Wake Announces New Financial Accountability Web site

On July 6, 2009, Wake County launched the Wake Accountability Tax Check (WATCH) at WakeGOV.com. WATCH was designed by the County to allow anyone to learn about county government expenditures, view transactions with vendors, compare the budget to actual expenses and ask questions.

WATCH will be updated monthly, and contains budget and financial information related to the General Fund for the current and previous fiscal year (July-June). The Web page includes links to other information about how tax dollars are being used, including the current budget, financial reports, economic updates, tax rates and the Wake County Public School System budget.

Employees can expect to see detailed transactions from their respective departments listed on the site. These transactions may include expenses for supplies, trainings and others.

Selected information has been omitted to protect someone’s privacy or a sensitive area of operations. However, employees should be aware that employee reimbursements are public. Those who receive reimbursement from the County for various expenses will be listed individually, along with the amount.   

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Registration Open for Wake County 5K Walk/Run and Wellness Fair

Registration is open now through Tuesday, July 28, 2009, for the Wake County 5K Walk/Run and Wellness Fair taking place Saturday, September 12, 2009, from 8 a.m. – noon at Lake Crabtree County Park. The event is open to all county employees and their families.

Participants can register for the 5K as a runner, power walker or casual walker. There is a $5 registration fee for runners and power walkers, who will receive a number bib and timer chip for an official time at the end of the race. There is no registration fee to participate as a casual walker.

All participants are required to complete an online registration and download a waiver statement. Runners and power walkers are also required to download a payment voucher. Instructions on how to submit forms and fees can be found online.

In addition to the 5K, the event will feature a Wellness Fair beginning at 9:30 a.m. that is open to all employees and their families at no charge. Over 20 vendors will be on hand to provide information and interactive activities.

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Deadline for Employee Survey July 17

Wake Employees are asked help the County become known as a world-class work environment by completing the 2009 Wake County Government Employee Engagement Survey provided by Triangle Business Journal. The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, July 17, 2009.

The survey is being conducted and results will be tabulated by an independent firm, Quantum Workplace, Inc. Wake County will receive the findings in a summary report. Individual data will not be released to any third parties.

To access the 10-minute online survey, click on this link or copy and paste it into your browser:

• www.quantumworkplace.com/bestplaces/Survey
• Enter Organization Code: WCHQ61610

Answers from employees will provide valuable feedback that will help the County to determine what they are doing well, and what they can improve upon. The data will also allow County leaders to compare their performance among other public and private employers within the Triangle.

The County will share final survey results and seek employee involvement in helping to develop strategies for improving the organization and work environment.

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Wake Libraries Announce New Hours

On July 5, 2009, some Wake County Libraries began to operate under new hours, as follows:

Cary Branch, Green Road, Holly Springs and Richard B. Harrison Libraries:

• Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Sunday, Closed

Cameron Village Regional, East Regional, Eva Perry Regional, North Regional, Southeast Regional and West Regional Libraries:

• Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Sunday, 1 – 5 p.m.

Olivia Raney Local History Library:

• Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Sunday, Closed

Athens Drive Community and Duraleigh Road Libraries:

• Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Sunday, Closed

The hours of operation will not change for Fuquay-Varina, Southgate, Wake Forest, Wendell and Zebulon Branch Libraries, or the Electronic Information Center.

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Historic Oak View County Park Celebrates 300 Volunteers

The Historic Oak View County Park Advisory Board and staff recently held their annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner and presented former Wake County Commissioner Merrie Hedrick with the Ray Wilkinson Award. Hedrick was instrumental in instrumental in the late 1980s and early 1990s in saving and preserving Oak View as a public historic site.

Oak View’s Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Frank Mansfield for his dedication throughout the year. The “Unsung Hero” award, presented to a person who quietly and consistently contributes time and skills to the park, went to Shirley Drumheller.

Board of Commissioners Vice Chair Lindy Brown attended to thank the volunteers. More than 300 people volunteer at Oak View for a variety of jobs. Last year volunteers donated more than 14,000 hours of labor, enabling the park to continue to offer quality educational opportunities and special events to the public.

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Summer Health and Safety Series: Summer Travel

With many people on the move in a variety of ways, it is important to be alert to others no matter what the mode of transportation. The UNC Highway Safety Research Center and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have the following advice on how to travel safely by car.

• All occupants should buckle up, with children in the back seat.
• Obey speed limits and roadway signs.
• Drive calmly and avoid entanglements with aggressive drivers.
• Pack non-perishable snacks and plenty of juice and water.
• Take frequent breaks - at least every two hours - and avoid driving when tired.
• Be especially careful around railroad crossings.
• Avoid driving in the "No Zone" around trucks. If you cannot see the truck driver in the truck's mirror, the truck driver cannot see you.
• Slow down in work zones, obey all signs and flaggers and pay attention to the vehicle in front of you.

For more information on travel preparations, and traveling by foot or bicycle, visit www.hsrc.unc.edu.

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Applying for an Award? Let Us Know!

Has your program recently received an award or recognition for outstanding work? If so, be sure to let the Public Affairs Office know so they can share the good news with county staff, commissioners and others.

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HR Policy: County Time, Supplies and Equipment

Wake County policy states that County time, supplies and equipment are to be used for County business. County equipment includes all electronic resources: email, the Internet, telephones, voicemail or any other County-provided technology. These systems are County property and are provided for use in the execution of County business.

Although the County does allow for reasonable personal use of the electronic resources provided, County time, supplies and equipment are intended for work-related purposes. Employees are expected to utilize these systems in a responsible and professional manner. Inappropriate use may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

It is also important to note that, as a public employer, email addresses and email correspondence may be a matter of public record and can be requested by the public or the media at any time. As public staff we have a responsibility to be good stewards of public information.

If you receive an inappropriate email, do not forward it to others. If you would like to report it, contact the Employee Relations Division of Human Resources at 856-6090. For technical assistance, contact the Help Desk at 212-7676.

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