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State of County address
by ABBEY LENNON
Mar 01, 2013 | 1017 views | 1 1 comments | 4 4 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Becky Hood
Becky Hood
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  • A theme of partnership was fluent throughout Gordon County Board of Commissioner Chair Becky Hood’s message to residents Friday during the annual state of the county address.

    Hood opened her speech with that very foundation, highlighting completed projects and proposed projects to improve Gordon County, many of which are in partnership with the City of Calhoun.

    “It’s all about partnerships and its all about teamwork and coming together and this room does that beautifully which is why the chamber is where it all comes together,” said Hood.

    Before breaking down accomplishments and projected goals for the county, Hood took the opportunity to introduce the newly elected board of commissioners: Jeff Gazaway, Norris Sexton, Kevin Cunningham and Chad Steward.

    Hood continued on to explain recent accomplishments completed in the county. Those projects are:

  • Completion of the Tallatoona CAP building

  • Demolishing the old jail

  • Completed an aerial flyover of the entire county to replace the 2005 aerial map to keep the GIS system up to date.

  • Held an ISO rating of 6.9, and are currently working to obtain a 5.9 to help residents with better rates on homeowners insurance.

  • Updated the county’s website to reflect a more modern and update look. A County twitter feed and facebook account were also established and maintained.

  • Continued a healthy fund balance including a AA bond rating, a stayed milage rate at 9.8, restored employee benefits and a 2 percent COLA last year.

    Hood also addressed SPLOST projects that had been completed and thanked residents for allowing the one percent sales tax increase to continue for an additional six years.

    Hood explained the continued sales tax is expected to bring in $51.8 million through 2018. The money collected through SPLOST has funded the following projects and is expected to fund other proposed projects:

  • A county wide public safety communication system

  • Replaced 32 sheriff’s cars

  • Expand the library, which is a joint project with the city

  • Building a new parking deck

  • County road improvements of more than $7 million

  • The Peters St. improvements also in partnership with the city of Calhoun

  • Installed fire hydrants in unincorporated areas

  • Renovations to the courthouse and the annex

  • Construct a replacement health department

  • Replace fire station number 6

  • Expand the senior center

  • Construct an animal shelter

  • Develop Berkshire Park

    Other projects funded by federal grants obtained by the county are:

  • Completion of the Ft. Wayne Civil War historic site Walking trails using the $200,000 federal grant with a completion date of May 2013.

  • Expansion of the Gordon County, Calhoun library with an expected completion date of 2014.

  • Renovation of the Voluntary Action Center using a Community Development Block Grant with a completion date of late 2013.

    Hood explained current projects the county has currently gotten underway including construction of a $2.5 million agricultural center.

    “That will house the USDA, Georgia soil and water conservation committee, the UGA extension service as well as a community room,” said Hood. “Completion will be this year. It’s going to happen fast, and that is a great project and a good partnership.”

    Hood continued to explain the commissioners retreat on Feb. 8-9 where the board discussed future SPLOST projects. Additionally, Hood mentioned the board’s vote for approval in support of the increase in the hotel, motel tax as well as an agreement to send funds to the Chamber of Commerce in support of economic development.

    Hood concluded her speech with the recognition of county employees and constitutional officers present at the breakfast.

    “To be quite honest, Gordon County, the chamber, the cities, with the leadership that we have, the school board, we are in a great place, we are right on the edge of growth again,” said Hood. “We have had conversations on how to market this community to move forward in a positive direction.” “I just want to let you all know that partnerships is the word, we are here and we are willing to serve you,” Hood added. “We appreciate every citizen and what we do for this community and that everyone of these projects is because of the citizens here. I also want you to leave this room knowing you are in good hands, we will take care of you and I appreciate it.”
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    March 01, 2013
    Chairwoman reports great projects, wonderful partnerships, [you] are in good hands and we will take care of you.

    Predict her council honeymoon will be shorter than Bob Woodward's reign as a conservative hero.
    Reply
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