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Showing posts with label Carroll Co State of the Co address. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carroll Co State of the Co address. Show all posts

Monday, January 21, 2008

20080110 Other Highlights from the Carroll County Board of Commissioners’ January 10, 2007 Carroll County State of the County Speech


Other Highlights from the Carroll County Board of Commissioners’ January 10, 2007 Carroll County State of the County Speech

“Our goal with the Pathways Plan is to have a draft presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission next month. After that we will hold both a public workshop and public hearing before final adoption this spring.”

“Both Ebb Valley Elementary and the Finksburg Library will boast geothermal systems to heat and cool the buildings.”

Other Highlights from 2007

Bond Rating

Each year the county sells bonds to pay for a portion of the costs of capital expenses such as schools, roads, parks, and government buildings. The bonds are rated on the county’s credit-worthiness and ability to repay the investors who purchase the bonds. Again this year, Carroll earned excellent ratings from all three rating agencies. Fitch gave the county a rating of AA+, Standard and Poor’s a rating of AA, and Moody’s Aa2. As a result, the county’s interest rate was 3.94 percent on the $37,105,000 in bonds it issued November 13, 2007. The lower the interest rate, the less money the county must pay back over the life of the bonds.

To gain the high ratings, the Departments of the Comptroller, Economic Development, and Management and Budget presented information to the rating agencies about the county’s finances, management, economy, and demographics.

In their analysis Fitch commented on Carroll’s financial health that:

“The 'AA+' rating reflects Carroll County’s strong financial position, continued adherence to prudent fiscal policies, comprehensive long-term planning, steadily growing tax base, and low to moderate debt levels.”

The impartial judging panel said Carroll’s annual report met high standards, including demonstrating a “spirit of full disclosure” to communicate clearly the county’s financial story.

Citizen Services

The “Get Connected” Family Resource Center opened in August providing information, referral and family navigation services for families of children with intensive needs in Carroll County. Granite House Inc. operates the center at 225 Clifton Boulevard in Westminster.

As an alternative to out-of-home placement, the Adventure Diversion Program served 30 juveniles who violated court orders. This program is a partnership with the Local Management Board, Department of Juvenile Services, and Carroll County Youth Service Bureau.

During the second year of the National Association of Counties (NACo) Prescription Drug Discount Card Program, Carroll County residents filled 18,481 prescriptions and saved more than $260,000.

In December, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the Long-Term Treatment Facility, which will open this year to help people with addictions. The idea for such a center was conceived after 10 heroin overdoses occurred in the county from 1997-2000. A partnership between Carroll County Government and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene led to plans for this 15,000-square-foot facility located on the Springfield Hospital campus.

The opening of the cold weather shelter addition at Safe Haven expanded the facility to service approximately 25 additional men and women with day rooms, sleeping space for men and women, kitchen and laundry facilities, restrooms and showers, and additional storage space.

Comptroller

For the 22nd consecutive year, Carroll County was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. This prestigious national award recognizes conformance with the highest standards for the preparation of state and local government financial reports. In order to be awarded a Certificate of Achievement, the County published an easily readable and efficiently organized annual financial report.

In July a newly designed annual real estate tax bill was introduced. The new tax bill is a single-sheet, self-sealing form with no envelope. An automated system cuts preparation time by using a machine that does the folding and sealing.

Economic Development

The Department of Economic Development won three NACo 2007 Achievement Awards for the following programs that promote quality and effectiveness: 1) Fresh Start Farmers' Market, a partnership with the Department of Health that provides Women, Infants & Children (WIC) recipients their own market to purchase locally grown produce with vouchers provided by WIC; 2) Four Partners One Purpose, a small business education program delivered by Carroll Community College, the Small Business Development Center and Start-up Carroll and underwritten by Economic Development; and 3) Partnership for Technology Driven Economic Development, a dynamic partnership with the Carroll Technology Council that enhances technology cluster development through a supportive business climate and provides educational programs and business development resources for existing technology companies.

Eldersburg was named No. 56 of the “Top 100 Places to Live” by CNN’s Money Magazine. The top 466 places were ranked based on factors such as: purchasing power, property taxes, education, job growth, availability of leisure and cultural activities, weather, and health.

Human Resources

Carroll County Government job classifications and pay scales are available on the County’s web site (http://ccgovernment.carr.org) and residents may also apply for job vacancies online. The online application submissions account for more than 70 percent of the applications processed.

Information Technology Services

The first phase of an Integrated Land Management System was completed. When the next phase is completed early this year, the system will provide a centralized database that allows departments to track and manage building and planning activities, including: permitting, inspections, workflow, contractor licenses, zoning, development plan review, and other critical functions.

To improve services for residents, Carroll County Government is undertaking a data collection project. Spatial Systems Associates of Columbia has been contracted to gather information on street centerlines and attributes, building locations, addresses, access roads and driveways. The project is expected to be completed in October and will enhance the ability of Planning, Public Safety and other government agencies to improve the quality of life in Carroll County while keeping it one of the safest counties in Maryland.

We are one year into a three- to four-year project to provide high-speed voice and data connections to all County Government facilities. The Carroll County Public Network (CCPN) is a partnership between County Government, Carroll County Public Schools, Carroll County Public Library, and Carroll Community College. When completed, this project will save more than $900,000 a year. The vision of CCPN is to create a community network to improve communication with citizens, attract economic development to the region, improve the services and general quality of life, and prepare students and the community for success.

A document management and records retention program has begun that will create backup copies of all necessary paper documents onto a computer-based system. This system will allow staff to search the entire database for information and will fit in with the County’s continuity of operations plan. Implementation will eliminate the need for approximately 600 filing cabinets.

Recreation and Parks

Improvements were made to a number of facilities, including a new walking trail at Deer Park and a new climbing rock at Freedom Park. A sampling of other projects includes installation of a 15-car parking lot and new docks at Piney Run Park, landscaping at Double Pipe Creek Park, and maintenance of equestrian trails at Union Mills and Spiegel Hill.

The Department was faced with a major challenge when the rifle range at the Hap Baker Firearms Facility burned down in February. While the pistol range was undamaged and remained open, significant effort went into the reconstruction of the rifle range, which reopened in October in time for the 2007 hunting season.

Our Community Recreation Programs expanded to more than 300 offerings last year.

Hashawha

Hashawha Environmental Center celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2007, marking 30 years of environmental awareness in Carroll County.

Outdoor School hosted the “Wild School Grounds” workshop at Hashawha, where 30 teachers helped to install a bird garden including 150 native trees, plants and shrubs.

Piney Run

Added six new rowboats for rentals to replace aging fleet

Completed a larger fishing area on the Lake Trail consisting of decking, benches and picnic area.

Added three new piers at lakefront to replace aging piers

Eagle Scout projects included the installation of new bridge on Equestrian Trail, the installation of new steps on Inlet Trail to enhance quality of trail, and the continued use of fish habitat structures to improving angling

2008 Recreation and Parks projects:

Krimgold Park – a new active regional park on 100 plus acres in the South Carroll area. The park will include ball fields, multi-purpose fields, pavilions, a playground, and a parking area with 200 spaces. The park will also offer opportunities for fishing, hiking, and walking activities.

Leister Park – a new 100-acre multi-purpose park to serve the Hampstead and Manchester communities. The park will include pavilions, a playground, bike paths, trails, baseball and softball fields, and a multi-purpose field. An indoor recreational facility is also planned to provide opportunities for additional recreational activities.

Public Safety

During drought conditions, firefighters cannot rely upon ponds and small streams to battle blazes. That is why the Commissioners launched an initiative to establish regional underground fire protection tanks for the county’s volunteer fire companies to use. Carroll’s latest regional fire protection tank was dedicated in August. Firefighters from the Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Co. and surrounding departments can utilize the 30,000-gallon fiberglass tank on Cherrytown Road to battle blazes in and around Silver Run.

In August, the Board of County Commissioners presented the Carroll County Volunteer Emergency Services Association with funds totaling $418,415 for two reserve units. Both vehicles will replace aging equipment used extensively by all 14 volunteer companies in Carroll County. Reserve units fill in when fire companies’ own units are out of service.

As of September, residents and business in Carroll County whose primary telephone is cellular or Internet-based can register to have their phone numbers included in the emergency notification system. The system, often referred to as Reverse 911®, is managed by the County’s Office of Public Safety Support Services. It is used to contact people in the event of an emergency, such as evacuations, natural disasters, water contamination, or alerts for missing people. All traditional telephone lines are automatically included in the service.

In October, Carroll County’s 911 center announced plans to implement new protocols to follow when callers report a fire.

The county is testing a 40-acre parcel of Lehigh Cement Co. property along McKinstrys Mill Road as a potential location for a new public safety training center. The parcel lies between Shepherds Mill Road and McKinstrys Mill Road, south of Maryland Route 75.

Miscellaneous

Freedom District Water Treatment Plant Groundbreaking – A new water treatment plant along Liberty Reservoir will allow Carroll County to more than double the amount of water the system can provide, from the current 3 million gallons a day to a total of 7 million gallons a day.

Carroll County Builders for the Bay brings together the Home Builders Association of Maryland, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, the Center for Watershed Protection, and Carroll County Government to evaluate existing development practices. A kick-off roundtable in September launched a yearlong process to find ways to more effectively protect natural resources through innovative and cost-effective site design and land planning techniques.

Carroll County Public Library’s sixth branch will be a 15,000-square-foot “green” building on more than 10 acres in Finksburg. With a geothermal energy system and other sustainable design features, the eco-friendly structure will provide a central gathering place for the Finksburg community. Ground was broken last August, with its opening planned for later this year.

20080110 Other Highlights from the Carroll County Board of Commissioners’ January 10, 2007 Carroll CountyState of the County Speech


20080110 Carroll County Commissioners’ January 10 2008 State of the county address

Carroll County Board of Commissioners’ January 10, 2008 Carroll County State of the County Speech

January 10, 2008

The 58th Board of County Commissioners

Dean L. Minnich, Vice President; Julia W. Gouge, President; Michael D. Zimmer, Secretary

Editor’s note: Ever since the Board of Commissioners gave the State of the County address on January 10, 2008, a number of folks have asked for analysis and feedback – and that I post on the blog the prepared text for each of the commissioner’s presentations.

Unfortunately – I ended-up not being able to attend. Instead, my plans changed at the last minute. I went down to Baltimore and appeared on a segment of the Marc Steiner Show on WYPR.

This year, the commissioners did not give individual remarks. Instead they combined all the material into one presentation. I rather like this better. It reads well.

In an era when many political observers have noted that the Carroll County Commissioners unfortunately have to respond to so much misinformation – this is the prepared text of their positions. Not what folks have suggested that they said or have spun it to promote a particular agenda. So, how about we do it this way - you read it and give me your feedback.

The attached text below was kindly provided by Vivian Laxton, W.A.B., the public information officer for the county, who is always accommodating and in the public service business. Thanks.

Pasted below are the commissioners’ remarks. I will not italicize the text as so many folks complain that posted text in italics is hard to read…

Note: The audio file of the actual speech can be found online at http://carroll.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=472.

The PDF of the booklet is available at http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/pubinfo/st-county.pdf.

_____

The year 2008 is going to be a time of major decisions here in Carroll County. Over the next several pages, we will outline for you the issues on our plate today, as well as many of the challenges we face to address these issues. We’ll leave you with some accomplishments that we have made so far in our quest to make Carroll County an even greater place to live, work and play.

Let’s start by talking trash. Literally. In the first quarter of the year, we will be deciding how to handle the next several decades’ worth of garbage. Recycling needs to be a driving force in whatever we do. Everyone – residents and businesses alike – needs to reduce the amount of waste we generate. We need to reuse what we can. At least two Carroll businesses are based on this very concept. Cartridge World in Westminster and Ink Again in Eldersburg both refill ink cartridges for printers throughout our business community. We need innovative approaches like this to cut back on the use of non-renewable resources. And, of course, we need to recycle. A member of our Environmental Advisory Council was able to cut back the amount she threw away each day to less than 2 pounds. She did this by recycling what she could and composting her food scraps. It’s something we can all do.

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. We in county government want to make this approach easier for everyone. In 2007, we introduced single-stream recycling for residents. You no longer need to sort your plastic bottles from your paper. Everything that can be recycled goes into a single container for your hauler to bring to the landfill.

But households only generate a little more than half of the county’s trash. That means restaurants, offices, stores, industries and other commercial uses account for 48 percent. We call on business leaders to think about what their firms or agencies can do to cut back on waste. Our goal is to boost our recycling rate countywide from the current 30 percent to at least 40 percent.

What we do with the remaining waste, however, is a major concern. Most of that is currently trucked to Virginia to be landfilled. With rising fuel costs and increased competition for space, we expect significant increases when our contract with Waste Management is renegotiated at the end of 2008. We as a Board must decide whether to continue operating the way we have, at an undoubtedly higher price; to invest in a county or regional waste-to-energy facility; or to wait several years to see how technology changes before investing in a new disposal method.

Another major issue we are dealing with right now is the transition to a county police force. In October 2007, this Board voted to move away from the Maryland State Police Resident Trooper Program and create a county police department. It’s because of the strong professionalism that Sheriff Ken Tregoning has brought to his department that we are able to make this transition. In fact, deputies will be given the opportunity to be part of the core of our new force. The Sheriff’s Office will continue to perform the duties outlined in the state constitution, with voters electing the sheriff. Law enforcement will be unified under an appointed police chief.

We know the cost to provide law enforcement to a growing community will continue to rise in the coming years. In fact, since 2003, we have funded 22 additional deputies in the Sheriff’s Office. But we strongly believe we will be better able to control these costs by having direct oversight over spending. An appointed police chief is held accountable each and every day. Voters have to wait until the end of an elected official’s term before replacing him if they don’t like the job he or she is doing. More importantly, a unified approach to law enforcement will be better for residents. When you call 911 today, there is no guarantee that the closest officer will respond. Patrols aren’t shared between the troopers and deputies. A county police force will allow for the best service to Carroll’s residents and businesses.

To help attract top-quality police recruits and to recognize the service of those already working for Carroll, we are developing a separate pension plan for certified officers. Based on feedback we’ve gotten on the plan, we are looking at ways to enhance the disability insurance. It’s all part of reaffirming our commitment to law enforcement in Carroll County.

A third issue we are tackling this year is our comprehensive plan, known as the Pathways Plan. This is the document that guides the county’s growth for years to come. We’ve held meetings and workshops and conducted lectures and surveys. Pathways even has its own web site – www.carrollpathways.org. After more than a year and a half of collecting feedback from residents, businesses and town leaders, we hope to release the first draft in February.

County staff has been meeting with several key state agencies so that we know our strategies to plan for and control growth are workable. We are especially concerned about the programs we want to use to address local water shortages and to better understand the financial implications of land use scenarios being considered.

We have already put into action some of the ideas that emerged from the extensive public participation. They include efforts to improve workforce housing opportunities, such as allowing apartments overtop certain shopping centers. By limiting the size of these units, we hope to keep costs down for couples and young families. We are also considering whether to exempt what we call “accessory dwellings”mother-in-law houses, garage apartments and the like – from the tests we require under the adequate public facilities law. The hope is to make it less expensive for people to create new housing opportunities below the market rate. And at the end of 2007, we changed our code so we could waive impact fees for targeted projects, like Habitat for Humanity.

Other Pathways initiatives already under way include efforts to improve commercial development design and public water availability within our planned growth areas. The National Association of Counties, or NACo, recognized our “Design Expectations” manual and CD. NACo called the project a model for jurisdictions that want to improve the way commercial development looks without adding burdensome regulations.

On the water issue, we’ve entered into agreements with Mount Airy, Westminster and Taneytown so we can find solutions to ongoing problems with water in these communities. Securing enough water is, without a doubt, one of the most difficult challenges we face. Without water, we cannot expand our commercial and industrial base. In some of our towns, construction stopped because the State says there is not enough water to get us through a 100-year drought. We are actively working with the Maryland Department of the Environment to ensure that Carroll can grow according to our plans – not sprawling out into rural areas on large lots served by wells and septic systems.

We need to continue to create opportunities for managed growth. But that growth should be in designated areas on public water and sewer systems. That makes for more efficient use of the land. It’s better for the environment. And it allows for collaboration between us and our municipal partners. In 2007, we formed a water resource coordination committee to look at how the County and our towns can work together to address this issue. We support the construction of new reservoirs as a long-term solution to our water supply needs. In the meantime, our committee seeks creative short-term solutions.

But it’s more than just a supply issue. We are also working to secure water recharge areas on farmland under permanent preservation so our communities can prosper, but in a manner that recognizes the sensitive balance between growth and environmental protection.

Our goal with the Pathways Plan is to have a draft presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission in February. After that we will hold joint public workshops and public hearings before final adoption in Spring 2008.

While water is one of the most pressing concerns, there are certainly other challenges on the horizon. The future of our emergency medical services is a prime example. The Volunteer Emergency Services Association has said its current staffing system is not working. The group has asked county government to step in. We have 13 different companies that provide EMS care, and they voted unanimously in December 2007 to centralize management of their paid staff. It is the best way to guarantee a trained person will get to your house quickly, any time of the day, if the need arises. We are working closely with the association to see what we can do.

Solutions to EMS, water, and a multitude of problems, of course, require money. And money seems to be harder to find. With the housing market slump, we have seen a drop in revenue from the recordation tax. As a result of the General Assembly’s special session, we won’t be seeing as much from income tax revenues, either. Last November’s session to address the State’s structural deficit left Carroll with about $8.5 million in cuts. It could have been worse. And it may still get worse. The governor has to cut another $220 million statewide during the regular session. What that fully means for Carroll County remains to be seen.

We do know that education was hardest hit by the first round of reductions. The Board of Education accounts for nearly $5 million of the $8.5 million impact. We commissioners have made a strong commitment to our children through both our operating and capital budgets. For the past 11 years, we have funded schools at levels higher than state law requires. Ebb Valley Elementary School will soon be opening its doors. Manchester Valley High School will be next, with a South Carroll middle school possibly on the horizon.

But with all the uncertainty with State funding and our revenue sources, we know we will have some tough choices to make this year. Which worthy projects get delayed because we simply don’t have the money?

Budget cuts. Education. EMS. Water. Pathways. Despite all of these challenges, we have made great strides in the past year.

You may have heard that we have been restructuring at Carroll County Regional Airport. In January, we begin interviewing for an airport manager. With that person’s help, we hope to realize the airport’s full economic potential, which was the original reason for creating that facility.

Our agricultural land preservation program hit a major milestone in November 2007. With the purchase of the 192-acre Shirley farm north of Westminster, Carroll County has now preserved more than 50,000 acres of ag land. As of January 1, 2008, we have 51,595 acres under permanent preservation. We are well on our way to reaching our goal of 100,000 acres. When farms stay green, we not only preserve Carroll’s heritage, we also prevent the need for more roads, schools, and other costly infrastructure.

And our green efforts reach far beyond the farm. Carroll County was named one of 20 finalists for the national Sustainable Communities Award in 2007. The recognition came for our overall approach. Both Ebb Valley Elementary and the Finksburg Library will boast geothermal systems to heat and cool the buildings. Most of the “green” features of the library will be difficult to see, so when it opens later this year, we’ll have a plaque explaining them. Along that same line, we are retrofitting our older buildings with new lighting, HVAC systems and other smaller projects to make them more energy efficient. Johnson Controls has guaranteed we will save $5 million in energy costs over 15 years by making these changes.

While we’ve changed lighting fixtures in our offices, our employees have also pledged to change to energy-efficient lighting at their homes. During the 2007 national Change A Light campaign, Carroll County Government employees pledged to exchange 797 regular light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs. That will save a total of $20,902 in energy costs and prevent nearly 326,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. We are proud to announce that, at 38 percent, we had a higher percentage of employees taking the pledge than any other county in the United States.

Also on the national level, Carroll joined jurisdictions across the country by making a commitment to limit our impact on the environment, by signing the Cool Counties declaration. But for Carroll to be a cool county, we will need everyone’s help. Businesses must be willing to do their share to protect our environment. Black Oak Associates is a prime example. When the firm’s new shopping center in Eldersburg is complete, it will be the first “green” commercial district in the Mid-Atlantic. We applaud Black Oak’s management for its stewardship.

Since we are talking about businesses, let’s take a quick run through the numbers for Carroll’s economic health. Economic development remains bright. Our unemployment rate, 2.8 percent, is among the lowest in the state. Our labor force growth rate of approximately 3 percent outpaces the region’s and state’s growth rate of 1 percent. In 2007, more than 1,600 jobs were created, and commercial and industrial tax dollars increased $1.5 million. Approximately 840,000 square feet of commercial and industrial space was built or renovated. Expansions such as Flowserve Corp., Evapco, and SES Americom demonstrate that the manufacturing and technology sectors remain strong.

Another sure sign of a healthy economy – speculative commercial building – continues. Of the 60,000 feet of spec space constructed last year at the Air Business Center, nearly two-thirds has been absorbed, while the Commerce Center’s third building, completed last year, is fully leased. Currently, 70,000 square feet of space is under construction at the West Branch Trade Center and a new 30,000-square-foot flex building is approved for construction at the Carroll County Commerce Center.

Additionally, progress is being made on the development of new business parks to make room for companies seeking a Carroll County address. New retail developments such as the Hampstead Marketplace, Piney Ridge Village, The Shoppes at Meadow Creek, Illianos Plaza II and Eldersburg Main Street will also add to the business base. Tourism is growing and Carroll’s signature event, The Maryland Wine Festival, set attendance records this past fall.

A little over a year ago, the Department of Economic Development unveiled a new marketing logo, “making business feel right at home.” The department carried out this pledge in many ways. One was instituting the first “Business Appreciation Week” in partnership with the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce by visiting more than 40 businesses to listen to their concerns and thank them for choosing Carroll County as a business destination. The department and Chamber also hosted a Business Awards dinner with over 180 people to celebrate the successes of our local companies. As we move forward, partnerships and events like these will continue to help improve our business climate and continue to “make business feel right at home.”

We hope this information helps you to have a better understanding of issues and challenges facing Carroll in 2008. We feel confident that we are on the right track, nurturing and growing our economy to make sure Carroll County remains a great place to live, work and play.

The 58th Board of County Commissioners

Julia W. Gouge, President

Dean L. Minnich, Vice President

Michael D. Zimmer, Secretary

20080110 Carroll County Commissioners’ January 10 2008 State of the county address