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 - September 2011

In This Issue
A Message from the County Administrator
9/11 - A Day of Remembrance
Annual Millage Rate Adoption
Redistricting 2011
Help put a SMILE on the Faces of Children this Holiday Season
"Fill the Boot" Drive a Success!
Miracle League Grand Opening - October 22nd
Hurricane Season 2011 - Always Be Prepared!
Bryan-Lang Foundation Offers Rodney Sheffield Memorial Scholarship - Deadline October 1st
Showcase Camden County Photo Contest
QUICK LINKS
  








COMMUNITY RELATIONS
  
  
  
  
  
  

Connect With Us!

Find us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  View our videos on YouTube

 Keep up with what's going on in YOUR local government!

2010 Annual Report - Click to View 

 WorkReady Community 
GA Camera Ready
 Storm Ready
 Code RED
 Showcase Camden County Photo Contest 2011 Logo 
 HOPE logo 
Join Our Mailing List
UPCOMING
Board of County Commissioners Meetings 

September 20th

Regular Meeting

6:00pm

 

October 2nd

Regular Meeting

6:00pm

 

October 10th

County Business Offices are CLOSED in observance of Columbus Day.

 

October 18th

Regulard Meeting

6:00pm

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:
 
A Message from the County Administrator
Steve L. Howard, County Administrator

I am excited to announce that during August Camden County was awarded the Certificate of Achievement by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). This is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. 

 

Also, on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 the 3rd Annual Employee Awards Ceremony was held prior to the regular Board of County Commissioners meeting. The contributions of County employees are what keep the County running. Their efforts are sincerely appreciated as they continuously focus on excellence and take pride in public service. Congratulations to Keri Moreland for being selected as our Employee of the Year! Also, congratulations to all award winners...you truly make the difference! This event was held at no cost to the citizens and would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors. Read the full press release to learn more about this event as well as the names of all award recipients.

  

As always, I look forward to working with each of you as we continue to move Camden County forward. 

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Steve L. Howard, CPM, CPPO
County Administrator

9/11 - A Day of Remembrance

9/11 Never ForgetSunday, September 11th was a day of remembrance, marking the 10th anniversary of the terrorists attacks in Washington, D.C. & New York City. Camden County pays tribute to the 3,000+ individuals who lost their lives at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, & Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. We honor the sacrifices made by our military, firefighters, and police who unselfishly gave their lives that day to protect and serve our great nation.

Annual Millage Rate Adoption

On Thursday, September 8th, the Board of County Commissioners held a Special Called Meeting for the adoption of the Millage Rates to fund the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget. The Fiscal Year 2012 Budget reduces spending to levels significantly lower than Fiscal Year 2007 levels due to declining revenues.

 

The annual millage rate for the GENERAL FUND will not increase from the millage rate last year - 11.70 mils. The millage rate represents $11.70 per thousand dollars of assessed property value, after all exemptions have been applied. This means that for many that had their assessments lowered, they will actually see a reduced tax bill for the County general fund millage rate.

 

The millage rate for the UNINCORPORATED TAX DISTRICT actually increased for the first time in 7 years due to the expectations of the Insurance Safety Office (ISO) inspections. The new rate will be .67 mils, or 67cents per thousand dollars of assessed property value, after all exemptions have been applied. The small increase was needed to maintain the current ISO rating of 4, which allows a much smaller insurance premium to be paid on a taxpayer's home insurance coverage. The premium can triple the current rate for homeowner's insurance each year if this rating is not maintained at the current level.

 

General Fund Millage Rate History

Millage Rate History

Redistricting 2011 - What You Need to Know

The release of the 2010 United States Census triggers redistricting for county commissioner districts and other local government districts.  Camden County Government has reviewed the new census data and determined that the county commission districts must be redrawn in order to meet constitutional guarantees.  

 

Learn more about why counties redistrict, what will happen next in Camden County, who is affected, and how to provide your input about the proposed redistricting.

 

Official State Statistics 

Summary Map 

Detailed Map 

Citizen Input Survey

 

Please contact the County Administrator's Office for more information, (912) 510-0464.

STAR of Hope - Help put a SMILE on the Faces of Children this Holiday Season

STAR OF HOPE logoThe Sheriff's Office (CCSO) STAR of Hope program will soon be kicking off its 2011 fundraising efforts to support families in our community during the holiday season by providing Christmas to those in need. This will be the 2nd annual project for the STAR of Hope since its inception in 2010. Last year on Christmas Eve, Santa and Mrs. Claus delivered food, clothes, and toys to 67 children in Camden County.

 

How can you help? Participate in any or all of the fundraisers listed below:

  • YARD SALE - Saturday, September 17th - 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Where: CCSO Substation (Located on Highway 40 by Wal-Mart)
  • GA/FL PANCAKE BREAKFAST - Saturday, October 29th - 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Where: Captain Seagle's Cafe, 105 Osborne Street, Downtown St. Marys. Tickets: $5 in advance, $7 at the door. Contact (912) 882-3242 to puchase tickets. [View poster]
  • BAKE SALE - Tuesday, November 22nd - 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Where: Government Services Complex, Woodbine
  • BBQ Lunch - Friday, December 2nd - 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Where: Woodbine Waterfront Park Cost: $8 per plate.  Lunches come with a large BBQ sandwich, baked beans, chips, and a drink. Delivery is available. Call (912) 510-0464 to pre-order by Monday, November 28th.
  • FOOD DRIVE- Non-perishable food items can be dropped off in the designated boxes located at the Sheriff's Offices and all county government buildings. [View poster]   September is Hunger Action Month

Camden County's HOPE committee, comprised of employees from the Board of County Commissioners offices, is excited to join efforts with the Sheriff's Office during the holiday season for this great cause!

 

View Fundraising Poster 

 

For more information about the program, or to make a donation, please contact Kathy Johnson at (912) 510-5100 or Lisa Boyett at (912) 269-1597.

 

"FILL THE BOOT!" Drive a Success!
Thank You for Supporting MDA!
CCFR - Fill the Boot 2011

[Pictured from left: FF/Paramedic Justin Lee, FF/EMT Bryan Lukas, FF/Paramedic Austin Mays, Chief Dennis Gailey, Lt. Robert Haddock, FF/Engineer Zip Amerine, FF/EMT Travis Swann, and FF Matt Lee]

During Labor Day weekend, firefighters collected donations from passersby at Wal-Mart on September 2nd - 3rd. This event, along with other fundraisers, enabled Fire Marshal Chris Goebel to present the Muscular Dystrophy Association with $6,196 to help provide direct services, research and professional public health edicuation to children with neuromuscular diseases in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.

 

Lt. Chris Goebel, Camden County's Fire Marshal, said, "CCFR has participated in this event for several years now. This year's boot drive was a huge success, and we thank the public for their generous support of this great cause to help fight neuromuscular diseases."

 

For more information about this year's MDA "Fill the Boot" campaign, or to learn how you can contribute, please contact CCFR at (912) 729-3911.

Miracle League GRAND OPENING is slated for October 22, 2011! 
Accepting Registration for Players and Volunteers for Fall 2011 Season

The Miracle League of Camden CountyBe sure to mark your calendars for the GRAND OPENING of the Miracle League of Camden County on Saturday, October 22, 2011!

 

The Miracle League is currently accepting names for players and buddies.

 

Register to participate in the first season of the Miracle League of Camden County! 
Fall 2011 Player Registration Form - Deadline: September 1, 2011

 

Serve as a VOLUNTEER for the Miracle Leage of Camden County.  Volunteer Agreement Form

 

For more information about participating as a player or volunteering, please contact The Miracle League by email at [email protected], or by phone at (912) 322-1970. 

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.

Bryan-Lang Foundation Offers Rodney Sheffield Memorial Scholarship
DEADLINE OCTOBER 1st

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 GPA of 3.5 or above.

 

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

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

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.
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 the 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