Remarks from ACCA Executive Director Sonny Brasfield
This past week marked the completion of my 14th year as Executive Director. Much has changed in county government and with the Association. However, our central theme remains the same — our state will never be stronger than its weakest county. After 14 years, we remain in this together.
This week’s need-to-know information from ACCA
Legislators will kick off a new legislative quadrennium tomorrow at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, convening for the first day of the 2023 Legislative Session. By now, County Family members have received the Association’s first weekly “Goat Hill Glance” and will receive the “Goat Hill Prep” later today. County Family members are reminded to be vigilant for ACCA’s “Goat Hill Alerts” — critical alerts featuring a concise and urgent call to action for each County Family member throughout the legislative session. Goat Hill communications can also be accessed on the County Family online community’s “2023 Legislative Session” tab.
County Family members are also urged to communicate with and support their county’s Legislative Committee representative throughout the session. These liaisons, listed here, will share valuable legislative information with their county colleagues and the Association staff.
County Family members can now listen to the February episode of ACCA’s monthly 2 North Jackson Podcast. This month’s episode features discussions between the Association’s Executive Director, Sonny Brasfield, and guest experts on the condition of Alabama’s corrections system, assistance with federal disaster recovery funds and safety advancements for county drivers.
County Family members can access current and previous episodes of the 2 North Jackson Podcast by visiting the ACCA website or their favorite podcast streaming app.
The latest issue of the County Commission magazine has arrived in county mailboxes and is designed to guide the County Family through the 2023 Legislative Session. Topics discussed in the magazine include the Association’s Legislative Priorities, Goat Hill communications, the importance of the County Family online community and legislative matters for each affiliate group to monitor.
County Family members can access a digital version of the magazine here.
County Administrators will travel to Etowah County this Friday, March 10, as part of an ongoing series of Regional Meetings. The meetings — held across the state each spring — provide time for County Administrators to meet and discuss common issues counties face. County Administrators who have yet to attend a meeting are encouraged to register today on the County Family online community under their group’s “Events/Education” tab for one of two remaining meetings:
Regional Meetings begin at 10 a.m. and conclude with lunch at a restaurant of the host county’s choosing. A short video tutorial detailing how to access your group’s “Events/Education” tab is available here. Please contact ACCA Public Relations Manager Marty Stokes with any questions.
Attention, ACCA Liability Self-Insurance Fund (LSIF) members! County Commissions willing to commit by March 15 to an additional three years of participation in the LSIF will be eligible to receive a one-time bonus payment equal to 10 percent of its 2023 premium-contribution.
Please contact ACCA Director of Insurance Services Henry Van Arcken for more information on the opportunity.
A collection of news stories impacting and/or featuring the County Family
Sen. Greg Reed outlines budget priorities ahead of 2023 legislative session
Alabama roads rated second-best in the country in recent study
Governor Ivey awards $24.7M in broadband grants to counties across the state
These Alabama counties saw largest economic bounce backs in 2021
Tuesday, March 7
2023 Regular Legislative Session Begins | Alabama Statehouse
Wednesday, March 8, 1 – 4:30 p.m.
Cakes & Conversations | ACCA Headquarters
Friday, March 10
Regional Meeting #6 | Etowah County
