ANNUAL REPORT
20 23
Award-Winning Government
CAMDEN COUNTY GEORGIA
Camden County Numbers to Know Administration
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Animal Control
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Code Enforcement
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County Clerk
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Elections & Registration
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Emergency Management
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Facilities Maintenance
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Superior Court Clerk
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Tax Assessor
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Tax Commissioner
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Two Rivers Gun Range
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2023 ANNUAL REPORT Camden County Board of Commissioners Commissioner Lannie Brant, District1 Commissioner Martin Turner, District 2 Commissioner Trevor Readdick, District 3 Commissioner Jim Goodman, District 4 Commissioner Ben Casey, District 5 Shawn M. Boatright, MPA, CPM, County Administrator John Myers, County Attorney
camdencountyga.gov
Table of Contents Administrator’s Message
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Camden County Board of Commissioners
3
2023-2028-2038 Strategic Plan
5
General Fund Dollars at Work
6
SPLOST VIII
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American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
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Camden County Milestones
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Camden County By the Numbers
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Employee Highlights
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Public Safety
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Ways to Stay in Touch
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In January, Camden County welcomed two new Commissioners. Following their election in November 2022, District 2 Commissioner Martin Turner and District 4 Commissioner Jim Goodman were sworn in by the Honorable Judge Anthony L. Harrison of the Brunswick Judicial Circuit in January 2023.
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2023 Annual Report
Administrator’s Message It is my pleasure to present the 2023 Camden County Annual Report. This document showcases the achievements of our community and also serves as a detailed update on various projects and initiatives executed throughout the county. During the past year, the county staff has achieved noteworthy milestones, all while consistently delivering essential services to our residents. These efforts directly align with the objectives set forth in our 2023-2028-2038 Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan model continues to be a helpful tool to both leadership and staff. It serves as a guide to establish valuebased principles and a strategic focus for a year-long work plan. The Board of Commissioners use it to help set the policy agenda which provides staff with a solid plan of action. The Strategic Plan also outlines major projects and goals and places emphasis on outcome-based objectives, targeting the next 5 to 15 years. The accomplishments and milestones detailed in the Strategic Plan were successfully achieved, thanks to the exceptional efforts of the Camden County staff. Numerous team members surpassed departmental objectives, with several receiving recognition through state and national awards. I am pleased that the diligent work, commitment, and expertise of our staff have directly benefited and contributed to the well-being of local citizens. The following pages will outline and highlight many of these accomplishments making Camden County a great place to live, work, and play. I look forward to continuing to build upon these efforts in 2024.
Sincerely,
Shawn M. Boatright, MPA, CPM County Administrator
camdencountyga.gov
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Camden County Board of Commissioners The Board of Commissioners usually meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, with exceptions posted on the calendar. Regular meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers located on the 2nd floor of the Government Services Complex at 200 E. 4th Street in Woodbine. Special called meetings and work sessions are held when necessary. All meetings are open to the public.
From Left: District 1 Commissioner Lannie Brant, District 2 Commissioner Martin Turner, District 3 Commissioner Trevor Readdick, District 4 Commissioner Jim Goodman, and District 5 Commissioner Ben Casey
The Board of Commissioners makes policies, adopts laws, sets budget limits and tax rates along with many other duties. The BOC appoints a County Administrator who is chosen by and responsible to the Board of Commissioners. The County Administrator oversees the day-to-day operations of the county, advises the board, and implements commission policy. About our covers: The front cover photo was provided by Chandler White as part of the 2022 Showcase Camden County Photo Contest, and the rear cover photo was provided by Kimberly Scheele as part of the 2023 contest.
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2023 Annual Report
About the Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners (BOC) serves as an ambassador and liaison to many local, regional, and state boards. It also assists committees who cover a variety of important matters affecting Camden County residents and businesses. Subjects addressed by these committees include transportation, tourism, juvenile concerns, regional and local planning, the economy, environment, and arts. Members of the BOC are actively engaged in working with and for the community. Each commissioner is elected by a district to serve staggered four-year terms. Annually the BOC selects a Chair and a ViceChair to serve a one-year term. In 2023, District 5 Commissioner, Ben Casey, served as Chair and District 1 Commissioner, Lannie Brant, served as Vice-Chair.
camdencountyga.gov
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2023-2028-2038 Strategic Plan Camden County Goals 2028 Financially Sound County Providing Exceptional Service and Value Grow the Local Economy Great Place to Live Managed Growth and Plan for Resiliency
Highlights from the 2023 Policy Agenda
Airport Justification Study Presentation
Improvements at Howard Peeples Park
Highlights from the 2023 Policy Agenda include: Airport Development and Park Upgrades Highlights from the 2023 Management Agenda Highlights from the 2023 Management Agenda include: StormReady County Recertification and GIS Department Formation
The 2023-2028-2038 Strategic Plan and Action Agenda, along with links to previous year’s Strategic Plans, are available on the Camden County website at camdencountyga.gov/StrategicPlan.
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2023 Annual Report
General Fund Dollars at Work Category
FY 2023
Percentage
Culture & Recreation
$442,432
1.12%
General Government*
$7,320,024
18.61%
Health & Welfare
$748,130
1.90%
Housing & Development
$1,444,963
3.67%
Insurance
$7,920,587
20.13%
Judicial
$3,078,633
7.83%
Public Safety
$16,273,471
41.37%
Public Works
$2,014,580
5.12%
Debt Service**
$96,283
0.24%
$39,339,103
100.00%
General Fund Total
*General Government includes, but is not limited to Board of Commissioners, Elections & Registration, Finance & Budget, Human Resources, Information Technology, Tax Assessor, and Tax Commissioner ** Debt service includes leases and subscriptionbased information technology arrangements (SBITAs). For accounting purposes, they are listed as debt service.
2023 Millage Rate
Public Works
Culture & Recreation Debt Service
General Government Health & Welfare Housing & Development Public Safety Insurance
Judicial
camdencountyga.gov
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SPLOST VIII A Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) is a countywide tax used to fund capital outlay projects by the county government and participating municipal governments. It may not be used for operating expenses. This tax is collected on all items subject to sales tax, regardless of where the purchaser resides. In March 2019, Camden County voters approved SPLOST VIII and collections began on July 1, 2019, and will expire on June 30, 2025.
SPLOST VIII funding provided multiple road improvements for unincorporated Camden County roadways. The Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of a new Life Squad (ambulance) for Camden County Fire Rescue in March 2023. It is anticipated that it will take between 18 to 24 months to complete the build. SPLOST VIII funds and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds were used. This will be the fifth ambulance purchased through SPLOST VIII.
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2023 Annual Report
SPLOST VIII The Camden County Superior Court is responsible for all County Real Estate Records. There are land records dating back to the 1700s. Many of these instruments were hand written and the images have faded. Through SPLOST VIII funding, the Clerk of Superior Court is creating an online record system of all county real estate records to broaden the scope of available records for citizens, abstractors, and attorneys for the future.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury, Camden County received $10,618,230 in funding. Throughout 2023, county parks received updates through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Improvements to Howard Peeples Park, as part of over $650,000 in ARPA-funded park improvements, are highlighted below.
ARPA funds were also allocated for the purchase of new patrol vehicles for the Camden County Sheriff’s Office.
camdencountyga.gov
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Camden County Spotlights January - The Camden County Board of Commissioners adopted Legislative Priorities for 2023. February - The ACCG Civic Affairs Foundation awarded Camden County funding for two interns through the Georgia County Internship Program. March - Through the efforts of emergency management, new evacuation zones were approved for Camden County. April - Finance & Budget won their 8th consecutive Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). May - Seth Collins began work as Deputy County Administrator for Camden County. June - 16 local residents completed the 2023 Camden County Citizens’ Academy.
In May, Camden County Animal Control field staff achieved Animal Control Officer (ACO) Level I certification through the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). In September, local schools, public safety, and emergency management partners conducted an active shooter table-top exercise to test response and recovery to such an incident.
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2023 Annual Report
Milestones In November, Camden County joined with counties across the country to participate in Operation Green Light. This national initiative seeks to show support for veterans and raise awareness to resources available to assist them and their families. In December, T-Mobile presented Camden County a Hometown Grant of $50,000 for modifications and improvements to Cornelia Jackson Memorial Park in Woodbine. July - Campbell Smith began work as the Director of Solid Waste, overseeing two landfills and a yard waste site. August - Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) provided additional funding for Horse Stamp Church Road improvements. September - Seven new firefighters joined Camden County Fire Rescue (CCFR) after completing a 10-week class and completing their Basic Firefighter requirements. October - Board of Commissioners reduced the millage rate for the second year in a row with a 2023 reduction of 6.15%. November - Georgia Water Coalition recognizes Horsepen Creek Water Improvements team for their efforts cleaning the St. Marys River. December - Camden County employees achieved service milestones and were recognized for 530 combined years of service.
camdencountyga.gov
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Camden County Camden County Public Works spent over 21,000 blade miles grading unpaved roads in unincorporated Camden County. Camden County E-911 answered 161,769 calls for service, averaging over 13,481 a month. Two Rivers Gun Range sold over 7,400 daily passes in 2023; 6,588 to non-members and 870 to guests of members.
Camden County Solid Waste disposed of 168,089+ tons of garbage at the MSW and C & D sites. Camden County Fire Rescue averaged 21.72 daily calls for service in 2023. Camden County Human Resources received 3,916 applications and resumes for employment.
In October, 15.77 miles of roadway throughout unincorporated Camden County were resurfaced through SPLOST and Local Maintenance Improvement Grant (LMIG) funding. This is in addition to the widening, deep-base patching, repairs, and asphalt overlay of over 5.6 miles on Horse Stamp Church Road. In April, the Public Works Department expanded to include Rightof-Way Mowing. This dedicated team undertakes roadside mowing and litter pick-up in the county right-of-way for 155 miles.
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2023 Annual Report
By the Numbers
In 2023, Camden County Fire Rescue, in partnership with Camden County High School, began an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) class. As part of this learning opportunity, students are allowed to utilize a retired ambulance to enhance their skills. 25 high school students have completed this program. Camden County Animal Control’s Trap-NeuterVaccinate-Return (TNVR) program spayed or neutered 148 cats in just over two months. Camden County Facilities Maintenance completed 1,163 work orders in 2023. Camden County Planning & Development completed 2,383 residential and commercial inspections in 2023, averaging just under 10 inspections each business day.
In December 2023, Camden County had 41,941 registered voters, including 36,565 active voters. Camden County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) sent over 90 situation reports about various emergency activities and events in 2023. Camden County completed 190 open records requests in 2023.
camdencountyga.gov
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Employee Highlights Fire Rescue Chief Terry Smith (right) was elected as President of the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs (GAFC). The GAFC seeks to better the fire service and its service delivery to the citizens of Georgia. Previously, Chief Smith served as 1st Vice President.
Kayla Oliver and Scott Van Osdol, IT technicians, earned CompTIA Security+ certifications. Petie Kemp, Planning & Development Building Inspector, earned his Commercial Building Inspector Certification through the International Code Council (ICC). Previously he achieved five separate residential certifications and two commercial certifications though the ICC.
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2023 Annual Report
Public Safety
19 new firefighters joined Camden County Fire Rescue through Recruit Classes. Upon completion, students are able to achieve their Basic Firefighter certification. After recent improvements to an 800MHz system, the Public Safety Radio Communications System is currently undergoing a transition to digital. The construction of the new 300' tower off Gross Road in Kingsland has been completed. Testing is in progress, and the county-wide conversion to digital public safety radio transmissions is expected to be finalized in mid-2024. These updates will enable Camden County public safety personnel to communicate seamlessly with counties to the north and south.
camdencountyga.gov
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Ways to Stay In Touch
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2023 Annual Report
Camden County 2024 Holidays New Year’s Day - Monday, January 1, 2024 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Monday, January 15, 2024 Presidents Day - Monday, February 19, 2024 Good Friday - Friday, March 29, 2024 Memorial Day - Monday, May 27, 2024 Juneteenth - Wednesday, June 19, 2024 Independence Day - Thursday, July 4, 2024 Labor Day - Monday, September 2, 2024 Columbus Day - Monday, October 14, 2024 Veterans Day - Monday, November 11, 2024 Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 28, 2024 Day After Thanksgiving - Friday, November 29, 2024 Christmas Holidays - Tuesday, December 24, 2024 Christmas Holidays - Wednesday, December 25, 2024 Christmas Holidays - Thursday, December 26, 2024
Looking for important dates? Visit camdencountyga.gov/calendar for more information.
200 East 4th Street • P.O. Box 99 Woodbine, Georgia 31569 912-576-5601
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