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 - June 2011

In This Issue
A Message from the County Administrator
Learn More about YOUR Local Government
Hurricane Season 2011 - Always Be Prepared!
Annual Fishing Derby to be held Saturday, June 11, 2011
IMPORTANT Changes in Tax Assessment Notices
Miracle League Grand Opening slated for September 17, 2011!
Bryan-Lang Foundation Offers Rodney Sheffield Memorial Scholarship
USO Drive Brings in More Than 1,500 Items for Troops
Camden County's HOPE Team Achieves Goal of $5,000 for Relay For Life 2011
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 

June 7th

Budget Public Hearing

5:00 p.m.

Regular Meeting

6:00 p.m.

 

June 21st

Regulart Meeting
(Budget Adoption)
6:00 p.m.
Government Services Complex
 200 East 4th Street
Woodbine, GA 31569
"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

The proposed Fiscal Year 2012 Budget was presented to the Board on Tuesday, May 17 jointly by myself and Mike Fender, Director of Finance & Budget. This Fiscal Year 2012 General Fund Budget totals $25,499,160, which is almost a $1.9 million decrease from the Fiscal Year 2011 Budget, and over a $3 million decrease from Fiscal year 2010 due to a patter of declining revenues. Revenues and expenditures are balanced with no millage rate increase and reduces spending to 2006 levels.The priority in development of this budget was to provide the Board of County Commissioners with a balanced budget.

 

The economic circumstances the County faces is certainly not unique to only this government. This fiscal standing of counties across Georgia and the nation continue to be challenged and strained by economic factors. Camden County Government faces those same harsh conditions and the daunting challenge of maintaining fiscal stability.

 

The countywide general fund faces the greatest challenge due to the high level of reliance on property tax revenue. All indicators portray future challenges. Cuts the County makes to balance the budget must be overwhelmingly sustainable for the foreseeable future.

 

I will continue to seek the Board's assistance in bringing as many potential partners to the table to consider opportunities to lower the cost of government services for the benefit of all citizens. The recommendation laid out in this budget addresses strategies for balancing the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget. To achieve this, we have to make hard, unpopular choices to reflect the economic and financial realities we face. I look forward to continue working with the Board as we navigate through this economic storm and further refine the budget for adoption.

 

As always, I look forward to working with each of you as we continue to move Camden County forward. Have a great summer!

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Steve L. Howard, CPM, CPPO
County Administrator 

 

Learn More about YOUR Local Government - Participate in Camden County Citizens' Academy 2011 

Citizens' AcademyCamden County Government is preparing for the 2011 class in efforts to continue carrying out our goal of open government. The Citizen's Academy is a FREE interactive program designed to familiarize the general public with the roles, services, and operations that comprise Camden County Government. The program focuses on educating residents, business owners, and interested persons who work in Camden County on how daily County Government operations contribute to building a better community.

 

Citizens from all segments of the community are encouraged to apply. CLICK HERE to view additional details, a 2011 class schedule, as well as an application.

 

Please submit completed applications to Camden County Government, P.O. Box 99, Woodbine, GA 31569, or via email at [email protected]or via or fax to (912) 576-5647 by Friday, July 15, 2011.

 

Don't miss out on learning more about YOUR local government!

Hurricane Season 2011 - Always Be Prepared!

EMAYou don't have to be a meteorologist to know that 2011 has already been an unusual year for extreme weather and natural disasters. Be safe by being prepared. Check out Camden County's Hurricane Guide 2011 to learn more about how to reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster. You can also visit the Emergency Management Agency's webpage to learn more about preparedness and planning for hurricanes, or contact EMA directly by phone at (912) 729-5602.

Annual Fishing Derby to be held Saturday, June 11, 2011 

Fishing Derby 2010Citizens from the community visit the MSW Landfill every year to fish in the ponds that are home to much wildlife. Enjoy Camden County's beautiful natural environment at the Annual Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 11, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the MSW Landfill. This event is FREE and open to the public. All you need to bring is your fishing pole and bait. 

 

FREE hot dogs, chips, and drinks will be available.

 

Awards will be presented to 4 individuals for the following categories:

  • Most Fish Caught
  • Biggest Fish Caught
  • Youngest Fisherman
  • The Albino Catfish

Sponsors for this event are Advanced Disposal, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and Kingsland Meats.

 

Contact Lannie Brant, Director of Solid Waste, at (912) 729-4099 for more information regarding the Annual Fishing Derby.

IMPORTANT Changes in Tax Assessment Notices

More than 32,000 Tax Assessment Notices were mailed out during May, by first class mail as required by law, to property owners in Camden County. Notices were 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.

 

Remember...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].

Miracle League Grand Opening slated for September 17, 2011! 

The Miracle League of Camden CountyBe sure to mark your calendars for the Grand Opening of the Miracle League of Camden County on Saturday, September 17, 2011!

 

Camden County's HOPE Team hosted several fundraisers during 2010 to raise money to help build "Justin's Miracle Field" in Kingsland. Recently, this project was selected by the St. Marys United Methodist Church Foundation to receive a $78,000 grant! This grant amount will fund the remaining contruction needs for the project.

 

Camden County HOPE Team will continue to work closely with this non-profit organization during the Summer to help prepare for this exciting event in our community! The Miracle League is currently accepting names for players and buddies. If you are interested in participating as a player or volunteering, please contact The Miracle League by email at [email protected], or by phone at (912) 322-1970. 

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.

 

The deadline for the first scholarship has already passed. The second scholarship deadline will be October 1, 2011. [Read on...]

USO Drive Brings in More Than 1,500 Items

USO Drive FlyerCamden County Government and partnering organizations collected over 1,500 items during April and May for the Greater Jacksonville Area USO to help offer a touch of home to those who courageously serve our nation. [Read on...]

 

Many thanks to our community and the following organizations for contributing to the success of this USO drive: Tribune & Georgian, Citizens State Bank (Kingsland and St. Marys Branches), St. Marys Newcomers Group and Alumni, Riverview Hotel, New Wave of Glory Church, Fleet & Family Services, Camden County Chamber of Commerce, St. Marys Submarine Museum, and the PSA/Leisure Services.

USO Drive 2011
Pictured from left, front row: Julie Swick, USO Drive Coordinator; Kylie Greene, ACCG Intern; and Katie Bishop, USO Drive Coordinator. Picture from left, back row: Firefighter/Paramedic Austin Mays, CCFR; Chris Knight, USO Representative; Jim Bury, Airport USO Director, JIA; Firefighter/EMT Travis Swann, CCFR; Kenneth Hughes, ACCG Intern; and Steve L. Howard, County Administrator.
Camden County's HOPE Team Achieves Goal of $5,000 for Relay For Life 2011

Relay for Life

Camden County Government's HOPE Team actively participated in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life on May 6 - 7, 2011.  With the help of each team member, fellow County employees, and residents and visitors of our community, Camden County's HOPE Team raised in excess of $5,000, achieving their goal. 

 

Congratulations to Stuart Sullivan, Camden County's HOPE Team member and overall WINNER of Mr. Relay 2011!

 

"A cancer diagnosis doesn't affect just one.  The three little words "you have cancer" are heard and felt by families, by friends, and even by communities.  That's why staff from the Sheriff's Office, Board of County Commissioners, and Southeastern Bank of Woodbine joined together to form Camden County's HOPE Team for this worthy event, to fight the battle against cancer. Together, as Heroes for Hope, we made a difference by fighting for a world with less cancer," said Brianna Turner, Camden County's HOPE Team Captain. 

 

RFL 2011

 

Camden County's HOPE Team will continue to raise funds through August 2011. Please join us in the fight against cancer! Visit Camden County Government's team page to donate or to be a part of this fundraiser. 

 

Many thanks to our community for your support of our team this year, and for supporting this important fight against cancer!! [Read on...]

"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