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We’ve been busy here at Maricopa County. Below
are a handful of things we’ve accomplished since our last report:
- The Board of Supervisors enacted substantial Personnel Reforms
- County jail system was awarded the Correctional Health “Facility of the
Year” Award
- 47 national awards were awarded
the county for innovative programs
- Maricopa County IDA was named the Valley’s top public sector organization
- Pet Adoption Fees have been waived for Veterans
It’s an
exciting time to be living or working in Maricopa County. Below you will find
additional details on a few of our stops. I hope to see you while I’m out and about!
Sincerely,
 Denny Barney, District 1
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors
www.maricopa.gov/dist1/
602-506-1776
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Seeking to
reduce time-consuming, out-of-date processes and add greater efficiency to the
hiring and recruiting process, my colleagues and I approved several changes to
the county’s Employee Merit System Rules. I’m
excited about the changes we are making as we need to give those working in the
trenches the tools they need to hire the most qualified people. |
The past week I’ve had the privilege of participating
in several events honoring our veterans.
 Town of Gilbert Veteran’s Day Program pictured with Mayor Lewis and members of the Gilbert Town Council
 Gilbert resident Army Private First Class Mason Steill received a mortgage free home from Building Homes for Heroes
 County Attorney Bill Montgomery spoke at Maricopa County’s Veteran’s Day
program. In recognition and appreciation of U.S. veterans’ service to our
country, the Board of Supervisors approved Maricopa County Animal Care and
Control (MCACC) waiving veterans’ adoption fees through its “Pets and Vets”
program.
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The National Commission on Correctional Health Care selected our Maricopa County jail system to receive this year's “Facility of the Year” award. Our Correctional Health employees serve the health care needs of more than 100,000 inmates annually. Only one facility is selected from among the 500 jail and prison systems nationwide. I congratulate all our Correctional Health department employees and jail staff for their hard work!
 Maricopa County won 47 individual achievements awards, the most in the
nation, from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The NACo awards honor
innovative, effective county government programs that enhance services for
residents, create efficiencies and save taxpayers money. Of particular note,
the county’s Zero Based Budgeting process was recognized.
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On October 8,
the Maricopa County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) was awarded the
Valley’s top public sector organization by the Greater Phoenix Economic
Council. The IDA’s programs and grants have originated $1.2 billion in home
mortgages, financed some of the Valley’s major facilities, landmark public
institutions and enhanced the living conditions of needy citizens. All this was done without the use of taxpayers’
dollars. I was
honored to help accept the award!
 Each newsletter we select a Maricopa
County employee that we’ve interacted with in the course of county business.
This month is Alphonso Bryant, a Juvenile Detention Probation
Officer.
Alphonso, a certified peace officer, has
been with the Juvenile Probation Department since 2006. He and the other 144
probation officers that supervise just over 4200 youth involved in the juvenile
court system are tasked with helping these youth meet the terms set forth by
the court. They have to make sure the youth are held accountable for their
actions while also helping them understand how their actions affect the
community.
When asked what he likes most about his
job, Alphonso says it’s being able to encourage kids to be better than they
believe they can be. He loves being able to help them look into their future,
set goals for themselves, and then take the steps needed to accomplish those
goals. Above all, he loves being a “Treasure Hunter” who believes that all kids
can succeed! No exception!
We appreciate the great work of Officer Bryant
and the other probation officers who help many of Maricopa County’s most
troubled youth get on a better path.
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