2023 Annual Report by gcbudget

2023 Annual Report

G A S TO N C O U N T Y, N O R T H C A R O L I N A COMMUNITY THREADS

GastonGov.com

Welcome TO GASTON COUNTY Gaston County’s history is rooted in our textiles. But our future ties those threads of the past together with innovations of the future. That begins with opportunity. From our educational and training options to our wide variety of high quality employers, Gaston County is not just a place to live, but a place to thrive. The fabric of what we do as a County organization can often be measured by the way we make your life better as residents. Our incredible staff strives every day to make Gaston County an even greater place to work, play, and stay. It is my pleasure to present to you our Annual Report Card, where we’ll take you on a journey through what we’ve achieved in 2023.



Chairman Chad Brown Riverbend Township

Traffic Jam!

On this special episode of Eye on Gaston, learn how County first responders train for freeway crashes.

2023 Annual Report

Gaston County, North Carolina

 Gaston’s Natural Wonders On this special episode of Savvy Citizen, our team takes you on a hike at Crowder's Mountain.

Table of Contents Message from the County Manager 2024 Board of Commissioners FY 2024 Adopted Budget at a Glance County Government Organization 2023 Community Threads FY 2024-28 Strategic Plan

2023 Annual Report

3 4 5 6 7-14 15-22

Gaston County, North Carolina

The

Fabric of Gaston County Gaston County’s Economic Development Commission announced several major projects in 2023. Highlights include: • • • • • • • •

Premix Groundbreaking at Apple Creek Corporate Center Gold Bond Expansion Announcement Polykemi Grand Opening Osage Mill Groundbreaking Chronicle Mill Grand Opening Gateway Medical Center Groundbreaking Newell Brands Grand Opening Manufacturing Week Celebrations

2023 Annual Report

As we look back on Gaston County's rich history deeply woven in textiles, we find ourselves at the crossroads of tradition and progress. Our roots may be firmly grounded in the threads of the past, but it is the spirit of innovation that propels us forward into an exciting future. In a year where home revaluations increased significantly for many of our residents, I presented our Board with a budget that included the lowest tax rate on record – one lower than the revenue-neutral rate. In addition, the budget is balanced without relying on unrestricted general fund balance, a critical achievement that we aim to sustain in the years ahead. Our exceptional staff, much like skilled artisans, endeavors daily to enhance the tapestry of Gaston County. Their commitment is reflected in our collective pursuit to make this region an even more remarkable place to grow together. As we stand on the threshold of a new year, we invite you to be an integral part of this ongoing journey. Your aspirations and dreams shape the vibrant tapestry of Gaston County.

Dr. Kim S. Eagle County Manager

Gaston County, North Carolina

2024 Board of

John Biggers in His Studio, (1986) Image courtesy of photographer Earlie Hudnall, Jr.

Commissioners

Gaston County operates under a council-manager form of government. The seven members of the Board of County Commissioners are elected for four-year terms on a two-year staggered basis.

Chairman Chad Brown Riverbend Township Vice-Chairman Bob Hovis Crowders Mountain Township Cathy Cloninger Dallas Township

Allen Fraley Cherryville Township

Kim Johnson Gastonia Township

Tom Keigher Gastonia Township



Ronnie Worley

A Local Artist’s Legacy

Learn about the historic donation of the John T. Biggers Collection to Gaston County Museum of Art & History

South Point Township

2023 Annual Report

Gaston County, North Carolina

2023 Annual Report

Gaston County, North Carolina

2024 COUNTY GOVERNMENT County Organization Citizens of Gaston County elect the Board of Commissioners, the Register of Deeds, and the Sheriff. The County Manager is appointed by the Board to run the daily operations of the County.

2023 Annual Report

Gaston County, North Carolina

From Words to Action: Language, Access, and Inclusion in Gaston County

aston County has made significant strides in providing essential resources to its nonEnglish speaking population, with a focus on the Latino/Hispanic and Haitian communities. The county’s outreach approach to the Latino & Hispanic community is multifaceted, incorporating videos, translated fliers, and targeted events to better engage and serve this demographic. This initiative aims to bridge communication gaps and ensure equitable access to information and services for Spanish speakers. 2023 Annual Report

Utilizing Spanish speakers from within the County government and in the community, the Communications Office created more than a dozen Spanish language videos in 2023, in an effort to ensure that portion of Gaston County is not unintentionally excluded from the information shared and services provided. Gaston County’s Social Services’ “SEALS Team” is an integral part of the County's Work First Family Assistance Program. Like the Navy SEALS, this small team goes to great lengths to accomplish their mission with “service and compassion.” The team works towards intentional Gaston County, North Carolina

 Hope for Haitian Refugees

In this episode of Savvy Citizen, hear from the County Staff who won the annual Team of the Year award for their work with the Haitian refugee population in Gaston County.

outreach to the Haitian immigrant population, which has increased substantially in recent years.

The SEALS Team's efforts extend beyond traditional outreach, involving the collection of donations such as clothes, food, and furniture to support Haitian immigrants. Their commitment to facilitating connections with crucial government resources has not only earned them the Gaston County Employee of the Year Team Award but also garnered recognition from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC).

2023 Annual Report

The SEALS Team’s collaboration with multiple organizations has yielded tangible results, including transportation and ESL classes, skill-building programs for job searches, and comprehensive support to help the Haitian community integrate successfully into Gaston County. This comprehensive and communityfocused approach highlights the compassion of our employees.

Gaston County, North Carolina

BY THE NUMBERS:

Impact of Opioid Use in Gaston County Opioids

The state-wide action plan aims to reduce the supply of opioids, in part, by reducing the supply of prescribed pain medication diverted for illicit use.

Illicit opioid involvement in Gaston County is estimated by the percent of opioid deaths involving illicit drugs. The 2022 rate of

is on a par with the NC statewide average.

The percent of Gaston County residents receiving dispensed opioids pills in 2021 dropped to

16%

80.6%

include drugs such as oxycodone, morphine, and fentanyl, which may be prescribed by a doctor. They also include illicit drugs such as heroin.

Despite a steady decline over the past several years, the rate of dispensed opioid pills in Gaston County remains higher than the NC state-wide average of 13%

In 2022, the rates of both ED visits and overdose deaths spiked upwards. The County performed worse than the NC state-wide average on both of these metrics.

Rate of overdose deaths among residents in 2022:

61.9

The 2022 rate of overdose-related Emergency Department (ED) visits per 100,000 residents was

256.1 In 2022, for every 1 drug overdose death there were more than 4 Emergency Department visits due to overdose.

per 100,000, up from 31.6 the prior year.

All information on this page is quoted or paraphrased from NCDHHS’s NC Opioid and Substance Use Action Plan Data Dashboard, accessed January 2024.

2023 Annual Report

Gaston County, North Carolina

Gaston County Takes the LEAD LEAD on Fight Against Opioid Addiction Gaston County is addressing the complex challenges posed by the opioid crisis through a multi-faceted strategy that combines targeted funding initiatives and innovative programs like Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD).

The county is slated to receive approximately $43 million from various settlements and bankruptcy payouts over 18 years, a financial resource earmarked to combat the far-reaching effects of opioids. This funding is distributed with careful consideration of the county's outsized impact on the crisis, receiving 3.36% of North Carolina's opioid settlement funding while representing 2.2% of the state's population. Recognizing the urgent and evolving nature of the opioid crisis, Gaston County has established the Opioid Settlement Task Force to prioritize projects aligned with settlement guidelines. One key initiative is the expansion of the Community Paramedicine Program, a project spearheaded by Gaston Emergency Medical Services (GEMS). This program, funded at

$644,928, connects individuals who have overdosed on opioids with community paramedics. The paramedics, utilizing harm reduction principles, provide options for treatment alternatives and immediately initiate medication-assisted treatment programs. The program was bolstered by funding from the General Assembly, which allowed for Gaston County to pack more than 13,000 opioid overdose response kits to deliver to the community. Additionally, Gaston County is launching the LEAD program, a voluntary pre-booking diversion initiative developed collaboratively with the community and law enforcement. LEAD aims to redirect low-level offenders engaged in drug or sex work activities to community-based programs and services rather than pursuing traditional legal pathways. This program, in partnership with the Gaston County Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office, and local organizations, emphasizes client-directed, non-coercive, street-based case management founded on harm-reduction principles.

GEMS Chief Mark Lamphiear works with volunteers as they pack overdose kits. These kits contain life-saving Naloxone and fentanyl test strips, and are distributed to high-risk populations. Kits such as these are the foundation of the harm-reduction approach to combating opioid-related deaths.

2023 Annual Report

Gaston County, North Carolina

BEFORE

Grant-funded Urgent Repair Program brings relief to elderly, special needs, and low-income homeowners in Gaston County.

AFTER

repair, renew, rejoice! Before and after photos (left) show repairs

BEFORE

made to leaky plumbing and unsafe flooring in one client’s bathroom. Improvements such as

these are needed to eliminate safety hazards.

AFTER

2023 Annual Report

Gaston County, North Carolina

he Gaston County Housing RehabilitaThe significance of the program extends tion program has reached new heights beyond the local community, as state and federal by receiving recognition at the NC studies highlight that every dollar invested in Affordable Housing Awards in Raleigh. housing rehabilitation saves taxpayers $19. This In an historic achievement, the underscores the economic impact program became the first county or and efficiency of the Gaston County “[A repair] can city entity in the 34-year history of initiative. the awards to be honored by the allow a homeowner Unlike similar programs led North Carolina Housing Finance to stay in their home by nonprofits, Gaston County's Agency. safely and with Housing Rehabilitation team, Since its inception, the dignity, but it also including Lauren Lewis, Mike program, spearheaded by Marc has a direct savings Norman, and James Hageman, has Bolick and his dedicated team, has set a precedent by maximizing to Medicare and successfully completed over 100 available resources. Working in Medicaid costs” housing projects in Gaston County, tandem with Gaston County Grants utilizing $2.1 million in grant funding. Manager Pat Laws, the Housing This commendable effort has significantly Rehabilitation team meticulously reviews improved the lives of low-income residents, community applications each year, strategically showcasing the program's commitment to selecting projects that address the greatest fostering positive change in the community. needs and optimize the impact of grant dollars. Bolick explains, “[a repair] can allow a homeownTo learn more about the Urgent Repair er to stay in their home safely and with dignity, Program, including eligibility requirements and but it also has a direct savings to Medicare and how to apply, visit GastonGov.com. Medicaid costs.”

 Urgent Home Repair Listen to the Savvy Citizen Podcast Episode, “Helping Those Who Are Stretched Thin,” about the grantfunded Urgent Home Repair Program

2023 Annual Report

Gaston County, North Carolina

Strengthening Public Safety

Introducing Gaston County's New Public Safety Leadership

Sheriff Chad Hawkins

Emergency Management Director and Fire Marshal Scott Hunter, Sr.

Chief of Police Stephen Zill

In 2023, Gaston County welcomed three distinguished leaders to the forefront of public safety, marking a significant chapter in our community's commitment to ensuring the well-being of residents. Sheriff Chad Hawkins was elected Gaston County Sheriff and sworn in on December 5th, 2022. Chief Stephen Zill, the recently hired head of the Gaston County Police Department, and Scott Hunter Sr., the newly appointed Director of the Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services (OEMFS), both began their new roles in 2023. The three new leaders bring a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to their respective roles. Sheriff Chad Hawkins joined Gaston County at the very beginning of 2023, having formerly served as the Chief of both the Belmont and Cherryville Police Departments. He brings his decades of experience to the role, and hopes to ensure operations run efficiently and effectively. He places special emphasis on training, with heavy interaction in the community on matters of mental health and drug addiction. Chief Stephen Zill took the

2023 Annual Report

Gaston County, North Carolina

helm as the new leader of the Gaston County Police Department. Selected from within the department after a competitive process, Chief Zill brings more than 25 years of law enforcement experience, including over 22 years with GCPD. A lifelong resident of Gaston County, Chief Zill is committed to making the Gaston County Police Department a model agency for professionalism in police services. Scott Hunter Sr., with over 40 years of experience in emergency management and fire services, has been selected as the Director of OEMFS after an intense search process that included top-flight finalists. Having excelled in the acting director role, Hunter's appointment reflects his outstanding leadership and dedication to the safety of our community.

cies. Hunter's strategic vision and commitment to preparedness highlight the County's dedication to safeguarding residents during challenging times. As we witness this pivotal change in leadership, Gaston County residents can look forward to a future where public safety is fortified by the expertise, commitment, and fresh perspectives brought by Sheriff Chad Hawkins, Director Scott Hunter Sr., and Chief Stephen Zill. Their collective vision for collaboration, innovation, and community engagement underscores Gaston County's ongoing dedication to creating a safer and more resilient environment for us all. Together, let us welcome and support these leaders as they guide us towards a future of enhanced public safety.

Under Hunter's guidance, the OEMFS is undergoing a large-scale update to the County's Emergency Operation Plan, a critical document that positions us well for effective crisis response. This comprehensive plan outlines specific roles and responsibilities, ensuring a coordinated and efficient response to emergen-

2023 Annual Report

 Heroic SROs

This episode of Eye on Gaston shines a light on the County’s exemplary School Resource Officers, who keep our public schools safe every day.

Gaston County, North Carolina

FY24-28 Strategic Plan PROVIDING EXCELLENT PUBLIC SERVICE EVERY DAY.

 Walking the Talk

Hear Budget & Strategy staff discuss the FY24-28 Strategic Plan in this episode of Savvy Citizen

The County’s FY24-28 Strategic Plan guides how decisions are made, establishes a vision for long-term planning, and creates a strategic foundation that impacts service delivery. Our mission describes the fundamental purpose of Gaston County Government: to provide excellent public service every day. When we embody our mission, the County moves closer toward achieving our vision for the future. In the following pages, the 14 goals associated with Gaston County’s FY24-28 Strategic Plan are organized into four focus areas. County departments are responsible for carrying out objectives associated with each goal. Over time, completion of each objective will push the County closer to achieving its goals. Just a few of the numerous objectives are highlighted in the following pages. Unless otherwise noted, all objectives aim to achieve their targets by FY 2028. To view the FY24-28 Strategic Plan in its entirety, including a complete list of goals and objectives, please visit GastonGov.com.

COMMUNITY HEALTH, SAFETY, & WELL-BEING Gaston County residents rely on services provided by the county to keep them safe, provide emergency medical transport, support their health, and connect them to other services.

GOAL 1 Reduce substance misuse and its impacts in Gaston County •

County Police will admit 20 participants into the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program annually

•

County Police will partner with attorneys to admit 20 participants into the Recovery Court program annually

•

Public Health will work with partners to reduce the incidence rate of neonatal abstinence syndrome births by 5% annually

2023 Annual Report

Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) is a voluntary pre-booking diversion program developed with the community which allows law enforcement to redirect lowlevel offenders engaged in drug or sex work activity to community-based programs and services, instead of jail and prosecution. In 2023, Gaston County admitted its first two participants into the program.

Gaston County, North Carolina

COMMUNITY HEALTH, SAFETY, & WELL-BEING GOAL 2 Improve resiliency and sustainability of the emergency services workforce. •

Gaston Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) will obtain Unit Hour Utilization (UHU) of < 0.50 in 90% of the 168 weekly hours by the end of FY 2026

•

GEMS will reduce employee turnover rate to < 10% annually by the end of FY 2025 and will maintain the reduction in subsequent years by constantly evaluating turnover

•

GEMS will reduce the number of sick days used by employees as a result of critically stressful inducing events 50% by end of FY 2025 and maintain this reduction

GOAL 3

Unit Hour Utilization (UHU) is a way to measure productivity of EMS units. UHU is calculated by dividing the total number of EMS transports by the number of hours with an available, equipped, and fully staffed ambulance (i.e. “unit hour”). In the final quarter of FY23 (Q4), GEMS achieved an average UHU of <0.50 in 45% of unit hours (75 of its 168 weekly hours).

FY23 Unit Hour Utilization

Ensure safety, health, and social services are responsible, equitable, and customer-focused •

County Police will answer all 911 calls within 10 seconds, 90% of the time

•

Public Health will work to ensure the African American Infant Mortality Rate is at or below the county average

•

Social Services will pass the state’s monthly report card, requiring 90% timeliness annually

•

Cooperative Extension will increase the number of adults who become more physically active by 20%

GOAL 4 Improve access to and coordination of services for a diverse community, including the vulnerable and marginalized. •

Social Services will ensure the number of youths entering foster care per 1,000 cases will be comparable with surrounding counties

•

Social Services will ensure that 40.5% of children who enter foster care are discharged to permanency within first 12 months

•

Hope United Survivor Network will increase survivor participation in 75% of services recommended by Case Management

•

Public Health will work to ensure that 90% of children are up to date on per the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended childhood immunizations

•

Public Works will update 50% of non-compliant facilities to meet ADA compliance

2023 Annual Report

 Inside Foster Care

Learn about the County’s foster care system through the eyes of both social worker and foster parent on this episode of Savvy Citizen.

Gaston County, North Carolina

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & PLANNED GROWTH GOAL 1 Ensure services, infrastructure, and programming meet the needs of anticipated growth •

Budget & Strategy will maintain Gaston County’s the General Fund Liquidity ratio above 2.0

•

Economic Development Commission (EDC) will facilitate planning, design, and construction to increase availability of water and sewer

•

Natural Resources will work with conservation partners to protect an area of land equivalent to 20% of what is approved for development annually

•

Natural Resources will improve and protect 7,500 linear feet of streambank through agricultural cost-share programs

•

Cooperative Extension will increase the adoption of best management practices among farmers, gardeners, and landscapers by 15%

•

The General Fund is the County’s primary, day-today operating fund. Liquidity measures the fund’s ability to meet short term obligations. It is calculated by dividing current liabilities by the sum of cash and investments. The last three years show a general downward trend of the County’s liquidity ratio, though the overall ratio remains above the industry standard of 2.0 (which would indicate $2 in cash for every $1 of liabilities). Annual Liquidity Ratio

Cooperative Extension will increase the number of stream feet that are consistently monitored for water quality by 30%

GOAL 2 Improve community engagement •

Tax will educate at least 5% of taxpayers regarding tax office programs

•

EDC will collaborate with all partners to grow the labor force by 2%

•

Natural Resources will increase the average participant scores on Environmental Education Skills survey by 3% annually

•

Tourism Development will achieve a 4.5 or higher client satisfaction rating by the end of FY 2024 and maintain a score of 4.5 or higher

•

Tourism Development will increase survey response rate by 5% annually

GOAL 3 Grow and diversify the economy in ways that broaden the tax base and provide sustainable employment and economic mobility for residents

2023 Annual Report

•

EDC will increase the industrial/commercial tax base by 3%

•

Cooperative Extension will increase the number of new farm and garden enterprises in Gaston County by 20%

Gaston County, North Carolina

SPOTLIGHT ON EXCEPTIONAL EMPLOYEES LEAH BYRUM, COUNTY POLICE Officer Leah Byrum demonstrated exceptional bravery and heroism as she responded to a distress call involving an unresponsive infant. With a rapid response time of only 42 seconds, Officer Byrum immediately took charge of the situation. She skillfully performed CPR for over six minutes, working tirelessly to maintain the infant's airway and circulation until EMS arrived. Officer Byrum's quick thinking, command presence, and dedication to her duty ultimately contributed to the infant's survival and improved chances of recovery. Her heroic actions exemplify the highest standards of service and reflect great credit upon herself and Gaston County.

COLD WEATHER SHELTER VOLUNTEERS These County employees went above and beyond their regular job duties by volunteering their time to staff an overnight emergency shelter serving people experiencing homelessness in Gaston County. Without their assistance, the Cold Weather Shelter would not have been possible. This group of volunteers exemplified the values of empathy, service, and community support.

KATIE LOVE, LIBRARY Katie Love created the Sam Leonhardt Memorial Coat Closet. The program was established at the Belmont Library, providing essential items to those experiencing homelessness or hardships. Despite initial challenges, Katie's perseverance and dedication led to a successful launch, with generous donations pouring in from the community. The impact of the coat closet extended beyond the cold months, benefiting individuals during the hot months as well. Her leadership and coordination have inspired the implementation of similar projects in other library locations, ensuring continued support for those in need throughout Gaston County.

2023 Annual Report

Gaston County, North Carolina

RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL, AND LIFE-LONG LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES GOAL 1 Improve equitable access and diverse representation in programming and resources •

Gaston County Public Library (Library) will add six strategies to increase the provision of services to the unhoused

•

Library will implement 80% of the Inclusive Access Team’s recommendations to remove barriers and increase inclusivity and accessibility to materials, programming, and services

•

Board of Elections will strive to increase the number of new registered voters by an average of 5% annually

•

Gaston County Museum (Museum) will ensure that 50% of permanent exhibits include Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and other underrepresented groups in interpretations

•

Parks and Recreation will increase Latinx and other underrepresented populations’ participation in Senior Games by 20% annually

•

Parks and Recreation will ensure that 100% of playgrounds at Gaston County parks facilities are ADA compliant

GOAL 2 Optimize and improve resource allocation to meet growing and changing community needs

2023 Annual Report

•

Library will work to increase staffing levels to achieve the NC Public Library Standards’ base tier of “Essential” by FY 2026

•

Library will increase professional development levels for staff to achieve the NC Public Library Standards’ mid-level tier of “Enhanced”

•

Board of Elections will relocate 25% of school voting sites to nonschool locations

•

Board of Elections will expand available early voting locations by 15% for the 2028 Presidential General Election

•

Museum board will match 15% of operational budget through fundraising

•

Museum will work to increase gift shop sales 5% annually

•

Parks and Recreation will work to increase participation in Seniorcise 10% annually

Gaston County, North Carolina

RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL, AND LIFE-LONG LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES GOAL 3 Promote enjoyment of Gaston County’s diverse historic, artistic, and natural resource assets •

Cooperative Extension will increase the number of youths participating in 4-H school enrichment programs (e.g. EFNEP, Healthy Harvest, and Embryology) by 10% annually

•

Cooperative Extension will increase the number of Gaston County 4 -H youth winning District or State 4-H awards for presentations and project record books by 10% annually

•

In FY23, there were

1,245 youths participating in 4-H school enrichment programs

Museum will increase visitation rates by 40% annually

GOAL 4 Balance development with the preservation and enhancement of natural, historical, agricultural, and cultural resources •

Natural Resources will work with Parks & Recreation to improve 10 acres of habitat

•

Cooperative Extension will increase the number of clients gaining plant or animal production knowledge or skills through Extension programs and consultations to 2,000

•

Cooperative Extension will increase protected farmland in Gaston County by 15%

•

Cooperative Extension will engage at least 100 youth in implementing projects to protect or enhance the environment

 Making Farmland a Priority

In this episode of Savvy Citizen, members of the Gaston County Cooperative Extension and Natural Resources Department talk about updates to the Farmland Protection Plan and how that will help farmers across our county for years to come.

As of FY23, there are

662

acres across

parks in Gaston County

2023 Annual Report

Gaston County, North Carolina

ORGANIZATION-WIDE FOCUS GOAL 1 Align resources and staffing to meet increasing and changing service demand •

Public Works will reduce the Square Foot-to-FTE (trades) ratio 50%

•

Tax will ensure that 50% of staff is divisionally cross trained to assist with deficits and enhance customer and public service by FY 2027

•

Information Technology will strive to repurpose more than 2% of employee time as a result of improved processes and technology utilization

•

Information Technology will increase exposure to high school and college students by two actions annually

•

Finance will shift five manual processes to automated processes to improve operational efficiencies

•

Finance will improve departmental bank reconciliation productivity by 10%

•

Human Resources will increase employee retention by 10%

•

Cooperative Extension will increase the number of volunteer hours by 20%

GOAL 2 Improve data collection, accessibility, and sharing to inform internal and external decision making •

Budget & Strategy will increase Gaston County’s internal data literacy rate by 20%

Don’t let the cowboy hats fool you! These “data wranglers” are serious about spreadsheets. Pictured to the right are a few graduates of the County’s internally developed Data Literacy Peer Training Program. The County’s Data Team developed this program as a costeffective way to improve employees’ competencies in data collection, data analysis, and data communications. The program has graduated two cohorts since its inception in 2022.

67%

Average self-reported data literacy score, 2021

2023 Annual Report

Gaston County, North Carolina

ORGANIZATION-WIDE FOCUS GOAL 3 Improve internal and external flow of information •

Communications will increase interactions to social media posts by 10% annually

•

Communications will increase the number of Savvy Citizen Podcast downloads by 4,000 annually

•

Communications will work to maintain a 90%-95% customer experience rating for users of the Gaston County website

•

Communications will increase engagement to reach at least 20% of the Gaston County Spanish-speaking community

•

Human Resources will collaborate with departments to ensure 95% of identified tech roles within the County will have clear/ comprehensive succession plans

•

Board of Elections will ensure 100% of new Federal and State voting and election laws are posted to the County Election website and social media within 10 business days of receiving guidance from the NC State Board of Elections annually

Number of Social Media Interactions, Total of @GastonCountyGov Accounts

2023 Quarterly Interactions on Social Media

2023 Annual Report

Gaston County is dedicated to providing excellent public service every day, with a part of that dedication being County-wide strategic planning efforts. The FY 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, Gaston County’s guiding internal document, is a dynamic roadmap with goals threaded throughout the organization. Its maintenance, through twice annual data drops, digital dashboards, and annual reporting, enhances Gaston’s accountability throughout our community. As the County continues moving forward and into the FY 2024-2028 Strategic Plan and the vision of One Gaston 2040, it strives to maintain its commitment to being a model of excellence in public service leadership, setting the stage for future generations. Local Strengths. Global Success.

Gaston County, North Carolina

ABOUT T H E AN N UAL R E P ORT The Annual Report offers Gaston County residents a high-level overview of County operations and initiatives in 2023. The County seeks to inform its residents about the totality of services provided through a readable and understandable report to grow trust in local government. The 2021 and 2022 Annual Reports received national recognition through both the City-County Communications and Marketing Association and the Government Finance Officers Association.

CONNECT WITH US ONLI NE Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and X (Twitter) @GastonCountyGov

S AV V Y C I T I Z E N P O D C A S T Look for Gaston County’s podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, PodBean, or your favorite podcast app

Written and designed by the Gaston County Communications and Budget & Strategy departments