Stay ConnectedCountyCast is a podcast series from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners designed to educate listeners about the level of government closest to the people – counties.
Join host Amber Harris as we share county stories from North Carolina, help people understand county government’s impact and why it matters, and attempt to entertain while celebrating counties and our members.
It’s nearly impossible to overstate the value of county emergency services and the impact those services have on their communities. Even then, some departments go above and beyond and add a deeply caring and personal approach to their day-to-day responsibilities.
This is exemplified in Nash County, where one of this week’s guests, Brandon Taylor, manages the Community Paramedicine program, a cutting-edge project in the field of healthcare delivery. We’re also joined by Nash County Director of Emergency Services, Brian Brantley, who has more than 40 years of experience in county emergency services.
Relevant Links Nash County Emergency Services - Department Site Community Paramedic Program - LGFCU Award Evaluation LGFCU Excellence in Innovation Awards - More Information
Since the NCACC’s founding 110 years ago, grassroots advocacy has been a hallmark of the organization's identity. Join us as we talk to the Association's President-Elect, Commissioner Kevin Austin, along with Government Relations Coordinator Hugh Johnson, to examine how challenges at the local level are addressed with innovative thinking that often results in important policy shifts at other levels of government.
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Given the shared notion that exercise, play, and outdoor space are vital for a thriving community, how can a county make sure it serves its residents in this area while being efficient with resources? Harnett County Assistant County Manager Brian Haney as well as Parks and Recreation Director Carl Davis join the show to talk about their award-winning solution to provide a community resource and share how other counties can replicate similar programs.
To find out more about the LGFCU Excellence in Innovation Awards and to submit your program for consideration, visit ncacc.org/lgfcuawards. The deadline to apply is May 31.
Relevant Links
Brian Haney - Biography Page Carl Davis - Biography Page Boone Trail Community Center & Library - Project Evaluation Stephenson’s BBQ - Facebook Page B’s BBQ - Facebook Page Parks and Rec (TV) - Wikipedia
There is a wide scope of services that counties provide, from office administration, to waste management, to law enforcement — and all of these services carry risks which must be accounted for and minimized. NCACC Risk Control Manager Bob Carruth has built a career in navigating and educating on the liabilities that county governments face, all of which has earned him the unofficial title of “Safety Bob.”
Listen in as Bob shares his insights and personal stories on the nature of risk that counties work to manage, as well as new challenges that county leaders can expect to mitigate in the future.
Relevant Links Bob Carruth - Biography Page NCACC Risk Management Pools - More Information
It is a crucial role of the sheriff’s department to serve and protect the citizens of a county, and in New Hanover County, this includes building a network of support for formerly incarcerated individuals so that they “are released from jail with a plan, instead of questions; hope instead of worry,” through a project called Community1.
We’re joined by the founder of the Community1 program, Officer Anthony Johnson from the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, as well as Sarah Stoloff, an intern with the program, to talk about the collaborative process that brought about this one-of-a-kind project.
Relevant Links New Hanover County - Sheriff’s Office Website “Community1” program - Award Evaluation LGFCU Excellence in Innovation Awards - Information Page
Foster care placement is a critical function of county Departments of Social Services. When children are in need of families, staff in these departments step in to coordinate and ensure the needs of children and the families that care for them are met. Join us as we talk with Alison Clark who leads these efforts in Cleveland County as a dedicated promoter of her county’s foster care program as well as a passionate advocate for children in need of homes in her community.
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One month into the legislative session, we check in on trending topics at the General Assembly and discuss how they might affect counties with NCACC Government Relations Coordinator Hugh Johnson. Listen in as we talk about state budget projections and how they play into the priorities of county governments across the state of North Carolina.
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In our first episode on the current legislative session, the NCACC’s Executive Director Kevin Leonard and Legislative Counsel Adam Pridemore bring you up to speed on education funding, a trending topic in the North Carolina General Assembly. Listen in for the backstory on how state and local leaders have long discussed the issue of funding schools, what the conversation looks like currently, and potential ballot measures heading into upcoming elections.
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Six weeks in to her position as a county commissioner, Vickie Adamson from Wake County joins us to share her journey from candidate to elected official. Commissioner Darrell Frye, who has served in Randolph County for 37 years, also joins to add his insight into the important work that county commissioners do. Listen in to hear two perspectives on county government and how some issues are shared by both urban and rural residents.
Join us for a lesson on the nuts and bolts of county administration as told by Hertford County Manager Loria Williams and for a glimpse of how commissioners serve their counties from Onslow County Commissioner Mark Price.
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