Camden County Board of Commissioners
Community Outreach eNewsletter
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Working Together to Make a Positive Difference in the Community |
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A publication from the Office of the County Administrator - Issue 110-2022 |
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Message from the County Administrator |
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Welcome to November and the beginning of the holiday season! As we head into this time of reflection on what we are thankful for, I would like to take this opportunity to tell you, the citizens of Camden County, thank you!
As many of you may know, I have accepted a new position as the County Administrator of Citrus County Florida.
It has been the honor of my life to serve the Board of County Commissioners, Citizens and Employees. I am proud of the many accomplishments that have been achieved utilizing a TEAM approach.
During my tenure we faced many challenges such as navigating the county during the worst economic downturn of our generation and managed a pandemic crisis. These challenges made us stronger. Together we have built an Award-Winning Government. I am also pleased and proud as I announce my departure that Camden County is in a very strong financial position with -0- general fund debt, -0- pension liabilities and reserves in excess of 35%.
I am grateful for the valuable experience and the opportunities I received over the past 15 years serving as County Administrator. I was able to grow both personally and professionally, which I know will benefit me in my future endeavors.
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In this Newsletter issue we share accomplishments of Camden County employees. Please help us celebrate. We also highlight the reduction in the millage rate for 2022 as well as other services/resources for you to take advantage of that are being offered to our citizens. Lastly, remember to vote.
Keep moving Camden forward!
Have a safe and healthy November!
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Nothing ever comes to one that is worth having, except as a result of hard work.
~Booker T. Washington~
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2022 Photo Contest Winners |
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From Left: Frances Lewis, Commissioner Trevor Readdick, Chandler White, Chairman Gary Blount, Ashley Rice, Vice-Chair Ben Casey, Commissioner Chuck Clark, and Ashley Armstrong |
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The Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce the winners of the 2022 Showcase Camden County Photo Contest. This year, seventy entries from twenty-four applicants were submitted in the following categories: Landscapes, Nature/Wildlife, Sunrise/Sunset, and Transportation. Through a blind judging process a photograph was chosen from each category along with an overall winner.
Recognized this year by category are: Landscapes: Chandler White’s “The Right Light”; Nature/Wildlife: Ashley Rice’s “Dragonfly”; Sunrise/Sunset: Frances Lewis “Woodbine Waterfront Sunset”; Transportation: Ashley Armstrong’s “Georgia Coastal Railway Train”. The overall winner was Ashley Armstrong’s Georgia Coastal Railway Train”. All winners were formally honored at the Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, November 1, 2022.
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Employee of the Quarter: Heather Metty |
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From Left: Tax Commissioner Beth Soles; Heather Metty; Employe and Amy Peeples, e Recognition Committee |
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At their October 18, 2022, regular meeting, the Camden County Board of Commissioners recognized Heather Metty of the Camden County Tax Commissioner’s Office as Employee of the Quarter. The Camden County Government Employee Recognition Committee received nominations for employee of the quarter. Heather was recommended by co-workers and was selected by the committee.
Heather’s nominations highlighted her positive attitude and knowledge as reasons for her recognition. She is described as an “ace” with the customers and readily comes to the “rescue” in difficult situations in the Tax Commissioner’s Office.
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Multiple Camden County Employees Receive Certifications & Recognitions |
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The Camden County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce the recent achievement of certifications by members of MainPoint Health & Wellness, Human Resources, and the Planning & Development Department in addition to a recognition for a member of the Finance & Budget Department.
“Employees continue to be Camden County’s greatest asset and we are extremely proud of their accomplishments,” said County Administrator Steve Howard. “These certifications and recognitions demonstrate the quality and dedication of Camden County employees in continuing their pursuit of professional development.”
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Camden County Board of Commissioners Further Reduce Millage Rate for 2022 |
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At their October 11, 2022, Special Called Meeting, the Camden County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to reduce the county-wide General Fund millage rate for 2022.
The approved millage rate for 2022 is 14.000 mills, a larger reduction than the previously announced 14.201 mills. This reduction is larger than the full rollback rate. This rollback rate is a 1.562 mills reduction or 10.0% less than the current rate. The Unincorporated Tax District will take the full rollback reducing the millage rate from 1.35 to 1.275.
“The Board of Commissioners is pleased to be able to reduce the millage rate for Camden County taxpayers,” said Chairman Gary Blount. “Our strong financial position allows us to provide this relief to our citizens and we continue to have $0 general fund debt, $0 unfunded pension liabilities, and strong reserves.”
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Tuesday, November 08, 2022 |
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Registered voters should go their regular polling place on Election Day. Visit the Georgia My Voter Page (MVP) to check registration status and polling location.
Please note that the Waverly Polling Place located at Camden County Fire Rescue Station #17, has been permanently moved to Calvary Christian Center, 61 Mount Calvary Church Road in Waverly.
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Dover Bluff Road Temporary Closure |
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Dover Bluff Road in northeastern Camden County will undergo temporary closures for cross pipe replacement and repaving near Georgia Episcopal Center Road. Weather permitting, the road construction will take place between November 7 and November 15, 2022.
During preparation for the pipe replacement on Dover Bluff Road, drivers should anticipate closures for one travel lane and flagging operations. This section of Dover Bluff Road will be completely closed on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, beginning at 3:00 p.m., through Friday, November 11, 2022. This closure will require a detour onto Lampadoshia Road for all drivers traveling south of Hardeefield Road.
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Camden County Seeking Applicants for JDA Board of Directors - County Representative |
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The Camden County Board of Commissioners is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on the Joint Development Authority (JDA) Board of Directors as a County representative.
The JDA is a multi-jurisdictional economic development agency representing all of Camden County, including the three cities of Kingsland, St. Marys, and Woodbine. The JDA was established in 1981 by joint resolution of local governments and in accordance with the Georgia Development Authorities Law. It is a “joint” authority for it represents multiple jurisdictions. The mission of the JDA is to promote Camden County to expand and diversify the economy and stimulate the creation of quality employment opportunities to provide a better quality of life for citizens.
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Camden County EMA Awarded Grant for AM Radio Stations |
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At their October 18, 2022, regular meeting, the Camden County Board of Commissioners accepted a $60,178.50 grant from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) for the purchase of portable AM Radio Stations.
“This is another tool that will help Camden County residents and visitors be better informed during and following emergencies,” said Camden County Emergency Management Director Chuck White. “We can provide timely and specific messages to the public via AM Radio.”
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Flu Vaccine Opportunities |
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The Camden Health Department offering flu vaccine. The vaccine will be available by appointment during regular hours of operation, Monday through Friday. Residents can call the health department at 912-882-8515 (St. Marys) or 912-576-3040 (Woodbine) to schedule an appointment.
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The Camden County Board of Commissioners and the St. Marys City Council have partnered with the Coastal Regional Commission to provide free transportation services for all Camden residents. Citizens that reside within unincorporated Camden County and the Cities of St Marys, Kingsland, and Woodbine will be eligible to ride free anywhere within Camden County.
Please Note: The service will not deviate from the normal operational procedures of the CRC transit program. Hours of operation, scheduling and safety procedures will remain. Any requested trip outside Camden County the rider will be charged the normal $3.00 per one-way trip.
This new transportation benefit is paid through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and is effective immediately. This program will cease once all dedicated funds have been expended.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Opportunities |
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Free COVID-19 Vaccines and Booster doses are available in Camden County through a variety of sources.
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The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 6 months – 5 years is available at the Camden County Health Department in St. Marys.
Appointments are REQUIRED and can be scheduled online.
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The range is located on GA Hwy 110, approximately one mile north of the intersection with GA Hwy 40 in extreme southwest Camden County. Two Rivers Gun Range is open six days a week. |
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Mortgage Assistance Program |
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The update of the Camden County GA app, available on both Apple and Android devices, seeks to improve communications and bring residents advanced connectivity to the Camden County government. Learn more on the Camden County website.
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Check out the Employment Opportunities page on the Camden County website to learn more about open positions and apply online.
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A Flood Awareness Tool is available on the Camden County website to assist users with making educated decisions about potential flooding. Approximately 35% or 17,000 of Camden County’s residents live within the 100-year floodplain. Three coastal rivers flow through the County, and 50% of the land is classified as wetlands. Camden experiences the effects of sea level rise, storm surge, regular riverine flooding, and king tides.
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Camden County offices and courts will be closed on the following dates:
- Veterans day - Friday, November 11, 2022
- Thanksgiving Holidays - Thursday & Friday, November 24-25, 2022
Curbside Collection Service for unincorporated Camden County residents:
- Veterans Day - operating regular hours
- Thanksgiving Day - Closed
- Collection will be delayed by one day after Thanksgiving Day
Camden County Landfills:
- Veterans Day - Operating regular hours
- Thanksgiving Day - Closed
- Day after Thanksgiving - Operating Regular hours
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All Camden County residents are strongly encouraged to sign-up for CodeRED online at www.camdencountyga.gov/codeRED to receive emergency notifications and location-specific severe weather warnings. Notifications may be sent to cell phones or landlines and through email and text. The service is TDD/TTY compatible.
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Board of Commissioners meetings are live streamed via YouTube.
Board of Commissioners:
- Tuesday, November 15, 2022, 6:00 p.m.
Board of Elections & Registration:
- Thursday, November 14, 2022, 4:00 p.m.
Camden County Planning Commission:
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Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting |
Since 2006, Camden County has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting each year for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) bestows this achievement award to less than 1% of all governments. It is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. |
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Distinguished Budget Presentation Award |
Annually since 2015, Camden County has obtained the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. This represents a noteworthy achievement by Camden County as it reflects the commitment of the Board of Commissioners and staff to meet the highest principles of government budgeting. Nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation had to be fulfilled in order for Camden County to receive this budget award. These guidelines are designed to assess how well Camden County’s budget serves as a policy document; a financial plan; an operations guide; and a communications device. Budget documents must be rated “proficient” in all four of these categories, and the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.
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2022 County Excellence Award |
In collaboration with Georgia Trend magazine, ACCG hosted the 2022 County Excellence Awards to highlight counties' innovative efforts to address negative economic impacts in their communities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program recognizes innovative county initiatives in the areas of health care, infrastructure and transportation, public safety, sustainability, and technology. In 2022, Camden County’s Rural Transportation Collaborative Partnerships achieved recognition. More information on Camden County’s program was featured in the June 2022 issue of Georgia Trend magazine.
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2022 NACo Achievement Award Winner |
Since 2009, Camden County has been nationally recognized with twenty-seven (27) Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The Annual Achievement Award program was designed to honor and recognize innovative, effective county government programs that enhance services for residents. Each nominee is judged on its own merits and not against other applications received NACo recognized Camden County’s Rural Transportation Collaborative Partnerships in the Transportation category in 2022.
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MISSION
Our mission is to deliver defined county services with exceptional customer service and to do so in a financially sustainable and transparent manner.
VISION
Camden County 2037 is the premier coastal community of Georgia-beautiful and safe.
Camden County 2037 has a strong regional economy and diverse job opportunities with four major pillars:
- An active Naval Submarine Base;
- A successful World-Class Spaceport;
- Sports tourism; and
- a Technology Corridor.
Camden County 2037 has relaxed living with quality residential developments, and abundant leisure choices for all.
VALUES
The Board of County Commissioners and employees of Camden County are committed to the following values:
- Integrity,
- Respect,
- Service,
- Accountability,
- Teamwork, and
- Balance.
Camden County Board of Commissioners
District 1, Commissioner Lannie Brant
District 2, Commissioner Chuck Clark
District 3, Commissioner Trevor Readdick
District 4, Commissioner Gary Blount, Chairman
District 5, Commissioner Ben Casey, Vice-Chairman
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Camden County Board of Commissioners
200 East 4th Street
P.O. Box 99
Woodbine, Georgia 31569
912-576-5601
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