Public Information Office 210 S. McDonald Street Suite 626 McKinney, Texas 75069 www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 11, 2006

Collin County Commissioners Court to present third annual State of the County address
“Partnerships in Progress”

(McKinney, TX) – On behalf of Collin County government, the Commissioners Court will present the third annual State of the County address at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 26th at the Spring Creek campus conference room of Collin County Community College. This year’s theme is “Partnerships in Progress.”

“This year, we felt it was important to discuss all the partnerships we have formed to create change and improve the quality of life for residents of Collin County,” says Collin County Judge Ron Harris. The Commissioners Court will focus on partnerships in transportation, technology, health care and public safety.

Transportation

“Partnerships are the foundation for any successful transportation project,” says Collin County Commissioner Jack Hatchell (Precinct 4). “With Collin County’s city, state and regional partners, 2006 was a monumental year for the continued development of our road infrastructure.” During the address, the Commissioners Court will discuss the development of S.H. 121, U.S. 75 HOV lanes, pass-through financing and additional transportational and infrastructural issues.

Technology

“Through partnerships, Collin County is improving functions and processes that assist and enhance residents’ interactions with government,” says Collin County Commissioner Jerry Hoagland (Precinct 2). The county has a fiber network in all facilities. Wireless Internet service is available to visitors in both courthouses. And, the county now has a radio system that reaches all volunteer fire departments to improve communications.

Health Care

In early 2005, the Commissioners Court created an Indigent Health Care Task Force to evaluate and make recommendations regarding the county’s indigent health care program.

“This task force is comprised of 25 county residents who have dedicated their time and energy over the past year to study and propose informed, comprehensive recommendations,” says Collin County Commissioner Phyllis Cole (Precinct 1). The task force is expected to conclude meetings this spring.

During the address, the Commissioners Court will also discuss Collin County Health Care Services vaccinations, outreach and grants.

Public Safety

“Hurricanes Katrina and Rita tested Collin County’s emergency preparedness skills,” says Judge Harris. “We will discuss the way these emergencies affected Collin County. We will also talk about a new fusion center under development, as well as new technologies that help us reach out to our residents in times of emergency.”

Partnerships for Citizens

“Collin County is enhancing economic development and promoting new construction growth,” says Collin County Commissioner Joe Jaynes (Precinct 3). “Residents can see it through our Tax Increment Financing initiatives, through our roads and through our development.”

The State of the County address is open to the public, but reservations are requested. Persons interested in attending should call 972-548-4631 or email tmalone@collincountytx.gov by Monday, January 23rd so an appropriate number of seats may be reserved. Commissioners Court members will be available for individual questions following the presentation.

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The Collin County Community College Spring Creek Campus is located at 2800 E. Spring Creek Parkway in Plano, near the intersection of Spring Creek Parkway and Jupiter Road. The Conference Center is located in the Northeast corner of the campus in Module AA.
Please refer to the Spring Creek Campus Map for additional details.