November 19, 2010
Open and Accountable Government Web Site
In partnership with the County Manager’s Office, the Public Service & Information Department staff has published an Open and Accountable Government web page linked directly from the County’s home page (www.MecklenburgCountyNC.Gov). This Open Government page provides access to information on audits, program reviews, findings of task forces, as well as documents such as employee salaries and spending reports. Although much of these data were already on the County’s website, this page consolidates the information to make it easier for users to find and navigate. Users also can select an option to subscribe to updates of this page via email.
Board members with questions should contact eGovernment/Customer Service Director Brian Cox via email or 704-336-2576.
Communicating the Code of Ethics
One of the items posted on the Open and Accountable Government page is the new Code of Ethics adopted by the Board on October 5, 2010. This Code of Ethics also has been posted on the County’s Intranet site (MeckWeb) to provide County employees easy access to this information.
Furthermore, earlier today, I distributed a memorandum to County department directors to raise awareness of the new Code of Ethics and to stipulate that department directors, as well as all County employees, have the responsibility to read, understand and comply with the Code. It is also the responsibility of department directors to ensure their employees have access to the Code and to ensure employees know their responsibilities under the Code of Ethics. This communication is being augmented with emails and other direct messages provided to all employees.
Board members with questions should contact General Manager John McGillicuddy at 704-336-2662 or via email.
2011 Legislative Priorities
At its December 21, 2010 meeting, the Board will be asked to adopt state and federal legislative agendas. This will include receiving legislative items recommended by staff as well as members of the Board. Therefore, Board members who want to include federal and/or state legislative agenda items for consideration by the Board should submit those items by December 10 to Assistant to the County Manager Brian Francis via email. Brian can also be reached at 704-336-2611.
Redistricting Planning Underway
Board members may recall that the recently completed census will likely reveal population changes that will necessitate redrawing of the Board of County Commissioners districts. Therefore, County staff has developed a planning process to facilitate this redistricting.
In January, the Board’s public policy workshop will be dedicated to provide an overview of the proposed process. At that time, Board members will receive a legal briefing on the requirements and constraints of state and federal law. Board members also will be asked to adopt the criteria by which districts would be drawn, as well as adopt a process for considering new maps.
Although the U.S. Census Bureau will announce statewide population figures by the end of this year, the census block data required to craft districts is not expected until April. Therefore, the proposed schedule will reflect the timing of this data release.
Board members with questions should contact Assistant to the County Manager Brian Francis via email or via telephone at 704-336-2611.
-- Harry L. Jones, Sr., County Manager