County Commission | The Magazine June 2017 | Page 5

Counties have an increasing
their own destinies, but there are still and more of “state” responsibilities
number of tools at our disposal
major issues out there for counties
falling down to the local level.
in our efforts to control our own
to tackle.
And so, counties and this
destiny. This issue of the magazine is
Bottom line, the goal of local
Association must continue to stand
full of tips and guidelines for coun-
decision-making has still not yet
on our cornerstone principal: that
ties seeking to fully utilize Alabama’s
been achieved.
decisions affecting citizens at the
limited self-governance laws, and the
Each legislative session, dozens of local level are best made at the local
Association staff is preparing to
bills are introduced – in the name
provide county leaders with much
of economic development – to
more information on the Amend-
grant county abatements and tax
We
already
know
what
we
ment 4 powers at the upcoming
credits to industries, without re-
can
achieve
when
county
Annual Convention.
quiring the consent of the county
The big question remains:
commission. Even more pieces
leaders speak in One Voice.
will
Alabama county govern-
of legislation are introduced to
ments will ever see a “true”
exempt non-profit organizations
Independence
Day? My guess is that
from paying county sales and use
level – where citizens have the best
I’ll be long gone from county service
taxes – again, without the consent of
opportunity for input. Whether it
when that day comes. I do know one
the county commission.
is prison reform, election laws, or
thing for sure, if we are to continue
This issue is much larger than
infrastructure improvements, county to make a difference then we must
these two examples. Independence is
leaders must continue to demand a
continue to stand together. Every
more than the power to say “yes” to
seat
at
the
table.
And,
I
believe,
we
additional inch of local decision-
the good things; it is also solid footing
will have to present a more united
making we enjoy today has been
to say “no” to things that will harm
demand
that
local
decisions
be
made
won by the sacrifice of others who
the community’s forward progress. As
the state budgets continue to tighten, with the insight of local leaders – and committed to ONE unified message
and ONE unified voice. n
be prepared to stand our ground.
counties should expect to see more
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