Image by Melissa Boyer, 2024 Showcase Camden County Photo Contest
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
2025-2030-2040 STRATEGIC PLAN
Camden County 2040 has Relaxed Living with Quality Residential Developments, Effective Transportation System, and Abundant Leisure Choices for All Camden County Vision 2040
Camden County 2040 is the Premier Coastal Community of GeorgiaBeautiful and Safe
Camden County 2040 has a Strong Regional Economy and Diverse Job Opportunities with four major pillars: an Active Naval Submarine Base, a Successful Replacement Regional Airport, Sports Tourism, and Light Manufacturing and Entrepreneurial Businesses.
The mission of Camden County Government is to deliver defined county services with exceptional customer service and in a financially sustainable and transparent manner. Camden County Mission
Camden County Goals 2030
Maintain a financially sound county and provide exceptional service and value
Strengthen and grow the local economy
Manage growth and plan for resiliency
Foster a great place to live
The 2025-2030-2040 Camden County Strategic Plan, adopted in April, provides residents with insight into the county’s goals and initiatives for the years ahead Visit camdencountyga.gov/StrategicPlan to view the current plan as well as previous plans.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Image by Ashley Gowen, 2025 Showcase Camden County Photo Contest
PARK MAINTENANCE
In August, Camden County and its municipalities announced that, after December 31, 2025, the Public Service Authority (PSA) will transition out of maintaining local parks Beginning January 1, 2026, Kingsland, St Marys, Woodbine, and unincorporated Camden County will directly manage and maintain the parks within their respective jurisdictions
This decision reflects a unified effort by local governments to ensure residents receive the most responsive and accountable services possible By transitioning park maintenance to each jurisdiction, communities will benefit from oversight that is better aligned with their unique needs and faster service times
Cornelia Jackson Memorial Park
PARK IMPROVEMENTS
In the past couple years, more than $1.84 million has been invested in upgrades to parks and recreation facilities across Camden County. These improvements, made possible through Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), ARPA funding and county investment, reflect the Board of Commissioners’ commitment to enhancing community spaces, promoting healthy living, and ensuring safe, accessible facilities for all residents The commitment to continuing the park improvements is still underway with Woodbine Lions Park next on the list of renovations
Looking ahead, future improvements include:
Renovations to fields of play (resurfacing, grading, and turf) Fencing for ballfields
Potential infrastructure updates, such as restrooms
Woodbine Lions Park
Cornelia Jackson Memorial Park
NEW TANKER 14
Camden County Fire Rescue welcomed a new Tanker 14 into service. This new tanker replaced 2008 Freightliner Military vehicle, which will now be converted into a brush truck to support wildland firefighting.
TEAM
CAMDEN RECOGNITION, TRAINING, & CONFERENCES
CONTINUING EDUCATION
LEARNING NEW SKILLS TO BETTER SERVE THE COMMUNITY
Shekia Robinson (pictured above) was honored for completing the requirements to become a Georgia Certified Clerk through the Georgia Clerks Education Institute and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government She is an exceptional part of the Camden County team, serving in the County Administrator’s Office and as a Deputy County Clerk.
Pictured below, members and staff of the Camden County Board of Elections and Registration attended the Georgia Association of Voter Registration and Election Officials (GAVREO) conference
This training and educational opportunity helps our elections team stay current on best practices and changes in election law so they can continue serving our community with accuracy and integrity.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
LEARN E COMMUNITY
Shelby Humphrey earned his Residential Building Inspector certification through the International Code Council (ICC). In September, Shelby earned his Residential Electrical Inspector Certification through ICC He’s a valuable part of our Planning & Development team, and we ’ re proud of his hard work and dedication
eted their ceremony er, Lucas ns irefighter program on, Nigel Wall, also p unity with skill and compassion.
NEW LEADERSHIP
NEW FACES IN NEW PLACES
In August, Camden County announced the hiring of Joey Yacobacci as the Deputy County Administrator for Camden County In this role, Mr Yacobacci provides oversight to specific county departments, including Animal Control, Code Enforcement, Curbside Collections, Facilities Maintenance, Grants Management, Information Technology, Planning & Development, Senior Services, Solid Waste, and Two Rivers Gun Range.
A Georgia native, Mr. Yacobacci, has worked for the Camden County Board of Commissioners since March 2015. Beginning as the Building Inspector, he was named Director of Planning & Development in August 2018. Under his leadership, the department completed updates to the Joint Comprehensive Plan and the Impact Fee Ordinance.
Mr Yacobacci has earned a Master Certificate in High Performance Leadership from the Professional Development Academy and the National Association of Counties (NACo) and holds numerous certifications from the Building Officials of Georgia, Georgia Association of Code Enforcement, Georgia Soil and Water Commission, and the International Code Council.
Also in August, Camden County announced the hiring of John Pittman as Director of Solid Waste for Camden County
In this role, Mr Pittman directs overall landfill operations for the Construction and Demolition (C&D), Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), and the Old Still Road Yard Waste landfill sites. He ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, while supporting the county’s commitment to safe and efficient waste management.
Mr. Pittman joined Camden County with 25 years of experience in the Solid Waste industry, having served the cities of Largo, Clearwater, and Pensacola in Florida, as well as DeKalb County and Columbus Consolidated Government in Georgia.
EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER
MELISSA ROGERS
Payroll Accountant Melissa Rogers was honored as Camden County’s Employee of the Quarter for her professionalism and precision. Known for her sharp attention to detail and willingness to lend a hand beyond her own duties, Melissa is admired by colleagues across departments. Her careful work ensures every county employee is paid accurately and on time a responsibility she handles with quiet excellence.
Melissa’s journey with Camden County began in 2016, when she joined the Probate Court before moving to Finance & Budget Nearly a decade later, she continues to serve with the same steady reliability that has defined her career As she prepares for retirement at the end of 2025, Melissa leaves behind a legacy of teamwork and service to the citizens of Camden County.
From Left: County Administrator Shawn Boatright, Commissioner Cody Smith, Vice Chair Robbie Cheek, Melissa Rogers, Chairman Ben Casey, Commissioner Jim Goodman, and Commissioner Martin Turner
DEPARTMENT STATS THE QUARTERLY NUMBERS
DEPARTMENTS AT A GLANCE
SERVING CAMDEN
ANIMAL CONTROL
Camden County Animal Control hosted five (5) No-Cost Adoption Events during the third quarter of 2025. Due to the limited space available to house dogs, these events are vital to place pets in their “fur-ever” homes. More adoption events are scheduled. Check out the Camden County Animal Control Facebook page for details
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
In September, Emergency Management recognized National Preparedness Month. Following the national theme of Preparedness Starts at Home, the Emergency Management team encouraged residents to know their risk, make a family emergency plan, build an emergency supply kit, and get involved in the community.
MAINPOINT HEALTH
MainPoint Health & Wellness, Camden County’s employee clinic, also serves the employees of the City of Kingsland, City of St. Marys, and the Public Service Authority (PSA). During the third quarter, staff completed 1,069 visits and dispensed 849 prescriptions to employees and their dependents. Utilizing the clinic saves tax dollars by controlling health care costs for the local governments
CURBSIDE COLLECTION
Curbside Collection continues to provide responsive and reliable service to residents in unincorporated Camden County. During the third quarter of 2025, staff completed 263 service orders for more than 5,300 customers served by Meridian Waste. Many of these requests included additional services such as bulk item pick-up
Q3
GRANTS MANAGEMENT
During the third quarter of 2025, Camden County Grants Manager applied for six grants worth more than $338,000 in potential funding The County also received a $1,500 grant to host a Native Tree Giveaway for residents. This initiative helps promote a cleaner, greener Camden County. Stay tuned for more details.
MOSQUITO CONTROL
Camden County Public Works contracts with VDCI to provide mosquito control services in our community. In the first two months of the third quarter, a combined 79 truck missions treated nearly 59,000 acres. Conditions in the Fall are less conducive to mosquito development. Citizens across Camden County may contact Public Works at 912-576-3028 if they need assistance with Mosquito Control
Finance & Budget
EXPENDITURES & REVENUE
Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) Revenue
In March, Camden County voters approved SPLOST IX, a one-cent sales tax to be used on specific, predefined projects. More information, including the project list, is available on the Camden County website at camdencountyga.gov/SPLOST.
SPLOST VIII collection ended 0n June 30, 2025. SPLOST IX collection began on July 1, 2025.
Ad Valorem Tax Revenue*
Local Option Sales Tax Revenue
$1,400,000
$1,200,000
$1,000,000
$800,000
$600,000
$400,000
$200,000
$0
015M
062M
From July 2025 through September 2025, Camden County collected $93,072 in Ad Valorem taxes 0.3% of the FY 2026 budgeted amount.
Most of the Ad Valorem tax revenue is collected in a threemonth period around the property tax due date
*Unaudited numbers.
Hotel/Motel Tax
Public Safety
Earlier this year, Lt. Thames and Deputy Lee assisted a vehicle with a flat tire on I95 As a way of thanking the Camden County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) for their assistance and kindness, the stranded motorists, Missy, Mark, and Rainbow, surprised the CCSO K9 Division with a generous $1,000 donation
Unity met at the state line as the Camden County Sheriff’s Office welcomed law enforcement partners from Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, and Tennessee for Hands Across the Border. Together, officers shared one mission working side by side to promote safety and cooperation across state lines.
Public Works
Every day, Camden County Public Works crews keep the county moving, maintaining over 290 miles of public roads that connect our neighborhoods, schools, and businesses. Rain or shine, the crews are working diligently to keep our roadways safe and accessible.
In September, the department took time to strengthen its own foundation its people through a hands-on team training day. The event gave staff a chance to sharpen skills, support one another, and renew the teamwork that drives every project forward
Planning
& Development
Camden County has once again earned a Class 6 rating in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System (CRS) a reflection of years of careful planning and strong floodplain management. This rating means homeowners in unincorporated Camden County will continue receiving a 20% discount on most flood insurance premiums for policies issued or renewed after October 1, 2025
Since joining the CRS program in 2012, Camden County’s efforts have helped residents save more than $1 million on flood insurance while keeping our community safer and more resilient
Two Rivers Gun Range
Located in scenic Camden County, Two Rivers Gun Range provides residents and visitors a safe, welcoming place to practice shooting sports and enjoy the outdoors
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
“Best range around.” Google Review
“Two Rivers Gun Range is top notch, The staff are all great people. Camden County is blessed to have such a great range for it's residence to take part in a great sport.”
Google Review
“It was a great environment. Can't wait to go back.” Google Review
“We had a great time. The rules were explained to where we understood exactly what we could and could not do. We had fun.”
Google Review
Animal Control
Every day, Camden County Animal Control works hard to rescue and care for animals in need. Local residents can help support these efforts by donating supplies to make life a little brighter for the dogs currently housed at the shelter. Donations can be dropped off at Animal Control on Godley Avenue in Woodbine or at Fire Rescue Headquarters on Gross Road in Kingsland. Items
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
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
The MSW and C&D Landfills are open Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 7:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The Old Still Road Yard Waste Site is open on Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. until 12:00 p m
3rd Quarter Fees by Location
$365,073.86
ADMINISTRATOR’S MESSAGE
Local government, at its core, is a service-driven operation made possible by the hundreds of employees, departments, and partners who work behind the scenes every day to keep our county running. From the crews collecting trash before sunrise to the clerks helping residents renew their car tags, first responders and public works teams to the administrative staff and court system, every role plays a vital part. As we close out the third quarter of 2025, Camden County continues to make measurable progress. Over the past three months, departments completed a range of community-focused enhancements from new firefighting equipment and emergency preparedness exercises to expanded park planning and strengthened public services.
In August, the County and its municipalities announced that beginning January 1, 2026, each jurisdiction will assume responsibility for maintaining local parks allowing Kingsland, St. Marys, Woodbine, and unincorporated Camden County to better serve their residents. Camden County Fire Rescue welcomed a new Tanker 14 into service, while Emergency Management joined forces with the U.S. Navy for a hands-on training exercise at the Resiliency Operations Center, strengthening our joint response efforts.
Across departments, we ’ ve seen new certifications, outstanding performance, and recognition of our Employee of the Quarter. Our Grants Manager applied for six new grants totaling over $338,000. Animal Control’s adoption events helped more pets find homes, Mosquito Control and Curbside Collection teams all maintained excellent service for our residents.
As we move forward, we encourage everyone to stay connected—follow Camden County’s official pages, attend Board of Commissioners work sessions and meetings held on Tuesdays, and visit camdencountyga.gov for updates.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support. Your participation, input, and pride in Camden County help guide our work every day.
Sincerely,
Shawn M. Boatright, ICMA-CM, MPA, CPM County Administrator
Image by Allison Madison, 2025 Showcase Camden County Photo Contest
