of the ses-

sions and activities that will bring

you up to speed, finm learning how

to expand your Geographic Informa-

tion System to launching an Internet

home page to purchasing technology

foryourcounty. Here' arundownof

what willbe available:~ The use of Geographic Infor-

mation Systems (GIS) has expanded

in recent years from planning activi-

ties to include infinstructure man-

agement, public safety, transporta-

tion and tax administration. In addi-

tion to panelists pitching these new

ways to utilize GIS, a representative

from NASA will cover the advan-

tages ofusing it in the aftermath ofa

disaster at '9Geographic Informa-

tion Systems: A Real-Time Tool

for County Operations." (Sunday,

10-11:30 am., Room 302CD)

~ More and more counties are

using the Internet and the WorldWide

Web in their county business. At the

popular session titled, tqnternet:Counties and the Devfdoping State

of the Web," panelists willdiscuss

how counties can use it effectively.

Participants will also learn how to

start a home page. (Sunday, 3:15-4:30 p.m., Room 302CD)

~ Do you know what to look for

when purchasing technology foryour

county? Are you comfortable with

negotiating contracts and managing

vendor relationships? Speakers at

'%lanaging the Technical Procure-

ment Process to Produce Results"

willadvise delegates on how to navi-

gate through the technology procure-

ment pmcess withconfidence. Arep-

resentative fromPublic Technology,

Inc. willeven walk through how to

structure a Request for pmposals.

(Sunday, 3iISWi30 p.m., Room

309D)

~ The year 2000 is stdl four years

away, but county governments must

confront some of the potential head-

aches now in order to avoid chaos

later. Ttus new workshop, "DigitDilemma: County Computers and

the Year 2000," willexplore strate-

gies for dealing withone ofthe more

immediate problems of identifyingcomputer applications written with

only a two position date Geld that

mustbe changed before adategreater

than 1999 is calculated or entered.

(Monday, 10: 45—Noon, Room

302 CD)

~ Advances in electronic tech-

In order to be eligible to vote, a

county must be a paid member ofNACo. Member counties are re-

quired to designate one county offi-cial to pick up and cast the county's

votes.A county may designate an al-

ternate county official within its

county, an official from another

county or its state association direc-

tor or president to pick up creden-

tials materials.Credentials'are a document with

your county and state name, the

number of votes for your county,

and the name and signature of the

person who received the informa-

tion. The recipient also receives a

voting delegate ribbon.

The credentials booth hours will

be concurrent with those ofgeneral

registration. The hours are:

~ Fnday, July 12, from 9 a.m. to

5 p.m.~ Saturday, July 13, from g a.m.

to 6 p.m.~ Sunday, July 14, from g a.m.

to 6 p.m.~ Monday, July 15, from g a.m.

to 5 p.m.

Remember to pickup your county's voting materials

nology now enable citizens to ac-

cess county services via their home

computers or at the local malL Aperson's medical history and eligi-bility for county benefits can be

kept on a credit card-sizedwsmartcard.w Thanks to gains in

technology, more and more county

employees can work from home.

These advances have great implica-tions in the way counties conduct

business. Come to "The ElectronicCounty Center: Better Service

Through Technology," a new ses-

sion this year, to learn more about

these developments and the steps

you should take in considering them

for your county. (Monday, I:45—3

p.m., Room 302 CD)

~ Just when you thought youunderstood what the Internet is, an-

other buzzword, the Intranet, is be-

coming more commonplace. The

Intranet is the Internet's internal

system —the vehicle counties willuse for accessing restricted or pri-vate information. To find out more

about the rise of the Intranet, come

to "The Intranett The PrivateInternet." (Monday, 3il5&i15,Room 302CD)

~ How can my county gain ac-

cess to the Internet? Is our county's

information technology system se-

cure enough? What technology ser-

vices at NACo can my county take

~ Want to see Grsthand just whit

a computer can do? The "Com.

puter Playground" is a place wherd

NACo staff willdemonstrate vari-

ous computer applications, or ycican even try it out yourself. Opci

Sunday throughTuesday,theground will keep you busygamesandotheractivitiesto make you more familiar withtechnology. This year's special

cus willbe on software forfinancial planning. (Sunday, 9 fzm

I p.nL and 3-5 p.m.; Monday, 1

anz —5 p.m.; Tuesday 10:30 amI:30 p.m., Room 30IA)

~ And last, but not least,

News willbe on-line from the

ference, with daily reports on

event's activities.

rd

b

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ta

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advantage ofv If the large turnout

for the "Information ServicesRoundtable" at the LegislativeConference last March was any in-

dication, delegates may want tc

come early, armed with their tech-

nology questions for the technical

and administrative experts at this b

popular forum. (Tuesday, 10:45- a

Noon, Room 302CD) v

g

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I

't

Since 1980, the National Association of Counties

(NACO) has looked to PEBSCO for exclusive

leadership in deferred compensation administration.

And no wonder. For more than 5,200 jurisdictions

articipating in the NACo program, PEBSCO is the

undisputed leader —administering in excess o $ .

billionin NACo program assets for over 221,000

public employees.

Our story is told in a new booklet called, "How To

Select The BEST Deferred Compensation Program." It'

ours free when you call 1—800 —545-4730. It'ltell

you exactly how, and why, we'e become the favorite

elected representative of county government.

Proving, once again, that when government officials

rank deferred compensation program

administrators, we always end up on top.

ufa

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County News 1996 Annual Conference Guide, Ju/y 8, 1998

,Come see our waresA Directory to the Display Booths of the

NACo County Services Departmentfree ofcharge to conference attend-ees include "Bridging the Genera-tions: County IntergenerationaiPrograms Tiu»Work,"and the draftPolicy Statement on Aging byNACo and the National Confer-ence of State Legislatures.

Stuffcon»rett Reify Schuluum

Research BoothDon't reinvent the wheel! Come

i by the research staff s booth to learnabout model county programs invirtually every aspect of countygovernment operations. While you

t'iare there, you will also find outabout the issue briefs and reportsthat are available to help you ad-dress the tough pmblems facing yourcounty (e.g. workplace violence).Also, don't forget to come by thebooth to find out how your countymay be honored for its innovativeprograms and projects.

Stuffcontacts SharonLawrence und Peggy Beardstee

resources and toolsfor local govern-ments. Free watercycle posters willbe available to all.

In additionthere willbe an op-portunity to sign on to thc mailinglist of the National Small FlowsClearinghouse, a drinking water in-formation research center that has a

special expertise with small com-munities.

Volunteerism ProjectBooth

The Volunteerism ProjectBoothwill have available the followingresources free of charge: five vol-unteer management briefs, a book-let ofsuccessful volunteerprograms,sample materials from county gov-ernment volunteer programs, andtips on how to start a volunteerprogram in county government.Delegates may also sign up at thebooth for a free consulting session.Thirty-minute sessions are avail-able Sunday, !0 a.m.-Noon orMonday, 2—5 p.m.

Stuffcontact: Peter Lane

Stuffcontacts: AbbyFriedmun und David George

HOME ProjectThe HOME Project booth will

be distributing HUD technical as-

sistance publications on the HOMEProgram, the NACo "HOMEGuidebook forElected Offtcia is"; a

National League of Cities publica-tion titled, "Unlocking the Doors toOpponunity"I and copies of ourvideo, "Local Officials and Afford-able Housing: Profiles in Leader-ship."

Stuffcontact: Rick Keister

TrainingCatch a televised glimpse of

educationaVinformational video-tapes for county officials ... get thelowdown on NACo's regionalseminars ... discover where the lat-est training on the Americans With

Act (ADA) is being... grab the inside skinny on

Co's satellite broadcasts ...the nationwide clearing-

of information and trainingcounty officials. All this, plus

s bureau information andinformation highway materi-

! Where? At the NACo Trainingvision's informational exhibit.

by fora chat, orjusttopickupgoods.Stuffcontact: Lois Kampinsky

Radon and Indoor AirInformation, educational and

outreach materials willbe handedout to assist counties 'in address-ing the indoor air pollution con-cerns of their residents. EPA pub-lications, indoor air quality factsheets and the County RadonAction Kit will also be availableat no cost.

Stuffcontact: Lou Wi»

Employment and TrainingBooth

The latest information on em-ployment and job training/workforce development is available atthis booth.

Make sure you stop by and pickup a copy of the? NACo Update onJob Training," that includes thelatestlegislativeupdateonjobtrain-ing reform, model programs andmuch more.

Also, registration forms forNACo's 25th Annual EmploymentPolicy and Human Services Con-ference in Long Beach, Calif. areavailable.

Stuffcontuctst Gary Gonenburgand Renatu Lipscomb

Pollution Preventionand Solid WasteManagement Booth

Counties continue to grapplewith finding cost-effective ways toreduce the flowofwaste to disposalfacilities and the generation ofhaz-ardous substances. Stop by thisbooth to pick up valuable informa-tion on one of the hottest issues incounty government.

Available resources include"Preventing Pollution in Our Cit-ies ond Counties: A Compendiumof Case Studies", information onsolid waste management financing,including the upcoming satellitevideoconference on full-cost ac-

counting; the County Environmen-tal Quanerty; and order forms forEPA's new "Decision-MakersGuide to Solid Waste Manage-ment."

Stuffcontacts Nuomi Friedmun

Communitiestive

In building sustainable commu-counties are grappling with

interconnectedness of the eco-environmental and social

of their citizens.At this booth, information that

how counties haveto implement sustainability

governing willbe distributed,practical examples oftheof sustainable communi-

in the Draft!996 Calvert Countyve Plan; "Muitnomah

Citizen Involvement Hond-"

a report on the use ofbench-in the state ofOregon and its

ties; "Muitnomah CountyCounties: Fouruht-

for o Sustainabie Future";a list of NACo's sustainable

principles.Stuffcontact: David George

and Jeny McNeil

Children's InitiativeAllacross America, county gov-

ernments are trying to address theneeds of our nation's most vulner-able population group, our chil-dren.

Stop by the children's intiativebooth and pick up a fact sheet on anew project that NACo is involvedin to build collaborative partner-ships for children and youth; cop-ies of the 1996 Kids Count, thatgives state-by-state statistics on thestatus of children; and a brochurethat analyzes informationcompiledfrom national pollsters on what theAmerican public sees as the criticalissues facing children today andwhat theythinkgovernmentshoulddo to address them.

A limited number of copies ofNACo's guidebook, "CountiesCare for Kids, Programs ThatWork, " willalso be available at thebooth.

Staffcontacts Sandy Murkwood

Coastal Watershedand Source WaterProtection Booth

We all need clean water! Learnabout coastal watershed and source

water protection programs and ac-

tivities.We will have fact sheets and

publications from EPA, NationalOceanic and Atmospheric Admin-istration and other nongovernmen-tal organizations on a variety of

andBooth

Visit NACo's newest booth onand intergenerational issues!

this booth, you will receive in-on model county pro-

and county demographic in-and short issue briefs on

such as Home and Commu-Care and the NACo

Project. Materials provided

Service MasterDiversified

HealthServices

The Leading Provider of Managementand Consulting Services to County

Nursing Homes.

Our track record includes $25 million inclient tax savings over three years.

Services include:~ Privatization Options

~ Reimbursement Strategies

~ Preparation for New SurveyEnforcement Regulations

~ Quality Assessment and Improvement

For more information, contact us at theNACo Conference in our exhibit booth

Ol'oin

us in our hospitality suite:

Monday, July 15, 19965:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Mesquite Room, Third FloorHyatt Regency Houston Hotel

or call us at:

ServiceMaster Diversified Health ServicesPlymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania 19462

(610) 825-5311

Atlanta ~ Chicago ~ Dallas ~ Memphis

Minneapolis ~ Philadelphia ~ Pittsburgh

St. Augustine

Hotel Map KeyP Hyatt Regency Houston

Q Doubletree at Allen Center

9 Four Seasons

O Wyndham Warwick

9 Westin Galleria & Westin Oaks

O J.W. Marriott

In an effort to provide at-tendees withup-to-the-ndnuteinformation assistance duringNACo's Annual Conference,NACo's Legislative Depart-ment will open its Congres-sional Action Center at 9 a.m.Friday, July 12. The centerwillbe located in Room 301Fof the George R. Brown Con-

'ention Center and will re-main open through noon,Tuesday, July 16.

The center will provideconference attendees with acentral location to obtain in-formation about NACo's leg-islative priorities, its policy

: platform and Information

about other federal legislativeissues important to counties.

Throughout each day,NACo's legislative depart-ment staN wiflbe available toassist county omcials in con-tacting their congressionaldelegations and will be onhand to discuss NACo's legis-lative initiatives.

Legislative materials, in-cluding fact sheets, form let-ters and NACo policy resolu-tions, willbe available in tbecenter. The hours of tbe cen-ter are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday,July 12 through Monday, July l15, and 9 a.m. to noon Tues- I

day,July16. ~,

on ressiona cion'enteravailable

to assist counties

713/654-

713/650-

713/526-199

713/960%1

713/961-

Hotel and ConferenceCenter Shuttle Schedule

Free shuttle bus service for NACo delegates andtheir families is provided between the hotels and

the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Buses willoperate on the followingschedule:

Friday, July 12 7 a,m. —6t30 p.m.Saturday,July 13 7a.m.-7p~Sunday, July 14 7 a.m. —MidnightMonday, July 15 7a.m.-6p.m.Tuesday, July 16 7 a.m. —11 p.m.

Beating theThere is no doubt about it-

Harris County, Texas has a reputa-

tion for being hot during the sum-

mer.With an average high tempera-

ture of 93 degrees, average lowtemperature of73 degrees aud rela-

tive humidity well above 50 per-cent, it is no wonder that Harris

County is known affectionately as

the most air-conditioned county in

the world.While summers are hot, it can'

be all bad. Let's not forget that more

than three million people live inHarris County, making it the thirdlargest county in the United States.

But there are a few importantpreventive steps to take when ven-

turing out each morning from the

safety ofyour air-conditioned hotel

room. And NACo delegates woulddo well to follow these help-

ful tips.~ Wear lightweight, /

light-colored clothing./g

Forget the suit.~ Wear a hat when

outdoors to keep the sun

offyour head, neckaudface.

~ Drink plenty ofwater aad electrolytedrinks to replace fluidslost when sweating. This is espe- ~ Limityourtimeinthesus

cially important when exercising always use protective suu screes

outside, even in the early morning you plan to be in the sun.

orevening. Fruit drinks are also a Awareness and knowing

ood source o proper steps to protecting~ Avoid alcoholic beverages. from the summer heat are the

~ Avoid strenuous outdoor ac- to making your trip to Houstos

tivities during the heat of the day. you wiflnever forget.

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Conference fuorkshops and general sessions occur on the third level

Ten free things to do in Harris Countyl6

Ifyou find you'e got a littleon your hands, but not a lot

money, here are some fun andexcursions you might try

the NACo Annual Con-in Harris County:

-Busch Brewery775 Gelhorn near Interstate

at Loop 610, 670-1696. Take a-guided tour of the processingbottling areas ofTexas'arg-

brewery.

Houston Centerfor Photography

1441 W. Alabama, 529-4755.Exhibits contemporary photogra-phy by local and nationally rec-ognized photographers.

Houston Garden Center1500 Hermann Drive in Her-

mann Park, 845-1000. Stmll throughrose, bulb, fragrant and perennialgardens; an international sculpturegarden; and Chinese pavilion.

tage printing equipment, histori-cal newspapers and elaborate an-tique documents demonstrate theevolution of printing.

Texas Commerce Tower"Sky Lobby"

600 Travis, 223-8013. A spec-tacular view of downtown andenvirons is to be had from the60th-floor observation deck ofHouston's tallest building, TexasCommerce Tower.

Arts

inmn

5216 Montrose at Bissonnet,3129. The CAM presents-direction art and modern

produced over the pastyears.

Nestledinanindustrialpartofdown-town, this is Houston's hot spot forcutting-edge, avant garde art andart publications.

Houston Arboretumand Nature Center

4501 Woodway Drive in

e

>n Works1117 East Freeway, 223-8346,

Memorial Park, 681-8433.Dedicated to preserving Hous-ton's native trees, plants andanimals, this 155-acre park ishome to 160 species of nativeand migrating birds. Walkmore than five miles of naturetrails.

Museum of Texas History1100 Bagby 655-1912 Memo-

rabilia and artifacts fromTexas'ast

dating to 1519, along with areproduction turn-of-the-centurygeneral store.

Museum of PrintingHistory

1324 W. Clay, 522-4652. Vin-

Water Wall at TranscoTower

2800 S Post Oak BlvdHouston's most-photographedsite, this dramatic U-shapedfountain has water rushingdown its tnside and outsidewalls. The adjacent lawn ispopular with frisbee-throwersand picnickers.

Facts on tap aboutHarris County and Houston

~ Houston was founded in 1836

by John Kirby and AugustusChapman Allen, a couple of land

merchants from New York. Theynavigated up Buffalo Bayou fiomGalveston Bay and decided the area

would be the perfect spot for a new

land venture.

~ Texas won its independence

from Mexico at the San Jacinto

Battleground outside ofHouston in1836. General Sam Houston and

his army surprised Mexican Gen-

eral Santa Anna and his troops. The

San Jacinto Monument, whichstands 15 feet taller than the Wash-

ington Monument (everything is

bigger in Texas, you know), marks

the historic battle space.

~ The oldest commercial build-

ing in the city is the Kennedy Bak-

ery at 813 Congress Ave., nowcalled

La Carafe, a neighborhood bar,

which is open daily. Built in 1861,

it served as an Indian trading post,

apothecary, loan office and confed-

erate arsenal.

~ The oldest structure in Hous-

tor —still standing on its originalfoundation —is the Kellum-NobleHouse in Sam Houston Park. Builtin 1847, the Louisiana-style man-

sion was first constructed byNathaniel Kellum, a brickyardowner. He spent $ 105 to construct

the home with 35,000 of his own

bricks. The home was saved fromthe wrecking ball in the 1950s in an

effort that spawned the HarrisCounty Heritage Society.

~ Houston once served as the

capital of the Republic of Texas,

from 1837 to 1840. The wooden

capitol building stood on the site

now occupied by the Rice Hotel at

the corner ofMain Street and Texas

Avenue.

~ Houston's first electric eleva-

tor was built in the Kiam Buildingat 302 Main Street in 1893. ClothierEd Kiam threw a huge grand open-

ing and 17,000 people lined uparound the block to see Kiam's new

store and ride the new lift.

~ Other historical sites in Hous-

ton in the downtown area includeChrist Church Cathedral, 1117

Texas Ave., built in 1893. The

Gothic Revival structure is the old-

est Episcopal church in the city.The parish has occupied the site

since 1839. The church is open forservices and by special appointment.

For more information, call 222-

2593.

~ Another church in the down-

town area also holds historical sig-

nificance. The Annunciation Catho-

lic Church, 1618 Texas Ave., is the

oldest Roman Catholic parish in the

city. The building was constructed

in 1871 and is the oldest church

building in the city. The foundation

for the church was constructed withbricks from remains of the never-

completed 1860s Harris CountyCourthouse Building. The church

is open only for services. For more

information, call 222-2289.

Source: Greater Houston Cooveoiionatut Visitors Bureau

Inaugural Entertainmentf

Harris CountyFacts

'County goyernment. '-.':A c'ounty,'judge and four4Ieomrmsslouertr::r-

Length, of terms .."

Four,yearsr'iles"of

expressvrays524,1 miles

No. of libraries24 branches

Average temp. in July83.6

No. of days 90 degreesor more

95

AltitudeRanges from sea level to 310feet

Total area1,777.89 square miles

No. ofincorporated areas'5

Population {1993 est.)

8 3,001,400

Median age309

Source: Greater Houston Partnership IResearch De portment

Statue of Houston's namesake,Sam Houston (1793-1863), whopresided as president of theRepublic ofTexas from 1836-1838and from 1841-1844.

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Grammy whmers KCand the Sunshine Band willperform Tuesday,

July 16 at the Inaugural Reception and Gala in the George Bush

Ballroom of the George R. Brown Convention Center. The '70s eraband's hits indude 'Get Down Tonight" and "Shake Your Booty."

The AIG Companies'ublic Entity Division welcomes

the participants of the National Association of

Counties'61st Annual Conference in Houston. As a co-

sponsor of the President's Reception on July 16th, we

hope that you will join us in celebrating the confer-

ence and Harris County's warm hospitality. Please

stop by our exhibit booth ¹126 to discover the many

ways the AIG Companies provide innovative insurance

solutions for a dynamic public sector.

Public sttrttr Entity

WORLD LEADERS IN INSURANCE AND FINANCIALSERVICES. ~~+ ma

County News 1996 Annual Conference Guide July tf, 7996

gL7668 game fun af fRe r88eaBy Susan D. Grubbsenior staff writer

With this year's conference setticcp in the heart of Texas, nothingcould be more fittingthan a genuineTexas rodeo and barbecue for theAll-Conference Event.

On Sunday evening, July 14,delegates will be treated to aprivate, professional rodeo '/snd barbecue at the Astro-ball. The rodeo willfea-mie five major ridingevents, including bull riding, calfroping, bronco riding, team ropingsnd barrel racing.

You won' want tomiss the "West-crnolympics"either, wheredelegateswilltry their hand at cow chip throw-iog and vie for prizes in the bestWestern-dressed competitions.

Rodeo (Spanish for "cattle ring")Itartedoutduring the1860s and 1870sas an amusement among cowboyswho had reached the end of the longcattle drive and had to remain withtheir herds until they were sold. Theinformal contests were demonstra-tions of typical skills like broncoriding and steer roping.

The popularity of these informalsports grew until the first rodeo withpaid attendance was held inPrescou,Ariz. on July 4, 1886. At the turn ofthe century, rodeos combined withtbepopular" IArildWest" show, whichlecame extravaganzas, includingwagon races, bull riding and steerwrestling. In the more elaborate ro-ticos, even the cooks got into the actby racing their chuckwagons.

Rodeo came to be recognized as acompetitive spectator sport duringhe earlier 20th century. By the mid-1920s, championship events at Bos-lop Garden and New York City'Madison Square Garden drew na-

The stock contractorAn independent contractor provides healthy live-

stock to local rodeo committees over 0 given region. Thecontractor also may provide an arena director, an-nouncer or entertainment.

The secretaryActing as bookkeeper of every rodeo, the secretary records all

entries, fees paid, the order of the draw, scormg, event records andpayoff for the contestants.

The judgesIJsuallysdected fromamong rodeo hands approved by the Profes-

sional Cowboys Rodeo Association, the judges officiate and scorecontestants in each event.

The announcerPlaying the master ofceremonies, the announcer introduces each

event and contestant, calls the action during competition and pro-vides colorful commentary.

The clownsAthletes in their own right, rodeo downs risk life and limb to

protect contestants in dangerous situations, while also providingentertainment for the audience.Solace: TbcNationot Cowboy tlag ofPanta aint Western llcn'sage Ccarcr

tionwide attention.The 1950s and 1960s brought dra-

matic changes with better manage-ment,greaterattention from the media,higher purses and increased atten-dance. That,along withimprovedtrans-portation, enticed many contestants totravel the rodeo circuit full-time.

The advent of television in the'60s and '70s brought the sport to awider audience and generated morerevenue. Commercial sponsorshipnow amounts to some $8 million

dollars annually, with more than $2million in direct prize money. To-day, more than 650 events are heldeach year, attracting millions.

Apart from the contestants, here are someof the players that help pull a rodeo together:The committee

A local sponsoring organization alfiliated with the national bodycoordinates aa publicity, ticket sales, stock contracting, entertain-ment and security.

Pride Integrated Services, Inc.Privatization Saves Tax Dollars

Stop By Booth ¹653 To DiscoverBow Pride Can Assist You !

VALUATIONs RESOURCE

V M XIANAGEXIENT.liNC.

ptopetly Accounting ts Yaiuation setsscesFixes Asset Mallagefiielil Systeilis (FAMS)Accurate, supporltble Insurance Vtluauons

PUBL/C SECTOR I'ALUATIONSWilham N. Jacgct, ASA, Pl csiticnt

1-800-128-1925 or 213-658-5704

800-879-4428

Custom Insoisnco Proptoms

Counties count on us forproperty & casualty insurance!

Visit us al booth ¹606

COORDINATED LAND & RIGHT OF WAY SERVICESFOR CITIES, TOWNS & COUNTIES

~ APPRAISALS Since 1858

~ ACaulSi TiON

'ELOCATION ASSISTANCE ~gg g~~~a5~~~ PROPERTY MANAGEMENT ~%eea~~w~rm~~ PROJECT MANAGEMENT

FIELDsERYICEs,lmc.Corporate Haadquarlars:

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oel

nneisis'a

WON CelebratesIts 20th Year!

In celebration ofits 20th anniversary, the WomenOfjtcials in NACo (WON) willhost a breakfast on

Sunday, July 14jom 8230 —10 a.m. at the FourSeasons Hotel. Attendees willhear from NACo

Second Vice President Betty Lou Ward,commissioner, Wake County, N.C., and California

Health and Welfare Secretary Sandra Smoley,former Sacramento County, Calif. supervisor.

ION HEALTHCARECORPORATION

A Partner in the Community, Providing Quality Healthcare

A leading operator ofcommunity-based hospitals whose mission is:"to create value for payors and consumers ofhealthcare by delivering

measurably higher quality care and superior customer service at lowerprices than our market competition:

Visit our Booth ¹135at the National Association of Counties Conference on July 14-16 in Houston,Texas and receive a complimentary blood pressure screening

CHAMPION HEALTHCARECORPORATION515 W. Greens Road, Suite 800

Houston, TX 77067

Congratulations WON for 20 yearsof service to NACo!

For more information call:Ken Hawkins, VP, Corporate Development 713-873-6623

10County News 1996 Annual Conference Guide, July 8, 1996

shows a 13-minute film,"On Human

Destiny," featuring highlights ofgreatNorth

moments in space exploration. Also

in the StarshipGalleiy isanexhibitof

moon rocks which visitors can touch.UB.

Another anraction, the Space Cen-

ter Theater, willpresent the IMAX Space

feature film,"ToFly"and "ToBe An Center

Astronaut."uston

In May, the center added a new

attraction, Kids'pace Place, which

officially opens Saturday, July 13.

The addition will be an interactive

area targeted to kids ages 3-11 that

willallow them to explore different

aspects of space exploration and the

manned space flightprogram.

Among the 17 play areas at TIte

Kids'pace Place are these activities:

The Lunar Jumper —The firstof Blvd.its kindanywhere, guests are strapped

into a lunar jumper harness and are Hwy. 510

able to experience what it would be

like to move amund on the moon. rpThe Lunar

R- —K d- Fast Facts

willbe able to ~ Space Center Houston is located st 1601 NASA Road Oner 25

see what it's ~es south of Houston vis Interstate 45. Telephone: 713/244-2100.

liketodiiveonthe moon in a ~ Admission price (which indudes films, extnltits, tram tours,

rePlica of the etc.): $1195 for adults; $10.75 for adults 65 and older; $830 for

actual vehicle children ages 4-11; free for children younger than 4. Discounts for

astronauts groups of 15 or more may be arranged, 48 hours in advance, by

used. Amoni- calling 713/244-2130.

tor in fmnt ofthe vehicle ~ Dining is svaflable at the Zero-G Diner, s food court, offering

will play a hambnrgers, hot dogs, pizza, soups and salads.

moving land-~ Direcdons: Space Center Houston is a short drive from down-

vehicie rum- town Houston on Interstate45 South; froth the interstate, exit on

blm NASARoad 1; travdeaston NASARoad 1forabout three miles; the

5 i o n center is located on the left and is marked by blue and white Space

Kidtrol A Center Houston signs.

five-station~ Plan to spend between four to six hours at the center. Your

mock-up willguided part of touring

visit is self-guided, except for the tram tour to the NASA/Johnsongive kids an

Space Center. The center is cornpletelywheddu&-sccessiblaPaik-the area, takes guests

idea of whatbehind the scenes to

it's like tolk t~B$3prvddd Summerh m~9a~t 7pm.~hdy. th J h 5the Johnson Space

work atCenter, where they see

NASA's Mis-the Weightless Envi-

sion Contml, as they communicate "astronauts" located in the shuttle. mnmentTrainingFaciTityandRocket

via two-way audio and video with The NASATram Tour, the only Park, the home of retired rockets.

m here for delegate familiesCultural Tour theUSSTexas,mooredatthe battle- a 70-foot dinosaur skeleton, Native

Sunday, July 14 1-4p.m. ground since 1948. It's the only American artifacts, sea shells, astm-

Your tour begins with a stop at surviving U.S. naval vessel to see ser- naut suits and space station models.

Texas Southern University, estab- vicein WorldWarland WorldWarfl. 'Ibe Woitham IMAX'Iheaire shows

lished in 1947, where you'l explore

films on�tmpical

tai forests, space and

a rare collection ofAfrican art. Next ~ Space Center Houston $30 the Arctic on a six-stoiy screen. The

is a stop at the Shrine of the Black Tour w/lunch museum also boasts acenter with2,000

Madonna Bookstore and Cultural Monday, July JS 9 am.-4p.m. live

bunerflies

and

a

run�fores

with a

Center. Finally, a look at 22 shotgun or Tuesday, July 16 40-foot waterfalL

houses withAfrican-American artist Space Center Houston is the visi-

Rick Lowe, founder of project Row tor center and exhibition hall that ~ Museum of Fine Arts/ $2950

Houses. chroniclesthecountry's experience Contemporary Arts

with manned space flightand gives Museum Tour w/lunch

~ San JacintoMonument $31 the visitor access to the famous Tuesday,July J6 Jdara-2r30pea

and Museum of History Johnson Space Center of NASA. Founded in 1900, the Museum of

~ BattleshipTexasTourw/lunch Lunch will be served in Kemah, FineArts'highlightsincludeRenais-

Monday, July 15 9 am.-2 p.m. overlooking Galveston Bay. sance and 18th-century art; Impres-

Visit the site of the famous battle sionist and Post-Impressionist art,

between Texas and Mexican armies ~ Museum ofNatural $27ri0 including van Gogh, Monet, Matisse

on April21, 1836, for Texas'nde- Science Tour w/lunch and Gaugin; and a collection ofAfri-

pendenceDay. A756-acre park fea- Monday,July l5 10am.-2:30p.m. cangold.Asculpturegardenincludes

tures a 570-foot high monument, or Tuesday, July J6 works by Rodin and Matisse. Next,

with a museumdepicfing Texas liis- One of the most visited science you'llheadtothe "CAM,"housedin

torical documents, maps, books, paint- museumsinthecountry,the star attiac- a corrugated-metal sheathed paral-

ings, photos, coins and other memora- tion isa$ 6millionexhibitofmorethan lelogram. Changing exhibits feature

bilia The tour also includes a look at 600mineml specimens. Also on view: modern-day-masters.

By Mary Ann Barton

senior staff writer

Space Center Houston, the visitor

center for the National Aeronautics

and Space Administration (NASA)/

Johnson Space Center, offers a

"hands-on" experience presenting the

inspirational story of human space

exploration and behind-the-scenes

tours of the manned space program.

Owned and operated by the

Manned Space Flight Education

Foundation, in collaboration with

NASA/Johnson Space Center, the

center was privately funded with$70

million and designed by Disney..

Opening in October 1992, it fea-

tures retired Apollo, Mercury and

Gemini spacecraft, up-to-the-minute

briefings by active duty astronauts

and NASAscientists and engineers,

hands-on simulators, livedemonstra-

tions, and giant-screen films with

NASA footage.The faciTityis 183,000 square feet.

Visitors begin their self-guided tour

at Space Center Plaza, ahuge atrium

that contains a mock-up ofthe space

shuttle. A Lunar Excursion Model

Trainer, used to train Apollo astro-

nauts, is also located there.

'Ibe center features rotating exhib-

its.'Trashing the Envelope: Ballooning

totheEdgeof Space" willbeondisplay

during the NACoAnnual Conference.

'Ibe photos andpeisonal artifacts in the

collection are a tribute to helium bal-

loon aviators.

The Mission Status Center, another

stop on the tour, is where guests can

listen inon actual communications be-

tween Mission Control and astronaut

crews on board the space shunle.

Another highlight of the tour is

'The Feel of Space," a hands-on in-

teractive area where visitors can land

the shuttle or retrieve a satellite

through computer simulation.

Also included in the tour. Starship

Gallery, where the Destiny Theater

610

CenterBlvd.

ooNorth

Bs1 ix

SpaceCenter

HoUstortNASA Rd. 1

coy. 140

asl

I

clLt

Li

co

ktoT

touring Space Center

play areas at the Kids'u31

OI'oc

illel

nea1

Expect to spend several hours

Houston, which now features 17

Space Place.

Johnson Space CenterThe JohnsonSpaceCenter,a$

billion complex built in 1962

cent to Space Center Houston

pres 1,620 acres about 25 nules

downtown Houston.

One of the largest research

development facilities ofNASA,

center is the focal point for the

manned space flightpmgram.

Its FY93 budget was $2.8

In mid-1994, the center

3,219 civilservice and some

contract personnel.

No boredoFmm Bach and Mozart to cowboys

and cappuccino, Hanis County and

Houston, population 1.7 million,offer

the flair of big-city life as well as the

richness of a close. knit, culturally di-

verse community. It's the Real Texas.

Registration for these tours willbe

accepted at the conference on a limited

basis, depending on availability. You

mustbe registered fortheconferenceto

pamdpate illthese tours.

Aa

The center:~ is responsible for the

Shuttle~ has major program

bihues for development of the

station~ developstechnology to

manned spacecraft~ manages industrial

efforts

idetailed design development

fabrication of spacecrai't

~ selects and trains

NASA manned spaceflights~ controls manned fhghts

launch to landing, and

~ manages some of the

scientific and engineering

ments conducted during

flights.The tram tour visits the

Space Center Mission Control

ao missions are in orbit ..

ret3,0

th<

IfTour Descriptions~ Heritage Homes/ $ 19

Houston CityTourSunday, July 14 1-4p.m.An excursion that touches all the

bases. Visithistoric buildings at Sam

Houston Park, on the edge ofdown-

town Houston. See stately mansions

in fashionable River Oaks. View the

famed Texas Medical Center (the

world's largest), and experience

downtown.

$5t~ I

~ African-American $ 10.50

Space Center Houston: NASA'svisitorcenter

News 1996 Annual Conference Guide, July tt, 1996

iter

ids'1.1

tdja-

cca

Rom

aad

g tbe

U

Harris Counjtj offers boutiques to bargains

Shopping in downtown, P~ Park Shops in Houston,Center k a minimaU near thelGexirge R. Brown ConvenfionCenter that features mote than75stotesand restaurants,indud-ingTexana gifts,a one-bourphotnstore and a drugstore.

Haveno fear—you don't haveto shop and sweat at the samethne when you'e downtown.

To beat the heat, try the 6$-mffe tunnd system fullof restau-rants and shopsbeneath thedty'sstreets.

For NACo Annual Confer-ence participants staying at ho-tek near The Gafferia, one waytobeat theheatduringanydown-time you may have is by doingsome serious window shoppingat some of tbe more than 300shops at this megamaU featuringan indoor ice-skafing rink.

Ifyou'reintobrowsing,checkout the windows at Tiffany andCo„one of 19 jewdry stores.Some other exdusive shops youmight not find back home in-dude Neiman Marcus, Fendi,Luis Vuitton, Gianni Versace,Ligie Rubin, Gucd, Barney'sNew York, The Polo Store andThe Coach Store. Some of thelargerdepartment storesindudeMacy's, Marshaff Field's andLord & Taylor.

Ifyou'e looking for a littleTexana to take home, there areseveral stores that specialize inag things Texas at The GafferiaiY'afls Texas Store carries"taxidermied" rattlesnakes andarmadiffos, salsas, belt buckles,cowboy statues and Southwest-ern pottery. Other such shops totask forare Texas Souvenirs andTexas and the Territories.

Western-style attire can bepurchased at Stelzig's of Texas,3123 Post Oak Blvd„where youcan find prairie skirts, a Stetsonor a pair of boots. CavendersBoot City bas seven locations,lacluding 2505 S. Loop W. (610)

the GaUeria.Wear comfortableshoesifyou

to see everything at The—the complex encom-1.8 million square feet of

space. The original Gaffe-1(which includes the Westin

Hotel) opened in 1970 andstyled after the Galleria

Emanuele in Milan,

Browsing in theMuseum District

'or

those staying at theWyndham Warwick inHouston's Museum District,shopping is as near as The Vil-lage, one ofHouston'searlyshop-ping centers, built in 1938 nearRice University.

It is bounded by KirbyDrive,Rice Boulevard, University Bou-levard and ShephertL

There's a dime store, the Va-riety Fair 5 tk 10, that standsamong shops selling crafts,cappuccino, baked goods andbeads. The Village Grind coffeeshop is a great place to hang out.

Deep Texas,atSbepherdpiazadown the street, specializes incowboy kitsch from tbe 1940sand '50s.

Agreat deli, Butera's, is at thecorner of W. Alabama and S.Shepherd. Bookstop, Houston'slargest bookstore, is housed inthe grand ArtDeco Alabama The-ater, with a coffee bar in the bal ~

cony.

Upscale bargainsIfyou're looking forsome real

upscale bargains,try the NeimanMarcus over at Town tk CountryMall,at 10615 Town gi CountryWay.

The third floor —dubbrxtWast Call" —camas nothingbut markedMown merchandise,some of it up to 80 percent oif. Ifyou need directions, call 984-2100.

Other bargains can be foundat factory outlet stores in sur-rounding areas: Factory Storesof America k Houston's biggestand dosest outlet store, about 20minutes south of Houston in LaMarque, Exit 13, with 40 stores(8005HOP-USA) indudingIzod,Bass Shoes, Adidas, AmericanTourister, Corning and Levl's.

Tbe Conroe Outlet Center isnorth of Houston on IP5 andcarries upscale and designerout-lets and the Lone Star State Fac-tory Store is situated south ofHouston on 1<5 in La Marquewith 40 stores..

An expansion in 1979 led toaddition ofGafferia II(which

the Westin Gafleria) andextra 575,000 square feet. In

1986, Gafferia BI debuted,100,000 more square feet

retag space. The centerpiece k3,(00-square-foot garden de-

by Everitt Miller,formerof Longwood Gardens

tbe DuPont estate.U you want to try some ice-

public skating sessionsas follows (admksion

$5 and skate rental is $250)i~ Monday-9 am;4 p.nx'uesday and Thursday - 9-5 p.m., 8-10 p.m.

'ednesday - 10:15 aatL-p.m„8-10 p.m.

'riday -9 tLnL-11 p.m.'aturday - 12:30-11 p.m.'unday - 12:15-6 p.m.

When the gOitlg gets tough... the tough go shopping!

When most people visit anew area,they like to sample new restaurants,and txxmty otficials are no different.

For thosegatberinginHanisCoun-ty (Houston), Texas July 12—16 forNACo's 61st Annual Conference,they'e sure to find what they'e look-ing for in the way ofcuisine (there aremom than 6 000restaurants!), whetherit's an elegant, candlelit dinner in afour-star estaurant; or some down-home, Texas-style barbecue; or Tex-Mex.

Asurvey ofareaeaterieshas turnedup a surprising variety —in foodselection, price, and ambience —aflwithin easy access to conferenceheadquarters and hotels.

County News consulted with ourHouston sources, and checked listingsin the Houston Press newspaper andZagat's latest survey to come up withthe following list, which should giveyou an idea of the type of cuisineoffered, the averagcprice ofameal, thelocation and telephone number. Youmay want to call ahead to see ifreser-vations are necessary. Ban

A petit!$ : under $7

$$ : $8-$ 15

$$$ : $ 16-$ 30$$$$ : $30 and up(Prices are perperson, excluding

alcoholic dnnks.)

Las Alamedas8615 Katy PiwyJI-10 W. (Vo ),

461-1503. lbe verdict on this Me-morial-areaMexican eatery witha "ca-thedral-like atmosphere" is that "thesunoundings are so lush" that the oth-erwise well-rated Mexico City stylemenu can'tmeasme up; strident criticssay "faux decor, faux food, faux-getit," but "the view alone is worth thevisit," according to Zagat's survey.$$$

Americas1800PostOakBlvd. (San Felipe),

961-1492. High-concept "NewWorld cuisine" using foods and tech-niques &omNorth, Central and SouthAmerica is the draw at this "surreal"spot; not everyone likes the "outra-geous"'Kintstones" decor, but mostfind the food "fabulous," accordingto Zagat's. $$$

Anthony'4007 Westheimer (Highland Vil-

lage),961-0552. Run by famed Hous-ton restaurateur Tony Vaflone, thisromantictestaurantistheplace whereHoustonians go to "see and be seen."Serving Italian/Continental cuisine.The lobster souffle is rated "excel-lent." $$$

Bistro Lancaster701 Texas, 228-9500. Located in

the Lancaster Hotel, a small, luxuryinn, the Houston Press says the foodhere —"earthy cilantm-tasso oysters,salads ofgrilled quail or arugula, ba-con and egg," etc. —matches the"smug, handsome dining room." $$$

'.: xli talma'

++11++yyyy~ltlll+yyyy~+Brennan's

3300 Smith (Stuart), Downtown,522-9711. This

offshoot

o New Or-leans'ommander's Palace brings alittle bit of the French Quarter toHouston. The turtle soup, crab cakesand brunch menu Eggs Hussarde arenoteworthy. $$$

The Brownstone2736 Virginiaat Westheimer, one

block westofKirbyDrive,520-5666.European and American cuisine withCreole overtones ofNew Orleans ...you'8 see lots ofantiques and mt (aflfor sale) here in a mmantic atmo-sphere. Sunday brunch. $$$

Cafe Annie1728 Post Oak Blvd, 840.1 ill.

Ms restaurmt pushes the envelopewhen itcomes to innovative, sophisti-cated Southwestem-stylecuisine.Manyconsider ths Houston's best, but somefind it a bit too experimentaL $$tB

Delmonico's5060W. Ahbama(postOakBtvd),

Gaflena, 960-8100. Smack in themiddleofIbeGafieria,servingAmeri-can fare described by Zagat's as a'ludden treasure" that locals tend tooverlook; try the onion soup served ina hoUowed-out bowl $$$

La Griglia2002 W. Gray, 526-4700. (Pro-

nounced la gree-yah), serving snap-per, calamari, or try something fromthe wood-fired oven —wild boar orlamb. Zagat's says it has "the bestduck in town"aad is great forpeople-watching. $$$

Grotto3920 Westheimer 622-3663.

Described as famed Houston res-taurateur Tony Vaflone's most ca-sual restaurmt; innovative Italiancuisine, ravioli, pizza. Tenace din-ing available. $$

Charley's 517517Louisiana(between Texas and

Prairie), Downtown, 224-4438. The-ater crowds can be found here; it'also a special place where Housto-ruans go to celebrate aniuversanes,etc. American specialities includerack of lamb, lobster, veal chops andbaked lump crab meat with caviar.Award-winning wine list. $$$$

Maxim'3755Richmond at Timmons,877-

8899.

A tradition for45 yeas; describedas the place where "old Houston"goes. French and Gulf-coast cook-ing. Standout: Chateaubriand andchocolate soutfle. W!n»~re. gat'sAward of Excellence. Saturdays—dinner only. $$$$

Piccola Cucina5015Westheuner(PostOakBlvd.),

'lite Gafleria, 6224544.Its location inside Barney's at The

Gafleria has caused this hypertiendytrattoria to remain largely "undiscov-ered"; respondents who have foundittout "wonderful focaccia," as wellas Tuscan bread salad and caipaccio,though a

fewcallit�"overpriced, over-

rated," acconhng to Zagat's. $$$

Chttrrasco's2055 Westheimer (S Shepherd)

527-8300. Serving Argentiniansteaks, crabmeat dishes and PofloEncamisado. South American winelist. Patrons say the Tres Laches des-sertisamust! $$$

La Colombe d'r3410 Montrose (Harold), 524

7999.

The former mansion of Exxonfounder Walter Fondren, now an an-tique-and-modern-art-fifled luxuryhotel, is home to this "very impres-

sivee,"

"pricey" French dining room;with its "timeless menu" and air of"European elegance," it's "a placethat you remember," according toZagat's. $$$$

Rainbow Lodge1 Birdsafl (Memorial Dr.), 861-

8666. Enjoying one of the city's mostglorious settings, this rustic fishinglodgeon thebankof theBuffaloBayouis "so unusual you gasp."

Patrons are dazzled by the looks ofthis "delightful, romantic special-oc-casion place," but also note that theregional American food has improveddramaticafly since Zagat's last survey;it's especially "good for brunch" orlunch when you can see the view. $$$

Damian's3011 Smith (near Elgin) Down-

town, 522-0439.Serving Northern Italian food, the

warm atmosphere attracts Houston'solder business set $$$ See RESTAURANTS page l2

Houston Restaurant SceneFrom four s-tar elegance to down h-ome barbecue

County News 1996 Annual Conference Guide July a, 1898

RESTAURANTS r p g 11

La Tour d'Argent2011 Ella Blvd., 864-9864. Ro-

mantic and historic, located inHouston's oldest log cabin; serving a

French menu. Sunday brunch. Callahead for directions. $$$

Vargo's2401 Fondren (north of West-

heimer), 782-3888. Ifyou'e lookingfor a romantic spot, gus is it. Consis-

tently voted as the Houston restaurant

with the 'Rest Atmosphere." AHous-ton landmark since 1965, Vargo's fea-

tures an American-Continental menu.

The testaurantovedooksaprivate lakeand peacocks strutting though azalea

gardens. Sunday brunch. $$$

5756; 6445 Richmond Ave., 784-

5253. According to Zagat's, the"green enchiladas are to die for" at

this widely copied chain of "ram-bunctious" bordertown Tex-Mexcantinas, complete with rovingmariachis who "will keep youamused"; "huge portions" ofsizzlingfajitas, drunken beans, cabrito andnachos are "probably Houston's bestMexican food even if a few dubthem "tourist traps." $$

Sonora del Norte1515 Dallas (Downtown), 659-

6394. "Funky, fresh" Mexican food.A good spot to unwind. $

STEAKS

BARBECUEGoode Company TexasBarbecue

5109 Kirby, 522-2530. Try thePo'oys, Polish sausage or "awe-some" jalapeno cheesebread. $

Luling City Market4726 Richmond Ave. (W. Loop

610 S.), Galleria, 871-1903. Zagat'ssays this small-town transplant is"like going to West Texas without

the drive"; the rough-edged "decoris lacking," but meats, distinctiveBBQ sauce and potato salad are "10levels above the rest." $$

Luther's Barbecue8777 S. Main, 432-1107; 1100

Smith, 759-0018; 20794 GulfFree-way/1-45 S. (NASA Road I), 332-1285. "Well-run"barn-sized jointswith "hokey decor" and "assemblyline BBQ"; though often dispar-aged as being fast food, they are

liked by many for their good meats("ask for lean" ), "delicious" onion-ring loaf and unlimited sauce, ac-

cording to Zagat's. $ -$$

Otto's5502 Memorial, 864-8526. You

just might bump into a former presi-dent at this barbecue joint, GeorgeBush's fave. $

Compiled by Mary Ann Bartonsenior staff writer

Nf

TEX-MEXArmando's

2300 Westheimer, Kirby Corri-dor,521-9757. Upscale Mexican grillserving "superb" chicken enchila-das. A place for "River Oaks socialclimbers," according to Zagat's. $$

BerryhiU Hot Tamales2639 Revere, KirbyConidor,526-

8080. No credit cards accepttxL De-scribed as a shoe box-sized Mexicancafe serving "the best

fish taco

eve,"

tamales, and "wonderful breakfasts,"

according to Zagat's. $

CauiUac Bar1802 ShepherdDrive, Heights area,

862-2020. Irish-spirited place to un-

wind —in cantina surmundmgs that

include walls scrawled with magic-marker, arinatedporknachos,Mexi-

can food with a Texas flair. $$

El Fenix5015 Westheimer (Post Oak

Blvd.), Galleria, 621-6080. Watch

the skaters at the Gal)erin's ice-skat-

ing rink while you stop for a bite ofchips and salsa. It' not the bestMexi-

call Itxxfirlule ilre", biii ihe pllce is

right and the location is good ifyoualso want to squeeze in some shop-

ping or browsing. $$

Irma's22 N. Chenevert (Downtown),

222-0767. Located in the bleakwarehouse district near Downtown,this small, lunch-only spot attractsthe city's movers and shakers withits cheese enchiladas and fresh lem-onade, according to Zagat's. De-

scribed as a "flower bloomingamidst the decay." $

Ninfa's2704 Navigation, 228-1175. This

is the original location of a Tex-

Mex eatery that has many branches

around Houston. It features deli-cioso fajitas, tacos al carbon, redand green salsas, and hand-pattedflour tortillas. $$

Pappasito's Cantina6445. 'chmond at Hillcmft,784-

5253; 12000 SW Freeway/59 South

(Wilcrest and Murphy Road exit),2400(89; 20099 GulfFreeway/1-45

South (NASA Road I), 338-2885;

2515 S. Loop West (S. Main), 668-

Brenner's Steakhouse10911 Katy Freeway, 465-2901.

"Monumental rib eyes and strip sir-loins pooled in salty pan juices; ex-quisitely nasty German-fried pota-toes," is how the Houston Press de-

scribes the steak dinners at this panel-and-fieldstone lodge. Houston's top-rated steakhouse by Zagat's. $$$

Hofbrau Steaks1803 Shepherd Dr., 869-7074.

Described by Zagat's as the "unoffi-cial"hangoutforUniversityofTexasalums; it's cloudy with cigarettesmoke, but serves greatchicken-friedsteak; a livelyjukebox reminds din-ers of Austin. Very Texan. $$

Palm Restaurant ofHouston

6100 Westheimer, 977-2544. Lo-cated near the Galleria,this is a branch

of the New York original, with its

mahogany-paneled walls covered incartoons and caricatures. The menu

features giantsteaks, lobster anddeca-

dent desserts. $$$

SEAFOODCaptain Benny's

8506 S. Main(oldSpanish Trail),666-5469; 4715 Westheimer (W.Loop 610), 877-1028. A purposelyseedy place aboard a beached shrimpboat attracts suits and blue-collarworkers who come here to grab a

beer and some oysters, shrimp orchowder. $-$$

Goode Co. Seafood2621 Westpark (Kirby Drive),

523-7154. Set in a '50s-style South-

em diner, serves upirresistable shrimpPo'oys, a seafood cocktail served

with corn chips and jalapenos thatZagat's says is "reason to live." $$

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen2525 S. Loop W. (Kirby Drive

and South Main), 665-3155. The best

Cajun cooking west of Louisiana,includingetouffee, gumbo and "awe-

some" oyster-and-shrimp fondue,

according to Zagat's. Expect a noisyatmosphere and a long wait. $$

WIUie G's1605 S. Post Oak Blvd., near the

Galleria, 840-7190. Seafood—gumbo, snapper, shrimp Creole and

steaks. Described as a "good ole boyhangout," by Zagat's. $$

SaturdayPolicy Committee Beverages

~ Edison Electric Institute

SundayConVnenfaf Breakfast

~ MBIA

IUesdayDelegate Lunch

~ Heery Program Management~ 3M-TraNc Control Materials

Division~ Oracle

~ Bankers Trust

MondayDelegate Lunch

~ Voyager Fleet Systems~ Kodak

~ Raymond James 8 Assoc.

~ KPMG-Peat Marwick~ Standard & Poor's

President's Reception~ ABN-AMRO

~ American InternationalGroup (AIG)

~ HU Management Group

Counties Care forAmerica

From the NACo Family-a B/G THANKYOUforyour support ofCounty Government

Somebody has to pay for it!The lunches ...

the receptions .

the special touches that make each conference unique ...

Conference registration fees don't pay for it aliiBut thanks to the generosity of corporate friends, these conference traditions continue.

NACo would like conference attendees to know who these sponsors are and theevents they'e underwritten.

They'e listed below.

By

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