Cherokee County, Georgia — 2021 Annual Report

2021

Annual Report

CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME We have so much going for us in Cherokee County . . . beautiful geography, great schools, award-winning public safety services, low taxes, a comfortable proximity to Atlanta, and a safe and comfortable smalltown lifestyle.

Our community is an absolute treasure.

Harry B. Johnston Commission Chair

For those reasons, people clearly desire to come to Cherokee County. In the last 10 years, we have grown almost 25 percent, from 214,346 residents to today’s population of 266,620. Our success is also our challenge. Continued growth at that level could threaten the quality of life that makes Cherokee County so desirable.

We will continue to grow. But we can use appropriate zoning and other development regulation to reasonably control the quantity of our residential growth and keep the quality high. At the same time, we must balance the residential growth with good job growth. In addition, we must work every day to improve our infrastructure and keep up services.

That’s our challenge for the recent past, present, and foreseeable future. It’s not easy, especially while keeping our taxes among the lowest in Georgia. But we must succeed. The treasure of Cherokee County is far too precious to lose. Together, with our county substantially united behind these goals, we can and will succeed. This report outlines some of our ongoing efforts.

Harry B. Johnston, Commission Chair

2

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Steve West

Richard Weatherby

Commissioner for District 1

Commissioner for District 2

Geoffrey E. Morton, P.E. County Manager Geoff Morton was appointed County Manager by the Board of Commissioners in May 2021. He celebrated his 20th anniversary with the county in December 2021, and has previously served as the County Engineer, Public Works Agency Director and most recently as Community Development Agency Director.

Benny Carter

Corey Ragsdale

Commissioner for District 3

Commissioner for District 4

3

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GEORGIA

JANUARY 52º/34º

APRIL 74º/51º

JULY 88º/69º

OCTOBER 73º/52º

Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. www.ncdc.noaa.gov

MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME

AVERAGE HOME VALUE

82,740

$

Source: Census Quickfacts, 2019

Source: Cherokee County Tax Assessor’s Office

$

303,600

CURRENT POPULATION

POPULATION GROWTH FROM 2010

Source: 2020 U.S. Census

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

266,620

24.4%

TABLE OF CONTENTS Administrative Services Agency. . . . . . . . 6-9

Fire & Emergency Services. . . . . . . . . . . 14-15

American Rescue Plan Act. . . . . . . . . . . 32-33

Human Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Capital Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11

Public Services Agency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29

Chairman’s Welcome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Communications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Community Development . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19 Community Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-26 Coroner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 County Commissioners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Recreation & Parks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25 Sheriff’s Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Small Business Grants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Solicitor-General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 SPLOST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21

Courts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38-39

Tax Assessor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

District Attorney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Tax Commissioner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Economic Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Brantley Day, Community Development Agency Director. . . . . . . 19

Patty Baker, Clerk of Courts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Bryan Reynolds, Community Services Agency Director. . . . . . . . . 23

Sally Sims, Coroner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Christy Black, Cherokee County Clerk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Shane Bonebrake, E 9-1-1 Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Dana Martin, Public Services Agency Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Shannon Wallace, District Attorney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Erika Neldner, Communications Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Sonya Little, Tax Commissioner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Frank Reynolds, Sheriff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Geoffrey E. Morton, P.E., County Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Stacey Williams, Administrative Services Agency Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Harry B. Johnston, Commission Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Steve Swindell, Tax Assessor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Kathy Lambert, Human Resources Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Tim Prather, Fire Chief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Misti Martin, President Economic Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Todd Hayes, Solicitor-General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Christy Black Cherokee County Clerk Christy Black is a Certified 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 and is appointed by the Board of Commissioners.

5

Cherokee’s Financial Integrity

1,050 $

$

970

1,180 $

$

891

1,070 $

$

781

1,105 $

1,101 $

1,121 $

$

Lowest Taxes*

$

853

Second Lowest in Expenditures*

1,209

TAXES | EXPENDITURES | DEBT

Debt Burden per Capita Taxes per Capita

AA+ BOND RATING

MILLAGE R

ATE

909 $

e

$

1,004

$

Ro ck da l

He nr

y

$

68

$

1,009 $

G w

in ne tt

$

to n Fu l

767

868

654 1,005

$

892 $

2,053 $

h Fo rs yt

Fa ye t

te

$

525

$

760

884

Do ug l

as

$

165

$

825 $

1,271 $

b De Ka l

C ob b

$

864

$

881

C la yt on

$

143

$

629 $

214

C he ro ke e

*per capita in the Metro Atlanta Region

$

Fourth Lowest in Debt Burden*

855

Expenditures per Capita

MILLAGE RATE:

2021.............5.212 2020.............5.212 2019............. 5.216 2018 .............5.366 2017 .............5.483 2016 .............5.568 2015 .............5.720 2014 .............5.728 2013 .............5.798

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGENCY Geographic Information Systems

Information Technology

Risk Management

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provides quality development and maintenance of geospatial services that include custom tools, models, and maps. GIS provides a centralized map foundation that is integrated 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 high quality, secure, innovative, and cost-efficient technology solutions to the agencies and departments of the County. They partner with each department and agency to understand their unique needs.

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.

24

MAP-BASED WEBSITES

5,000+

VIEWS/MONTH MANAGES

107,168 ADDRESSES &

5,771

STREETS FOR E 9-1-1

Stacey Williams

7,172

LOWEST INJURY

1,800

SEVEN

SERVICE DESK TICKETS

RATE OUT OF

IT USERS

METRO COUNTIES

517 INFRASTRUCTURE NETWORK DEVICES ACROSS

50

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Administrative Services Agency Director

The Administrative Services Agency houses internal service departments including Finance, Procurement, Risk Management, Information Technology, Capital Projects, Project Management, and Fleet Services. 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 level.

FACILITIES 7

Property Management Custodial Division • 14 Custodial Employees • Responsible for 524,000+ sq. ft. of cleanable space • 24 locations across 434 sq. miles

Maintenance Division

Current Projects

• 10 Maintenance Employees • Responsible for maintenance, renovations, and office buildouts • 895,000+ sq. ft. of facilities • 83 locations across 434 sq. miles • 31 locations are operational 24/7/365 • 2,399 help desk calls per year (average per year over the last three years)

• New 14,000 sq. ft. Elections Facility • SPLOST HVAC projects in multiple facilities • Fire Station 29 living quarters design and buildout • Assisting with capital projects on the new 24,000 sq. ft. Public Works Facility and the new Fire Station 15

4,500+

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGENCY

Fleet Services

FLEET REPAIR ORDERS COMPLETED

31

VEHICLES AUCTIONED/ DECOMMISSIONED TOTALING

COMPLETED

MAINTAINS

ADDED

IN REPAIRS

VEHICLE FLEET

NEW VEHICLES

1.8 MIL+

$

900+

27

FLEET SERVICES

66,500

$

ADDED A NEW

1 MILLION+

$

FLEET MAINTENANCE BUILDING

524,000+

$ The County’s Fleet Shop has been re-certified as a national ASE Blue Seal of Excellence Business.

Cherokee County is pleased to have our first certified Emergency Vehicle Technician on staff.

IN PROCUREMENT SAVINGS

All fleet parts and inventory have been transitioned to NAPA Integrated Business Solutions to increase productivity and lower taxpayer investment.

CLEANING

524,000+

Procurement

61

PROPOSALS REQUESTED

3,259

PURCHASE ORDERS PROCESSED

SQ. FEET OF SPACE The County saved $524,488 through the procurement process by conducting business negotiations, seeking out lower costs, and avoiding price increases on existing agreements and annual contract renewals.

PROCUREMENT

1.15+

MAINTENANCE CALLS PER WORKING HOUR 9

Hickory Flat Gym Renovation The renovations encompass the entire 9,663-square-foot existing single-story structure. The recreation facility houses a gymnasium with bleachers, restrooms, a concessions area, a stage, one office, and some storage and support space.

I mprovements include new and renovated interior walls constructed to match existing wood planking and gypsum board finishes where appropriate. Structural improvements to the gymnasium include both roof trusses and floor joists. In addition, the crawlspace will be enclosed and encapsulated.

New utilities, including an HVAC and a tankless water heater system, will help make this facility a sought-after place of community engagement.

T he exterior of the building will receive several new improvements, including an architectural shingle roofing system, a cementitious board-and-batten siding veneer, and a complete insulation installation.

The grounds of the Old Hickory Flat Gym will also get some well-deserved attention. A new ADA-compliant ramp, some additional sidewalks, a little stabilization ground fill, and some healthy sod will round out the revitalization with some curb appeal.

4835 Hickory Road, Canton, Georgia, 30115 Under Construction Expected Completion–Summer 2022 Funding Sources SPLOST 2018, SPLOST 2018 Excess, Priest Road Land Sale

CAPITAL PROJECTS Capital projects are budgeted and paid for through the General Fund, SPLOST, Impact Fees, and state and federal funds. Here are a few projects using combined funding sources.

Ga. 140 at East Cherokee Drive

The intersection project includes adding right-turn lanes and left-turn lane capacity and improving the existing vertical geometry of Ga. 140, east of the intersection with East Cherokee Drive. The $3 million project is partially funded through the Georgia Department of Transportation. Expected completion is during the winter of 2022.

2021 Resurfacing Project

$3.1 MILLION Cherokee County paved more than 17 miles of roadway in 2021 through the Georgia Department of Transportation Local Maintenance Improvement Grant (LMIG) program and 2018 SPLOST funds through Public Works. The county contracted with CW Mathews for the project, which totaled more than $3.1 million.

L.B. Ahrens Recreation Center: The project includes the development of a 36,500-square-foot community recreation center with concrete masonry construction, a pre-engineered steel truss gym with CMU infill walls, locker rooms, open seating lobby, classrooms, dance studio, administrative office spaces, two large meeting rooms, small catering kitchen, and an outdoor patio space.

Cherokee Veterans Park 7345 Cumming Hwy, Canton, GA 30115 Under Construction Expected Completion–January 2023 Funding Sources SPLOST 2012, SPLOST 2018, SPLOST 2018 Excess, Impact Fees 11

11

Under Budget

JAIL EXPANSION

The Sheriff’s Office finished the year under budget.

CRIME FIGHTING

The $40-million jail expansion project came to a close, on schedule, and added 109,000 sq. ft. and 583 new beds to the jail system.

FINANCIALLY SOUND

DIGITAL RADIOS

DIGITAL RADIOS

The department transitioned all radios to digital format for more stable and reliable communications.

Critical technology has been added to the department’s crime fighting resources—the FUSUS and FLOCK Camera Systems.

JAIL EXPANSION

EMPLOYEE HIRES

EMPLOYEE HIRES

A total of 66 employees were hired into the Sheriff’s Office over the last year. Of them, 17 are civilian and 49 are sworn deputies.

CRIME FIGHTIN

SHERIFF’S OFFICE OPENED NEW PRECINCT

A precinct in Ball Ground has been opened to better serve north central Cherokee County and the cities of Ball Ground and Nelson.

CRIME IGHTING

GOLD STANDARD

GOLD STANDARD

OPENED NEW PRECINCT

TRIPLE CROWN

129,541 CALLS FOR SERVICE

Frank Reynolds Sheriff

Sheriff Frank Reynolds is serving his second elected term as the 39th Sheriff of Cherokee County. His focus from the beginning has been service to the community. The Sheriff’s Office expanded service to northeast Cherokee with the Ball Ground precinct opening in 2021. Additionally, the new tower in the Adult Detention Center was opened, and radios were transitioned to digital for more stable and reliable communications.

The department has successfully completed the CALEA and State Certification on-site inspections.

13

CALLS FOR SERVICE

71% EMS CALLS

30,169 CALLS RECEIVED

21,326 CALLS

21% CALLS FOR SERVICE

TECHNICAL RESCUES

STRUCTURE FIRES

6,373 CALLS

4%

FALSE ALARMS 1,171 calls

3%

TECHNICAL RESCUES 838 calls

1%

STRUCTURE FIRES 176 calls

1%

NON-DWELLING FIRES 285 calls

Cherok firefigh comple

142

HOU TRAIN

This equ averag hours o for eac 386 fire

FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES

FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES

27

FIRE STATIONS

386

FIREFIGHTERS

Responds to an Incident Every

23 Staffed Stations 4 Unstaffed Stations

159 Paramedics 227 EMTs 29 Recruits

17

MINUTES

142,870 HOURS OF TRAINING.

This equals an average of 370 hours of training for each of our 386 firefighters.

Fire Chief

6:48

1,656

Average response time to all incidents.*

Patients Transported with COVID-19 Symptoms (1,216 in 2020)

MINUTES

Cherokee County firefighters have completed

Tim Prather

COVID-19

13,833

EMS TRANSPORTS 14 Ambulances (24/7) 2 Ambulances for day-use only

*Cherokee County Response Time. Fire at 90th percentile is 10:00 minutes, average is 6:22 minutes. EMS at 90th percentile is 10:20 minutes, average is 6:37 minutes. National industry standard 90th percentile is Fire at 5:20 minutes and EMS at 5:00 minutes.

F MARSIRE H OFFICAL’S COMP E LETED

Cherokee Fire and Emergency Services provides emergency fire and medical services to unincorporated Cherokee County, as well as the cities of Holly Springs, Canton, and Ball Ground. All field personnel hold, at minimum, basic emergency medical technician training. About one-third of all field personnel are paramedics.

4,386

INSPEC PLAN TIONS & REVIEW S 15

HUMAN RESOURCES CHEROKEE COUNTY EMPLOYS

1,735

84%

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.

FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES 1,457 PEOPLE

16%

PART-TIME EMPLOYEES 278 PEOPLE

• 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

Certifications

BENEFITS PARTICIPATION

71% 71% 54% 16

Services Available

PEOPLE

MEDICAL BENEFITS 1,237 PEOPLE DENTAL BENEFITS 1,230 PEOPLE VISION BENEFITS 940

• 100% of the HR Team is HIPAA Certified to properly manage confidential health information • 3 employees hold SHRM Veterans at Work Certificates—hiring and retaining veterans • 2 employees hold Certified Plan Sponsor Professional credentials— retirement program management

COMMUNICATIONS

2,327

Newsletter Subscriptions

32,369

Social Media Followers

3

Training Sessions

462,007

Social Media Reach

28

Videos Created

Erika Neldner

1,238

Social Media Posts

Communications Director

94

Press Releases

The Communications Division was established in May 2020 and is responsible for internal and external communications for all offices that report to the Board of Commissioners.

It manages the official county government social media pages, issues press releases on behalf of the Board and creates marketing materials. The division has two employees and is led

by Director Erika Neldner.

2021 The Telly Awards

Silver Winner: General—Non-Broadcast Cherokee County Virtual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony Producer: Justin Webb, J. Clarke Productions Executive Producer: Jay Baker, Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Executive Producer: Erika Neldner, Cherokee County Government

17

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Planning & Zoning

79

33

254

Variances/ Appeals

Rezoning Cases

34

7

Special Use Permits

99

Minor Subdivisions

Sign Permits

91

Administrative Variances

Zoning Certifications

2,500 SURVEYS RECEIVED

Annexation Cases

573

335

19

Acres Annexed

29.82 MILES

of RESURFACING

by PUBLIC WORKS*

179

ACRES ANNEXED

Ball Ground

24

35

ACRES ANNEXED

ACRES ANNEXED

ACRES ANNEXED

Holly Springs

Woodstock

Canton *17.52 miles funded by Public Works budget and 12.3 miles funded by SPLOST.

by Public 2.3 miles

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT The Comprehensive Transportation Plan update began in 2021 and assesses how current and future transportation demands have shifted across the county and the region. The CTP will identify infrastructure improvement investments that meet the long-term needs of Cherokee County. The plan update included a robust public input period, and during that time, nearly 2,500 survey responses were received.

The feedback received, along with staff and consultant assessments, will be incorporated in the plan that will be unveiled in 2022. Information about the CTP can be found at CherokeeMoves.com.

BUILDING Inspections

192

467

4,826

222

Home Occupations Issued

475

Home Occupations Approved

1,198

Stormwater Management

Stormwater Enforcement Actions Stormwater Erosion Control Structures Inspections Inspected

6,099

NEW Residential

NEW Commercial

106

199

Commercial Business Commercial Licenses Business Approved Licenses Issued

Cost of

Construction

115

Land Disturbance Permits

74.3

$

Cost of

Construction

357.2

$

MILLION+

Brantley Day Community Development Agency Director

Brantley Day was selected in 2021 to lead Community Development as the Agency Director. He brings more than 20 years of municipal planning and community development management experience to lead the agency.

The Agency includes departments responsible for land and building development, stormwater, permitting, roads and long-range planning.

MILLION+

DEVELOPMENT Service Center

19

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 sales tax is used to fund projects identified in the referendum approved by voters.

It is put on the ballot every six years for renewal.

361.2

$

MILLION+

2012 & 2018 SPLOST COLLECTIONS TOTAL

20

Completed/Started Projects for 2021: Univeter Road at Pinecrest Road & Univeter Road at New Light Road

Fire Training Center Expansion

Project consists of developing a multi-use trail along Towne Lake Parkway with future goals of connecting Woodstock’s trail system to Lake Allatoona.

This project consists of additions to the Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services Training Center located at 3985 Holly Springs Parkway in Holly Springs. The additions include an approximately 3,190-square-foot single-story expansion of the Training Center, which includes new offices and classroom areas and associated storage. The large classroom area includes an operable partition system to allow it to be divided into two smaller classrooms. The new addition is pre-engineered metal building construction with gypsum board and metal framed interior walls. The building exterior is a mixture of pre-engineered metal building panels and brick veneer to continue the look of the existing façade. The site work included demolition of some existing parking area, construction of new parking and connection to other facilities on the campus via a new set of concrete exterior stairs. The generator that powers multiple buildings on this campus was replaced in this project’s scope.

Project Cost: $723,297

Project Cost: $1.39 million

Status: Under construction Expected completion—January 2022

Status: Completed December 2021 with only punch list items remaining

Intersection realignment to improve sight distance from Pinecrest Road and the installation of a left-turn lane on Univeter Road at Pinecrest Road. Intersection alignment and installation of a left-turn lane on Univeter Road at New Light Road. Traffic signal installation at New Light Road and Univeter Road.

Project Cost: $1.3 million Status: Under construction Pinecrest intersection is complete New Light Road re-aligned and awaiting signal Expected to be operational—January 2022

Towne Lake Multi-Use Path

Transart Parkway Bridge over Toonigh Creek Bridge Replacement of a substandard bridge over Toonigh Creek. New bridge will have 12-foot wide travel lanes and 5-foot sidewalks.

Project cost: $1.48 million Status: Under construction Expected completion—Summer 2022

Fire Station #15 New Construction Construction of a replacement Station for the existing Fire Station 15 located on Yellow Creek Road. The new facility will be approximately 8,500 square feet and will include, but not limited to, a day room, dining room, kitchen, office, workroom, eight individual sleeping quarters, bathrooms, gear storage, bay storage, general storage, three drive-through apparatus bays as well as a 50-foot by 50foot Community Center.

Project Cost: $3.7 million Status: Construction expected to begin March 2022

Woodstock Road at Victory Drive Three-way stop intersection converted to a roundabout for safer, more efficient intersection operation.

Lower Dowda Mill Road Bridge over Sharp Mountain Creek Bridge Replacement of a substandard width bridge with a modern steel truss bridge.

Project Cost: $962,858

Project Cost: $984,480

Status: Project completed—Summer 2021

Status: Completed—Summer 2021

Holbrook Campground Road at Birmingham Road Four-way stop intersection converted to a roundabout for safer, more efficient intersection operation.

Project Cost: $1.25 million Status: Estimated completion­­—Spring 2022

Ga. 140 at Sugar Pike Road Intersection Installation of a traffic signal at frequently used intersection to improve intersection safety and operation.

Fleet Services Addition New construction of an approximately 5,100-square-foot pre-engineered metal building on site. The new building is 68 feet wide by 75 feet long and has an eve height of 33 feet. It is veneered with a pre-engineered metal building wall panel system and 1/12 slope roof. The new facility houses two new drive-through maintenance bays, an office, restroom with shower, parts room and support spaces.

Project Cost: $1.02 million

Lower Dowda Mill Road

Fleet Services Addition

New Light Road

Woodstock Road at Victory Drive

Fire Training Center Expansion

Ga. 140 at Sugar Pike Road

Status: Completed—Fall 2021

Project Cost: $131,171 Status: Project complete

SENIOR SERVICES 3,503

Info. & Assistance

1,968

HOMEMAKER HOURS 117 Clients Served

1,637

Meals on Wheels

Homemaker Services

CALLS FOR ASSISTANCE

43,555

MEALS SERVED 208 Clients Served 34 Volunteers 2,500 Volunteer Hours

HOURS LOGGED 328 Clients Served

Case Management

59

Transportation 6,651

ONE-WAY TRIPS (Fixed Route/Demand Response) 23 Client Vouchers 1,566 One-way Vouchers

CARES ACT t CARES Ac

2,50N0C+ HES

FUNproLvidUed at both

nd low centers a h rises. ig h e m o c in

TRIPS PROVIDED 12 Volunteers

Volunteer Driver Program

CARES Ac t

for MEA

Senior Centers BALL GROUND & CANTON

105,000+ LS, SU

$

1

HOME SENIOR Books d

SERVICE PPORT S, a MATERIA nd L AID

7,330

MEALS SERVED DURING COVID

AS of Bo

COMMUNITY SERVICES 686

15

HOMEBOUND SENIORS SERVED Books delivered.

PROGRAMS OFFERED These programs are offered through the Senior Centers.

Silver Roamers

7,438

Senior Recreation

A Side of Books

8,624

DEMAND RESPONSE TRIPS

22,677

BALL GROUND & CANTON

122

D D

FIXED ROUTE TRIPS

OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE ADULT ACTIVITIES GROUP

EMPOWER CHEROKEE & SENIOR SERVICE TRIPS CATS maintains 18 vehicles serving ages 16-99.

15,490

BAGS OF TRASH

RECYCLING

179

SCRAP METAL $

VISITORS PER DAY

30,256 • 189 TONS

ALUMINUM CANS

10,495 • 16,146 LBS

$

PAINT

12,985 • 2,597GAL

$

18,388 COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS

MATTRESSES

10,755*

$

*Amount shown reflects profit after mattress haul-away fees.

23

PET PROGRAM SUCCESS STORIES In partnership with the Cherokee Animal Shelter, “PAWS” helped more than 23 seniors obtain food, shots, and care for their pets.

Bryan Reynolds Community Services Agency Director

The Community Services Agency began in October 2019 to encompass services provided to the overall community, including Recreation and Parks, Community Development Block Grants, Senior Services, CATS, and the Cherokee Recycling Center. Director Bryan Reynolds was appointed as the agency director after serving with Recreation and Parks for more than 20 years.

23

7 6 ENTS RNAM Y

RECREATION & PARKS

TOU ESSFULL SUCC STED HO

Sp

CHEROKEE YOUTH LACROSSE

Cherokee Youth

Basketball

3,000+

CYB PARTICIPANTS

298

CAMPS & CLINIC PARTICIPANTS

200+

3v3 SUMMER LEAGUE PARTICIPANTS

Cherokee Youth

Softball

1,050

PARTICIPANTS

153

CLINIC PARTICIPANTS

HIGHEST

PARTICIPATION IN THE HISTORY OF PROGRAM

Cherokee Youth

Lacrosse

237

PARTICIPANTS

173

CLINIC PARTICIPANTS

34

CAMP PARTICIPANTS

Recreation & Parks

Aquatics

3 Summer Swim Meets 4 USA Meets 17 Water Polo Tournaments 21 High School Meets 150 GA Master Games Meet 1,150 GRPA District 5 Meet 1,200 GAPPS State Meet 1,300 GA Youth Games Meet

COMMUNITY SERVICES Special Events

Recreation

EGGSTRAVAGANZA

153 PARTICIPANTS

TOUCH-A-TRUCK

5,000 ATTENDEES 400 PARTICIPANTS

GUNS-N-HOSES 5K

600+ RUNNERS

PAWS IN THE POOL

353 PARTICIPATING PUPS Individual Awards Tony Stargel

Outstanding Facilities and Grounds Team Member, GRPA District Five

Shawn Schumacher

eet

Meet

populations over 150,000 by the Georgia Recreation and Park Association. It also earned CAPRA accreditation for the first time in history.

OASIS FAMILY FUN NIGHTS

s

t

Cherokee Recreation and Parks was named as the 2021 Agency of the Year in the category for counties with

THE GREAT PUMPKIN FEST WATER SAFETY WEEK

3,194 PARTICIPANTS

6,000+ ATTENDEES

Al Richardson Athletic Award, GRPA District Five

Frankie Sanders

Bob Frongillo Magic Spark Plug Award, Leadership Cherokee Class of 2020-2021

OUTSTANDING PROGRAM OF THE YEAR (GRPA DISTRICT 5)

25

Community Development Block Grant The Community Development Block Grant Program manages the CARES Act funding distribution, which is supplemental to the annual entitlement funding received from HUD. CARES Act funds were distributed to nonprofits to leverage efforts to serve the community during an unprecedented pandemic.

The County received additional funding through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act for Emergency Rental Assistance.

With administrative partner, MUST Ministries, in relation to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, clients were able to receive rent and utilities assistance to remain stably housed.

2.2 MIL+

$

EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE THROUGH

125,403

$ $

CHEROKEE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY*

58,814

GOSHEN VALLEY

$

35,543

CONVERSION

OF A FIRE STATION TO A COMMUNITY CENTER*

$

$ $

48,346 SENIOR HOME REPAIR

43,094

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB $

24,996

$ $

25,768

BETHESDA COMMUNITY

MUST MINISTRIES

CLINIC

2020 Community Development Block Grants The 2020 CDBG Grant funds from HUD were not received by Cherokee County until February 2021.

The City of Canton and the YMCA were also named in the distribution of funds for this program.

Child 24,233 Cherokee Advocacy Council Bethesda $ Community Clinic 3,101

$

MUST MINISTRIES

2021 Community Development Block Grants The 2021 CDBG Grant funds from HUD were not received by Cherokee County until September 2021.

26

64,569

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

35,746

CHEROKEE CHILD ADVOCACY COUNCIL

*Partially funded by CDBG grant money.

CORONER

697,898

$

CHEROKEE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

$

122,483 MUST

$

21,367

BETHESDA

In 2021, the Cherokee County Coroner’s office worked 611 cases.

MINISTRIES

COMMUNITY

CLINIC

$

4,999

CHEROKEE COUNTY

SENIOR SERVICES

17,024

$

HERITAGE

PRESBYTERIAN

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 26 percent of the 2,347 deaths in Cherokee County since January 2021.

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 also 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 families’ needs are met.

CARES Act Funds

Provided to nonprofits to serve Cherokee County residents and businesses.

Sally Sims Coroner

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.

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.

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PUBLIC SERVICES AGENCY

Marshal’s Office

412,325 CALLS RECEIVED

CODE ENFORCEMENT

87% INBOUND / 13% OUTBOUND

90% OF CALLS ANSWERED IN 10 SECONDS OR LESS Law Enforcement Calls. . . . . . . . . . . . 217,746 Processing Time, average. . . . . . . . . 3:08 min.

Shane Bonebrake E 9-1-1 Director

E 9-1-1 welcomed a new director in 2021. Director Shane Bonebrake brings more than 30 years of public safety service to the agency. His experience includes peace officer, paramedic and military.

Fire Calls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28,992 Processing Time, average. . . . . . . . . 2:00 min.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

CALLS FOR SERVICE

3,085

ANIMAL CONTROL CALLS FOR SERVICE

fficTIe ON ! hal’sINO s THE NA r a M Y d L e t N i THE O ly Accred al Nation

447

MEDICAL

Ra

1,276 TOTAL

PHONE

28

3,265

REVIEWS COMPLETED

415 The Cherokee E-9-1-1 Team achieved its fourth CALEA Accreditation. One of six centers in Georgia and one of 56 in the nation.

PUBLIC SERVICES AGENCY

E 9-1-1

2,606

OPEN RECORDS REQUESTS FILED

414

RADIO

8,667

AGENCY TRAINING HOURS COMPLETED

The Cherokee Marshal’s Office and Cherokee Animal Shelter offered free animal investigation and safety training presented

by Kevin D. Hearst, an adjunct professor/instructor at the Law Enforcement Training Institute. The Public Services Agency departments worked together to offer the training to professionals from Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.

PUBLIC SERVICES AGENCY

Probation Office

PUBLIC SERVICES AGENCY

Animal Shelter

45,515

COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS PERFORMED BY PROBATIONERS

1,081 NEW ACTIVE CASES

19%

1,577 TOTAL OUTGOING

RECLAIMED

10%

RESCUED

71%

ADOPTIONS

SENTENCED TO PROBATION

fiAcTIe ON !

1,220

N

FELINE

INTAKES

1,099

CANINE

INTAKES

2,319 TOTAL INTAKES PUBLIC SERVICES AGENCY

Radio Technology Department

PUBLIC SERVICES AGENCY

Emergency Management

1,833 RADIOS ON STREET 98% COVERAGE

Cherokee County Radio Technology Department is responsible for maintaining 1,833 public safety radios. These radios operate on six simulcast tower sites within the county that provide 98% on street coverage. Jason Jenkins was hired as the Radio Technology Director in 2021.

96

ACTIVATION HOURS

Dana Martin Public Services Agency Director

The Public Services Agency includes the Cherokee Marshal’s Office, Emergency Management, E 9-1-1, Animal Shelter, Probation Services and Radio Technology. Also under the PSA umbrella are Code Enforcement and Animal Control, which report directly to the county marshal. The Public Services Agency is led by Director Dana Martin.

12

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER ACTIVATIONS

Daniel Westbrook was selected in 2021 to lead the Emergency Management Agency.

29

SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS In partnership with the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners, the Cherokee Office of Economic Development managed and dispersed $629,000* in CARES Act funding to assist small businesses. The program directly supported 51 small businesses in Cherokee County in rounds one and two of the LMI Small Business Grant Program.

ABC Alterations Academy of Dance Arts, Inc. American Cuckoo Clock Company, The Anawyem Ventures, LLC Aspire Dance Arts LLC Atlanta International Business Barrel & Vine Woodstock, LLC Barton Surveying Be Brave Big Note Music Blakeney Enterprises Bowen’s TaeKwonDo Plas Inc. Bradash Bus Center Atlanta, The Cherokee County Historical Society Cherokee FOCUS Cherokee Makerspace Inc. Choate BBQ Copan Coffee Roasters CORE Academy Corporation Dream Body Inc. Dulce Gelato Elm Street Cultural Arts Village Forever And A Day Foxtale Book Shoppe Company Gracie Barra of Georgia

Graham Pediatrics of Woodstock Gunnin Land Surveying Haynes Electrical Hyun & Jung Live Clean, Inc. Macliz Mettle By Abby Monami Next Step Ministries Optimum Health Chiropractic, PC Pawsitive Return Puzzle Play Reformation Brewery Saif Enterprises Salon Gloss Sara Coffee, LLC SEEK Ministries Shailesh, Inc. Shoen Insulation SM2 LLC. Sports Performance & Rehabilitation Institute Steppin’ Out Performing Arts That Computer Chick, LLC Universal Alloy Corporation Weaver Meyer LLC

Cherokee by Choice.

Recruitment. Retention.

Expansion.

518

New Jobs

ANNOUNCED/COMMITTED

142+ MIL New Capital

$

Investment

67

Business Prospects

16

New Locations *The total amount of the CARES Act provided for small business grants was $697,898. Ten percent of the total was earmarked for administration costs.

or Expansions

Marvel’s streamin Disney+ historic J in Downt

Mercede Van adve partially Creek fea Barry No

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

12,000+

STUDENTS INTRODUCED TO SKILLED PROFESSIONS

BE PRO BE PROUD GEORGIA

Misti Martin Marvel’s Hawkeye streaming series on Disney+ filmed in the historic Jones Building in Downtown Canton.

49 Film

Projects

183

Film Inquiries

Photo Illustration

Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van advertisement partially shot at Blankets Creek featuring BMX pro Barry Nobles.

President Economic Development

Misti Martin has served as the president of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development since 2004.

She and her team make connections with industry, bring businesses to Cherokee County, support workforce development, and more.

The Economic Development team helps people understand why it’s #cherokeebychoice.

Networks Filming in Cherokee County:

31

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT American Rescue Plan Act

$

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners has a unique opportunity to utilize the funds received from the American Rescue Plan Act to help the County, its citizens and businesses to recover from the Coronavirus or COVID-19 Pandemic. The County intends to use the funds to aid with the following broad initiatives: • • • • • •

Economic Viability Facility Improvements Judicial System General Projects & Programs Health & Safety Initiatives Homelessness & Community Needs

To date, Cherokee County has utilized $36,402 for unemployment insurance and $16,582 for hazard pay for the Probate Court system. The County is awaiting the U.S. Treasury’s final decision and rules on fund uses and restrictions before finalizing its plan and the specific projects it plans to undertake. The projects presented in this report are preliminary and subject to change.

32

5.5+ MILLION

ECONOMIC VIABILITY $

8.25+ MILLION

FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS $

$50.26+

4.25+ MILLION JUDICIAL SYSTEM

MILLION

$

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDS

8+ MILLION

GENERAL PROJECTS & PROGRAMS

15.175+ MILLION

$

HEALTH & SAFETY INITIATIVES $

8.5+ MILLION

HOMELESSNESS & COMMUNITY NEEDS

Facility Improvements Economic Viability • • • •

Be Pro Be Proud/job training assistance Small business grants, loans, programs, and services Grants to impacted industries Aid to other impacted industries

• Physical plant changes to public facilities • Indoor air purification system upgrades/installations • Permanent storage facilities for pandemic-related materials • Acquisition of vaccination stations, signage, and equipment • Disinfection of public areas

Health & Safety Initiatives General Projects & Programs • • • •

Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency funds EMS fund Conference center being closed during pandemic Tourism, travel, hospitality, etc.

• • • • • •

Medical testing equipment and supplies Purchase of vaccination and increased staffing Communications for marketing campaign Technology for E 9-1-1 backup center E 9-1-1 increased sanitization needs Cyber security and virtual communication influx

Judicial Improvements

• Virtual courts • Evidence-based community violence intervention programs

Homelessness & Community Needs • • • • •

Facility renovations and home repairs Increased need for services Loans and grants Counseling services Utility, rental, and cash assistance

TAX COMMISSIONER

Canton Calls

MONTHLY AVG

4,897

1,784

Woodstock Calls MONTHLY AVG

2,782

7

Timber

15,229

$

179,166 Passenger Vehicles

Sonya Little Tax Commissioner

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. Sonya Little has served as Cherokee’s Tax Commissioner since 2011.

34

$

34,192

Mobile Homes

$

Personal Property

473,011

12.1+

108,863 Real Property

301+

$

$

MILLION

MILLION

TAX 313.77+ MILLION PROPERTY COLLECTIONS

52,305 Trucks

7,530

Motorcycles

32,969 Trailers

$

739,159

$

Kiosk

2+ MIL Web

14.1+ MIL

$ $

8.1+ MIL

Canton Office

Woodstock Office

$

51.9+ MIL

Electronic Dealer Transactions

614

Buses

VEHICLES 272,584 REGISTERED IN CHEROKEE COUNTY

$

76.9+ MILLION

VEHICLE TAX COLLECTIONS

Jan. 1, 20

TAX ASSESSOR

114,648

106,771

Assessment Notices Mailed

26,141

Site Appraisals

Real Property Parcels

12,414 TAX ASSESSOR’S DOCKET

Personal Property Accounts

Oct. 1, 2020 – Sept. 30, 2021

MIL

Dealer ions

6,551

1,731

Exemptions Issued

Appeals Processed

235

Board of Equalization Hearings

Jan. 1, 2021 – Dec. 31, 2021

Steve Swindell Tax Assessor

The Cherokee County Board of Assessors’ staff, per state law, is responsible for the appraisals of all property (real and personal) within Cherokee County and approves or denies all exemption applications. The staff is responsible for the proper maintenance of all tax records and maps for Cherokee County and shall have custody of such records. The county appraisal staff is responsible for preparing annual assessments on all property required to be assessed by the Board of Assessors.

Such assessments must conform to the requirements of law and must be submitted to the Board of Assessors for approval.

35

DISTRICT ATTORNEY DA’s Case Log

FELONY CASES OPENED 1,661

Cherokee County

Solicitor-General’s Office Keeping up with COVID-19

FELONY CASES CLOSED 1,082

PROBATION REVOCATIONS 791 ASSISTED 3,060 JUVENILE CRIME CASES VICTIMS 721

As the international COVID-19 pandemic persisted into 2021, the SolicitorGeneral’s Office continued serving Cherokee citizens in unique and innovative ways. Arraignments in the Judicial Center parking deck continued until the end of the statewide judicial emergency declared by Chief Justice Harold Melton in July 2021. “Deck Court” began in September 2020, and was held an average of three times per week until July 2021, allowing the Office to continue to move Cherokee’s misdemeanor caseload and reduce the backlog of cases awaiting arraignment to pre-pandemic levels.

Cherokee County

*These are preliminary numbers.

1,559 1,088

946 492

335 151

556 316

306

335

180

323

151

Closed Cases

112

Solicitor-General Case Statistics

MISDEMEANOR SEX CASES

OTHER CASES

CLOSED CASES

DRUG CASES

OPENED CASES

2,765

LOCAL ORDINANCE CASES

In 2021, the District Attorney’s Office continued its essential work, utilizing remote court proceedings to keep the justice system moving. Trial teams presented ten cases to juries, resulting in ten convictions.

4,281 PERSONAL & PROPERTY CASES

When felony crimes are committed in Cherokee County, the District Attorney’s Office ensures that justice is served and crime victims are protected.

A team of prosecutors, investigators, victim advocates, and support personnel collaborate with law enforcement and other agencies to close cases through plea hearings and trials.

By year’s end, the District Attorney’s Office opened 1,661 felony cases, closed 1,082 felony cases, received 791 probation revocations, opened 721 juvenile cases, and assisted 3,060 crime victims.* 36

Opened Cases

FAMILY VIOLENCE CASES

District Attorney Shannon Wallace has served the citizens of Cherokee County since January 2013. She has nearly 20 years of prosecuting experience, including serving as an assistant district attorney in Cherokee County and the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit. She began her third term as District Attorney in January 2021.

District Attorney’s Office

DUI CASES

District Attorney

TRAFFIC CASES

Shannon Wallace

16 23

ed s

SOLICITOR-GENERAL Also, when state and local authorities allowed the resumption of Jury Trials in March 2021, our office was the first in North Georgia to take a case to trial. This herculean effort required intense coordination between multiple other agencies, including Court Administration, the State Court Clerk’s Office, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the Office of Indigent Defense, and Cherokee Probation Services. Numerous COVID-related precautions were taken, including reconfiguring Courtroom 1B to allow juries to socially distance, reconfiguring the witness stand, counsel tables, and other functional areas to protect court staff, and instituting a rigorous cleaning protocol. The result was that Senior Assistant Solicitor-General Michelle Dissman took a case to trial for the first time in over a year, securing a DUI conviction on March 24, 2021. Thereafter, the Solicitor-General’s Office conducted trials in April, May, and June until another local judicial emergency put them back on hold in August 2021.

Accountability Courts

Percentages of Cases Closed ROLLING CLOSURE RATE TRAFFIC — 70% DUI — 52% FAMILY VIOLENCE — 68% PERSONAL & PROPERTY — 57% LOCAL ORDINANCE — 106% DRUG — 45% OTHER CASES — 62% MISDEMEANOR SEX — 144%

Todd Hayes Solicitor-General

and substance abuse for those most at risk.

Defendants in this court receive extensive group and individual therapy and treatment, and report regularly to the Court so that their progress can be closely monitored. In-person DUI Court sessions will resume in January 2022.

During the pandemic, the Solicitor-General’s Office continued 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 Veterans Treatment Court, and Judge Keith Wood’s Treatment Accountability Court for those with treatable mental health issues.

Much like the DUI Court, the Misdemeanor Drug Court Program, focuses on providing intensive treatment to repeat misdemeanor drug offenders. This court focuses on establishing and maintaining the sobriety of offenders who have a demonstrated history of substance abuse. This program will resume in-person sessions in the near future.

The DUI Court Program focuses on providing intensive counseling and treatment to repeat DUI Offenders in an effort to reduce recidivism

Veterans Treatment Court focuses on defendants who have served our Country in its armed services and who have been adversely affected

by issues related to and rooted in trauma endured during that service. In coordination with other veteran “mentors” and the federal Veterans Administration, this court addresses these issues and helps stabilize these former service members to prevent further interactions with the justice system. Veterans Court sessions began meeting in-person in August 2021.

Treatment Accountability Court focuses on defendants whose offenses have in whole or in part been influenced by treatable mental illness.

The Court focuses on providing treatment and establishing resources to assist these defendants in stabilizing and treating their underlying mental health issues in an effort to reduce the chance of recidivism. For the moment, TAC sessions will remain virtual.

Todd Hayes has served as SolicitorGeneral 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.

37

1

2

4

7

3

5

8

6

9

COURTS Cherokee County

Judges

1. Chief Magistrate Judge

James Drane 2. Chief State Court Judge

W. Alan Jordan 3. Presiding Juvenile Court Judge

Jennifer Davis 4. Chief Probate Court Judge

6

Keith Wood 5. Chief Superior Court Judge

Ellen McElyea 6. State Court Judge

A. Dee Morris 7. Superior Court Judge

Tony Baker 8. Superior Court Judge

David Cannon, Jr. 9. State Court Judge

Michelle L. Helhoski

Superior Court Criminal Cases Felony Filings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,733 Felony Dispositions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,212 Misdemeanor Filings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Misdemeanor Dispositions. . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Magistrate Court Filings Arrest & Search warrants. . . . . . . . . . 10,240 New Civil Cases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5,730 County & Municipal Ordinance Citations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281

Superior Court Civil Cases Filings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,347 Disposed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,458

State Court Civil Cases Filings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,516 Disposed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,363

Juvenile Court Criminal Cases Filings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 811 Disposed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 804 Traffic Filings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232 Traffic Disposed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242 CHINS Filings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 CHINS Disposed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 Delinquency Filings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388 Delinquency Disposed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404

State Court Criminal Cases Serious Traffic Filed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,191 Serious Traffic Disposed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 497 Misdemeanor Filings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,766 Misdemeanor Disposed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 965 Traffic Filed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,063 Traffic Disposed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,900

Juvenile Court Civil Cases Filings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 477 Disposed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 483 Dependency Filings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351 Dependency Disposed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375 Special Proceedings Filings. . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Special Proceedings Disposed. . . . . . . . . 64 Termination Filings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Termination Disposed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Deeds & Records Deeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69,879 Liens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,086 Plats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,243 UCC's. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,791 Trade Names. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 447 Military Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Patty Baker Clerk of Courts

Patty Baker has served as the Clerk of Courts in Cherokee County since January 2005. The Clerk is an elected Constitutional Officer responsible for maintaining and safeguarding all documents appropriately presented for recording. Cherokee County’s Clerk of Courts Office receives and files criminal and civil court filings and serves as custodian of county land and property records.

provided by Chief Probate Court (Information Probate Court Judge Keith Wood) Weapons Carry License Applications. . . 1,497 Marriage License Applications. . . . . . . . . . 1,585

39

Harry B. Johnston, Commission Chairman | 1130 Bluffs Pkwy, Canton, GA 30114 | (678) 493-6000 | CherokeeGA.com