2022 ANNUAL REPORT

2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Message from the Chairman CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME Forsyth County is delivering. We are delivering on new infrastructure projects to alleviate traffic, the promise of clean drinking water that is then returned to our natural water system safely, new playgrounds, ball fields and trails to explore, road improvements, sound financial management of tax dollars and fast emergency response to desperate 911 calls for help. We are working hard to deliver on a better community today, but also for a brighter future tomorrow as Forsyth grows, adapts and evolves. Our communities are discovering their identities as a medley of people, businesses and communities of all different backgrounds, ideas, cultures and beliefs as more people than ever before move their families and businesses here. In 2000, Forsyth County’s population was 98,407. The latest U.S. Census projection puts Forsyth County at over 260,000 residents making Forsyth Georgia’s fastest growing county this century. To put into perspective just how rapid the growth has been, Georgia’s population grew by 27% between 2000 and 2019. Forsyth County grew by 132% in that time. So, how is your government preparing for what tomorrow brings today? I hope you will take the time to read more about our county’s story from 2022 to discover how we are delivering on the promises made a brighter future to continue making Forsyth such an amazing place to call home today and tomorrow. Sincerely, Alfred John Chairman/District 2 Commissioner 2

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 12 DISTRICT DISTRICT COUNTY MANAGER Kerry Hill Alfred John Member Chairman 3 45 David McKee DISTRICT Todd Levent DISTRICT County Manager Member DISTRICT Commissioners named David McKee Cindy Jones Mills Laura Semanson as county manager in December 2022, Secretary Vice Chairwoman following the departure of Kevin Tanner. McKee previously served as the assistant county manager for almost two years prior, overseeing operations of multiple county departments. In his current role, McKee manages day-to-day operations of the county on behalf of the Chairman and the Board of Commissioners, ensures that tax dollars are spent and accounted for in a responsible manner and responds to the needs and concerns of the citizens of Forsyth County. 3

4 ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Kevin At the last regular meeting of 2022, the Board of RECOGNITION Tanner Commissioners recognized Molly Cooper for her dedicated service, leadership and performance as Previous District 1 Commissioner. Cooper served as D1 County Commissioner from 2019-2022, and she was elected Manager by her peers on the board to serve as secretary in 2020 and vice chairwoman in 2021 and 2022. Kevin Tanner was recognized for his service as county manager in early December 2022 following Previous the announcement of his departure. Tanner began District 1 his service in January 2021 and in his position, the Commissioner County achieved the highest bond ratings from all major rating agencies, secured approval for water Molly intake on Lake Lanier and had a stretch of SR 400 Cooper recognized by the State as the Technology Corridor of Georgia.   5

FORSYTH COUNTY IS THE 20TH DATE OF INCORPORATION: MOST AFFLUENT COUNTY IN THE DEC. 3, 1832 NATION (SOURCE: CREDIT KARMA) FORM OF GOVERNMENT: COMMISSION-COUNTY MANAGER QUICK FACTS FORSYTH COUNTY IS THE MOST 2022 POPULATION: AFFLUENT COUNTY IN GEORGIA 260,206 (SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS (SOURCE: CREDIT KARMA) BUREAU AS OF JULY 1, 2021) HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME: RATE, 2017-2021: 93.6% (SOURCE: $135,597 (SOURCE: CREDIT KARMA) U.S. CENSUS BUREAU) 6

CTO1A0N-B1T3LEENO1T4FS 32 54 6CAPITALCHAIRMAN’SO R G A N I Z AT I O N A L 8-9PROJECTS & CHART ENGINEERING WELCOME QUICK FACTS FIRE COMMISSIONERS FINANCE & MANAGER RECOGNITION EMA & 25 ANIMAL SHELTER 15 23911 16 17 20 - 21 22 24SHERIFF’S SENIOR 26 GIS & PLANNING BUILDING & SERVICES IS&T ECONOMIC 30 - 31 27OFFICE COMPLIANCE OTHER CODE WATER & DEPARTMENTS SEWER 18-19 28 29PARKS & REC C O M M U N I C AT I O N S VOTER EMPLOYMENT SERVICES 7

HOW IS THE GOVERNMENT FUNDED? GENERAL FUND REVENUE TAXES: 79.7% Includes taxes from property, motor vehicles, cable television, alcohol excise, intangible property, real estate transfer tax, financial institutions and the local option sales tax. CHARGES FOR SERVICES: 12.4% Includes parks and recreational fees, judicial fees, sheriff and correctional fees, and sales of printed materials. LICENSES AND PERMITS: 3.6% Includes business licenses, a portion of motor vehicle tag fees, alcohol licenses and permits throughout unincorporated Forsyth County. FINES AND FORFEITURES: 1.4% Related to the courts and restitution. 8

HOW ARE PROPERTY TAXES CALCULATED? MILLAGE RATE A MILLAGE RATE IS THE AMOUNT PER $1,000 OF A PROPERTY’S ASSESSED VALUE. THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SETS THE MILLAGE RATES FOR THE MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS, FIRE DISTRICT AND BONDS. 4.791 mills – M&O 2.175 mills – FIRE DISTRICT 0.930 mills – BOND HOW ARE COUNTY FUNDS EXPENDED MHOILWLADGOEERSAFTOE RCSOYTMHPCAORUENTY DID YOU KNOW..... FINANCE In 2022, Forsyth County affirmed the highest Marc Turk possible bond ratings, a perfect AAA rating, from three major credit agencies: Standard & Chief Financial Officer Poor, Moody’s and Fitch. With this recognition, the County affirmed the highest possible bond The Finance Department provides financial ratings it received previously and the resulting support to all departments, contributes to lowest cost of borrowing, becoming one of only the implementation of goals and objectives a handful of counties in Georgia to receive this designation. established by the Board of Commissioners, guides the County on debt matters, analyzes financial data, assists in making sound financial decisions and assures compliance with all federal, state and local laws. 9

4PROJECTS AT A GLANCE JUVENILE JUSTICE BUILDING The new 70,000-square-foot home to the Bell-Forsyth Judicial Court’s Juvenile Court system opened in December 2022. The goal of the project was to incorporate natural elements and lighting to provide a calming effect for juveniles and their families in need of service. Construction of the new Juvenile Justice Center was provided by Carroll-Daniel Construction, and funding for the project came from the Capital Outlay Funds with a total project cost estimation of $19.9 million. The new building is ADA-compliant and efficient in security, overcrowding and access. LANIERLAND PARK Once home to a popular music venue, Lanierland Park is steeped in Forsyth County history, and it will continue to service the public by providing eight tennis courts, four pickleball courts, four baseball/softball fields and an all-inclusive playground. The project broke ground in July 2021, and County departments have been collaborating with consultant Lose Design and general contractor Astra Group, Inc. to renovate and expand Lanierland Park in two phases. The Miracle League, which provides physically and mentally challenged children and adults a safe and spirited baseball program, will be relocated to Lanierland Park upon project completion with a separate baseball field dedicated specifically to the program. The project was budgeted at $16.7 million with funding from SPLOST VII and impact fees. 10

COUNTY CAMPUS CAPITAL PROJECTS Forsyth County has outgrown its current Administration Building, which was constructed in 1996. The County Administration Campus will be constructed strategically to meet the needs of not only today, but tomorrow. This long-term investment will consist of three distinct facilities with different funding sources: County Administration Building, Whole Health Building and Employee Center all totaling about $172.2 million. The facilities will incorporate a modernized Commissioners Meeting Room, physical and mental health center and employee fitness center. The County Administration Campus will sit on 42-acres and is projected to be completed in 2025. It is currently in Design Phase. RONALD REAGAN BLVD. John Jefferson EXTENSION Director This SPLOST-funded project consists of a new, approximately four-mile-long roadway with four lanes and a raised median The Capital Projects Department oversees connecting the tail-end of Ronald Reagan Blvd. to McFarland the completion of County construction Pkwy. The segment is estimated to move in excess of 35,000 projects, focusing on road, water and vehicles per day in the design year, and it represents the final leg of Ronald Reagan Blvd., completing the 16-mile-long corridor vertical developments in the County. The that will connect Cumming to Alpharetta. New traffic signals, department actively manages the delivery of a bridge over Big Creek and extensive wetland mitigation are included in this ongoing project budgeted at $60 million. planning, design and construction of these projects in support of the mission of Forsyth County and its responsibility to the community. 11

6MORE PROJECTS FIRE STATION SR 369 WIDENING/ MCGINNIS FERRY/ SAWNEE MOUNTAIN BENNETT 9 AND 15 400 INTERCHANGE 400 INTERCHANGE WATER INTAKE AND PARK PARK RETURN FLOW Park This existing Two new fire This project This project This project renovations park will be stations will includes the includes includes included new demolished, be upgraded widening of two construction of multiple baseball/softball and the new to four bay miles of SR 369 a full diamond projects to complex park will stations for with two lanes in interchange at SR allow Forsyth improvements, contain a increased levels each direction, 400 and McGinnis County to begin an inclusive community of service to the and it includes Ferry Road with a intaking water playground, building that surrounding construction of widening of from and refurbished can be used as communities an interchange McGinnis Ferry returning flow tennis courts a voting with newly built at SR 369 and SR Road to six lanes back to Lake and updates to precinct. facilities. 400 with a new on the Forsyth Lanier. restrooms. bridge. County side of the road. WHEN: WHEN: WHEN: WHEN: WHEN: WHEN: Projects in design phase Project Project in Estimated Estimated Estimated completed design phase completion dates completion date completion WHERE: on Jan. 19, 2022 of Fall 2023 of Dec. 2024 date of Mar. WHERE: 2024 Intake is planned WHERE: WHERE: WHERE: to occur at 5930 Burruss WHERE: Tidwell Park 3995 Watson Mill Road SR 369 and McBride Lane SR 369 from SR 9 to Road (No. 9), and Hwy. 20 and SR 306, and SR 400 McGinnis Ferry COST: COST: Trammel Road (No. 15) at SR 369 Road and SR $272 COST: $17.3 400 COST: COST: million combined 12 $3.2 million $15.5 $66 COST: million $82 million million combined million

219 Resurfaced roads Projects John Cunard ENGINEERING 51.32 Miles of resurfaced Completed Director roads Completed Trammel Road and SR 20 intersection The Engineering Department’s mission is to 584 Total plans reviewed improvement provide for the County’s infrastructure needs 3,338 Traffic signs repaired through proper placement and maintenance Completed storm drain pipe of roadways, drainage structures, pedestrian and installed lining project on Westminster Lane walks and traffic control devices. The 2,531Roads and bridges department’s purpose is to put citizens first completed work orders Signal installed at Post Road and to promote the health, safety and welfare of Bentley Road 36.51 Miles of milling and the County residents. deep patching Roads and Bridges Division improved and paved a gravel 13 road on Johnson Road Roads and Bridges Division constructed a right turn lane at Post Road on Pittman Road

Aerial’s House 4,739 False Alarms Coats and Toys Other 1,437 Collected: Average Water and/or 10,462 Response Time Smoke Removals FIRE 5:09 577 10,360 GHaaszLaeradkosuosr Materials Events Medical Emergencies and Motor Vehicle Accidents 279 GBrraussshFairneds 160 Structure Fires 137 Vehicle Fires 77 Controlled or Illegal Burns 59 Animal Rescues 53 Barry Head Fire Marshal’s Office Fire Personnel Chief of Department 880 School and student public education events 240 112 Fire Investigations The Forsyth County Fire Department protects 10,599 Inspections Performed life, property and the environment from all 117 Child safety seat inspections and installations hazards through preparedness, prevention, mitigation and response. The department also provides citizens and visitors with emergency pre-hospital medical care in a highly effective manner with the best trained personnel possible. 14

911 CALLS Certified public safety employees working for Forsyth County EMA & 911 government, including the Sheriff’s Office, Fire Department and E-911, received a salary increase up to 16 percent in 2022. With the increase, the County was able to provide one of the highest salaries in the state for public safety. Forsyth County Hazardous Mitigation plan was updated in 2022 and will be Tom Cisco valid/applicable for the next five years. Director The 911 Center dispatches to and serves the Sheriff ’s Office, City Police Department, Fire Department and the County’s contracted provider of emergency medical transport services. The Emergency Management Agency leads the coordination of emergency and disaster response activities for the County, providing a comprehensive and aggressive mitigation and emergency preparedness, response and recovery program. Calls Received - 332,485 5new sirens 15 Calls Dispatched - 245,895 installed

SHERIFF’S OFFICE Resident Substance CRIME STATS Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Program had 14 graduates in 2022 and zero re-offenses as of Feb. 9, 2023. Inmate Litter Details Inmate Landscape Details Ron H. Freeman Pounds of Litter collected by inmates: Miles maintained Sheriff 158,660 265.6 The Forsyth County Sheriff ’s Office is Roads worked: Roads worked: responsible for law enforcement services, jail management, court security and serv- 403 128 ing the writs and papers of the courts. The Sheriff ’s Office is committed to providing C I R Tr i s i s n t e r v e n t i o n eam exceptional service and safety through an esponse ethical compass and fundamental beliefs FCSO refers to as “The Forsyth Way.” CIRT provides specialized respones to citizens 16 experiencing mental health-related crises, encourages connections between residents and local resource providers and reduces the prevalence of mental illness in the Detention Center.

- 8,559 park patrol hours CFooursnyttyh Jerry Ramos CODE CO MPLIANCE ih2nHnlar0atoSaawedow2SncAttms2iaaaeftdocntay.ltrerhu1iHilpvkdimol2eFneiueanctianadtpreostlesy9 - Over 2,300 citizen-based animal w25e-llfoot Director To1bh0lede0lho-ywoeuaasre-. services cases rescue Forsyth County Code Compliance develops team partnerships with citizens and those who - 10% field animal return to mwubqwpiiruntiohtinoorcgvrkkseeHlayrdfaytetottyy injuries. conduct business in the County to preserve owner rate, making department and improve quality of life issues by a model for surrounding agencies providing a safe, healthy and quality - Nearly 2,000 code compliance environment. County codes have been enacted and are enforced to ensure attractive cases worked yearly neighborhoods, vibrant businesses and an - 90% compliance rate through enjoyable community for all. 1177

52 BASEBALL/ 22 28 PARKS SOFTBALL FIELDS PLAYGROUNDS 5 LAKE PARKS 55 MILES OF 4 DOG PARKS TRAILS GGEETT OOUUTT 1,975 ACRES OF UNDEVELOPED && PPLLAAYY!! FUTURE PARKS 18 6,000 PLUS PROGRAMS OFFERED ANNUALLY CAMPGROUNDS WITH GLAMING OPTIONS SAWNEE MOUNTAIN PRESERVE AND VISITOR CENTER

3 REC CENTERS 42 TENNIS COURTS 38 MULTI- 1 SKATE PARK Laura Pate PARKS & RECREATION PURPOSE FIELDS Interim Director In 2022, Forsyth County received a Contract Award in the amount of Parks and Recreation works together $48,000 to expand Parks and Recreation’s Therapeutic Recreation with County departments and citizens to program offerings, which have over 400 participants with special needs. enrich the community by providing safe, clean and inclusive parks and recreation opportunities. The department hopes to inspire a connected, vibrant and healthy community through its 28 parks and play. 19

Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) Awards Collection System Excellence – Platinum Award Distribution System Excellence – Platinum Award Water Reclamation Facility of the Year Awards for two WRFs Dollars spent on con- struction projects: $26,689,978 20 Averaged 4.27 score on Customer Service Survey (score was from 0-5)

Infrastructure Upgrades Barry Lucas WATER & SEWER Forsyth County was awarded $32.6 million from the state for future Director water and sewer infrastructure upgrades and projects. The funds issued are targeted for the construction of an intake and return flow The Department of Water and Sewer is project with Lake Lanier which will, once complete, improve water responsible for the effective production, quality and save the County approximately $3 million annually in filtration and quality control of water for raw water purchases from the City of Cumming. Forsyth County and works to provide the highest quality of water and sewer service New Customers through progressive leadership and environmental stewardship. in 2022 21 Kickoff for AMI Water Meter upgrades: 35% complete

PLANNING & COMMUNITY March 3: Oct. 10: Oct. 16: Dec. 15: Modifications Comprehensive Code requirements Rezoning obtained to the County’s Plan updated now define for the Coal Sign Ordinance, focusing primarily build-to-rent Mountain Town related to on land use. The communities as Center, a 140-acre allowing crown Comprehensive a conditional use planned mixed-use signs for office Plan must be following public development, and buildings at updated every hearings. creation of the Coal least four five years per Mountain Center stories in State regulation. overlay. height. Tom Brown Director The Department of Planning & Community Development implements Forsyth County’s vision for future growth and development by overseeing applications for rezonings, conditional uses and more; providing residents with information about plans, permits and business licenses through an online portal; and overseeing modifications to County ordinances and the Comprehensive Plan. 22

Total building Number of Number of ICC Director Vivian Vivian Vakili BUILDING & ECONOMIC permits issued: ICC Certified Certified Vakili appointed Residential Master Code Director 6,621 Combination Professionals: to Film Forsyth’s Inspectors: Film Commission The Department of Building and Economic Total building 3 Development administers and enforces inspections 17 as a liaison logged: to the film and mandatory construction codes and helps Number of ICC television shepherd projects to the finish line, thereby 54,142 Certified Plan industry. Technicians: ensuring the integrity of both residential and commercial buildings. With a sharp 16 focus on efficiency and continuous improvement, the department works to enhance strong customer service for residents and the business community. 23

SENIOR SERVICES Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) Georgia County of Excellence Award (for innovative Covid-19 outreach programming) Senior Hunger Collaborative Solutions Award, Mobile Food Bank from Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services Beverly Littlefield Award, Assistive Aid Project from Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services Runner Up for Best of North Atlanta, Senior Centers from Appen Media Group Ruthie Brew NEW SERVICES Director Social Services Division (October 2022): The mission of the Social Services The Department of Senior Services is Division is to provide outreach services committed to providing engaging, for low-income, minority and socially impactful life enrichment programs and isolated adults in the community. services for adults ages 60 and up in Forsyth County. The department offers trips and events, classes and activities, fitness opportunities, weekly delivery of meals to homes for those homebound or unable to prepare meals and more. 24

Live release rate of 92% to Return to Owners maintain the County’s No-Kill 330 mission for another year. Transfer to Rescue Partners ANIMAL SHELTER 410 TNR Program 265 Placed with Rescues Cynthia Iacopella 409 Shelter Manager Volunteers The Forsyth County Animal Shelter is dedicated to rescuing, reuniting and rehoming animals, 44 providing housing, care and medical treatment Fosters to domestic stray, lost, abandoned, sick, injured or surrendered animals. The department prides 33 itself on providing a “Fear Free” environment for the animals in its care, and it works with partners across the country to create positive outcomes for many animals. 25

GIS & IS&TBrandon Kenney IS&T GIS 100% Completed Chief Information Officer Total # of Web Apps Viewed Primary Server Virtualization Geographic Information Services works in Infrastructure Refresh affiliation with County departments to provide accurate, consistent, accessible, affordable and Primary and Secondary Storage comprehensive GIS data, GIS infrastructure and Refresh GIS services to support the County’s unique business needs and citizens. Information Systems Microsoft MFA Security FOB & Technology provides secure, reliable and rollout completion efficient technological solutions and services to County departments, offices and citizens of County Security Camera Forsyth County. Infrastructure Refresh 26 Juvenile Justice Complex Network Turn Up and Go-Live More Facts Delivered 50+ technology projects with 80% meeting project goals Responded to over 7,000 internal support tickets, equating to 14,212 support hours 908,000 Forsyth County website visitors viewing over 3 million pages

Followers Subscribers Likes up up 156% up 57% 429% Number of press County Board/ COMMUNICATIONS releases issued: 91 Commissioners meetings covered: 85 News posts 5 NACIO National Awards: Russell Brown added to - 1st Place: Feature News Writing forsythco.com: - 2nd Place: Logo Design, E-Newsletter Director 171 - 3rd Place: Brochure, Annual Report The Department of Communications serves Newsletter as the County information resource for the subscribers: community, elected officials, employees and the 6,625 media by providing professional assistance with Events planned, a commitment to accuracy and integrity. covered and promoted: 19 27

Mandi Smith VOTER REG. & ELECTIONS Director The Voter Registrations and Elections Department works to enable all eligible citizens of Forsyth County to exercise their right to register and vote, provide security and integrity of all elections, encourage voter participation, provide excellent customer service to voters, candidates and the media, and to maintain public confidence through education of the coting process and laws governing elections. 28

Employees: Benefit Employees Risk Management Charity Clark EMPLOYMENT SERVICES Eligible Enrolled in Division Stats: 1,832 Employees: Medical: Director 1,407 (90.1%) Total claim spend Full-time: 1,561 was reduced from Employment Services provides support of Employees $1.8M to $717K Forsyth County’s vision by promoting the 1,563 Employees Enrolled in (61% reduction) concept that our employees are our most Paid: Dental: Part-time: 1,419 (90.0%) Workers’ valuable resource and will be treated as 2,710 Compensation such. The department serves as a catalyst 269 Employees claim spend was Enrolled in reduced by 68% to enable all County employees in Vision: providing services to the citizens and 1,310 (83.9%) Automobile claims paid was visitors of Forsyth County. reduced by 35% 29

Recycling Recycling 3 Centers: Library Amount of Busin4,710,000 Recyclables Collected: pounds Library 627,751 Amount of 137,520 Licen Visitors: Hazardous Waste Materials KFCB Disposed: pounds Items Checked New Business Licenses Issued Out at Libraries: 2,809,724 in 2022: Library Programs: 1,822 Total Business Library Program 99,348 Licenses Issued as of 2022: 30 A2t8tendees:

Board of Assessors ness Number of Real 168 Transportation nse Property Returns: 31,905 & Fleet Services 2,360 Review Properties 6,344 1/3 of County Annually: Number of Appeals Processed: Homestead Transportation 23,552 Applications Access Forsyth Processed: Trips: Common 12,560 Courtesy Trips: 803 Fleet Services Mechanic Labor 11,776 Hours Expended: 8,331 Miles Driven by 7,559,486 31 County Vehicles:

Board of Commissioners tvforsyth.com Newsletter: TV Forsyth yourforsyth. 110 E. Main Street, Suite 210, AT&T 99 Cumming, Georgia 30040 Comcast 23 com (770) 781-2101 Forsythco.com Employees Featured on Cover Andrea Vargas Nick Priolo Jesca Henning Glen York Jennifer Thompson Eddie Picklesimer Animal Shelter Parks & Recreation Fire Emergency Management Agency Info. Systems & Technologies Roads & Bridges