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