Hall County Government is proud to have accomplished many things in 2014 through the leadership of the Hall County Board of Commissioners and the coordination of Hall County staff. The following represents a sample of those achievements; however, it does not capture every success, including the many that were made by individual County departments and employees.
Accomplishments during 2014:
- The General Fund millage rate, which is the property tax rate that supports daily operations, was rolled back from 6.25 mills to 5.989 mills.
- Kubota Manufacturing of America announced that a new manufacturing facility will be built in the Gateway Industrial Centre off Georgia 365, representing a $100 million investment and creating 650 new jobs.
- A new Hall County logo and slogan, created with the help of citizen input, were unveiled and implemented across County departments.
- Contractors broke ground on Hall County's newest park, Cherokee Bluffs in Flowery Branch.
- The Hall County Board of Commissioners voted to give County employees a 3 percent cost of living raise, which is a reflection of the County's strong financial status.
- A promotional video, highlighting Hall County's natural landscape, rich agricultural and business community, educational opportunities, healthcare system and more, was released to the public and is prominently featured on the County's website and TV 18.
- Two new Hall County fire stations opened, improving the insurance rating and response times for a large number of citizens.
- Sheriff Gerald Couch announced his plans to relocate the Sheriff's Office headquarters to the Hall County Government Center campus, furthering the goal of creating a one-stop shop for citizens.
- The Hall County Re-entry Accountability Courts Transition (REACT) program was launched in an effort to reduce recidivism rates.
- A new state courtroom was built inside the Hall County Jail, creating another venue for court proceedings and increasing safety measures by not transporting offenders away from the jail.
- A redesigned Hall County website was launched, providing citizens with more online access to services and information.
- A new Geographic Information Systems (GIS) website was unveiled, providing citizens with a mapping tool that is compatible with online devices and quicker to respond than the alternate website.
- Once again, the Hall County Board of Commissioners voted to absorb the increase in health benefits costs to employees.
- Commissioners voted to implement an on-site pharmacy and clinic, providing employees with greater access to health care and reducing healthcare costs to the County overall.
- Special Olympics Georgia hosted their Fall Games in Hall County, utilizing several Hall County parks and facilities and with the help of a number of Hall County Government volunteers.
- Hall County State Court Veterans Court was established, helping veterans whose primary issues are related to substance abuse live healthy, productive lives and eliminate further involvement with the criminal justice system.
- Hall County hosted the first annual Laurel Summer Fest, a successful two-day event at Laurel Park that raised money for the Hall County Animal Shelter and Gainesville Jaycees.
- Hall County Parks & Leisure Services extended community center hours to better serve the general public.
- The District 2 Public Health building was remodeled.
- Hall County Financial Services was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for Fiscal Year 2013.
- Hall County Solicitor General Stephanie Woodard was named Solicitor General of the Year by the Prosecuting Attorney's Council of Georgia.
- District 3 Commissioner Scott Gibbs was appointed to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Board by Governor Nathan Deal.
- Public input was sought from residents about what potential categories of projects should be included in the next Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST VII).
- Hall County Planning Director Srikanth Yamala received the top alumnus award from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln.
- Hall County Resource Recovery launched the 'Adopt a Can' program to promote recycling in the community.
- Hall County Sheriff's Capt. Joe Carter was named president of the National Association of School Resource Officers.
- Hall County Commission Chairman Richard Mecum was named chairman of the Association of County Commissioners in Georgia's Public Safety and Courts Committee.
- A large number of Hall County Government employees worked tirelessly during the winter storm that struck much of the state during the week of Feb. 10, maintaining roadways and keeping citizens safe throughout the winter weather event.
Again, these represent only a few of the County's achievements in 2014. Hall County's elected officials and staff looks forward to continuing this legacy of success in 2015 as they remain dedicated to serving the needs of Hall County citizens.