News Flash

Hall County Government is proud to have accomplished many things in 2019 through the vision and leadership of the Hall County Board of Commissioners and the coordination of Hall County staff. The following represents a sampling of those achievements; however, it does not capture every success, including the many that were made by individual County employees.

• Tumbling Creek Bridge opened to traffic in April. The new bridge spans 142 feet and provides easier access for commuters and first responders in the area of Ga. 13/Atlanta Highway and Old Oakwood Road.
• Right-of-way acquisition for Phase I of the Spout Springs Road Widening Project was completed, allowing the Georgia Department of Transportation to proceed with the construction of this critical road project.
• Crews rehabilitated 18 culverts in Hall County using an innovative, time-tested model that was designed by Hall County government engineers approximately 20 years ago. The rehabilitations saved Hall County hundreds of thousands of dollars in replacement costs.
• Approximately 20 miles of Hall County-maintained roads were resurfaced.
• For the seventh consecutive time, the Hall County Landfill received a perfect score from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Environmental Protection Division (EPD) following a routine compliance inspection of the facility.
• The roundabout at JM Turk Road and Martin Road was completed with the help of a Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank grant. This project allows for more efficient traffic flow while providing a safer intersection for Hall County citizens.
• Hall County obtained its first "WaterFirst" designation, meaning the County prioritizes the preservation and upkeep of its water resources. The designation also allows Hall County to get a 1-percent interest reduction on loans from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA).
• The Hall County Board of Commissioners approved an update to the County's Short Term Rental Ordinance, striving to balance the rights of property owners while preserving the character of surrounding neighborhoods.
• The Board also adopted an ordinance that establishes guidelines for small wireless facilities in the County right-of-way. The ordinance ensures these valuable tools do not interfere with vital equipment like traffic signals that citizens rely on for safety.
• The Hall County Board of Commissioners adopted best practices for the Hall County Animal Shelter at the recommendation of Best Friends Animal Society, following an independent audit by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
• In keeping with those best practices and in an effort to control the population of feral cats in Hall County, the Hall County Animal Shelter launched its Community Cat program. The program consists of trapping feral cats that qualify for the program, spay/neuter and vaccinating them, and then releasing them back into their habitats.
• As another form of best practices adopted at the recommendation of Best Friends Animal Society, the Hall County Animal Shelter also revamped the way it takes in animals. The shelter now requires an appointment to be scheduled before an animal is surrendered. Shelter employees have also been trained to provide animal owners with information about rescue organizations and other avenues to find the best fit for long-term care for the animal - whether or not that includes the shelter.
• A number of technology enhancements were installed at the Hall County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) in 2019:
• Body Cameras were fully deployed to frontline Hall County Sheriff's deputies. This provides for better documentation of events for training, evaluation, compiling reports, and court presentation.
• Interview Rooms were outfitted with updated audio and video equipment, which aids in capturing minute details during interviews and interrogations.
• Power DMS, a software program that aids in managing critical Sheriff's Office data such as policy, promotions, training, and state certification, went live this year.
• The "Sheriff to Citizen" portal also went live in 2019. That technology provides for online crime reporting, lists of inmates in custody, daily crime events and crime maps.
• Crime analysis has been modernized as the information in the HCSO's new Records Management System continues to increase, providing a better focus on areas with increased crime.
• Online Warrants has been implemented. This system allows deputies to obtain warrants from magistrate court judges via video conference or online submission.
• The electronic subpoena (E-subpoena) system was implemented in conjunction with the District Attorney's Office and Solicitor's Office. This allows officers to be subpoenaed for court via electronic service rather than a hard copy paper service, thereby saving time and resources.
• Hall County 's Public Protection Classification grade from the Insurance Services Office improved thanks, in part, to Hall County Fire Services' firefighter training procedures, emergency reporting infrastructure and standard operating procedures. The improved grade means residents could see a reduction in their homeowner's insurance premiums.
• Hall County Fire Services upgraded its fleet with the delivery of a new fire engine and the purchase of two new ambulances, providing the latest and most technologically advanced equipment to protect and serve the public.
• Hall County maintained its Storm Ready Community designation from the National Weather Service, arming first responders with what they need to handle all types of extreme weather.
• Two Hall County Fire Services recruit classes graduated, including the first-ever "fast-track" class, allowing those with previous experience to move through the program quicker in order to begin serving the public sooner.
• Hall County's Construction Division completed interior renovations of the Hall County Courthouse, making room for additional offices and courtrooms as the needs of Hall County's Judicial System continue to expand.
• Hall County's Parks Facility Master Plan was completed, which will be instrumental in helping the County chart a course for the direction of its parks system by identifying current and future needs of the community, as well as identifying potential land acquisition and funding opportunities.
• Hall County Parks & Leisure's athletic programs continued to thrive as a new adult softball program was implemented and youth basketball saw record participation in 2019.
• Parks & Leisure crews also completed renovations to River Forks Park & Campground and oversaw the restoration of the water wheel, flume and dam at Healan's-Head's Mill.
• The Hall County Tax Commissioner's Office completed a statewide systems conversion from GRATIS to DRIVES (Driver Record and Integrated Vehicle Enterprise System). The move enables citizens to renew, replace, cancel registrations, pre-apply, check title status and more - all online from the comfort of their homes.
• Hall County Financial Services was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for Fiscal Year 2018. The designation, which the County has received for 27 consecutive years, is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.
• Financial Services was also awarded the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada's (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Guide. Hall County has received the award for three consecutive years, which is the same number of years the County submitted its budget for consideration and ultimately received the distinction.
• The Hall County Board of Commissioners approved a new Purchasing Ordinance to better align purchasing guidelines and procedures with the complexity of Hall County Government operations.
• To make headway on the County's Strategic Plan, Hall County's communications team conducted a survey, soliciting input to help mold its communication initiatives, plans and goals in the future. Feedback received from that survey was utilized in the redesign of the County's website, hallcounty.org, giving it additional functionality and streamlining its navigation process.
• A public safety podcast, "Hall About Public Safety," was launched to give citizens a glimpse into Hall County's various public safety departments.

Again, this list represents only a few of the County's achievements in 2019. Hall County's elected officials and staff looks forward to continuing this legacy of success in 2020.