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F a m ily F r i e n d s
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County work heats up in summer 2012
he hot and drought-stricken summer endures and is proving to be a tough one for citizens across our great state. However, that factor has never kept Arkansans from working hard on good projects and carrying on. In this time of intense heat, I always try to remember to be aware of our elderly and other at-risk individuals who might need additional help in our communities. We should also recognize the firefighters across Arkansas who have collectively battled hundreds of fires in the Natural State in June and July. Yes, the summer will continue for a while longer, and soon, a sunburned Arkansas will head back to school. But it is also certain that the good work throughout our state accomplished in our counties every day will outlast this challenging summer and many more. I want to take this space to give County Lines readers an overview of the Association of Arkansas Counties efforts in many arenas as we as an association continue to grow and improve how we advocate for all of Arkansas’ 75 counties. AAC Workers’ Compensation Trust just designated $1,250,000 in dividends to its member counties. The fund is stable and steady and the service is strong. The staff at the AAC is the best at what they do in managing those claims and an important part of its success. AAC’s Rick Management Fund is thriving and growing as well and its team members are assisting in spreading the word about a new SAFER Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that benefits active volunteer firefighters. The grant was secured by Charles Gangluff, program manager of the Arkansas Resource Conservation and Development Councils, who has greatly impacted rural firefighters in Arkansas. Meetings began in July and are ongoing throughout the state. The AAC added the position of member benefits manager this summer. Our work in that arena has just begun, but we are headed toward increased benefits and added value for our members. Becky Comet, a finalist on “Season 12: The Biggest Loser” on NBC, joined the AAC in June and has already organized discounts from retailers that county employees across the state can use to save money. We look forward to expanding this aspect of our membership experience. Summertime at the AAC means conference time. Jeanne COUNTY LINES, SUMMER 2012
President’s Perspective
Hunt, executive assistant, has again organized an entertaining and informative conference. All the staff deserve a pat on the back for their efforts in finalizing another dynamic conference. The AAC Legislative Committee Hon. Mike Jacobs has taken some large steps toward AAC Board President; an even stronger and more unified Johnson County Judge lobbying team this summer. Membership on the legislative committee was expanded this year as we prepare for the 89th Arkansas General Assembly. This broadened committee will soon find itself prepping the AAC legislative package and testifying at the Capitol, as the 89th session is just around the corner. The AAC’s legal staff continues to communicate to our members and manage real-life situations to design our strategies for improving our counties’ legal resources and organizing and compiling legal information that they need to make decisions. Currently, the legal team is preparing a writ of mandamus guidebook and a class to be certified by the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training and Education Academy. Other projects include organizing information and a workshop on the sale of seized property and working on policy for consideration by AACRMS for compliance with PREA. All of these projects and people are working together to make the AAC as strong and vibrant as ever. I’m proud of the AAC team and happy to be president of the board. We hope the summer cools down soon, but just know that the board of directors, member associations and the AAC team is working for you as we aim to help make county government as good as it can be for the people of Arkansas.
The Honorable Mike Jacobs Johnson County Judge / AAC Board President 9
