Cora Collins enjoying the updated facilities at Cornelia Jackson Memorial Park in Woodbine
MEET YOUR COMMISSIONERS
ABOUT THE 2025 BOARD
The Camden County Board of Commissioners (BOC) helps connect our local community with regional and state leaders, while also supporting committees that focus on key issues affecting residents and businesses Each commissioner is elected by district and serves a four-year term, working to stay actively involved in the community
The BOC is responsible for setting policies, adopting laws, establishing budgets, and setting tax rates, among other duties Additionally, they appoint a County Administrator, who manages the county's daily operations, provides recommendations to the board, and ensures the implementation of the commission’s policies
The map below shows Camden’s five geographical districts. These districts are updated following each decennial census.
Robbie Cheek District 1
Martin Turner District 2
Cody Smith District 3
Jim Goodman District 4
Ben L. Casey
2024 ANNUAL REPORT
The Camden County 2024 Annual Report highlights key accomplishments, financial stewardship, and strategic initiatives that helped shape the progress of the past year. This report reflects the county’s commitment to enhancing services, infrastructure, and economic opportunities while ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term resiliency
Key Highlights
Infrastructure & Public Safety: Major improvements to roads, bridges, and facilities enhanced safety and accessibility Investments in public safety expanded resources for emergency response and disaster preparedness
Community Services & Quality of Life: Programs in public health, education, and social services were expanded, strengthening community engagement. Parks and recreation upgrades further enriched local amenities
Economic Growth & Fiscal Responsibility: Camden County supported business development, creating jobs and strengthening the local economy. Prudent financial management ensured a balanced budget while securing external funding for key projects
View the full 2024 Annual Report on the Camden County website, camdencountyga.gov/AnnualReport
COUNTY BUDGET-SETTING
Every year, Camden County’s Budget Committee goes through a careful process to plan how to spend public funds. This helps make sure tax dollars are used wisely to support the things that matter most like public safety, roads, parks, and everyday services. It’s a thoughtful, transparent effort to balance community needs with financial responsibility.
KeyComponentsoftheBudgetProcess
Initiation: Each fiscal year, county departments and constitutional offices prepare budget requests using a zero-based budgeting approach, requiring them to justify each expense from the ground up
Departmental & Financial Review: Over the course of several weeks, department heads meet with the Budget Committee to assess their absolute needs for the upcoming fiscal year. These discussions help prioritize essential services and operational costs while identifying areas for efficiency. Once department needs are outlined, they are compared to projected revenues to ensure the county can afford them. Adjustments are made to balance priorities with available funding, ensuring a fiscally responsible approach.
Submission: After refinement, the Budget Committee consolidates the final budget requests and submits them to the Board of Commissioners in May for further review.
Public Involvement: A public hearing is held to gather citizen input, allowing the community to weigh in on funding priorities and ensure openness in the decision-making process
Adoption: Taking public feedback into account, the Board of Commissioners finalizes and adopts the budget, no later than June 30 This approved budget serves as the county’s financial plan for the new fiscal year, which begins on July 1
This meticulous process involves collaboration among county departments, elected officials, and residents, ensuring Camden County operates within its means while delivering the services residents depend on.
$20,000,000
$15,000,000
$10,000,000
$5,000,000
$0
Ad Valorem Tax Revenue Powers the Budget
$15,358,902
$4,106,432
$4,864,692
January February March
From July 2024 through March 2025, Camden County collected $24.5 million in Ad Valorem taxes 87.8% of the FY 2025 budgeted amount.
Typically, most of these taxes are collected in December and January. However, this year ’ s later due date caused much of the revenue to be received in the following months.
EXPENDITURES & REVENUE
The annual budget process and daily financial operations rely on dedicated team members like Tiffanie, whose work helps keep Camden County running strong. Her attention to detail and behindthe-scenes support make a big impact on everything we do.
Tiffanie’s work is just one example of the many vital roles that fall under the General Government category
an area that supports a wide range of essential county functions It is important to note that General Government category includes a wide variety of functions, including, but not limited to Board of Commissioners, Elections & Registration, Finance & Budget, Human Resources, Information Technology, Tax Assessor, and Tax Commissioner Additionally, all insurances are included in the General Government category.
FY 2025 General Fund Cumulative Expenses through March 2025
WHERE OUR MONEY GOES
UNDERSTANDING TAXES IN CAMDEN COUNTY
Ever wondered where our tax dollars go? As Camden County residents, we help keep our community running by paying property and sales taxes These funds support the services we rely on every day like safe roads, emergency response, public spaces, and a strong local economy Here's a breakdown of how taxes serve importantroles in how your local government operate
Property Taxes: Investing in Our Community’s Future
If you own property, you pay property taxes each year. These taxes are based on your property’s assessed value calculated at 40% of the fair market value
Once collected, this revenue is reinvested directly into our community helping fund the essential services that impact our daily life. From maintaining roads and emergency response to funding schools, libraries, and public safety, our property taxes help keep Camden County running and growing
Sales Tax: Supporting Local Growth Every Time We Shop
WhyItMatters
Every time we make a purchase in Camden County, we pay sales tax a percentage of our total bill that helps fund local government operations Unlike property taxes, which are primarily paid by property owners, sales tax is paid by everyone who shops, dines, or does business in our county, including visitors
Taxes aren’t just numbers on a bill; they are the foundation of a thriving community. Without these funds, we wouldn’t have the roads we drive on, the first responders who protect us, or the schools that educate our children. While no one enjoys paying taxes, understanding how they support our community helps us see the bigger picture. By contributing through property and sales taxes, each of us plays a role in keeping Camden County strong, safe, and sustainable.
Next time you see road maintenance, a firefighter responding to an emergency, or a child heading to school, remember you helped make that happen
WHERE OUR MONEY GOES
Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds make a big difference in our community.
WHAT IS A SPLOST?
SPLOST is a county-wide tax used to pay for major community projects proposed 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 2025, Camden County voters approved SPLOST IX and collections begin on July 1, 2025, and will expire on June 30, 2031 SPLOST IX includes specific, pre-identified projects for Camden County, the Cities of Kingsland, St. Marys, and Woodbine, along with the Public Service Authority.
SPLOST IX FOR CAMDEN
SPLOST funds built the Public Safety Radio System (left) Phase I As Phase II nears completion, the updated system will be online soon. The Camden County Health Department (below) utilized SPLOST funding, and other sources, for the construction of the new building - opening May 2025.
COUNTY UPDATES
CAMDEN COUNTY, GEORGIA GOVERNMENT
PROJECT UPDATES
NEW AND IMPROVED
Camden County continues to move forward with projects that support community priorities—like improving infrastructure and enhancing recreational opportunities. This quarter’s highlights show meaningful progress, recent accomplishments, and the next steps in our efforts to serve residents effectively and responsibly.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources – Wildlife Resources Division has completed the replacement of the Temple Landing Boat Ramp in southwest Camden County Closed since December 2024, the newly constructed ramp is now open, offering improved access to the St. Marys River for boaters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts
Sports courts across Camden County have been updated. Numerous refurbished areas are now available for recreational use at county park facilities.
2025 STRATEGIC PLANNING
In January, the Camden County Board of Commissioners and county staff came together to develop the 2025-2030-2040 Camden County Strategic Plan. This collaborative effort focused on setting long-term priorities, identifying key challenges, and outlining a clear vision to guide Camden County’s growth and development over the next year, 5 years, and 15 years.
Through thoughtful discussion and teamwork, they created a comprehensive plan designed to enhance services, improve infrastructure, and support the community’s evolving needs The Strategic Plan serves as a roadmap for the county’s future, ensuring sustainable growth and continued prosperity for all residents
The 2025-2030-2040 Camden County Strategic Plan is expected to be available in early Spring 2025, providing residents with insight into the county’s goals and initiatives for the years ahead. Visit camdencountyga.gov/StrategicPlan to view previous plans.
DEPARTMENTS AT A GLANCE
SERVING CAMDEN
HUMAN RESOURCES
In addition to their efforts to hire and on-board new employees, the Human Resources staff has been working to retain employees. Along with the dedicated Employee Recognition Committee, staff celebrated Employee Appreciation Day in early March with pizza and cupcakes. Retention of existing employees provides significant savings over hiring new workers
GRANTS
In the first quarter of 2025, Camden County Grants Management has received four grants totaling over $330,000. Two of the grants are for improvements at Camden County parks, including $200,000 for rehabilitation of the Browntown Wilderness Park boardwalk and over $98,000 for mulch at Cornelia Jackson Memorial Park
ANIMAL CONTROL FIRE RESCUE
Camden County Animal Control hosted five (5) No-Cost Adoption Events during the first quarter of 2025 Due to the limited space available to house dogs, these events are vital to place pets in their “fur-ever” homes.
Q 1
Camden County Fire Rescue received an increased number of calls in the first quarter of 2025 for both fires and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), responding to approximatley 2800 calls. Residents are reminded to exercise caution with any outdoor burning.
COUNTY CLERK
During the first quarter of 2025, the Office of the County Clerk, working with the Board of Commissioners, facilitated the appointment of eight (8) individuals to a board, committee, or commission To learn more about the opportunities or to apply for an open positions, visit the Camden County website at: camdencountyga.gov/CitizenBoards.
ELECTIONS & REGISTRATION
Employees with Camden County Elections & Registration diligently worked throughout the first quarter of 2025 to ensure a smooth and efficient Special Election on March 18, 2025 Voter turnout for the referendum was 6 92% of registered voters and SPLOST IX was approved with 60.89% (1,624) votes.
Public Safety
This quarter, Camden County’s public safety teams demonstrated exceptional preparedness and coordination in response to unprecedented winter weather conditions. Despite the unusual challenges posed by freezing temperatures and hazardous conditions, emergency services maintained critical operations and ensured community safety.
The Camden County Sheriff’s Office provided crucial support through increased patrols and quick response during the winter weather event. Our E911 team also played a vital role, coordinating emergency calls and dispatching help where it was needed most ensuring residents stayed safe and connected
Fire Resue
Camden County Fire Rescue (CCFR) provides Advanced Life Support and Fire Services to all citizens and visitors throughout Camden County
In the first quarter of 2025, members of Recruit Class 2025-12 (shown above) have been hard at work with classroom and practical skills training to prepare for earning state certification
Throughout the quarter, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) calls have increased 4.53% over the first quarter of 2024
53
78
66
Solid Waste
Camden County's landfills cater to the disposal needs of municipal solid waste (MSW), as well as construction and demolition (C&D) and industrial waste
The Solid Waste department is working towards an expansion of the MSW Landfill. Construction began during the 2nd quarter of 2024 and progress continues on the new cell The cell is anticipated to open in the first half of 2025
Solid Waste is an enterprise fund, meaning that the funds collected through tipping fees pay for the landfills Taxpayer dollars are not used to supplement the budget.
1st Quarter Fees by Location
Public Works
Camden County Public Works crews were hard at work throughout the first quarter of 2025 This dedicated department maintains 167 miles of paved road and 125 miles of unpaved roads in Unincorporated Camden County.
In addition to their regular tasks, Public Works crews took time to participate in Sugarmill Elementary School’s Spring Fest event As pictured below, participants got an up-close look at the equipment used to
Animal Control
Camden County Animal Control achieved a milestone in the Trap Neuter Vaccinate Return (TNVR) program In late March, Animal Control crossed the 500-cat milestone with 502 total cats receiving services through the program.
In January, “Luther” (pictured below) joined the K9s for Warriors training program. Camden County Animal Control is proud to partner with this organization to provide service dogs for veterans
Planning & Development
At the end of 2024, Camden County Planning & Development moved into a new office Staff is now serving the public from the Resiliency Operations Center located at 135 Gross Road in Kingsland.
Planning Commission meetings are also held in the new facility on the last Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p m
Two Rivers Gun Range
Two Rivers Gun Range has 10% discount on guest passes for members and 10% off day passes for non-members for certain groups on specific days.
Tuesday - Ladies Day
Wednesday - Senior Citizens (Ages 55+)
Thursday - First Responder Day*
Friday - Military Day*
*Active or retired with credentials
“A great, safe modern shooting range.”
Google Review
“Rifle range is top notch. Pistol range is next. Considering a membership even though range is about 40 miles away.”
Google Review
“This place is amazing. My wife bought me a membership for Christmas and yesterday was the first time I had a chance to use it. It was the best experience! The staff were helpful and friendly and knowledgeable... Thank you for a great experience!”
Google Review
Reviews Google Reviews
In January, the Camden County Board of Commissioners welcomed back District 5 Commissioner Ben L Casey to start his third term Joining the Board of Commissioners for their first terms are District 1 Commissioner Robbie Cheek and District 3 Commissioner Cody Smith
Commissioners Casey, Cheek, and Smith were sworn in by the Honorable Judge Stephen Scarlett of the Brunswick Judicial Circuit (pictured below). Elected in November 2024, their terms end on December 31, 2028.
PARTNERSHIPS & RETENTION EFFORTS
EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION
In March, Camden County celebrated Employee Appreciation Day with pizza and cupcakes a small gesture to show gratitude for employee’s hard work and dedication Employee retention is key to building a strong team and saves costs on hiring and training new staff
Special thanks to the Camden County Human Resources Department and Employee Recognition Committee for their efforts to make this event possible
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION
At the Camden County Board of Commissioners meeting February 18, 2025, the Camden County Board of Commissioners honored several first responders and their agencies for their heroic actions during an active shooter incident on January 8, 2025.
Additionally, several members of Camden County Fire Rescue and the Kingsland Fire Department received Certificates of Recognition, including: Clarence “Zip” Amerine, Deputy Chief Lisa Boyett, Deputy Chief Bill Carriera, Lieutenant Stephen Cheek, Captain Christopher Goebel, Aaron Kadlubowski, Captain Karolyn Mills, Christopher Pabst, Captain Andrew Smelik, Lieutenant Kimyatta Smith, Chief Terry Smith, Andrew Snell, Christopher Strorbridge, Division Chief Stuart Sullivan, Captain Travis Swann, and Battalion Chief Christopher Williams
Several partnering agencies received Certificates of Recognition for their critical roles in the response, including Camden County Sheriff’s Office, Camden County Emergency Management, Camden County E-911, and Kingsland Police Department
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION
Two Camden County Fire Rescue employees were also honored for their exceptional bravery and selfless service. Sergeant Charles Darby and L’Shawn Bermudez displayed extraordinary courage in the line of duty and were honored with Certificates and Pins of Valor in recognition of their heroic efforts
Sergeant Charles Darby (center) with family, Board of Commissioners, and Staff
ADMINISTRATOR’S MESSAGE
As we look back on the past few months, I want to take a moment to thank you not just for your support, but for being an active part of what makes Camden County so special. We’ve made real, measurable progress together, and I’m proud to share a few of the ways we ’ re continuing to move forward
We’ve completed key recreational projects, expanded public safety resources, and completed our Strategic Planning process. In addition, we the voters passed SPLOST IX, positioning ourselves to invest even more in the infrastructure and amenities that matter to our residents.
Beyond the numbers, real progress comes from strong relationships. One of the highlights this quarter has been working with Sheriff Kevin Chaney and his team. His commitment to public safety and collaboration is already strengthening how we serve you and building a solid foundation for continued success
We also welcomed two new Commissioners—Robbie Cheek (District 1) and Cody Smith (District 3). Their community ties and fresh perspectives are already contributing to thoughtful, forward-looking conversations at the Board level.
This quarter also brought unexpected challenges, including severe winter weather in January. I’m grateful to our public safety, emergency management, public works, and county staff who worked around the clock to keep services going and our residents safe during that time
At the end of the day, it’s people our employees, our partners, and our residents who make Camden County stronger. Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we keep moving forward together.
Sincerely,
Shawn M. Boatright, ICMA-CM, MPA, CPM County Administrator