County Officials Certificate Training Program
COCTP County Electives
Interested in online training?
Below are descriptions of our online COCTP County Electives courses offered via k@te. Each completed course will provide you with 1 credit.
For assistance with k@te, please email us at ctas.support@tennessee.edu.
Title | Description |
---|---|
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - (CO) 1 Credit | A review of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The course explains the purpose of Title 1 of the ADA and discusses requirements to be in compliance with Title II of the Act. |
Audit Committees - (CO) 1 Credit | Audit committees are crucial for good governance in local governments. This self-paced course covers best practices in creating and operating audit committees, including their objectives and functions. The course also explains how audit committees and management interact with external and internal auditors. It is recommended for county commissioners and audit committee members.
|
Budget Approval for County Commissioners - (CO) 1 Credit | Now is the time to begin preparing your county's budget for approval. It is important that you are aware of the budget timeline and have already completed the necessary steps for budget planning, such as distributing forms for budget requests. After completing this course, you will have the ability to clearly explain the process of developing an operating budget to receive approval. |
Budget Series: Reappraisal and Ratios - (CO) 1.5 Credits | In this online training, we will explore the impact of reappraisal and ratios on budgets in county government. |
Budget Series: Restricted Revenue - (CO) 1.5 Credit | In this training, we will explore and define restricted sources of revenue, considerations, and substantial sources of revenue for funds. |
Budget Series: Revenue Sources (CO) 1.5 Credits | In this training, we will explore revenue sources in county government. In addition to state aid, there are several other sources through which counties and other governmental entities may use to fund operations. We will also discuss various sources utilized individually or in combination to suit each area of need. |
Budget Series: Working with Budget Committees - (CO) 1.5 Credits | In this training, we will explore the budget committee’s process for submitting a budget to the full commission and their relationship with county officials/department heads on developing budgets. |
Capital Assets and Depreciation - (CO) 2 Credits | Accounting for capital assets is often thought of as a nuisance and is a reminder of the 1980s “Roach Motel” TV ad slogan where “roaches check in, but they don’t check out.” Capital assets are the largest dollar amount reported in a government’s annual audited financial statements. This course is designed to enable finance professionals to track, record, and depreciate capital assets, which can have a significant effect on property management, insurance premiums, annual financial reporting, and audit findings. |
Cost Approach to Valuation - (CO) 1 Credit | In this self-paced online course, we will discuss the Cost Approach to Valuation in Mass Appraisal. The Cost Approach is one of the three accepted valuation approaches in Mass Appraisal. We will also discuss the depreciation and the methods of calculating the Cost Approach. |
County Commission Meetings - (CO) 1 Credit | Similar to state and federal governments, counties have executive, legislative, and judicial functions. The county's legislative unit, known as the Board of County Commissioners, consists of county commissioners who check the actions of other branches of county government. Conducting orderly meetings requires adhering to parliamentary rules and rules of order, while also demonstrating common courtesy and cooperation. By the end of this course, you will be able to list the duties of the chair, clerk, and legal counsel of the legislative body, define the majority vote requirements for meetings, explain the differences between internal and statutory committees, and describe fundamental parliamentary procedures. |
Discipline and Dismissal of Public Employees - (CO) 1 Credit | In this self-paced course, we will review the discipline and dismissal of public employees. The information discussed in the course is intended to help you familiarize yourself with the laws, rules, regulations, and lawful practices that affect the discipline and dismissal process. This course does not cover all issues that may arise. Also, the applicable laws, rules, and regulations are subject to change at any time. |
Education MOE Laws in Tennessee- (CO) 1 Credit | This online training will discuss the education maintenance of effort laws in Tennessee and their local application. It will also cover the new TISA required local match and how it interacts with the maintenance of effort. |
Employment Discrimination - (CO) 1.5 Credits | This course provides county employees with an overview of state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination, as well as an understanding of protected classifications and prohibited discriminatory practices. Participants will learn how to prevent discrimination in the workplace, with a particular focus on disability, race/color, age, national origin, sex, religion, and genetic discrimination. |
Ethics for County Officials - (CO) 1 Credit | As a county official, it is essential to maintain ethical behavior to avoid the risk of being removed from office. After completing this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the various conflict of interest laws and be able to explain the criminal offenses and misconduct that may result in your removal from office. |
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) - (CO) 1 Credit | In this course, we will be exploring the various aspects of the Act, including its application, minimum wage and overtime requirements, requirements for public safety employees, recordkeeping, and enforcement. By the end of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the FLSA and its impact on the workplace. |
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) - (CO) 1 Credit | The FMLA is a federal law that supports work-life balance for families. The law requires employers to allow eligible employees to take protected unpaid leave or paid leave for specific family and medical reasons. This online course covers eligibility criteria, calculating leave, mandatory notices, returning to work, special requirements for schools, and record-keeping requirements. |
Finance Essentials: Grants Management (CO) - 1 Credit | In this online training, we will discuss the most frequently asked questions from county employees and provide concise, actionable tips that will enhance duties in county government and enhance the overall performance of county offices.
|
Finance Essentials: Letters of Agreement (CO) - 1 Credit | This online training will discuss the legal and budgetary requirements of letters of agreement.
|
Forecasting Revenue and Developing Expenditures- (CO) 1.5 Credits | This online training will examine some common methods used for forecasting revenue and also give some tips on developing expenditures.
|
Hiring & Firing - (CO) 1 Credit | This course provides a comprehensive overview of the processes involved in hiring and firing county officials. Its aim is to help you gain familiarity with the legal framework, rules, and regulations that impact the selection process and guide you in creating a lawful organization. However, please note that this course does not cover all possible scenarios, and the laws and regulations may change at any time. |
Income Approach to Value- (CO) 1 Credit | In this self-paced course, you will be introduced to the income approach to value in Mass appraisal property valuation. This is one of the three accepted approaches to value. The income value is most commonly used when commercial properties with income streams appeal their value or submit the proper data and request for the income approach. This course will also help you understand the direct capitalization valuation method and some key terms and factors that go into the income valuation approach to value.
|
Introduction to Appraisal Statistics for Mass Appraisal- (CO) 1 Credit | This self-paced course provides an overview of statistical math and concepts used in mass appraisal to prove uniformity. This course is also a good study guide for individuals who will be taking the IAAO course 300.
|
Introduction to County Government - (CO) 1 Credit | Tennessee counties function as political subdivisions to execute state policies. The General Assembly has broad control over county governments, but the state constitution limits its authority. Statutes are the primary source of county authority, but the constitution contains provisions addressing county government. This course provides an overview of the legal and financial structure of county government, as well as the main responsibilities of different county offices. |
Managing a Highway Department - (CO) 1 Credit | This online course is designed to help highway and public works officials learn about their responsibilities in managing the department's material resources and addressing any issues that may arise. The goal of this course is to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage your department's resources and ensure compliance with legal requirements. By the end of this course, you will be able to differentiate between the laws that determine the structure of a county highway department, describe the appropriate purchasing procedures for highway departments, and identify conflicts of interest that must be avoided during purchasing. We will also cover the legal requirements for inventory and safeguarding department property, list the prohibited uses of highway department resources, and describe the requirements for local governments to own asphalt plants. |
Managing Public Records - (CO) 1 Credit | Managing records can be overwhelming, with numerous forms, files, and requests to keep track of. Determining which records to keep and which ones need to be provided to the public upon request can be confusing. Additionally, you must decide where to store all the records and how to dispose of them properly. This online course will equip you with the knowledge to explain Tennessee's public records law requirements and outline the steps for disposing of a public record. |
Maximizing Your Revenue - (CO) 1.5 Credits | In this online training, we will discuss the legal aspects of Local Option Sales Tax, from adoption to distribution. Additionally, we will address the impact on your citizens, city budgets, and various funds within the county’s budget. |
Monitor/Calculate Liability/Potential Income on Appeals- (CO) 1.5 Credits | This basic income course will provide information on which properties to apply this to and what data is required to perform the income approach. In addition, it will provide best practices and experiences when working with this approach to valuation. Also, a full profit and loss demonstration will be part of the session to outline how to work the math and apply the data.
|
Open Meetings for County Commissioners - (CO) 1 Credit | The Open Meetings Act in Tennessee aims to promote government openness, transparency, and accountability. According to T.C.A. § 8-44-101(a), public policy formation and decision-making should not be kept confidential. Thus, it is imperative that both County Commission meetings and county business comply with the provisions of the Open Meetings Act. After completing this module, you will have a better understanding of the Act's requirements. |
Operating Budget for County Commissioners - (CO) 1 Credit | As a county legislative body, one of the primary responsibilities is to approve a budget and allocate funds for the upcoming fiscal year to all county departments and agencies. This process involves careful planning, development, and approval of the budget. After completing this course, you will be able to understand the significance of operating budgets and have a general understanding of the planning involved. |
Personnel Policies- (CO) 1.5 Credits | When was the last time you looked at your office or county's personnel policy manual? It is important to ensure documents are up-to-date and meet TN requirements. In this class, you will receive valuable information that will assist in revising policy manuals and highlighting all necessary aspects of Personnel Policies law. We will cover how to update policies, important items to include and define the workweek for your office. Additionally, discuss any updates in TN personnel laws, highlighting priority policies. |
Preparing for the Budget Season & ARP Impacts - (CO) 1.5 Credits | This online training will cover county budget law deadlines and the budget memo and requirements from Local Government Finance.
|
Property Assessment for County Commissioners - (CO) 1 Credit | In most counties, the main source of revenue is the ad valorem property tax, which is assessed based on the value of the property. The process of property assessment and tax calculation is complex and involves several factors. The assessor of property appraises and classifies the property and then applies the statutory percentages to appraisals to determine assessments. The county commission determines the local property tax rates, and the trustee is responsible for collecting taxes. By the end of this course, you will gain the ability to describe the purpose of reappraisals and understand how property tax rates are calculated. |
Records Management for County Commissioners - (CO) 1 Credit | The county holds valuable records that require proper management and preservation. The county commission works alongside the county public records commission and other officials to efficiently manage these records. This course teaches the definition of a public record and the significance of a written public records policy. Upon completion, you will understand the duties of the county public records commission and the steps to take when disposing of records. |
Register of Deeds Overview - (CO) 1 Credit | In this online course, we will delve into the fundamental duties and financial obligations associated with the Register of Deeds office, including the recording of legal documents and transactions, record-keeping, and fees and taxes. By the conclusion of this course, you will possess the ability to articulate the responsibilities of the Register of Deeds office. |
Sales Verification & Sales Comparison Approach to Valuation- (CO) 1 Credit | This self-paced course provides an overview of the sales verification process and procedures for the State of Tennessee. It covers the TCA related to sales verification as well as some best practices. The course also has a section dedicated to the Sales Comparison Approach to Valuation. This is one of the three accepted valuation methods for Mass Appraisal. It focuses on sales grids, adjustments, and advantages and disadvantages to its use.
|
Tennessee Beer Laws - (CO) 1 Credit | This course is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the sale of beer in Tennessee counties. You will learn about the laws and regulations that govern the retail sale of beer, including both package sales for off-premises consumption and beer sold for consumption on the premises. By the end of the course, you will be able to explain how a county regulates the sale of beer, describe the process for the issuance of a beer permit, understand the laws that govern the sale of beer, list the taxes that apply to the sale of beer, and describe when and how a beer permit may be revoked. |
Tennessee County Clerks - (CO) 1 Credit | County clerks are responsible for a wide range of duties that may surprise you. They issue marriage licenses, renew vehicle registrations, and act as the clerk of the county legislative body. By the end of this review, you will have a clear understanding of the primary responsibilities of a county clerk. Please note that there are online courses available that focus solely on county clerk responsibilities for marriage licenses and beer permits, which will only be briefly touched upon in this course. |
Tennessee County Legislative Body - (CO) 1 Credit | In Tennessee, each county has a county legislative body, also known as the county commission. Their primary function is to keep a check on the actions of other branches of county government, except in cases where a metropolitan form of government is in place. The General Assembly has granted the county legislative body a wide range of powers through public acts or private acts that apply to a specific county. These powers include levying property taxes without limitation on rates and spending funds for any lawful purpose. However, it's important to note that counties cannot act outside the scope of the power granted by the General Assembly. The county commission is not authorized to pass laws. In this course, you'll learn about the eligibility requirements and responsibilities of a county commissioner, as well as how the county commission interacts with other county offices. |
Tennessee Marriage Laws - (CO) 1 Credit | In order to be legally married in Tennessee, a valid marriage license is necessary. This course will cover the requirements for marriage and obtaining a license in the state. By the end of the course, you will be able to identify the legal qualifications for marriage in Tennessee, understand exceptions when applying for a marriage license, determine who is authorized to perform a marriage ceremony, know the legal requirements for the ceremony, and comprehend the record-keeping procedures. |
Tennessee Property Tax - (CO) 1 Credit | Property tax is the primary revenue source in most counties, imposed directly on property value. The tax follows the property even if it's sold or transferred. The imposition of property taxes involves four primary steps: classification, assessment, levy, and collection. Trustee is involved only in the fourth step. |
Tennessee Property Value - (CO) 1 Credit | Counties generate revenue through property taxes, which involve property classification, value assessment, tax levying, and collection. Property assessors appraise and assess property values, while the legislative body levies the tax, and the trustee collects it. This course will teach you how to explain the appraisal and assessment process. |
The Reappraisals and Ratios on Property Tax- (CO) 1 Credit | In this one-hour training, we will review the property tax penny calculation and the impacts of property value growth on the penny value.
|
Understanding Orders of Protection - (CO) 1.5 Credits | Orders of protection are commonly issued to provide additional protection to those seeking safety from abuse. However, understanding who qualifies for this type of protection, what constitutes a qualifying event, how long the order will last, and the legal terms such as petitioner, respondent, and ex-parte can be confusing. The purpose of this presentation is to guide you through the entire process of obtaining an order of protection, from the initial application to the final resolution of the case. |
When a Vacancy Occurs - (CO) 1 Credit | The process for electing county officials is well-known, but what occurs when an office becomes empty? How is the vacancy filled before the next election? Public Chapter 871, which became effective on May 6, 2008, revised the law on filling vacancies by county legislative bodies, with the exception of Davidson and Shelby Counties. This course will explain the rules for filling vacancies, and after finishing it, you should have the ability to explain how county offices are filled when they become vacant. |
Workplace Discrimination - (CO) 1 Credit | This course aims to educate you on the fundamentals of federal laws that prohibit workplace discrimination. You will also get the opportunity to apply what you learn to solve common problems that may arise in your own workplace. These laws cover all aspects of the employment relationship, from recruiting to termination, and it is crucial for you to be able to identify potential areas of concern and understand your responsibilities as a county employer. |
Contact
For questions or comments, contact the CTAS training staff:
(615) 532-3555