Spalding County 2022 Annual Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BUILDING A BETTER TOMORROW, P. 4

WHO'S WHO IN SPALDING COUNTY, P. 6

THE YEAR OF PLANNING, P. 7

ABOUT SPALDING COUNTY, P. 8

2022 LEADERSHIP, PP. 9-11

2016 SPLOST UPDATES, PP. 12-13

2021 TSPLOST UPDATES, PP. 14-15

2022 FINANCIALS, PP. 16-18

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE, COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN, SERVICE DELIVERY STRATEGY UPDATE, P. 19

TELLING OUR STORY, PP. 20-23

COURTS, PP. 24-26

DEVELOPMENT, PP. 27-29

ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL, P. 30

GRIFFIN+SPALDING COUNTY LIBRARY, P 31

PARKS, RECREATION, AND LEISURE SERVICES, PP. 32-38

PUBLIC SAFETY, PP. 39-45

PUBLIC WORKS, PP. 46-48

RADIO/IT/BROADBAND, P. 49

LOOKING TO 2023, P 50

BUILDING A BETTER TOMORROW. TODAY.

2022 has been referred to within Spalding County as the "Year of Planning" While strategic planning rarely rouses feelings of excitement, it's the #1 step in making a business, corporation, or county successful.

Together with the community, we updated our long-range Comprehensive Plan and Comprehensive Transportation Plan in 2022 We renegotiated our Service Delivery Strategy with the City of Griffin, and after careful deliberation and hard work on both sides, we renegotiated the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) distribution, assuring all residents that quality services and property tax relief will continue in a fair, equitable way

In addition, we've been fulfilling long-held promises in Spalding County, repairing and resurfacing roads, improving rural broadband, and celebrating the grand opening of our new Animal Care and Control facility as well as breaking ground on the Aquatic Center

Like many counties, we've experienced challenges along the way. But we're listening and growing. We're building a better TOMORROW in Spalding County while improving ways to serve our residents and stakeholders TODAY. We're firming up the foundation for our future, and it looks bright.

Road resurfacing team at work in the county

Shelter cat adoption at Animal Care and Control

County Manager Dr. Steve Ledbetter talks Comprehensive Plan Update

Residents take part in Bulky Item Cleanup Day

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

STAFF

JINNA GARRISON ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

TYLER WHITE ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL

DEANDRE SMITH CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT

COUNTY MANAGER

CARMELETTA BRENT CODE ENFORCEMENT

MIKE WINDHAM COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

GLENN POLK FIRE ADMIN, EMA, HOMELAND SEC

MIKE BYRD FIRE OPERATIONS

CARL HUMPHREY CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION

SYBLE JONES JUVENILE PROBATION

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

LANCE GRIFFIN CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE

RICARDO MCCRARY E911

MILES NEVILLE HUMAN RESOURCES

KELLY CARMICHAEL LEISURE SERVICES

TJ IMBERGER

PARKS, GROUNDS & PUBLIC WORKS

KATHY GIBSON COUNTY CLERK

DISTRICT 1 GWEN FLOWERSTAYLOR

DR. STEVE LEDBETTER

DISTRICT 2 JAMES DUTTON

DISTRICT 3 RITA JOHNSON

DISTRICT 4 RYAN BOWLDEN

DISTRICT 5 CLAY DAVIS

THE YEAR OF PLANNING

Spalding County began 2022 with the launch of its Comprehensive Plan Update campaign, "Help Shape Spalding," which ran in tandem with the Comprehensive Transportation Plan Update and the successful renegotiations of the county's Service Delivery Strategy and Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) distribution with the City of Griffin

These plans and programs, mandated by state government, aim to make residents' dayto-day lives better and provide a road map for long-term quality of life

O U N T Y

A B O U T S P A L D I N G C

ABOUT SPALDING COUNTY

Spalding County, established December 20, 1851, is located in west central Georgia, 40 miles south of Downtown Atlanta and 55 miles northwest of Macon. It is bordered by Butts, Clayton, Coweta, Fayette, Henry, Lamar, Meriwether, and Pike counties and is part of the Atlanta Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Three incorporated municipalities are located within Spalding County: Griffin (county seat), Sunny Side, and Orchard Hill.

Home to the University of Georgia Griffin Campus and Southern Crescent Technical College, Spalding County is a diverse, vibrant community known for its natural resources and beauty, historic landmarks, and small-town charm. It's governed by a Board of Commissioners made up of elected commissioners from five districts and led by an elected chairman.

The county manager, appointed by the Spalding County Board of Commissioners, serves as the county’s lead executive and administers the policies, decisions, and functions as determined by the board. He guides close to 600 full-time and parttime employees in animal control and care; budget and finance; citizen engagement; code enforcement; communication systems; community development; construction and maintenance; corrections; E-911; fire operations, emergency management, and homeland security; human resources; parks, public grounds, and leisure services; public works.

Other Spalding County departments including courts, the Spalding County Sheriff's Office, tax assessor, and tax commissioner are led by elected constitutional officers. While they work with the county and are part of its everyday operations, they are not under the purview of the Board of Commissioners or the county manager

A WORD FROM THE CHAIRMAN

As chairman of the Spalding County Board of Commissioners, I'm proud to present our 2022 Annual Report. So much goes on behind the scenes of running a county, especially in the midst of continued economic, environmental, political, and social challenges. But Spalding County is in a great place, thanks to the dedication of so many in our community, because of the efficiency and innovation with which our staff approaches their work, and their commitment to the excellence our residents demand It hasn't been easy; it's often been difficult Still, you'll see that we've accomplished much this year, and the hardworking folks in this county have put together great plans for the future Together with the Board of Commissioners, our county manager, and our staff, I'm honored to continue leading the charge in 2023. Thank you!

A WORD FROM THE COUNTY MANAGER

August 2022 marked one year as your Spalding County Manager It's been a year of intense learning and listening, of community and partnership, of leaning into my commitment to help make this county thrive, a county we're all proud to call home

This year, our Spalding County teams worked handin-hand with residents and stakeholders to plan and set the stage for our future. How will we build? How will we best serve our citizens? How will we set up our community for quality investment and development? How will we live, work, and play within

the confines of our growth goals while maintaining our rural character and charm? On behalf of the Spalding County Board of Commissioners and our staff, we are honored to carry out these plans. But before we get saddled up for tomorrow, let's take time today to celebrate the progress we've made together. Please enjoy our 2022 Spalding County Annual Report and see for yourself why we're poised for a bright 2023!

2 0 2 2 L E A D E R S H I P

Spalding County Chairman District 5 Commissioner Clay Davis

Spalding County Manager Dr Steve Ledbetter

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Spalding County is governed by a fivemember Board of Commissioners, elected by county citizens. Each commissioner represents a different geographic district within the county.

The board establishes ordinances and policies relating to operation of the county government. The board also acts on citizen requests such as permitting and zoning.

The chairman and vice-chairman positions are elected annually by the Board of Commissioners.

James Dutton District 2 Commissioner Vice-Chairman

Ryan Bowlden District 4 Commissioner

Clay Davis District 5 Commissioner Chairman

Rita Johnson District 3 Commissioner

Gwen Flowers-Taylor District 1 Commissioner

2 0 2 2 L E A D E R S H I P

Commissioners Ryan Bowlden and Rita Johnson greet meeting attendees

Commissioner James Dutton speaks at Animal Care and Control facility grand opening

Commissioners present a proclamation to local Rotary Club leaders Commissioner Gwen Flowers-Taylor celebrates Griffin-Spalding County Schools Back to School Day

Chairman Clay Davis presents joint proclamation to Griffin-Spalding County Schools Superintendent Keith Simmons

O S T U P D A T E S

ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL SHELTER

AQUATIC CENTER

On July 19, the Spalding County Board of Commissioners, parks and recreation leadership, advocates, and other stakeholders broke ground on the much-anticipated Spalding County Aquatic Center at the Lakes at Green Valley.

The Aquatic Center is scheduled to open in late-2023 and will feature an eight-lane competition pool as well as a smaller pool for therapy, classes, and programming.

Spalding County Animal Care and Control celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting on January 29 The new facility is 7,200-square feet and has 118 cages 38 for cats, 80 for dogs a significant increase from the previous location It also has a visitation/playroom for dogs, a dedicated cat and kitten room, air-conditioned kennels, and a more family-friendly atmosphere for all 2 0 1 6 S P L

ROAD RESURFACING AND REPAIRS

Resurfacing and repair of roads, streets, and bridges were key parts of the 2016 SPLOST, and we completed more than 130 miles of work before the 2016 SPLOST expired and the 2021 TSPLOST took over in 2022

ROSENWALD + FAIRMONT + HERITAGE PARK

Since its groundbreaking in May 2021, Griffin's Rosenwald School in the historic Fairmont community has undergone significant structural renovations on its way to becoming Our Legacy Museum Griffin and Spalding County's first AfricanAmerican history museum is scheduled to open in 2024

2 0 1 6 S P L O S T U P D A T E S

T S P L O S T U P D A T E S

2 0 2 1

The 2021 TSPLOST is set to generate $58 million over five years, and $34 million will be spent on resurfacing roads throughout Spalding County

In 2022, the Board of Commissioners approved CW Matthews to perform the 27.2 miles of work for the “year one” list of roads. Work began in June, and we made so much progress that we completed seven roads from the “year two” list

NEW SENIOR CENTER MOTOR COACH

As another part of the 2021 TSPLOST, we replaced Spalding County Senior Center's "Big Blue" with a 2023 MCI J4500, 56-passenger motor coach. County commissioners approved the $550,000 purchase in April $407,000 came from TSPLOST, and the rest from sales of county bonds at a premium. The new coach has more accessible steps, overhead bins that close, and electric and USB ports

After a ribbon cutting on November 16, Senior Center staff and Makin' Tracks Travel Club members took the coach on back-to-back voyages to Ole Time Country Buffet and Buc-ee's in nearby Warner Robins

2 0 2 1 T S P L O S T U P D A T E S

GRANTS BY DEPARTMENT

FY2022

One of the ways we are good stewards of the county's budget is by pursuing grants and awards to help cover expenses. This year, Spalding County departments received more than $8M in grant money from federal and state programs as well as from private donors!

BOOST GRANT SPOTLIGHT

This summer, Spalding County's Leisure Services team gave area youth a big learning "boost!"

Thanks to the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act, the State of Georgia received a three-year opportunity to provide expanded learning support for all students through Building Opportunities in Out-of-School Time (BOOST) grants These were available through the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network (GSAN), the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE), and Georgia Recreation and Park Association (GRPA)

A GRPA member, Spalding County Parks, Public Grounds & Leisure Services applied for a grant and was awarded a total of $94,208 that fully funded salaries for certified teachers and assistants as well as for other enrichment programs The Summer BOOST program took place at all three Spalding County community centers AMBUCS, City Park, and Fairmont and served an unprecedented 110 Spalding County children We were thrilled with the results

Ages5-7:

63% of participants increased from Developing Learners to AccomplishedLearners

37% of participants increased from Accomplished Learners toAcceleratedLearners.

Ages8-9:

64% of participants increased from Developing Learners to AccomplishedLearners

36% of participants increased from Accomplished Learners toAcceleratedLearners.

Ages10-12:

41% of participants increased from Developing Learners to AccomplishedLearners

59% of participants increased from Accomplished Learners toAcceleratedLearners

Ages5-7:

68% of participants increased from Developing Learners to Accomplished Learners

32% of participants increased from Accomplished Learners to Accelerated Learners.

Ages8-9:

64% of participants increased from Developing Learners to Accomplished Learners

36% of participants increased from Accomplished Learners to Accelerated Learners.

Ages10-12:

51% of participants increased from Developing Learners to Accomplished Learners

49% of participants increased from Accomplished Learners to Accelerated Learners

An average of 65% of participating students increased their critical thinking skills, going from Developing Learners to Accomplished Learners

2 0 2 2 F I N A N C I A L S

CRITICAL THINKING

MATH

S

BUDGET AND FINANCE

Spalding County received its 20th consecutive certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for its report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2021 Administrative Services Director Jinna Garrison also earned an Award of Financial Reporting Achievement.

TAX ASSESSOR

Through continuing education, the Board of Assessors, chief appraiser, and staff increased their expertise in appraising real and personal property for the county while maintaining their annual certification with the Georgia Department of Revenue.

The Spalding County Tax Assessor's Office also got a new location! It moved right down the street to 419 East Solomon Street in the Solomon East Center. The new facilities offer easier access for the public, improved parking, and handicap access, along with an appraiser training room and Board of Equalization hearing room.

The Spalding County Tax Assessor's Office upped its tech game with two new software programs that allow appraisers to use aerial maps and GIS Systems to review and validate internal data throughout Spalding County 2 0 2 2 F I N A N C I A L

2042 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE

Last spring, Spalding County engaged the community and area stakeholders to help update the 2042 Comprehensive Plan.

The Comprehensive Plan is central for guiding the overall development of unincorporated Spalding County as well as for providing goals and policy objectives for housing, economic development, natural and historic resources, community facilities, utilities, transportation, land use, and the Capital Improvement Element and Community Work Program for the imposition of impact fees. Georgia law mandates that it be updated every five years.

COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE

Roughly every five years, counties across the Atlanta region undergo a planning process to address transportation in their communities. In 2022, the City of Griffin and Spalding County worked with Sycamore Consulting to develop an update for the Comprehensive Transportation Plan, which is a long-term vision for how our local transportation network should evolve to serve residents and employers in our growing region

It includes multiple modes of transportation, including roadways, intersections, freight, pedestrian sidewalks and trails, bicycle facilities, and public transportation

SERVICE DELIVERY STRATEGY UPDATE

Spalding County and the City of Griffin renegotiated their Service Delivery Strategy (SDS) in 2022. The SDS outlines services the county and city provide local businesses and residents

The Georgia Service Delivery Strategy Act of 1997 created the process that local governments within a county should follow when coming to an agreement about the distribution of services

The goal of the SDS update is to minimize inefficiencies in cost, manpower, and reach It also helps ensure we don't duplicate efforts or cause unnecessary competition Furthermore, it provides a way to resolve disputes when it comes to service delivery, funding equity, and land use

Spalding County provides many services to residents, including animal control and the shelter, cooperative extension services, corrections, courts, elections and voter registration, E-911, emergency management, facilities maintenance, fire services, health and human services, jail, law enforcement, library, parks and recreation, senior citizen center, solid waste disposal and recycling, and tax assessment and collections.

T E L L I N G O U R S T O R Y CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT

The citizen engagement team spent 2022 expanding Spalding County's social media footprint and doubling content production and media relations efforts, ensuring residents get accurate, transparent, and helpful news as soon as possible.

Citizen Engagement Specialist DeAndre Smith continued strengthening relationships with the community through events, partnerships, and leadership opportunities with the Kiwanis Club of Griffin, Griffin+Spalding Chamber of Commerce, and other organizations

In January 2022, we launched InSpalding TV on YouTube, creating a dedicated home for meeting streaming and recordings as well as informative videos The platform's comment function offers residents an additional way to engage when they can't attend meetings in person.

For the first time, Spalding County partnered with Southern Crescent Technical College to host five film and web design interns for the fall semester They provided creative support to the citizen engagement team and helped maintain the county’s social media platforms and website More intern participation is planned for 2023.

Also in 2023, the team is scheduled to open a studio at Spalding County Public Works where breaking news can be captured, interviews filmed, and information shared with the public more efficiently and professionally.

Citizen Engagement Specialist DeAndre Smith

Citizen engagement interns from Southern Crescent Technical College

Spalding County's citizen engagement team communicates critical public information like breaking news, office and road closures, planning activities, SPLOST and TSPLOST updates, severe weather information, and weekly meeting notices. They also help produce events like "Beat the Heat" and "Spalding BRITE" as well as celebrate our residents, such as the men and women highlighted during 2022's Black History Month.

Area children play in the snow during Spalding BRITE holiday celebration in City Park

T E L L I N G O U R S T O R Y

Spalding

the Heat"

Citizen engagement, Animal Care and Control teams hand out candy during Downtown Griffin Halloween event

Animal Care and Control celebrates its first annual Santa Claus for Paws event

families "Beat

at the Spalding County Fire Department

C O U R T S

STATE COURT

In 2022, the Spalding County State Court created a gamechanging inmate transfer program that transports inmates straight over to the jail where, once a week, they conduct hearings in the Spalding County Detention Center Hearing Room. This shift from the Spalding County Courthouse to the Detention Center has allowed the State Court team to more than double the amount of cases they see in less than one-half of the time State Court Judge Josh Thacker reports, "We literally went from seeing 16 inmates ALL day, from 9-5, to seeing 20 inmates from 2-4:30."

Why is this important? Because the majority of these inmates are able to secure release from jail after seeing the judge, reducing disruption to defendants' lives and cutting Spalding County taxpayer costs to house, feed, and provide medical care to inmates who are waiting for a court date

"Special 'thank you' to Sheriff Dix and his team for everything they have done to help ensure this system is a success," said Thacker

"The inmate transfer program has been such a success that we're working on upgrading the detention center hearing room into a fully functional courtroom to make everything more functional, efficient, and save taxpayers even more money by making it accessible by other courts."

Spalding County State Court Judge Josh Thacker

Cathy Leach was honored in 2022 for 40 years of service to Spalding County. She is the Spalding County State Court’s Certified Court Reporter and is the secondlongest serving employee in the county.

Board of Commissioners honors Chief Magistrate Judge Rita Cavanaugh for 40 years of service to Spalding County. Judge Cavanaugh is the longest-serving judge in Georgia history.

MAGISTRATE COURT

The Spalding County Magistrate Court, under Chief Magistrate Judge Rita Cavanaugh, finished out 2022 with a record number of filings and hearings: 8,800 criminal warrant and search warrant filings; 3,500 civil filings.

The Magistrate Court conducted 6,000 criminal and 1,800 civil hearings and trials, a substantial increase over 2021 all while complying with Covid restrictions and shifts in support staff

The court also changed procedures in order to more efficiently handle filings and hearings, many with a 10-day turn around on scheduling

In 2022, we also celebrated Judge Cavanaugh as she marked 40 years with Spalding County! Judge Cavanaugh is the longest-serving judge in Georgia history. We salute her, her commitment to the bench, and her love for Spalding County!

C O U R T S

C O U R T S

SPALDING COUNTY VETERANS AND MENTAL HEALTH COURT

Spalding County's Veterans and Mental Health Court continued making successful strides in 2022. The recidivism rate of the Veterans and Mental Health Court is 11%, while the national rearrest rate is 493% (United States Sentencing Commission)

The Spalding County Veterans and Mental Health Court has also created an official 501(c)(3) support organization, thanks to local attorney Karl Broder of Beck, Owen & Murray A division of the State Court, the Veterans and Mental Health Court is presided over by Retired Judge Sidney R. Esary with the help of Court Coordinator Leslie Heffron and is now able to receive donations through the 501(c)(3), which will provide the court with additional financial support The Spalding County Bar Association donated $6,000 as the first private donor.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

State Court Judge Josh Thacker is leading an Ad Hoc advisory committee (“Justice Facilities Committee” (JFC)) to inspect all of Spalding County’s justice facilities and advise the Spalding County Board of Commissioners on which ones need repair, renovation, or replacement in the near future The JFC is co-chaired by attorney Alexander Hope in his capacity as president of the Spalding County Bar Association

Justice Facilities Committee members (L to R): Sheriff Darrell Dix, Judge Fletcher Sams, Alexander Hope, Carmen Caldwell, Judge Josh Thacker, Lance Griffin, and Dr William Simmons

Spalding County Bar Assn. makes donation to the Veterans and Mental Health Court

Spalding County built on a post-Covid boom, with 163 new businesses opening their doors in 2022

849 total businesses are currently open in the county. The department issued 1071+ building permits in 2022 with impact fees of more than $400,000

This summer, Community Development looked to the next generation of community planners by giving area students a window into their work during Career Week at Fairmont's Summer POP program. The team used its "Box City" program, which offered a hands-on, simulated city/county planning process for kids

One of the most important tasks for Community Development in 2022 was to help spearhead the Comprehensive Plan Update. The team is planning other changes in 2023 to help businesses and other development thrive in Spalding County

GRIFFIN+SPALDING AIRPORT

Planning continued in 2022 for the new Griffin+Spalding Airport!

According to Airport Authority Chairman Randy Peters, they have together with consultant Croy Engineering completed a total re-justification study, which came at the request of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Findings should provide the basis for further discussions and action in 2023

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT

GRIFFIN+SPALDING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Executive Director David Luckie reports that the Lakes at Green Valley is full!!

Georgia’s first "eco" mixed-use park is a 570-acre development located along the Georgia Highway 16 corridor (Arthur K. Bolton Parkway) at the intersection of Rehoboth Road and was developed as part of the 2008 SPLOST.

This year, the Griffin+Spalding Development Authority closed on Project Tank for Site Q at the Lakes, resulting in a $5M investment and 1012 new jobs.

They worked on a new equipment line for an existing company located at the Lakes with a $16M investment and 4-5 new jobs.

The Development Authority also closed on Ecopol on the Lakes' Site E, resulting in a $38M investment with 130 new jobs

In addition, the team closed on land for Project Box on the Lakes' Site G, donated Site B to Spalding County for the new Aquatic Center, and helped relocate a company (Project Cold) to an existing building, resulting in a $5M investment and 10 new jobs

Working with the Butts and Spalding County Joint Development Authority, they closed on two sites in River Park. Investment and new job numbers TBD.

DEVELOPMENT

A N I M A L C A R E A N D C O N T R O L

ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL

The new Animal Care and Control center opened to the public on January 29, thanks to the 2016 SPLOST Shortly after, Tyler White assumed the department head position.

Along with its new building and leadership, Spalding County Animal Care and Control changed its standard operating procedures and implemented new policies to improve the quality of services for citizens and animals As a result, cat and dog adoptions more than doubled in 2022!

Animal Care and Control also served more residents and answered more calls in 2022 for issues such as criminal cases, dog bites, strays, and wildlife removal 1,732 total calls in 2022 vs 1,405 in 2021

As part of its promise to be a family-friendly shelter, Spalding County Animal Care and Control was also out in the community, sharing its mission of pet adoption and wellness They engaged with local students during Griffin+Spalding County Schools' Back to School activities, with children during storytime at the Griffin+Spalding County Library, and with families at its first annual Santa Claus for Paws pet adoption fundraising event.

GRIFFIN+SPALDING COUNTY LIBRARY G R

The library’s “Oceans of Possibilities” summer reading program had a recordbreaking year with more than 1,300 attendees at virtual and in-person events in partnership with Spalding County Parks, Public Grounds & Leisure Services

Throughout the summer, children, teens, and adults read and reviewed books to win rewards from local sponsors

In August, the library completed its historic newspaper digitization project, which digitized more than 130,000 pages of historic area newspapers to the Digital Library of Georgia archives for public use

A 2016 SPLOST project, it included the Griffin Daily News from 1888 to 1889, 1924 to 1930, 1944 to 1949, and 1966 to 1977 as well as the Griffin Daily News and Sun from 1889 to 1924 and the Griffin Weekly News and Sun for available years between 1903 and 1918. The newspaper images were digitized in the highest quality format available and are keyword searchable, providing a wealth of information for local historians and genealogists seeking a window into Griffin life throughout the 20th Century

Thanks to grant funding, the Griffin+Spalding County Library continued circulating WiFi Hot Spots with data package coverage to assist people without access to computers and internet services. It helped community members with school, work from home, business travel, etc. Hot Spots were checked out more than 226 times in 2022.

I F F I N + S P A L D I N G C O U N T Y L I B R A R Y

P A R K S , P U B L I C G R O U N D S & L E I S U R E S E R V I C E S

PARKS

Quarry’s Edge Park officially opened to the public with a ribbon cutting on April 23, and volunteers started working on the 6th mile of mountain bike trails Quarry's Edge Park volunteers also earned two awards in 2022 District Four and GRPA State Volunteers of the Year!

The parks team leveraged impact fee funds to help complete renovations at Dundee Lake, which included upgrades to the Don Shannon Memorial Disc Golf Course, a new pavilion overlooking the lake, additional and improved restrooms, and updates to the existing house to allow for rental space.

The Spalding County Aquatic Center is officially coming to life! The Board of Commissioners, parks and recreation leadership, the 2016 SPLOST committee, and other stakeholders broke ground on the facility during a July 19 celebration at the Lakes at Green Valley.

The SPLOST-funded Aquatic Center is scheduled to open in late-2023, and at 17,500square feet, it will feature an eight-lane competition pool as well as a smaller pool for programming, including classes and therapeutic offerings for all Griffin's civil engineering firm Paragon Consulting Group provided planning services while Marietta, Gabased architects Lyman Davidson Dooley, Inc designed the structure

Meja was the low bidder at $10,072,000 for construction on the Aquatic Center Since the bid came in more than the budgeted amount of $4,690,000, commissioners approved reallocating $6 million from the county’s American Rescue Plan Act funds to complete the project, which means no additional tax burden to county residents

Land clearing and the initial construction phase are underway now.

Leisure Services put together a robust slate of recreational athletic programming for youth and adults in 2022.

In addition to youth and senior fishing roundups, the department organized youth flag and tackle football leagues, adult women's and men's softball, and men's basketball Spalding County’s youth tackle football program had a 7% increase in participation!

The county hosted the first annual Spalding Bulldogs homecoming football game at Memorial Stadium in Downtown Griffin Attendees enjoyed food vendors, giveaways, live performances, and more.

Spalding County residents also enjoyed a wealth of volunteer-run sports programs, which thrived in 2022:

Griffin Youth Soccer Association's 2022 spring league participation increased by 36%; fall league participation increased by 55%.

Spalding County Athletic Association's 2022 spring leagues for youth baseball and softball increased participation by 56%; fall league participation increased by 62%

The Spalding United Basketball Association marked its inaugural year in 2021-2022 with 321 players!

ATHLETICS P A R K S , P U B L I C G R O U N D S & L E I S U R E S E R V I C E S

P A R K S , P U B L I C G R O U N D S & L E I S U R E S E R V I C E S

APP ATLANTA METRO OPEN

The APP Atlanta Metro Open Pro-Am pickleball tournament brought nearly 1,000 amateur and professional players, families, and fans plus an estimated $1.25 million into Spalding County during its September 7-11 run.

More than 100 volunteers, Spalding County businesses, community organizations, and county and city departments added unmatched hospitality to the tournament. They included Atlanta Beverage Company; Chick-fil-A; City of Griffin; Empanadas and Things; Griffin High School JROTC; Griffin+Spalding Business & Tourism Association; Griffin+Spalding Chamber of Commerce; Griffin-Spalding County Schools; Herc Rentals; Hibachi Joe’s; LifeLink; McDonald’s (Taylor Street); Piedmont OrthoAtlanta; Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen; Quinn's Catering; Smokin' Bear BBQ; Southern Crescent Technical College nursing program; Spalding County Board of Commissioners; Spalding County Fire Department and Emergency Services; Spalding County Parks, Public Grounds & Leisure Services; Spalding County Pickleball Association; Spalding County Sheriff’s Department; Sunbelt Rentals; Truett’s Grill; Yancey Rentals.

“The APP Atlanta Metro Open brings out the best of our community,” said Spalding County Leisure Services Manager Kelly Carmichael. “We thank every one of these individuals for contributing to a seamless event, for helping bring in over a million dollars to our area. Sports tourism continues to thrive in Spalding County, and we’re very optimistic about the future.”

Tournament organizers already announced they're returning to Spalding County in 2023 from Sept. 27–Oct. 1!

“Professional and amateur players alike absolutely love playing on dedicated pickleball courts, and Spalding County hospitality is unmatched anywhere else the players travel in the USA. That’s why they’re coming back.”

Spalding County Pickleball Association President Lynn Lowry

P A R K S , P U B L I C G R O U N D S & L E I S U R E S E R V I C E S

SPALDING COUNTY SENIOR CENTER

The Spalding County Senior Center continued to be a model for the state with its environment of inclusion and unified nutrition, creative programming, variety of recreation, and social operations.

The Senior Nutrition Program saw a 40% increase in new volunteers in addition to a 90% volunteer retention rate.

A Community Services Block Grant along with a grant from the Three Rivers Regional Commission helped Spalding County assist seniors with medical technology/equipment and care packages. This funding provided more than 50% of our Senior Nutrition Program participants with wheelchairs, rollators, seat raisers, and other pain management supplies in addition to household goods and services

The Punching Parkinson’s boxing group created opportunities for participants to exercise, play, and encourage one another through customized programs focusing on physical and mental enhancements Participants reported gains in abilities they had lost.

The Council on Aging for McIntosh Trail, Inc and the Spalding County Senior Center presented the third annual Senior Legislative Action Day State Representatives Beth Camp (R-Concord), David Knight (R-Griffin), and Karen Mathiak (R-Griffin) along with State Senator Marty Harbin (R-Tyrone) met with seniors to address critical issues like cost of living, prescription drug costs, and safety.

Lastly, thanks to the 2021 TSPLOST, the Senior Center is now home to a 2023 MCI JSeries Motor Coach. Let the travels begin!

FAIRMONT COMMUNITY CENTER

In addition to this year's BOOST-funded out-ofschool efforts, Fairmont’s fourth annual Summer POP program provided academic and leisure activities for 60 children ages 5 to 12.

Highlights included field trips to Southern Belle Farm in McDonough; Wildlife Safari in Perry; Griffin Skate Inn; Duncan Water Park in Fairburn; the MLK Center, Morehouse College, and Spelman College in Atlanta. The camp also hosted a Career Week with guest speakers

This year's Fairmont Friendsgiving Day served 298 hot Thanksgiving meals, and partners United Christian Fellowship Church and Fairmont Class of '66 provided free clothes, shoes, and household supplies More than 19 volunteers and donors helped make the event one of the best ever They included Small Treasures; Genesis Kreation; Positioned on Purpose; Fairmont High Classes of '60, '63, '64, '66, '68, '73; Griffin High School Class of '74; Excellence in Achievement; Golden 10 & The Sliden Threw Rider Lady Biker Building Bonds & The Easy Knight Motorcycle Clubs; The Parker Family; Achaia Church; Joy Fellowship Praying Group; Fabulous On Purpose; Diane Wright; Fairmont Divaletts

At the 2022 Fairmont “Christmas Breakfast Workshop & Gift Give-A-Way” event, area children enjoyed a hot breakfast, crafts, and a photo booth. They also received gifts, courtesy of local donors and sponsors, including the Washington Law Firm, Griffin First Assembly, Griffin Housing Authority, City of Griffin Police, Golden 10 & Easy Knights Motorcycle Club, Small Treasures, Spalding County Pickleball Association, Excellence in Achievement, Colliers Community Service Inc, Position on Purpose, Take the Tray 2 Inc., Fairmont Alumni, Fairmont Classes of '61 and '68, Griffin High Class of '74, Fabulous On Purpose, Xi Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

P A R K S , P U B L I C G R O U N D S & L E I S U R E S E R V I C E S

OUR LEGACY MUSEUM

Spalding County Parks and Public Grounds Director and 2023 GRPA President TJ Imberger P A R K S , P U B L I C G R O U N D S & L E I S U R E S E R V I C E S

Our Legacy Museum Curator Morgan Cantrell, along with the project steering committee, finalized key administrative policies, including the museum’s strategic plan, its collection policy, and Code of Ethics They also collected eight oral histories, received various object donations, released two promotional videos, and began designing the exhibit space within the museum

In addition, the group continued building meaningful community relationships, particularly with African-American leaders, the Griffin-Spalding Historical Society, and Fairmont High School alumni, among others At the Fairmont Alumni celebration in October, OLM volunteers recorded oral histories, heard countless memories, and sold honorary bricks

The museum is currently scheduled to open to the public in 2024

GRPA LEADERSHIP

Spalding County Parks and Public Grounds Director TJ Imberger recently began his 2023-2024 term as president of the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) A 30-year member and leader in the organization, Imberger previously served as vicepresident in addition to other leadership roles.

The mission of GRPA is "support and promotion of Recreation and Park Agencies within the state of Georgia while encouraging Healthy Lifestyles for our citizens"

"It's an honor to represent my community as president of the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association. It's absolutely a reflection of the good work our teams are doing here in Spalding County," said Imberger

"GRPA involvement allows Spalding County to develop relationships beyond our community and gives us access to best practices from around the state and nation It affords me and our staff every opportunity to absorb, expose, create, learn, lean on, duplicate, and implement the very best that we can deliver."

"It's an honor to represent my community as incoming president of the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association. It's absolutely a reflection of the good work our teams are doing here in Spalding County."

E-911

Spalding County's E-911 Center successfully processed 182,748 calls for service in 2022, and the team improved responses with the implementation of RapidSOS, an intelligent safety platform tool that helps dispatchers get more accurate locations from callers

Spalding County E-911 also conducted communications center training for cadets at both the Spalding County and City of Griffin fire departments

CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION(CI)

In 2022, Spalding County's Correctional Institution (CI) focused not only on its mission to operate a safe, secure facility and provide services to the county, but also on its commitment to inmate healthcare, education, and job skills — all in an effort to help reduce recidivism.

CI demonstrated outstanding leadership in counseling, earning an Excellence in Service Award two out of three quarters from the Georgia Department of Corrections. Through contracted partners, CI provided inmates with quality on-site medical services that included doctor’s appointments, labs, mobile eye exams, sutures, and x-rays.

Four inmates furthered their education and job skills by earning welding certificates, thanks to partnerships with Southern Crescent Technical College and the Three Rivers Regional Commission.

Top-notch, passionate employees were at the heart of everything CI achieved in 2022, including the establishment of a dedicated recruitment and retention team that serves as an ongoing advocate for Spalding County CI human resources.

P U B L I C S A F E T Y

PUBLIC SAFETY

SPALDING COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT

We have a 2022 Fire Chief of the Year in Spalding County!

In October, SCFD's Chief Mike Byrd was named Fire Chief of the Year by the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs Byrd received the honor during the 2022 Georgia Fire Service Conference held in Columbus

In conjunction with Wellstar Hospital, City of Griffin Police, Spalding County Sheriff's Office, Griffin Fire Department, and the Office of Homeland Security, SCFD held a "mock disaster" training exercise in July involving a simulated plane crash in Griffin.

The Safe Kids Spalding program is now led by the Spalding County Fire Department, which hosted three car seat events this year.

SCFD ordered two Sutphen fire trucks in 2022 as part of its fleet replacement plan. Fire engines are scheduled to arrive in 2024.

The department hosted three recruit schools this year and numerous smoke detector blitz events to assist with checking and installing smoke detectors.

SCFD also marked the retirements of Battalion Chief Tim Henderson and Lieutenant Tim Hendricks while celebrating the promotions of Battalion Chief Josef Miller, Captain Randy Ponder, Lieutenant Jonathan Fetters, and Lieutenant Nick Long.

PUBLIC SAFETY

"Chief Byrd has devoted his life to the fire service and consistently makes choices as chief to ensure the best future for his department...Webster defines a 'chief' as the 'head of a body of persons or an organization.' We at the Spalding County Fire Department define a 'chief' as a true leader to many and an example to follow."

SCFD Chief Mike Byrd honored as Georgia Fire Chief of the Year

PUBLIC SAFETY

SPALDING COUNTY EMERGENCY MANGAGEMENT AGENCY (EMA)

In 2022, Spalding County's Emergency Management Agency created the Spalding County Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) in addition to updating its PreHazard Mitigation Plan, which was approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Together with Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital, Griffin and Spalding County partners, EMA also planned and completed a joint crisis exercise that included a mock plane crash and mass casualty incident By training like a real event, the agency was able to determine if current emergency plans needed updating.

EMA hosted two community CERT programs and one program just for UGA Griffin personnel.

It was a hot August in Spalding County, and EMA responded with a community comfort station, created in partnership with Spalding County Leisure Services and Griffin and Spalding Fire Departments

EMA continues working on an updated Animals in Disaster Plan and is assisting the Georgia Department of Agriculture with the Coastal Georgia evacuation plan

"Our goal is always to train in exercises like it was a real event so we can determine how we can update any plans to be more effective."

Spalding County Emergency Management Agency Director Glenn Polk

PUBLIC SAFETY

SPALDING COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

While the mission of the Spalding County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) is "to safeguard the lives and property of the diverse community we serve, improve quality of life, and ensure that our county is a safe place to live, work, and visit," it's understanding, transparency, and community that's at the heart of the department

Youth programs go a long way in building relationships and trust with the young in Spalding County. After a twoyear hiatus due to Covid, the Spalding County Jr. Deputy Program took 38 volunteers and 125 children many who had never left the state of Georgia on its 72nd spring trip to Washington D.C. They toured countless iconic locales, including the national monuments, Arlington National Cemetery and Mount Vernon, the Law Enforcement Memorial, Museum of Natural History, the White House, and much more.

Both learning and fun were on the agenda for 20 area fourth and fifth graders attending this year's week-long Sheriff's CHAMPS Summer Camps Participants toured the Sheriff's Office, Spalding County Fire Department headquarters, and the Spalding County Courthouse, where they met judges and learned about the ins and outs of the judicial system They also visited the Atlanta Motor Speedway, Aviation Museum, Dauset Trails, and Truist Park

PUBLIC SAFETY

Public and personal safety for adults is critical to the health of Spalding County, and the SCSO offered a well-rounded slate of related programming in 2022 Not only did these programs provide necessary, practical information, but they also built trust and enhanced transparency with the community

The fifth annual Citizen's Sheriff's Academy graduated 26 residents who spent 10 weeks experiencing the operations of the Sheriff's Office with up-close-and-personal looks at uniform patrol, criminal investigations, special operations, search and seizures, K-9, detention center, SWAT, firearms, community programs, and more Most walked away with a newfound appreciation for their local officers and the work they do to protect the community

The SCSO also graduated 116 residents from its 2022 Citizens Introduction to Firearms courses, where they learned critical firearms laws, when and where to carry, use of deadly force, and marksmanship fundamentals in addition to working with a firearms instructor on proper marksmanship fundamentals

These events and activities require significant resources, and the annual Sheriff Darrell Dix Golf Tournament provides many of those funds. This October's fifth annual tournament at the Sun City Peachtree Golf Course raised more than $52,000 for the Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Homes, the Spalding County Jr Deputy Program, and GiGi’s House as well as community outreach programs like Santa Sheriff, Meals for Families, scholarships, and more

Our year is dedicated to the memory of Deputy Jamie Reynolds who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on July 31, 2022.

Spalding County Public Works began 2022 all about TSPLOST, first installing TSPLOST progress and equipment signs around the county to keep citizens informed on where tax dollars are being spent. All TSPLOST projects are clearly marked with permanent signage, and all equipment purchased with TSPLOST funds proudly display the TSPLOST logo.

Using TSPLOST funds, the team replaced some essential equipment, including the Gradall, which is the most important piece of equipment to have for storm recovery. Other equipment purchased or replaced this year includes a hot box asphalt trailer, mastic road repair applicator, three right-of-way maintenance trailers, and a road shoulder builder box. Residents will see big improvements in road maintenance thanks to this new equipment. For example, we'll no longer use cold mix for pot holes. We can now use hot mix asphalt and mastic material.

Twenty-four miles of county roads were resurfaced during the first phase of TSPLOST-funded resurfacing. Public Works completed this first phase on October 22 and moved onto roads in the second phase of the project. They anticipate completing more than 30 miles in year two.

PUBLIC WORKS PUBLIC WORKS

Safety is the #1 goal for sidewalks being constructed on Carver Road, connecting Poplar Street with Highway 362/Williamson Road. They will provide a much-needed pedestrian route for all residents in the area, includingaclearpathtoCarverRoadPark.

SpaldingCountyPublicWorksisreplacingthe bridge on Dutchman Road, which is funded by the GDOT low-impact bridge program at no cost to county tax payers. Also, a Board of Commissioners-funded program began addressing additional road repairs and other infrastructureimprovements.

Inthemaintenanceshop,PublicWorksbegan implementing new fleet maintenance software to improve accountability and better trackvehicleandequipmentrepairs

A new D.O.T.-approved printer upgraded sign making capabilities in the sign shop. This is one of the first printers received by any public works department in the country that allows the team to print federal- and Georgiaapproved reflective colors as well as make roadsignsinhousewitha50%costsavings.

Also in the sign shop, a new line striping machine is allowing small road striping and parking lot striping to be completed in house, savingthecountyevenmoremoney.

PUBLIC WORKS

SOLID WASTE

The Public Works solid waste team has been instrumental in cleaning up Spalding County!

Bulky Item Collection Days free events allowing citizens to safely dispose of large materials such as clothing, electronics, furniture, small appliances, and toys have been wildly successful and are now being offered quarterly In fact, the Bulky Day event on October 29 brought out nearly 400 residents!

The Spalding County Board of Commissioners started a five-day-aweek roadside trash pick-up crew that has effectively addressed illegal trash onrights-of-way

To further assist with rights-of-way cleaning, Public Works' Randy King facilitated a one-year Scrap Tire Abatement Reimbursement (STAR) grant with the Georgia Environmental ProtectionDivision.

According to the Environmental Protection Division website, the program "covers the costs of removing, transporting, and processing scrap tires cleaned up from scrap tire dumps; removed from city and county rights-of-way; and collected during scrap tire amnesty events." It's funded through the Solid Waste Trust Fund, which is itself funded by the sale of new tires in Georgia.

PUBLIC WORKS

RADIO/IT AND RURAL BROADBAND

As part of our Rural Broadband Initiative, Spalding County partnered with the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation (PIN), a public-private coalition aimed at "improving access and opportunities for all Georgians to drive innovation in urban, suburban, and rural areas of Georgia" Their charge for Spalding County was to research, help make improvements, and get wireless internet to underserved areas.

The project team researched and identified places in Spalding County where internet service was unreliable or unavailable. Working with the PIN's Georgia Smart Communities Challenge and Smart Community Corps, they evaluated the status of that internet connectivity and how to improve it They then outlined the technology hardware and software needed for connectivity and located opportunities for expansion.

In August, the project was a named a finalist for the 2022 IEEE International Smart Cities Contest.

LocalGovernment/Community CountyManagerDr SteveLedbetterand Spalding County Communication Systems Manager Mike Windham, the BoardofCommissioners, localcommunitygroups Research AteamfromtheGeorgiaInstituteofTechnology,includingDr AdaGavrilovskaandDrEllenZeguraplusstudentinternsDavidMoralesand AlexElliott(GeorgiaTech)andCollinSims(GeorgiaSouthernUniversity) PrivateSector DavidStewart,BandwidthSolutions ProgramManager/Partner–PartnershipforInclusiveInnovation(PIN)

“The digital divide has been notable in rural and underserved communities for decades...this project helped permanently close the [connectivity] gap and improve existing internet service even more. It's part of our commitment to building a better tomorrow.”

Spalding County Manager Dr. Steve Ledbetter

TheIEEESmartCitiesProjectTeam

LOOKING

TO 2023 You can be the "i"

Now that our plans are in place, our sights are set on execution and YOU, the beneficiaries of these plans and recipients of our services.

What can we do to improve your lives as you live, work, and play in Spalding County? How can we be more transparent, service-minded, trustworthy?

As we get into 2023, these are the top questions for Spalding County staff. I've challenged everyone on our team to think about how they're going to help our community thrive, and I want you to know we all are energized by that challenge and where our county is headed.

Of course, we have our own ideas about how to meet these goals, but we need your help! Please join us at our biweekly Board of Commissioners meetings, attend other board gatherings, get involved in community groups, and look out for more Town Hall meetings! Engage with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube

Most of all, be confident that you're at the heart of everything we do Because you are the "i" inSpalding.

Thank you!

Dr. Steve Ledbetter Spalding County Manager

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