Oconee County Strategic Plan Preliminary BOC Work Session

Overview Purpose Timeline Summary of 2017 Goals Future Expectations

2017 Countywide Objective Summary County wide electronic filing system implementation and operation Open book management. Providing as much information on-line as possible. Providing raw data dumps. Key Performance Indicators for all departments. Rails to Trails New County Seal Broadband Facility Plan

2017 Departmental Objectives Planning / Code Enforcement Deeper dive for Comp Plan update Reduce building plan review time Technology (electronic permits/plans; code enforcement; inspection) Building code standards updated for quality and safety NRCS (GSWCC) review in-house Property Maintenance Code Finance Fiscal Policy Update Reporting Cycle Budget Process update

2017 Departmental Objectives Tourism CVB Investigation Historical Society Ag Tourism Tourney hosting Fleet Maintenance Technology for fleet performance

2017 Departmental Objectives Human Resources Technology upgrades Policy Integration Employee Communication (continual) Policy Compliance (continual)   Civic Center SPLOST Project New Civic Center Green Parking

2017 Departmental Objectives Facilities/Operations Facility Dude expanded Work Order desk Information Technology Facility Dude IT Policy update Technology in other areas

2017 Departmental Objectives Economic Development Tax base diversification Job Creation IDA for planning Property Appraisal Technology KPI

2017 Departmental Objectives Animal Control Facility improvements SOP developed and approved Public Works Policy Updates County wide transportation plan S.O. firing range

2017 Departmental Objectives Fire / EMA Proper division of labor Technology Fire Inspection Fire Station 8 Parks & Rec Outside look (Organization structure/Financial models/Maint) OVP Field completion to FY 17-18 Master Plan BOE Joint Use Senior Center Continue integration with Rec programs

Mission (Existing) “Provide the highest quality services in a fiscally responsible manner to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of all Oconee County citizens.”

SWOT - Strengths *Excellence of the Oconee County education system *The presence of several major thoroughfares through Oconee County: SR 316, US 441, and US 78 *Proximity to the University of Georgia, Athens Technical College, and the University of North Georgia *Availability of land suitable for development **Population growth Regional leader in Per-Capita income Strong Communities

SWOT - Weaknesses *Challenges associated with coordinating intergovernmental agencies that may go in different directions *Non-diversified economy **No public transportation **Truck Traffic – Through Watkinsville **Existing development is very auto dependent **Lack of connectivity **Little or no coordination between GDOT and County

SWOT - Opportunities Regional approach to economic development Expand cooperation with School District *High-end single-family housing growth **Connect City Centers **Create off network paths for bikes, golf carts, etc. **Amend ordinances to require connected greenspace or pedestrian facilities **TSPLOST, Impact fees

SWOT - Threats *Economic Growth that occurs too rapidly could decrease rural character and open spaces, and increase strain on infrastructure and amenities **Continued growth **Budgeting challenges

Vision (Current) “A diverse community where life takes on a balanced pace with rural, suburban and small town lifestyles, where an excellent education system, high tech economic opportunities, agricultural activities and open space are highly valued. In order to maintain this identity we must proactively plan for a sustainable future of natural resource protection, historic preservation, quality services, a balanced tax base and appropriate infrastructure.” - (From 2008 Comprehensive Plan)

Vision (Proposed) “A diverse community, with world-class schools, thriving commercial sectors, vibrant town centers, high-end residential housing and amenities, and the preservation of the rural quality of life.”

Strategic Goals - Recommended Goal 1: Smart Government – Provide services with Efficiency, Effectiveness, Citizen Engagement and Transparency Efficiency Effectiveness Citizen Engagement Transparency

Strategic Goals - Recommended Strategic Goal 2: Smart Growth – Growth that fits Oconee County Planning Economic Development Tourism Historic Preservation

Strategic Goals - Recommended Strategic Goal 3: Smart Infrastructure – Develop far-sighted infrastructure improvements that meet the County’s needs now, and going forward Transportation Water/Sewer High-Tech Infrastructure

Strategic Goals - Recommended Strategic Goal 4: Quality of Life - Cultivate Oconee County’s excellent Quality of Life Parks and Recreation Arts and Culture Public Safety Education

Next Steps Confirm/Amend Mission, Vision, Goals Provide Direction to Staff on desired objectives (two-year horizon) Staff Development of Objectives BOC approval of Strategic Plan