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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing April 2021 as National County Government Month in Solano County (Chair Vasquez)
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution recognizing April 2021 as National County Government Month in Solano County.
SUMMARY:
April 2021 marks the 30th anniversary of National County Government Month, sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and established to increase public awareness and understanding of the value of the responsibilities vested in county government. Counties play a critical role in the lives of their residents by protecting and enhancing the health, safety and well-being of their residents in practical, cost-effective ways.
This year’s National County Government Month theme is “Counties Matter,” including the many ways Counties support their residents by providing them with the essential programs and services they need to live a healthier, more fulfilling life. Nationally, Counties support over 900 hospitals, operate more than 1,900 public health departments and staff Emergency Operation Centers, providing communities with access to local assistance during emergencies, including wildfires, floods and other natural disasters.
In Solano County, the Department of Health and Social Services, Public Health division, continues to play a critical role in helping the public navigate access to critical services, including mass vaccine events during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic health emergency. The Departments of Resource Management, Environmental Health division and Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services helps residents identify and access resources as part of the LNU Lightning Complex Fire recovery.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the County Administrator’s FY2020/21 Adopted Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials are included in the County Administrator’s FY2020/21 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION:
Today, America’s county governments invest more than $500 billion annually into local programs and services that directly affect every person in the country, including the establishment and maintenance of the fundamental building blocks that create a safe, healthy, vibrant and resilient place to live, work, play and call home.
National County Government Month, held each April, is an annual celebration of county government. Since 1991, National County Government Month provides an opportunity to educate community residents about these investments and the role counties play in their daily lives. In addition to being one of the country’s oldest forms of government, counties invest billions of dollars annually in infrastructure improvement projects, public transportation, community health clinics, parks, recreation facilities, public safety and much more.
For the 30th anniversary of National County Government Month, this year’s theme is “Counties Matter.” Counties provide critical services to all residents, from the time they are born to the time they grow old. County governments are uniquely positioned to provide real support, identifying challenges on the ground and pursuing innovative solutions to address them.
While no two counties are exactly the same, whether be it population, size or geography, Counties Matter. Whether it be through investments in community health, infrastructure and transportation or justice and public safety, county leaders are on the front lines of delivering vital services to County residents.
There is no clearer demonstration of this year’s National County Government Month than the ongoing Coronavirus public health emergency and the recovery effort from the LNU Lightning Complex wildfire that destroyed hundreds of properties in Solano County in 2020. During these extraordinary times, the public turns to Counties for access to the programs, services and information they need to stay safe, stay healthy and stay informed.
In Solano County, our dedicated County employees in Public Health, Environmental Health and Office of Emergency Services continue to implement creative solutions through technology to help keep essential operations open for the public during the pandemic and fire recovery effort. Our County Public Health division is working collectively with all County departments, the seven cities, community partners, Travis Air Force Base and the state to protect public health by communicating with healthcare partners, the media and the public on ways to stay safe and to help with the coordinated vaccine effort throughout the County. The Environmental Health and Office of Emergency Services staff continues to work together to support families and property owners impacted by the LNU Lightning Complex fire during the recovery process.
As one of the nation’s 3,069 Counties, Solano County is proud to serve our residents with the programs and services they need to create a healthy, safe and vibrant community.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt the resolution recognizing April 2021 as National County Government Month in Solano County. This is not recommended as this resolution offers Solano County residents an opportunity to learn about both the vital county services provided by county government and the dedicated county employees who daily serve the public.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
All County departments were consulted to compile this report
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION