2018 Camden County GEORGIA Annual Report
Camden County Board of Commissioners 200 East 4th Street ● P.O. Box 99 ● Woodbine, Georgia 31569 ● 912-576-5601
www.camdencountyga.gov
Camden County Board of Commissioners
From Left: District 1 Commissioner Lannie Brant, District 4 Commissioner Gary Blount, District 3 Commissioner Jimmy Starline, District 2 Commissioner Chuck Clark, and District 5 Commissioner Ben Casey The mission of Camden County Government is to deliver defined county services with exceptional customer service and in a financially sustainable and transparent manner.
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2018 Annual Report
About the Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners (BOC) serves as ambassadors and liaisons to many local, regional, and state boards, as well as committees that cover a variety of important matters affecting Camden County residents and businesses. Topics covered by these boards include the economy, transportation, regional and local planning, environment, tourism, juvenile issues, and the arts. Members of the BOC are actively engaged in working for the good of the community. Each year the BOC identifies and selects a Chair and Vice-Chair to serve a one-year term. In 2018, Jimmy Starline served as Chair and Chuck Clark served as Vice-Chair.
www.camdencountyga.gov
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County Administrator Camden County's future is bright. I am eager to share with our citizens the milestones and progress Camden County achieved during 2018. The purpose of this annual report is to update our residents and visitors concerning the work and efforts made throughout the county that are set forth by our Strategic Plan 2018 – 2023 – 2033. We use a strategic plan model that includes guiding essentials, such as value-based principles, that detail a one-year work program focusing on a policy agenda for the Board of Commissioners, Annual Action Plan, Management Agenda for Staff, and other major projects; strategic goals that focus on outcome based objectives and potential actions for the next 5 years; and a look 15 years in the future. The Action Agenda 2018 component of the Strategic Plan, approved by the Board of Commissioners, brought us new accomplishments and recognition of best practices implemented throughout the year. The 2018-2023-2033 Strategic Plan served as a guide for our work this year. This report highlights the tireless work of our Camden County employees and the benefits residents have seen because of their dedicated service. These talented public servants work hard every day to make our county great. I hope you enjoy this annual report and I look forward to working with you in 2019. Yours for a Better Camden,
Steve L. Howard, MPA, ICMA-CM, CPM, CPPO County Administrator
About the Cover: We chose to recognize one of our community partners and their influence on our county with the cover for this year's report. Our cover celebrates the 40th Anniversary of Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay and its impact on our community. The Camden Partnership commissioned a 2017 Economic Impact Summary from Georgia Southern University's Business Innovation Group that shows Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay provides $1.142 billion total in economic impact from both direct revenues and indirect purchases.
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2018 Annual Report
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2018-2023-2033 Strategic Plan Action Agenda Highlights from the 2018 Policy Agenda Top Priorities include: ● Public Safety Radio System--In progress ● SPLOST VIII Planning--Complete ● Spaceport Camden Development--In progress ● Technical College Development--Construction Beginning High Priorities include: ● Joint Law Enforcement/Community Recreation Gun Range-Under Construction ● County Owned Property Inventory--In progress
Highlights from the 2018 Management Agenda
The Strategic Plan 2018- 2023- 2033 can be found on the county's website at camdencountyga.gov.
Top Priorities include: ● 2018 State Lobbying/Advocacy and Legislative Agenda-Complete ● Building without Permits: Implementation-Complete/On-going ● County Employee Performance Evaluation System: Implementation--Complete/On-going High Priorities include: ● Building Security Assessment and Plan--Complete/On-going ● Disaster/NIMS Training--Complete/On-going ● Service Delivery Strategy: Update--Complete
Camden County Goals 2023 ● Financially Sound County Providing Exceptional Service and Value ● ● Planned and Managed Growth ● ● Grow the Local Economy ● ● Great Place to Live ●
www.camdencountyga.gov
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Taxpayer Dollars at Work Where does the money go? Housing & Development 2.7%
General Government* 25.2%
Culture & Recreation 2.1%
Judiciary 6.0%
Public Safety 34.5%
Health& Welfare 1.9%
Public Works 27.5% Governmental Services Only. Does not include Enterprise Funds.
Following Hurricane Irma, Camden County submitted $1,124,515 in reimbursement costs to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In 2018, Camden County collected $761,450 or 74.6% of the anticipated $1,020,776 reimbursement from State and Federal funds. With a local match of $103,739, the balance of the reimbursement is expected in 2019.
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Due to a new investment platform adopted in 2015 and an overall rise in interest rates, Camden County's interest revenue has continued to increase annually, including a 63% increase in FY 2018 to $274,376.
Camden County has an Aa3 bond rating from Moody's.
Camden County secured $402,525 in grant funding in 2018.
*General Government includes, but is not limited to: Board of Commissioners, Finance, Health Insurance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Tax Assessor, and Tax Commissioner
2018 Annual Report
2018 SPLOST VII Projects Update Pennies at Work
Addition to the Terry K. Floyd Juvenile Justice/Court Building is expected to be completed in May 2019.
New excavator for Public Works assists in road maintenance. Engine 17, housed in Waverly, is the fifth new fire engine purchased with SPLOST VII funds.
Construction on a new Fire Station 18 in Tarboro, is expected to be completed in May 2019.
www.camdencountyga.gov
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Camden County Did you know? Camden County was originally formed on February 5, 1777, and is the 2nd of the 8 original counties in Georgia. Camden County has 613.03 square miles of land area. Camden County has 36,333 registered voters. There are 31,419 parcels of land in Camden County. 54,935 vehicles are registered with the Camden County Tax Commissioner's Office. In 2018, the Camden County Assessors Office's total appraised value for all parcels was $4,709,746,367. There are 127.8 miles of unpaved roads in unincorporated Camden County.
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After beginning work in early 2017, the goal of the 5.867 mile Kingsland Bypass Phase I project is to provide a four-lane hurricane evacuation route for southern Camden County on Colerain Road from Kings Bay Road to I-95. Although rain has slowed the overall progress of the project, work on the new bridge crossing I-95 is on schedule. Changing traffic patterns will begin in early 2019, along with new interstate ramps opening when traffic is rerouted to the south bridge section.
Camden County Public Works Department spent nearly 14,000 blade miles grading unpaved roads in unincorporated Camden County.
586 Camden County Planning & Zoning Inspectors averaged over five inspections every work day, completing 1,243 inspections in 2018.
13,900 Camden County Human Resources received close to 600 applications and resumes for employment.
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2018 Annual Report
By the Numbers
322,907 In 2018, Animal Control answered over 3,200 calls for service in Camden County and the cities of Kingsland, St. Marys & Woodbine.
$60,436 Camden County Public Works Department demolished 94 beaver dams, clearing waterways.
The Camden County Solid Waste Authority disposed of more than 320,000 tons of garbage at the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and Construction & Demolition (C & D) sites.
3,223 Camden County and partners received a $60,436 Coastal Incentive Grant to improve flood awareness education and outreach programs.
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Led by the Planning & Development Department staff, Camden County joined with the cities of Kingsland, St. Marys, and Woodbine to complete the 2018-2038 Comprehensive Plan in June. Assisted by the Coastal Regional Commission, this plan was approved, as required, by the State of Georgia.
In July 2018, the Camden County Board of Commissioners sought nominations for the new Camden County Board of Elections and Registration. Formed by the Georgia General Assembly through House Bill 1023, the Board of Elections and Registration is comprised of five members, one from each district, appointed by the Board of Commissioners. The Board will have the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the election superintendent of Camden County; the municipal election superintendent of the City of Kingsland, the City of St. Marys, and the City of Woodbine; and the Board of Registrars of Camden County, which is provided for under Chapter 2 of Title 21 of the O.C.G.A., the “Georgia Election Code.” Special thanks are given to Probate Judge Robert C. Sweatt, Jr., outgoing election superintendent, and outgoing Board of Registrars members Leroy Felder, Robin MainorKnight, Debbie Middleton, Shauna Spann, and Robert Tacconelli.
www.camdencountyga.gov
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Keeping You Safe Did you know? Camden County E-911 Center received 214,605 calls in 2018. On average, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to almost 17 calls a day, 6,046 in 2018. Camden County Fire Rescue (CCFR) received 2,113 calls for service in 2018. In 2018, Camden County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) deputies responded to 78,870 incidents. Funding from the Association of County Commissions of Georgia (ACCG) provided two (2) interns to Camden County EMA and one (1) intern to the CCSO. These interns created and updated plans, policies, and procedures.
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In June, the Insurance Services Organization (ISO) completed its most recent review of Camden County Fire Rescue (CCFR) and affirmed the department’s Public Protection Classification (PPC) of 04/10. Most U.S. insurers of home and business properties use ISO’s PPC in calculating premiums. All homes and businesses located within five road miles of a fire station or within 1,000 feet of a fire hydrant are eligible for the ISO 4 rating. The Camden County Board of Commissioners, the Camden County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), the City of Kingsland, and the City of St. Marys announced a restructuring of existing CodeRED contracts in an effort to save taxpayers thousands of dollars, eliminate duplicative services, and streamline the delivery of emergency notifications. A single, county-wide contract is now in place with the emergency notification system to deliver geographically targeted, time-sensitive information to Camden County residents and visitors. Additionally, Camden County EMA now has the authority to use the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). Camden County received an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). This funding will send approximately twenty (20) Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) to paramedic school. Camden County EMA developed, implemented, and leads the newly formed Camden Area Public Safety (CAPS) Committee to enhance school safety through intelligence sharing, communication, collaboration, training and exercises.
2018 Annual Report
Award-Winning Government The National Association of Counties (NACo) honors innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents through their Achievement Awards. In 2018 NACo recognized Camden County with two Achievement Awards for: Joint Addressing Ordinance and Manual in the Category of Planning Emergency Management Agency Joint Information System Plan and Center in the Category of Risk and Emergency Manangement The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) presented two awards to Camden County's Finance and Budget Department in 2018. The department was awarded the FY 2017 Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (CAFR) for the 17th consecutive year. Additionally the GFOA recognized the Finance and Budget Department with a FY 2018 Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. This was the third consecutive year for Camden County to receive this recognition. The First Coast Worksite Wellness Council and the Mayor's Council on Fitness & Well-Being recognized Camden County Board of Commissioners with a Gold Level Award for the First Coasts Healthiest Companies. Scott Brazell, Community Rating System (CRS), Erosion & Sedimentation (E & S) Coordinator, received the 2018 Outstanding Floodplain Manager Award from the Georgia Association of Floodplain Management (GAFM). Scott was recognized at a Board of Commissioners meeting in April. From left: Commissioner Lannie Brant; Commission Chair Jimmy Starline; Tom McDonald, City of Savannah/GAFM; Scott Brazell; Michael Blakely, Chatham County/GAFM; and Commissioner Ben Casey.
www.camdencountyga.gov
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Camden County January February
March
Camden County releases 2017 Annual Report. Board of Commissioners adopts 2018-2023-2033 Strategic Plan Action Agenda. Camden County launches redesigned website, www.camdencountyga.gov.
April
Camden County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) leads hurricane season preparations with Crisis Leadership & Decision making seminar.
May
Groundbreaking ceremony for the Camden County Recreational Shooting Complex.
June
14 local residents graduate from Camden County Citizens' Academy.
One of the greatest highlights of 2018 occurred in June with the opening of the Lang Creek Bridge. The existing crossing was destroyed during Hurricane Irma in September 2017. County staff, led by Interim Public Works Director Robert Strickland and Senior Project Manager Mercy Thompson, worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) on the $256,200 project. FEMA and GEMA are expected to reimburse 85% of the cost, with Camden County supplying 15%, including in-kind materials and work on Lang Lane leading to the bridge. This was a Major Project in the 2018 Action Agenda.
2018 Annual Report
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Milestones In July, Camden County Fire Rescue (CCFR) began an Emergency Medical Technician Basic (EMT-B) class for firefighters to prepare to take the National Registry EMT test. The course was funded through a grant from the Georgia Association of Emergency Medical Services. 18 firefighters from CCFR, Kingsland Fire, and St. Marys Fire completed the course. Eight new cardiac monitors go into service in Camden County ambulances.
July
CCFR receives Assistance to Firefighters Grant, allowing up to twenty (20) EMTs to attend paramedic school.
August
Board of Commissioners approves rollback of millage rate. Groundbreaking ceremony for a new Fire Station 18 in the Tarboro area in northern Camden County.
September October
Camden County EMA receives $177,000 grant for warning signs, assisting in closing gaps in alerting the public about potential hazards.
November
Camden County welcomes Kevin Barkley as the new Director of Solid Waste.
December
www.camdencountyga.gov
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Ways to Stay in Touch
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2018 Annual Report
Spaceport Camden Milestones March-Camden County signs memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ABL Space Systems to explore future launch operations at Spaceport Camden. March-The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) releases the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Spaceport Camden. April-Jacobs Engineering releases 'The Right Place at The Right Time', a feasibility study on Spaceport Camden. June-Spaceport Camden receives letters of support from Georgia's entire Congressional Delegation, Governor Nathan Deal, and Lt. Governor Casey Cagle. July-Education and Workforce Subcommittee formed with members from K-12 education, the University System of Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia, and aerospace industry experts. September-Camden County Joint Development Authority (JDA) signs lease with ABL Space Systems, marking the first space company to have a presence in Camden County for Spaceport Camden. December-Spaceport Camden listed as one of the Atlanta Business Chronicle's Top 10 Government Stories of 2018. In early 2018, the Georgia Association of REALTORS® partnered with the University of Georgia's School of Public & International Affairs (SPIA) Survey Research Center to conduct a poll to measure support for Spaceport Camden across thirteen southeast Georgia counties. In March, they released the results indicating almost 2-1 support of the project in Camden County. After learning more about the project, over 60% of respondents across the region favored the project.
www.spaceportcamden.us
"A dedicated, commercial, vertical launch facility on the east coast is a valuable asset for Coastal Georgia and for the space launch industry." - Major General Robert S. Dickman, USAF (ret.) former commander of the 45th Space Wing and Camden County Resident
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MISSION To deliver Defined County Services with Exceptional Customer Service in a Financially Sustainable and Transparent Manner.
Camden County Vision 2033 is the premier coastal community of Georgia - Beautiful and Safe.
Camden County 2033 has a strong regional economy and diverse job opportunities with four major pillars: ● An Active Naval Submarine Base ● A Successful World-Class Spaceport ● Sport Tourism ● Technology Cooridor
Camden County 2033 has relaxed living with quality residential developments and abundant leisure choices for all. 200 East 4th Street ● P.O. Box 99 ● Woodbine, Georgia 31569 ● 912-576-5601
www.camdencountyga.gov