Hall County government announced Wednesday it is merging two departments to create more efficient processes for development-related needs.
According to the release, the Hall County Department of Planning and Development and the Department of Public Works and Utilities are merging to create the Department of Community Development and Infrastructure to streamline the development process.
“This integration brings together departments such as building inspections, engineering, and planning and zoning that play critical roles in land use and development, together to create a single department for the most efficient service delivery model for development in Hall County,” said director of CDI. Srikanth Yamala said in a press release.
Yamala has served Hall County since 2005 as a transportation planner, transportation manager, director of planning and development, and most recently as director of public works and utilities. In 2018, he graduated from Leadership in Georgia.
Bill Nash will take over Yamala’s former position as director of public works and utilities. Nash has served as assistant director of public works and utilities since 2020, and Randy Doveton will continue to serve as director of planning and development.
The integration plan includes cross-training staff, improving processes to optimize efficiency, reducing permit processing times and completing renovations to the third floor of the Government Center to create a customer-focused community development center.
“This integration will help centralize the interaction related to the development process and will also address several areas of the Strategic Plan, including improving the county’s infrastructure and maintaining the quality of life for residents by combining two departments that contribute greatly to these goals,” Administrator of Hall County. Zach Propps said in a press release.