This growth has led to a 41 percent increase in the tax digest including increases of $96 million in commercial value, $76 million in industrial value and $717 million in home values.
Garrison said despite greater demands on services such as EMS, 911, recreation and courts due to the growth, the board of commissioners has kept the millage rate low while improving services.
Garrison noted several accomplishments and ongoing projects including:
-- the addition of 140 new public safety employees.
-- the purchase of the first ever aerial apparatus for the Barrow County Fire Department.
-- the planned construction of Barrow County’s first fire training center.
-- the purchase of 44 sheriff’s vehicles during the past two years.
-- construction of the 392 bed detention center that is expected to provide 20 years of detention capacity.
-- construction of the new courthouse including four new courtrooms, two hearing rooms, courtroom witness rooms, grand jury facilities and a secure core.
-- preparations for the new animal control facility. According to Garrison, the new facility will provide a safe and sanitary environment with 100 adult kennels, 100 puppy kennels and 100 cat kennels.
-- the redesign, grading and layout for the soccer complex in Victor Lord Park.
-- the addition of a mile of passive walking paths and trails to the green space off Smith Mill Road.
-- planning for a Braselton park with soccer and passive recreational activities.
“While the development of county building projects is exciting, I am most excited about the commercial and industrial developments happening in Barrow County,” Garrison said.
The Barrow Crossing development and the PETCO distribution center were two projects Garrison identified as bringing jobs and opportunities for Barrow citizens.
Garrison also praised Linda Moore, Vice President for Economic Development, for creating interest in Barrow. According to Garrison, Moore is currently working with at least three industries looking to expand or locate in the county.
As for the future of the county, Garrison said planning and vision is important to develop a better Barrow.
“I believe we have suffered through lack of careful and visionary forethought by some in the past administration and have begun the extensive and comprehensive planning process to become a better Barrow,” Garrison said.
Part of this planning involves gathering citizen input and updating the Comprehensive Plan, Garrison said.
“Our citizens have given clear direction for the future,” Garrison said.
Garrison listed several issues that county planners have identified as areas needing to be addressed including community planning and water issues. Among the top concerns is traffic, Garrison said.
“We are working to identify short term solutions to ease traffic congestion in Winder and Barrow County,” said Garrison.
Though funding shortfalls have pushed the West Winder bypass into long rage funding, the county has committed funds to several projects including the improvement of the Hwy 211/Hwy 124 intersection, traffic lights and turn lanes for the Hwy 81/Hwy 324 intersection and improvements to the intersection of Haymon Morris and Hoyt King.
Garrison said these improvements and others are part of a proactive strategy to secure the future of the community.
“Do not let the false witness detour and discourage the glorious future we can create,” he said. “Let me be clear, we the Board of Commissioners are working to create a Barrow our grandchildren will be proud to call home. We cannot do this without change. We cannot do this without embracing change. We have to be a change agent.”
“In addressing change, not everyone will agree, not everyone will be happy,” Garrison said. “If we all agree that in order to provide these services we must adequately and carefully plan – then effective and quality change will continually be a part of the Better in Barrow’s future.”
