Cherokee County, Georgia — 2023 Annual Report

NURTURING

GREATNESS

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

COUNTY

COMMISSIONERS

Geoffrey E. Morton, P.E. County Manager

Steve West

District 1 Commissioner

Richard B. Weatherby District 2 Commissioner

Christy Black County Clerk

1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton, GA 30114

2

678-493-6000 CherokeeGA.com

Benny Carter

District 3 Commissioner

Corey Ragsdale

District 4 Commissioner

CHAIRMAN’S

We are gloriously blessed in Cherokee County! We have beautiful geography and climate, abundant natural resources, and fine people who care about their community. We are blessed with a perfect location, close enough to Atlanta to take advantage of its economic benefits, but far enough to enjoy a safe and comfortable small-town and even rural lifestyle.

We have public safety and school systems that are among the very best in Georgia. We provide great services for our residents and still continue to have tax rates that are among the lowest in our state. We truly have the best place imaginable to live and raise our families.

Literally, our only problem is our very desirability. The residential growth it has brought has outstripped our road system and job creation, and it threatens the quality of life that is our main greatness.

It will take a mix of great care and bold action to protect and nurture the greatness we have been given.

WELCOME

Harry B. Johnston Commission Chair

We have to continue to conservatively plan and manage our growth and keep working with the cities on that common goal. It is a huge and ongoing challenge, requiring the trade-off of big near-term profits for intangible long-term benefits.

We must find and put more money into roads. Besides just county roads, we need to be able to spend local money on state highways if we want the road system this great county deserves. And we need to up the ante on job development. The jobs we need most are professional and executive positions that are the hardest to attract.

It has taken God’s generosity and considerable human effort to build the greatness that is Cherokee County. The job is never done. It will take more of both to preserve and nurture that greatness. Together, we can do it, and we will.

Harry B. Johnston, Commission Chair 3 3

Current Population

281,278 (Source: 2022, www.census.gov/ quickfacts/cherokeecountygeorgia)

Median Household Income

$100,824

(Source: 2023, www.census.gov/ quickfacts/cherokeecountygeorgia)

Median Home Value

$475,000 (Source: 2023 Cherokee County Tax Assessor’s Office.)

JAN

43° 52° / 34°

APR

63°

JUL

74° / 51°

(Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2022. www.ncdc.noaa.gov)

4

79° 88° / 69°

OCT

63° 73° / 52°

TABLE OF

CONTENTS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

2

CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME

3

CHEROKEE COUNTY BY THE NUMBERS

4

CAPITAL PROJECTS

6–7

SPLOST PROJECTS

8–9

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 10–11 Planning And Zoning....................................... 10 Public Works.................................................... 10 Transportation................................................. 10 Development Service Center......................... 11 Building Inspections....................................... 11 Stormwater Management.............................. 11 FINANCE DEPARTMENT 12–13 Taxes, Debt, and Expenditures per Capita... 12 Millage Rate...................................................... 12 Grants................................................................ 13 Procurement.................................................... 13 CHEROKEE SHERIFF’S OFFICE 14–15 Community Outreach..................................... 14 Inform. Connect. Engage............................... 14 Adult Detention Center................................... 15

Emergency Management.............................. 19 Animal Shelter.................................................. 19 Radio Technology............................................ 19 Probation Services.......................................... 19 COMMUNITY SERVICES AGENCY 20–23 Cherokee Recreation and Parks................... 20 Recreation......................................................... 21 Therapeutic Recreation.................................. 21 Aquatics Center............................................... 21 Facilities............................................................ 21 Administration................................................. 21 Outdoor............................................................. 21 Social Media..................................................... 21 Community Outreach..................................... 21 Senior Services................................................ 22 Recycling Center.............................................. 23 Transportation................................................. 23 Northside Hospital Conference Center.....24–25

TAX ASSESSOR

33

CORONER

34

CLERK OF COURTS

35

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

36

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

37

JUDICIAL

38–39

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGENCY 26–27 Property Management................................... 26 Geographic Information Systems (GIS)...... 26 Information Technology Services................ 26 Risk Management........................................... 26 Fleet Services................................................... 27 HUMAN RESOURCES

28

CHEROKEE FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES 16–17 Community Risk Reduction........................... 17 Training.............................................................. 17

COMMUNICATIONS

29

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

30

PUBLIC SERVICES AGENCY 18–19 E 9-1-1................................................................ 18 Marshal’s Office............................................... 18

ELECTIONS & VOTER REGISTRATION

31

TAX COMMISSIONER

32 5

CAPITAL

PROJECTS Mica Fire Station 5804 Yellow Creek Road, Ball Ground Fire Station 15 is a new 12,342-square-foot facility completed in June by Cooper & Company. It includes three apparatus bays, six bunks, and a 2,500-square-foot community room.

6

CAPITAL PROJECTS CAPITAL

PROJECTS

Special Operations 403 and 411 Chattin Drive, Canton The new Special Operations facility, located at 403 Chattin Drive, is 7,819 square feet with office space for Traffic Operations, K-9 Operations, and kennels.

411 Chattin Drive is 5,014 square feet and houses the traffic investigation garage and Coroner’s office.

Sutallee Fire Station (Station 13) 134 Ficklen Church Way, Canton Cooper & Company was chosen to construct the new Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services Station #13. It is almost identical to the new Fire Station #15 but has two additional bunks and one less office. Construction of the $6.2-million station began in November of 2022 and should be completed early in 2024.

7

Technology Ridge Parkway, Phase 1

Union Hill Road at Lower Union Hill Road

Technology Ridge Parkway, Phase 1

Shoal Creek Road Culvert Replacement

New alignment roadway between Bluffs Parkway and the intersection of Heard Road and Fate Conn Road. Project includes roundabouts and the intersection with Bluffs Parkway and the intersection of Heard Road and Fate Conn Road.

Roadway consists of 12-foot travel lanes and a 14-foot center turn lane. A 10-foot side path and 6-foot sidewalk are also included as part of the project. The project is part of a multi-phase new alignment roadway that will extend to the airport.

Replacement of failing culvert on Shoal Creek Road over Puckett Creek. Shoal Creek Road will also be improved to Cherokee County standards in both the horizontal and vertical alignments.

Project Cost: $9,074,620 Status: Under construction.

Expected completion—June 2024

Union Hill Road at Lower Union Hill Road Shoal Creek Road Culvert Replacement

Construction of a single-lane roundabout and drainage improvements.

Project Cost: $2,102,636 Status: Completed Hames Road

8

Project Cost: $1,774,074 Status: Under construction.

Expected completion—April 2024

Hames Road Roadway reconstruction between SR 92 and Jamerson Road. Project includes the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Hames Road and South Jett Road. Vertical and horizontal modifications will be made along Hames Road to improve safety. Curb and gutter, drainage improvements and sidewalks were added to Hames Road.

Project Cost: $5,028,160 Status: Under construction.

Expected completion—April 2024

2023 PROJECTS

Ball Ground Highway Roundabout

Hickory Road and Stringer Road Sidewalks

Installation of a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Ball Ground Highway and Howell Bridge Road. The roundabout will be converted into a multi-lane roundabout as part of the Ball Ground Bypass project.

Fill in the gap sidewalk project along Hickory Road from SR 140 to New Light Road and along Stringer Road across the frontage of the Middlebrooke subdivision.

Project Cost: $2,024,143

Project Cost: $1,505,652

Status: In design.

Expected bid date—February 2024

Status: In design.

Expected bid date—April 2024

Trickum Road Widening Project Sycamore Lane to Belles Lane. Installation of a center turn lane along Trickum Road from Sycamore Lane to Belles Lane. Also includes construction of curb and gutter, as well as installation of a sidewalk.

Project Cost: $2,893,451 | Status: In design. Expected bid date—July 2024

SR 140 at Batesville Road and Hickory Road

COMPLETED/STARTED

SPLOST: Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, also known as SPLOST, is a onecent, voter-approved sales tax. Money generated from the tax funds projects identified in the referendum approved by voters. It is put on the ballot every six years for renewal. The SPLOST Roadway Department is led by Director Jim Wilgus.

Intersection improvement project to include additional turn lanes and through lanes on all legs of the intersection.

Project Cost: $3,795,227 | Status: In design. Expected bid date—October 2024

9

TRANSPORTATION

PLANNING AND ZONING

Led by Director Brett Buchanan

Led by Director Margaret Stallings

PUBLIC WORKS

Led by Director Stephen Dobson

County Maintained Inventory Stats

Miles

No. of Roads

Cherokee County Maintained Roads Total

1,282.79

3,475

Gravel Road Miles

29.824

80

Roads Located in Subdivisions Miles

644.879

529

Cherokee County Resurfacing Program

10

Cherokee County deannexed 57.9 acres during the 2023 fiscal year— 2.9 acres in Holly Springs and 55 acres in Ball Ground.

Miles

In-house Resurfacing

16.9 miles

Contract Resurfacing

13.7 miles

Total Resurfacing

30.6 miles

The Transportation Engineering Department continues to provide connectivity to increase the ability to respond to and monitor traffic signals in real-time. While communicating with all traffic signal controllers, the department began implementing CCTV Cameras at many intersections to view live footage that assists in monitoring and adjusting signals when necessary. The department expects cameras at 100% of the county’s intersections by mid-2024. Additional connections to various devices inside the signal cabinet provide valuable information before responding to any traffic signals in flash mode. These technological upgrades will continue to strengthen traffic signal operations.

COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT SERVICE CENTER

DEVELOPMENT

Led by Manager Shannon Griffith

462

420

New Home Occupations Applied For

149

113

New Commercial Business Licenses Applied For

1,157 517

Commercial Permits

Plan Reviews Conducted

$543.7 Million

Cost of Construction (valuation)

$135.8 Million

9,128

209

3,783

110

315

35

Stormwater Structures Inspected

Stormwater Enforcement Actions

Erosion Control Inspections

Land Disturbance Permits

Complaints

Cost of Construction (new commercial & remodels)

27

Motorized Cart Registrations

Short Term Rental Registrations

7

5

New Alcoholic Beverage Licenses Applied For

New Distilled Spirits Package Licenses Applied For

1,388

New Commercial Business Licenses Issued

New Residential Permits Issued (new homes)

7

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT | Led by County Engineer Ben Morgan

New Home Occupations Issued

New Alcoholic Beverage Licenses Issued

0

New Distilled Spirits Package Licenses Issued

BUILDING INSPECTIONS Led by Director Paul Laney

33,033 Total Inspections Conducted (Residential and Commercial)

Brantley Day

Community Development Agency Director

11

AA+

TAXES, DEBT, AND EXPENDITURES BY CAPITA

2022 Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) by County

BOND RATING

MILLAGE RATE HISTORY

At press time for the 2023 Annual Report, audited financials were not available for Douglas, Henry and Rockdale counties.

12

Year

M&O

Fire

Parks Bond

2023

4.954

2.764

0.319

2022

4.995

2.984

0.354

2021

5.212

3.292

0.434

2020

5.212

3.292

0.461

2019

5.216

3.269

0.480

2018

5.366

3.269

0.503

2017

5.483

3.298

0.581

2016

5.568

3.374

0.609

2015

5.720

3.436

0.744

2014

5.728

3.436

0.744

FINANCE

GRANTS

Led by Manager Kristi Bosch

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

DEPARTMENT $3.48M $3.48M in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds to Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) and non-profits.

$6.5M $6.5M committed to COED and non-profits for public services, housing assistance, job training, job creation and infrastructure.

Procurement

Led by Director Greg Anderson

2,958 45 $3,563,768

Purchase Orders Proposals Requested Savings Through Competition

Based on fiscal year (October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023)

Jimmy Marquis Chief Financial Officer

13

INFORM. CONNECT. ENGAGE. 123,112

Calls for Service

The Sheriff’s Office released 22 videos on its social media platforms in 2023 focusing on public education, engagement, transparency and crime prevention. Topics featured include an inside look at annual active shooter training, Move Over Law information, the dangers of fentanyl, an introduction to the department’s K-9 officers, community programming and events, and several highlighting scams citizens could face. The nearly two dozen videos reached more than 180,000 social media users.

ACTIVE SHOOTER VIDEO

Priority 1 59,051 Priority 2 13,301 Priority 3 350,760

16,855 reach 2,952 engagement

Community Outreach

4,980 reach 361 engagement

55

HOLIDAY SHOPPING SAFETY TIPS

MOVE OVER LAW

Facebook Followers

14

68.3K

10,196 reach 909 engagement FOOD PANTRY

Instagram Followers

2,667

17,758 reach 2,693 engagement

X Followers

4,791

(9) K-9 INTRODUCTION VIDEOS

Press Releases

65

60,022 total reach for all 9 videos 5,778 total engagement for all 9 videos (5) SCAM VIDEOS

34,115 total reach for all 5 videos 2,159 total engagement for all 5 videos

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

5,535 reach 121 engagement TOUCH A TRUCK

6,066 reach 134 engagement DANGERS OF FENTANYL

18,327 reach 3,226 engagement R U OK PROGRAM

9,815 reach 1,035 engagement

CHEROKEE COUNTY

SHERIFF’S OFFICE

68

New Deputies Sworn In

45

New Website Launched

New Flock Cameras (State Grant)

AXON FLEET 3 Installed in

100%

of Patrol Vehicles

Perfect Score on Annual CALEA Assessment

Sheriff.CherokeeCountyGA.gov

Adult Detention Center Receives Accreditation The Adult Detention Center received its re-certification from the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare accreditation. The ADC has been certified since 2002. The certification process evaluates compliance with the nation’s most respected standards for correctional healthcare. Maintaining this accreditation promotes professional excellence. Staff benefit from feedback and education from knowledgeable professionals to run the facility more efficiently.

Frank Reynolds Sheriff

15

32,837

TOTAL CALL VOLUME

Connecting with the Community

16 16

Active Threat Training

Engine 16 Push In Ceremony

7:38

EMS

STATION

MINUTES

Purchased property in south Cherokee for the first EMS-only station to house an ambulance 24/7/365

Average overall response time

CHEROKEE FIRE &

10:33 (FIRE) 10:19 (EMS)

EMERGENCY SERVICES

RESPONSE TIME IN MINUTES

Community Risk Reduction

(90th percentile)

27

493

3 Volunteer 24 Staffed

Fire Department Positions

FIRE STATIONS

TOTAL

(one more than 2022)

6,115 FIRE INSPECTIONS 2,491 FIRE PLAN REVIEW ACTIVITIES REACHED WITH 212,100 PEOPLE EDUCATION & CAMPAIGNS Training

FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES

199,215 HOURS OF TRAINING

International Accreditation

459

Sworn Firefighters

192

Licensed Paramedics

237

Licensed Advanced & Intermediate EMTs

Eddie Robinson Fire Chief

17

E 9-1-1

Marshal’s Office

Led by Director Shane Bonebrake

413,435

CALLS RECEIVED

371,099 Inbound

Led by Chief Marshal Jamie Gianfala

42,336 Outbound

Code Enforcement Total Calls: 4,399

89.8% INBOUND | 10.2% OUTBOUND 96% of 911 lines answered in 10 seconds or less Law Enforcement Calls

CPR Saves

Fire Calls (Woodstock & County)

Open Records Requests

210,949 35,603

16

1,286

Animal Control: 3,663

20,897 | Agency Training Hours Completed Quality Assurance Reviews

Community Outreach

43

Medical

Phone

447

410

Events attended or hosted

Radio

5,077

399

Number of citizen contacts

The APCO Agency Training Program Certification is based upon an agency meeting or exceeding all requirements addressed in the APCO ANS 3.103.22015 Minimum Training Standards for Public Safety Telecommunicators.

This was achieved in September 2022 and 2023.

18

*Successfully completed annual CALEA Assessment

The Marshal’s Office added a K-9 to the department in 2023. Reggie is much different than a traditional law enforcement dog, as he is a standard poodle serving as an education officer with his handler, Sgt. Renae Goggans.

Reggie visits schools, nursing homes, and community organizations.

Emergency Management

Animal Shelter

Led by Director Daniel Westbrook

AGENCY

Led by Director Susan Garcia

3,173 TOTAL INTAKE *

Total EOC Activations People Interacted with Project Life Saver Clients Total EOC Activation Hours Total Training Hours People Trained

PUBLIC SERVICES Probation Services

Led by Director Emili Roman

75,158

24 2,685 36 213 143 (19 classes) 223

COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS Performed by Probationers

1,988

ACTIVE CASES

84% Live Release Rate 1,655 Pets Microchipped for Free 1,273 Spay/Neuter Surgeries 327 Animals Cared for in Foster 18,576 Pounds of food given for free through the Shelter’s food pantry

(new)

941.5

TRAINING HOURS Completed by Staff

19

POSITIONS Increase of 5

*Includes farm animals, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and reptiles.

Radio Technology

Led by Director Jason Jenkins

1,895

SUBSCRIBER RADIOS

21

DISPATCH RADIO CONSOLES

Dana Martin

Public Services Agency

19

Cherokee Recreation and Parks Led by Director Jay Worley

65 TOURNAMENTS SUCCESSFULLY HOSTED AT MULTIPLE FACILITIES

Cherokee Youth Girls Flag

Cherokee Youth

301

PARTICIPANTS

Football

Cherokee Youth

Lacrosse 215

Softball 1,209

REGISTERED PLAYERS (HIGHEST PARTICIPATION EVER)

PARTICIPANTS

66

LACROSSE CAMP PARTICIPANTS

HIGHLIGHTS

225

PARTICIPANTS IN CAMPS AND CLINICS

• The L.B. “Buzz” Ahrens, Jr. Recreation Center opened February 3, 2023. The facility includes a 12,000-square-foot gym, an aerobic and dance fitness center, several community rooms, and an office suite. Victory Hall, a special event space within the facility, comes complete with a warming kitchen and veranda (capacity: 200 people).

• GRPA State Volunteer of the Year Award 2023, Yvonne Curtis

20

• Cherokee Youth Basketball—Outstanding Program Award (NACPRO)

Cherokee Youth

Basketball 3,735+

PARTICIPANTS

200

CAMP AND CLINIC PARTICIPANTS

370+

PARTICIPANTS IN 3V3 LEAGUE

Adult Athletics 46

ADULT BASKETBALL TEAMS

17

ADULT FLAG FOOTBALL TEAMS

8

ADULT KICKBALL TEAMS

NACPRO OUTSTANDING PROGRAM AWARD

147

ADULT SOFTBALL TEAMS

Quality Program Provider (NAYS) RECERTIFICATION 2023-24

COMMUNITY SERVICES Recreation

New, Award-Winning Program!

800+

972+

Camp Participants

Cardio Participants

$90,000 Grant Received

13,600+

Special Event Guests

TRopical Oasis Night

The Aquatic Center hosted two TRopical Oasis Nights for individuals with special needs. The first event drew 60 participants and 156 attended the second event. This new program garnered the Athletic Aquatic Special Event Award from the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association.

from the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association to offset summer camp funding.

50 Participants for 7 Weeks TRue Friends Camp First Year with Two Locations

Aquatics Center

Facilities 3

100 Parties

Gyms

and after-hours events held

42

65

Swim Meets

12

High School Teams

120

Swimmers

521

Special Event Participants

585

Paws in the Pool Participants

405

Parents Night Out Participants

1,122

Swim Classes

175

American Red Cross Class Participants

AGENCY

Therapeutic Recreation

Rental Spaces

$215K+ Facility Rental Revenue (Now offering permit approved alcohol service at two rental locations.)

Administration 1 Mile

In partnership with Keep Cherokee Beautiful and the Adopt a Mile program, 1200 Wellstar Way (near the Aquatic Center) has been adopted by CRPA. Regular pick-up and trash removal is underway.

Recreation & Parks Social Media 14,444 followers 12,441 likes 1,761 followers

Community Outreach 5,690

Donations from the Community for Youth & Seniors Through Various Programs

Outdoor 200 Hunters

In conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, CRPA hosted their second wildlife management event at Blanket’s Creek Park. A lottery provided 220 county citizens with the opportunity to harvest deer during the legal hunting season.

This was an archery event. All Georgia hunting laws were followed.

Bryan Reynolds Community Services Agency Director

21

Senior Services

Led by Director Tim Morris

A Side of Books 15

Case Management

PAWS

Phone Inquiries

Hours Served

6,860

$14,664 Distributed

Clients Served

Emergency Care Meals

Meals on Wheels

Congregate Program

Stand Up for Seniors

Silver Roamers

Transportation

2,045

47,133

11,147 Meals Served

Seniors Helped

46

1,783

Last Stop

Volunteers

1,966

Volunteer Hours

22

Material Aid

Clients Served

Home Delivered Meals

1,842

Homemaker Services

Clients Served

Meals Served

413

Information & Assistance

Vouchers Provided

135

$57,758 $19,361

Home Repair

$7,101

Senior Comfort

327

Members

100+

on Waiting List

20

9,948

Trips Provided

COMMUNITY SERVICES

AGENCY

Recycling Center Led by Manager Troy Brazie

18,917 Bags of Trash

$22,574 | 187 Tons

74,876

$12,197 | 10.7 Tons

299

$24,085 | 4,817 Gallons

30,076

$26,295 | 1,754 Units

Vehicles Visit Site

Vehicles Per Day (avg.)

Community Service Hours

Scrap Metal

Aluminum Cans

Paint

Mattresses

21 Vehicles

Cherokee Area Transit Service (CATS) Led by Transportation Director Greg Powell

CATS is in the throes of a brand refresh set to launch in early 2024. The name change from Cherokee Area Transportation System to Cherokee Area Transit Service better reflects the services provided. The logo has undergone a refresh as well, however, the beloved cat remains at the center of the branding effort.

Empower Cherokee & Senior Services

Demand Response

Fixed Route

30,502

16,637

11,412

Trips

Trips

Trips

23

The Northside Cherokee Conference Center at The Bluffs is a remarkable, spacious, modern venue of majestic glass and natural stone. Featuring more than 15,000 square feet of versatile, multi-purpose areas, this warm and inviting event facility is the host site of hundreds of occasions annually.

24

NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL CHEROKEE

CONFERENCE CENTER Managed by EventMark LLC

299

Events Hosted (of which 123 were for not-for-profit groups)

The 2023 Cherokee County Education Foundation Gala transformed the conference center ballroom into a magical circus.

This classic space with modern touches makes for an ideal setting for weddings.

Weddings burst with elegance and charm in the conference center ballroom.

Prom Set Up

Tennis Against Breast Cancer Luncheon by Northside Hospital Foundation

The Conference Center is funded 100% through rental fees and hotel/motel taxes.

Performer for Cherokee County Educational Foundation Gala

25

Property Management

Led by Director Matt Williams

Custodial Division

2023 Projects Completed

584,000+

18

Square Feet of Cleanable Space

Custodial Employees

26

Locations

across 434 square miles

Maintenance Division Responsible for maintenance, renovations, and office buildouts

Maintenance Employees Square Feet of Facilities Locations Across 434 Square Miles Locations Operational 24/7/365 Help Desk Calls per Month*

12 920,000+ 87 33 434

* Does not include preventative maintenance or new construction.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Led by Manager Brett Wehs

Addresses Streets Subdivisions Sites Views per month

26

112,908 5,957 972 25+ 5,000

Information Technology Services

Risk Management

Led by CIO Michael Haines

Help Desk Tickets Active Users Desktop/Laptop/Tablets Purchased and Deployed Servers Maintained High/Medium Indications of Blocked or False Positive

l Elections office/warehouse completion l Public works facility completion l Implementation of access control systems at multiple locations l Exterior and interior lighting retrofits to LED technology l HVAC upgrades at multiple locations l Lease space renovations to house court operations and district attorney l Future probation office planning and design l Security enhancements at the Justice Center and other locations l Assist with audio/visual improvement project to all courtrooms in the Justice Center l District attorney office renovations in the Justice Center

Led by Director Derek Nelson

10,151 1,711 332 198 100%

The goal of the County’s Risk Management Department is to minimize the potential for liability, property, and casualty losses through risk transfer, loss control, and safety awareness. This includes the procurement of quality insurance, assessment, and analysis of inherent risk, building customized training and resources for each department and engineering controls to reduce negative exposures in all operations. The ongoing goal is to create a countywide world-class safety culture which saves lives, time, and capital.

ADMINISTRATIVE

Fleet Services

SERVICES AGENCY

Led by Director Tony Bryant

Highlights

Professional Training

1,080

3

Vehicle Fleet Maintained

Emergency Vehicle Technician Training

55

1

New Vehicles Purchased

E-3 Ambulance HVAC

$2.4 Million

1

New Vehicle Spend

M-1 & M-2 Management Course

30

1

Vehicles Auctioned

F-6 Allison Transmission, F-3 Fire Pump and Accessories and E-1 Design & Performance Standards

$53,550

Auctioned Vehicle Revenue

3,479

1

Completed Work Orders

E-0/F-1 Ambulance and Fire Truck Maintenance, Inspection, and Testing

$679,735

Total Labor Costs

$906,786

5th

Total Cost of Parts

Year in a Row Securing ASE Certification

Number of Fleet Vehicles by Type 45

55

175

198

130

MARSHAL’S OFFICE

RECREATION & PARKS

PUBLIC WORKS

GENERAL FLEET

FIREFIGHTING VEHICLES

43 vehicles 2 equipment

37 vehicles 12 equipment 6 trailers

93 equipment 42 vehicles 22 dump trucks 18 trailers

164 vehicles 23 buses 9 trailers 2 equipment

54 admin 44 engines/ladders 20 ambulances 8 rescues/utilities 4 trailers

402

SHERIFF’S OFFICE

166 uniform patrol 27 warrants 31 multi-agency narcotics squad 41 admin 41 criminal investigations 41 special operations 27 55 jail

HUMAN RESOURCES

DEPARTMENT

Employee and Benefit Details

Benefits Participation

Medical Benefits 1,395 Employees

1,930

Dental Benefits 1,394 Employees

ACTIVE E MPLOYE ES

Vision Benefits 1,171 Employees

Human Resources Team Certifications:

Services:

Achievements:

• 100% HIPAA Certified

• Benefits enrollment

• 100% Veterans at Work Certified

• Assistance with healthcare claims or coverage issues

• Updated Compensation Plan/ Payscale

• 100% Employing Abilities Certified • 2 team members are PSCA Certified Plan Sponsor Professionals • 1 team member is a GLGPA Certified Human Resources Manager

Kathy Lambert 28

Human Resources Director

• Retirement transition with pension benefits and medical coverage • Employee performance appraisal process

• Annual Employee Health Fair in partnership with Northside Hospital Cherokee • Director earned “Certificate of Local Government Management” from Carl Vinson Institute of Government

COMMUNICATIONS

DEPARTMENT

78

Press Releases

35,294

Social media following

60

Videos Created

NACIO Awards 1.

Best in Category for Featured Article/Editorial (500-700 words)

2.

The Quick Facts earned the Superior designation.

3.

The 2022 Annual Report earned the Meritorious designation.

587,988 Social Media Reach

3,573

795

Social Media Posts

Newsletter Subscriptions

58 Newsletters Sent

Hosted ACCG/GMA Communicators Quarterly Training The Communications Division hosted more than two dozen of their counterparts from across the state to take part in quarterly training provided by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia and the Georgia Municipal Association. The training was held in Victory Hall at The Buzz in October.

Erika Neldner Communications Director

29

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

CHEROKEE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

10

New Locations/Expansions

$50M+

Launched a new International Business Council & Latino Business Roundtable

In Capital Investments

466

New Jobs

74

Small Businesses Received Grants In Partnership With Cherokee County

75% Growth

In The North Atlanta Venture Mentoring Service Participation

Misti Martin

30

President, Office of Economic Development

To view the Office of Economic Development annual report

SCAN HERE

ELECTIONS

& VOTER REGISTRATION

211,480

Registered Voters in Cherokee County

72

Poll Workers Trained

Ribbon Cutting for the new elections building

3 ELECTIONS IN 2023

General Municipal/Special Elections

City of Canton

City of Woodstock

City of Waleska

Anne Dover

Meeting Room in the Elections Office

Director of Elections and Voter Registration

31

TAX COMMISSIONER 4,752

1,717

Canton Calls

283,898 REGISTERED VEHICLES

MONTHLY AVG

Woodstock Calls MONTHLY AVG

$394.1 Million PROPERTY TAX COLLECTED

$4,588 Timber 5

2,399

148,940

10,966

$468,763

$380+ Million

$13+ Million

Mobile Homes

Denise Mastroserio 32

Tax Commissioner

Real Property

Personal Property

$81.6 Million VEHICLE TAX

TAX ASSESSOR

Steve Swindell Chief Appraiser

33

CORONER NEW CORONER’S OFFICE THE CHEROKEE COUNTY CORONER’S OFFICE moved into its first permanent building in 2023 to better serve the deceased and their families. The Coroner’s space is 1,720 square feet and features three offices for the coroner and deputy coroners, an examination room, and a garage with a large cooler and a small cooler.

Child Fatality Child Fatality

1,373 1,373 Deaths

Deaths

538

12 12

538 Investigations Investigations Closed Closed

Sally Sims 34

Coroner

1,232 1,232

96 96

41 41

2 2

2 2

Natural Natural

Accidental Accidental

Suicide Suicide

Homicide Homicide

Undetermined Undetermined

8 8 Indigent Indigent

CLERK OF COURTS JUVENILE COURT

Led by the Clerk of Juvenile Court Chesley Cantrell.

Criminal Cases Filings Disposed Traffic Filings Traffic Disposed CHINS Filings CHINS Disposed Delinquency Filings Delinquency Disposed

705 929 202 282 147 164 356 483

Civil Cases Filings 292 Disposed 307 Dependency Filings* 121 Dependency Disposed* 151 Special Proceedings Filings 133 Special Proceedings Disposed 105 Termination Filings 38 Termination Disposed 51 *D ependency Case totals reflect one case per family not per juvenile.

Superior Court Criminal Cases Felony Filings Felony Dispositions Misdemeanor Filings Misdemeanor Dispositions

1,789 1,799 247 247

Superior Court Civil Cases Filings Disposed

2,518 2,454

Magistrate Court Filings Arrest & Search Warrants 10,940 New Civil Cases 7,042 Civil Cases Closed 6,496 County & Municipal Ordinance Citations 449 State Court Civil Cases Filings Disposed

1,554 1,346

State Court Criminal Cases Serious Traffic Filed Serious Traffic Disposed Misdemeanor Filings Misdemeanor Disposed Domestic Violence Filed Domestic Violence Disposed Traffic Filed Traffic Disposed

1,009 1,127 1,392 1,640 304 573 8,428 8,189

Deeds & Records Deeds Liens Plats UCCs Trade Names Military Discharge Notaries

35,683 11,911 1,070 3,247 450 7 1,694

Probate Court Marriage License Applications 1,358 Weapons Carry License Applications 3,437 New Estate Actions 1,334 New Guardianship/Conservatorship Actions 241 New Mental Health Actions 55

Patty Baker Clerk of Courts

35

DISTRICT

ATTORNEY

The District Attorney’s Office prosecutes felony crimes and provides services to crime victims. The 71 staff members collaborate with law enforcement and other partner organizations to ensure that justice is served and that crime victims are protected.

1,639 Cases Closed

The District Attorney’s Office is committed to utilizing accountability courts when criminal activity is linked to substance abuse and/or mental health. Prosecutors, investigators, and victim advocates provide training to colleagues in the criminal justice system as well as members of our community.

The District Attorney’s Office closed 1,639 felony cases in 2023, including crimes involving persons, drugs, property, and other felonies.

In 12 months, the office opened 1,485 cases and closed 1,639—a closure rate of 110%.

Parker joined the District Attorney’s Office in 2023 to provide comfort to victims of crime.

Susan Treadaway 36

District Attorney

4,183 Victims Assisted Victim advocates in the District Attorney’s Office provide support and guidance to individuals victimized by crime. In 2023, a team of 10 advocates assisted 4,183 crime victims, 12% of whom were children.

Felony Cases Received for Prosecution

Clearance Rate Award In 2023, the Judicial Council of Georgia recognized Cherokee County Superior, Juvenile, and Magistrate Courts for clearance rates exceeding 100%. Efficient and effective prosecution helped the Courts achieve this exceptional rate.

33 Superior Court Trials Throughout 2023, the District Attorney’s Office presented trials to the four Superior Court judges in the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit. By year’s end, the Circuit held 30 jury trials and 3 bench trials.

119%

CLOSURE RATES

5%

Rolling Closure Rate

Closure Rate over 2022

SOLICITORGENERAL

Percentage of Court Cases Closed (Rolling Closure Rate)

Percentage of Cases Closed (Rolling Closure Rate)

HONORS & AWARDS l Solicitor-General Todd Hayes was elected to the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia l Director of Victim Advocacy Kayla Cleveland graduated from the Leadership Cherokee Class of 2023 l Investigator Drew Alexander awarded Solicitor-General’s Employee of the Year by the Rotary Club of Canton l The Cherokee County DUI Treatment Court, including Chief Assistant Solicitor-General David McElyea, was named a “Model DUI Court” for 2024-2026 l Assistant Solicitor-General Emily T. Johnson recognized as Solicitor-General of the Year at the Canton Moose Lodge Emergency Services Awards Banquet l Senior Victim Witness Advocate Rebekah Allen-Smith recognized as “Domestic Violence Task Force Member of the Year” by the Cherokee County Domestic Violence Task Force

ACCOUNTABILITY COURT SUPPORT l DUI Court (Judge W. Alan Jordan) l Misdemeanor Drug Court (Judge A. Dee Morris) l Veteran’s Treatment Court (Judge A. Dee Morris) l Treatable Mental Health Issues Court (Judge Shannon Wallace)

STATEWIDE TRAINING 11 3 6 5

Training Events Attended Statewide Training Events Hosted in Cherokee County Training Events Taught by Cherokee County Staff Leadership Roles Held by Cherokee County Staff

ADDITIONAL STAFF Two Assistant Solicitors-General were added: Ms. Richele Anderson Ms. Kristian Postma

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT l Helped restock the food pantry at Hasty Elementary School Fine Arts Academy l Provided care packages to the staff of the E-911 Center l Participated in the “Give a Kid a Chance” school supply and backpack drive l Provided treats to the staff of Cherokee Probation Services during Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision (PPPS) Week

Todd Hayes

Solicitor-General

37

Ellen McElyea

Chief Superior Court Judge

Tony Baker

Superior Court Judge

W. Alan Jordan

Chief State Court Judge 38

David Cannon, Jr. Superior Court Judge

Michelle L. Helhoski State Court Judge

Shannon Wallace Superior Court Judge

A. Dee Morris

State Court Judge

JUDICIAL

JUDICIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Jennifer Davis

Presiding Juvenile Court Judge

James Drane

Chief Magistrate Court Judge

Richard Jones

l

The Council of Accountability Court Judges selected the DUI Court to serve as a “model court” for all the other DUI courts in Georgia.

l

The Administrative Office of the Courts awarded the Superior, Juvenile and Magistrate Courts the Clearance Rate Award. The award recognizes the top 10% of courts that demonstrate exceptional performance in managing their caseloads.

l

The Judicial Council awarded the courts $1.4 million in grant funds to upgrade the AV systems in all of the courtrooms in the Frank C. Mills, III Justice Center. The upgrades were completed in November.

Juvenile Court Judge

Keith Wood

Chief Probate Court Judge 39

Cherokee County 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton, GA 30114 678-493-6000 CherokeeGA.com