With the 2012 Legislative session completed, county commissioners will face few changes. Through a strong, coordinated effort , we protected the integrity of county commissions and their budgets to provide services in each county. Our opposition to extending authority to class III and IV municipalities to administer TIF without the advice and consent of affected county commissions was heard and we prevailed. One area which strains county budgets remained unchanged; Regional Jail costs will be the same. Budgetary agenda of other associations could have had an impact on county commissions; however, our efforts proved successful and we prevailed.

Commissioners new to the office may not understand the importance of attending regional and state meetings, understanding problems of all counties and getting to know legislators. Seasoned commissioners have learned the importance of meeting with key individuals and departments which oversee highways, economic development and homeland security. If a county has no legislators who chair major legislative committees, working with departments becomes key to obtaining funding for projects in a county.

I want to personally thank each one who made phone calls, sent emails, and spent time in Charleston on behalf of county commissions. With your time, effort, and dedication, we will continue to further the essential work of county commissions.