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 |
January 26, 2005
Collin County Commissioners Court to present second annual State of the County Address
“Collin County: Our Journey to 2025” serves as a benchmark
(McKinney, TX) – The Collin County Commissioners Court will present a second annual State of the County Address on Thursday, February 3rd at the Collin County Community College’s Spring Creek Campus conference room.
Just as in last year’s address, “Collin County: Our Journey to 2025” will serve a benchmark for vision, accountability and performance. Application of these principles continues to be of great significance as the county journeys into 2025. It is of no surprise to residents that the county population is growing rapidly. Today, the population is approximately 660,000 strong. Over the next 20 years, that number is expected to swell to twice the current size, according to the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG).
“We are preparing for the future one step at a time,” says Collin County Judge Ron Harris. “I strongly believe that we must provide the public with annual accountability messages to reassure our citizens about our financial stability and projects that support our infrastructure.”
Collin County’s tax rate has remained constant at 25-cents since 1998. In 1997, the rate was 26-cents. The county has also maintained a Triple-A bond rating since 2000. The State of the County Address is built upon these financial conditions.
Unlike last year’s address, this year’s message will be in a forum-style setting, in which each member of the Commissioners Court will discuss particular aspects of county government, while recapping efforts made in those areas over the last calendar year. Last year, Judge Harris delivered the speech on behalf of court members.
“We work together in formulating policy and planning efforts, so it makes good sense for all members of the court to address the issues that are closest to them,” says Judge Harris.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Joe Jaynes will discuss Public Works, the Collin County Adventure Camp and rural development, such as Municipal Utility Districts.
“We have a 10-year plan to asphalt all county roads. We’ve also developed a road management program, which we consider to be maintenance by design rather than necessity,” says Commissioner Jaynes. “This program will dramatically improve the surface life of our roadways.”
Precinct 2 Commissioner Jerry Hoagland will focus on technology, including the county’s Enterprise Resource Planning system, a fiber optic loop, the county’s new Voice over Internet Protocol system, Geographic Information Systems, Performance Management and e-services.
“Collin County government is making some sweeping internal changes that will improve performance and accountability,” says Commissioner Hoagland. “Employees, along with their supervisors, are setting individual and departmental goals and objectives. We are also bringing critical county functions, such as filing, into an e-services environment.”
Precinct 1 Commissioner Phyllis Cole will address health care issues as well as provide information on a joint project with other localities called the Juvenile Information System.
“In 2004, we provided $134,000 in grant funding to six non-profit organizations. We also increased the poverty level for indigent care from 25% to 50%,” says Commissioner Cole. “Through CDC grant funds, we are now able to research illnesses through our epidemiology department and develop preventative programs in the event of broad-reaching emergencies.”
Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Hatchell will not be able to attend because of a prior medical appointment, so Judge Harris will give transportation and facilities updates, including a status report on State Highway 121.
“Regional mobility is perhaps the biggest issue facing North Texas today,” says Commissioner Hatchell, who is also chairman of the Regional Transportation Council (RTC). “Fortunately, through partnerships with our cities and organizations throughout the area, we are making great strides in the quality of regional roadway systems.”
The State of the County Address will begin at 9 a.m. and is open to the public. Persons wishing to attend are asked to R.S.V.P. by calling 972-548-4631 before February 2nd.
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