FoCo UNPLUGGED

Latest Episodes:

New Barker Overlook Coming to Sawnee Mountain Preserve Sep 26, 2025

Show notes

Forsyth County Parks & Recreation is excited to announce the Barker Overlook project, a future destination at Sawnee Mountain Preserve that will provide visitors with breathtaking views and a unique connection to the history of Sawnee Mountain.

In this On the Move episode, Parks & Recreation Director Kirk Franz discusses what visitors can expect at the future site, funding and the history of the site.

How Expensive is a New Fire Truck and What Funds Public Safety Equipment? Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

The average cost for a new pumper fire truck is over $1.M. In 2020, that cost was roughly $700,000. Also, in 2020, the average time from ordering a truck to having it delivered was roughly 12-14 months. Today the delivery time is upwards of 36-48 months.

So how does @forsythcountyfiredepartment manage the costs and maintenance of ensuring fire safety equipment is ready to answer the call?

Fire Chief Barry Head and County CFO Brian Clark discuss in the latest FoCo Unplugged podcast.

What is a Boil Water Advisory and How Do I Know if I am in One? Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

Department of Water Sewer Director Scott Adams and Deputy Director Steve Ratzlaff discuss what a boil water advisory (BWA) is, why they happen, how you will be notified if one is issued for your residence/business and what you need to do if you are in an advisory.

Also, in a joint effort with Forsyth County Geographic Information Services, the Department of Water & Sewer has released an all new interactive BWA map that provides an up-to-date view of all current BWA's in Forsyth County (excluding City of Cumming customers) and allows County water customers the ability to input their address to see if their specific residence/business is under a BWA. The new online tool can be found here: https://forsythcoga.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=522b2e7a6ea8405586a1068164…

Crews Set Remaining Bridge Beams on SR 369/400 (Exit 18) Overpass | On the Move Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

Crews have set the remaining bridge beams across the SR 369 (Exit 18) overpass at SR 400. 

Watch the latest On the Move for more information on what is next and when the overpass is set to open an additional two lanes of traffic across SR 400.  

Catch up on the project's facts, timeline, previous video updates and FAQs by visiting www.forsythco.com/exit-18. 

The Latest Update on Moratorium "Pause" to Residential Growth Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

What's the latest on the County's moratorium on all residential applications? What's next for the County as it aims for smart future growth? And how can County residents get involved in future growth and development decisions for our communities? Chairman and District 2 Commissioner Alfred John and Planning & Community Development Director Tom Brown discuss these topics and more.

Need some background on what the moratorium is? Listen to the April 18, 2025 podcast announcing the moratorium and learn more here: https://www.forsythco.com/News/podcast-moratorium-on-residential-growth-approved-following-request-from-board-of-education

Work Begins on McGinnis Ferry Road Widening | On the Move Jun 20, 2025

Show notes

Clearing work is underway on Phase I of the McGinnis Ferry Road widening, from Hospital Parkway to Douglas Road!

Watch this episode of On the Move to learn about the timeline of the project and what to expect on your daily commute, as well as the latest updates on the GDOT-managed SR 400/McGinnis Ferry interchange project.

What's On Your Property Assessment and How Assessments Are Determined Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

Have you received your 2025 personal property assessment? Forsyth County property owners had their state-mandated assessments mailed to them this week ... now what?

Chief Appraiser Joel Benton and Assistant Deputy Chief Appraiser Steven Lamb discuss what you need to know in the latest FoCo Unplugged, including:

What is on the assessment and why this year’s assessments look different from previous years
How state legislation has changed assessments and why the changes are beneficial for property owners
How properties are assessed and why that is important

Learn more about property assessments, see FAQs and an assessment sample: https://www.forsythco.com/Departments-Offices/Board-of-Assessors/Assessments

Latest Progress on SRs 400/369 (Exit 18) Bridge Repair - June 2025 | On the Move Jun 13, 2025

Show notes

Get the latest updates on the Exit 18 (Browns Bridge Road) overpass in this episode of On the Move. Capital Projects Director John Jefferson answers your questions, including:

• Is the project on track for late 2025/early 2026 completion?

• What work has been happening in the background?

• When will crews continue construction?

• What can drivers expect for their daily commute in the months ahead?

Visit www.forsythco.com/exit-18 for more information regarding the support cap and bridge repairs.

Agreements Approved for the Gathering at South Forsyth Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

The Board of Commissioners finalized and approved agreements for what might one day be one of the southeast's largest economic drivers, The Gathering at South Forsyth. What's next for the development and what does tonight's action mean for an NHL franchise calling Forsyth home?

Carl Hirsch with the development group, Board of Commissioners Chairman Alfred John and Forsyth County Chamber President/CEO Alex Warner discuss what was approved, why it is important and what lies ahead in the latest FoCo Unplugged.

What to Know About Building Permits and Inspections Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

Do I need a permit on my home project? Can the County help me on a home renovation? How are commercial buildings inspected, approved, and why should I care? Building & Licensing Director Jake Hill takes us inside how the County ensures commercial and residential structures are safe and to code in this episode of FoCo Unplugged.

Want to see if a permit is required? Take a look here: https://www.forsythco.com/Departments-Offices/Building-Licensing/Permitting

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