Unemployment rates in Tennessee counties continue to grow. All 95 counties reported an increase in unemployment from November to December. Reviewing the December unemployment rates, we now have 36 counties with double-digit unemployment. That’s up from 15 in November. A total of 67 counties are at 8% or higher. That’s up from 52 in November.
A county by county breakdown of unemployment can be found here. Perry County has the highest rate in Tennessee at 20.1% in December. Warren County saw the greatest increase, increasing 3.2% from a November rate of 9.1% to a December rate of 12.3%.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
NACo Publication on Solid Waste Management and Recycling
The National Association of Counties has a number of initiatives to help government become more "green." That word has been dramatically over-used in recent years as a shorthand term for environmentally friendly initiatives. But when it comes to county government and its responsibilities for managing solid waste, the term "green" can also refer to the financial savings that can be realized by operating smarter and less wastefully. We have traditionally thought that environmentally responsible products and programs were more expensive. We are now learning that generating less waste and using less energy on the front end can more than pay for itself in the long run. Every item that can be successfully recycled helps to extend the life of landfills and solid waste facilities. Recyling may also convert things that had traditionally been an expense for county government into a revenue source. Converting to more efficient forms of lighting and working to have more energy efficient buildings and facilities can generate tremendous savings on energy costs for our schools, jails and courthouses. For a good overview on ways you can make your county more "green," click here.
Economic Stimulus Proposals
The National Association of Counties has an overview of the economic stimulus proposal offered by the U.S. House of Representatives Democratic Leadership which is being called the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. You can find this at the NACo website http://www.naco.org/ or connect directly to the overview by clicking here.
The proposal includes funding for highways and bridges, some of which would be divided by local areas. The proposal also includes funding for water infrastructure, rural development, broadband and wireless expansion and school construction for both K-12 and higher education.
The proposal includes funding for highways and bridges, some of which would be divided by local areas. The proposal also includes funding for water infrastructure, rural development, broadband and wireless expansion and school construction for both K-12 and higher education.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
House Committees Announced
Speaker Williams announced the House Committees today. The appointments have not yet been posted to the legislative website, but should be available there soon. With all the subcommittees in the House, the list of appointments is extensive, therefore I am not posting it here in its entirety.
Speaker Williams has divided committee membership and chairmanship as evenly as possible between Democrats and Republicans. 7 standing committees are chaired by Republicans, 6 by Democrats. In most of the committees, membership of the committee is also divided equally between the parties.
There have been changes in some of the committees most important to county government. Rep. Curry Todd (R) of Shelby County will take over the chairmanship of the State and Local Government Committee. Rep. Harry Brooks (R) of Knox County will chair Education. Transportation will be chaired by Rep. Bill Harmon who had been the Secretary of the committee under the Chairmanship of Rep. Pinion who did not seek re-election. Rep. Craig Fitzhugh will remain Chair of the Finance Committee and Rep. Harry Tindell will continue to chair the powerful Finance Budget Subcommittee.
UPDATE -- House Committees are now available on the General Assembly's website.
Speaker Williams has divided committee membership and chairmanship as evenly as possible between Democrats and Republicans. 7 standing committees are chaired by Republicans, 6 by Democrats. In most of the committees, membership of the committee is also divided equally between the parties.
There have been changes in some of the committees most important to county government. Rep. Curry Todd (R) of Shelby County will take over the chairmanship of the State and Local Government Committee. Rep. Harry Brooks (R) of Knox County will chair Education. Transportation will be chaired by Rep. Bill Harmon who had been the Secretary of the committee under the Chairmanship of Rep. Pinion who did not seek re-election. Rep. Craig Fitzhugh will remain Chair of the Finance Committee and Rep. Harry Tindell will continue to chair the powerful Finance Budget Subcommittee.
UPDATE -- House Committees are now available on the General Assembly's website.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Reminder - Statement of Disclosure of Interest Forms Due by January 31
Local Elected Officials are required to file annual statements of disclosure of interest by the end of the month. Local officials are allowed to file either on-line or by mail. For a copy of the 2009 form and detailed instructions, go here:
http://www.state.tn.us/sos/tec/forms/ss-8005.pdf
To file on-line, go here:
http://www.tennesseeanytime.org/conflict/
For more information, go here:
http://www.state.tn.us/sos/tec/forms.htm
http://www.state.tn.us/sos/tec/forms/ss-8005.pdf
To file on-line, go here:
http://www.tennesseeanytime.org/conflict/
For more information, go here:
http://www.state.tn.us/sos/tec/forms.htm
Sales Tax Collections for December Show Drastic Decline
Local option sales tax collections for December were released this week. These figures reflect sales taxes remitted to the State in December that resulted from retail transactions during the month of November. These figures therefore include the start of the holiday shopping season and relate to all local option sales taxes collected in a county. In other words, the numbers include both county and municipal local option sales tax revenues.
A quick comparison to last year shows that 67 out of 95 counties generated less local option sales tax in December 2008 than December 2007. Those 67 include almost all counties with a large sales tax base. The 4 large urban counties all posted at least an 8% loss. Out of 23 counties that generated $1 million or more in local option sales tax, 19 showed losses. Statewide, overall local option sales tax collections were down 5.8% for the month.
Updating year to date figures, 46 counties are now showing declines over the same period from the 2007 budget year.
A quick comparison to last year shows that 67 out of 95 counties generated less local option sales tax in December 2008 than December 2007. Those 67 include almost all counties with a large sales tax base. The 4 large urban counties all posted at least an 8% loss. Out of 23 counties that generated $1 million or more in local option sales tax, 19 showed losses. Statewide, overall local option sales tax collections were down 5.8% for the month.
Updating year to date figures, 46 counties are now showing declines over the same period from the 2007 budget year.
John Morgan named New Deputy Governor
This morning Governor Bredesen announced that he was naming John Morgan, former State Comptroller of the Treasury, as Deputy Governor. The position of Deputy Governor became vacant when Stuart Brunson announced he was stepping down earlier this month.
House Committees
As of this morning, we are still awaiting the announcement of House Committees. The Senate Committees have been announced. A list of the Senate Committee chairs is posted below. You can get full information about all members of the Senate Committees on the legislature's website.
We may not hear the House Committees until sometime next week. Both the House and Senate are currently adjourned until February 9th to allow for re-organization of offices and staff. When they return on the 9th, the Governor is scheduled to make a budget address to a joint convention of the legislature.
We may not hear the House Committees until sometime next week. Both the House and Senate are currently adjourned until February 9th to allow for re-organization of offices and staff. When they return on the 9th, the Governor is scheduled to make a budget address to a joint convention of the legislature.
Redesigned Legislative Website
The Tennessee General Assembly has unveiled a re-designed website. You can still reach it by following the old web address or you can go directly to the new address: http://www.capitol.tn.gov/.
The site is eaiser to access and is well-organized with even more information about legislators, committees and bills. There is even a new feature that will allow you to find archived video clips of committee hearings related to an individual bill. You can also create your own bill tracking lists and the site will send you updates when the status changes on a piece of legislation you are following.
The site is eaiser to access and is well-organized with even more information about legislators, committees and bills. There is even a new feature that will allow you to find archived video clips of committee hearings related to an individual bill. You can also create your own bill tracking lists and the site will send you updates when the status changes on a piece of legislation you are following.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
CTAS Offering Evening Ethics Course
On Thursday evening, January 29, the County Technical Assistance Service is offering a 2 hour class for county officials on Ethics. The course is a part of the CTAS County Officials Certificate Training Program. The class is scheduled for 6:30pm to 8:30 pm at the Cool Springs Marriott in Williamson County.
At our regional meetings this fall, you may remember that we surveyed our members to see if there was interest in attending training at alternate times (evenings or weekends). This course is being offered in the evening to accommodate county officials who may find it difficult to take time off from work to attend training related to their elected position. I encourage county commissioners in middle Tennessee to take advantage of this opportunity. To register or for more information, visit the CTAS website at http://www.ctas.tennessee.edu/. or call their office at (615) 532-3555.
At our regional meetings this fall, you may remember that we surveyed our members to see if there was interest in attending training at alternate times (evenings or weekends). This course is being offered in the evening to accommodate county officials who may find it difficult to take time off from work to attend training related to their elected position. I encourage county commissioners in middle Tennessee to take advantage of this opportunity. To register or for more information, visit the CTAS website at http://www.ctas.tennessee.edu/. or call their office at (615) 532-3555.
Senate Committee Announcements
The announcement of Senate Standing Committees has been released. There have been a number of changes, even where there were not vacancies.
Senator Ramsey continues to serve as Lt. Governor
Senator Woodson is moving into the position of Speaker Pro Tempore
Senator Ketron is Deputy Speaker
Commerce, Labor and Agriculture Chair: Sen. Stanley
Education Chair: Sen. Gresham
Environment, Conservation and Tourism Chair: Sen. Southerland
Finance, Ways and Means Chair: Sen. McNally
General Welfare Chair: Sen. Crowe
Government Operations Chair: Sen. Johnson
Judiciary Chair: Sen. Beavers
State and Local Government Chair: Sen. Ketron
Transportation Chair: Sen. Tracy
Rules: Sen. Norris
Ethics: Sen. Black
Calendar: Sen. Faulk
The new membership of the Senate State and Local Government Committee, which is an important committee that considers most legislation affecting county government is as follows:
Chairman: Ketron, Vice Chair: Finney, Secretary: Haynes
Other Members: Burchett, Faulk, Harper, Norris, Tracy, Yager
Senator Ramsey continues to serve as Lt. Governor
Senator Woodson is moving into the position of Speaker Pro Tempore
Senator Ketron is Deputy Speaker
Commerce, Labor and Agriculture Chair: Sen. Stanley
Education Chair: Sen. Gresham
Environment, Conservation and Tourism Chair: Sen. Southerland
Finance, Ways and Means Chair: Sen. McNally
General Welfare Chair: Sen. Crowe
Government Operations Chair: Sen. Johnson
Judiciary Chair: Sen. Beavers
State and Local Government Chair: Sen. Ketron
Transportation Chair: Sen. Tracy
Rules: Sen. Norris
Ethics: Sen. Black
Calendar: Sen. Faulk
The new membership of the Senate State and Local Government Committee, which is an important committee that considers most legislation affecting county government is as follows:
Chairman: Ketron, Vice Chair: Finney, Secretary: Haynes
Other Members: Burchett, Faulk, Harper, Norris, Tracy, Yager
Selection of Constitutional Officers
The General Assembly is close to finishing its organizational session and is expected to adjourn for three weeks. This morning, the House and Senate met in joint session to select the constitutional offices of Secretary of State, Treasurer and Comptroller of the Treasury. Tre Hargett was selected as Secretary of State, Justin Wilson as Comptroller and David Lillard as Treasurer.
As an organization, we offer special congratulations to David Lillard, Shelby County Commissioner, board member and past president of the Tennessee County Commissioners Association. We will miss his service, knowledge, wisdom and professionalism on our board and wish him the best in his new endeavor.
I also wish to express heartfelt thanks to out-going Secretary of State Riley Darnell, Treasurer Dale Sims and Comptroller John Morgan for their many years of dedicated service to the citizens of Tennessee.
As an organization, we offer special congratulations to David Lillard, Shelby County Commissioner, board member and past president of the Tennessee County Commissioners Association. We will miss his service, knowledge, wisdom and professionalism on our board and wish him the best in his new endeavor.
I also wish to express heartfelt thanks to out-going Secretary of State Riley Darnell, Treasurer Dale Sims and Comptroller John Morgan for their many years of dedicated service to the citizens of Tennessee.
TCCA Board Meetings for 2009
The dates for TCCA Board Meetings have been set for 2009. Our first meeting will be Tuesday, February 3rd in Nashville in the ground floor conference room of our office building located at 226 Capitol Boulevard, Nashville, TN. The meeting will start at 11:00 AM with lunch provided for board members.
Our other meetings will occur in conjunction with the 3 TCSA annual conferences and meetings. These will be as follows:
March 3 at 1:00 p.m. in conjunction with the County Government Day event at the Nashville Downtown Sheraton.
Tuesday June 2 at 1:00 p.m. in conjunction with the Post Legislative Conference in Gatlinburg, TN.
Thursday, October 8 in conjunction with the TCSA Fall Conference and Trade Show, Chattanooga, TN.
If additional meetings are necessary to conduct the business of the TCCA, these will be called by the president and proper notice will be provided.
Our other meetings will occur in conjunction with the 3 TCSA annual conferences and meetings. These will be as follows:
March 3 at 1:00 p.m. in conjunction with the County Government Day event at the Nashville Downtown Sheraton.
Tuesday June 2 at 1:00 p.m. in conjunction with the Post Legislative Conference in Gatlinburg, TN.
Thursday, October 8 in conjunction with the TCSA Fall Conference and Trade Show, Chattanooga, TN.
If additional meetings are necessary to conduct the business of the TCCA, these will be called by the president and proper notice will be provided.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Federal Infrastructure Stimulus
As the new Congress has convened in Washington, D.C. this month and we are preparing for the new Obama administration to take office in less than two weeks, one of the most anticipated issues for local government this next year is the consideration of a federal infrastructure stimulus package.
It appears that significant funding will be made available to state and hopefully local governments across the country in an effort to shore up government infrastructure and stimulate economic activity. I joined with the directors of other county associations and the Tennessee Municipal League in sending a letter to the Tennessee Congressional Delegation to highlight the infrastructure needs of local governments in Tennessee. While the State of Tennessee clearly has significant needs of its own, I feel strongly that local governments also need to share in this potential infrastructure stimulus package. A copy of one of the letters can be found here:
http://www.tncountycommissioners.org/files/cong_delegation_01_09.pdf
It appears that significant funding will be made available to state and hopefully local governments across the country in an effort to shore up government infrastructure and stimulate economic activity. I joined with the directors of other county associations and the Tennessee Municipal League in sending a letter to the Tennessee Congressional Delegation to highlight the infrastructure needs of local governments in Tennessee. While the State of Tennessee clearly has significant needs of its own, I feel strongly that local governments also need to share in this potential infrastructure stimulus package. A copy of one of the letters can be found here:
http://www.tncountycommissioners.org/files/cong_delegation_01_09.pdf
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Mental Health Forums
As the State is considering potential budget cuts to deal with its projected revenue losses, many critical services will potentially be affected. One such area relates to mental health services.
An organization called the Tennessee Coalition for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services has scheduled a series of 7 forums across the state to discuss the potential impact of these proposed budget cuts. That group has requested that I make information regarding these forums available to you as there is a potential that cuts in state services could impact county health facilities.
During these difficult economic times, both state and county governments are facing severe revenue shortfalls and painful budget cuts. Obviously, because of the interrelated manner in which many services (education, corrections, transportation, etc.) are delivered, cuts to many state programs and funding can impact county governments. For example, changes in ambulance reimbursement rates made last year negatively impacted many county ambulance services as well as private ambulance services serving other counties.
With the potential of up to $1 billion in state budget cuts, it is unreleastic to think no local programs or services will be affected by the state budget crisis. But by keeping aware of these issues, we can be better prepared to handle the cuts or respond to changes in service delivery. These forums will help you be aware of how potential changes to mental health and substance abuse services may impact your community. If you are interested in attending a forum, you can find information about a meeting in your area here:
http://www.tncountycommissioners.org/files/2008_TCMHSAS_Forum_Invitation.pdf
An organization called the Tennessee Coalition for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services has scheduled a series of 7 forums across the state to discuss the potential impact of these proposed budget cuts. That group has requested that I make information regarding these forums available to you as there is a potential that cuts in state services could impact county health facilities.
During these difficult economic times, both state and county governments are facing severe revenue shortfalls and painful budget cuts. Obviously, because of the interrelated manner in which many services (education, corrections, transportation, etc.) are delivered, cuts to many state programs and funding can impact county governments. For example, changes in ambulance reimbursement rates made last year negatively impacted many county ambulance services as well as private ambulance services serving other counties.
With the potential of up to $1 billion in state budget cuts, it is unreleastic to think no local programs or services will be affected by the state budget crisis. But by keeping aware of these issues, we can be better prepared to handle the cuts or respond to changes in service delivery. These forums will help you be aware of how potential changes to mental health and substance abuse services may impact your community. If you are interested in attending a forum, you can find information about a meeting in your area here:
http://www.tncountycommissioners.org/files/2008_TCMHSAS_Forum_Invitation.pdf
Monitoring Solid Waste Disposal Facilities
Many county commissioners are concerned about what happens at both public and private waste disposal facilities in their county. The management of landfills and other disposal facilities can be critical to local environmental issues. Many times it is hard to keep track of the bureaucratic procedures involved in applying for or modifying a permit for a solid waste facility.
To help improve public notice of these procedures, you can ask to be added to a Division of Solid Waste Management mailing list that will send you information about all applications and modifications. Mind you, this will not be limited to only your county, but being on the list will help ensure you know when there is a notice or public comment period about a facility in your county.
Persons who wish to be on the DSWM’s mailing list should request a Mailing List Request form by calling or writing: Public Participation Officer; Division of Solid Waste Management; Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation; 5th Floor, L & C Tower; 401 Church Street; Nashville, Tennessee 37243-1535; telephone 615-532-0798; e-mail Solid.Waste@state.tn.us.
I am on this list and recently received a notice of the summary report of all permit modifications that were approved in 2008. For your convenience I am posting that document on the legal resources section of the main association website. You can link to it here:
http://www.tncountycommissioners.org/files/solid_waste_permit_modifications.pdf
Copies of the List may also be reviewed or obtained at the Department’s Environmental Field Office (EFO), Public Access Areas. To locate the EFO closest to you, call 1-888-891-8332 or contact the Division of Solid Waste Management Central Office located at 5th Floor, L & C Tower, 401 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37243-1535; telephone 615-532-9267 or at the Department’s World Wide Web Site at http://www.state.tn.us/environment.
To help improve public notice of these procedures, you can ask to be added to a Division of Solid Waste Management mailing list that will send you information about all applications and modifications. Mind you, this will not be limited to only your county, but being on the list will help ensure you know when there is a notice or public comment period about a facility in your county.
Persons who wish to be on the DSWM’s mailing list should request a Mailing List Request form by calling or writing: Public Participation Officer; Division of Solid Waste Management; Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation; 5th Floor, L & C Tower; 401 Church Street; Nashville, Tennessee 37243-1535; telephone 615-532-0798; e-mail Solid.Waste@state.tn.us.
I am on this list and recently received a notice of the summary report of all permit modifications that were approved in 2008. For your convenience I am posting that document on the legal resources section of the main association website. You can link to it here:
http://www.tncountycommissioners.org/files/solid_waste_permit_modifications.pdf
Copies of the List may also be reviewed or obtained at the Department’s Environmental Field Office (EFO), Public Access Areas. To locate the EFO closest to you, call 1-888-891-8332 or contact the Division of Solid Waste Management Central Office located at 5th Floor, L & C Tower, 401 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37243-1535; telephone 615-532-9267 or at the Department’s World Wide Web Site at http://www.state.tn.us/environment.
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