County Commission | The Magazine January February 2018 | Page 40

FROM THE COVER
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About the Alabama County Platform //
For 67 counties to speak with “One Voice,” there must be agreement on what will be said. Every move
the Association makes on policy is grounded in the Alabama County Platform, a single document with many
authors. The legislative positions and goals staked out reflect the input of every county commission as well
as leaders from affiliate and minority groups.
The ACCA Legislative Committee prepared the 2018 Platform for review and approval by the ACCA
Board of Directors. The board’s recommendation was then approved by a vote of the full Association
membership at the Legislative Conference in early December.
Components of the Platform
The Platform is organized in three parts:
FOUNDATION PRINCIPLES: In just a few sentences, each of the 11 Foundation Principles states
the county position in timeless, “big picture” fashion. If the only thing someone knew about
Alabama counties was the Foundation Principles, that person would have a solid framework for
understanding core issues and responsibilities.
1.
Example: County Expenditures for Compensation and Benefits
The County Commission is charged with making the budgeting decisions necessary to provide the
most effective and efficient services to the citizens within the revenue available in each of the 67
courthouses. Legislatively-mandated adjustments in salary and benefits pose a threat to the delivery
of such services. For this reason, the Association opposes any legislation which mandates any
expenditure of county revenues for the payment of compensation, salary supplements, expense
allowances, or benefits for current or former government officials or employees.
2.
STRATEGIC GOALS: Flowing out of the Foundation Principles are Strategic Goals, with each
one representing a legislative change needed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of
county government.
Example from County Expenditures for Compensation and Benefits
To reform Alabama’s workers’ compensation law by reasonably reducing medical costs while not
subjecting employers to increased payments or expenditures.
3.
LEGISLATIVE POLICIES: Also flowing out of each Foundation Principle, these Legislative Policies
are specific statements about how counties view detailed aspects of the issues. These are
generally phrased as statements of support, opposition or belief.
Example from County Expenditures for Compensation and Benefits
Opposition to mandated and unfunded requirements to provide or increase compensation or benefits
for any county-paid personnel or volunteers.
40 | COUNTY COMMISSION