Cass County Commission - The First 90 Days
by Brian L. Baker
Associate Commissioner ● District 2
E-Mail: brianb@casscouny.com
Phone: 816/380-8159
The First 90 Days – Cass County Commission
President Ronald Reagan said, “You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth….If we fail, at least let our children and our children's children say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done.”
The Cass County Commission has been moving quickly to improve access, service, and results in county government. From approving the 2009 county budget to forming new task forces made up of citizens, we have been working to make county government for the people and by the people.
We thought it might be helpful to provide you with a recap of our efforts in the first 90 days.
MAC – Missouri Association of Counties
Cass County is working with the Missouri Association of Counties which represents counties throughout the state of Missouri. The Missouri Association of Counties (MAC), founded in 1972 and celebrating its 37th year of service, is a nonprofit corporation established to provide assistance to its member counties in matters pertaining to local, state, and federal government activities.
There are 114 counties in the state of Missouri (only three states have more). The association membership numbers more than 1,400 county elected officials and is composed of presiding and associate commissioners, county clerks/election authorities, recorders, auditors, collectors, prosecutors, sheriffs, assessors, treasurers, public administrators, circuit clerks, and coroners.
MAC is a lobbying alliance that represents these local government elected officials, all of whom work to improve services for Missouri taxpayers and citizens.
Commissioner Brian Baker was appointed by the Cass County Commission to serve on the Board for the Missouri Association of Counties. Also serving on the Board are County Collector Pam Shipley and County Circuit Clerk Kelly Sue Elliott.
NACO – The National Association of Counties
Cass County is a member of the National Association of Counties (NACo) is the only national organization that represents county governments in the United States Capitol. Founded in 1935, NACo provides essential services to the nation’s 3,066 counties. NACo's membership totals more than 2,000 counties, representing over 80 percent of the nation's population.
With its headquarters on Capitol Hill, NACo is a full-service organization that provides an extensive line of services including legislative, research, technical, and public affairs assistance, as well as enterprise services to its members. The association acts as a liaison with other levels of government, works to improve public understanding of counties, serves as a national advocate for counties and provides them with resources to help them find innovative methods to meet the challenges they face. NACo is involved in a number of special projects that deal with such issues as homeland security, drug abuse and broader access to health care.
Cass County Commissioners attended the NACo Legislative Conference in Washington DC this past month. Gary Mallory, Brian Baker, and Bill Cook met with Senator Bond, Rep. Cleaver, Rep. Graves, Rep. Skelton, and Senator McCaskill. Commissioners advocated for Cass County road and infrastructure needs. Commissioners also addressed unfunded mandates from the Federal government. Commissioners expressed concern about the 2013 deadlines to upgrade fire-police-emergency communications systems when no federal funding is available to assist with the cost. The Cass County 911 Advisory Board has been looking for ways to fund such a major transition for county emergency services.
The Commissioners expressed that Washington needs to look at real infrastructure needs and focus more on how their efforts will impact real citizens. One idea presented by the Commission was to limit bailing out executives and focus on helping working families by forgiving student-college loans to people who completed their degree(s) and are now working. The Commission feels that this would give immediate relief to families facing home foreclosures. It would immediately infuse real dollars into the economy. Families would take those dollars and put them into auto purchases, home purchases, renovations, education, and even healthcare. Further, it is a reward to people who went to school, completed their degree and now are working hard in their communities.
CASS COUNTY & LICENSE FEE OFFICES
Currently, there are two license fee offices in Cass County; one in Belton and one in Harrisonville. Commissioner Brian Baker stated that it was the Commission’s goal to keep the license fee offices open at both locations and use the revenue source to help assist three non-profit groups that serve citizens in Cass County. Those groups include CASCO Sheltered Workshop for the Disabled; Life Choice Center for Women, a crisis pregnancy center; and the Hope Haven Shelter of Cass County, a shelter for battered women and children.
The other program Cass County hopes to help is the county parks initiative. Currently, there is a Cass County Parks Board, but there is no funding for initiatives. The Cass County Commission would like to establish a fund to help develop a Cass County Parks & Tourism department. The goal would be to develop trails, access, and green space within the county that will connect communities.
The County has already developed a management plan that divides up fee office revenues by giving 35% to social programs in our county to meet the needs of citizens. Another 35% goes to the county for resource development in the area of tourism and parks. The final 30% will go to a reserve fund for the office to make sure expenses and cost are covered. After expenses are covered, remaining revenue will be divided in half for the parks and the social programs for the non-profit groups.
CASS COUNTY ROADS
The County Commission is leading the charge to develop a quality road plan for the county. The County Commission is facilitating a citizen-led Road & Bridge Task Force to help examine how we can improve the quality of our road services. From certifying our road crews to looking at more efficient ways to maintain our roads, the Road & Bridge Task Force is working diligently to help Cass County meet the needs of families and businesses in Cass County.
CASS COUNTY BRIDGES
The County Commission has been working with MoDOT to identify bridge issues along state highway routes. Over the next five years, 18 bridges will have their decks completely replaced and face major repairs. This effort is part of the Safe & Sound Bridge program across Missouri.
Cass County promoted a recent public input meeting with MoDOT held at the Cass-Midway School District. We are working to promote these types of events so that we can receive more citizen input.
MARC – Mid America Regional Council
Cass County, as a member of MARC, is working to identify future transportation projects that need planning and funding. Recently, MARC held a hearing at Carnegie Village in Belton to garner citizen input about issues facing our county and cities. Citizens provided MARC with ideas and feedback about what projects they would like to see investigated in the coming years.
TECHNOLOGY TASK FORCE
In an effort to be more open to the public, the Cass County Commission is encouraging citizens to sign-up for the county information and email system. Citizens will receive updates and information about activities in Cass County.
Further, Cass County is looking at ways we can use technology to better serve citizens. A simple example would be improving our web presence and internet information access. Giving citizens the ability to send ideas and suggestions via the internet is just one idea. Offering citizens a chance to apply to serve on boards and commissions online is another goal. We want to improve our website and give citizens a clear access point for services.
Cass County has formed a Technology Task Force made up of citizens that work in the Information-Technology world. We are gathering their thoughts and ideas to help us move forward into a new era of providing service and information to citizens.
ENVIRONMENT
Just before the new county commissioners took office, the County Commission voted to enter into the Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday, allowing citizens to purchase certain energy-efficient appliances free of sales-tax. It is our hope that citizens will take advantage of this opportunity to become more energy efficient and save dollars. The Cass County Commission is promoting this effort.
MASTER PLAN
The County Commission has begun working with our Planning & Zoning Department to complete work on the Cass County Master Plan. It is our goal to develop a short-range and long-range plan that will help us in future economic development efforts and infrastructure efforts.
WORKING WITH OTHER OFFICES
The Cass County Commission holds monthly elected-official meetings so that we can coordinate services and information with other elected county officials. Your elected officials are truly working in a bi-partisan effort. We are truly thankful for their open spirit and willingness to work together.
We are also meeting with various county departments on a weekly or monthly basis. The Every Monday, the Cass County Commission has a public work-session where we look at roads, zoning issues, and other services.
It is our hope that we truly heed the words of President Reagan! In our efforts may our children and future generations say that we did all that could be done.
Cass County is taking the approach that we are here to serve you and work for you – the citizen! The question now is….How may we help you today?
The Cass County Commission has been moving quickly to improve access, service, and results in county government. From approving the 2009 county budget to forming new task forces made up of citizens, we have been working to make county government for the people and by the people.
We thought it might be helpful to provide you with a recap of our efforts in the first 90 days.
MAC – Missouri Association of Counties
Cass County is working with the Missouri Association of Counties which represents counties throughout the state of Missouri. The Missouri Association of Counties (MAC), founded in 1972 and celebrating its 37th year of service, is a nonprofit corporation established to provide assistance to its member counties in matters pertaining to local, state, and federal government activities.
There are 114 counties in the state of Missouri (only three states have more). The association membership numbers more than 1,400 county elected officials and is composed of presiding and associate commissioners, county clerks/election authorities, recorders, auditors, collectors, prosecutors, sheriffs, assessors, treasurers, public administrators, circuit clerks, and coroners.
MAC is a lobbying alliance that represents these local government elected officials, all of whom work to improve services for Missouri taxpayers and citizens.
Commissioner Brian Baker was appointed by the Cass County Commission to serve on the Board for the Missouri Association of Counties. Also serving on the Board are County Collector Pam Shipley and County Circuit Clerk Kelly Sue Elliott.
NACO – The National Association of Counties
Cass County is a member of the National Association of Counties (NACo) is the only national organization that represents county governments in the United States Capitol. Founded in 1935, NACo provides essential services to the nation’s 3,066 counties. NACo's membership totals more than 2,000 counties, representing over 80 percent of the nation's population.
With its headquarters on Capitol Hill, NACo is a full-service organization that provides an extensive line of services including legislative, research, technical, and public affairs assistance, as well as enterprise services to its members. The association acts as a liaison with other levels of government, works to improve public understanding of counties, serves as a national advocate for counties and provides them with resources to help them find innovative methods to meet the challenges they face. NACo is involved in a number of special projects that deal with such issues as homeland security, drug abuse and broader access to health care.
Cass County Commissioners attended the NACo Legislative Conference in Washington DC this past month. Gary Mallory, Brian Baker, and Bill Cook met with Senator Bond, Rep. Cleaver, Rep. Graves, Rep. Skelton, and Senator McCaskill. Commissioners advocated for Cass County road and infrastructure needs. Commissioners also addressed unfunded mandates from the Federal government. Commissioners expressed concern about the 2013 deadlines to upgrade fire-police-emergency communications systems when no federal funding is available to assist with the cost. The Cass County 911 Advisory Board has been looking for ways to fund such a major transition for county emergency services.
The Commissioners expressed that Washington needs to look at real infrastructure needs and focus more on how their efforts will impact real citizens. One idea presented by the Commission was to limit bailing out executives and focus on helping working families by forgiving student-college loans to people who completed their degree(s) and are now working. The Commission feels that this would give immediate relief to families facing home foreclosures. It would immediately infuse real dollars into the economy. Families would take those dollars and put them into auto purchases, home purchases, renovations, education, and even healthcare. Further, it is a reward to people who went to school, completed their degree and now are working hard in their communities.
CASS COUNTY & LICENSE FEE OFFICES
Currently, there are two license fee offices in Cass County; one in Belton and one in Harrisonville. Commissioner Brian Baker stated that it was the Commission’s goal to keep the license fee offices open at both locations and use the revenue source to help assist three non-profit groups that serve citizens in Cass County. Those groups include CASCO Sheltered Workshop for the Disabled; Life Choice Center for Women, a crisis pregnancy center; and the Hope Haven Shelter of Cass County, a shelter for battered women and children.
The other program Cass County hopes to help is the county parks initiative. Currently, there is a Cass County Parks Board, but there is no funding for initiatives. The Cass County Commission would like to establish a fund to help develop a Cass County Parks & Tourism department. The goal would be to develop trails, access, and green space within the county that will connect communities.
The County has already developed a management plan that divides up fee office revenues by giving 35% to social programs in our county to meet the needs of citizens. Another 35% goes to the county for resource development in the area of tourism and parks. The final 30% will go to a reserve fund for the office to make sure expenses and cost are covered. After expenses are covered, remaining revenue will be divided in half for the parks and the social programs for the non-profit groups.
CASS COUNTY ROADS
The County Commission is leading the charge to develop a quality road plan for the county. The County Commission is facilitating a citizen-led Road & Bridge Task Force to help examine how we can improve the quality of our road services. From certifying our road crews to looking at more efficient ways to maintain our roads, the Road & Bridge Task Force is working diligently to help Cass County meet the needs of families and businesses in Cass County.
CASS COUNTY BRIDGES
The County Commission has been working with MoDOT to identify bridge issues along state highway routes. Over the next five years, 18 bridges will have their decks completely replaced and face major repairs. This effort is part of the Safe & Sound Bridge program across Missouri.
Cass County promoted a recent public input meeting with MoDOT held at the Cass-Midway School District. We are working to promote these types of events so that we can receive more citizen input.
MARC – Mid America Regional Council
Cass County, as a member of MARC, is working to identify future transportation projects that need planning and funding. Recently, MARC held a hearing at Carnegie Village in Belton to garner citizen input about issues facing our county and cities. Citizens provided MARC with ideas and feedback about what projects they would like to see investigated in the coming years.
TECHNOLOGY TASK FORCE
In an effort to be more open to the public, the Cass County Commission is encouraging citizens to sign-up for the county information and email system. Citizens will receive updates and information about activities in Cass County.
Further, Cass County is looking at ways we can use technology to better serve citizens. A simple example would be improving our web presence and internet information access. Giving citizens the ability to send ideas and suggestions via the internet is just one idea. Offering citizens a chance to apply to serve on boards and commissions online is another goal. We want to improve our website and give citizens a clear access point for services.
Cass County has formed a Technology Task Force made up of citizens that work in the Information-Technology world. We are gathering their thoughts and ideas to help us move forward into a new era of providing service and information to citizens.
ENVIRONMENT
Just before the new county commissioners took office, the County Commission voted to enter into the Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday, allowing citizens to purchase certain energy-efficient appliances free of sales-tax. It is our hope that citizens will take advantage of this opportunity to become more energy efficient and save dollars. The Cass County Commission is promoting this effort.
MASTER PLAN
The County Commission has begun working with our Planning & Zoning Department to complete work on the Cass County Master Plan. It is our goal to develop a short-range and long-range plan that will help us in future economic development efforts and infrastructure efforts.
WORKING WITH OTHER OFFICES
The Cass County Commission holds monthly elected-official meetings so that we can coordinate services and information with other elected county officials. Your elected officials are truly working in a bi-partisan effort. We are truly thankful for their open spirit and willingness to work together.
We are also meeting with various county departments on a weekly or monthly basis. The Every Monday, the Cass County Commission has a public work-session where we look at roads, zoning issues, and other services.
It is our hope that we truly heed the words of President Reagan! In our efforts may our children and future generations say that we did all that could be done.
Cass County is taking the approach that we are here to serve you and work for you – the citizen! The question now is….How may we help you today?
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