County Commission | The Magazine January February 2018 | Page 43

A voice from
Alabama’s
67 counties
Mary Wood, CCA
Administrator, Clay County
President, Association of County
Administrators of Alabama
(ACAA)
Q
As you go
about your
responsibilities as
county administrator,
what is different for you when
the Alabama Legislature is in
session?
A
My priority is to keep lines
of communication open to
be aware of legislative issues that
affect the county. While in session,
it is especially important to be
alert to ensure – as the liaison to
commissioners – that they are aware
of issues the ACCA is supporting and
also the negative effects of legislation
that will harm county government.
Q
What are some of the
2018 priority legislative
issues for the Association of
County Administrators
of Alabama?
• To reform the current
Boards of Registrars system
to be more accountable.
• Develop a plan to prevent constant
unfunded mandates.
• To require municipalities to
provide animal control services
within their jurisdictional limits or
contribute a pro rata share of services
A
provided by the county.
Examples include digital
downloads and cloud-based software.
Q
What would you
say are some of the
biggest challenges county
administrators face –challenges
that are just as real in larger and
smaller counties?
A
• Not enough revenues to
cover requirements.
• The increase in duties required
for administrators as a result of
GASB (Governmental Accounting
Standards Board) regulations.
• Finding a solution for restoring
state EMA revenues in the state
General Fund budget to ensure both
state and county EMA programs
receive proper funding.
Q
What are the best
benefits of ACAA
membership?
A
Building relationships
with other administrators
who can provide advice and share
knowledge that helps to improve
operations throughout the counties.
COUNTY COMMISSION | 43