Forsyth County appoints second assistant county manager

By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County Water and Sewer Director Barry Lucas has been named assistant county manager.

Lucas fills the vacancy left by David McKee who was promoted to county manager in December. His appointment is the second of

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• The number of burglary cases was down 38 percent year over year.

• Aggravated assault calls were down 10 percent.

• DUIs were down 7 percent.

“Entering auto cases were down a staggering 55 percent, so the promise of a safe community, we delivered,” John said.

John said the promise of safety is essential for a successful community, and he recognized public safety officials in attendance.

Chamber of Commerce President and CEO James McCoy said the county has almost 100 percent occupancy in leasing space for businesses, as well as nearly 4 million square feet of new business space being built, which speaks to the business community’s growing interest in the county.

“Our newly minted identity as part of the tech corridor of Georgia will help us further market us as a place where businesses will find an endless supply of tech talent and tech partners,” John said.

Capital Project Managers Jordan Wallace and Lynette Ramirez said the county has several key projects slated for 2023, including the expansion of Ronald Reagan Boulevard that will connect the northern portion near Majors Road to the southern portion at McFarland Parkway.

Wallace said the base and binder of the road project is completed, and the left side of the roadway has been removed to complete the final verticalhorizontal alignment.

Ramirez said the county is also working on a water return flow system that conveys treated water from the Fowler Water Reclamation Facility to Lake Lanier.

Attendees also recognized former County Commissioner Molly Cooper, who died March 22 from ongoing health issues caused by pancreatic cancer.

The county named Tony Tarnacki assistant county manager on March 24.

Lucas has served as Water and Sewer director since February 2021 and was deputy director of the department from 2002-2021, where he managed master planning, project planning, project management and construction for capital improvements. He will assume his new role April 10 and oversee the Fleet Services; Public Facilities; Engineering; Capital Projects; Water and Sewer; and Recycling and Solid Waste Departments.

County Manager McKee said Lucas’s understanding of the Public Works Departments’ roles in the county’s future made him an ideal candidate for the position.

“Barry has been integral for Forsyth died March 22.

County's water and sewer infrastructure development for decades,” McKee said.

Lucas graduated with a degree in civil engineering from The Citadel and has a master’s degree from Old Dominion University. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1985-1994 and the Navy Reserve until his retirement in 2016. He has lived in Forsyth County since 1994, and his career with the county began in 1996.

A “coffee and conversations” networking event was held before the address in which hundreds of business owners and guests mingled with county officials and departments.

“We cannot deliver on these promises without the community support,” John said. “We are your government, so engage with us. Ask us questions. Hold us accountable for ensuring delivery on the promises which we make to you.”

Forsyth County Commission Chairman Alfred John recognizes low crime rates and business interest in the community at the State of the County Address at the Forsyth County Conference Center March 28. John said the county delivered on its promises in 2022.