FROM STAFF REPORTS

Shelby County Commissioners Elwyn Bearden and Tommy Edwards have recently joined an elite group of elected officials by completing 50 hours of education from the Alabama Local Government Training Institute on the basic responsibilities of the county commission.

The program emphasizes budgeting, personnel matters, planning, and road and bridge responsibilities. This educational program began in 1994 as a mandatory program for first-time county commissioners by act of the Alabama Legislature. It is a joint effort between the Association of County Commissions of Alabama and Auburn University.

“County government is highly specialized, so putting in the time and effort to get this training is an invaluable investment,” said ACCA President Merceria Ludgood. “As elected officials, I believe that all of us want to benefit our counties as much as possible, and education equips us to make that happen.”

The Association of County Commissions of Alabama is a statewide organization representing county government in Alabama. ACCA promotes improved county government services in Alabama, offers educational programs for county officials and their staff members, administers insurance programs for county governments and employees, offers legal advice and represents the interests of county government before state and federal organizations and agencies.