ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

  For Immediate Release
  August 27, 2025

Rockdale County Showcases Picture Rockdale Exhibit

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – The Rockdale County Public Relations Department has begun displaying the submissions from the Picture Rockdale Photo Challenge on Mon., Aug. 25, at the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, located at 864 Green Street in Conyers.

Rockdale County celebrated National Photography Month in May with “Picture Rockdale” — a public photo challenge that invited residents, youth, and County staff to share original photographs capturing the beauty of Rockdale County.

Participants were encouraged to follow weekly themes such as Natural Beauty, Landmarks & Legacy, and Community in Action, and submit their photos via social media by using the hashtag #PictureRockdaleGa.

“We appreciate our residents participating in the Picture Rockdale Photo Challenge. It is wonderful to see them engaged in capturing the beauty of our County,” Chair JaNice Van Ness said. “We look forward to the community coming out to the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library to view some of the top submissions, and we value the library’s partnership in displaying this exhibit.”

The community is invited to view the stunning and creative works captured by local photographers. The photo exhibit is free and open to the public for two weeks at the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, offering a unique look at the people, places, and perspectives that make Rockdale County special.

Winners of the Picture Rockdale Photo Challenge will be announced during the Board of Commissioners Meeting on Tues., Sept. 9, 2025.

For more information, please contact the Rockdale County Public Relations Department at 770-278-7050.

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ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

  For Immediate Release
  August 27, 2025

Rockdale County EMA Announces 2025 National Preparedness Day Event

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. –The Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is proud to host its annual National Preparedness Day Event on Saturday, September 27, 2025, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The event will take place at Rockdale Career Academy, located at 1064 Culpepper Drive, Conyers, GA 30094.

This free, family-friendly event aims to educate the community on the importance of being proactive and prepared for all types of emergencies—including natural, man-made, and technological disasters. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore information booths, watch live demonstrations, and participate in interactive presentations throughout the day.

Partnering organizations include Rockdale County Fire Rescue, the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office, the Conyers Police Department, Animal Services, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), the UGA Extension Service, National EMS, Snapping Shoals EMC, Atlanta Gas Light, and many more. These agencies will provide expert guidance on emergency preparedness, safety strategies, and disaster response planning.

The National Preparedness Day event is to provide the citizens of Rockdale County with information on how, what, and when to prepare in the case of a natural, man-made, or technological disaster. Presentations and demonstrations will be conducted by a wide range of entities and are scheduled throughout the day.

Admission is free, but participants are encouraged to pre-register online at the following link: National Preparedness Day 2025.

For more information, you can contact Elizabeth White at 678-641-3583 or elizabeth.white@rockdale26.soliademo.com.

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ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

  For Immediate Release
  August 25, 2025

Nearly $2.6 Million in Federal Funds Secured for Rockdale County Projects

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – Rockdale County is proud to announce that nearly $2.6 million in federal funding has been included in the FY26 appropriations bills to support three critical local projects. These investments, championed by Congressman David Scott and Senator Jon Ossoff, represent significant steps forward in transportation access, trail improvements, and senior services for Rockdale residents.

Two projects were submitted by Congressman David Scott and successfully included in the House Appropriations Committee bill:

• Rockdale Veterans Transportation Program Vehicle Acquisition – $165,200
• Rockdale River Trail Improvements – $500,000

Separately, the Senate Appropriations Committee included $1,900,000 in its Transportation, Housing and Urban Development bill for:

• Senior Center Satellite Project (Submitted by U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff)

“These investments reflect our continued commitment to improving quality of life for Rockdale residents,” said Rockdale County Chair JaNice Van Ness. “From supporting our veterans with reliable transportation, to enhancing access to green space, and expanding services for seniors—this federal support will strengthen our entire community. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Scott and Senator Ossoff for their steadfast leadership and advocacy for Rockdale County.”

The Veterans Transportation Program will acquire an additional dedicated vehicle to ensure veterans can access medical appointments and critical services. Trail improvements will enhance recreational infrastructure and expand safe access to the Rockdale River Trail system. The Senior Center Satellite Project will support the expansion of services to better meet the needs of the county’s growing senior population.

“We are thankful to our congressional delegation for prioritizing these impactful projects,” said Rockdale County Chief of Operations Sue Sanders. “This level of support reflects real progress toward a healthier, more connected, and more inclusive Rockdale.”

“I am truly grateful to those regional and local leaders who responded with letters of support and to those citizens who gave their personal testimony of how these much-needed projects and services enrich and impact their daily lives. Through these coordinated efforts, our congressional delegation was able to move these requests to the next phase,” added Rockdale County Chair JaNice Van Ness.

While the appropriations process is still underway, these developments represent a key milestone in securing funding. The federal budget must be passed by both chambers of Congress and signed into law by the President before funds are released.

Rockdale County will continue to monitor the progress of the FY26 federal appropriations bills and provide updates as they advance.

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ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

  For Immediate Release
  August 20, 2025

Rockdale County Lowers Millage Rate

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners held a public meeting to vote on the proposed millage rate for the 2025 tax year on Tuesday, August 19 at 6 p.m. This decision directly impacts 2025 property tax rates for residents and businesses.

The millage rate is the rate used to calculate local property taxes. One mill represents $1 in tax per $1,000 of assessed property value. This rate is set annually by local government authorities and directly affects how much residents pay in property taxes.

The setting of the millage rate involves multiple local entities, including:

• Rockdale County Board of Commissioners
• Rockdale County Board of Education
• City of Conyers

Each entity sets its portion of the overall millage rate. The Board of Commissioners’ vote determines the County’s share, which helps fund essential services like public safety, court services, road maintenance and county operations.

Current County Millage Rate: 18.69
New 2025 County Millage Rate: 18.284

This reduction is part of the BOC’s ongoing efforts to respond to residents’ concerns about affordability and financial transparency.

“Lowering the millage rate is a direct response to what our residents have been asking for. It’s a step toward building trust and making Rockdale County more affordable for everyone,” said Chairwoman JaNice Van Ness.

“We’ve heard our community, and this moment is about honoring that trust,” said Commissioner Doreen Williams.

“This vote reflects our ongoing promise to serve the people of Rockdale and to put the community first,” said Commissioner Tuwanya Smith.

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