2017 FC Annual Report

MISSION As trusted stewards of Forsyth County’s future, the elected officials and employees are dedicated to serving the community and to providing effective, professional public service with integrity and a commitment to excellence. VISION Forsyth County is committed to providing and maintaining the most efficient, customer service-oriented county government possible. The county will be an innovative and strategic leader in providing essential and effective public services in a fiscally prudent and professional manner. By preserving and enhancing a high quality of life, Forsyth County will remain a healthy, safe and compelling place in which to live, work, recreate, visit and invest. About Forsyth County Date of Incorporation December 3, 1832 Form of Government Commission-County Manager Total Area in Square Miles 247 2017 Population Estimate 227,967* County Government Employees as of December 31, 2017 1,340 Full-time 306 Part-time/Seasonal *Source: U.S. Census Bureau The new climbing tower at Sawnee Mountain Preserve. See page 7 to learn more.2

2018 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERSThe Forsyth County Board of Commissioners is made up of five The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners meets in regularmembers, each living in a specific district and elected by their session twice a month, on the first and third Thursdays. The boarddistrict to serve four-year terms. Each January, the five members also holds a work session twice a month, on the second and fourthelect officers for the coming year. Tuesdays. The meetings are held in the County Administration Building. The meetings are open to the public, and they also can beThe mission of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners is viewed on TV Forsyth (Comcast channel 23 and AT&T channel 99)to exercise the powers, duties and responsibilities vested in and and online at forsythco.com.imposed upon it as the duly constituted governing authority ofForsyth County. Forsyth County operates under the commission-county manager form of government.In Appreciation Rick Swope Doug Derrer ADMINISTRATIONForsyth County wouldlike to thank Rick Swope,who served as the District2 commissioner fromJanuary through August2017, and Doug Derrer,who retired as countymanager in April 2017. 3

Todd Levent Eric Johnson Chairman County Manager Message from the Chairman Forsyth County’s tag line is ‘Your Community. Your Future.’ The Board of Commissioners takes the meaning behind that statement to heart and is continuously working to ensure our county is as wonderful a place for our grandchildren to call home as it is for us today. To that end, in 2017 the board approved a number of amendments to the Unified Development Code, all aimed at reducing residential density to preserve and enhance our community. In order to give us ample time to properly develop and review these amendments, the board imple- mented a number of moratoriums in 2017. Another major accomplishment for our community from 2017 was adoption of the Comprehensive Plan. Thanks to the community’s input and collaboration, the county has an excellent plan guiding us forward for the next 20 years. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to serve you. Sincerely, Todd Levent 2017 Chairman and District 3 Commissioner Message from the County Manager It was my privilege to join Forsyth County government in September 2017, and I have quickly come to realize what you already knew – that Forsyth County is a wonderful community with much to offer. The natural beauty of the county and great amenities are complemented by the wonderful people who call this community home. I truly appreciate the warm welcome I have received. We hope that this annual report provides you with a glimpse at the many programs, services and amenities provided to the citizenry by Forsyth County government. County staff takes great pride in the work we do, whether that be reviewing building plans, responding to an emergency or patching a pothole. I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this amazing county. Eric Johnson Couny Manager4

2017 Forsyth County Organizational ChartPhoto: A Department of Water & Sewer crew jettinglines in a new residential neighborhood. 5

County Recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting Forsyth County was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for two financial reports – the comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015, and for the CAFR for fiscal year ending December 31, 2016. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. Enhancements Completed at Chattahoochee Pointe Chattahoochee Pointe, a 119-acre park at 5790 Chattahoochee Pointe Drive in south Forsyth County, extended its existing trail to a 5k distance and added a new restroom building in February. The project was funded by the Parks, Recreation and Green Space Bond approved by voters in 2008 and by the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) VI sales tax program. Chattahoochee Pointe, which opened in 2012, borders the Chattahoochee River and features a canoe launch, two pavilions, walking trails and a river-themed nature-inspired playground.6

County Prepares Updated Transportation PlanIn March, Forsyth County began the important process of updating itscomprehensive transportation plan, a guiding document that outlinesthe long-range vision for transportation in the county. The EngineeringDepartment, along with a consultant team, provided opportunities for thecommunity to participate in the process – including public meetings and an online survey. The updated planexamines the changes that have occurred in the county’s population, employment and more since 2011, andlooks at the transportation needs of people who live, work and play throughout the county, resulting in projects to address vehicular,freight, bicycle and pedestrian needs. The update is slated to be presented to the Board of Commissioners in 2018.Climbing Tower Added atSawnee Mountain PreservecodPAlfoirfmeen3srbase8itnr-i2ovfg,on2eoa0atn8fdrdsojcaqrmlcaiumepanbptrhteientelofgleinteShgttae.oowvwfinsceielrtiomerwbcMiaensonguteanarrtdeaadatin4ef0odF7r o5ttouoSpnp-droSoatapRtwieoonncae.ldiem,TtbhhMiaenongukt,osnlewttaaoedianrNew Website Features: Commissioner Blog,Interactive Transportation Projects MapAs another way for citizens to hear directly from theircommissioners, a new blog was launched in March on theForsyth County government website. The feature enables eachof the county’s five commissioners to post information specificallyabout their district, along with the opportunity for citizens tosubscribe to receive email updates.An interactive map found at www.forsythco.com/transportationwas launched in April enabling citizens to easily locate detailson county transportation projects including road widenings,intersection improvements, paving and more. The mobile-friendlyweb feature is map-based, allowing users to quickly findinformation on projects that may impact their daily commute. 7

New Fire Stations 6 and 8 Openwith Traditional Fire HoseUncoupling Ceremonies6# In March, the southern portion of Forsyth County welcomed new Fire Station 6, designed to improve service and reduce response times in a densely populated area of the county. Located just off of SR 141 on Caney Road, new Fire Station 6 is a four-stall station, designed to allow for future growth. Station 6 is the first ‘new’ (rather than replacement) station built since 1999. The department has 13 fire stations, and naming the new facility Station 6 filled a gap in the facilities’ numbering. Construction of both stations was funded by the voter-approved SPLOST VI sales tax program and by Impact Fees. What is a Fire Hose Uncoupling Ceremony? Fire hose uncoupling ceremonies are a long-standing tradition in fire stations across the country. Instead of cutting a ribbon, the group holds a fire hose at waist level and uncouples it to make the grand opening official. At the moment the hose is uncoupled, the large bay doors open to the public, where guests can tour the fire station and sign the hose instead of a guestbook. Later, the hose will go on display in the station to commemorate the grand opening.8

8# In April, replacement Fire Station 8 – located on Keith Bridge Road in the northeast portion of the county – was officially opened. The new station replaced the former Station 8, which had been built by volunteers, opened in 1984 and had far exceeded its life expectancy. The new Fire Station 8 was designed for 24-hour occupancy, which the former station was not. It is a four-stall facility, better suited to house the fire apparatus stationed there and to allow for growth and future apparatus placement.Photo: Copyright Frank Fortune, The Fortune Image Station 8 BeforeAbove is a photo of the original Fire Station 8 on the day before it wasrazed in 2016. During the new station’s construction, firefighters weretemporarily relocated to a nearby fire station in Dawson County, from wherethey responded to calls and continued normal operations. 9

Forsyth Named State’s Healthiest County for Fifth Consecutive Year In 2017, Forsyth County retained its designation as the healthiest county in Georgia, earning the ranking for the fifth consecutive year! Forsyth County ranked No. 1 among Georgia’s 159 counties in the annual County Health Rankings & Roadmaps study issued by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. The rankings are based on county residents’ quality of life and length of life. Commissioners Adopt Comprehensive Plan On July 6, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners adopted the Forsyth County Comprehensive Plan 2017-2037, the result of a comprehensive plan update process started in spring 2016, branded as Foster Forsyth. Foster Forsyth was a full update initiative to the county’s Comprehensive Plan, focused on community elements such as housing, transportation, zoning and other land use matters, as well as economic development. The Comprehensive Plan is the umbrella policy document for the county’s future growth and development, which plays an important role in rezoning and development decisions. The plan also establishes community goals and priorities for the county’s future and is available online at forsythco.com. Coal Mountain Overlay Adopted An overlay for the Coal Mountain area of northern Forsyth County was adopted by the Board of Commissioners in July. The overlay is intended to create visual unity through an elevated level of design quality applied throughout the area. The overlay is also designed to enhance the individuality of three distinct character nodes – Coal Mountain, Hammond’s Crossing and Matt - through tailored site design including landscaping, architecture, signage and lighting standards.10

Lanierland Park Opens In March, the new 109-acre Lanierland Park opened at 6115 Jot Em Down Road in northeast Forsyth County. Phase I of the park, funded by the Parks, Recreation and Green Space Bond and by Impact Fees, includes four rectangular synthetic turf fields, four picnic pavilions, a playground, restroom and concession facilities, and parking. The county purchased the land for the park in 2009 with funds from the Parks, Recreation and Green Space Bond. Prior to the county’s purchase of the property, it was the site of Lanierland Music Park, which closed in 2006. 11

Sexton Hall Enrichment Center Celebrates Renovations In May, Senior Services officially reopened Sexton Hall Enrichment Center at 2115 Chloe Road. Improvements to the building include a new kitchen, room for a congregate meal and activity program, an updated entry with large canopy and automatic entrance, an art addition featuring a kiln room for a ceramics program, office and storage space, and additional bathrooms. The renovation was funded by the SPLOST VI sales tax program.12

Forsyth County Publications Garner National Awards Both the 2015 Forsyth County Annual Report and the 2015 Forsyth County Fire Department Annual Report were honored in the National Association of County Information Officers’ 2017 Awards of Excellence competition, reflecting that the reports exceeded industry standards among county annual reports. The publications can be viewed online at forsythco.com.Transportation Improvements Completed throughout the CountyForsyth County’s focus on making transportation improvements Projects finished in 2017 funded by the Transportationcontinued in 2017, with a number of projects being completed Bond include the addition of sidewalks along Jamesthanks to voter approval of the SPLOST penny sales tax program Burgess Road, the installation of a new traffic signal atand the 2014 Transportation Bond. Market Place Boulevard and Turner Road, and intersection improvements at SR 400 and Jot Em DownProjects funded by SPLOST and completed in 2017 include the Road, Old Alpharetta Road and SR 141, and SR 9 atwidening of Union Hill Road/Mullinax Road, Phase 3 of the widening both Campground and Martin roads.of Old Atlanta Road, the widening of Castleberry Road andintersection improvements at SR 9 and Bannister Road, HolbrookRoad and Burnt Bridge Road, and Wallace Tatum Road at bothWright Bridge and Burnt Bridge roads.THOR GUARD New Safety Feature Added at Several Parks In August, the Thor Guard Lightning Detection System was installed at nine county parks. Designed to predict and warn of lightning before it strikes, the system is now in place at all of the department’s athletic facilities and at Sawnee Mountain Preserve. 13

Eagle’s Beak Park Opens in Northwest Forsyth County The county’s newest passive park, Eagle’s Beak Park, opened in August. Located in northwest Forsyth County at 8420 Old Federal Road, the 226-acre park features a canoe and kayak launch on the Etowah River, a 1.5-mile nature trail, restroom facility and parking. The county purchased the bulk of the land for Eagle’s Beak Park in 2009 with funds from the Parks, Recreation and Green Space Bond. The park’s construction was funded by the Parks, Recreation and Green Space Bond and by the SPLOST VI program. Parks & Recreation Earns National Accreditation In September, Forsyth County Accreditation is a measure of Parks & Recreation earned an agency’s overall quality of accreditation through the operation, management and Commission for Accreditation of service to the community, Park and Recreation Agencies, indicating that an agency becoming one of only 165 has met rigorous standards parks and recreation agencies related to the management and nationally to hold the recognition. administration of lands, facilities, resources, programs, safety and services.14

New County Manager Joins Staff Eric Johnson joined Forsyth County government in September as the new county manager, filling the vacancy left by the retirement of Doug Derrer in April. Johnson brings to the position 30 years of experience in county government, serving most recently as assistant county administrator for Hillsborough County, Florida. Brown Sworn in as New District 2 Commissioner Following a special election, Dennis T. Brown was sworn in to office in November to serve as the new District 2 commissioner. Brown filled the unexpired term of Rick Swope, who resigned from the post in August. Brown’s term runs through 2020. District 2 covers much of the southern portion of the county.GA 400 Widening Progress: Entire New Northbound Lane Opens, First Section of New Southbound Lane OpensThe final section of the new northbound lane on SR 400 opened to traffic in September, making the new northbound third lanecomplete from McFarland Parkway to SR 369. Widening on the southbound side of SR 400 began in May and the first section– from SR 141 to McFarland Parkway – opened in December.The SR 400 widening project – adding a lane in each direction of SR 400 from McFarland Parkway to SR 369 –is being made possible through a partnership between Forsyth County and the Georgia Department ofTransportation. GDOT has contributed funding to this work and is managing the project. The remainder of the project funding comes from the Forsyth County Transportation Bond approved by 63% of Forsyth County voters in 2014. 15

How is the government funded? General Fund Revenue Taxes 76.8% (includes taxes from property, motor vehicles, cable television, alcohol excise, intangible property, real Four sources estate transfer tax, financial institutions and the local option sales tax) comprise the majority of the General Fund revenues: Charges for Services 11.3% (includes parks and recreational fees, judicial taxes, charges for services, fees, sheriff and correctional fees, and sales of printed materials) fines and forfeitures, and licenses and permits. Fines and Forfeitures 2.2% (related to the courts and restitution) Licenses and Permits 5.9% (includes business licenses, a portion of motor vehicle tag fees, alcohol licenses and permits throughout unincorporated Forsyth County) Special Revenue Funds Funds not primarily supported by the General Fund, but rather from their own funding source, include the Fire Department, which is funded by a separate millage rate property tax, and the 911 Center, funded by land and wireless phone charges. Water & Sewer and Recycling & Solid Waste are Enterprise Funds supported by user fees rather than tax dollars. Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) SPLOST is a special one percent voter-approved sales and use tax in Forsyth County for a specified period of time (up to six years), raising an estimated amount of revenue for designated programs or named capital projects. First approved by Forsyth County voters in 1987, the sales tax has been continuously extended through voter approval by referendum six times. Bonds Forsyth County voters have approved previous bond referendums to fund specific types of projects. In 2008, voters approved a $100 million Parks, Recreation and Green Space Bond. In 2014, a $200 million Transportation Bond was approved by voters. These bonds fund designated projects and are paid for via property taxes. Grants In 2017, the county was awarded 38 grants totaling $10,234,650.71 from federal, state and private foundations.16

How are property MillageRate A millage rate is the amount per $1,000 that is used totaxes calculated? calculate taxes on property. The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners sets the millage rates for the county Maintenance & Operations, Fire District and Bonds (the Forsyth County Board of Education sets the millage rate levied to fund schools).The County Maintenance & Operations millage rate funds:• Judicial System • Tax Assesssor • Health and Welfare including Senior Services• Tax Commissioner • Code Enforcement • Parks & Recreation• Sheriff’s Office • Planning & Community Development • Libraries• Board of Commissioners • CoronerThe Fire District millage rate funds the Fire Department.The Bond millage rate funds payments on General Obligation Bonds.In 2017, the Board of Commissioners maintained the county’s three millage rates with no change from theprevious year. This rate is used to calculate the property taxes that will fund the 2018 budget.• 4.642 mills – Maintenance & Operations• 1.975 mills – Fire District• 1.419 mills – BondThe county’s millage rate continues to be one of the lowest millage rates among metro Atlanta counties.6.617 8.781 9.350 9.600 10.768 12.733 7.579 9.720 10.280 10.380 10.600 12.513 20.190 21.596 Source: Georgia Department of RevenueHow are county funds expended?The 2017 adopted General Fund expenditure budget was $117,972,795. Parks, HealthExpenditures came in under budget at approximately $111.5 million. Recreation Housing and and and Culture Development Welfare 8.60% 5.05% 1.44% 38.66% 24.31% 11.74% 5.15% 5.05% Public Safety General Government Judiciary Library Other(Sheriff, Coroner and Ambulance Services) and Transfers 17

calls handled by the 14,993 Fire Department by the numbers More than with an average response time for on-scene arrival 1.7 MILLION visitors to county parks of 5 minutes and 18 seconds 19,266 trips provided by Dial-A-Ride, county roads covering 226,584 miles driven resurfaced totaling 59more than miles18 776 calls, on average, handled PER DAY by the 911 Center

17,786 gallons of paint and 171,651 pounds of electronics recycled18,683square feet added through the Sharon Forks Library expansion and renovation project, nearlydoubling the library’s size; the project was completed in spring 2018 4 overlay districts extended: • Atlanta Hwy-McFarland Pkwy-Mullinax Road Overlay District • Peachtree Parkway-Bethelview Road Overlay District • Campground-Castleberry-Kelly Mill-Pittman-Post-Shiloh Road Overlay • Buford Highway Overlay District An overlay is a defined geographic area that imposes additional requirements above and beyond those required by the underlying zoning district 321cats and 225 dogs adopted from the Forsyth County Animal Shelter 19