Georgia County Government - November 2008 - (Page 15)

FLOYD COUNTY continued from page 12 community of more than 36,000 residents has a county-owned and operated convention center, half a dozen major hotel chains within or near the city limits, a contingent of big-box “superstores,” desirable residential communities, and also functions as northwest Georgia’s leading medical center. The city and its surroundings are picturesque, and, to its leaders’ great credit, display virtually no traces of “urban blight.” On closer observation, one discovers yet another fact: the city’s obvious success directly mirrors that of its “partner in progress” – the exceptionally professional and business-like Floyd County government – in terms of economic health, outstanding leadership, strategic planning and all-around progress. Perhaps uniquely, county government here is operated on the basis of a committee system, each headed by an individual county commissioner, and accountable for its own progress report at each year’s end. County committees include Administration and Finance, made up of the county’s administrative departments and chaired by Commissioner Chad Whitefield. The Water Committee is chaired by Commissioner John Mayes. This committee evaluates issues related to water treatment and drinking water supply, including drought challenges and working with the Floyd County Water Department. The Public Safety Committee, chaired by Commission Vice Chairman Eddie Lumsden, is comprised of Sheriff ’s Office representatives, county police, the Floyd County Emergency Management Agency, joint city-county drug task force, Animal Control, E-911, and the prison. This committee addresses public safety awareness, protection of life and property and improving the hiring process within these factions, as well as emergency communications. The Public Works Committee, chaired by Commissioner Garry Fricks, convenes monthly to address public Standing, from left, are Floyd County Manager Kevin Poe, County Clerk Kathy Arp and Assistant County Manager Blaine Williams. works issues, including all road and related road improvement concerns, and make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. Finally, the Floyd County Judicial Committee is chaired by veteran Floyd County Commission Chairman Jerry Jennings, Ph.D., a longtime Berry College psychology professor. The Judicial Committee joins all county court departments in an effort to fairly administer justice in a safe, secure environment for the public and employees. Kevin Poe, County Manager for 13 years, is assisted by Blaine Williams, Assistant County Manager. Key staff also include Kathy Arp, County Clerk; Gary Burkhalter, Comptroller/Finance Director; Bill Shiflett, Chief of Police; Michael Skeen, Public Works Director; Larry Johnson, Human Resources Director; Nancy Lam, Purchasing Director; Anne Brinkley, Warden; Pat Smith, E-911 Director; Scotty Hancock, EMA Director; Brent Poplin, The Forum Civic Center Manager; Mike Mathews, Airport Manager; Steve Hulsey, Water Department Administrator; John Mays, Facilities Manager; Bruce Ivey, County Engineer; Jason Broome, Animal Control Director; and LaSonja Holcombe, MIS Director. “Our county and city governments actually like each other and enjoy working together. We have no sense of rivalry between us, whatsoever.” Floyd County Commission Chairman Jerry Jennings Partnership Fosters Progress If economic vitality and quality-oflife are the litmus tests, Floyd County operates one of the most successful rural jurisdictions in the Southeastern United States. This could be the direct result of what appears to be a “think tank” alliance between the county and its primary municipality, Rome. The seemingly “dovetailed” working relationship FLOYD COUNTY continued on page 17 NOVEMBER 2008 www.accg.org 15 http://www.accg.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Georgia County Government - November 2008

Georgia County Government - November 2008 Contents President's Message County Matters Floyd County Leaders Foster Government That's 'Designed With Citizens in Mind' Staff News: ACCG Interns Georgia's Grand Old Courthouses: Hall County Extension News: ACCG and Extension Partner to Create 'Fellows' Program Research Corner: Resources Available Through ACCG County Parade Index of Advertisers

Georgia County Government - November 2008

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