2022
Annual Report
Harry B. Johnston Chairman
Cherokee County is truly blessed! It starts with our perfect location, close enough to Atlanta to enjoy all its economic benefits yet far enough for a comfortable and safe small-town and rural lifestyle. It continues with our beautiful geography, ideal climate, and abundant natural resources. It’s capped off with some of the best schools and public safety services in Georgia, at very low tax rates. We really have it all. The word’s out about that, and people want to move here. Indeed, our greatest threat is that we could be consumed by our own success.
As we move forward together, our challenge is to protect and nurture the great treasure that is Cherokee County. We’re more united and committed to that goal than ever before. We’re doing more than most fast-growth counties to manage our growth and protect our quality of life.
But we must, and we will do even more. Working together, we can contain our growth so it doesn’t consume us, and shape it to the highest quality. We can continue and accelerate our momentum to catch up and keep our roads and other infrastructure first-class. We can create more, good local jobs to reduce the out-commute rate and maintain our strong tax base. We can continue to build and maintain fantastic, thriving cities AND rural countryside.
We can be the very best. And together, we will be!
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CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME
Harry B. Johnston, Commission Chair
Moving Forward Together
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
E. Morton, P.E. County Manager
The County Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the county government and works with an Executive Leadership Team, each with a specialized focus of responsibility. The County Manager reports directly to the Board of Commissioners. Geoff Morton has been County Manager since May 2021. He has served Cherokee County in several roles for more than 20 years.
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Geoffrey
Moving Forward Together
Steve West District 1 Commissioner
Benny Carter
District 3 Commissioner
Richard B. Weatherby District 2 Commissioner
Corey Ragsdale District 4 Commissioner
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GEORGIA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2022. www.ncdc.noaa.gov) Average Home Value (Cherokee County Tax Assessor’s Office, 2022) $375,600 Median Household Income (Atlanta Regional Commission) (U.S. Census Bureau—in 2020 dollars) $90,675 $84,817 Current Population (2022 Atlanta Regional Commission Estimate) (U.S. Census Bureau, updated July 2021) 279,840 274,615 APR 56° 45°/70° JUL 79° 69°/89° OCT 58° 44°/72° JAN 40° 29°/50°
CHEROKEE COUNTY,
Administrative Services Agency 8
Capital Projects 10–11
Chairman’s Welcome 2 Communications 17
Community Development Agency 18–21
Community Services Agency 22–26 Coroner 27 County Commissioners 3 Courts 38–39
District Attorney 36
Elections and Voter Registration 33
Office of Economic Development 30–32
Finance 06–07
Fire & Emergency Services 14–15
Human Resources 16 Public Services Agency 28–29
Recreation & Parks 24–25
Sheriff 12–13
Solicitor–General 37
SPLOST 20–21
Tax Assessor 35
Tax Commissioner 34
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Baker, Patty. Clerk of Courts 39
Black, Christy. Cherokee County Clerk 5 Day, Brantley.
Community Development Agency Director 19
Dover, Anne. Elections & Voter Registration Director 33
Hayes, Todd. Solicitor-General 37
Johnston, Harry B. Commission Chair 2
Lambert, Kathy. Human Resources Director 16
Mastroserio, Denise. Tax Commissioner 34
Marquis, Jimmy. Chief Financial Officer 7
Martin, Dana. Public Services Agency Director 29
Martin, Misti. President Economic Development 31
Morton, Geoffrey, E. P.E. County Manager 3
Neldner, Erika. Communications Director 17
Robinson, Eddie. Fire Chief 15
Reynolds, Bryan.
Community Services Agency Director 23
Reynolds, Frank. Sheriff 13
Sims, Sally. Coroner 27
Swindell, Steve. Tax Assessor 35
Wallace, Shannon. District Attorney 36
Williams, Stacey.
Administrative Services Agency Director 9
Moving Forward Together
Christy Black County Clerk
Christy Black is a
County Clerk and has served as the Cherokee County Clerk since 2011. The County Clerk is the official custodian of records for all actions taken by the Board of Commissioners. The County Clerk is appointed by the Board of Commissioners.
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Certified
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Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) by County Taxes, Debt, and Expenditures by Capita (Fulton County figures were not available at the time of this report.) TAXES PER CAPITA (lowest in the ARC) $0 $250 $500 $750 $1,000 $1,250 CherokeeFayetteHenryCobbGwinnettDeKalbClaytonDouglasForsythRockdale $688 $838 $881 $931 $940 $948 $973 $984 $985 $1,005 LONG TERM DEBT PER CAPITA (second lowest in the ARC) Maintenance and Operations MILLAGE RATE HISTORY $0 $500 $1,000 $1,500 $2,000 DouglasCherokeeHenryClaytonCobbGwinnettRockdaleDeKalbForsyth $47 $188 $248 $323 $461 $944 $1,198 $1,324 $1,895 EXPENDITURES PER CAPITA (second lowest in the ARC) $0 $500 $1,000 $1,500 FayetteCherokeeHenryDeKalbDouglasCobbGwinnettForsythRockdaleClayton $831 $837 $943 $1,084 $1,110 $1,112 $1,115 $1,213 $1,224 $1,276 0 2 4 6 MILLAGE RATE HISTORY 2022 4.995 2021 5.212 2020 5.212 2019 5.216 2018 5.366 2017 5.483 2016 5.568 2015 5.720 2014 5.728 BOND RATING AA+ Finance data presented herein is reflective of the Cherokee County fiscal year spanning the dates of October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022.
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FINANCE DEPARTMENT
In 2022, Cherokee County’s Finance Department was named a Triple Crown award recipient from the Georgia Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada for the 2020 fiscal year. The Triple Crown Award recognizes governments who have received GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for a fiscal year.
Marquis Chief Financial Officer
The Finance Department is responsible for providing responsive and accurate financial reporting, advice and performance measurement to manage Cherokee County’s financial resources while also facilitating the most cost-effective funding of agencies, departments and elected officials. It is led by Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Marquis.
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Jimmy
Moving Forward Together
One of 317 governments in the United States and Canada to win the GFOA Triple Crown.
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Property Management operates in the background, ensuring cleanliness and operational functions of all county facilities.
The department, led by Director Matt Williams, also assists with special events.
Custodial Division Maintenance Division
• 14 Custodial Employees
• Responsible for 524,000+ square feet of cleanable space
• 24 locations across 434 square miles
• 10 Maintenance Employees
• Responsible for maintenance, renovations, and office buildouts
• 895,000+ square feet of facilities
• 83 locations across 434 square miles
• 31 locations are operational 24/7/365
• 2,337 help desk calls per year (average per year over five-year period)
2022 Project Highlights
• Assisted Capital Projects with Fire Stations 13, 18, and 32
• Renovations in Historic Courthouse to create 20 more offices for the District Attorney
• Renovation of the Juvenile Court suite
• Renovated a suite in the Justice Center for the fourth Superior Court Judge
Geographic Information Systems Information Technology Risk Management
Geographic Information Systems (GIS), led by director Brett Wehs, provides quality development and maintenance of geographic services that include custom tools, models, and maps. GIS provides a centralized map foundation that integrates into multiple county applications used by E 9-1-1, Sheriff, Fire, Community Development, Tax Assessor, and other departments.
Information Technology (IT) is dedicated to improving operational efficiencies through highquality, secure, innovative, and cost-efficient technology solutions for the agencies and departments of the County. They partner with each department and agency to understand their unique needs. Chief Information Officer Michael Haines leads the department.
Risk Management provides support to Cherokee County agencies and departments through the delivery of risk assessments, loss control services, site reviews, safety awareness programs, and contract and policy reviews. Risk Management Director Bob Alford retired in 2022 after serving Cherokee County for 10 years. Derek Nelson is the new Risk Management Director.
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25 Map-based Websites 9,000 Help Desk Tickets Lowest injury rate out of SEVEN metro counties MANAGES 110,379 Addresses 411 Infrastructure Devices 5,000+ Views/Month 1,798 Active Users 5,883 Streets 957 Subdivisions
9 The Administrative Services Agency houses internal service departments, including: • Property Management • Information Technology • Risk Management • Fleet Services • Procurement • Capital Projects Each department supports elected officials, Constitutional officers, and other agencies in their day-to-day operations. The Administrative Services Agency has secured safety program awards on both the state and national levels.
Administrative Services Agency Director Moving Forward Together ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGENCY Through the procurement process, Cherokee County saved $377,644 by conducting business negotiations, seeking out lower costs, and avoiding price increases on existing agreements and annual contract renewals. The Procurement Department is led by Director Dale Jordan. Fleet Services Procurement Maintains 1,080 vehicle fleet 3,004 Purchase Orders 73 Proposals Requested $377,644 Negotiated Savings Added 80 new vehicles totaling $2.8 MIL+ in value Auctioned 30 county vehicles totaling $93,150 in surplus Completed 4,560 work order repairs totaling 10,456 labor hours $982,949 in labor and $1,474,836 in parts Procurement data presented herein is reflective of the Cherokee County fiscal year spanning the dates of October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022.
Stacey Williams
Hickory Flat Gym
4835 Hickory Road, Canton, GA 30115
Completed in June 2022
The renovated Hickory Flat Gym opened in June 2022. The goal was to upgrade the space while maintaining its historical value in the community. The Capital Projects team and contractor Ward Humphrey, Inc. renovated the 9,663-square-foot facility while keeping the original gym floor, wood posts, and bleachers intact. During the renovation, crews discovered an area near the scoreboard where students had written their names in a closet. That area was preserved and exposed so people could come back and see where they signed. The building is now ADA-compliant and contains new HVAC and tankless water heater systems. In August 2022, History Cherokee awarded the county a Preservation Award for the efforts to preserve the historic structure.
L.B. Ahrens Recreation Center
7345 Cumming Highway, Canton, GA 30115
Opening in 2023
The L.B. Ahrens Recreation Center at Veterans Park will open in 2023. Known as “The Buzz,” the new 32,623-square-foot recreation center features a rockclimbing wall, two full-sized basketball courts, a cardio-fitness area, multiple classrooms, a dance studio, and the “Victory Hall,” a large banquet hall with a catering kitchen. The facility also features new administrative offices for Recreation and Parks staff.
Fire Station #15
5225 Yellow Creek Road, Ball Ground, GA 30107
Opening 2023
Construction of a new fire station in the Mica Community is underway. The Board of Commissioners awarded the $5.3 million construction contract to Cooper & Company in February 2022, with construction beginning in March. The new fire station is expected to open in 2023 and includes three apparatus bays, six bunks, and a 2,500-square-foot community room. Upon completion, Cherokee Recreation and Parks will manage the community room rental for the public.
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CAPITAL PROJECTS
The department boosted crime-fighting abilities across the county by increasing the number of Flock Safety Security Cameras from 10 to 38 and outfitted the Field Operations Division and jail deputies with body cameras in 2022.
A Special Operations Precinct on Chattin Drive will break ground in early 2023. Two new buildings will house a Traffic Enforcement Unit, a K-9 Unit, the coroner’s office, and a forensic garage.
Thirty new patrol vehicles were purchased during 2022, improving the quality of an aging fleet.
The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office was awarded its 9th Advanced Accreditation Award from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in 2022. The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office became internationally accredited in 1996 and must be re-accredited every four years to maintain that certification. Less than 5% of law enforcement agencies in the United States are CALEA accredited.
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& Body Cameras Facility
Fleet
116,687 Calls for Service 70 New hires Community Outreach Code Red Alert Facebook Followers Instagram Followers Twitter Followers Press Releases 56 62K 2,510 4,610 57
Flock
Growth CALEA Accredited
Advancement
The American Correctional Association (ACA) recommended re-accreditation of the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office following an audit visit in 2022. The visit is required every three years to remain in compliance with ACA regulations. The Sheriff’s Office received a perfect score (100%) on both the ACA mandatory and nonmandatory standards.
The Sheriff’s Office improved the safety and sound mitigation at the firing range with construction of a bullet trap.
ACA Accredited Cherokee PATH Sound Mitigation
The Sheriff’s Office partnered with Highland Rivers Behavioral Health to develop a co-response program that assists residents in behavioral health crises by pairing a uniformed law enforcement officer with a mental health clinician. The program, funded through a $678,000 grant, is named Cherokee Partnership for Assistance, Treatment, and Health (Cherokee PATH).
Reynolds Sheriff
Sheriff Frank Reynolds is
second
the 39th Sheriff of Cherokee County. His focus from the beginning has been service to the community. In 2022, the Sheriff reinstituted his town hall meetings, holding them across Cherokee County and giving residents and business owners the opportunity to ask questions of the Sheriff and the precinct commander of the area.
term
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serving his
elected
as
SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Frank
Moving Forward Together
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Power Stretcher
19B Crew Patriot Day Ceremony 32,503 CALL VOLUME 1,373 957 417 210 EMS Calls Calls for Service False Alarm Technical Rescue NonDwelling Fire
FAO Matthew Perry at Chamber Career Fair HazMat Team on the scene at Hwy 53 Swiftwater Rescue Team Structure Fire 0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000 22,950 6,596
& PLAN REVIEWS
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Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services provides emergency fire protection in unincorporated Cherokee and the cities of Holly Springs, Canton, and Ball Ground. In addition to fire protection, they provide emergency ambulance service throughout Cherokee County and the cities within. All field personnel are licensed, at minimum, to the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician level. In March of 2022, Eddie Robinson was appointed fire chief following the retirement of Chief Tim Prather. Chief Robinson started his career with Cherokee Fire in 1999 after serving as a volunteer firefighter for years.
Fire Chief Moving Forward Together FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES 27 FIRE STATIONS MINUTES FIREFIGHTERS MINUTES EMS TRANSPORTS 23 Staffed Stations 4 Unstaffed Stations Fire Department Responds to an incident every* 176 Licensed Paramedics 235 Licensed AEMTs & EMT-Is 5 Certified Firefighters (Part-time) All Incident Response Time* 14 Ambulances (24/7) 2 Ambulances for day-use only FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES 27 18:00 427 6:44 14,419
121,338 HOURS
TRAINING 3,842
Eddie
Robinson
*Cherokee County Response Time. Fire at 90th percentile is 10:39 minutes, average is 6:22 minutes. EMS at 90th percentile is 10:08 minutes, average is 6:37 minutes. National industry standard 90th percentile is Fire at 5:20 minutes and EMS at 5:00 minutes.
OF
INSPECTIONS
Cherokee County firefighters completed Fire Marshal’s Office completed
This equals an average of 284 hours of training for each of our 427 firefighters. In September, the Marshal’s Office transitioned to a new inspections software.
Kathy Lambert Human Resources Director
Cherokee County’s Human Resources Department provides expertise and leadership in the activities and services of employment, benefits, administration, classification and compensation, employee relations, and performance management. The department has five employees and is led by Director Kathy Lambert.
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HUMAN RESOURCES Moving Forward Together • Benefits enrollment • Assistance with healthcare claims or coverage issues • Retirement transition with pension benefits and medical coverage • Employee performance appraisal process • Coaching/guidance for recruiting, hiring, and employee development • Annual Employee Health Fair • Retirement planning services through ACCG and Voya • 100% HIPAA Certified • 100% Veterans at Work Certified • 100% Employing Abilities Certified • 2 team members are Certified Plan Sponsor Professionals • 1 team member has earned the designation GLGPA Certified Human Resources Manager Services: Human Resources Team Certifications: Employee and Benefit Details 1,865 ACTIVE EMPLOYEES BENEFITS PARTICIPATION 92% 94% 77% Medical Benefits 1,425 People Dental Benefits 1,459 People Vision Benefits 1,203 People
Members of the National Information Officers Association
Moving Forward Together
Erika Neldner
Communications Director
The Communications Division is responsible for external and internal communications for departments that fall under the Board of Commissioners. The two-person team also assists other offices like the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney and Tax Commissioner, when requested. The department manages the official county government social media pages, issues press releases and newsletters on behalf of the Board of Commissioners, creates social media videos, and creates marketing materials. It is led by Director Erika Neldner.
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COMMUNICATIONS
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
In 2022, Cherokee County launched a five-year update of the Comprehensive Plan with multiple opportunities for public input. The Comprehensive Plan is a long-range plan that highlights intended land uses over 20 years, is updated every five years, and serves as a guiding document for county planners, leaders, property owners, and developers to utilize in the development process.
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 collect live footage that assists in monitoring and adjusting signals when necessary. The department expects cameras at 100% of the county’s intersections by mid-2023. 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.
PLANNING AND ZONING Led
40 8 135 39 291 44 94 Rezoning Cases Special Use Permits Variances/ Appeals Administrative Variances Minor Subdivisions Zoning Certifications Sign Permits 19.124 miles
by Director Margaret Stallings
Email Sign-Ups 222 620 Social Pinpoint Comments 768 Unique Users Survey Monkey 795 755 online 40 in-person
TRANSPORTATION Led by Director Brett Buchanan
14 149 Annexation Cases Acres Annexed Ball Ground Canton Holly Springs Woodstock 3 cases ACRES ANNEXED 82.479 5 cases ACRES ANNEXED 43.69 3 cases ACRES ANNEXED 17.5 3 cases ACRES ANNEXED 5.92 The City of Ball Ground held one deannexation case in which 3 acres were deannexed.
19 The Community Development Agency delivers planning, engineering, development, building, and SPLOST/roadway transportation services. The agency departments are responsible for land and building development, permitting, inspections, roads, and long-range planning. The Community Development Agency is led by Director Brantley Day.
Day Community Development Agency Director COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Moving Forward Together Renovation of the old Georgia Power Headquarters to the new Cherokee County Public Works Complex. PUBLIC WORKS Led by Director Steve Dobson 25.833 In-house Paving Contract Paving miles DEVELOPMENT SERVICE CENTER Led by Director Paul Laney 1,422 New Residential Permits $436+ MIL Construction Costs 221 New Commercial Permits $94+ MIL Construction Costs 213 New Commercial Business Licenses Applied For 477 New Home Occupations Applied For 33 Motorized Cart Registrations 159 New Commercial Business Licenses Issued 426 New Home Occupations Issued 50 Short-Term Rental Registrations BUILDING INSPECTIONS Led by Director Paul Laney 41,152 Total Inspections Conducted (Residential and Commercial)
Brantley
Completed/Started Projects for 2022:
East Cherokee Drive at South Holly Springs Road/Thornwood Road
Intersection improvement project to add left turn lanes to East Cherokee Drive and South Holly Springs Road. Sight distance along East Cherokee Drive was also improved as part of the project. Stamped thermoplastic crosswalks were added as part of the pedestrian improvements.
Project Cost: $2,392,707.76 Status: Complete
Highway 140 at East Cherokee Drive
Intersection improvement project to add right turn lanes to all sides of the intersection. Sidewalks and pedestrian improvements were added on all sides of the intersection. Sight distance along East Cherokee Drive was also improved.
Project Cost: $3,897,015.76 Status: Under construction. Expected completion— January 2023
Wiley Bridge Road at Cox Road Hames Road
Three-way skewed intersection converted to a roundabout for safer, more efficient intersection operation.
Project Cost: $859,592.98 Status: Under construction. Expected completion— March 2023
Bells Ferry Road at Kellogg Creek Road and Victory Drive
Roadway reconstruction between Highway 92 and Jamerson Road. Project includes the construction of roundabout at the intersection of Hames Road and South Jett Road. Modifications to flatten hills and straighten curves will be made to improve safety. Curb and gutter, drainage improvements and sidewalks were added to Hames Road.
Project Cost: $5,028,160.19 Status: Under construction. Expected completion— December 2023 Intersection improvement project to add turn lanes and sidewalks. Additional new traffic signal installed at the intersection of Kellogg Creek Road and Victory Drive. The project improves safety by flattening hills and straightening curves.
Project Cost: $2,216,588.41 Status: Under construction. Expected completion— March 2023
Union Hill Road over Canton Creek
Replacement of a substandard bridge over Canton Creek. The new bridge will have 12-foot travel lanes and 10-foot shoulders.
Project Cost: $1,677,999.99 Status: Completed— December 2022
Highway 140 at East Cherokee Drive
Wiley Bridge Road at Cox Road
Bells Ferry Road at Kellogg Creek Road and Victory Drive
Technology Ridge Parkway, Phase 1
New alignment roadway between Bluffs Parkway and the intersection of Heard Road and Fate Conn Road. Project includes roundabouts at the intersection with Bluffs Parkway and the intersection of Heard Road and Fate Conn Road. Roadway consist 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.
Project Cost: $9,074,620.00 Status: Under construction. Expected completion—June 2024
Rhine Road
Roadway reconstruction of a substandard roadway between Highway 20 and Upper Sweetwater Trail. Construction will include vertical and horizontal modifications to improve sight distance. Drainage improvements and ditches are included along Rhine Road.
Project Cost: $2,747,862.71 Status: Under construction. Expected completion—December 2023
2024 SPLOST
Due to the support of the Cherokee County voters, the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax was renewed during the November 2022 General Election. This decision allows the county to continue to fund capital projects and keep property taxes among the lowest in Georgia.
Projects Planned for the 2024 SPLOST
• Courthouse Addition
• Ball Ground Bypass
• Corridor Improvements—Bells Ferry Rd/East Cherokee Dr/Arnold Mill Rd/Trickum Rd/Highway 5
• Fire Station Replacements—Stations 7, 18, 27 and 28
• Fire Safety Village
• Southwest Cherokee Community Park & Community Center
• E.W. and Edith Cochran Park in Free Home
SPLOST: Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax
Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, also known as SPLOST, is a one-cent, 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—2022 was one of those years. The SPLOST Roadway Department is led by project manager, Jim Wilgus.
A Special Note to the Voters of Cherokee County
Cherokee County government thanks the voters for renewing the SPLOST during the November 2022 General Election. Because of our community, this essential funding mechanism has been continued and will assist in paying for capital projects while keeping property taxes among the lowest in Georgia.
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SERVICES
SENIOR
Led by Director Tim Morris
23 COMMUNITY SERVICES
services provided
The Community Services Agency encompasses
to the community, including Recreation and Parks, Community Development Block Grants, Senior Services, CATS, and the Cherokee Recycling Center. Director Bryan Reynolds leads the Community Services Agency.
Bryan Reynolds Community Services Agency Director
15,341 Bags of Trash Scrap Metal Aluminum Cans Paint Mattresses* • $24,702 • 175 Tons • $15,180 • 11 Tons • $27,080 • 5,416 Gal • $18,705 • 1,247 Units 27,580 Community Service Hours 248 Vehicles Per Day *Amount shown reflects profit after mattress haul-away fees. 12,606 Demand Response Trips 10,269 Fixed Route Trips 29,941 Empower Cherokee & Senior Center Trips Vehicles in Total New Propane Buses New Minibuses 18 3 2 63,352 Total Vehicles RECYCLING CENTER Led by Manager Troy Brazie CATS Led by Transportation Director Greg Powell In partnership with the Cherokee Animal Shelter, PAWS helps seniors obtain food, shots, and care for their pets.
Moving Forward Together
24 TOURNAMENTS SUCCESSFULLY HOSTED AT MULTIPLE FACILITIES 57 ADULT BASKETBALL TEAMS 8 ADULT KICKBALL TEAMS 17 ADULT FLAG FOOTBALL TEAMS 157 ADULT SOFTBALL TEAMS Adult Athletics Cherokee Youth Basketball 3,500+ PARTICIPANTS 300+ CAMPS & CLINIC PARTICIPANTS 330+ 3V3 SUMMER LEAGUE PARTICIPANTS 230+ PARTICIPANTS 66 CAMPS PARTICIPANTS 143 CLINICS PARTICIPANTS Cherokee Youth Lacrosse 1,091 PARTICIPANTS HIGHEST PARTICIPATION IN THE HISTORY OF PROGRAM 328 CAMPS & CLINICS PARTICIPANTS NEW PROGRAM ADDED NEW DIVISION FOR PARTICIPANTS 18 YEARS OF AGE AND UNDER Cherokee Youth Softball 320 PARTICIPANTS NEW PROGRAM ADDED ELEMENTARY GRADES DEVELOPMENTAL LEAGUE Cherokee Youth Girls Flag Football 68 RECREATION & PARKS AGENCY Led by Director Jay Worley AWARDS & HIGHLIGHTS • CYB’s Outstanding Program Award (GRPA) • BOOST Grant for Camps, $155,000 (GRPA & GSAN) • Outdoor Stewardship Grant for Long Swamp, $600,000 plus a $1,000,000 Cherokee County match • The Hickory Flat Gym Ribbon Cutting • New Pavilions at Veterans, Mauldin, and Patriots Parks • Hobgood Park Tennis and Dugout Renovations • Mauldin Park Sidewalks • Hickory Flat Land Purchase • Northeast & Southwest Park Plans • Creation of a Facilities Division • Director, Managers, Coordinators, Maintenance
25 Special Events Camps Touch-A-Truck 5,500 IN ATTENDANCE BOOST Grant $155,000 Gun-n-Hoses 5K 550+ RUNNERS The Great Pumpkin Fest 7,000 IN ATTENDANCE The WREC Camps Adventure Express Camp 700 PARTICIPANTS 350 PARTICIPATED IN INAUGURAL YEAR Specialty Summer Camps & Fishing Camps 170 PARTICIPANTS Recreation & Parks Aquatics 21 HIGH SCHOOL MEETS 4 USA MEETS 3 SUMMER SWIM MEETS GAPPS STATE MEET 1,250 PARTICIPANTS GA GAMES YOUTH MEET 1,300 PARTICIPANTS 8 WATER POLO TOURNAMENTS GRPA DISTRICT 5 MEET 2,000 PARTICIPANTS GA GAMES MASTERS MEET 150 PARTICIPANTS PELICAN SWIM TEAM MEMBERS TRAINED AT THE OLYMPIC TRAINING CENTER IN COLORADO COMMUNITY SERVICES The Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency (CRPA) was awarded a BOOST Grant for camp programs by the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association. Therapeutics Supper with Santa 95 PARTICIPANTS Outdoor Recreation To manage the overpopulation of deer in Blanket’s Creek Park, CRPA hosted its first wildlife management event in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. This event was held on three dates during the legal hunting season. All participants abided by Georgia hunting laws. CRPA hosted a successful summer camp season in the newly renovated Hickory Flat Gym. Hickory Flat Gym Summer Camp Gymnastics 361 PARTICIPANTS Everybody Can Dance 85 PARTICIPANTS LaBlast 65 PARTICIPANTS Small Group Personal Training 104 PARTICIPANTS Instructional Classes CRPA’s Community Outreach programs offer opportunities for community members to give to those less fortunate in Cherokee County. The department coordinates various programs throughout the year to help meet the needs of fellow community members. Hugs in a Blanket Project Valentine Some Bunny Special Santa’s Calling Santa’s Letters Facebook.com/PlayCherokee 12,578 followers 11,256 likes 13 Special Events - AQUATICS Social Media - AQUATICS Eggstravaganza 159 PARTICIPANTS Facebook 17,871 followers (17,368 LIKES) Water Safety Week 2,987 PARTICIPANTS Instagram 295 followers Paws in the Pool 228 PUPS Community Outreach Social Media Instagram.com/PlayCherokee 1,264 followers
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, led by Program Manager Laura Calfee, manages the CARES Act funding distribution, which is supplemental to the annual entitlement funding received from HUD. Three CARES Actfunded projects continued to address housing and food insecurity in the community through partnerships. In addition, the county continued the partnership with MUST Ministries to manage additional funding through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act for Emergency Rental Assistance. ERA-1 program funding ended on September 30, 2022, and MUST Ministries launched the ERA 2-funded rental and utilities assistance program on October 24 to allow clients to remain stably housed.
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Emergency Rental Assistance
Development Block Grant $3.7 Million $22,958 Bethesda Community Clinic $40,974 YMCA $3,804 Cherokee Child Advocacy Council $17,391 Goodwill of North Georgia $242,130 Cherokee County Historical Society $127,496 City of Canton $299,315 Conversion of Fire Station to a Community Center $120,721 Goshen Valley Foundation $138,800 Habitat for Humanity $131,961 Senior Home Repairs $77,059 Boys & Girls Club 2021 CDBG Grant* *2021 CDBG Grant funds from HUD were received by Cherokee County in September 2021. These funds represent the bulk of the 2022 completed projects. 2022 CBDG Funds Funding for 2022 was received in November 2022. $99,777 was
$1.17 Million $42,029 Heritage Presbyterian $14,916 Cherokee Office of Economic Development $312,213 MUST Ministries $369,158 Total CARES Act provided to nonprofits to serve Cherokee County residents and businesses
Community
expended by December 31, 2022.
The Coroner’s Office tracks each death in Cherokee County to help streamline information for other departments like the District Attorney’s Office, CMANS, Child Fatality Board, Suicide Prevention Board, and the Department of Public Health.
The Coroner’s Office has investigated 718 of the 2,873 deaths in Cherokee County since January 2022.
The Cherokee County Coroner’s Office keeps up with the decedent from the point of death until they are at the funeral home. The office keeps up with the family until the death certificate is delivered. In addition, the Coroner’s Office stays in touch with the funeral home to ensure all of the family’s needs are met.
The Coroner’s Office carefully tracks information regarding each case and delivers reports to necessary departments to keep Cherokee County’s knowledge base accurate, secure, and up to date.
Moving Forward Together
The coroner is an elected official that assists with death investigations, working with agencies across the county, state, and nation. Sally Sims began her first term as Coroner in January 2021. She has more than 30 years of experience in nursing and is a Certified Medicolegal Death Investigator.
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CORONER
Sally Sims
Coroner
Death Tracking Child Fatality (Under 18) Indigent Care 17 9 2,931 718 TOTAL DEATHS INVESTIGATED 30 SUICIDE 1,520 NATURAL 101 ACCIDENTAL 11 HOMICIDE 3 UNDETERMINED
28 88% INBOUND / 12% OUTBOUND 394,937 CALLS RECEIVED 5,315 Code Enforcement (39% increase) 3,521 Animal Control (12% increase) 347,560 Inbound 47,379 Outbound 91% of 911 lines answered in 10 seconds or less Public Services Agency E 9-1-1 Led by Director Shane Bonebrake Public Services Agency Marshal’s Office Led by Chief Marshal Jamie Gianfala Law Enforcement Calls 200,697 Fire Calls 35,637 Processing time average 2:19 minutes Processing time average 2:08 minutes 2,882 Open Record Requests 12,614 Agency Training Hours Completed The Cherokee County Marshal’s Office remains the only marshal’s office in the nation to be recognized as C.A.L.E.A. Certified. The office was originally certified in 2016 and reaccredited in 2020. Quality Assurance Reviews
29 The Public Services Agency (PSA) includes the Cherokee Marshal’s Office, Emergency Management, E 9-1-1, Animal Shelter, Probation Services and Radio Technology. The PSA umbrella also includes Code Enforcement and Animal Control, which report directly to the county marshal. The PSA is led by Director Dana Martin.
Public Services Agency Moving Forward Together 59,380 COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS PERFORMED BY PROBATIONERS 1,871 Public Safety Radios 6 Simulcast Tower Sites 17 Dispatch Radio Consoles 98% Street Coverage for Public Safety 2,101 Active Cases (new) 686 Training Hours Completed by staff Public Services Agency Probation Services Led by Director Emili Roman Public Services Agency Radio Technology Led by Director Jason Jenkins Public Services Agency Animal Shelter Led by Director Susan Garcia Public Services Agency Emergency Management Led by Director Daniel Westbrook The Cherokee County Probation office welcomed the probation staff from Turks and Caicos for a weeklong training program. Radio Technology also manages the E 9-1-1 backup center buildout project that includes eight fully functional geo-diverse radio, phone, and computeraided design (CAD) positions. Total EOC Activation Hours Activation/Monitoring EOC Events Partial Activation Monitoring EOC Events Estimated Property Damage due to events Total Training Hours 134 18 3 $625,000 102 (12 classes) 1,770 TOTAL LIVE EXIT 2,386 TOTAL INTAKE Average Daily Population: 120–140 animals. The Animal Shelter also took in 100 animals other than cats and dogs.
Dana Martin
A slate of programs to assist small business owners strengthening the entrepreneurial environment throughout Cherokee County. Programs include:
• 1 Million Cups. Nearly 700 attendees at 19 events throughout the year.
• The CIRCUIT. Cherokee County’s first coworking space, The CIRCUIT, boasts 20 current members and celebrated its 5-year anniversary in 2022.
• North Atlanta Venture (NAV) Mentoring Program. A highly successful organization, NAV is propelled by 26 seasoned professionals who have volunteered a total of 430 hours during 2022.
30 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Fresh Start Cherokee 2 9 $137 + Million 978+ New North American HQ locations New Jobs Announced/ Committed Industry Expansions New Capital Investment Recruitment & Expansion
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Conceptual of the Bluffs featuring Becker Robotics Campus
Lee Meyer with NAV Mentors Jim Bulger & Maduka Chidebelu-Eze
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
• 13% of the 32 feature films shot in Georgia had at least one scene shot in Cherokee County
• 17% of all commercials filmed in Georgia were shot in Cherokee County
• Local Screenwriter Cheryl McKay Price created 6-episode faith-based television series These Stones, which was written, produced, and filmed almost entirely in Cherokee County.
• More than 320 people attended the Third Annual Cherokee Film Summit held at YANMAR EVO// Center in March.
• The Filmed in Cherokee free mobile app received the Gold w3 Award and the 2022 Best of Class for the category Thinking Outside the Box by the Southern Economic Development Council. The app has been downloaded more than 4,000 times and has had more than 65,000 interactions to date.
President, Office of Economic Development
The Cherokee Office of Economic Development fosters relationships with existing businesses and industries, attracts new businesses and industries to Cherokee County, supports workforce development, and much more.
President Misti Martin leads the Office.
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Misti Martin
Moving Forward Together
Film Inquiries
Film
Acquired
Film in Cherokee Film in Georgia Conversion Rate
Projects
34%
Cast and crew of These Stones prepare for a shot in Free Home
Product Development (Sites, Buildings, Trails)
Cherokee 75 Corporate Park now has a trail system in place that connects businesses with the residential community in the southwest portion of the county. In preparation for future corporate growth, the county acquired two sites totaling 128 acres through Economic Development SPLOST funds.
Higher Education Plans
Canton Corporate Park is currently undergoing new development.
High School Internship Program
• The Cherokee Summer Internship Program provides mentorship and portfolio-worthy experience to high school juniors and seniors. In this paid, six-week program, students are challenged to produce projects and fulfill tasks that get results for local employers.
• Of the 22 student interns, nearly 20% were retained for full or part-time employment.
New trails construction within Cherokee 75 Corporate Park Conceptual Renderings of new
• Since the program’s launch in 2018, 70 students have participated.
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Be Pro Be Proud Rig
Internship Supervisor Kristy Johnson (CATS Office Manager) with intern Catherine Butterworth
NOW CELEBRATING 3 YEARS WITH BE PRO BE PROUD GEORGIA
Educated & Talented Workers
(ESTABLISHED FALL 2019)
Registered Voters
New Office Building
Elections and Voter Registration plans to move into a new home base at 193 Lamar Haley Parkway in Canton in 2023. The 14,638-squarefoot building is the former office of the staterun Division of Family and Children’s Services. Cherokee County purchased the facility in August of 2021 with funds acquired through the American Rescue Plan Act. The county’s property management team spent more than a year transforming the facility to meet the needs of the Office of Elections and Voter Registration.
New Office of Elections and Voter Registration 193 Lamar Haley Parkway in Canton
Director of Elections and Voter Registration
The Office of Elections and Voter Registration manages all elections in Cherokee County, including those on the federal, state, and county levels. The department, led by director Anne Dover, reports directly to the Board of Elections. In 2022, the Office of Elections and Voter Registration handled four elections: the May 2022 primary, the June 21 primary runoff, the November 8 general election, and the December 6 runoff.
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Anne Dover
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Moving Forward Together
Election Day Precincts 100% 191,256 Active
The Tax Commissioner is an elected Constitutional Officer responsible for collecting property taxes, preparing the tax digest, billing, accounting, and disbursements. Property taxes include those assessed on real estate, personal property, public utilities, timber, and ad valorem taxes on motor vehicles and mobile homes. Denise Mastroserio was elected Tax Commissioner in November 2022, and took office in 2023. Following longtime Tax Commissioner Sonya Little’s retirement in January 2022, Dana McKinzie served as Tax Commissioner in 2022.
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Denise Mastroserio
Tax Commissioner
TAX COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE 4,420 1,515 Canton Calls MONTHLY AVG Woodstock Calls MONTHLY AVG REGISTERED VEHICLES 277,616 PROPERTY TAX $220.17+ Million VEHICLE TAX $77.4+ Million 2,682 $543,113 Mobile Homes 7,606 $13.1+ Million Personal Property $341+ Million Real Property 110,913 $8.2+ Million $14.3+ Million $875,522 $2+ Million Woodstock Office Canton Office Kiosk Web Electronic Dealer Transactions $51.9+ Million $238 Timber-1
Moving Forward Together
35 The Board of Tax Assessors (BTA) is an autonomous board whose members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners to staggered six-year terms, have specific responsibilities, and employ the Chief Appraiser who is responsible for the operation and functioning of the county property appraisal staff. Their mission is to administer all Georgia property tax laws and regulations efficiently and effectively for the citizens and property owners of Cherokee County in order to produce an accurate tax digest annually, utilized by the county, schools and municipalities to fund their various functions. Steve Swindell Chief Appraiser Moving Forward Together 129,100 Assessment Notices Mailed *Number does not include visits resulting from appeals. 108,606 Real Property Parcels 13,561 Personal Property Accounts 3,961 Appeals Processed 1,475 Board Of Equalization Hearings 6,258 Exemptions Issued Tax Assessor’s Docket October 1, 2021–September 30, 2022 21,974 Site Appraisals* TAX ASSESSOR
Moving Forward Together
Wallace District Attorney
District Attorney Shannon Wallace has served the citizens of Cherokee County since January 2013. She has more than 20 years of prosecuting experience, including serving as an assistant district attorney in Cherokee County and the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit. In December 2022, Ms. Wallace was appointed as the fourth Superior Court Judge of the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit.
The District Attorney’s Office prosecutes felony crimes committed in Cherokee County to ensure that justice is served and our citizens are protected. The office and staff collaborate regularly with law enforcement agencies to ensure effective prosecution.
HONORS & AWARDS
Georgia’s Victim/Witness Advocacy Program (VWAP) Director of the Year
Kayla Cleveland, VWAP Director Todd Hayes, Solicitor-General
Georgia Association of Solicitors-General Solicitor-General of the Year
Todd Hayes, Solicitor-General
Emergency Services Trial Assistant of the Year
Haley Huong and Jennifer Sexton
CLOSURE RATES
The top number reflects the
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Shannon
* During
the office of the district attorney worked to reduce a substantial judicial backlog caused by the pandemic. The outcome resulted in closing more felony cases than opened—a 63% increase over cases closed in 2021. ** OCGA §
***All statistics for 2022 are preliminary. ORIGINATION of Cases RECEIVED 1% OTHER AGENCIES 14% CANTON POLICE DEPARTMENT 6% HOLLY SPRINGS POLICE DEPARTMENT 57% CHEROKEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT 15% WOODSTOCK POLICE DEPARTMENT 3% CHEROKEE MULTI-AGENCY NARCOTICS SQUAD (CMANS) 3% CHEROKEE COUNTY SCHOOL POLICE 1% BALL GROUND POLICE DEPARTMENT DISTRICT ATTORNEY
2022,
17–10–6.1
SOLICITOR-GENERAL
STATEWIDE TRAINING
In 2022, the Solicitor-General’s Office increased its efforts to assist other prosecutors and law enforcement officers across the state by both taking an active role in training programs, and by hosting training events. The following are among the trainings the Solicitor–General’s Office participated in over the past year:
Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia (PACGA) Winter Conference
Topic: 2021 Case Law Update
Stalking Prevention, Awareness & Resource Center Training
Topic: Identifying & Responding to Stalking
PACGA’s DUI Training Course— From Stop to State Court
PACGA’s Summer Conference
Topic: 2021–2022 Case Law Update
Topic: Driving High: Combating Cannabis DUI Challenge
PACGA’s Joint Law Enforcement/ Prosecutor Impaired Driving Training
PACGA’s Fundamentals of Prosecution-based Victim Advocacy Topic: The Many Hats We Wear
PACGA’s Fundamentals of Prosecution
Topic: Victims’ Rights, Prosecutors’ Responsibilities, & How to Work with Victims
PACGA’s Basic Litigation Bootcamp
Topic: Cross Examination— Lecture & Program Faculty
In the aftermath of COVID-19, the State Court was faced with a backlog of criminal cases. The entire staff of the Solicitor-General’s Office worked through the backlog at an accelerated rate while not to compromise public safety. The office successfully closed more cases than were opened in almost every category, cutting deeply into the COVID backlog.
Percentage of Court Cases Closed (Rolling Closure Rate)
January 1 – December 31, 2022
Todd Hayes
Solicitor-General
The Solicitor-General’s Office continues to support and utilize the four accountability courts available to State Court defendants. These are Judge W. Alan Jordan’s DUI Court, Judge A. Dee Morris’ Misdemeanor Drug Court and Veteran’s Treatment Court, and Judge Keith Wood’s Treatment Accountability Court for those with treatable mental health issues.
2022 Rolling Closure Rate. The bottom number reflects the change in closure rates from the 2021 totals.
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Todd Hayes has served as Solicitor-General for Cherokee County since January 2019. Prior to holding the elected office, Hayes served as a prosecutor for 15 years and was selected as chief assistant solicitorgeneral under former Solicitor Jessica Moss. His office is responsible for prosecuting crimes in State Court that can be punished by less than a year in jail.
Moving Forward Together
CHEROKEE COUNTY JUDGES
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W.
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1. Chief Superior Court Judge Ellen McElyea
Superior Court Judge Tony Baker
Superior Court Judge David Cannon, Jr.
Chief State Court Judge
Alan Jordan
State Court Judge Michelle L. Helhoski
State Court Judge A. Dee Morris
Chief Magistrate Judge James Drane
Presiding Juvenile Court Judge Jennifer Davis
Chief Probate Court Judge Keith Wood
Courts
Superior Court
Court Filings
Superior Court Civil Cases
Deeds & Records Deeds
State Court Civil Cases Filings
Juvenile Court Criminal Cases Filings
Juvenile Court Civil Cases Filings
The Clerk of Courts is an elected Constitutional Officer responsible for maintaining and safeguarding all documents appropriately presented for recording. The Cherokee County Clerk of Courts’ Office receives and files criminal and civil court filings and serves as custodian of county land and property records. Patty Baker has served as the Clerk of Courts since January 2005.
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Patty Baker Clerk of Courts
Moving Forward Together
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Criminal Cases Felony Filings .................................... 1,522 Felony Dispositions
2,106 Misdemeanor Filings ......................... 196 Misdemeanor Dispositions...............162
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Filings
2,389 Disposed
2,657
..................................................1,171
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Disposed
1,261
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State Court Criminal Cases Serious Traffic Filed
962 Serious Traffic Disposed................... 935 Misdemeanor Filings ...................... 1,368 Misdemeanor Disposed 1,664 Domestic Violence Filed................... 409 Domestic Violence Disposed ...........479 Traffic Filed........................................ 6,252 Traffic Disposed 7,075
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Magistrate
Arrest & Search Warrants 10,540 New Civil Cases
6,116 County & Municipal Ordinance Citations
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Liens
Plats 1,288 UCCs.................................................... 2,850 Trade Names
414 Military Discharge
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Probate Court: Marriage License Applications 1,513 Weapons Carry License Applications.................. 3,352 New Estate Actions
1,315 New Guardianship/ Conservatorship Actions
215 New Mental Health Actions
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729 Disposed
Traffic Filings 173 Traffic Disposed
75 CHINS Filings
184 CHINS Disposed
164 Delinquency Filings 372 Delinquency Disposed...................... 332
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Disposed
41 Dependency Filings 209 Dependency Disposed
122 Special Proceedings Filings
15 Special Proceedings Disposed ............ 6 Termination Filings 29 Termination Disposed
18 Juvenile Court Abby McArthur serves as the Clerk of Juvenile Court. (August 1, 2022)
1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton, GA 30114 678-493-6000 CherokeeGA.com Cherokee County
