The housing deadline for the 2015 Legislative Leadership Conference is Thursday, Sept. 3. The conference will take place on Oct. 7-9 in Jekyll Island/Glynn County. Don't forget to register if you haven't yet -- as you wouldn't want to miss your opportunity to earn credit in the Lifelong Learning Academy and to hear from our state's key decision makers!

Visit http://accg.org/content.asp?CatId=319&ContentType=Training_Content to view the full article online.

 

As the primary purpose of the Legislative Leadership Conference is to approve the County Platform, it remains significant for each county to appoint a voting delegate for the conference business session on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 1:15 p.m. Please complete the voting delegate form no later than Friday, Sept. 25 and return it to ACCG Director of First Impressions Rhonda Ligons at 404.525-2477.

Visit http://www.accg.org/library/2015_5_28_2015%20LLC%20Voting%20Delegate%20Memo.pdf to view the full article online.

 

The ACCG Fall District Meetings are approaching, and ACCG asks that county officials save the date for the meeting they wish to attend. The District Meetings provide county officials the opportunity to interact with state lawmakers and partake in discussions on significant policy issues.

Visit http://accg.org/content.asp?contentid=2342 to view the full article online.

 

In conjunction with Georgia Trend magazine, ACCG will once again offer the Georgia County Excellence Awards to counties. The focus of this year's program is community health. Additional information such as submission guidelines and the application deadline are forthcoming. Be sure to monitor the ACCG website for more details!

Visit http://accg.org/default.asp to view the full article online.

 

The Civic Affairs Foundation (CAF) is seeking grant applications from counties across the state for the 2016 Summer Georgia County Internship Program (GCIP). Due to the high demand from counties and students for summer internships, the GCIP will be exclusively providing summer grants in 2016 to maximize the number of program participants. Grant applications and directions for the 2016 summer grant program was sent to all counties in August via email. The deadline to submit applications to the CAF will be Friday, Oct. 16, 2015. If you have any questions about the grant application, please contact Michele NeSmith at mnesmith@accg.org or at 404.522.5022.

Visit http://www.civicaffairs.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48&Itemid=474 to view the full article online.

 

Maria Thompson, an environmental economics major at the University of Georgia, interned with the Athens-Clarke County Central Services Department as part of the 2015 Spring Georgia County Internship Program. Read more to learn about Maria's time in the Athens-Clarke County government!

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/acg-nwl/articles/index-v5.asp?aid=333855&issueID=40067 to view the full article online.

 

The GAEPD Watershed Protection Branch is now accepting project applications for FY16 Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Implementation Grants. Funding is distributed via a competitive process to projects that will lead to direct reductions in pollutant loads and measurable water quality improvements. The maximum amount of individual Federal awards is $400,000 over a maximum timeline of 3 years. Public agencies such as local, regional, or state governments; authorities that operate service or delivery programs (e.g. sewer, water); regional development centers; agricultural conservation councils; and school and university systems qualify for grants. The deadline for pre-application meetings is Oct. 15, 2015 and the deadline for application submittal is Nov. 2, 2015.

Visit http://epd.georgia.gov/section-319h-georgias-nonpoint-source-implementation-grant to view the full article online.

 

The Georgia Board of Natural Resources is currently considering revisions for Georgia's Rules for Dam Safety. This rule will greatly impact counties that own dams, particularly Category 1 dams -- those that would potentially cause loss of life in a failure. Dam owners will have additional responsibilities in inspecting dams, repairing them if necessary, and creating emergency action plans, among other measures. The Board will be receiving any comments until Sept. 24, 2015. To read more about this rule, please access the link below.

Visit https://epd.georgia.gov/chapter-391-3-8-rules-dam-safety to view the full article online.

 

Cherokee County Tax Commissioner Sonya Parry Little was recognized Aug. 19 as the first graduate of the new internal controls certificate program that the Carl Vinson Institute of Government’s Financial Management Training Program developed this year. Little became the first government finance officer to complete the suite of four online courses the Institute now offers; the final two courses were launched in July. Finance officers in Georgia and throughout the country can earn the certificate by successfully completing all four courses within one year.

Visit http://www.cviog.uga.edu/training/online/ to view the full article online.

 

Registration is now available for Advanced Workers' Compensation and High Impact Health Promotion Champion workshops with Local Government Risk Management Services. Both workshops are being offered through the end of September, so there is still time to register!

Visit https://s08.123signup.com/servlet/SignUp;jsessionid=576862B03B64DF19C0A9A90061F31841?PG=1532306182300&P=153230600 to view the full article online.

 

Jones County officials will host its Golf "Fore" Kids tournament in efforts to build a special needs playground for local youth. The tournament will take place on Sept. 26 at the county's Lake Jonesco Golf Course. Those interested in learning more about this effort are encouraged to contact Jones County Commissioner Jonathan Pitts or Parks and Recreation Director Matt Goins.

Visit http://www.accg.org/library/2015_Jones%20County%20Golf%20Fore%20Kids%20Tournament%20Info.pdf to view the full article online.

 

Some Georgia counties are examining the use of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), commonly known as a drone, for search and rescue operations, disaster relief, firefighting, investigations and inspections. The use of such aircraft for these purposes is expected to grow because, oftentimes, they provide a less risky, inexpensive way to conduct these operations versus putting humans in harm's way. However, before utilizing this new technology, local governments should be aware of the regulations and risks.

Visit http://www.accg.org/content.asp?ContentId=2349 to view the full article online.

 

Georgia United Credit Union asks that you join them in welcoming their new web address, gucu.org! Site visitors can visit the credit union online at georgiaunitedcu.org, but the URL address will reflect gucu.org. You may also notice a shorter email address from Georgia United employees, but don't worry! Your emails will still reach them!

Visit https://gucu.org/ to view the full article online.