INDIANA NEWS 92 - Association of Indiana Counties

Transcription

Association of Indiana Counties Inc.
101 West Ohio Street, Suite 1575
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2051
PRESORTED
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
TWG, INC.
Warrick County
A Place of History and Wonder...
Volume 16 Number 5 September/October 2010
INDIANA NEWS 92
Communities across Indiana
depend on their county officials to make important decisions that will benefit citizens. As Indiana’s
largest law firm, Barnes & Thornburg LLP has experience assisting many county commissioners
with legal issues they face on a daily basis, including:
• Financing county facilities
• Generating economic development strategies
• Litigating cases when necessary
• Developing county employment policies
• Addressing environmental issues
Bob Grand
317.231.7222
[email protected]
Rick Hall
317.231.7516
[email protected]
Brad Bingham
317.229.3056
[email protected]
What’s Inside
Vol. 16 Number 5 September/October 2010
Page 14 – Thres
herman’s Park Ca
bins
Features
7
Two User Fees that are Becoming Outdated
Due to Changes in Technology
By David Bottorff
8
A State and Local Partnership –
Difficult when it’s Money that Matters
By Andrew Berger
11
Routing Electronic Documents in Your County
By Sarah Nichols Rossier
12
Public Health Top 10 Essential Services
By Gregory N. Larkin, M.D.
Cover – The Beautiful Cornfields
of Warrick County
14 On the Cover: A Place of History and Wonder...
Warrick County
Calendar
NOVEMBER
17 2010 Annual Conference Wrap Up
Page 15 –
16
Legislative Affairs DIPLOMA Class
17
AIC Board Meeting
30
Commissioners Annual Conference –
Sheraton Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis (continued)
DECEMBER
1-2
Commissioners Annual Conference –
Sheraton Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis
17
AIC Board Holiday Luncheon
www.IndianaCounties.org Miller’s 5
& 10
By Shawna Schwegman
24 Can’t I just get a loan from the bank?
By Lisa Lee and Karen Arland
Extras
5 In the News
22 Diploma Graduates
26 Professional Services Directory
September/October 2010 INDIANA NEWS 92 3
In the News
INDIANA NEWS 92
The official magazine of
Association of Indiana Counties, Inc.
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2051
(317) 684-3710
FAX (317) 684-3713
ALLEN COUNTY TEXTING HEALTH ALERTS
(Allen County, Ind.) – The Allen County Health Department is now sending health alert texts to
residents who opt into the service. The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette recently reported that the
county has contracted with California-based Nixle to provide the service to citizens who choose
to enroll. The types of alerts that will be sent out from the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department
of Health include messages about neighborhood mosquito spraying, disease outbreaks and
other related emergencies. The Nixle website says the service is offered free of charge to
governments.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.indianacounties.org
Karen Avery, Editor
OFFICERS
President: Sara Arnold, Spencer County Assessor
First Vice President: Dick Jones, Clark County Recorder
Second Vice President: Therese Brown, Allen County Clerk
of the Circuit Court
Third Vice President: Penny Lukenbill, Marshall County
Auditor
Treasurer: Jeff Quyle, Morgan County Council
STAFF
David Bottorff, Executive Director
[email protected]
Cisma Ferguson, Director of Administration &
Financial Affairs
[email protected]
NACo HONORS MARION COUNTY AGAIN FOR NACo DRUG CARD USAGE
(Marion County, Ind.) – Marion County has been recognized for a second consecutive year on
how it performed with regard to the NACo Prescription Discount Card Program. The National
Association of Counties announced the award during the 2010 Annual NACo Conference this
past summer. Marion County has achieved a high level of increased program usage by its
residents and had an overall increase of 72,786 prescriptions.
Marion County Auditor Billie Breaux said Marion County residents really appreciate every penny
saved on prescription drugs.
“Citizens in Marion County, like others across this nation, have been negatively impacted by the
poor economic climate. The Auditor’s Office is pleased to be able to assist them in reducing their
prescription costs which provides them a healthier lifestyle,” said Breaux.
For information on the NACo Prescription Discount Card Program visit www.NACo.org.
Andrew Berger, Legislative Director
[email protected]
Sarah Nichols Rossier, Deputy Legislative Director
[email protected]
Karen Avery, Director of Communications
[email protected]
Shawna Schwegman, Director of Planning & Professional
Development
[email protected]
The Association of Indiana Counties, Inc. (AIC) was founded
in 1957 for the betterment of county government. Each
of Indiana’s 92 counties are members of the AIC. The AIC
Board of Directors is made up of elected county officials and
is responsible for overall AIC policy and management. AIC
serves it members through lobbying, education, publications,
research, and technical assistance.
Indiana News 92 is published bi-monthly by the AIC at
101 W. Ohio St., Suite 1575, Indianapolis, IN 46204-2051.
It is distributed to county elected officials, county employees,
state and federal legislators, state agency personnel,
National Association of Counties (NACo), universities, nonprofit associations, media, and organizations interested in
the betterment of county government. For advertising rates
and other information, please contact Karen Avery, Editor.
All county members receive annual subscriptions to
Indiana News 92 magazine through payment of county
dues. Subscription Rate: $25.00 per year.
Postmaster: Send address corrections to:
AIC
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2051
www.IndianaCounties.org AIC WILL SOON BE GATHERING NEWLY ELECTED
OFFICIALS INFORMATION
(Undated) – The Association of Indiana Counties will
soon be collecting contact information on newly elected
officials from the County Clerks’ and County Auditors’
offices. The most efficient process for collecting this
information involves having the Clerk’s email or fax to
the AIC their county’s certified election results (same
form that the state requires). It would also be helpful
to receive the address list for candidates. The AIC will
use this information to send invitations for the AIC
Newly Elected Officials training session in January.
The AIC also publishes elected officials information in
the AIC Directory of County Officials which is mailed
to each AIC member (county elected officials) after
publication. Once we update our database early in
2011 we will ask County Auditors to verify our list of
county officials prior to printing of the directory. Election certification results and
address updates can be emailed to [email protected] or faxed to
(317) 684-3713. Your assistance is greatly appreciated!.
News tips and/or news briefs for the Indiana News 92 magazine may be submitted via email, fax or
regular mail. Send to Karen Avery, Director of Communications at [email protected] / or
fax: (317) 684-3713/ or mail: 101 W. Ohio St., Ste. 1575, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
6 INDIANA NEWS 92 September/October 2010
The Director’s Chair
Two user fees that are becoming outdated
due to changes in technology
By David Bottorff, Executive Director
[email protected]
Changes in technology and industry have made two user fees less
than adequate to provide the services for which they were created
to fund. Simply increasing the existing fees is not a long term
solution. Expanding the fees to keep up with societal changes is a
necessity.
Services that rely on gas taxes, road funding, and 911 fees for
emergency response service are suffering from the same fate:
declining user fees. The decline in fees is not a reflection in the
decline for the demand for services. It is a reflection of changing
technology and industry.
Gas taxes are declining for a number of reasons, but partly due
to more fuel efficient vehicles. The fact that more of the gas taxes
are being diverted from the highway funding formulas to fund
State Police’s operating budget does not help road funding either.
However, the overall dollars for the gas tax formula are declining
due to more fuel efficient vehicles. These hybrid and fuel efficient
vehicles are just as apt to use roads as gas guzzling cars of the
past, but because gas taxes are still the main source of revenue for
road funding they contribute less to road funding. Therefore, even
an increase in the gas tax is not a long-term solution to declining
revenue for road funding. The base for funding roads needs to be
expanded to reflect these changes.
Fees for 911 services are also on the decline. Again, it is not due
to a decline in the demand for services but rather, the fee structure
has failed to maintain an adequate funding stream. In fact, 911
calls are increasing due to the proliferation of cell phones and other
communication devices. At one time, a car accident would result in
one or two 911 calls. People would walk to the nearest business,
residence or payphone and call 911, and that would be the end
of the emergency calls. When the same accident occurs at an
intersection today multiple people using cell phones report the same
911 services and
gas taxes are
in need of fee
modifications due
to advances in
technology and
societal changes.
Continued on page 26
www.IndianaCounties.org September/October 2010 INDIANA NEWS 92 7
Politics & Policy
A State and Local Partnership –
Difficult when it’s Money that Matters
By Andrew Berger, Legislative Director
[email protected]
When the 2011 legislative session begins with a new General
Assembly, most of the issues for county governments will remain
the same. More funding is necessary for roads, bridges and other
infrastructure. The state’s 911 system is unsustainable at current
levels of revenue (down 30 percent in some counties); much less
afford improvements in technology. While there are ways for local
units of government to supplement the regular sources of funding,
the major revenue decisions are made at the Statehouse, not at the
local level.
Asking one unit of government to raise revenue for the operations of
another unit is always a difficult proposition. A great local example
is the County Council’s problems when choosing to raise local
income tax rates where a percentage is distributed to other local
units. For integrated systems, such as roads, 911, and the courts, a
partnership between the State and local units is essential but clearly
does not avoid problems in getting enough dollars to support the
level of service.
Part of the difficulty results from the different messages the officials
in these systems receive. For a county commissioner or highway
director, their constituents may say, “Fix my road.” A state legislator
may be hearing from their constituents, “Don’t raise the gas tax.” In
this case both officials are being responsive to the public. But, since
the state alone has authority to raise revenue necessary for these
local responsibilities, it is not surprising that those services with both
state and local responsibilities are facing some of the most serious
funding shortfalls.
have been made to make a similar change with the Indiana trial court
system. The trend, however, is towards greater integration. Originally
911 was a locally driven service but, with changes to technology,
evolved into an integrated system. The same holds true for all the
local functions that now have to run through the DLGF.
The State has an additional burden in these state and local
partnerships when they attempt to develop mechanisms to deal
with different means and needs around the state. The inherent
problem of consolidation, that one size does not fit all, is difficult to
overcome. The legislature can paint with a broad brush and accept
an imbalance in impact around the state. The tax caps are a great
example. The legislature can also develop a complex system to
try and be responsive to as many local needs as possible. The
distribution of gas tax revenue is a great example. While that may
be fairer, it is complicated for state and local officials and totally
incomprehensible for voters and taxpayers.
If local units and the state legislature cannot arrive at the
proper balance between service and revenue, state and local
responsibilities, perhaps it is the voters who will be asked to step in
and break the logjam. Increasingly, a voter in Indiana is called upon
to make specific decisions with regard to their taxes and services.
In November, many school districts around the state are asking their
voters to accept property tax increases for school funding. Schools
and other units will be requesting approval from the voters for capital
projects. Are referenda for every type of revenue raising measure far
away?
On its face, an easy solution is to make these integrated systems all
local or all state. The best example of a state takeover is child and
welfare service that evolved from an entirely local function. Proposals
Politics & Policy
Routing Electronic Documents in Your County
By Sarah Nichols Rossier, Deputy Legislative Director
[email protected]
The Routing Electronic Documents workshop was a huge success
at the 2010 AIC Annual Conference. Elected county officials and
members of their staffs representing the Assessors, Auditors,
Recorders, and Treasurers affiliates attended the seminar. The
workshop was lead by Fidlar Technologies and featured speakers
from the county recorders’, assessors’, and auditors’ offices.
Howard County Recorder Linda Koontz and Allen County Recorder
John McGauley both route documents electronically throughout
the Assessor’s, Auditor’s and Recorder’s offices as required by
document type.
Ernest Riggen, President and CEO of Fidlar Technologies spoke
about how electronic communication and filing within the county
promotes interoffice collaboration. Riggen noted improved
efficiencies in cost and time with the expansion of routing electronic
documents.
“Significant opportunities exist when offices in the county collaborate
toward a common goal,” said Riggen.
The progression of electronic filing and sharing among county
offices motivates a response and opportunity to exceed the public’s
expectations of county government. The goal of routing electronic
documents is to improve the quality, integrity, and use of shared
information throughout county administration.
Allen County began electronically routing documents in
September. The software is housed on the e-recording server.
The Recorder’s office is the first step in the process. First, the
document is reviewed; then if it is recordable, the Recorder accepts
the document. If it is a deed or other document that requires
predetermination by the Auditor or Assessor, it will be electronically
queued to the respective office where it will be reviewed. Each
document is color-coded to determine who needs to take the next
step in the finalization process, which eliminates guess work and
facilitates efficiency.
www.IndianaCounties.org The electronic routing process in Allen County saves customers
time by allowing them to submit documents in one-step, rather
than visiting multiple offices, possibly saving them visits to a number
of buildings. Since the Allen County Recorder’s office has gone
paperless, it has saved three minutes per electronic filing. Over the
course of e-recording Allen County has recorded 14,000 documents,
saving the equivalent of 19 weeks of work time for one employee.
Over the course of e-recording Allen County
has recorded 14,000 documents, saving
the equivalent of 19 weeks of work time for
one employee.
“As we are forced to streamline to reflect every county’s economic
reality, the only way we can hope to make major gains in efficiency is
through tools such as e-recording and electronic document routing,”
said McGauley.
On September 14, 2010 the Howard County Recorder, Assessor,
and Auditor made history by being the first county offices to
electronically process and record a deed. Virtual e-couriers,
electronically submit documents to Howard County for filing.
Through education, the Recorder’s office is helping submitters
understand how electronic routing benefits them, in addition to the
Assessor and Auditor. Electronic routing will allow county offices to
optimize employee performance under budget constraints by saving
18 minutes per document in work time. As the economy grows and
taxes shrink, governments must become leaner and more efficient.
According to Koontz, electronic routing is the way to accomplish
this, “There was a time when we were happy to hand our package
off to the Pony Express, and then eventually we were pleased to put
on a stamp and take the document to the post office. Today, we just
scan it and hit send!”
News from the State
Public Health Top 10 Essential Services
By Gregory N. Larkin, M.D., Indiana State Health Commissioner
Most Hoosiers know about David Letterman’s “Top 10” list. Many,
however, may not be aware of public health’s 10 Essential Services.
Unlike Letterman’s comedy, the 10 Essential Services are all equally
important to the health and safety of Hoosiers. They are the
standards by which state and local health departments determine if
they are effectively addressing the needs of their residents.
The responses to these questions, in both policy and action,
determine how well local health departments are able to provide
disease investigations, environmental health services, immunizations,
restaurant inspections, and a myriad of other vital community
services. And, they cannot do so effectively without the active
support of county governments.
Setting aside the formal language of the 10 Essential Services, in
plain English, local health departments across Indiana are asking
themselves the following questions as they work to promote and
protect the health of their residents:
For decades Indiana has trailed other states in developing a strong
public health infrastructure and as a result, we continue to rank
poorly in health outcomes when compared to other states. In the
area of public health, Indiana has one of the smallest per capita
workforces in the country, ranking 48th. The foundation of the
needed infrastructure is a well-trained and well-staffed public health
workforce.
1. What’s going on in my community? How healthy are we?
2. Are we ready to respond to health problems or threats in our
county?
3. How well do we keep all segments of our community informed
about health issues?
4. How well do we really get people engaged in local health issues?
5. What local policies in both government and the private sector
promote health in my community? How effective are we in
setting local health policies?
6. When we enforce health regulations, are we technically
competent, fair and effective?
7. Are people in my community receiving the medical care they
need?
Adequate funding is, of course, a necessity. Equally important,
however, is for local community leaders to set policy and create an
environment in which the quality of public health services is valued as
highly as excellence in public education or low crime rates.
So, as we all face tough economic times, I ask you to keep in mind
your local health department – and the residents you both serve.
Your community is counting on you to help them provide these 10
Essential Services. Good health is good business, and the dollars
you invest today in the health of your residents will more than pay
for themselves in a healthier, safer community. For more, information
visit www.statehealth.IN.gov.
8. How can we be sure that our public health staff has undergone
the most recent training for officials?
9. What are we doing well? Where can we improve?
10. Are we discovering and using new and improved methods to get
the job done?
Stay informed.
Let the AIC know your preferred mailing and email address, phone and fax number today. If you want your mail
directed to a different address let us know! Also, the AIC frequently uses email to provide notices and updates to
our members. Make sure we have your email on file so you can stay up to date.
It’s Easy!
Visit www.IndianaCounties.org to update your contact information
Fax your contact information to (317) 684-3713 attn: Karen Avery.
Email your contact information to Karen Avery at [email protected].
On the Cover: Warrick County
A Place of History and Wonder...
Warrick County
From the rolling farmland to the rolling river, Warrick County
provides scenic beauty, recreation, one of a kind shopping
opportunities and much more. Located on the Ohio River in
southwest Indiana, Warrick County is bounded by Interstate 64
on the north and I-69 to the west, affording easy access to visit
the county from anywhere in the state.
History abounds in Warrick County and just off the square in Boonville is the Warrick
County Museum, offering a glimpse of Warrick County: where we’ve been and how we
got to where we are today. Boonville is proud of its
Abraham Lincoln connection. Lincoln lived in the area
growing up and would walk to Boonville to borrow law
books and watch court sessions, earning Boonville the
distinction of being “where Lincoln learned the law”.
For those looking for Civil War era history, they need
look no further than historic Newburgh where a quaint
downtown shopping district is surrounded by stately
19th century homes. Be sure to mark the weekend
before Halloween on the calendar for
the Newburgh Ghost Walk. Stroll
the streets and hear stories of the
haunting and bump in the night
happenings in the river town.
Warrick County
history goes back
even further.
Angel Mounds
state historic site
offers a glimpse
of life around
1100-1500AD
when the
Mississippian
Indians
ounds
at Angel M
s
ay
D
lived in the
an
ic
Native Amer
area. Native
American Days in September feature
Thresherman’s Park Cabins
Miller’s 5 & 10
in Boonville
Ohio River Lock and Dam
demonstrations of the traditional way of life for the
American Indians who inhabited the area.
Just north of Boonville, visitors to Thresherman’s Park
can step back in time upon entering the park’s one room
school house, country church and train station. The
Antique Steam & Gas Tractor Show in July offers a look
at farm life around the late 1800s. A flea market provides
an opportunity to find things you didn’t know you were
looking for and the chance to sample the selection of
food provided by local sellers. Pioneer Days in October is
also an up close experience of years past. Learn about
our forefathers’ way of life through the docent guides.
Boonville houses the county seat of government and the
majestic courthouse square. The Square is reminiscent
of many counties with businesses facing the courthouse
on all four sides. The businesses are as diverse as
the county. For those who are looking for something
distinctive, check out Miller’s five and dime store on
the south side of the square. Miller’s is one of the last
remaining five and dime variety stores and offers just
about anything you may be shopping for but can’t find
in the big stores. Shoppers who make their way around
the courthouse square will find flowers and gifts, quilting
supplies, antiques and so much more.
Festivals of all kinds draw people to Warrick County.
www.IndianaCounties.org The Newburgh Herb
Festival signals the
arrival of spring as
gardeners from the
area visit en masse
to choose the best
herbs and perennials
for their gardens. The
Newburgh
Lockmaste
r Cottage
Newburgh Wine, Art
s
and Jazz Festival
held each year in May
attracts thousands of people to sample Indiana
wines, listen to jazz music and visit the artist wares. Fall
brings a nip in the air and the Newburgh Fiddler Fest
which has been held every September for more than
30 years. This one of a kind event is a unique blend of
bluegrass, country and modern music, and it serves up
the best catfish around!
Coal mining has been a county mainstay for more than
150 years. From the small underground mines that
dotted the county during the early 1900s to the massive
surface mining of modern day, coal continues to be
a major industry in the county. Take a trip just west
of Lynnville and tour the Coal Mining Museum. Learn
about the manual labor of years past and the modern
day operations to move coal to power the country.
Outdoor sports abound in Warrick County. The lakes,
Warrick County
Antique Steam & Gas Tractor Show
ke
Lynville La
Wild Turkeys
the streams and the
Ohio River offer a wide
variety of recreational
fishing opportunities.
Fishermen can find
prime spots for
catching large-mouth
bass, bluegill, catfish
and crappie. Or if
you like just hanging
out on the water,
there are plenty of
other watering holes for other
water sports. Other outdoor enthusiasts
may enjoy the many acres of wilderness
that offer hunters great opportunities for
bagging that prized deer or wild turkey.
Warrick County is truly a hunter’s paradise.
If you enjoy camping, whether in a primitive tent, a
comfortable camper or a luxury cabin with all the amenities
of home, you should look no further than Warrick County.
Numerous camp sites and cottages are located throughout
the county. You can be miles away from everyone or right
in the middle of everything. Hiking, fishing, boating, and
Bluegrass on the Ohio River
swimming abound; your choice is limited only by your idea of
camping.
Whether you are looking for history, shopping, camping,
hunting, or fishing or just getting away from a daily hectic
schedule, Warrick County offers a wide selection of activities
to meet everyone’s idea of a great place to spend a day, a
weekend, a week or even a lifetime. Come see why we call
Warrick County a great place to live, work and play.
Submitted by Shari Sherman, Executive Director
Warrick County Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 377
224 W. Main St, Ste 203
Boonville, IN 47601
812-897-2340
www.warrickcounty.us
Chamber Tourism Office
9 W. Jennings
Newburgh, IN 47630
800-636-9489
First AIC food drive
generates 2,000 pounds
of food for Salvation Army
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“We had to close twice in
the last year because we
simply ran out of food. So
something like this – this
time of year, especially at
the end of summer – is
exactly what we need to
continue to help people.”
– MAJOR BRIAN BURKETT
Michigan City Salvation Army
By Shawna Schwegman, Director of Planning and Professional Development
[email protected]
The AIC would like to thank all of those who attended,
sponsored and donated time during the
2010 Annual Conference! Your participation
made this a wonderful event, and the
conference was a great success. We truly
hope that all who attended will take back
great information to their counties or new
contacts for their companies. The
LaPorte County Host Committee was
such a great help to the conference
and we appreciate all of their hard work.
As the largest gathering of county
officials and county employees in the
state, the AIC’s Annual Conference
provided attendees with the
opportunity to visit with old friends and
make some new ones during three
days of exchanging ideas, workshops
and social events.
We really appreciate all the enthusiasm
that was generated by the canned food
drive. We generated 2,000 pounds of food
for the Michigan City Salvation Army!
We will see everyone
next year in Allen County
for the 2011 Annual
Conference.
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Conference
Sponsors
(Includes Golf Outing)
Platinum ($4500 +)
Ice Miller LLC
Manatron, Inc.
Nationwide Retirement Services
Gold ($2500 - $4400)
Beam, Longest and Neff, LLC
London Witte Group, LLC
Tyler Technologies/CLT Division
Umbaugh
Silver ($1500 - $2400)
Apex Benefits Group
Barnes and Thornburg
Boyce Systems
Casino Association of Indiana
Crowe Horwath LLP
IN State Building & Construction Trades
Council
Krieg DeVault LLP
MAXIMUS, Inc.
SRI, Inc.
Wolfe Receives AIC’s Highest
Honor: Himsel Award
The Association of Indiana Counties (AIC) has named Gibson County Councilman Tony
Wolfe as the 2010 Himsel Award winner. The Arthur R. Himsel Award is the AIC’s highest
honor and is named for an individual who dedicated his public career as a Hendricks
County Commissioner. Himsel was also one of the AIC’s founding members. For many
years, Himsel served as Indiana’s representative on the National Association of Counties
(NACo) Board of Directors. Since the inception of the Himsel Award in 1984, it has been
given to an elected county official who has served the interest of county government
through involvement with the AIC. The award was presented during the AIC Annual
Conference, the largest gathering of county officials in the state. The conference was held
in LaPorte County September 27 – 30 and included meetings designed specifically for each
elected county office.
Tony Wolfe has been a member of the Gibson County Council for more than 10 years,
serving as president of the council in 2009. In 2007, he was named County Councilman of
the Year by his fellow county council members across Indiana. Wolfe is an active member of
the Association of Indiana Counties for which he serves on the Legislative Committee and
has served on the Board of Directors.
Wolfe enjoys speaking in both urban and rural communities on agriculture issues and
property taxes. He has spoken to thousands of people during the last several years about
re-assessment, tax restructuring and the political implications of tax law in Indiana in a
presentation called “Property Tax 101.”
Bronze ($500 - $1400)
Baker and Daniels
Bank of New York Trust Company
Bernardin Lochmueller and Associates
Bingham McHale LLP
Capital Recovery Systems, Inc.
CHASE
Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd.
Doxpop
Fidlar Technologies
Government Utilities Technology
Service, Inc.
Harris & Harris, Ltd
Low Associates, Inc.
Nexus Group
PNC Bank
STAR Financial Bank
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
Tax Management Associates, Inc.
Vectren
XSoft
Gibson County Councilman Tony Wolfe (c) receives Himsel Award from 2009 Himsel Recipient Kenton Ward (l),
Hamilton County Surveyor and AIC President Sara Arnold (r), Spencer County Assessor.
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2010 County Awards Announced
COUNTY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Although several applications were
received, the AIC awards committee
chose two counties this year to receive
the County Achievement Award. Allen
County was chosen for the creation of
a county strategic plan. Whitley County
was selected as the second recipient for
its citizen-friendly website
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
COOPERATION AWARD
Just one Indiana County was
awarded the 2010 Local Government
Cooperation Award. Hendricks County
was chosen for its efforts to attract
economic development through the
partnership with the Town of Monrovia
in Morgan County to provide water
treatment services for the I-70 and State
Road 39 interchange.
Allen County – County Strategic Plan AIC President Sara Arnold presents award to Allen County Officials Nelson
Peters (Commissioner), Linda Bloom (Commissioner), Therese Brown (Clerk of the Circuit Court), Sue Orth (Treasurer)
and Bill Brown (Commissioner).
Whitley County – Citizen-Friendly Website AIC President Sara
Arnold (r) presents award to Whitley County Commissioner Michael
Schrader (l) and Councilman Kim Wheeler (c).
Hendricks County – Sewer Service Economic Development Project AIC President Sara Arnold
presents award to Hendricks County Commissioners David Whicker, Eric Wathen and Phyllis Palmer.
For more information on the individual projects, visit www.indianacounties.org and click on “County Awards and Best Practices” in the
Quick Links section. You may also view the awards video presentations from each project by visiting www.aicpodcast.org/video.
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CONFERENCE WRAP UP
2010 Outstanding County Officials Announced
Congratulations to the 2010 Outstanding County Officials!
The award winners below were nominated by their affiliate organizations for providing effective leadership and other important contributions to
county government. The awards were presented during the annual awards banquet at the AIC’s Annual Conference in September.
Assessor: Debbie Folkerts – Hamilton County
AIC President Sara Arnold (r), Spencer County Assessor and Assessors’ Association President
Judy Sharp (l), Monroe County Assessor present award to Debbie Folkerts (c).
Coroner: John Cox – Benton County
AIC President Sara Arnold (r), Spencer County Assessor presents award to
John Cox (l).
Auditor: Bill Borne - Adams County
Bill Borne (l).
Council: Judy Levine – Hamilton County
AIC President Sara Arnold (r), Spencer County Assessor and Council Association President Linda
Sanders (l), Shelby County Council present award to Judy Levine (c).
THE STREN
VOICES
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CONFERENCE WRAP UP
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Recorder: Jennifer Hayden - Hamilton County
AIC President Sara Arnold (r), Spencer County Assessor and Recorder’s
Association President Martha Breeze (l), Posey County Recorder present
award to Jennifer Hayden (c).
Surveyor: Chris Knochel - Newton County
AIC President Sara Arnold (r), Spencer County Assessor and Surveyor’s Association President
David Gaston (l), Hendricks County Surveyor present award to Chris Knochel (c).
Treasurer: Kim Good - Hamilton County
Kim Good (l).
Highway Engineer: Opal Kuhl - Tippecanoe County Engineer
AIC President Sara Arnold (r), Spencer County Assessor and Highway Association President Tom
Kouns (l), Boone County Highway Supervisor present award to Opal Kuhl (c).
Not pictured: Clerk of the Year Fran Satterwhite
Thanks to everyone who
attended the 2010 Convention!
Highway Superintendent: Neal Haeck - Marshall County Highway
Superintendent
AIC President Sara Arnold (r), Spencer County Assessor and Highway
Association President Tom Kouns (l), Boone County Highway Supervisor
present award to Neal Haeck (c).
www.IndianaCounties.org See you next year in Allen County at the
Grand Wayne Convention Center!
DIPLOMA Graduates
AIC Professional Development Program
Graduates 32 Indiana County Officials
The Association of Indiana Counties (AIC) has awarded 32 certificates to county officials for completing requirements in the AIC DIPLOMA
program, an ongoing professional development program established in 1993.
The AIC is dedicated to assisting county government officials and employees in becoming more efficient, solving tough problems, and
finding the resources they need to serve their constituents well. The AIC believes that education is the beginning of any successful endeavor,
especially within the public service sector. To learn more about the AIC’s professional development program visit www.indianacounties.org.
Here’s what your colleagues have said about the AIC DIPLOMA program.
“The DIPLOMA courses offered by AIC have proven to be invaluable to me in learning to be the best County
Councilman I can be. The courses range from basic to topical and the presenters are experts in their fields.
AIC’s DIPLOMA classes are a great tool for those of us serving in county government.”
– Liz Morris, Dearborn County Council
“It has helped me be a better decision maker and elected official. I have learned something from every class I have
taken to help me in my job.”
– Angie Lawson, Owen County Auditor
“To be an effective county official, you need comprehensive knowledge of the functions of county government.
The AIC Diploma courses I have completed have provided me with practical information on so many topics.”
– Jane A Grove, Randolph County Recorder
“When you are elected to a position in county government for the first time, you are thrust into a job that has many
unfamiliar duties. The DIPLOMA classes offer county officials from all backgrounds much needed guidance that not
available anywhere else.”
– Nancy Hawkins, LaPorte County Treasurer
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE FOUR TYPES OF CERTIFICATES THAT ARE AVAILABLE:
• DIPLOMA - To earn an AIC DIPLOMA certificate, the student must accumulate 30 credit hours of AIC DIPLOMA courses. 25 of these credit
hours must be from full day courses and must include the three CORE courses. Students have two consecutive years to complete the 30
hours
• Continuing Education - Because education is a never-ending process, we have many people who continue their participation in the
DIPLOMA program. Students who earn Continuing Education certificates must have previously earned an AIC DIPLOMA and completed
20 hours of additional DIPLOMA courses within one calendar year.
• Lifetime Achievement - This award recognizes those individuals who have accrued at least 240 total credit hours since the inception of
the program in 1993.
• Certified County Official - The requirements are based on the DIPLOMA certificate which requires the accumulation of 30 credit hours in
two consecutive years. This designation is recognized and accredited by Ivy Tech Community College.
2010 DIPLOMA PROGRAM GRADUATES
DIPLOMA & Certified County Official
from Ivy Tech
Kimberly Anderson – Newton County Clerk
Sandra Beatty – Bartholomew County Chief Deputy Auditor
Pamela Beneker – Franklin County Recorder
Martha Breeze – Posey County Recorder
Pat Brooks – Warrick County Recorder
Laura Brown – Vanderburgh County Chief Deputy Recorder
Queenie Evans – St. Joseph County Human Resources Director
Sylvia Graham – Porter County Council
Barbara Hackman – Bartholomew County Auditor
Nancy Hawkins – LaPorte County Treasurer
Craig Hinchman – LaPorte County Auditor
Joseph Hoffman – City of Madison Plan Commission
Lorie Hurst – Fulton County Treasurer
Debra Jenkins – Marion County Surveyor
Susan Jones – Franklin County Auditor
Ron Love – Hendricks County Human Resources Director
Peggy Mayfield – Morgan County Clerk
Pamela Mishler-Fish – Porter County Clerk
Liz Morris – Dearborn County Council
Melody Price – Boone County Auditor
Tony Reitenour – Hamilton County Section Corner Technician,
Surveyor’s Office
Jo Ann Stewart – Wayne County Clerk
Tom Stevens – Hancock County Commissioner
Robert Street – Hamilton County Engineer Technician, Surveyor’s
Office
Suzanne Verwold – Hendricks County Human Resource Assistant
Martha Wooldridge – Perry County Treasurer
Continuing Education – Level 1
Phillip Dotson – St. Joseph County Recorder
Julie Fox – Marshall County Clerk
Angie Lawson – Owen County Auditor
Sharon Miller – Newton County Council
Connie Smith – Ohio County Auditor
Platinum Masters
Jane Grove – Randolph County Recorder
Legislative Affairs
DIPLOMA Class
November 16, 2010
9AM to 3PM
Indiana History Center
450 West Ohio Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Pictured in photo left to right are in the front row are: Angie Lawson, Owen Co.; Martha Breeze, Posey
Co.; Pat Brooks, Warrick Co.; Sandy Beatty, Bartholomew Co.; Debra Jenkins, Marion Co.; Peggy
Mayfield, Morgan Co.; Back row left to right are: Jane Grove, Randolph Co.; Jo Ann Stewart, Wayne
Co.; Pamela Mishler Fish, Porter Co.; Liz Morris, Dearborn Co.; Julie Fox, Marshall Co.; Phillip Dotson,
St. Joseph Co.; Kimberly Anderson, Newton Co.; Laura Brown, Vanderburgh Co.; Sylvia Graham, Porter
Co.; Barbara Hackman, Bartholomew Co.; Lorie Hurst, Fulton Co.; Pam Beneker, Franklin Co.; Sue Paris,
Bartholomew Co. (DIPLOMA Administrator); Sara Arnold, Spencer Co. (AIC President).
www.IndianaCounties.org This DIPLOMA class is being held in
conjunction with the Indiana General
Assembly’s Organization Day. Following
the DIPLOMA class, attendees will
be encouraged to go to the Indiana
Statehouse to meet their legislators and
discuss county government issues.
Register online at
www.indianacounties.org
Legal Insight
Can’t I just get a loan from the bank?
By Karen Arland and Lisa Lee, Ice Miller, LLP
“Can’t I just get a loan from the local bank?” This is a question that
AIC staff and county attorneys throughout the State hear on an
almost weekly basis. Counties face tremendous fiscal challenges,
from funding payroll to paying for the new highway department
truck that was ordered six months ago. Nearly every county finds, at
some point or another that it needs to borrow money, but everyone
wants to avoid issuing bonds. Regardless of whether the county
is “getting a loan from the local bank”, signing a promissory note,
issuing bonds or bond anticipation notes, it is still borrowing money.
The proper structuring of that borrowing, regardless of its name, can
save county officials frustration, possible embarrassment, and in
some cases, prosecution for official misconduct.
Many counties assume that the general corporate power to borrow
money under IC 36-1-4-9 is sufficient authorization to go to the local
bank for a loan. However, the general corporate power, standing by
itself, is not sufficient to provide the procedures that the county must
follow. IC 36-1-3-6(a) (the Home Rule Statute) provides that if there
is a constitutional or statutory provision requiring a specific manner
for exercising a power, a county wanting to exercise the power must
do so in that manner. The General Assembly has enacted numerous
statutes requiring a county to act in a specific manner when it
desires to borrow money, and a county wishing to borrow money
must comply with those statutes.
IC 36-2-6-18-20 contain the provisions that generally apply to
counties when they are borrowing money to obtain funds to be used
by the county in the exercise of its powers and for the payment of
county debts. In order to obtain a loan (from any source) and issue
bonds, tax anticipation warrants or notes to repay that loan, the
county must first adopt an ordinance. The ordinance must state the
purpose for which the bonds are being issued and include the terms
of the bonds to be issued in evidence of the loan; in other words, the
conditions under which the county will borrow the money, including
the maximum amount of time for which the loan will be outstanding
(which cannot exceed 20 years), what revenue source the county
will use to repay the loan, how frequently principal and interest
payments on the loan will be made, what interest rate applies to
the loan, whether the county can pay off the loan early (and if so,
whether there are any prepayment penalties) and other similar terms.
The ordinance must also contain information as to the time and
manner in which the county will give notice of the bond sale; and the
manner in which the bonds will be sold. Loans obtained pursuant
to this section generally require a competitive sale of the bonds for
which notice is given in accordance with IC 5-3-1 (see IC 5-1-11).
Even though this statute authorizes a county to borrow money for
up to 20 years, there is nothing that requires the county to actually
borrow money for any specific period. A county could borrow money
for one year (or less), or two, or five or 10 under this provision.
Depending upon the source of repayment for the bonds, other
procedures may also apply.
If the loan is to be repaid with property taxes, other statutes
may also govern the procedures under which the loan may be
obtained, including IC 6-1.1-20 (the petition and remonstrance and
referendum processes). If the loan is to be repaid with local income
tax revenues (COIT, CAGIT or EDIT), the county will need to comply
with those respective statutes.
IC 36-9-41 permits a county to borrow the money necessary to
finance a public work project costing not more than $2 million or
a “government efficiency” project costing not more than $3 million
from a financial institution in Indiana by executing a negotiable note.
A public work project is a project for the construction of any public
building, highway, street, alley, bridge, sewer, drain, or any other
public facility that is paid for out of public funds. A government
efficiency project is a project necessary or useful to carrying out an
interlocal cooperation agreement entered into two or more political
subdivisions or governmental entities or a project necessary or
useful to the consolidation of local government services.
IC 36-9-41 does not specify whether a county must adopt an
ordinance or resolution, but because a county is required to adopt
an ordinance to borrow money under virtually every other statute,
including IC 36-2-6-18, it would be well advised to adopt an
ordinance. Unlike a borrowing conducted under IC 6-1.1-20, the
county must obtain the approval of the DLGF before it may borrow
funds under this statute. A county that desires to issue a note under
this chapter is required to publish a notice of its determination to
borrow the money, and 10 or more taxpayers may file a petition
objecting to the borrowing. If an objection is filed, the DLGF will
conduct a hearing, and issue a determination as to whether the
borrowing should be allowed. Assuming there are no objections,
or that the DLGF finds in favor of the county, the borrowing can go
forward.
The county must repay the note, over a term not exceeding 10
years. The note is payable each January 1 and July 1 from property
taxes, beginning with the next January 1 or July 1 following the first
tax collection for which it is possible for the county to levy a tax. (If
a note is issued in August of 2011, the first payment would be due
on July 1, 2010.) The county must obtain the approval of the DLGF
before it can levy the property tax or issue the note, and the note
must be sold at a competitive, public sale. Because the maximum
cost of the project to be financed with the note is $2 million, the
project may qualify for an exception to the petition/remonstrance
and referendum processes under IC 6-1.1-20, although the county
should check with its financial advisor to determine which process, if
any, will be applicable to such a note borrowing.
In addition to these general proceedings, there are dozens of
statutes that authorize other kinds of borrowing, including, but by no
means limited to, redevelopment districts, storm water districts and
park districts.
The local bank may require additional documentation from the
county before it will lend money; most banks expect to receive an
opinion that the county has the legal authority to borrow funds, and
that the borrowing is being done on a tax exempt basis. Before a
county seeks a loan from the local bank, it should confirm what
additional information the local bank will need.
Most counties also find it helpful, when preparing to borrow money,
to enlist the services of their financial advisor, to assist them in
structuring the financing and repayment schedule and negotiating
the terms of the borrowing with the local bank.
In short, although it might be very attractive to simply “get a loan
from the local bank”, the county must comply with certain basic
procedures to borrow money – even from the local bank.
Ice Miller LLP serves as general counsel to the Association of Indiana
Counties. If you have any questions concerning the procedures that
apply to a particular borrowing, please feel free to call Lisa Lee at
(317) 236-2268.
SRIINCORPORATED
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www.sri-taxsale.com ◆ 800-800-9588
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Fax: (574) 233-4706
www.lllow.com
Continued from page 7
accident and each call has to be answered. Not every call results in
a new dispatch but still, every call must be answered.
The user fee for 911 services was once strictly the Local Access
Networks (LAN lines) with a rate that was established by local
officials. The cell phone rate was established by the state to help
fund 911 services and the industry’s need to comply with federal
regulations. However, hard line phones are a dying breed of
communication so simply increasing the rates on those devices
is not a long-term solution. In 2007, there was a 14 percent
decrease in the number of LAN lines and the trend is continuing.
All communication devices, that is any device that can contact 911
for an emergency response, should be required to help fund 911
services. Providing preferential tax treatment to certain types of
devices over others has facilitated the funding shortfall and is threat
to providing 911 services.
Other revenue sources need to be tapped to fund these two vital
services provided by county government. With general operating
funds being limited through legislation and the economy, expanding
the user fees is becoming a necessity.
Stay informed.
Let the AIC know your preferred mailing and email
address, phone and fax number today. If you want your
mail directed to a different address let us know! Also, the
AIC frequently uses email to provide notices and updates
to our members. Make sure we have your email on file so
you can stay up to date.
It’s Easy!
Visit www.IndianaCounties.org to update your
contact information
Fax your contact information to
(317) 684-3713 attn: Karen Avery.
Email your contact information to
Karen Avery at [email protected].
Decisions
You make a lot of tough decisions as a county official. Here is one made easier.
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With Bliss McKnight you get what matters:
•
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•
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For the last two decades, the Association of Indiana Counties has endorsed and recommended Bliss McKnight insurance and
risk management programs to its members. Bliss McKnight programs are available through the independent insurance agent
of your choice.
Make the right decision. Choose Bliss McKnight.
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[email protected]
800-322-3391 ext. 441
Your Insurance and Risk Management Partner
Endorsed by AIC.
Coverage is provided through Bliss McKnight, Inc. and local insurance brokers. © 2010, Bliss McKnight Concepts, Inc. All rights reserved.
Bliss McKnight trademark of Bliss McKnight Properties, Inc, used here under license by independently owned and operated corporations.

INDIANA NEWS 92 - Association of Indiana Counties

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