Camden CountyCamden County
Board of Commissioners
Community Outreach Newsletter
  "Working together to make a positive difference in the community."  

 

 A Publication from the Office of the County Administrator - May 2011

In This Issue
A Message from the County Administrator
IMPORTANT Changes in Tax Assessment Notices
Stuart Sullivan recognized as Camden County's Employee of the Quarter
2011 Relay For Life of Camden County
Keep Camden Beautiful
Serving Our Veterans, Armed Forces, and Their Families
Bryan-Lang Foundation Offers Rodney Sheffield Memorial Scholarship
Showcase Camden County Photo Contest
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COMMUNITY RELATIONS
  
  
  
  
  
  
 2010 Annual Report - Click to View 
 WorkReady Community 
GA Camera Ready
 Storm Ready
 Showcase Camden County Photo Contest 
 Click Here for HOPE Charity Committee Initiatives 
 Code RED
Join Our Mailing List
UPCOMING
Board of County Commissioners Meetings 
Regular Meetings

 May 3rd

May 17th
6:00 p.m.
Government Services Complex
 200 East 4th Street
Woodbine, GA 31569
  
May 30th
County Business Offices are CLOSED in observance of Memorial Day.
"Great Customer Service is the Cornerstone of Every Successful Organization!"
 
Your Opinion Counts
Please click on the link below to complete Camden County's customer service survey.
Report A Concern 
Report A Concern
The Camden County Fix It Form will help us identify a problem in your area -- and fix it fast. Should a problem require urgent attention, please call us immediately. For a police emergency, dial 911. Otherwise, call (912) 576-5601.  
Free Prescription Discounts Cards Available to Camden County Residents
Discount Rx Card
Click on the image above to view more information about this service.
Adopt-A-Highway
 and help remove litter from Camden County's roadsides!
  For additional information and to find out how you can adopt a highway, please click on the link below:
 
Keeping Connected While on the Go

A mobile friendly version of Camden County Government's website is available for citizens on the go with the new CivicPlus MuniMobile™ tool. This feature automatically detects a mobile phone browser and displays the mobile version of Camden County's website accordingly. Mobile phone users still have the option to view the full site if they choose to do so.

 

Visit us on your mobile Web at www.co.camden.ga.us.

A Message from the County Administrator
Steve L. Howard, County Administrator
I am pleased to announce that Camden County and the PATH Foundation are the recipient of the 2011 Public-Private Partnership of the Year award presented by Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) for the Coastal Georgia Rail-Trail in White Oak. Chair David L. Rainer and I were proud to be in attendance as Camden County and Fred Freyer of Coastal Georgia Rails to Trails, Inc. (on behalf of Ed McBrayer, Executive Director of the PATH Foundation), were formally recognized on Monday, May 2nd at the Savannah Civic Center for participation in this important project.
  
The first 3.5 mile section of the Georgia Coast Rail-Trail officially opened on June 5, 2010, in White Oak. The recycled surface accommodates walkers, runners, and cyclists. Equestrians can ride on the grassy area alongside the trail. Amenities include a picnic shelter and benches. This project was a huge success leveraging private funds to accomplish a shared vision of enhancing Camden's quality of life for future generations.
ACCG Public-Private Partnership of the Year 2011
From left: Fred Freyer, Coastal Georgia Rails to Trails, Inc. on behalf of the PATH Foundation; Chair David L. Rainer, BOCC; and Steve L. Howard
During April I had the opportunity to present to the St. Marys Kiwanis club. Scott Brazell, Director of Public Works, and Chief Dennis Gailey, Director of Public Safety, joined me during this time to address current issues related to their respective areas, specifically updates regarding the Kingsland By-Pass project (Colerain Road) and ISO re-evaluation efforts for Fire Rescue/EMS. The County continuously strives to provide open government and is always willing to speak for organizations and groups in the community. 
  
As always, I look forward to working with each of you as we continue to move Camden County forward. To all mothers...I wish you all a very HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY on Sunday, May 8th!!
  
Sincerely,
Steve L. Howard, CPM, CPPO
County Administrator
IMPORTANT Changes in Tax Assessment Notices

More than 32,000 Tax Assessment Notices will be mailed out during the first week of May, by first class mail as required by law, to property owners in Camden County. Notices will be mailed to the last known address of the owner on record as of January 1, 2011. There are several changes to the notices that all residents should know:

  • Georgia law now requires mailing an assessment notice to everyone who owns property in Georgia. In previous years, notices were only mailed to those property owners who filed returns or whose assessed value changed from the previous year's value.
  • This year's notices will include an estimate of taxes the owner could expect to pay when the tax bills are issued later in the year by the Tax Commissioner's office. The tax estimates will include state, county, and school taxes.
  • One of the biggest changes is that the notices will also include an estimate of city taxes which are billed directly by the city to which taxes are payable.

These tax estimates are based on the best information available at the time the notices are mailed, and they are only estimates - the actual tax bill may be different.

 

After the notices are mailed, a property owner has 45 days in which to file an appeal. This is the only legal opportunity to contest values or other issues. The only issues that may be appealed are value, uniformity, taxability, and denial of exemptions. Timely filing of any appeal is important, as the Board of Assessors does not have the legal authority to extend filing deadlines. The notice will give instructions on how to file an appeal and the last date for filing.

 

Should you have any questions regarding this information, please contact the Tax Assessor's Office at (912) 576-3241 or via email at [email protected].

Stuart Sullivan recognized as Camden County's Employee of the Quarter
EOQ 3rd Qtr
From left: Stuart C. Sullivan and Chair David L. Rainer

On Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at the Board of County Commissioner's meeting, Stuart C. Sullivan was recognized as the Employee of the Quarter for the 3rd quarter of Fiscal Year 2011 for Camden County Government.

 

Stuart has been a dedicated employee of Camden County Fire Rescue since January 2005. His commitment has played an important role in the growth and success of this organization. His overall training and dedication as a Firefighter has greatly benefit Camden County as well as the State of Georgia. [Read on...]

  
2011 Relay For Life of Camden County

Relay for LifeCome out and join Camden County's HOPE Team on Friday, May 6th at the 2011 Relay For Life, located at the PSA Leisure Services Track in Kingsland.  By joining or donating to our team, you will be a part of a life-changing event that gives everyone in the community a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that takes too much. 

 

To donate to our team, please CLICK HERE. Together we can make a difference!

Keep Camden Beautiful

Great American CleanupCamden County Government and its Solid Waste Department will be participating in the Keep Camden Beautiful campaign on Saturday, May 14, 2011. All employees, family members, friends, and all members of the community are invited to join us in this event to help pick up litter and trash along Camden County's roadsides.

 

Interested volunteers should meet in Woodbine at the Government Services Complex at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 14. Other locations throughout the county will be Howard Peeples Park in Kingsland and Howard Gilman Waterfront Park in St. Marys.

 

There will be a FREE picnic after the event at Howard Peeples Park. This event is also a great opportunity for students to obtain community service hours.

 

Please contact Donna Woodard at (912) 510-6881 for any questions or more information about this event.

Serving Our Veterans, Armed Forces, and Their Families

Camden County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) celebrated National County Government Month (NCGM) during April. NCGM is sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo) to raise public awareness and understanding about the roles and responsibilities of county government. The 2011 theme was "Serving Our Veterans, Armed Forces and Their Families." Camden County is home to the Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base and it is important that we express our appreciation & gratitude to our veterans, military personnel and their families every day in Camden County.


The County hosted several efforts during the month of April to spotlight National County Government Month. On Tuesday, April 19th at the regular Board of County Commissioners meeting, an official proclamation was dedicated and presented to our veterans, armed forces and their families for their service.

NCGM Proclamation 2011

 

HELP on the HOME FRONT

Additionally, we are excited to continue our efforts with the Greater Area Jacksonville United Service Organization (USO) to host a drive to collect items for our deployed service men and women. Camden County's HOPE Team will be collecting items such as healthy snacks and feminine hygiene products during the months of April and May. All items collected will be donated to the USO to "help offer a touch of home to those who courageously serve our nation."  Items can be dropped off in the designated boxes at any County office or partnering organization. All donations should by submitted by Tuesday, May 31, 2011. [View Flyer]  

USO Drive Flyer 

Cell Phones for Soldiers
Do you have extra cell phones laying around? Cell Phones for Soldiers, and Camden County, are calling on all Americans to support our troops by donating old cell phones. Every cell phone that is donated will help increase the amount of talk time we're able to provide to our troops so they can stay connected with their families! The donated cell phones are sold to a company that recycles them. They money received from recycling the cell phones is used to purchase calling cards that are sent to the troops in need. Local residents can support the collection drive by donating their phones at any County office. 
  
Bryan-Lang Foundation Offers Rodney Sheffield Memorial Scholarship

The Bryan-Lang Foundation, Inc. is offering an academic scholarship to a Camden County student pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in history or a history-related field at a Georgia educational institution.  The Rodney W. Sheffield Memorial Scholarship will be given to a graduating high school senior and to a non-traditional college bound or currently enrolled college student.  The applicant must be a Camden County resident and have a minimum 3.5 or above GPA.

 

Mr. Sheffield, a life-long resident and historian of Camden County, was actively involved in interpreting the history of the area.  His passion was shared with many, and the Bryan-Lang Foundation is honoring his memory by awarding two $500 scholarships in a calendar year. "What better way to honor Rodney Sheffield's memory than with a scholarship," said Eloise Thompson, chair of the Bryan-Lang Historical Archives Board of Directors. "He loved young people, he knew the importance of education, and his enthusiasm for history was limitless."

 

The deadline for the first scholarship has already passed. The second scholarship deadline will be October 1, 2011. Complete guidelines and applications are available at the Camden County High School Guidance department, as well as online at www.co.camden.ga.us. At the website, proceed to the "Departments" page, and click on Bryan-Lang Historical Archives.

"Showcase Camden County" Photo Contest 2011Showcase Camden County Photo Contest

The 2011 "Showcase Camden County" Photo Contest calls for photographers to submit their best photos of Camden County, Georgia to include its activities, people, attractions and events, as well as historic and scenic locations. Camden County's natural landscapes and unique events provide limitless creative inspiration to individuals that enjoy seeing the world through the lens of a camera. 

 

The 2011 contest calls for photos to be submitted under one of four categories:

  1. Landscapes
  2. Nature/Wildlife
  3. Transportation
  4. Current Events/People 
The deadline to submit photos is Friday, November 4, 2011. Visit the Community Relations section of the County's website to view detailed information regarding the photo contest & rules.
As always, one of our goals is to ensure we are providing the citizens of Camden County information and a better understanding of current issues involving Camden County Government. We hope you enjoyed reading our monthly Community Outreach newsletter and found it informative. We encourage and value your feedback and any input you may have to help us improve it in the future.  

 
By working together Camden County can continue to be "Georgia's Coastal Community of Choice."

Meet Your Commissioners

 

Commissioner Chip Keene, District 1     Commissioner Chuck Clark, District 2     Commissioner Jimmy Starline, District 3     Commissioner Gary Blount, District 4     Commissioner David L. Rainer, District 5

      Willis R. Keene, Jr.       Chuck Clark         Jimmy Starline          Gary Blount        David L. Rainer

Our Commitment to You!
 
VISION 
Helping to make Camden County the best place to be by preserving and enhancing the history and quality of life while promoting smart growth and providing an efficient, effective and responsive government.
 
MISSION
It is the mission of Camden County Government to provide responsive, innovative, and cost effective services, promote smart growth, effectively communicate with the community, improve infrastructure and technology, preserve the health, welfare, safety, and environment while maintaining the outstanding quality of life that makes our county a desirable place to live and work. 
 
VALUES 
The Board of County Commissioners and employees of Camden County are committed to the following values: Integrity, Respect, Service, Accountability, Teamwork, and Balance