PRESS RELEASE
25 Massachusetts Avenue, NW l Washington, DC 20001 l 202.393.6226 l fax 202.393.2630 l www.naco.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jim Philipps
July 30, 2009 202-942-4220, jphilipps@naco.org
Smith works toward strong economic recovery
Joins 3,000 county officials at NACo Annual Conference in Nashville
NASHVILLE, TENN. – D.I. Smith, Supervisor, Madison County participated in the National Association of Counties’ (NACo) 74th Annual Conference and Exposition in Nashville/Davidson County, Tenn. and pledged to work toward economic recovery. The conference was held July 24-28 in the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center.
More than 3,000 elected and appointed county officials representing nearly every state and the District of Columbia adopted resolutions on national issues facing counties, including economic development, transportation and infrastructure funding, and access to healthcare. Attendees also participated in educational seminars and workshops to strengthen their public service skills and heard from leading national experts on various issues important to local government.
Smith is a member of the Telecommunications and Technology Steering Committee and the Information Technology Standing Committee.
D.I. attended the day long Technology Summit, General Sessions, Committee Meetings, and attended the following Educational Sessions: Save Lives by Making Rural Road Safety a Priority; Transparency: Fulfilling the Promise of Open Government; The Economy’s Effect on Counties, Their Non-Profit Partners and the Community; Let THEM Tell You Where to Cut; Let Me See Your Body Talk; and Counties Partnering with the Federal Government for Veteran’s Services.
Supervisor calls for comprehensive Performance audit of Madison County procedures and oversight for Engineer Contracting, planning, operations, and billing
CANTON, MS, June 22, 2009: Recent news articles regarding payments of $9.5M to the Madison County Engineer, Rudy Warnock, and his company, Warnock and Associates, have created an outrage among taxpayers; especially coming on the heels of the recent largest tax increase in Madison County history. The Citizens are rightly asking for answers as to who is in control and are all guidelines, procedures and statutes being followed? The Madison County taxpayers deserve nothing less than a full accounting.
The June 11, 2009, Madison County Journalarticle “Warnock paid $9.5 million since 2005”; and the June 18, 2009, EDITORIAL – “Review engineering fees” raise questions to as to subcontracting, change orders, re-design requests, and oversight and review of the County Engineer work and billing. And, have citizens asking “What are the “checks and balances” and are procedures and laws being followed? Are we being fleeced?”
We owe it to Madison County taxpayers to have a full and comprehensive independent performance and operational audit conducted by the Mississippi State Auditor’s Office, assisted by the American Council of Engineer Companies (ACEC) . This evaluation of all functional areas of the County Engineer operations procedures, sub-contracting, planning, and billing will determine the strengths and weaknesses of the business processes and provide direction to improve County response to taxpayer needs.
I strongly believe a full and comprehensive Performance and Operations Audit will provide the County with a solid foundation to make any necessary changes in the way we do business. Too often, important decisions are based on political whim, private agenda or ‘what looks good at the time’ without a long term strategy, comprehensive analysis and comparison of alternative options; and may not provide positive, cost effective or progressive results. Outside agencies with the solid reputation of the State Auditor’s Office provides a vast array of capabilities, experience and knowledge in these fields and will serve to capitalize on the existing strengths of Madison County.
The Performance and Procedural Audit should consist of a review of the following, but not limited to:
a. All aspects of the County Engineer operations, including sub-contractor pass through procedures, plans, change orders, review and oversight, and billing.
b. Review Board of Supervisor’s Budget Process and Compliance to Relevant Laws – review of strategic long range planning systems and implementation, review of Board minutes, financial activity and audits, accounting procedures, and receipt and filing of completed projects and associated documentation.
c. Workflow Analysis/Systems Review of related Major Departments – review of implementation of policies and procedures, review of purchasing, accounts payable, and receiving procedures, review of paperwork flow, etc.
d. Review and provide recommendations to improve project and program analysis and performance tracking resulting in open, accountable, transparent, and responsible government.
Additionally, much has been said about sub-contracting. I ask the Board of Supervisors to ask the County Engineer for the original copies of sub-contractor invoices for the environmental clearance work mentioned in the paper for Calhoun Station Phases II and III that was billed to the County for more than $325,000. It has been alleged that this work was actually done for less than $30,000. The taxpayers need the facts!
The goal is to review and evaluate the current level of service practices; determine what if anything has been done improperly; determine what improvements and efficiencies can be achieved though application of best business practices; and to reassure residents of Madison County that proper procedures are being followed and their money is wisely spent, especially during these troubling economic times.
RIDGELAND, MS, FEBRUARY 18, 2009: The Madison County Flood Risk Maps have been revised and the drafts are in the appeal stage. A "Flood Map Open House" Public Meeting was held November 6, 2008, Board Room, County Administrative Office Complex, Canton, so all residents could learn about the process and review the draft digital flood maps and aerial photos of their property to determine how it would be rated based on the newly revised draft flood maps.
If your home is now mapped as being within a high risk flood zone (A or AE zone), http://tinyurl.com/madflood, and it was not previously, you should purchase flood insurance prior to the map becoming effective. This will enable you to lock in a better premium rate. If you wait until the map is effective, your rate will be much higher. Questions concerning the maps should be directed to the County or City Floodplain Administrator, who is charged with collecting any protest or appeal actions. http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/fq_main.shtm
The official 90-day appeal phase started January 22, 2009, and is on-going until April 22, 2009. Based on their situation, property owners can appeal by providing elevation certificates, and other info detailing why their rating should be changed, or why they shouldn't be considered to live in a flood zone! Additional detailed info is located on-line at http://tinyurl.com/mapappeal
Homeowners can also now purchase Flood Insurance at a reduced premium and be “grandfathered.” A great resource for homeowners is http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/hm_main.shtm
County Supervisors have maps of subdivisions in their districts that potentially will be affected by the revised flood maps. The Madison County Flood Plain contact for unincorporated areas is Brad Sellers, 601.855.5501. Also, each municipality has a flood plain contact person.
