Prior to interning with Cobb County, Joshua Shapiro, a GIS student at Kennesaw State University, was not familiar with county government operations. Through his GIS internship in the Department of Stream Monitoring, Shapiro learned that the county is responsible for a wide variety of responsibilities from testing stream water to providing services to senior citizens.

During the course of his internship, Shapiro’s responsibilities focused on GIS mapping and related tasks, including field work. He was tasked with creating maps showing sampling sites that were incorporated into a departmental report. He also created maps that will assist in the day-to-day activities of his supervisors to better visualize their data. These included a master map showing chemical, bug, and fish data and a watershed map showing the watersheds of each site. Shapiro believes his most significant success was his watershed map, which took him weeks to complete. Although several issues arose during this project, he was able to resolve those problems with the assistance of his supervisors.

Shapiro’s favorite part of the internship experience included fish sampling and field work, which he believes taught him the most during his internship. Seeing the whole process from collection to testing gave him additional insight into the work the lab performs. This position not only gave him a way to apply his existing skills, but also to improve them.

To future interns, Shapiro said it is a great place to work and the coworkers are great people who are always willing to help. The main piece of advice he has revolves around effective time management. When asked if he has a future in county government, Shapiro answered yes.

For more information on the GCIP, please visit the ACCG Civic Affairs Foundation website at http://www.civicaffairs.org.

Every year, counties are required to file an immigration report with the Department of Audits and Accounts (DOAA). The reporting period for the 2018 report is December 1, 2017 through November 30, 2018 and the deadline to complete the report is December 31, 2018. An overview of the report template can be viewed here. The report requires the county to submit information related to their E-Verify number and authorization date, E-Verify contractor information, E-Verify private employer information, public benefit information, and requires the county to certify that it is compliant with state law regarding sanctuary policies. This report is mandatory and must be submitted by every county governing authority and all county authorities.

DOAA will be reporting non-compliant counties to state agencies that provide state funding to local governments, so make sure that you submit your report by December 31, 2018. If you have any technical questions about filing the report, including questions about your username or password, please contact the DOAA at Immhelp@audits.ga.govor visit the DOAA website at http://www.audits.ga.gov. Step-by-step instructions on how to submit the report can be found here. All questions about the legal requirements for this report should be directed to your county attorney.

The ACCG Civic Affairs Foundation is seeking grant applications from counties for the 2019 Summer Georgia County Internship Program (GCIP). Since 2010, the GCIP has provided over 400 internship opportunities in over 70 counties to college students and recent graduates. Projects that have been funded in the past include GIS, records management, budget and tax analysis, updates to manuals, ordinances, guidebooks, and policies, inventory audits, social media campaigns, website creation and updates, parks and recreation, legal research and writing, senior services, forestry, communications, marketing, photography, service delivery, planning, economic development, and much more. Need ideas for internship projects for your county? Check out the 2018 GCIP Highlights article Here.

Applications and grant packets have been distributed via email to every county and can be found on the Foundation’s website. The deadline to submit the 2019 application is Friday, December 14, 2018. The grant provides funding for a 200 hour internship (wages, FICA, and a stipend towards workers’ compensation costs). All internships must be performed between May 1, 2019 and September 1, 2019. Questions about the application process for the GCIP should be directed to Michele NeSmith or 404-522-5022.

Georgia State's Center for State and Local Finance will offer two courses for public finance leaders this winter. All courses are offered at newly reduced prices, and registration is open now.

• Forecasting:This course covers revenue forecasting for government jurisdictions.
• Jan. 24-25; Deadline: Jan. 9; Cost: $350
• Operating and Capital Budgeting:This course focuses on costs and plans related to capital projects.
• March 13-15; Deadline: Feb. 27; Cost: $500

Fees include course content, instructional materials, and light breakfast/snacks. CPEs are available, and certificates of completion will be awarded at the conclusion of each course.For details and registration information, visit cslf.gsu.edu/training.

Have a large group or need customized training? Email the center at cslf@gsu.edu, and our staff will get back you to regarding your needs.