Jan
13
Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
Since you are reading this, you have already accessed the County website and have seen what the various departments have posted. Just a couple of years ago, that information would have been impressive. But that is not true anymore. We are in an age where even email is an old method of communication. Jackson County recognizes the importance of communicating with our citizens. Our challenge is to provide information and services in a more traditional method but at the same time meet the expectations of those using newer options.
We recently started a Facebook page. The reaction has been very positive. I had never visited Facebook but I am impressed with the possbilities. If you have not become a fan, come and visit us. The Sheriff Department is using Twitter to inform the public about things that are happening. Tweets are sent by the operators at the 911 dispatch center. Please let me (rtreache@co.jackson.mi.us) know if you have ideas on how Jackson County government can better communicate with citizens.
1/13/2010 8:25:37 AM
Jan
6
Prescription Discount Card
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
Jackson County has joined counties from across the country by offering a discount card program to help residents deal with the high cost of prescriptions. The county is making the free prescription drug discount cards available under a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo) that offers average savings of 22% off the retail price.
The card may be used by any county resident regardless of age, income, or existing health coverage. A national network of more than 60,000 participating retail pharmacies will honor the card. Even those residents that have prescription coverage can use the card to save on medications not covered by their health plans.
Cards are available at many county departments like the Department on Aging and Health Departments. Residents can also visit http://www.caremark.com/naco to print an ID card and use it immediately. Using the card is easy. Simply present it at any participating pharmacy for prescriptions not covered by insurance.
1/6/2010 2:05:38 PM
Jan
13
Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
Since you are reading this, you have already accessed the County website and have seen what the various departments have posted. Just a couple of years ago, that information would have been impressive. But that is not true anymore. We are in an age where even email is an old method of communication. Jackson County recognizes the importance of communicating with our citizens. Our challenge is to provide information and services in a more traditional method but at the same time meet the expectations of those using newer options.
We recently started a Facebook page. The reaction has been very positive. I had never visited Facebook but I am impressed with the possbilities. If you have not become a fan, come and visit us. The Sheriff Department is using Twitter to inform the public about things that are happening. Tweets are sent by the operators at the 911 dispatch center. Please let me (rtreache@co.jackson.mi.us) know if you have ideas on how Jackson County government can better communicate with citizens.
1/13/2010 8:25:37 AM
Jan
6
Prescription Discount Card
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
Jackson County has joined counties from across the country by offering a discount card program to help residents deal with the high cost of prescriptions. The county is making the free prescription drug discount cards available under a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo) that offers average savings of 22% off the retail price.
The card may be used by any county resident regardless of age, income, or existing health coverage. A national network of more than 60,000 participating retail pharmacies will honor the card. Even those residents that have prescription coverage can use the card to save on medications not covered by their health plans.
Cards are available at many county departments like the Department on Aging and Health Departments. Residents can also visit http://www.caremark.com/naco to print an ID card and use it immediately. Using the card is easy. Simply present it at any participating pharmacy for prescriptions not covered by insurance.
1/6/2010 2:05:38 PM
Nov
12
Geographic Information System (GIS)
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
It seems a little imposing but the GIS name is appropriate. Simply put, it is information that is presented in a geographic format based on tax parcels. The County GIS website is full of useful information. Like what?
First, you can see most buildings from four views. These pictures are about three years old but we are discussing having another set taken next year. You can add the property lines based on tax information. This is just the beginning of the information you can find.
We have just recently added property that is for sale. You can select and view pictures, asking price, and the real estate agent listing the property. Voting precincts, school districts, farm markets, day care providers, bed and breakfast locations, and on and on are there. Take a moment and visit the site. I think you will be impressed.
11/12/2009 2:09:33 PM
Nov
3
What's Happening with the County Fair?
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
There has been a lot of press regarding the County Fair. The most important fact for you to know is that there will be a 2010 Fair (August 8-14). It may be a little different because we plan to make it even better.
The Fair has been experiencing some difficult financial times. The Fair Board has reduced staff and we are working hard to bring other events to the grounds. When you don't have money, you have to look at how you do business differently and that is exactly what we are doing.
To improve the Fair, we have been asking for your help. We have been surveying the public, our vendors, and exhibitors. Many of you have given us some great ideas and we have started to follow up on those suggestions.
The Fair Board wants the 2010 Fair to be one to remember. In an effort to do that, we are soliciting sponsors, materials, and volunteers to improve the grounds and the fair experience. Call Denise (768-5203) at the Fair if you have ideas or with offers of help. Watch for newspaper articles or the Fair web-site for further information. We will be in the planning mode for the winter and moving into action in the spring of 2010.
11/3/2009 10:18:49 AM
Oct
14
2009 budget Update
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
This is a message that I recently sent to all employees of Jackson County regarding our 2009 budget status.
October 7, 2009
TO: Department Heads/Elected Officials
FROM: Randy Treacher
RE: 2009 Budget
For the last couple of months, I have requested that you review your 2009 budget status as to both revenues and expenses. Gerard has also been making some projections. Several of you have received e-mails from him containing specific questions. I would ask that you answer him as quickly and completely as possible.
It appears that from our preliminary review, revenues will be about $1 million less than budgeted. This is on top of a large reduction in anticipated property tax revenue made earlier in the year. We do not have a contingency account to deal with this large decrease in revenue.
What can you do? Starting immediately, I am asking that only essential expenditures be made until the end of the year. This includes the use of overtime, casual, and temporary help as a last resort to continue necessary operations. I am anticipating that within two weeks a decision will be made as to the necessity of instituting a temporary (until January) delay in hiring if other costs cannot be reduced.
You have all been cooperative and understanding in our collective efforts to deal with a decreasing budget and I thank you for that. Please double those efforts for the remainder of this year so that we can make it through this most recent challenge.
10/14/2009 9:42:08 AM
Sep
22
Victim Rights
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
Prosecuting Attorney Hank Zavislak has a unit of his department called the Victim Rights Unit. It is staffed by three people who dedicate their time to assisting individuals and their families who have been victims of more serious crimes. Fortunately, most people never have to be exposed to a traumatic event like this but for those that do, the staff in this office are a big help in guiding victims through the criminal justice process.
They will also assist victims apply to the Michigan Crime Victims Compensation Board. The program helps pay for out-of-pocket expenses and lost earnings for people that suffer physical and/or emotional injury as a direct result of a crime. There are specific criteria for this program.
You will not find a more compasionate and understanding staff. If you or someone you know has been a victim of a serious crime, contact this office at 517.788.4072 or visit by clicking on the Victim Rights link.
9/22/2009 11:36:47 AM
Aug
5
Senior Services - Congregate Meals
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
You may think that the Department on Aging mostly provides meals on wheels or other in home services. That is far from all they do. There are eight congregate sites that provide way more than just meals.
While I was reading a recent newsletter from the Department, I noted that these sites are now called gathering places. What an appropriate name for a place that has nutritious meals, exercise classes, crafts, and seminars on information that seniors need to know. Another important feature is the caring and community environment that is created at each of these sites. They are like a club house for seniors.
It is great that the county-wide senior millage and other funds enable our seniors to have these kinds of opportunities. I'm looking forward to becoming involved myself in a few years. If you know someone who is 60 or more and maybe needs a little more activity in their life, click on this Department on Aging website for more information.
8/5/2009 4:48:17 PM
Jul
31
Jury Service
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
Many people complain about being called for jury service but it is a vital part of our criminal justice system. In fact, our system would fall apart if no one served on a jury. You probably already know that potential jurors are selected from the Michigan driver's license list. You are notified by mail when you receive a questionnaire which you must return.
Even though you completed a questionnaire, you may not be called to serve. The number of jurors needed varies and you may never be required to do any more than complete the questionnaire. There are special circumstances for which you may be excused from duty or if you have a scheduled vacation or hardship, you may postpone your service. In any case, be sure to communicate with the Jackson County Jury office.
Look at jury service as an opportunity to serve your community and learn a little more about the criminal justice system. You even get paid (a little). To learn more, click on jury service to link to the County Clerk's office jury web page.
7/31/2009 1:35:16 PM
Jul
27
WIC
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
The Women, Infants, & Children's (WIC) program at the Jackson County Health Department is a great service to our community. WIC is a supplemental food program funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children under 5 are eligible if the family meets the income guidelines. Right now, over 5,000 Jackson County residents are enrolled.
WIC provides healthy foods such as eggs, cereal, formula, cheese, and milk. Each family's food allocation is taylored to their needs. Mothers receive nutrition education while the children receive routine physicals. Children will also receive appropriate immunizations while at their WIC appointments.
There is a lot to this program which has shown to have very positive results. More information is available at the WIC website including the income guidelines. If you know someone who is pregnant or has young children and having a hard time getting the necessary groceries, have them check into WIC. The WIC staff will also help to put them into other appropriate programs.
7/27/2009 5:03:51 PM
Jul
21
Delinquent Tax Payments
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
Did you know that every year about 10% of the real property taxes in Jackson County go delinquent? Those that are not paid at the local governmental units are returned to the County Treasurer by the City and townships for collection. The Treasurer has a number of steps that must be taken to notify property owners of the amount of the delinquency and how long the taxpayers have to pay before the property goes into forfeiture and foreclosure. There are way too many steps for me to discuss here but the County Treasurer's office will help you through the process if you need.
County Treasurer Karen Coffman has initiated a number of new methods to make it easier to pay your delinquent taxes. The newest method is to pay online. All you have to do is go to the Treasurer's website and follow the directions. Many people have taken advantage of this new service. She has also started accepting credit cards in her office. You can visit the office to make a payment. Take advantage of these new services and save yourself a trip to the Tower Building.
7/21/2009 5:59:41 PM
Jul
17
2010 County Budget
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
The Board of Commissioners will be considering the 2010 budget at their regular meeting, Tuesday, July 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers. They have already received the budget presentation and it is available on-line for public review by accessing the budget web page. You are invited to attend the meeting and to make a statement if you wish.
Some of the more major points of the budget include a reduction in revenue and further staff cuts. The 2010 budget is about 10% less than the 2008 budget. We expect 2011 revenue to be even less. For several years, we have been reducing our staffing levels by not replacing individuals who retire or leave for another job. We have eliminated about 80 positions this way.
The Board has worked hard to make cuts based on their strategic plan. We believe this has been accomplished so that the public, for the most part, does not notice the cuts. Law enforcement, in particular, was least effected. If you would like to make a comment on the budget, I would be happy to receive your e-mail.
7/17/2009 2:48:51 PM
Jul
14
Tower Building Renovations
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
Several projects are on going at the Jackson County Tower Building. The building was originally built for the National Bank of Jackson and featured a very ornate bank lobby on the second floor. Over the years (and prior to County ownership) many renovations took place and as a result, the area does not look as it originally did.
Three different departments (Treasurer, Register of Deeds, and Equalization) on three different floors of the Tower Building have held discussions regarding their concerns about sending customers from floor to floor to conduct business. Many times the customers have to visit each of the offices and sometimes mulitple times during the visit. What does this have to do with the second floor?
Well, it is the largest floor in the building. Our aim is to increase customer service and productivity by relocating the three offices on this floor. Customers will be better served by the staff moving the documents between the departments instead of the customers moving between floors.
This move gives us the opportunity to restore the second floor to nearly it's original look. The windows are stained glass and three stories high. They have recently been registered in a Michigan list of historic stained glass windows. The ceiling is nearly a work of art in itself. It needs a lot of work and will take a period of years to properly complete this part of the renovation. The project will be completed in 2010. Watch for our updates and a grand opening.
7/14/2009 4:01:41 PM
Jun
18
What Is Going On At The Airport
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
The current runways at the Airport were built in 1942. The runways did not, even at that time, have the required safety areas at the runway ends. It wasn't until 1999 when the FAA issued a mandate for airports to correct these runway safety area deficiencies. In 2001 a team produced a Runway Safety Study that recommended the best alternative runway configuration to satisfy the FAA safety requirements.
During the time period of 2007 through 2009 one of the runways was brought into compliance with the safety requirements. This project cost about $4 million. The next project is to relocate the other runway which will be more costly partially due to the necessity of acquiring the property for the realignment.
Air service is becoming more and more important in this fast paced world in which we live. The economic impact on the community as a result of having an airport is significant. The construction is paid for with a 97.5% participation from the Federal and State governments. The Board of Commissioners made this project a priority several years ago and we are pleased to see it move forward.
6/18/2009 1:01:06 PM
Jun
16
Board of Commissioner Activities
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
It is really easy for you to know what is happening with the Board of Commissioners. Board members do not receive a hard copy of their agenda packets. They receive that information through a posting on the Commissioners website. That same information is available to you on-line as well. A link is available on the front page of the County website that says Meetings & Agendas. That link will take you to the same place that the Commissioners go to download their packets. Other boards and commissions are starting to post their agendas on this page as well.
Minutes for the Board of Commissioner meetings as well as their Committee meetings are available the same way. A link to those minutes is at the bottom right on the page where the agenda information is located. This information goes back several years. All this is very easy to access and download. You will receive the same information that Commissioners do. Try it and keep up with all the activities of the Board of Commissioners.
6/16/2009 9:42:58 AM
Jun
10
County Information
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
If you are looking for information about Jackson County in a little different format, we have a new feature on our website to help you. The County and JTV have teamed up to produce a show called Spotlight on Jackson County.
Several shows are already available on-line and others will be added as they are produced. To access the programs we have so far, just go to the website and click on County Information (at the top left of the page) and then on Videos. The shows are listed under the "JTV Spotlights:" heading and can be accessed by clicking on the department name.
Besides the videos already available, we will be adding features on the Falling Waters Trail and other County departments in the near future. If there is something you would like to see, email me and I will see what we can do.
6/10/2009 4:50:49 PM
Jun
8
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
The Jackson County Health Department has been sponsoring a hazardous waste collection for many years. This year's collection will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2009 from 9:00 am to 12:00 (noon) at the Health Department, 1715 Lansing Ave.
There is a long list of materials that will be accepted:
-aerosol cans
-paint thinner
-oil and lead based paints (not latex)
-pesticides/herbicides/insecticides
-brake fluid/transmission fluid/antifreeze
-cleaners/solvents
-flammable liquids
-household batteries (not car batteries)
-motor oil
-mercury
I hope you agree that these are not materials you want poured on the ground or in a landfill. This is your chance for only $5.00 to help the environment. Call the Health Department at 788-4433 if you have any questions.
6/8/2009 4:48:33 PM
Jun
3
GovQA
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
What in the world is GovQA? It is a new way to interact with the public any time of the day and without having to make a phone call. The interactive software went live just the first of this year. GovQA is located on the front page of the County website (co.jackson.mi.us).
You can type in any question you may have about Jackson County operations and you will receive an immediate response. There are several hundred answers available already. Let's say that you ask a question, however, that doesn't have an answer in the system. You can send that question to the appropriate department and receive an answer.
How do you know that you will get an answer? I monitor the incoming questions myself to make sure that you do receive a prompt answer. We have already had several thousand hits and just a few questions. Give it a try. If GovQA doesn't already have the answer, we will get you one.
6/3/2009 5:22:14 PM
Jun
2
Safe Community
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
The County has been developing a strategic plan during the last year or so. Recently, the Board of Commissioners added the strategy of a Safe Community to our list and prioritized it as our number one strategy.
This Thursday, June 4, we are sponsoring a public focus group to get your input into what you consider a safe community. The session will be held in the Jackson County Tower Building, 2nd floor Commission Chambers from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. You don't have to have any special knowledge of law enforcment, just your ideas.
We hope to see you there. Feel free to send this message to friends and neighbors and encourage them to attend as well.
6/2/2009 8:38:23 AM
May
30
Volunteering
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
Jackson County has many opportunities for volunteering. I'd like to focus on two.
The Jackson County Parks has several organizations that assist in funding and/or hands on work at the Parks. There is a group that organizes entertainment at the Sparks (Cascades) Park. Another group is working to raise funds for major improvements at the Sparks Park. You can even volunteer to work at a particular park if you wish. There are more possibilities depending on your interest. Just go to the County website (co.jackson.mi.us) and then the Parks page and you can locate a contact.
The Department on Aging has an even larger group of volunteers. They do too large a variety of things to even mention here. If you are a senior or wish to volunteer to work with seniors, go to the County website and then the Department on Aging page to review the many programs they provide. You can also locate a contact there. You will find these volunteer opportunities especially rewarding.
5/30/2009 10:00:12 AM
May
26
County Fair
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
Most of you probably don't know that Jackson County has had a fair for 156 years. That is a tradition. As with most governmental activities, things have been a little tight the last couple of years. Things are even tighter this year for the Fair.
The horses are not running at the raceway any more and that cost the Fair about $93,000 a year in revenue. The State has dropped the premium support for this year so there may not be any money to make premium payments. People don't have as much money so it is harder to justify the really big acts. All in all, not a very good picture.
There have been many recessions and even a couple of depressions during the years the Fair has operated but the Fair still went on anyway. Maybe you have considered placing an entry. This may be the year. Save up some money and plan on attending the next Jackson County Fair, August 9-15. It will be as great as ever. Check out the County website for more information.
5/26/2009 4:22:06 PM
May
22
Emergency Exercise
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
Boy am I glad I live in Jackson County. I could write a research paper in defense of that statement. In this case, I am writing about inter-governmental cooperation in the event of an emergency.
This week, I participated in a simulated emergency exercise. It was an event that could really happen. Even though it was not real, it sure felt like it at times. My first observation was how well police, fire, hospital, and other emergency services cooperated during the exercise. Would this cooperation continue in a real emergency? I am confident that there would be even more cooperation if it was necessary.
I participated in the real emergency in Blackman Township a few years ago involving the gasoline spill. Everyone from the Township, County, and State levels worked together to assure the safety of the citizens and that a proper clean up took place.
From time to time, I will give other examples of why I am glad I live in Jackson County. Have an appropriate holiday weekend and don't forget the fireworks.
5/22/2009 9:47:53 AM
May
20
Spay & Neuter Changes for the Animal Shelter
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
The Board of Commissioners made a huge step forward at their May 19 meeting in an attempt to decrease unwanted dogs and cats in Jackson County. Commissioners gave preliminary approval to a plan that will require all dogs and cats adopted from the Animal Control Shelter to be spayed or neutered. The plan would also have the animals receive necessary shots and obtain a dog license if appropriate.
The proposal was developed with assistance from a citizens committee that included veterinarians who spent several months studying different models to increase the rate of spayed or neutered animals that left a public shelter. As approved by the Board, the surgery would be done at the Shelter after a pet had been adopted but prior to it's leaving with the new owners.
The committee also recommended an increase in the spay or neuter deposit from $25 to $50 in an attempt to move toward making the program self-sufficient. Their thinking was that the general public should not have to pay additional taxes for someone to own a pet.
5/20/2009 5:21:05 PM
May
19
Senior Services-Meals on Wheels
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
From time to time, I want to highlight certain services that County departments provide. You may not need them but you may know someone who does and can pass on the information to them.
One of the most used services provided by the Department on Aging is the Meals on Wheels Program. It provides nutritious and diabetic-friendly meals delivered weekdays all across Jackson County for seniors who meet the program eligibility. One of the goals of this service is to enable seniors to remain in their home. The Department also provides many other services to eligible seniors and I will discuss some of those in the future. Call 788-4364 for further information.
5/19/2009 4:33:18 PM
May
18
Health Department Funding
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
The Jackson County Health Department has taken a financial hit as a result of the on going State budget crisis. Several programs will be affected including immunizations, local public health support, hearing and vision services, and others. We are not sure of the amount of the reductions for this year if any. The next fiscal year, which starts on October 1, 2009, will probably include even more significant cuts up to elimination of entire programs.
As with most of the State cuts, the vulnerable will be hurt first. The Hearing and Vision Program screens several thousand preschool and elementary school children each year. Appropriate referrals are made for those children that indicate the need for further testing or treatment.
I don't mean this to be a negative reflection on the decisions of our State government. They have to make hard budget decisions as do we at the County level but you as citizens need to be aware of the results of those cuts.
5/18/2009 6:18:02 PM
May
15
Smart Commute 2009
By Randy Treacher, rtreacher@co.jackson.mi.us
Today is Smart Commute 2009. I hope you had the opportunity to ride or walk to work. I have been trying to ride my bike to work whenever my schedule permits. It is not only good exercise but also good for the environment.
Have a great weekend.
5/15/2009 4:32:37 PM
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