Public safety workers receive salary increase
News September 13, 2022
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — While many Democrat-run counties are still working to de-fund law enforcement and other public safety employees, Forsyth County has decided to in a different direction, awarding a salary increase of up to 16 percent.
With the Board of Commissioners’ passing of the FY 2023 budget on Aug. 18, certified public safety employees of the County’s E911 Department, Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office will receive a 4
percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) beginning Sept. 26, 2022. These employees are
County Manager Kevin Tanner
also eligible to receive a salary increase of up to 12 percent beginning Jan. 1, 2023.
“Forsyth County is one the safest places to live and work in Georgia,” said County Manager Kevin Tanner. “This is only possible because of the dedication of our law enforcement, fire and 911 personnel.
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners values these employees and continues to do everything necessary to ensure that we can offer one of the most competitive pay and benefit packages in the
area.”
The salary increases are based on market salary information used to ensure new salary rates are competitive in the metro Atlanta market. With this increase, Forsyth County will provide one of the highest salaries in the state for public safety.
The County’s recruitment efforts go beyond public safety with other recent Board decisions to attract and retain talent County-wide.
“Forsyth County took another substantial step forward for all County employees by creating a student loan payback program, a tuition reimbursement program and increasing the County’s 401(k) retirement contribution to a maximum of 15 percent,” said Tanner.
Along with these initiatives, the adopted 2023 Budget allows for Forsyth County to conduct a comprehensive Market Salary Study which will include all personnel, including civilian employees who
currently work for a public safety department.
Below are statements from Forsyth County’s public safety leaders.
Sheriff Ron Freeman
Fire Chief Barry Head: “This new pay initiative is a welcome upgrade for the public safety professionals of Forsyth County and a clear indication of how seriously our Board of Commissioners takes their duty of providing for a safe community.
Sheriff Ron Freeman: “With the recent salary and compensation adjustments for the Deputy Sheriffs of Forsyth County, we are now poised to be among the best paid Sheriff’s Offices in Georgia. In light of the ever-competitive recruiting market of metro-Atlanta and the severe shortages seen nationwide in the law enforcement profession, these adjustments are putting FCSO back into a competitive position to find the best and brightest to serve Forsyth County.
UFA soccer returns to Polo Fields
News July 28, 2022
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — United Football Academy soccer will return to the Polo Fields next month.
Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Director Jim Pryor and his staff worked out a one-year contract with United Athletics Inc. to lease a 25-acre section at the Polo Fields for $$88,000 yearly, which could be renewed annually through 2024.
UFA had leased the property for its matches for many years until the county purchased the property in 2021. Until then, UFA leased the field from the property owner for $114,000 a year which included all maintenance work.
The current contract, Pryor said, calls for UFA to perform all trash and utility service, maintain 12 acres of the playing surface and bring in portable restrooms and lights.
County Manager complimented Pryor and his staff and said, “This is a good deal for the county.”
Forsyth County receives highest bond ratings from major rating agencies
News February 12, 2022
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – When Forsyth County Water and Sewer Authority issues $94.7 million in bonds this quarter for Water & Sewer systems improvements. The County’s excellent credit ratings will make the bonds more attractive to potential investors.
CFO Marcus Turk
Two of the nation’s major credit agencies affirmed Forsyth County’s perfect bond rating this week with a AAA rating from S&P and a Aaa rating from Moody’s. This follows a AAA rating from Fitch, the third primary credit rating agency, in September 2021.
With this recognition, the County has now affirmed the highest possible bond ratings it received in 2019, and the resulting lowest cost of borrowing, from all three major U.S. bond rating services. It also becomes one of only a handful of counties in Georgia to receive this designation.
“Forsyth County’s perfect bond rating is a testament to our strong local economy, diverse tax base and responsible financial management,” said County Manager Kevin Tanner. “Congratulations to Chief Financial Officer Marcus Turk and the finance staff on this outstanding achievement.”
In its announcement of Forsyth County’s bond rating, Moody’s noted, “The stable outlook reflects the likelihood that the county’s financial position will remain strong, supported by growth in the county’s large tax base, given the county’s proximity to Atlanta.”
Forsyth County Government Campus will include a new Employee Center
News January 27, 2022
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – When the new Forsyth County Government Campus is built, it will include a multi-faceted Employee Center for county employees. The facility will be completely funded by a surplus in the employees’ health benefit fund.
County Manager Kevin Tanner
County Manager Kevin Tanner proposed building the facility to the Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday.
“Our employees have been very good stewards of their health and wellness in Forsyth County,” Tanner said. “As a result of that, we have accumulated a $10-11 million surplus in the employee benefit fund that must be reallocated and transferred back to the Capital Outlay Fund. Being self-insured, any time we are able to invest in something that will allow our employees to be healthier and spend less on healthcare costs, is more money the taxpayers are saving,” Tanner said.
The center will be built on the same site as the Forsyth County Government Campus, will be for the exclusive use of county employees and will include a modern total health and wellness center, a gymnasium, meeting rooms, class rooms, aerobics classes.
Employees will have 24-hour access. The wellness center, which is now located on West Maple Street, would move into the employee center and be staffed by a physician’s assistant and nurse so employees can get a diagnosis and have medical prescriptions filled.
The Board voted 5-0 to accept Tanner’s proposal. The Employee Center will be designed by Jericho, the same company that will design the Government Campus.
Forsyth County honors Benefits Specialist for service to employees
News December 9, 2021
From left to right Charity Clark, Maria Villalon and Kevin Tanner
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — During the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners work session held Dec. 7, County Manager Kevin Tanner recognized Benefits Specialist Maria Villalon for her work to assist all employees in receiving the best benefits for them through Forsyth County government.
Villalon has been a leader in the department, helping employees find the best insurance plan and making sure they were supported and encouraged throughout the pandemic. Villalon received an Employee Exceeding Expectations Award, also known as a Triple E Award, for her work.
Forsyth County 911 Center offering bonus incentive program
Featured Stories December 1, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
County Manager Kevin Tanner
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – The Forsyth County 911 Center is offering bonuses for current Communications Officers and offering hiring incentives for new officers to help recruit and retain top talent.
The following incentive plan for Communication Officers was approved for immediate implementation by the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners during their Nov. 23 work session:
- $1,500 signing bonus for new employees with no training upon promotion to Communications Officer II
- $2,000 signing bonus for new employees who are already Georgia POST certified upon completion of the first level of training
- Current Communications Officers, employed on Dec. 31, 2021, will receive a $2,500 bonus to be paid out over 10 months beginning in Jan. 2022.
“The 911 Center is the backbone of our public safety system,” said County Manager Kevin Tanner. “The team at the 911 Center makes it possible for the Fire Department, Sheriff’s Office and other emergency personnel to do their jobs.”
In addition to the signing bonus for new hires and the bonus for current officers, the County is offering an incentive to any Forsyth County employee who refers a candidate hired by the 911 Center.
Current employees can receive a $250 bonus when a Communications Officer candidate they recommend becomes a Communications Officer II.
Employees can also receive an additional $500 when that person becomes a Communications Officer III.
The 911 Center dispatches and serves the Fire Department, Sheriff’s Office, City of Cumming Police Department and the County’s contracted provider of emergency medical transport services
Plans for new county admin building moving forward
Featured Stories October 28, 2021
Laura Semanson
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – County Manager Kevin Tanner provided an update on the new multi-level, 130,000 square foot county administration building at Tuesday’s Board of Commissioners work session.
The sprawling 65-acre campus will be located on Freedom Parkway near Ga. 400 and will accommodate at least three other county departments that currently lease space elsewhere, an auditorium and space for staff and public parking.
The current admin building is about 55,000 square feet and was built in 1995.
Molly Cooper
Forsyth County Commissioners approved a $2.4 million contract for with Jericho Deign Group for engineering and architectural services and detailed energy modeling.
Tanner said Jericho is currently in the programming phase, meeting with the department heads. When they finish that, they will move into the design phase.
“We will need to do some site visits and bring back recommendations to the Board,” Tanner said before asking for two Board members to volunteer to go along on those visits. Commissioners Molly Cooper and Laura Semanson volunteered.
“Once that is approved we can move forward with the full design phase” Tanner said, adding, “We’re on target now to be ready to pre-qualify in March then hopefully send out a full set of drawings for bids next June.
Thus far, the county has not provided an estimated cost for the capital project.
County, state officials gather for 2021 Transportation Summit
Featured Stories, News October 20, 2021
Forsyth County, Ga. – The Forsyth County Transportation Summit was held on Tuesday, Oct. 19, and featured transportation project updates from local and state officials.
“Forsyth County has grown vastly over the last decade and the County has matched that progression with improvements to our infrastructure that address not only Forsyth’s residents today but Forsyth residents of tomorrow and beyond,” said Forsyth County Manager Kevin Tanner.
The summit, hosted by the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, featured a panel discussion that was moderated by Georgia Transportation Alliance Executive Director Seth Millican and the following panelists:
– Cindy Jones Mills, Chairwoman and District 4 Commissioner
– Russell McMurry, Georgia Department (GDOT) Commissioner
– Todd Jones, Georgia House of Representatives, District 25
– Carter Patterson, Former Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce Board Chair
To view status updates on transportation projects in Forsyth County, visit the interactive transportation projects map. The interactive map features updated details on County transportation projects including road widenings, intersection improvements and more.
Commercial sewer could produce millions of dollars in new revenue for Forsyth County
News October 15, 2021
Kevin Tanner
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – County Manager Kevin Tanner recommended that the Board of Commissioners use $17-$19 million of the $47.37 million the county will receive under the American Recovery Act to construct targeted commercial sewer that could generate many times the investment in new tax revenue.
Tanner, a former state representative, made the recommendation at Tuesday’s Board of Commissioners meeting after he met with members of county’s Planning, Water and Sewer and Economic Development departments and the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce.
The dollars would be spent primarily in north Forsyth where Tanner said “significant commercial, industrial businesses” have expressed an interest but where there is no sewer availability. “These are places we feel like we can have the highest return on investment,” he said. “We want to spend these dollars where 20 years from now citizens in Forsyth County are going to know where their tax dollars went.”
Laura Semanson
One sewer line Tanner recommend is located along Hwy. 20 and across Yellow Creek Road where it crosses Aaron Sosebee Road.
Slade Gulledge, vice president of economic development for the Chamber said there has been a lot of interest from commercial, industrial developers in the area of Settingdown Road and Bottoms Road. “These two sites have a potential for 1.4 million square feet of industrial development. An initial analysis on that very conservatively would yield $14.3 million over a 10 year span. If you do nothing, it will get you $600,000 over those years.”
Commissioner Molly Cooper did not attend Tuesday’s meeting. Commissioners Todd Levent, Cindy Mills, Laura Semanson and Alfred John viewed the proposal favorably but wanted safeguards built in to prevent property zoned commercial for industrial projects from becoming high-density residential if the projects are not completed.
“My biggest concern is to make sure we are framing this in a manner that is legally defensible to reserve that capacity and simply for commercial use,” said Semanson. “Until it is developed, we are at risk. It could pay off huge but it could bite us in the butt as well.”
John said, “All of us know that any time sewer goes in, high-density residential follows.” He added that he too wants safeguards.
Cindy Mills
Mills said, “If we sit on our hands and let the past repeat itself, all of this land in my district will wind up being residential.”
Tanner suggested that staff be authorized to move forward with design and right-of-way easement acquisition but not construct anything until there is a commitment from a commercial development to locate there. “That is the difficult part of this,” he said. “That may take us two years.”
Ultimately, the Board agreed to allow staff to move forward, but do no construction until the county attorneys can draft the safeguards commissioners feel necessary and the issue comes back before the Board for final approval.
Public hearings on FY 2022 budget Nov. 3
News October 13, 2021
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – County Manager Kevin Tanner presented the FY 2022 proposed budget to the Board of Commissioners at Tuesday’s meeting and the timeline for final approval of the $163,174,088 document.
The budget planning process started in March 2021 with meetings between Tanner, the Finance Department and county department heads. In June, commissioners authorized staff to advertise the millage rate at 4 percent and in July millage rate public hearings were held. On November 3, the Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings and adopt the new spending plan.
The county receives only 28.6 percent of the tax revenue with the balance going to the Board of Education.
County Manager Kevin Tanner
Tanner said county employees will receive a 4.9 percent cost of living allowance increase next year and the county will have a contingency fund of about $2.7 million
The Board also approved:
- A purchase order with ATI Systems in the amount of $146,067.00; 2021 for the purchase of five additional early warning systems;
- The award of Bid 21-115-3150 for Emergency Repair Pipe Lining and Grout at Chamonix Drive with Chase Reline Inc. in the amount of $203,300.00;
- Change Order #5 with Archer Western, LLC on the Fowler Reclamation Facility Expansion Project for the Department of Water and Sewer;
- The award of RFP 21-110-1562 to Foresite Group for as-needed third party review of Cell Tower Conditional Use Permit Applications for the calendar year 2022 for the Department of Planning and Community Development
- The award of RFP 21-112-5211 for the Eagle’s Beak Park Playground Design and Installation for the Department of Parks and Recreation to GameTime in the amount of $299,645.87;
- Amendment #5 to the Task Order with CH2MHill Engineers, Inc. for the Fowler Reclamation Facility Expansion Project for the Department of Water and Sewer in the amount of $47,508;
- Issue of a Task Order to Precision Planning, Inc. for Field Survey, Utility Relocation Design, Permitting, and Construction Support Services for the Post Road Widening from Kelly Mill Road to SR 20 Project in an amount not to exceed $192,715;
- Issue of a Task Order to Precision Planning, Inc. for Water and Sewer Field Survey, Utility Design, and Construction Support Services for the SR 9 at SR 369 Connector/Bannister Road Project in an amount not to exceed $85,870;
- The Sheriff’s Office request to change designated official pertaining to Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Law Enforcement Training Grant Award #K-75-8-017;
- Authorization for the Sheriff’s Office to accept award for the FY2022 Governor of Highway Safety H.E.A.T Grant federal funds in the amount of $77,680.64 with a 60% match required in the amount of $116,520.96.;
- Authorization for the Sheriff’s Office to accept award of the FY2021 State Homeland Security Program/CERT, Project #13, in the amount of $11,306 (no match required);
- Authorization for the Sheriff’s Office to accept award for the FY2021 State Homeland Security Program/ EOD K9, project #50 in the amount of $73,500 (no required match).
- Approval of a Resolution authorizing a 5% sewer service and reuse water rate increase for the Manor Development;
- Approval for the restoration of the Tolbert Street Cemetery by Leadership Forsyth as its 2021/2022 class project;
- Direction regarding a County-Initiated Sketch Plat for a 20,720 sq. ft. addition to an existing 76,000 sq. ft. office/manufacturing facility on 5 acres currently zoned Restricted Industrial District (M1):
- Amendments to the Board of Commissioners’ Rules and Procedures regarding Proclamations and/or Ceremonial Resolutions;
- The redrawing of district boundary lines;
- A First Amendment to the Tower Site Lease Agreement and Memorandum between the Board of Commissioners of Forsyth County and Crown Castle Towers 06-2 LLC;
- A quit claim deed in favor of Arthur Carrasco and Lillian Carrasco (1295 Rockbass – Riverbrooke Subdivision) related to a delinquent sewer payment lien associated with Waterscape Utilities;
- A resolution to condemn property interests in parcel 11 of the Old Atlanta Road, Phase IV, Project No. WID 0208-1 with authorization for the Chair to execute documents in furtherance of same. Estimated just and adequate compensation: $70,800.00;
- Authorization for the County Attorney to execute and file with the Superior Court a Consent Order and Judgment resolving all issues in the condemnation involving Bethelview Road Parcel 213 in the amount of $ 71,100 with authorization for the Chair to sign a Quitclaim Deed releasing the permanent easement to the owners, Jerry and Barbara Bagley, subject to the terms of the Consent Order and Quitclaim Deed that the owners maintain the drainage in the area of the permanent easement.
- Direction regarding a County-Initiated rezoning from A1 to M1 with a variance to the sewer distance requirement, Parcel 250-172;
All votes were 4-0 with Commissioner Molly Cooper absent ad Commissioner Alfred John abstained on the restoration of the Tolbert Street Cemetery.
Commissioner Cooper diagnosed with cancer
Featured Stories July 21, 2021
Commissioner Molly Cooper
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – Forsyth County District 1 Commissioner and Vice-Chairwoman Molly Cooper was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer following a routine doctor visit for an illness.
“Commissioner Cooper is doing well and has a positive prognosis from her medical team,” said County Manager Kevin Tanner. “She is still actively involved in the day-to-day operations of her district and her constituents’ concerns. As she begins treatment, we hope that residents will join me, as well as County staff and elected officials, in sending prayers and good wishes to Commissioner Cooper for her recovery.”
Commissioner Molly Cooper was elected in 2018 to serve as the District 1 commissioner for the 2019-2022 term. Commissioner Cooper was elected by the Board of Commissioners to serve as secretary in 2020, and as vice-chairwoman in 2021.
Commissioner Cooper has been a resident of Forsyth County for the past 28 years. During that time, she has served as President of the Republican Women of Forsyth County, President of Civitan and was the first the vice-chair of Forsyth County GOP. Commissioner Cooper has owned and operated a local business for over 16 years.
Board of Commissioners approves initial expenses for Land Bank
Featured Stories July 9, 2021County Manager Kevin Tanner
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a request by County Manager Kevin Tanner to authorize initial expenses for the newly created Forsyth County/City of Cumming Land Bank.
Tanner said counsel will draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will require those expenses for the Anderson Lake (also known as the Greenleaf Development) to be brought into the Land Bank.
“The Land Bank had a meeting with the Tax Commissioner this week and we feel like we have a good plan,” Tanner said. “It’s going to require a judge to issue the title and there is a cost to do that per parcel.”
The MOU would establish that once the properties are sold the Land Bank will reimburse the county for any legal fees and other money associated with acquisition of the titles.
The Greenleaf development near the Forsyth and Dawson County line started some 15 years ago but was abandoned after it became the subject of builder-based fraud. The developer and appraiser went to jail. The 60 lots were too small permit septic tanks, there was no sewer and the county did not approve the streets.
The lots became overgrown with weeds and the few houses that were built were vandalized subject to burglary, loitering and other crimes. The county had the homes demolished in 2015.
In other New Business, the Board voted unanimously to approve payment of $25,000 from Geico Insurance on behalf of client for damage to a Sheriff’s Office patrol unit.
The Board also voted unanimously to renew the annual Insurance Coverage Agreement with ACCG-IRMA in the amount of $931,872;
Henderson recognized for 36 years of service
Press Release June 23, 2021PRESS RELEASE
County Manager Kevin Tanner presents award to Cindy Henderson, Assistant to the County Manager for her 36 years of service to Forsyth County.
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — During the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners work session held June 22, County Manager Kevin Tanner recognized Assistant to the County Manager Cindy Henderson for over 36 years of service in Forsyth County government.
Henderson began working with the County’s Planning Department (now known as the Planning and Community Development) in January 1985. After 10 years she transitioned to the Administration Department where she still serves the County. Henderson received an Employee Exceeding Expectations Award, also known as a Triple E Award, for her work.
County Manager Tanner recognized by State Transportation Board
Press Release May 21, 2021
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — During their May 20 meeting, the Georgia State Transportation Board recognized Forsyth County Manager Kevin Tanner with a resolution for his time served as a state representative and his commitment to advancing transportation and transit throughout the state.
“Rep. Tanner is a true steward of transportation and transit advancement and funding initiatives throughout the state,” said State Transportation Board Chairman Rudy Bowen. “The State Transportation Board is honored to extend its appreciation to Rep. Tanner for his continued support and partnership in building a more sustainable transportation network.”
During his eight years in the state legislature, Tanner sponsored legislation that provided dedicated funding sources for transit, authored a bill that improves movement of freight across Georgia and supported the passage of the Transportation Funding Act.
Before serving as county manager in Forsyth County, Tanner served four terms as a State Representative for District 9, which includes Lumpkin County as well as portions of Dawson and Forsyth Counties. He also served as Chairman of the House Transportation Committee for four years.
Tanner has served as Forsyth County Manager since Jan. 2021.
Information Systems employees create system for COVID-19 shot appointments
News, Press Release February 10, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — During the Board of Commissioner’s Feb. 4 meeting, County Manager Kevin Tanner recognized two employees from the Information Systems & Technology Department for creating and maintaining an appointment system for people to register for COVID-19 vaccinations as well as to retrieve needed documentation after making the appointment.
Database Administrator Stephen Croft was recognized for his role in creating an online appointment system for people to register for COVID-19 vaccinations within 12 hours of receiving the assignment. Software Administrator Justin Wilson was recognized for providing solutions for residents to retrieve appropriate documentation for vaccines and maintaining the appointment system.
Croft and Wilson both received an Employee Exceeding Expectations Award, also known as a Triple E Award, for their work. Please find the attached images for use in your coverage. Croft is pictured with Tanner. Wilson attended the meeting virtually and can be seen on the projector screen.
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Two vaccine events set this week
News, Press Release January 24, 2021
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County held two COVID-19 vaccination events last week, with two more completely booked, appointment-based events set for this week.
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners recognized the need to increase the opportunity for residents to receive COVID-19 vaccines. County departments worked together to organize the events.
“Our Emergency Management Director Chris Grimes pulled together resources from the County’s Information Systems & Technologies, Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office, as well our partners at Northside Hospital and Public Health, to make these appointments available,” said County Manager Kevin Tanner. “We also greatly appreciate the two organizations from our faith community who are allowing us to use their facilities.”
Please note that all appointments for the week of Jan. 24 have been filled and future vaccination events are dependent upon vaccine availability. The County’s vaccine distribution is intended to supplement that of Public Health. Vaccines will continue to be provided by private physicians, pharmacies and Public Health, as available. For more information on participating vaccine sites, please click here. Sign up to receive County news, including information on COVID-19 vaccinations, at www.forsythco.com.
Information regarding the Georgia Department of Public Health’s vaccine distribution phase plan, including the criteria for each phase group, can be found by visiting the Georgia Department of Public Health’s website, www.dph.georgia.gov.