2021 Discovering Carroll County Magazine

Complimentary

November 2021

Discovering

Carroll County

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Updates from the Board of Commissioners County Finance and Statistics

Employee Spotlights: Dennis Jackson Mary Thurman-Parham Karen VanBlarcom

Exploring Carroll County Parks and Recreation

AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY PRESENTED BY:

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Woman West Georgia

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Magazine 1

A Message from Commission Chair Michelle Morgan I am excited to be partnering with Angela Dailey and West Georgia Woman magazine to bring you our first of what I hope will be many Carroll County annual reports!

Fred Richards made sure Angela and I met right after her first issue was released in November 2015. I've been an entrepreneur and, especially, a huge fan of family businesses – my husband, Jimmy, and I were happy when our son, Patrick, joined the family business as the fourth generation, right as the pandemic began. Angela’s son, Zach, took many of the pictures in this issue, and I knew her familyoriented business was a strong fit for our first annual report. Carroll County is such a beautiful place to live, and Zach, along with several county employees, captured many of these moments.

Our local media has done a good job of educating you throughout the year on financial matters and other news, but I am pleased that Communications Director Ashley Hulsey worked Photo by Emily Payne with all county departments to produce content for you to better tell Carroll County’s story, and hopefully provide some interesting facts.

I’ve enjoyed making our Historic Courthouse more of a presence in the community by promoting public events as seen in the pictures below. The butterfly installation was made and painted by talented county employees for Pollinator Week. I loved showcasing our pride in patriotism for the 4th of July and recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month.

November is a month where we pause to give thanks to those who matter most. From our brave men and women in uniform on Veterans Day to those surrounding the dinner table on Thanksgiving, we have a lot to be thankful for. We are blessed to live in Carroll County, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Board of Commissioners.

As you read and flip through the pages, I hope you will be proud like I am of our county employees. It’s impressive to see the list of Carroll County employees who have worked for you for 40, 30 and 25 years (see page 5).

I look forward to your feedback, so please drop in for a visit – my office is located in the Historic Courthouse. Let’s chat at 770.830.5800 or send me an email at mmorgan@carrollcountyga.com.

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Photos provided by Carroll County, Ga.

Finding our voice. Knowing our value.

Making a difference.

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West Georgia Woman is a voice for and about the women who live and work in West Georgia.

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Need a copy? Get yours from our racks at Kroger, Publix, Smith Brothers Supply Company, Southern Home and Ranch Center, Food Depot, Neva Lomason Library and 4 a.m. Coffee Roasters (Maple Street) and the Tanner Health System Medical Pavilion in Carrollton; Piggly Wiggly in Bowdon, Franklin and Tallapoosa; Thriftown in Bremen; Kroger in Cedartown; The Little Giant Grocery in Sargent; Fabiano’s Pizzaria, Leaf and Bean Coffee, Food Outlet (Temple Ave.) and Kroger (Bullsboro Drive and Newnan Crossings Blvd. locations in Newnan;Tanner Health System's Villa Med and Villa West Office Buildings in Villa Rica; Kroger on Fairburn Road (Hospital Drive) and Highway 5 and Food Depot (Hiram Douglasville Hwy) in Douglasville; Food Depot and Brickhouse Grille in LaGrange; Food Depot (Villa Rica Hwy) in Dallas; Universal Fitness in Hiram; WM Grocery and Chuckwagon restaurant in Roanoke, Al. and WM Grocery in Wedowee, Al. We have them in larger quantities at Publix (Bullsborough Drive), Lee-King and Thompson pharmacies in Newnan, the Apothecary Shoppe in Douglasville and the Vitamin Shoppe in Hiram, Publix at Mirror Lake, CVS in Bowdon as well as hundreds of other retail locations and medical offices in 18 cities covering nine counties in West Georgia and East Alabama.

Volume 1 2021 Annual Report A partnership with Carroll County, Georgia

Publisher/Editor

Angela Dailey angela@westgeorgiawoman.com

Copy Editor Shala Hainer shala@westgeorgiawoman.com

Photographer Zachary Dailey zachary@westgeorgiawoman.com

Annual Report Contributors Carroll County Communications Director Ashley Hulsey with assistance from Carroll County, Ga., Department Management

Advertising Sales

Sales@westgeorgiawoman.com West Georgia Woman is a monthly publication of Angel Media, LLC. All contents of this issue are copyright 2021. West Georgia Woman magazine, its logo and “Finding our voice. Knowing our value. Making a difference.” are trademarks of Angel Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

All submissions will be included as space is available. West Georgia Woman reserves the right to reject or edit any submissions that are not in compliance with our editorial policy.

If you wish to have your submission returned, please include a self addressed stamped envelope along with your submission.

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What's Inside:

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8

Mary Thurman-Parham celebrates 44 years of service at the Tax Assessor's office

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Carroll County Ag Center

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19

Advancements for 9-1-1 Center

Carroll County Recreation

Employee Spotlight: Mary ThurmanParham, Tax Assessor's Office

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Finance

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Emergency Management

Public Safety

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9-1-1

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Carroll County Parks

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Solid Waste/Recycling

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Susan A. Mabry Citizen's Academy

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Community Development Employee Spotlight: Karen VanBlarcom, Drug Court

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Exploring Carroll County's Parks

Employee Spotlight: Dennis Jackson, Public Works

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Animal Shelter

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Fire Rescue

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12

Ag Center

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Recreation/Little Free Pantry Park Pass Information

Employee Spotlight

Mary Thurman-Parham Office Manager Carroll County Tax Assessors Office 44 years of service

which was common practice for most offices then.

Mary is an enthusiastic, self-motivated, reliable, responsible, humble and hardworking team player who has proven to be adaptable to many changing and challenging situations.

Mary acknowledges she could have changed jobs ary to make more money, but she says her loyalty and Thurman-Parham was born and raised in commitment to succeed in whatever she puts her Carroll County, Ga., and graduated from Bowdon mind to is important – and she loves Carroll County.

High School. After graduation, Mary studied Mary also notes, “It’s not how much you make, it’s Accounting at Carroll Technical Vocational School, what you do with what you now known as West Georgia make.” She says she has Technical College. On Jan. 3, stayed at Carroll County 1977, she began her career all these years for many at Carroll County, working reasons, but topping that 40 Years for the Carroll County Tax list is the fact she likes the Assessor's Office, and started Denise Kitchens security and stability, and off not knowing anything Terry Langley she loves what she does. about property taxes.

Vicky Steed Mary says she enjoys However, after 44 years, being able to help the she has learned almost 35 Years citizens understand how everything there is to know the property tax system about property taxes and has Diane Henderson works. She finds it fulfilling seen many, many changes.

Bernard Robinson to be able to help someone When Mary started in 1977, Walter Tilman hold on to what they have there was not a Community worked hard to obtain.

Development Department. All 30 Years As the years went on, building, electrical and Mary decided to expand plumbing permits were Traci Cook her education into various sold out of the assessor’s Keith Price aspects of real estate, office, with only one building Pennie Rider where she obtained her inspector to cover the entire broker’s license, as well county. All of the work was 25 Years as her appraiser’s license. done manually because there She even briefly served as Stacey Carr were no computers at that Interim Chief Appraiser. time. The department worked Daryl Johnson Currently, she holds the from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lisa Lavoie position of Office Manager except for Wednesdays and Jonathan Miller and Appraiser III with the Saturdays. Those days, the Robert Miller Tax Assessor’s Office. WGW staff only worked until noon,

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Milestone Employees

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Employee Spotlight Dennis Jackson Paving Equipment Operator Carroll County Public Works 13 years of service

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ennis Jackson began his career with Carroll County Public Works in February 2008 as a paving equipment operator.

His daily job is to operate the asphalt spreader, but Dennis is multi-talented and can operate all the equipment on the jobsite, making him an invaluable asset to Carroll County.

When he's not paving, Dennis drives dump trucks and helps keep the grass along the sides of dirt roads trimmed with the sidearm and longarm tractors.

Dennis always has a smile on his face, steps up to the plate whenever needed and is a team player when it comes to helping his co-workers.

Carroll County is proud to have Dennis on our team! WGW

Did You Know?

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Carroll County Public Works maintains over 1,000 miles in the county and resurfaces approximately 20 miles per year at a cost of around $2 million. The cost of grading and paving is approximately $150,000 per mile, and the county spends around $800,000 per year maintaining approximately 170 miles of dirt roads.

Photo provided by Carroll County, Ga.

A Public Safety Message from Sheriff Terry Langley

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s I began my sixth term as Sheriff of Carroll County this past January, I felt the same excitement and commitment to the Constitutional Office as I did when I first took Oath of Office in 2001.

I promised then, and still do now, to do the best job possible and to always be available to the people, while striving to be a strong leader for the men and women who assist in the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office.

In my position, I work directly for the citizens, and the support they have shown me and my staff through the years has been most humbling, as I truly believe the citizens are one of the biggest reasons Carroll County is the best place to live, work and serve.

Through the years, the Sheriff’s Office has grown to a staff of approximately 200 positions to include investigators, deputies, detention officers and supporting administrative staff. We cover 504 square miles, serve about 120,000 citizens and work with an annual budget of $16 million.

In addition to law enforcement, our deputies execute and return all processes and orders for the courts; receive, transport and maintain custody of incarcerated individuals for court; and provide security for the county courthouse.

I am blessed to

Photo provided by Carroll County, Ga.

have the best employees who love this county as much as I do, and I am proud of each and every one of them for answering the call to serve.

I am equally thankful to have a strong relationship with the Chairman and Board of Commissioners who continue to show unwavering support for public safety. WGW

Sheriff’s Office Statistics October 2020 – September 2021 Field Service Calls: 47,982 Civil Papers Served: 6,393 Inmate Transports: 3,326

Incident Reports: 3,118 Alarm Calls: 2,518 Miles Driven: 1,061,117 7

Carroll County Parks

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ou don't have to travel far to find adventure, enjoy nature or make memories. With investments made by the Board of Commissioners, along with the time and talents of public works and park staff that is second to none, Carroll County offers numerous destinations and countless activities for residents and visitors alike.

In fact, less than 15 minutes from downtown Carrollton are four of our county's parks.

Little Tallapoosa, which is part of the original Hobbs Family land, is 256 acres. With 2.5 miles of paved trails and 7 miles of natural trails, Little Tallapoosa is the ideal spot for a picnic or a fishing trip with the family, or to let the kids cool off and be entertained with our award-winning Splash Park. It is also a choice destination for camping, horseback riding and bird watching.

On the Chattahoochee River is Moore's Bridge Park. Boasting 437 acres, Moore's Bridge is a short drive down Highway 16, complete with boat ramp access. If you're looking for a nice, relaxing afternoon with friends and family, try this easy 45-minute float down to Whitesburg.

Want more time on the water? Check out McIntosh Reserve! Steeped in history, McIntosh Reserve is the site of Chief McIntosh's plantation known as Lochau Talofau, or Acorn Bluff. Also adjacent to the Chattahoochee River, this 527-acre park is a favorite for local hikers and equestrian riders. With four pavilions for family reunions, company picnics and wedding receptions, McIntosh Reserve also offers scenic camping areas along the river. There is a rustic outdoor amphitheater used by local schools and the Carroll County Historical Society for meetings and instruction.

Finally, John Tanner Park is a landmark of Carroll County. The 138-acre park is a

District 3

Commissioner Tommy Lee

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hen I ran for Commissioner for District 3 in 2013, I thought that, if elected, I would be able to do anything my constituents asked of me.

It did not take but a couple of board meetings to figure out that the board consisted of six other elected officials, and the other board members may see and view items differently than the way I may view them. I realized very quickly all seven board members may not always agree, and often it is good to disagree to bring different ideas to the table. At the end of the day, it takes four of us to make it 8 happen.

recreational haven for those looking to get out on the water or reel in some fish on the weekend. Enjoy the beach, putt-putt golf course and pedal boats, along with scenic views.

Tanner Park has camping facilities and a paved walking trail around the lake. Located just a few miles away from downtown Carrollton, you can sun on the beach without crossing the county line.

If you want to stay in town, visit the Buffalo Creek Outdoor Education Center. This 26-acre property, which is accessible from the Carrollton Greenbelt and the Ag Center, is a cooperative effort between Carroll County, UGA Cooperative Extension and the West Georgia Native Plant Society.

Thanks to the investments made by the Carroll County Extension Master Gardeners and the Native Plant Society, Buffalo Creek boasts the largest pleasure garden in Carroll County. Along the trails are an old sawmill, gristmill and the Bolds Springs Schoolhouse built in 1892 that was located between Temple and Bowdon Junction and was moved to the education center. The names on the chalkboard inside are signatures from some of the last students who attended this one-room school. We're sure you'll recognize some of the last names.

Also in town is the Carroll County Veterans Memorial Park, which honors military veterans who reside in Carroll County, are from Carroll County or have connections to our community.

Located next to the Carroll County Veterans Memorial Park is the Carroll County Public Safety Memorial that honors the sacrifices of those killed in the line of duty within our public safety community.

Be sure to take advantage of all the public recreation and historical spaces the county provides in an effort to serve the community and build an everstronger connection between county residents. WGW I am very appreciative and grateful that my constituents continue to believe in me and trust my knowledge.

I am a very lucky man to have the privilege to serve this great county, and to be able to enjoy all that Carroll County offers, like walking with my wife Anne and our dog Barney for afternoon strolls through Little Tallapoosa Park. WGW

Tommy, Anne and Barney Lee

Susan A. Mabry Citizen's Academy

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arroll County is excited to announce the inaugural Susan A. Mabry Citizen’s Academy is becoming a reality.

Susan Mabry served as Carroll County’s executive director for the Carroll County Board of Commissioners and was a tireless advocate for the citizens of Carroll County.

Prior to Susan’s passing in September of this year, she was working diligently to provide another

2022 Board of Commissioners Schedule

January

Meeting: Jan. 4 Work Session: Jan. 27

February

level of education and understanding of county government to our citizens, as she was hoping to launch a Citizen’s Academy in the near future.

After her passing, the staff at the Board of Commissioners Office wanted to honor Susan by making sure the Citizen’s Academy came to fruition. The academy will offer citizens a better understanding of local government as volunteers, which will strengthen relationships between citizens and their local government officials.

When: Five Thursday evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Feb. 3 – March 3, 2022 Where: Carroll County Historic Courthouse, 323 Newnan Street, Carrollton Who: Carroll County residents or business owners, 18 years of age and older Please contact Donna Lackey for additional information at 770.830.5800 or by email at dlackey@carrollcountyga.com. WGW

Meeting: Feb. 1 Work Session: Feb. 24

March

Meeting: March 1

April

Work Session: April 28

May

Meeting: May 3

June

Work Session: June 2 Meeting: June 7

July

Meeting: July 12 Work Session: July 28

August

Meeting: Aug. 2

September

Work Session: Sept. 1 Meeting: Sept. 6 Work Session: Sept. 29

October

Meeting: Oct. 4 Work Session: Oct. 27

November

Meeting: Nov. 1

December

Work Session: Dec. 1 Meeting: Dec. 6

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District 2

Commissioner Clint Chance

ood government functions much like the attributes we define in quality of life; compromise without sacrificing principles, seeking consensus to ensure all are heard and accountability to stand behind decisions made from the rationalization of facts.

It’s my honor to represent your voice on the Board of Commissioners as a public servant.

Imprinting our mark, history will remember today’s community engagement and fiscal responsibility by ensuring tomorrow’s Carroll County remains the home we all want to live, work and play in through common values shared together.

WGW

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Animal Shelter

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doption fees: $50 (All animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped prior to adoption) Owner Surrender fee: $25 per animal Intake by appointment only We offer:

• Foster-to-Adopt: Option to make sure the animal is a good fit in your home before official adoption • Come Over Rover: Take a dog out of the shelter for a day of fun • Home to Home: A website we partner with for people to re-home their animals without bringing them into the shelter • Trap Neuter Release (Cats): No charge to Carroll County Residents but must call shelter for appointment • Microchip: $20.00

Carroll County Animal Shelter 251 Automation Drive Carrollton, Ga. 30117 Phone: 770.214.3590 Hours: Monday - Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Friday: Noon to 5 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

Echo. Photo provided by Carroll County, Ga.

Animal Shelter Statistics October 2020 – September 2021 Total Intake: 3,650 Owner Surrender: 699 Stray: 1,387 Animal Control: 1,311 Other: 253 Total Live Outcome: 3,065 Adoption: 1,295 Transferred to Rescue: 1,015 Trap/Neuter/Release: 346 Returned to Owner: 354 Other: 55

Dexter and Bessie. Photo provided by Carroll County, Ga.

Carroll County Animal Shelter

$25 OFF ADOPTION

Coupon valid through Feb. 28, 2022

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Total Non-Live Outcome: 438 Shelter Euthanasia: 287 Owner Requested Euthanasia: 63 Died in Care: 86 DOA: 2

Fire Rescue

Fire Rescue Statistics Fiscal Year 2020 – 2021

Incident Type:

Structure Fires: 112 Vehicle Fires: 89 Grass/Woods Fires: 118 Trash/Rubbish Fires: 90 Medical Calls: 5,591 Motor Vehicle Accidents: 728 Hazardous Condition: 301 Service Calls: 386 Weather Calls: 317 Patient Lifts: 878 Auth/Non-Auth Controlled Burns: 158 Cancelled/False/Nothing Found: 1,305 Extrication: 14 Missing Person/Search: 3 Rescue: 10 Total: 10,100 Photo provided by Carroll County, Ga.

District 4

Commissioner Steve Fuller

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n August of 2020, the Carroll County Board of Commissioners unanimously signed a resolution making Carroll County a Purple Heart County.

Signs marking this designation have been placed on all state and federal highways entering Carroll County.

In August of this year, five Purple Heart Veterans shared their experiences and had photos made at one of the

highway signs marking Carroll County as a Purple Heart County.

Carroll County honors all its veterans and is especially proud to recognize its Purple Heart recipients with this designation. WGW

Photo provided by Carroll County, Ga.

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The Carroll County Ag Center displays artwork from local artist Hannah Griffin. Inset: Local artist Gordon Chandler created the weather vane that adorns the top of the building.

Agricultural Education is a Way of Life In Carroll County UGA Extension Carroll County

The UGA Extension Carroll County is a partnership between Carroll County and the University of Georgia.

UGA Extension Carroll County links the resources of the University of Georgia, Fort Valley State University and Carroll County to provide educational programs, information and assistance to citizens.

The UGA Extension is on the forefront of food safety, technology, research and education, keeping Georgia’s economy strong and making life better for Georgians.

UGA Extension Carroll County helps the citizens of Carroll County by addressing the following initiatives: Family and Economic WellBeing; Conservation and Management of Natural Resources; Agriculture Programming and Research Opportunities; Improving Nutrition, Diet and Health; Water Quality; Youth Leadership; 4-H Youth Development Program; and Service Learning/ Citizenship.

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4-H Youth Development The focus of Carroll County 4-H this past year was community with COVID-19, as many families were seeking fun yet socially distanced educational activities for their children. A scavenger hunt was created for the Buffalo Creek Education Center and Trail where children observe a wildlife habitat and engage in physical activity.

The fourth annual Blessing Bag Drive, supervised by 4-H Program Assistant Natalie Moncus, which provides bags of necessities to the homeless community, has grown to reach over 160 individuals across two organizations. In addition to reaching the community through Blessing Bags, we continue to support a Blessing Box at the Buffalo Creek Trailhead where citizens can either drop off or take what they need from a small pantry that is full of donated non-perishable foods and items.

Family and Consumer Science program area reached a total of 149,054 people in 2021 through cooking demos, physical activity videos, Just the FACS videos and Workout Wednesday videos.

Along with the Carroll County Yoga in the Parks, we offered a variety of virtual programming from

District 6

Basics of Canning series, Just the FACS heart disease prevention webinar series, and SNAP-ed Food Commissioner George Chambers eTalk. Health and disease prevention education is an important topic, and the FACS program area has am blessed to serve the great citizens of District been able to share this information to get people 6 and to represent the largest land mass district healthy and active. Learn more about these programs in Carroll County. and more by visiting: Being a farmer myself and understanding that https://extension.uga.edu/county-offices/carroll.html. agriculture is an economic driver in our county, I am

proud of the agribusiness opportunities that Carroll County offers to its residents.

Agriculture and Natural Resources Even though Carroll County is considered to be a metropolitan county, we are #2 in the State of Agricultural programs related to beef cattle, Georgia for backyard flocks, farmers market vendor series, poultry and #3 vegetable gardening, marketing your agricultural for cattle. business, equine management, small ruminants, fire I appreciate ant management and soil and hay testing reached all the hard 2,023 people. Each week, farmers receive timely work that information, resources and program announcements the staff from the “Farmer’s Feed” Ag email newsletter. Sign performs at up on our website at: our Ag Center https://extension.uga.edu/county-offices/carroll.html. to support A popular service offered is soil, water and feed local farmers testing for farmers and homeowners. Since 2020, and the 1,014 soil tests, 60 water tests and 47 feed tests have community by been submitted to UGA labs through the Carroll providing and County office. To continue servicing clients during partnering COVID, a drop box was placed outside the office with different to allow farmers and others to drop off soil and programs water tests if they did not want to come inside. The that assist in drop box was a huge success and has become a agricultural permanent part of how the Extension office can education. handle business when the office is closed at night WGW and on the weekends. WGW

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Finance Year End Report – 2021

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he Carroll County Finance Department may have a small number of employees, but the services provided to the entire County are mighty, indeed.

Under the direction of Finance Director Alecia Searcy, the finance department helps oversee a general fund budget of approximately $60 million.

The financial administration provides many services, including general operations, SPLOST expenditures, grant revenues and expenditures, purchasing, accounts payable and accounts receivable.

Providing timely information to the Chairman, Board of Commissioners and department heads is a point of pride for the Finance Department. Our goal is to help the leadership team make the best decisions possible for the citizens of our County.

The Finance Department assists each department with overall functionality and with the most efficient,

prosperous use of resources.

One of the most rewarding parts of our jobs is to see the dollars on the pages come to life. We enjoy watching the progress that the County makes on all its projects, whether it is the repaving of a road, the construction of a new building, the upgrade of our parks or a new emergency vehicle.

As citizens of Carroll County ourselves, we take great pride in ensuring the best stewardship for the continued success of our county.

Fiscal Year 2021 Accounts Payable: Carroll County paid a total of 13,470 vendor invoices last year.

Fiscal Year 2021 Purchasing:

Carroll County processed a total of 4,610 purchase orders. WGW

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Emergency Management Agency

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arroll County’s Emergency Management Agency activated the EOC (Emergency Operations Center) twice during Tropical Storm Sally (September 2020) and Tropical Storm Zeta (October 2020), as well as partial activations for severe weather events over the course of the year.

Tropical Storm Zeta was a federally declared disaster, and the EMA applied for public assistance funds to reimburse the county, cities and private nonprofits for emergency response and cleanup of storm debris.

This resulted in $1.5 million being returned to the community.

EMA coordinated the county’s A Carroll County Sheriff's deputy responds during Tropical Storm Zeta.

Photo provided by Carroll County, Ga. COVID-19 preparedness, response and recovery, including the support generation. You continue to make a significant of a vaccine clinic managed by public health, investment in the future of our country. submittal of resource requests for PPE (Personal To our public safety, thanks for watching over our Protective Equipment) and staffing and ventilators county and responding to trouble when most would for our partners. Also, EMA helped administer run. While we sleep each night, you are patrolling federal CARES and ARPA funding. Staff prepared the streets and keeping watch. an update to the Hazard Mitigation Plan, which was To the citizens of Carroll County … you go to available to the public for feedback, reviewed by work, invest in our community and do your part to GEMA and FEMA, and adopted by the county and make this all municipalities.

EMA staff managed the county’s Employee Safety county better each Program and coordinated with the Carroll County day.

School System and Sheriff’s Office on the Annual I cannot School Safety Summit. WGW think of a better place to live, work and play.

We are Commissioner Montrell McClendon not perfect, et me say that it is an honor to serve as the but there is County Commissioner for District 1 in Carroll only One County. I am grateful to my constituents for who is. their ongoing trust in me and continued support.

Let’s link As a Commissioner over the past year, I have arms and witnessed the bravery of our citizens fighting to march into keep our county functioning and operating as close the future to normal as possible. together, To the healthcare workers, thank you for ready to persevering under extreme circumstances. I pray for take on your physical and mental health. Please, stay strong! whatever To my fellow educators, thank you for stepping comes our into your classrooms each day to teach the next way. WGW

District 1

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Advancements for Carroll County 9-1-1

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arroll County 9-1-1 is becoming one of the premier 9-1-1 centers in the state by adding up-to-date technology and training.

With the use of SPLOST funding, the County has recently implemented a new Computer Aided Dispatch System (CAD) from Synergistic Software, a local software company based out of Temple, Ga. A CAD is one of the most important pieces of technology in a 9-1-1 center due to software that allows the dispatchers to answer, process and dispatch all calls, including 9-1-1, that come into the center. This software also dispatches and keeps track of all public safety responders 24 hours a day. Even though Carroll County 9-1-1 is no stranger to a CAD, this new system is more advanced to better serve the responders and the citizens of Carroll County.

Carroll County 9-1-1 dispatches for 12 agencies: Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Carroll County Fire Rescue, City of Carrollton Police, City of Whitesburg Police, City of Temple Police, City of Mt. Zion Police, City of Villa Rica Police, City of Bowdon Police, West Georgia Ambulance, City of Carrollton Fire Department, Carroll County Coroner and Fairfield Fire Department.

The new Synergistic Software gives the 9-1-1 center the capability to have a live view of each responder’s location. All information is shared with the responders from the 9-1-1 dispatch center and is sent straight to their mobile units as well, giving them a live view of information that is crucial to their calls for service.

Carroll County 9-1-1 has implemented a secondary caller location software called Rapid SOS. This software is a standalone browser that screens

Carroll County 9-1-1 Center

9-1-1 calls coming in from a working cell phone number and pings the caller’s location down to 4 meters. The dispatchers have the capability to view this location from satellite or street view (if the street has been traveled by Google Maps).

This location software is a secondary tool to assist in finding people who need help. The new CAD is still in the beginning stages of transition, which include adjustments and restructure that could take another couple of months to completely finalize.

9-1-1 Director Clay Patterson has also begun implementing a new Emergency Medical Dispatch protocol within the center. The 9-1-1 center was already providing pre-arrival instructions to callers who called in a medical emergency, but it was time for an upgrade to offer the best standard of care for our citizens.

After much research, Patterson recommended Priority Dispatch to the Board of Commissioners who approved the purchasing and implementation into the center with a tentative go-live date in late November.

Priority Dispatch is known across the world as being a leader in emergency medical dispatch, and the center is currently going through the required pre-live training and software installation.

When a caller contacts 9-1-1, they receive topof-the-line instructions from the telecommunicators for all types of medical emergencies, ranging from cardiac arrest to childbirth to CPR and drownings.

Carroll County is proud of the latest upgrades at the 9-1-1 center, as they will assist in continuing to serve the citizens and visitors of our community professionally, effectively and safely. WGW

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Solid Waste and Recycling Centers

Solid Waste Manager Jacqueline Dost in front of the glass recycling bin at the Carroll County Convenience Center on Newnan Road.

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eep Carroll Beautiful (KCB), in cooperation with Carroll County Government and Strategic Materials, Inc., is excited to announce that glass recycling is being reintroduced to Carroll County Convenience Centers.

Glass bins became available in mid-October at two locations – Newnan Road and Dyer Road.

The third bin will be placed at the Temple Convenience Center at a later date, pending

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renovations to the site.

The bins will collect mixed-color, food-grade glass items – bottles and jars used as food packaging.

No other types of glass will be accepted for recycling.

With the return of glass, Carroll County will be able to redirect tons of material from landfills, saving money on transfers and fees.

If county residents fill up just one bin each month for a year, the County can save up to $5,000 in landfill fees! WGW

Community Development Community Development Statistics Fiscal Year 2020 – 2021 Occupational Tax: $737,987.54 Beer and Wine: $21,600 Permits: $765,528.70 Bowdon: $525 Whitesburg: $275 Temple: $138,206.60 Bremen: $350 Excise Tax: $399,702.66 Total: $2,064,175.50 Plan Reviews: Conventional Homes: 369 Commercial: 37 Pools: 53 Barns: 14 Manufactured Homes: 73 Other: 649 Total: 1,195 Zoning Applications: Rezoning: 12 Compatibility Review: 1 Variance: 42 Conditional Use: 10 Total: 65

Did You Know?

District 5

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Commissioner Ernie Reynolds

nowing there was a crucial need to expand broadband throughout Carroll County, I met with my constituent groups, school board members, pastors, agricultural producers, the Chamber of Commerce and Carroll EMC, together, to press for better broadband services in our rural area.

Subsequently, as the opportunity arose, I was more than glad to support Carroll EMC and SyncGlobal's request for the county to partner with them to ensure we obtained approximately $22 million in federal funding to help accomplish just that in rural Carroll County.

The Board of Commissioners was proud to announce the partnership at a recent Commission meeting and honored to receive the Broadband Ready Certificate.

WGW

Carroll County financially supports:

• The Chamber of Commerce by helping keep business dues low for members • 4th of July Sounds of Liberty Concert • Thomas A. Dorsey Festival • West Georgia Regional Library System by supporting our six municipal libraries 17

Employee Spotlight Karen VanBlarcom Program Coordinator Carroll County Drug Court

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aren serves as the Program Coordinator for Carroll County Drug Court, which is presided over by Judge Dusty Hightower.

To understand Karen’s passion, you have to know her personal drive and why this position means so much to her.

Raised by a single father in Marietta, Ga., Karen learned first-hand the negative affects of addiction.

Her father was a recovering alcoholic, and many of her childhood memories include her attending AA meetings alongside him.

Karen recalls meeting kids just like herself who were going through similar situations with their loved ones. She learned over time she wasn’t the only one – people from all walks of life and all economic backgrounds had someone in their family who struggled with addiction.

Karen’s father relapsed when she was 16, breaking his near-decade of sobriety. She couldn’t stay home anymore, and it was not an option to move in with her mother. Later that year, she became pregnant with her first daughter. She later married a wonderful man, and they had two daughters together. They lived what she thought was the perfect life, until her husband suffered a debilitating back injury and was prescribed oxycodone.

Over time, she learned that her husband was addicted to oxycodone. He participated in two rehabs and told the counselors what they wanted to hear so he could move through the program – only to get out and use again.

Karen loved her husband, but he was unable to break free of his addiction. She moved back to her hometown and made a deal with him that she would come back to him if he got clean. Two weeks later, he took his own life. Their girls still struggle with missing him, and missing out on life with him. Karen says the world lost a wonderful man that day.

Karen raised her daughters by herself for 10 years, and they became strong young women with kind hearts. Throughout that time, she prayed for God to send her a man who would be the final puzzle piece

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she needed for her life and family to be complete. That man, who is now her husband, also suffered from addiction before they met, but staying clean is very important to him. After addiction took the lives of his mother, father and brother, he turned his life around. He has been clean for eight years, he and Karen have a son together and he loves her girls as his own.

Through all the heartbreak and loss that Karen suffered in her life, she remained steadfast in her belief that she could make a difference and help others. She obtained a degree in criminal justice and began her career as a supervision officer in the Pretrial Division in Cobb County, working with prejudicated defendants released on bond – mostly for drug charges. As a supervision officer, she learned to navigate the world of substance abuse resources, treatment modalities and community tools that were at the court's disposal.

Karen became the Program Coordinator for Carroll County Drug Court in January of this year and hit the ground running. Participants work through an 18- to 24-month program, receiving support from multiple members of the Drug Court throughout their journey. After graduation, the court holds a ceremony, and participants tell their stories of where they were when they entered the program, and who they are now.

Karen’s childhood experiences, along with her late and current husbands' experiences, are the reasons she wanted to be a part of the Drug Court program.

She stays motivated, committed and determined to help others overcome addiction by witnessing the power in the recovery of people who choose to turn their lives around. WGW

Recreation

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he staff at the Recreation Department prides themselves on being able to offer activities that appeal to citizens of all ages such as baseball, basketball, cheerleading, football, soccer and much more! For more information about our programs or to register, please visit the website at www.carrollcountyga.com/345/Sports.com. WGW

Recreation Program Revenue Fiscal Year 2020 – 2021

Baseball/Softball: $18,395 Birthday Parties: $12,145 Cheerleading: $5,100 Concessions: $10,695.40 Football: $6,030 Gate: $2,113 Gymnastics: $52,104.32 Other: $1,140.34 Rentals: $2,190.42 Soccer: $11,800 Total: $121,713.48

Program Participation

Little Free Pantry

Photo provided by Carroll County, Ga.

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Baseball: 282 Cheerleading: 70 Football: 117 Gymnastics: 1092 Soccer: 240 Softball: 87 Summer Camps: 31 Volleyball: 63 Total: 1,982

arroll County is proud to announce we have joined in the Little Free Pantry (LFP) movement, and we can't wait to see what an amazing impact this will have throughout our community.

The Little Free Pantry provides food and hygiene products that may not be readily available to those in need. Anyone can donate, and because there is no qualification process, anyone can take items they need, too!

Anyone can access the LFP seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Suggested pantry donations include non-perishable grocery items like canned vegetables or canned proteins such as tuna, as well as feminine hygiene products, baby items (baby food, diapers, lotion, soap and wipes), paper goods and kid-friendly non-perishable items such as crayons, pencils and school supplies. Please ensure all donated items are not expired, dented or damaged. (Note: in the summer, we ask that you only donate dry goods, personal hygiene products, paper products and kid-friendly items.)

Each LFP is sponsored by an individual, group or organization. However, anyone can donate items to the LFPs at any time. Our pantries are placed in unincorporated locations in Carroll County. To see locations or to learn how you can sponsor a LFP and participate in this easy way to give back to your community, visit: www.carrollcountyga.com/798/Little-Free-Pantry. WGW

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Little Tallapoosa Park

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Sometimes the road you need to travel … is right around the corner.

Park Pass Information

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To use Carroll County's parks, you must purchase a daily park pass ($5) or an annual pass ($40) at the park.

To see a list of upcoming events at our parks, visit www.CarrollCountyGA.com.

Buffalo Creek Outdoor Center and the Carroll County Veterans parks are free.