Henry County Update - Newsletter

November 11, 2019

Board of

HCPD Promotes Ten Officers at Ceremony

Commissioners Regular Meetings November 19th, 6:30 p.m.

December 3rd, 9:00 a.m.

Meetings held at: Administration Building Community Room 140 Henry Parkway McDonough, GA 30253 Regular Commission meetings air daily on Henry TV Charter Channel 180 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, at 9 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Newly appointed officers pose for a picture with Henry County’s police chief and deputy chief. Pictured (l.) to (r.) Deputy Chief Mike Ireland; Sergeant Robert Scott; Sergeant Issac Fisher; Sergeant David LeCroy; Sergeant Matt Donaldson; Sergeant David Gagnon; Lieutenant John Davis; Captain Joey Smith and Chief Mark Amerman.

The Henry County Police Department held a promotion ceremony for ten officers on October 28 at the Hood Street Arts Center in McDonough.

Henry County Police Chief Mark Amerman lead the promotion ceremony and voiced appreciation to county commissioners and management for their support of the department. He also thanked the many family members and friends who were in attendance.

“For all of these officers behind me, this is a great day for them. They have all earned this, nothing is being given to them. They have already shown that they are leaders within the Henry County Police Department,” said Amerman.

The following officers received promotions: • Captain Joey Smith was promoted from Internal Affairs to Major of Criminal Investigations • Lieutenant Randy Lee was promoted from Lieutenant of Training to Captain of Internal Affairs Continued on page 3

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November 11, 2019 Published by Henry County Communications & Public Information Department Henry County Government

Editor Melissa Robinson

Graphic Designer Meredith Butler

Layout Designer

Board Approves Bid for Fire Department Uniforms

The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution awarding a bid purchase of fire fighter daily uniforms for the Henry County Fire Department. The action came at the November 5 Commission meeting.

The bid was awarded to Addie Grace Designs, LLC. of McDonough in the amount of $598,335.

Funds are available in the Fire Department budget.

For more information on the Henry County Fire Department, visit henrycounty-ga.org/Fire.

Melissa Robinson Meredith Butler

Contributors Melissa Robinson Erika Richards

Noel in November Set for November 16

Santa’s coming to Henry County early this year for Noel in November on Saturday, November 16 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Merle Manders Conference Center in Stockbridge.

Noel in November is a free event open to the public that celebrates Christmas cheer while supporting the Community Cares Christmas Toy Shop, a donation project coordinated

by Connecting Henry.

A donation of a new, unwrapped toy is the only

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admission requirement to this event, which will feature entertainment for all ages, an appearance by Santa Claus, live music from Vintage Vixens and special guest Stevie G with plenty of other surprises.

Merle Manders Conference Center is located at 111 Davis Road, Stockbridge GA, 30281.

For more information, please contact Speer Entertainment Services at 770-9570768.

Enjoy Outdoor Ice Skating at Nash Farm Park

Nash Farm Park will soon be transformed into a Winter Wonderland with an outdoor ice skating rink beginning November 22. Rain or shine, warm or cold, District II Commissioner Dee Clemmons invites everyone out to Ice Days Outdoor Ice Skating Rink at Nash Farm Park in Hampton.

Admission for ice skating is $10 per skater which includes rental skates, if needed, and a two-hour skating session. No reservations are required and both credit and debit cards are accepted.

The ice skating rink will be open from November

22 through February 23, 2020.

The rink is closed to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays for special events and open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Fridays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Nash Farm Park is located at 100 Babbs Mill Rd in Hampton.

For more information on ice skating at Nash Farm Park, please visit icedays.com/nashfarms/.

HCPD Promotions - continued from page 1 • Lieutenant Howard Waddell of Criminal Investigations was promoted to Captain • Sergeant John Davis was promoted from Internal Affairs to Lieutenant of Uniform Patrol • Sergeant David Gagnon was promoted from Traffic Unit to Lieutenant of Uniform Patrol • Detective Isaac Fisher was promoted from Criminal Investigations to Sergeant Uniform Patrol • Detective David Lecroy was promoted from Criminal Investigations to Sergeant Uniform Patrol

• Officer Robert Scott was promoted to Sergeant of Uniform Patrol • Field Training Officer Matt Donaldson was promoted to Sergeant of Uniform Patrol • Officer Melvin Gore was promoted to Sergeant of Uniform Patrol

For more information on the Henry County Police Department, please visit www. henrycountypolicedepartment.org.

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November 11, 2019

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County to Submit Five-Year Airport CIP to FAA for Funding Consideration

Commissioners heard a presentation on the Henry County Airport’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for fiscal year 2021 through 2025 from Henry County Airport manager Lynn Planchon at the November 5 Commission meeting.

In her report, Planchon detailed that the airport CIP identifies priorities and funding sources over a fiveyear period and is used to plan for future projects and funding needs. It is a document that serves as a planning tool for maintaining, planning or developing an airport.

The CIP also serves as the required document for an airport to be eligible for federal aviation administration and state funds. The airport’s five-year plan is updated annually and may change as priorities change.

She said that if a project is not included in an airport’s CIP, it will not be considered for state or federal funding, however, submitting a Capital Improvement

Plan does not guarantee federal or state funding of listed projects and doesn’t obligate county funds for those projects.

According to the updated plan, design of the apron and taxiway widening, along with electrical rehabilitation are on the priority list for 2021. The construction phase of the taxiway widening is listed as one of the top priorities for 2022. Planchon said plans for the airport also include design and construction of a new FBO (Field base of Operations) utilizing SPLOST IV funds.

The county will submit the CIP to the FAA by November 22 to be considered for state and federal funding. If funding is granted, notification will be sent to the county early in the new year.

To view the complete list and presentation, visit www.atlantaspeedwayairport.com.

Retired Educators Recognized in Henry County

The Henry County Board of Commissioners proclaimed November 3, 2019 as Retired Educators Day, recognizing the contributions retired educators have made to their communities. The action came at the November 5 Commission meeting.

Through the proclamation, Commissioners recognized the important contributions of educators and the proclamation read in part, “Whereas, there are more than 128,000 retired educators in Georgia, with more than 30,000 whom are members of the Georgia Retired Educators Association; and … retired educators of Georgia donate thousands of hours of volunteer service and make invaluable contributions to the welfare of their respective communities across the state.”

Barbara Calhoun from the Henry County Retired Educators Association accepted a proclamation from the Henry County Board of Commissioners on behalf of Retired Educators Day. Pictured I the first row (l. to r.) District II Commissioner Dee Clemmons; District IV Commissioner Vivian Thomas; Retired Educator Barbara Calhoun; and Commission Chair June Wood.

Second row (l. to r.) District III Commissioner Gary Barham; District I Commissioner Johnny Wilson; and District V Commissioner Bruce Holmes.

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November 11, 2019 Moody’s Upgrades Henry County’s GOULT rating to Aaa

The new designation is attributed to the county’s robust financial position

Moody’s Investors Service has upgraded Henry County, GA’s GOULT rating to Aaa from Aa1, affecting approximately $15.9 million of outstanding debt. The outlook has been revised to stable from no outlook.

RATINGS RATIONALE The upgrade to Aaa is driven by the county’s robust financial position with reserve levels and liquidity that far exceeds the Aaa medians nationally, healthy and growing tax base, average wealth and income levels, and low debt burden and pension liabilities, resulting in low fixed costs. The county also benefits from its special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST), which supports all of the county’s outstanding debt service.

RATING OUTLOOK The stable outlook reflects the likelihood that the county’s financial position will remain strong. The county’s trend of operating surpluses will continue, supported by its adherence to formal fiscal policies and strong long-term financial planning. Furthermore, the outlook also incorporates the likelihood that the county’s tax will continue to expand because of commercial and residential development.

County manager Cheri Hobson-Matthews shared the news on Monday morning and credits the county’s sound fiscal policies and actions for the upgraded rating.

“During the last two budget cycles, we have stressed the importance of our financial position and specifically the importance of financial policies, the careful use of fund balance and working toward an Aaa credit rating,” said Hobson-Matthews. “I am pleased to announce that Henry County has been upgraded to a

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Aaa rating. This is credited to our County being in a robust financial position.”

Henry County Financial Services Director David Smith likened the triple A rating to an excellent credit score.

“Being upgraded to the highest financial rating means that the county can borrow money at a more advantageous interest rate, if it chooses to do so,” said Smith.

Smith said that only 117 counties across the United States have a triple A bond rating and Henry County is only the sixth county in Georgia to earn that rating.

“It means we have a tremendous ability to repay. It means that we are financially stable and our decision making has been sound,” said Smith.

Hobson-Matthews said that the county contracted the services of Davenport & Company, LLC as the county’s financial advisor and said their work with the county has helped earn the prestigious designation.

“In addition to our financial services staff and our Board of Commissioners, I want to thank the team at Davenport & Company for their expert advice on financial matters for Henry County,” said HobsonMatthews.

For more information on the announcement from Moody’s, please call the Releasing Office: Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.; 250 Greenwich Street; New York, NY 10007; U.S.A; JOURNALISTS: 1 212553-0376; Client Service: 1 212-553-1653.

Board Recognizes HCPD State Certification

The Henry County Board of Commissioners recognized the Henry County Police Department at the scheduled Commission meeting for earning its approved state re-certification to remain an accredited agency.

Deputy Manager Brad Johnson gave the presentation, lauding the department for its recertification from the Georgia Association of Police Chiefs and presented Police Chief Mark Amerman with a plaque from the corresponding association.

He commended the outstanding professional achievement and said it was all made possible because of the leadership of the police chief and his command staff.

“I want to congratulate them and present the Chief with a plaque from the Georgia Association of Police Chiefs and on a job well done,” said Johnson.

Following his recognition, Amerman shared remarks on receiving the certification and also presented HCPD Certification Manager Felicia Henley with a plaque as well.

“This accreditation, this whole process allows me internally to know that the police department is using the state’s best practices, said Amerman. “The person who did all of the leg work, the ground work and went through 140 files and over 250 policies to make sure they were up to standards is Officer Felicia Henley.”

Amerman further stated that he appreciated Henley for her hard work and dedication ensuring the department’s re-certification.

For more information on the Henry County Police Department, visit henrycountypolicedepartment. org.

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November 11, 2019 Commissioner Clemmons to Host Family Night and Tree Lighting at Nash Farm Park

Looking for holiday fun with the family? Join District II Commissioner Dee Clemmons for family night and a tree lighting on December 1 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Nash Farm Park in Hampton.

During the event, families can take holiday pictures and enjoy caroling and hot cocoa. Ice skaters can also take advantage of the Ice Days Outdoor Ice Skating Rink that will be open from 1 to 8 p.m. as well.

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The family night and a tree lighting event is free and open to the public. Ice Skating is $10.00.

Nash Farm Park is located at 100 Babbs Mill Rd. in Hampton.

For more information on the family night and tree lighting event, please 770-288-6001. For more information on the ice skating rink, visit icedays.com/ nashfarm or tree-lighting.eventbrite.com.

Rodeo Returns to Nash Farm Park

The 100 Percent Mexicano Rodeo is coming back to Nash Farm Park and will feature food trucks, authentic Mexican cuisine, vendors and a rodeo. The rodeo will take place on Saturday, November 16th from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.

District II Commissioner Dee Clemmons invites everyone out to enjoy delicious food, family entertainment and various bands playing the most

popular latin music.

Tickets may be purchased at www.Lulutickets. com or www.Ticketon.com. Tickets are $35 and parking is $5. For more information, contact 770-491-8005.

Nash Farm Park is located at 100 Babbs Mill Rd. in Hampton, GA.

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November 11, 2019 Henry County Honors Veterans With Breakfast at the fLocust Gove Senior Center The Henry County Senior Services held a Veterans Breakfast on Friday, November 8 to honor local veterans who served our country. More than 100 veterans were in attendance and enjoyed freshly prepared scrambled eggs, biscuits and more.

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County Honors Veterans at Annual Ceremony

In honor of Veterans Day, a Ceremony was held at the Veterans Wall of Honor at Heritage Park in McDonough on Monday, November 11. This year’s Keynote Speaker was Lee Stuart, LTC US Army Retired.

Stuart is a retired U.S. Army Officer with more than 30 years of service spanning from 1967 to 2008.

The Veterans Wall of Honor is located in Heritage Park at 101 Lake Dow Rd. in McDonough.

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November 11, 2019

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