Public Information Office
210 S. McDonald St. Suite 636
McKinney, TX  75069

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Leigh Hornsby, Public Information Officer
972-548-4772
lhornsby@co.collin.tx.us

February 10, 2004

Collin County leaders offer "vision" in first State of the County address

(McKinney, TX) -- Collin County will embark on a new tradition later this month. County Judge Ron Harris will deliver the first State of the County address to residents, city leaders and the media on February 19th.

The theme is “Performance, Accountability and Vision.”

“We’re honing our skills,” says Harris. “We’re setting measures for ourselves and employees; we’ve developed a performance-based strategy; and we’re continuing to set long-term goals.”

The presentation will focus on issues such as the tax rate, information services technology updates, health services, air quality, homeland security, transportation partnerships and a bond program update. The successes of the District Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, Tax Assessor-Collector and the Judiciary will be included.

“We have a lot to talk about,” says Harris, “we plan to hold the tax rate steady for the next several years; we’re addressing issues such as air quality and homeland security; and we are taking the necessary steps to continue partnering to provide additional roads and parks, as well as county services for our growing population.”

Commissioners Phyllis Cole, Jack Hatchell, Jerry Hoagland and Joe Jaynes will be available to answer questions following the briefing. Each is participating in the preparation of the State of the County.

“We have a record of success in Collin County,” says Commissioner Jaynes, “and we want the residents to know exactly where we’ve been and where we’re heading.”

“One of the points we want to make with this address is that County government entails more than one may expect,” says Commissioner Hatchell. “We manage everything from public health services to road paving … all while keeping our tax rate reasonable.”

“County government is continually changing,” says Commissioner Hoagland, “but we believe we’re taking the necessary steps to stay ahead of the game and make plans based on what is in the best interest of our residents.”

“We’ve definitely made progress in the past year,” says Commissioner Cole, “not only have we made major road improvements, but we also helped expand business and industry in the County.”

The address is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Collin County Community College District’s Spring Creek Campus, 2800 E. Spring Creek Blvd., Plano. It’s sponsored by Inside Collin County Business and Collin County Community College District.

###