[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6121496,"mediaKeyId","2701473-512e6f59ae0cb2b92e75964ac002761a","parentId",2701473,"title","Commissioners mark ribbon cutting, honors and routine appointments; first dedicated Paulding County pickleball courts open","audioSeconds",223,"startMs",1499000,"endMs",1722000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2701473-512e6f59ae0cb2b92e75964ac002761a&start=1499&end=1722","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2701473-512e6f59ae0cb2b92e75964ac002761a/thumbnail_1499000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6121496/Paulding-County/Georgia/Commissioners-mark-ribbon-cutting-honors-and-routine-appointments-first-dedicated-Paulding-County-pickleball-courts-open","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6121496-b14f5ff33676377b6edd913c9a976e56/orig.mp4?Expires=1770645972&Signature=F9Vf1JWzoHM5i2BPa1iFCc5midIZ-76LwI1UaQrLfdH7HoxBg6pJxk7NvG5phTAlqOSrTTBHohutF0BvI79-EzAYp8xqpIl~azB-sv6LjwtCjBJ1ZWDBICuWie1qsfu3yPBunyK778FOECGVhNYrAOI3p46X3nlk3Bj6lE-vCq45NY-00SZ5bkzYS3ugNkz2L~LHN1PFlYNxENg0RNocuNr0ltA0osMVVX6kHygIHtepA1J9NOoM7nUdceWMn735e~QQ79lCT0OyncGSn2~ZBdUGj3RbrM7l260hnfPu~Q66CgILsm6cJpRZvkMxgpBJRlryus~Me-VuJXrZCsIERQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Paulding County, Georgia","date","2025-02-25T00:00:00Z","article","The meeting opened with ceremonial items and recognitions. Commissioners and county staff held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the county's first dedicated pickleball courts at Mount Tabor Park; the courts were funded through SPLOST (special purpose local option sales tax) and will be available during park hours, with reservations only for tournaments, lessons or lessons-related programming.

The board presented a commissioner's public safety award to Deputy Bobby Kitchens; county officials said Kitchens' negotiation and de-escalation led to the surrender of a murder suspect on Dec. 17, 2024, and read a supervisory recommendation praising his professionalism. Commissioners also recognized Jimmy Cole of the county Department of Transportation for 36 years of service; speakers recounted Cole's role overseeing county paving and road resurfacing and presented him with a plaque at his retirement.

On consent items, the board considered multiple routine actions: approval to accept streets for potential maintenance (Crestwood Station Phase 1: Creekview Road, Creekwater Drive, Bentwater Court and Creekwater Court); reappointment of Jeff Knowles to the Industrial Building Authority through December 2027 and appointment of Dan Knowles Nolan to fill an unexpired IBA term ending December 2025. Staff described these as routine consent‑agenda actions; the transcript indicates the items were moved forward with no extended discussion in the provided excerpt.

No detailed roll-call votes for these consent items were included in the transcript excerpt; final motions and any recorded tallies should be confirmed in the official minutes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Commissioners Work Session Meeting - 2/25/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The commission marked the opening of the county's first dedicated pickleball courts at Mount Tabor Park, presented a public-safety award and recognized a DOT employee retiring after 36 years, while approving several routine consent items.","taxTitle","taxId",12823,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6121501,"Paulding County awards $85,612 stormwater maintenance contract for Spring Ridge Drive repairs",124,2245000,2369000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2701473-512e6f59ae0cb2b92e75964ac002761a&start=2245&end=2369","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2701473-512e6f59ae0cb2b92e75964ac002761a/thumbnail_2245000.jpg","/articles/6121501/Paulding-County/Georgia/Paulding-County-awards-85612-stormwater-maintenance-contract-for-Spring-Ridge-Drive-repairs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6121501-dc29aba5fee884589a7cb974dc28c5f4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770645972&Signature=lcBIjrMoNNhMoxB2x5hKykOJVsTpK-4EbtCGHR1H1U2ixbMfQLpela3j1gSqe-MNxq~roGwidU1sjmLDY56NpAJWlJMYK6-qDmFc06ec~BVTiL7ktemr-ihvLud9EegYLQ1pHXmIJB4giWe~CV-3N1~qjPnuIxRs4pStQOjauO1NlBW3I2M0YETMR3O4ZDgYb04nCm4MW81zlrDYnMP8X0JzEGod65IMfvxcnQUpkePCNCz3v0mWqE3RShOTMmtKE4oeYw5IpQt3SBAhqzYXy1X8eE8qiUNggchlxsQX46ZQ5vFwxoNVsdVWTNwPSY9iCCf10esKtAfyPrfxyGwjCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County staff described a stormwater infrastructure repair and maintenance project at 380 Spring Ridge Drive in the Poplar Springs Park subdivision and requested that the board award the work to WE Contracting Inc. under the county's FY2025 unit price contract (UPC).

The project scope identified in the meeting includes removal of bituminous-coated corrugated metal pipe and replacement with dual-wall high-density polyethylene stormwater conveyance pipe between homes at 380 and 400 Spring Ridge Drive; installation of manholes, drop inlets and catch basins; site restoration and all incidental work required to complete improvements. Staff said three UPC contractors were solicited and WE Contracting Inc. submitted the lowest price under the UPC and is recommended for award in the amount of $85,612.23. Funding will come from the stormwater department general fund and the project is located in Post 1.

Staff asked the board to consider awarding the contract as presented. The transcript records the staff presentation; a formal roll-call vote is not included in the provided excerpt. The project award and funding source were stated on the record.","The board reviewed a proposal to award a stormwater maintenance contract at 380 Spring Ridge Drive to WE Contracting Inc. for $85,612.23, funded from the stormwater department general fund under the FY2025 unit price contract.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6121506,"Paulding County staff present benefits renewal; medical rates rise 38.4% under self-funded plan",157,4344000,4501000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2701473-512e6f59ae0cb2b92e75964ac002761a&start=4344&end=4501","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2701473-512e6f59ae0cb2b92e75964ac002761a/thumbnail_4344000.jpg","/articles/6121506/Paulding-County/Georgia/Paulding-County-staff-present-benefits-renewal-medical-rates-rise-384-under-self-funded-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6121506-84046440cdd3d5aab3929fc5ea420e09/orig.mp4?Expires=1770645972&Signature=VsMmwkC23ULiqm8KWRO8-WHKEMsG2zVeE-3dx~1-rKoHo8ia7EataYS4YLkzfo3NCNAGixAXpTOQiVQhfghiYJXx4pT3RLOHNbTtXtnoLm8CchBJb4v3nuZtFRHOupfjgU1FCIE2kbHnWk9~9GHlDpCAvvA8ztdCRdvkXVB5Lj5q3RZM4gtoj5BTFq4DPrgfgDnGjnephVoHVTuZtbssHB4PKDizXEO4kWSZaM5nIs59UPCzUcsOlELV3NObNbJC9KGnJ5wvzLDEH6ikjUSIiSk4UNgQb51bfiQKI6Lnn6L2l7tcFDVNpiw5YXKxavJ6BqR8Jj04fvJ5cB1QjqE5og__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County benefits staff presented the annual employee‑benefits renewal and told the commission that dental and vision rates through Anthem are guaranteed (dental through 2026, vision through 2028) and ancillary coverages (life, disability, Aflac) show no rate change. The staff presenter said a new voluntary accidental/hospital indemnity product will be offered.

Staff said the county's medical plan renewal is the first under a self‑funded model and produced a 38.4% premium increase driven by several high‑cost claims. The presenter said consultants negotiated the rate and that competing renewals received higher proposed increases (one quote at 49–52% and an extreme figure cited higher), prompting the county to stay with Blue Cross Blue Shield and the negotiated self‑funded arrangement. The presenter described planned employee-focused programs (health fair and wellness outreach) intended to reduce future claims.

Commissioners thanked staff for work on the renewal and noted that the insurer market produced higher alternative quotes. Staff said the renewal package and related changes were ready for board action; the transcript shows discussion and acceptance of the recommendation but does not record a detailed roll-call vote in the provided excerpt.","County benefits staff told commissioners that medical expenses will increase 38.4% this renewal cycle under the county's first self-funded year; dental and vision rates were guaranteed and ancillary coverages were unchanged, per staff.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6121510,"Paulding County to transfer Helping Hands parcel to City of Dallas; water-customer transfers included in IGA",173,4009000,4182000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2701473-512e6f59ae0cb2b92e75964ac002761a&start=4009&end=4182","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2701473-512e6f59ae0cb2b92e75964ac002761a/thumbnail_4009000.jpg","/articles/6121510/Paulding-County/Georgia/Paulding-County-to-transfer-Helping-Hands-parcel-to-City-of-Dallas-water-customer-transfers-included-in-IGA","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6121510-654897aeddeb7eead1b9b9b46831090f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770645972&Signature=VedVLuKbgnHNqunqF1FYHbvJQ3W8cmKaeOChDZUzQgNJoten-8aNw~bTVQr1z6Swdj0Wz3UhmgdmNb1mfSEpDWXtwXA59EyljExwWzUuQejnYid~u~c~TlCuHt8aF8HjkZVBU2ufanDq2ASDU5rgcIfdc3At3s2-qlHw7PBkBz5WrraBCplQc2zuKBsXQjdtQ0mpvlD-1Buo~TJdfWmL~IKjxdVAs2mSjLMz6kUIyMHGc6ByBmFpgHy5gGOoX-32rhgeMzxXrbT8yQn815T5BVdnbtmrxGf9XCB1tARP11EX9~CxcMPsl6es6qU9GNI3kSLhWfXbq31jGRim7u0CYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County staff explained an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) under which Paulding County will transfer the Helping Hands building parcel and an adjoining parking lot on W. Griffin Street/W. Spring Street in downtown Dallas to the City of Dallas to support a downtown redevelopment project.

According to the presentation, the county has leased the building to Helping Hands since about 2011; the IGA assigns the existing lease to the city. The city, through its downtown development authority, agreed to provide Helping Hands a relocation site with nominal rent ($1 per month) for up to 24 months; Helping Hands will pay utilities and is expected to secure a permanent site before the lease term ends. County staff said the county is not obligated to pay relocation costs.

As consideration for the property transfer, the City of Dallas will transfer to Paulding County retail water customers that currently sit outside the Dallas water service area, a group described in the meeting as \"about 3,500 customers, give or take.\" County staff said the parties aim to complete the water-customer transfers no later than July 1, 2025, and to finish Helping Hands' relocation by April 7, 2025.

A speaker who identified a city official as Kendall Smith (city manager) said the city manager confirmed the water-customer agreement was acceptable and that demolition and redevelopment steps are underway once Helping Hands moves. County commissioners described the arrangement as a mutually beneficial outcome for city downtown redevelopment and county interests.

The transcript contains no detailed vote tally for adoption of the IGA; county staff asked the board to consider adoption and discussion in the meeting indicates consent to proceed. The IGA text and the relocation details presented will govern timelines for the transfer and Helping Hands' temporary relocation, the speakers said.","County staff described an intergovernmental agreement to transfer a Helping Hands property and adjacent parking lot to the City of Dallas; in exchange Dallas will transfer roughly 3,500 retail water customers outside Dallas' service area to Paulding County.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6121515,"Paulding County sheriff highlights ALERT school training, staffing and equipment upgrades",3132,422000,3554000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2701473-512e6f59ae0cb2b92e75964ac002761a&start=422&end=3554","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2701473-512e6f59ae0cb2b92e75964ac002761a/thumbnail_422000.jpg","/articles/6121515/Paulding-County/Georgia/Paulding-County-sheriff-highlights-ALERT-school-training-staffing-and-equipment-upgrades","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6121515-9eaf8ba0fca1237471797005cd1455c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770645972&Signature=o0JFi2y4xwkitVMIcxRs6y2Ce0lCH3gx0Cm7PoKcp5PcTD3wBFATQYvZmGKg6R6AtGRUyNHmwLckELrrcHs82w2JdqTAXaXpFShx~C-bZq4Tj82QohFCARAI31-JnY2g3WvaFykt7WA9vO31~ejP9mc8lUlFXMjHkNN08q~ukgGO5DsbrcrOqb3BAVYHifyiipSd0JakUtKP15ur4JHAIKcaQfJPtLY4RKOyEAqKTLSQPt4rL2QFdqm6p~9mwUx2NshCSUnFn6omh~RgRj4H4gKYyRPuPR1SQGS9liKkOfT3OL3OPIRcFSK2VzEzWyBUDh0AoADctsc5j-h2X6rtSQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sheriff Ashley Henson told the Board of Commissioners that Paulding County deputies spent fall break conducting Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERT) at Paulding County High School to practice integrated active-shooter response with other county first responders.

Henson said the on-site exercises let deputies learn building layouts and ‘‘proper building-clearing techniques,’’ and practice incident command and cross-agency coordination with Paulding County EMS and Paulding County Emergency Management Agency. \"Bringing the fire department in is probably the biggest success to this because deputies are now getting a lot of tactical training for wound care, but it's never going to be as good as those EMTs, those paramedics, and those firefighters,\" Henson said.

The training was part of a broader presentation in which Henson, identifying herself as the sheriff, outlined personnel and program changes since taking office. She said the office has 320 employees (full- and part-time), 42 vacancies and has filled eight positions in 2025; the jail is operating with 252 inmates in a 631-bed capacity. Henson described an organizational restructure that added division commanders and assistant division commanders across units, and said several senior deputies returned to the SWAT team.

Henson also announced new and expanded units and personnel: a cold-case unit overseen by Captain Mike Hill that includes a part‑time retired FBI agent; an intelligence unit led by Jody Vaughn; a gang unit; and an expanded K‑9 program with Deputy Matthew Crook noted as certified with a new K‑9 partner. She named Billy Hurst as chief deputy and Clint Langford as chief administrator.

On equipment and grants, Henson said the sheriff's office was awarded a Bureau of Justice Assistance matching grant of $297,000 to buy body-worn cameras; the office will start vendor testing and selection next week. She also described a pending application for a Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (HEAT) grant to fund traffic enforcement positions and vehicles, and said the office recently purchased about 50 updated duty pistols within the current budget.

Henson credited partnerships—Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force and the district attorney’s office—with recent drug and firearms seizures she displayed in slides: figures cited included 1,948 grams of marijuana, 48.4 grams of fentanyl, $38,000 in marijuana-value figures, pills valued at $200 and 16 firearms. She said those seizures were the product of multiagency investigations and prosecutions.

The sheriff described community outreach and fundraising plans tied to National Police Week and the Peace Officers Memorial: the office is raising money to send staff and the family of Deputy Brandon Cunningham, who was killed in the line of duty in 2024, to ceremonies in Washington, D.C., and expects costs between $30,000 and $40,000. Donations will be collected through the Cops for Kids 501(c)(3) account, Henson said.

The meeting also included a public presentation of the commissioner's public safety award to Deputy Bobby Kitchens for de‑escalation and negotiation that, according to the sheriff's office account read into the record, resulted in the surrender of a murder suspect on Dec. 17, 2024. Sergeant Hank Crow wrote that Kitchens' actions \"exemplify the high standards of law enforcement.\"","Sheriff Ashley Henson described active-shooter (ALERT) training at Paulding County High School, detailed organizational changes in the sheriff's office, and announced equipment and staffing moves including a body-camera grant and new specialized units.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners mark ribbon cutting, honors and routine appointments; first dedicated Paulding County pickleball courts open

Paulding County awards $85,612 stormwater maintenance contract for Spring Ridge Drive repairs

Paulding County staff present benefits renewal; medical rates rise 38.4% under self-funded plan

Paulding County to transfer Helping Hands parcel to City of Dallas; water-customer transfers included in IGA

Paulding County sheriff highlights ALERT school training, staffing and equipment upgrades