Floyd County Annual Report 2020

FLOYD COUNTY 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

Message from Message from the Chairman the County Manager I am extremely pleased and 2020 was a very challenging year excited with the year we have in dealing with COVID-19. I am had under extremely difficult extremely proud of our circumstances. From a financial management team and employees standpoint, and the way in who improvised and adapted to which our employees have providing essential services handled their jobs, we have done throughout our community. I also an excellent job of getting want to thank the Board of through 2020. I am excited about Commissioners for their leadership our new management structure in a very difficult year. I hope this we are starting in 2021. This will annual report documents our provide better opportunities for challenges, but more importantly personnel and citizens. our successes and opportunities for the future. Wright Bagby 2021 Chairman Jamie A. McCord Floyd County Commission County Manager

2021 Floyd County operates under the Commission - Manager Citizens of Floyd County Board of Commissioners form of government Board of Commissioners The Floyd County Board of Commissioners is POST made up of five members, each living in a County Manager specific district and elected to serve four-year 1 Commissioner Assistant terms. Rhonda Wallace County Manager Public Public Services/ Administrative Community County POST Safety Utilities Services Services Manager Division Division Division Division 2 Chair Wright Bagby Sheriff's Water Finance Parks & Rec RFDA, FDA, POST Office Public Works Purchasing Forum / AG GFDA Police Special Projects 3 Vice Chair Prison / WR Engineering IT Facilities Legislation Allison Watters 911 Solid Waste HR / Wellness Tourism / Library External Fire Superior Court Organizational POST EMA Airport Administrator Partnerships PAWS Planning / Land Internal Audit Development Joint Services 4 Commissioner Tax Appraiser County Clerk Larry Maxey Bank Elected Officials POST About Floyd Strategic Planning 5 Commissioner Date of Incorporation.......December 3, 1842 SPLOST Scotty Hancock Total Area in Square Miles.....................513.3 2019 Population Estimate....................98,498 Public County Employees as of 01.01.2021........ 716 Defender

RMG Airport Hosts \"Drive-In\" Edition of Year Wings Over North Georgia Air Show in Review 2020 The Wings Over North Georgia Air Show presented by JLC Airshow Year in Review Management continues to be one of Rome's most popular family weekend events. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headlined the airshow, with appearances by Dobbins ARB C-130 Hercules, Black Daggers Parachute Demonstration, and many more. Airport Manager John Carroll stated over 25,000 attended the event. We look forward to this event returning in October 2021! Runway 1/19 Extension Project Update The Runway 1/19 Extension project for Richard B. Russell Regional Airport has recently been awarded to Bartow Paving. Phase One is set to begin in March 2021! This SPLOST project voted on by citizens of Rome and Floyd County will allow for aviation prospects requiring 7,000 ft. runway. It will attract additional military aircraft fuel sales, as well as corporate and cargo business fuel sales. More ways than ever to stay informed @floydcountyga

CALL WHEN YOU CAN... Year in Review T E X T T O 9 1 1 TEXT WHEN YOU CAN'T Text to 911 is the ability to send a text message to reach a 911 emergency operator from your mobile phone or device. This service was initiated in 2015, and is available for hearing and speech-impaired residents. It can also be used in unsafe situations to seek help when voice calls are not viable. Rome-Floyd Building Inspection Floyd County Tax Assessor's Office Office Reorganizes In 2020, the Board of Assessors were responsible for: Since taking the role of Director in 2019, James Martin has 39,617 residential properties valued at $4,223,785,314 restructured the way the Building Inspection office operates. 3,928 agricultural properties valued at $713,992,953 New inspectors were hired in Code Enforcement, making a 2,944 commercial properties valued at $1,134,265,961 total of four CE inspectors. An additional Environmental 261 industrial properties valued at $316,915,924 Inspector was hired, and current inspectors received new 94 public utility properties valued at $867,237,918 certifications. The Board reviewed 748 real property appeals, 73 personal property appeals, and 12 automobile appeals. 14,349 building inspections Emergency Management 3,289 code enforcement inspections Agency Responds to COVID 246 new single family houses permitted 58 new commercial buildings permitted Floyd County Emergency Operations Center partially activated to a monitoring phase in response to the 1,130 plan reviews National Public Health Emergency Declaration to 5,367 total permits issued COVID-19 outbreak. Floyd County Emergency Management assisted with the setup of emergency 4-H Develops Weekly shelter for homeless individuals needing assistance EMA Training in 2020: Activity Kits to Address during the initial COVID-19 process. The agency was Tabletop exercise for Floyd County Schools Limited Youth Activities also instrumental in coordination and setup of the Coordinated FEMA online COVID-19 drive-thru COVID-19 testing site at West Rome reimbursement training for Finance Departments The COVID-19 pandemic produced limited availability Baptist Church in West Rome. The agency also Hazard Mitigation Plan Update for youth activities that were vitally important to the purchased a DJI Mavic Drone with exterior speaker Radio Operations Training for Floyd County overall well-being and positive youth development of system which was used to make announcements over Elections poll workers youth ages 5-18. In response, Floyd County 4-H identified homeless campsites advising them of testing developed weekly educational activity kits that locations and operating hours. Floyd County EMA addressed: Artistic Expression, Handwashing/Food coordinated PPE supplies for Floyd County First Safety, Environmental Science and Agriculture. Floyd Responders and Public Safety during COVID crisis. County 4-H had a total of 264 youth participate.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT $273.4 Million + 209 New Jobs Year in Review In With The New... Irish-based company, Kerry, Ball Phase II Announcement Japanese-based F & P announced a $125,000,000 Ball’s existing canning operations announced a $40,000,000 On April 1, 2020, the Rome Floyd County Development Authority investment and the creation of increased capacity with a $74,000,000 expansion/investment and moved to their new office at 800 Broad Street, Suite 102. They worked with Romega Digital and V3 Magazine to create a new 100 jobs. investment and 42 new jobs. the creation of 15 jobs. logo design for marketing material and brand recognition. They manufacture Workforce Housing Summit automotive suspension systems. The RFCDA and Georgia Power Company hosted a housing summit in February 2020 with over 100 people in attendance. Speakers included local and national developers and local government staff to discuss the challenges of workforce housing shortages and solutions to those challenges. Awards Golden Shovel Award \" Best Places to Work in Manufacturing Jobs\" VTI announced a $24,385,000 Local Sunrise Manufacturing Formerly Southeastern Mills, - Smart Asset, 2020 expansion/investment with a announced a $5,000,000 Summit Hill Foods is expanding in Georgia was awarded the \"Most Beautiful Main Street in Georgia\" 30,000 square foot addition the Floyd County Industrial Park Silver Shovel Award for (Downtown Rome) and the creation of 42 jobs. expansion/relocation onto a parcel investments in the state, and - MSN, 2019 in the Floyd County Industrial Park by adding 90,000 square feet to Ball was recognized as one of They manufacture their logistics center. Estimated the reasons for the award. countertops and commercial with a planned construction of capital investment of $5,000,000. 80,000 square foot facility. Sunrise GLOBE Award for Local Manufacturer doors. is expected to create 10 new jobs. Local manufacturer, Geo Hydro, was recognized and awarded THANK YOU! They manufacture honeycomb the GLOBE Award from the Georgia Department of Economic dunnage materials. Development for increased international trade in 2020. Georgia Power contributed $10,000 to Heritage Sleep Concepts started making RFCDA to assist in economic development. masks due to COVID- 19.

Human Resources Launches Timekeeping System, Year in Review Risk Management Receives Safety Grant Established the ROTH IRA as a retirement option, which increased options for employees and created a more desirable benefits package to enhance recruitment and retention. Received for the first time the ACCG Safety Grant for 2020 and qualified for the ACCG Safety Grant Discount for the 2021 billing cycle. Proposed and subsequently implemented the 2% schedule adjustment. This helps in retaining our positioning in the market regarding recruitment. This initiative aided in the retention of our most tenured employees. Implemented new law enforcement raises and hiring range changes. Launched Kronos Dimensions timekeeping system which drives accuracy in pay, compliance with payroll legislation, and provides reports and tools for much more effective use of employee time. Facilities Management Prepares a Safe Environment Engineering 2020 Projects Facilities staff implemented COVID-19 and social distancing strategies throughout county buildings to ensure a Jail Training Center Site Work (pictured) Pepperell School Water Project safe environment for employees and the public. Despite the pandemic, projects continued. The department Jail Sewer Improvements Texas Valley Water Extension Design launched a new work order system with Novo Solutions in 2020, increasing communication and efficiency. The Shady Lane Rome-Floyd County Library meeting room received much needed renovations to allow for modern meeting spaces Salem Drive Drainage Improvements Recycling Center Parking Expansion and training sessions. Jail Parking Lot Information Technology Faces Wide Array of Challenges Setup remote access and for users from every department during COVID. Restored servers from Ransomware attack. Moved to 2-factor authentication for remote access. Reset all network passwords requiring stronger settings. Implemented network monitoring to flag suspect traffic. Implemented new hosted ICON software for Magistrate Court, Superior Court and Jury Management. Implemented new hosted JCATS software for Juvenile Court. Replaced 6 year old VMWare servers. Refreshed over 100 PCs. Started replacement of network firewalls with more robust security. To be completed in 2021.

Finance Receives Certificate of Floyd County, Georgia Year Achievement for Excellence in Reporting For the Year Ended December 31, 2020 in Review The Finance Department received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers' Association (GFOA for the FY2019 reporting period. Floyd County, Georgia For the Year Ended December 31, 2020

Juvenile Court Holds Online Cases Year in Review Since the end of March 2020, the Juvenile Court has held over 800 court hearings via ZOOM. Judge Price states \"I can honestly say that despite the impediment of COVID, our court has been able to function not only adequately but admirably to fulfill our responsibilities to Rome and Floyd County.\" Magistrate Court Superior Court Judge Durham Retires Appoints New Judge Judge Durham retired at the end of 2020, leaving Judge Niedrach as the Chief Judge and Judge Brian Johnson Magistrate Court experienced substantially as the Superior Court Judge. Judge Niedrach received an award in the fall. The Rome Circuit Mental Health lower cases due to COVID-19 for a total of Court was recognized as a model mental health court. The function of a model court is to serve as a resource 9,865 total cases for the 2020 year. They and mentor for the other courts. purchased 2 digital scrolling calendars, updated the PA system, and installed video conferencing Probate Court Numbers Increase in 2020 equipment. These items were directly related to COVID-19 in order to keep as much distance Probate Court processed: between parties as possible. Magistrate Court 2,695 firearms permits in 2020, over 300 more permits than 2019 also saw the addition of Judge John McClellan to 577 Marriage Licenses its staff in December 2020. 1,030 Estate Petitions 6,650 Traffic Tickets With reduced access due to COVID-19, these are significant numbers.

36 Events Keep Rome-Floyd Year 296 Volunteers Beautiful in Review 935 Volunteer Hours Value of Volunteer Time $25,432.00 Participants 7,324 Trash Collected 13,050 lbs. / 6.525 tons Bags of Recyclables 76 Trees Recycled 75 Events Bring One For The Chipper Kingfisher Trail Manhole Murals MLK Service Day Turner McCall Mural Refresh Community Cleanups Poster Art Contest & Exhibition Bees & Trees Johnson Elementary Recycling Program Parking Day Free Tarp Day Arbor Day Litter Index County / City Employee Cleanups Virtual Storytime Robert Weed Memorial Nature Walk Recycling Pop-Up Event Plastic Bag Swap Boo-tiful Halloween Cleanup Cigarette Litter Prevention Program America Recycles Day Program Adopt-A-Mile Program High School Leadership Rome Land Bank Authority 40 properties sold / donated $34,630.99 in sales generated $1,015 application fees collected

Year in Review Police Recognizes Officers and New Sheriff in Town, Corrections Works on Several Welcomes New Pay Plan Projects and Community Outreach New Additions to the Jail The Police Department, along with Public Safety received pay raises that Corrections continued many projects during the pandemic; amounted to $6,000 a year for each officer ($3/hr). This pay plan will help In 2020, The Floyd County Sheriff's Office held a ribbon-cutting Shooting Range (2013 SPLOST); Jail training building and recruit and retain quality officers. Officer of the Year was awarded to PFC Craig for the 2017 SPLOST Jail Medical and Mental Health expansion. medical wing work (2017 SPLOST); Jail Medical upgrades; Stanfield for providing life saving measures to a victim while apprehending the shooter. Investigator Misty Pledger was recognized by the GBI and the Internet The Jail Training Center was completed, and Daycare facility. Inmates also provided face masks for Crimes Against Children group for her investigation into the arrest of internet After serving Floyd County for over 35 years, Sheriff Tim employees and nursing homes during the pandemic. They predators. FCPD obtained $173,878 in grants to supply equipment to EOD and Burkhalter retired in 2020. Former Major Dave Roberson has held their first welding school, and graduates went on to special operations groups. They also secured a partnership with federal DEA in been elected as the new Sheriff of Floyd County as of January combating the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas of Northwest Georgia. The work at F&P, Steel King and Jefferson Southern. 2021. grant provides an office and staff in Rome and Floyd County.

Public Animal Welfare Services Receives Year Grant to Help with Improving Live Outcomes in Review Public Animal Welfare Services won and received a $20,000 PETCO grant. This grant allowed for the purchase of a truck and climate-controlled transportation trailer for transporting animals. A Rescue Coordinator was hired to help locate new partners in the transportation program. Planning and Zoning Parks and Recreation Unveils New Playground and Gets Upgrades New aerial photography was implemented. The GIS layers are continually being upgraded to Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation held a ribbon-cutting for the have information that was previously lost, as new and improved playground at Ridge Ferry Park. They saw well as newer information. Special events venue ordinance was adopted. ULDC revisions are many SPLOST improvements as well; new gym floor at Thornton underway. The department has made significant Center, and new HVAC in all gyms. They welcomed the New Year strides in updating the Service Delivery Strategy. They participated in International Parking Day by with a hike at Lock and Dam Park. creating a parklet.

Public Works Solid Waste Year in Review Public Works recently purchased a Gradall, used primarily to clean ditches and lay pipe. This piece Floyd County secured a contract with TFR Enterprises to coordinate efforts to clear, of equipment is smaller than a typical Gradall, which allows crews to maneuver smaller roads. In haul, and/or reduce debris from County right of way following a major storm event. August of 2020, Section Supervisor Eric Sexton completed all of the requirements of the National This commits a company to assist with opening our roads and clearing our right of Certificate of Public Works Management Program consisting of 90 classroom hours. ways should we get hit with a major storm. By having the contract, we are eligible for a higher percent reimbursement from GEMA. BEFORE Rome-Floyd Recycling Center AFTER

2019 Total Impact of Travel & Tourism in Rome & Floyd County Year in Review Tourism Expenditures ($ millions) $179,055,000 $200 ($490,561 PER DAY) $179.55 $169.60 $158.80 In 2019, travel and tourism $150 $149.90 generated a 5.86% year over year increase in total impact. In $107.50 $138.70 $143.20 Rome and Floyd County, the $125.10 $129.50 $117.02 $110.10 tourism industry employed 1,500 $100 people. Travelers to Rome & Floyd County generated $7.18 million in state tax revenue and $50 $5.22 million in local tax revenue. *Estimates provided by US Travel Association. $0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 estimates will be available in Fall 2021. 2009 Estimates include travel expenditures, travel generated employment and payroll income, as well as tax revenues for state and local government.

Water Department Begins New Projects Year in Review New projects for 2020 included the Bells Ferry Road pump house upgrade, which will facilitate a more energy efficient operation and help meet increased water demand. The Old Mill Springs renovation repair and seal existing cracks to the cover of the Old Mill Spring Water source. Phase I of the new SCADA system (System Control and Data Acquisition) was completed. . The new system proposed will eliminate the need for the County to be responsible for system security. Because of cost, the system will be implemented in two phases. Completed Projects Hydraulic Modeling System Pepperell Middle School Water Main Installation Line Replacement Hwy 156 & Grant Rd Line Extension Hwy 27N & Hwy 156 Preliminary engineering for Texas Valley Water Line Extension (SPLOST) Water Line Extension for Ball Container Expansion Hwy 27N Line Extension to complete system loop @ Old Summerville Rd

Arrests 269 Rome/Floyd E-911 911 Lines 92,270 Narcotics Cases 247 Metro Task Force Text to 911 194 Search Warrants Admin Lines 85 Fire Ring Down 84,214 TOTAL 5,476 Seizures Rome PD 182,154 Firearms 65 Floyd County PD Cave Spring PD 46,375 Vehicles 11 Rome Fire 41,210 Cave Spring Fire Methamphetamine 5,552 grams Floyd EMS 3,721 Redmond EMS 6,323 Marijuana 13,144 grams Floyd County SO Other 286 Synthetic Marijuana 808 grams TOTAL 15,293 Marijuana Plants 63 plants Vehicles assigned to departments 4,196 Vehicles in surplus 6,831 Heroin 39 grams TOTAL Vehicles in fleet 45,809 170,044 Crack Cocaine 310 grams 408 Powder Cocaine 25 grams 30 Ecstasy Tablets 841 tablets Coroner 438 Cases Prescription Pills 3,090 pills THC Oils 325 grams Incidents Fire 2019 500+ Fleet 2020 700+ City 3,087 County 3,069 Outside County 17 Public Education City 164 County 85 Fuel Truck Dispensed General Repairs 1,725 19,918.5 gallons of fuel Total Work Orders 2,118 Scheduled Preventative Maintenance 932 2,868 Repair Tickets Resulting Road Service Calls 56 from Work Orders TOTAL Training Hours 78,965 Accident Repair 45 Repairs from PM 110

Rome-Floyd County Library 1,400+ school-aged students engaged Circulation Books 122,817 Ebooks 13,045 Wellness Audiobooks 6,499 Partnered with Garner & Glover to provide wellness Audiobooks downloaded16,043 programs for employees Blood pressure monitors DVDs, CDs, AV material 55,422 distributed to all departments TOTAL 213,826 1st Annual Virtual Health Fair Computer Sessions 33,119 Flu Vaccines WiFi usage 13,993 Angioscreens Launched new website romefloydecocenter.com youth 15.8 county roads +6.8 city streets 523 enrolled in Floyd County 22.6 miles paved 4-H Farmgate Value of Agriculture in Floyd County: $70,182,726.00 Number of Farms: 547 Average Farm Size: 137 acres Intake 3,039 Adoptions 885 Return to Owner 141 Rescued / Transported Calls for Service 1,719 Spay / Neuters 2,712 703 2020 Rome-Floyd Recycling Center named 61,929 Live Outcome APWA Georgia Chapter 2020 registered voters in 2020 94.67% Environmental Project of the Year

Social Media @FLOYDCOUNTYGA Year in Review

SPLOST Year in Review Equipment Brushy Branch Boat Dock Team Store Addition Braves Stadium Jumbotron Team Store Addition

SPLOST Year in Review New Playground at Ridge Ferry Park Shady Lane Forum River Center Upgrades Forum River Center Upgrades Firing Range

SPLOST Year in Review Firing Range Jail Training Center Jail Medical

Thank you for being public servants while we navigate the challenges of COVID-19.

Floyd County Board of Commissioners | 12 East 4th Avenue, Suite 209 | 706.291.5110 | romefloyd.com