Gilmer County was one of the fastest growing (by percentage) counties in the nation in the 1990s. Today, our growth is at a much slower pace like the rest of the nation. However, infrastructure and capital improvement projects have proceeded in order to create a more responsible future for Gilmer County. This includes many road widening and paving projects, a new parking lot at the courthouse, and fire stations. We are proud to offer more service than most counties in our region do. Our Fire-Rescue service is a combination of a very highly rated Fire Department and an Advanced Life Support ambulance service. The Gilmer County Sheriff's Department is one of the few fully-trained and certified agencies in Georgia. Disposal of household trash is offered at various compactor sites. We are also proud to have a very successful campus of Dalton State College located in Downtown Ellijay.