On March 4, Paulding County Commissioner Chairman David Austin delivered his 2010 State of the County address at the Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon with Georgia Power.

Austin spoke before an audience of Paulding County’s business owners, community leaders, and past and present elected officials.

The Paulding County Senior Center was packed to capacity for the luncheon for the first time ever. Austin began with reflection to his first address, a year ago, detailing the county’s troubles of budget deficit, debt and the recession, and how the county will persevere through the tough times.

“We are of one accord, leading Paulding County in a positive direction for our future,” said Austin.

Austin updated the county citizens and leaders on the progress of his goals stated at his 2009 State of the County address.

The first goal was to be a good steward of the county’s money and provide efficient and courteous service by hosting public meetings and offering encouragement to county employees to continue expeditious service. Another goal on track saw a long-term economic development plan for the county created, that included completion of the WellStar Hospital and development of a corridor to run five hospitals and 90 doctor-patient centers.

“We are actively seeking to attract other data centers and healthcare-related businesses along this same corridor.”

To facilitate growing business, Austin implemented plans to improve transportation systems including constructing a rail spur to gain fast access to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and the expansion on the port of Savannah. Bill Carruth Parkway will expand to four lanes. Moreover, Austin plans to implement a blueprint based on peer communities to attract industry and build relationships in the global economy arena.

The Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport also nears completion. Paulding based businesses now earn a ten percent threshold to match the lowest bidder and be awarded local contracts.

The third goal worked to open additional water sources for the county, which is still in progress of securing permits to construct a reservoir at Richland Creek. Austin then shifted to his fourth goal, to establish an enforceable code of ethics, which proved successful on a county and a state level as Paulding County became Georgia’s first County of Ethics in January.

Austin’s fifth goal touched on improving the physical appearance of the county.

To date, there have been efforts in recycling and aggressive enforcement of litter ordinances. By the end of April, new road signs will be replacing older ones.

Austin established his optimism for the county’s progress heading into the rest of the year. He touched on the SPLOST receiving over $65 million since 2005, and how that money was used on improvements in the county, namely transportation routes. In July, Austin said the SPLOST will be up for voting renewal.