County Commission | The Magazine January 2020 | Page 22

FROM THE COVER
the reach of a county commission devoid
of revenue-generating powers. On the other
hand, an efficient local law enforcement
agency and jail is necessary to maintain order
and to ensure the safety of all Alabamians.
The Association is gravely concerned that
all reform efforts, statutory changes or
administrative rules be considered only
in light of direct, indirect and unintended
consequences generated at the county level.
adequately meet its financial or administrative
responsibilities. Additionally, since local
government plays an important role in
providing emergency services at the local
level, the Association urges the Legislature
to ensure there is adequate funding for local
programs and that state and local agencies
work in partnership for the safety and well-
being of all citizens of this state.
Justice and Public Safety Environment, Land Use
and Public Works
Foundation Principle: The State of Alabama
is responsible for administration of state
courts and public safety agencies and for
providing public health and mental health
services for the citizens of this state.
The Association believes the Alabama
Legislature should adequately fund each
state agency responsible for delivery of
these critical government services and
opposes any legislative or administrative
efforts that mandate counties to assume
any responsibility for these state functions
or that force county government to assume
state functions due to the state’s failure to Foundation Principle: County government’s
role in the effective administration and
enforcement of Alabama’s law affecting
environmental issues, land use and public
works administration is often confusing.
Counties lack land-use authority but are
required to grant initial approval for landfills.
Counties seek to enhance the delivery of
services by improving their public facilities
and programs but often are impeded by
federal and state regulations, inspections
and prohibitions that do not serve the
public’s best interests. The exercise of
extra-jurisdictional powers by municipalities
22 | JANUARY 2020
further clouds the role of county government.
The Association seeks legislative and
administrative solutions to these conflicts and
encourages all related agencies to interact
with counties to ensure the proper delivery of
services and the enforcement of requirements
and regulations.
Rural Transportation
Foundation Principle: The county
commission is responsible for proper
construction, maintenance, and repair of all
roads and bridges in the county road system.
The Association believes it is essential that the
county commission have adequate federal,
state and/or local funding to meet the many
needs of its rural transportation system.
Additionally, the Association believes that,
in order to keep roads and bridges properly
maintained for the safety and well-being of the
traveling public, the county commission must
have broad regulatory authority related to the
use of county-maintained roads and bridges,
including the ability to collect reimbursement
from persons or entities causing damage to
those roads and bridges.