Crisis Management is the newest coverage to be provided to the members of the ACCG Property & Liability program (ACCG-IRMA). The Board of Trustees recently approved this addition, which will be effective July 1, 2017. In the event of certain emergency situations or workplace violence events that result in significant adverse media coverage about the county, the program will pay an approved crisis management firm and/or workplace violence counseling expenses up to $100,000 per event and annual aggregate subject to a $2,500 deductible. This endorsement will be included for all members at no additional cost.

 

This coverage is meant to help counties navigate through a crisis situation, when tensions and the stakes may be high. The goal is to slow the process, control the panic, identify and prioritize the concerns, and provide direction to the county on how to prevent the response to the incident from becoming the NEXT crisis. Take for example, workplace violence in a county facility. That may be the first time the county staff, including responding deputies and emergency responders, have had to deal with a crisis of that proportion.

 

County leaders may need immediate advice from someone who has previously handled crises on how to best manage the situation after the event, beginning with a review of what happened and who and what is affected. They may need help setting priorities to achieve the best outcomes. That could include assistance from professional counselors for county staff, guidance on press releases, and help responding to questions from the media about the county’s preparedness and/or response to such an event. Knowing what to say or do – or sometimes more importantly what NOT to say or do – can make a situation better or worse.

 

Many mistakes can be made in the first few hours of a crisis situation, some of which cannot be corrected and can hurt the reputation of the entire county government. What happens in the moments after the crisis could lead to a claim against the county and its employees since the natural response to explain and defend may generate even more negative attention towards the county. It would be advantageous to have assistance from a professional, experienced crisis manager who can provide knowledge and the appropriate resources when needed.

 

The ACCG Insurance Programs will also provide training in regards to the concept of Crisis Management. In fact, one article has already been written to help: CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS: What to say/What not to say/When to say it

 

The Ford Family Foundation provides small grants to organizations that need assistance with unexpected emergencies or simple projects. Grants are typically disbursed within 60 days and range in monetary value from $1,000 to $10,000 depending upon the assignment. If your organization has small needs that fit the description make sure you take time to learn more about how this foundation can help.


Veteran Housing Grant

The Home Depot Foundation affords grants to nonprofit organizations that specialize in developing and repairing veteran housing under the Veteran Housing Grants Program. If awarded, grants can range from $100,000 to $500,000. Learn more about this housing grant to see if your nonprofit is eligible to apply. Don't miss out on this opportunity to assist veterans in need.

 

 

Georgia EPD Presses For Metro Atlanta Water Conservation To Combat Drought

May 2, 2017

Faced with a stubborn drought and the warmest April on record in Atlanta, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) is urging metro Atlantans to conserve water and follow the state’s outdoor water use schedules.

"With Lake Lanier showing only slight improvement after recent rainfall it’s more important than ever for citizens to be good stewards of our water supply," said EPD Director Richard Dunn. "The lake remains eight feet below its full water level. Coupled with the fact that it is not unusual during a drought for Lanier to drop six feet or more over the summer, it is critical that metro Atlantans follow a Level 2 Drought Response, which allows reasonable outdoor water use while still saving water."

During a Level 2 Drought Response, outdoor landscape watering is allowed up to two days a week, determined by odd and even-numbered addresses.Even-numbered addresses and properties without numbered addresses may water on Wednesday and Saturday before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.Odd-numbered addresses may water Thursday and Sunday before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.

The Level 2 Drought Response has been in place since November in the following 12 counties: Cobb, Coweta, Dekalb, Douglas, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Lumpkin, Paulding and White counties. These are counties that depend on Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee River for water supply.

"Lake Lanier is a large reservoir fed by relatively small streams," added EPD Director Dunn."Recent rains have provided short-term relief for your landscape, but not enough rainfall to provide significant improvement to Lake Lanier."

Prohibited outdoor water uses under a Level 2 Drought Response include:

• Washing hard surfaces such as streets and sidewalks.
• Water for ornamental purposes, such as fountains.
• The use of fire hydrants, except for firefighting and public safety.
• Non-commercial washing of vehicles.
• Non-commercial pressure washing.
• Fundraising car washes.

The following activities are allowed under a Level 2 Drought Response:

• Irrigation of new and replanted plant, seed, or turf may be done at any time of day for 30 days after installation.
• Irrigation of personal food gardens may be done at any time of day.
• Drip irrigation or irrigation using soaker hoses may be done at any time of day and hand-watering with a hose with automatic cutoff or handheld container may be done at any time of day.
• General landscape watering may be done after 4 p.m. and before 10 a.m. on the designated days.

EPD closely monitors a number of drought indicators including streamflows, reservoir levels, groundwater, short-term climate predictions and water supply conditions. Should conditions deteriorate further, a Level 3 Drought Response would have to be considered. A Level 3 Drought Response prohibits most types of outdoor water use, including general landscape watering.

Water Conservation Tips can be accessed here. More water conservation information is available at http://epd.georgia.gov/water-conservation.

Registration is still open for the Center for State and Local Finance’s 2017-2018executive education program.

 

CSLF’s course offerings include eight essential classes that span a variety of topics that public finance professionals need to hone strategic thinking, advance in the field, and educate key stakeholders.

 

Now in its fourth year, CSLF’s executive education program continually draws participants locally and nationally from state government, municipalities, counties, public authorities, and school districts.

 

Remaining 2017-2018 courses for the year include:

• Governmental Leadership: Politics, Communication, and Influence – July 19-21*
• Cost Analysis (Special Session) – Aug. 15-16
• Retirement, Risk Management, and Procurement – Sept. 13-15*
• Government Financial Statements and Accounting – Nov. 28-Dec. 1*
• Operating and Capital Budgeting – May 16-18*

Past presenters have included Meria Carstarphen, Atlanta Public Schools superintendent; Robin Prunty, a managing director with S&P Global Ratings; and Ambassador Andrew Young, former mayor of Atlanta.

 

→Register Now.

 

→Get Course Details.

 

→Get Tuition Information.