Whitfield County department heads outline 2021 goals; health department reports 20,000 COVID-19 vaccinations

Several Whitfield County department heads presented their 2021 goals at the Feb. 8 meeting and the Northwest Georgia Health Department provided an update on local COVID-19 vaccination activity.

Animal Shelter Director Diane Franklin said the department will prioritize reuniting animals with owners, promoting spay/neuter programs and continuing positive placements. Parks and Recreation Director Brian Chastain outlined goals to keep fees low, register 4,000 children for programs and attract new tournaments while maintaining parks and facilities. Senior Systems Engineer Larry Taylor said Information Technology will pursue endpoint security, user education and 99% uptime targets with backup networks at key locations. Interim Emergency Management Agency Director Jeff Ownby said EMA will seek grant opportunities of $65,000 or more, increase response training across Dalton, Tunnel Hill, Cohutta and Varnell and hold more public-safety exercises (up to six or more).

Infectious Disease Director Ashley Deverell of the Northwest Georgia Health Department reported the department has administered 20,000 COVID-19 vaccines; she said testing was moved to Edwards Park to allow an additional vaccination site. Reed Fincher, director of the Community Development Corporation, described programs including safe and affordable housing, rapid rehousing (up to three months' rental assistance for qualified citizens), CDBG rental assistance within Dalton city limits and housing counseling.

During public comment, Shannon Bearfield urged the board to increase the Health Department budget and suggested allowing county firefighters to assist at vaccination clinics during off-duty hours; Debra Gordon asked when the county library would reopen, and Chairman Jensen said the board would contact the library director.