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

 

 A Publication from the Office of the County Administrator - May 2013

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In This Issue
A Message from the County Administrator
Employee of the 3rd Quarter
Volunteer FIrefighters
8th Annual GA County Excellence Award
Emergency Medical Services Week
National Nurses Week
Onsite Clinic Holds Open House
Appraiser IV Certification
QUICK LINKS
  






COMMUNITY RELATIONS
  
  
  
  
  
  

      

 WorkReady Community
GA Camera Ready
 Storm Ready
 Code RED
    
  
UPCOMING
Meetings
  

County Offices will be closed Monday, May 27, 2013 in observance of  Memorial Day

 

May 28th

Regular BOCC Meeting

6:00pm

  
June 4th

Regular BOCC Meeting

6:00pm

 

June 18

Regular BOCC

Meeting

6:00PM

 

July 2nd

Regular BOCC

Meeting

6:00PM

 

County Offices will be closed Thursday, July 4, 2013 in observance of Independence Day


 

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.
Free Prescription Discount Cards Available to Camden County Residents

Discount Rx Card

Click on the image above to view more information about this service.

Camden County Fire Rescue Seeking Volunteers

Camden County Fire Rescue is recruiting volunteer firefighters to be a part of the department. The volunteer firefighter program will be used to augment existing peronnel to meet the needs of the community now and in the future.

 

Visit the program website for the most current information.

 

Contact Fire Rescue Headquarters at (912) 729-3911 for questions about this program.

A Message from the County Administrator
Steve L. Howard, County Administrator
On May 14, 2013 the Proposed Fiscal Year 2014 Budget was presented to the Board of County Commissioners.  The continued financial challenge Camden County faces is largely due to a slow economic recovery. 
 The objectives of the FY14 budget are continued maximization of current services to our citizens and at the same time requires no increase to millage rate.  The FY14 budget is a conservative, low risk budget that recognizes declining revenues as the "New Normal" and at the same time carefully manages the county to remain in a strong financial condition.  The proposed FY14 budget is available for review at Camden County Proposed FY14 Budget.
I look forward to working with each of you as we continue to move Camden County forward.
Yours for a better Camden,

Steve L. Howard, CPM, CPPO
County Administrator

Jennifer Carver named Employee of the 3rd Quarter Fiscal Year 2013
 
(pictured above: Jennifer Carver and Willis "Chip" Keene,
Chair, Board of Commissioners)
 

At the Board of County Commissioners Meeting, Tuesday, April 23, 2013, The Employee Recognition Committee recognized Jennifer Carver as Employee of the Quarter for the 3rd quarter of fiscal year 2013.

 

Jennifer is a longtime devoted employee of the office of the Tax Commissioner since November 2004, serving her department as a Senior Revenue Service Representative for Property Tax. Jennifer exudes a sense of leadership and pride in her duties always displaying a diligent work ethic and going the extra mile for the department, her peers and the county.

 

She displays a positive attitude, conducting herself with professionalism and exhibiting exceptional organizational and customer service skills. Jennifer strives to improve department morale with her upbeat attitude and is always willing to lend a helping hand to get the job done.

 

Jennifer has been described by her peers as having a sincere and genuine concern for her fellow coworkers as well as her customers, taking pride in her duties and being an asset to Camden County Government.

 

Camden County Continues to Seek Volunteer Firefighters

Camden County Fire Rescue is recruiting  volunteer firefighters to be a part of the department. The volunteer firefighter program will be used to augment existing personnel to meet the needs of the community now and in the future.

  

Camden County Fire Rescue is looking for dedicated individuals who what to make a difference in their community. Camden County has a premier fire and emergency medical services department offering services to over 50,000 citizens and spanning over 680 square miles. The rewards of serving your community are endless and the experiences will be some of the most exciting you could ever be a part of.


The Excitement of Becoming a Volunteer!
  • Join a Family Oriented Organization
  • Help Your Community and Neighbors
  • Receive Training in Life Saving Skills
  • Make a Difference
  • Earn Retirement Benefits

How to Join

If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Firefighter please attend the next scheduled meeting to receive more details on the program. Regular meetings are held at Fire Station 14 every Thursday of each month beginning at 6:00 PM.

 

Visit the program website for the most current information: www.co.camden.ga.us/volunteer.

 

Contact Fire Rescue Headquarters at (912) 729-3911 for questions about this program.

 

Camden County Receives 8th Annual Georgia County Excellence Awards for-
"Healthcare Reform Achieving Success Project" and "Public/Private Partnership-Criminal Justice Council
Camden County was formally recognized on Monday, April 29, 2013, during the 2013 County Commissioners of Georgia annual meeting as the Eight Annual Georgia County Excellence Awards program recipient for its efforts in "Healthcare Reform Achieving Success Project" as well as "Public-Private Partnership - Criminal Justice Council". The selection committee that nominated Camden County was composed of public and private sector officials as well as individuals who have previously served as local government officials.

 

 "Healthcare Reform Achieving Success Project" Award

 

 

(Pictured Left to Right: Mary Smith of Cumberland Financial Group; Ross King, ACCG Executive Director; Steve Howard, County Administrator; Commissioner Chuck Clark; Commissioner Willis "Chip" Keene, Chair; Staci Bowick, Director Support Services; Mike Berg, ACCG President & Dawson County Chair)

 

 

"Public-Private Partnership-Criminal Justice Council" Award

 

 

 (Pictured left to right:  Ross King, ACCG Executive Director; Steve Howard,

Camden County Administrator; Commissioner Chuck Clark, Commissioner  Willis "Chip" Keene, Chair; Mike Berg, ACCG President & Dawson County Chair)

 

 

Steve Howard, County Administrator stated, "It is an honor for Camden County to be recognized on a state level by its peers for its partnerships and leadership in providing innovative, effective and fiscally responsible programs for its citizens".

 

Background: The Association County Commissioners of Georgia and Georgia Trend magazine created the Georgia County Excellence Awards program in 2005 to recognized innovative initiatives that make county government more effective and efficient, improve services for county residents and enhance quality of life in Georgia communities. Most importantly, the awards program allows county officials to share best practices and success stories with their counterparts across the state.

 

Camden County Board of Commissioners Recognize the week of May 5th - 11th as
"Emergency Medical Services Week"
  
 {Pictured left to right: Willis Keene, Chair, Bd of Commissioners; FF Jamie Carver; FF/EMT Kevin Petrine; FF/Paramedic Dustin Millington; Capt. Shannon Herrin and Battalion Chief Ricky Beckham}
  
Emergency Medical Services is a vital public service and the members of Camden County Fire Rescue are ready to provide lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury. The Emergency Medical Services system consists of emergency physicians, emergency nurses, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, educators, administrators and others.

 

The members of Camden County Fire Rescue, whether career or volunteer, engage in thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their lifesaving skills and it is appropriate to recognize the value and the accomplishments of Camden County Fire Rescue by designating May 5th - 11th, 2013 as Emergency Medical Services Week. The Board of Commissioners would encourage the community to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.

 
Camden County Board of Commissioners Recognize the Week of May 6th - 12th as "National Nurses Week"

   

The Camden County Board of Commissioners along with the American Nurses Association and the Southeast Georgia Health System recognize the week of May 6th - 12th, 2013 as "National Nurses Week" with the Theme "Delivering Quality and Innovation in Patient Care" in celebration of the ways in which registered nurses strive to provide safe and high quality patient care and map out the way to improve our health care system.

 

 

 (Pictured Left to Right: Lisa Dickerson, Assistant Admin. for SE Georgia Health Systems Camden Campus and Willis "Chip" Keene, Chair, Board of County Commissioners) 

 

 

(Pictured Left to Right: Dawn Vivenzio, RN, Lead Nurse for Camden County Onsite Wellness Clinic and Elizabeth Gunn, VP of Patient Care Services, SE GA Health Systems)

 

The nearly 3.1 million registered nurses in the United States comprise our nation's largest health care profession. The depth and breadth of the registered nursing profession meets the different and emerging health care needs of the American population in a wide range of settings. The American Nurses Association, as the voice for the registered nurses of this country, are working to chart a new course for a healthy nation that relies on increasing delivery of primary and preventive health care. A renewed emphasis on primary and preventive health care will require the better utilization of all of our nation's registered nursing resources. Professional nursing has been demonstrated to be an indispensable component in the safety and quality of care of hospitalized patients.

 

The demand for registered nursing services will be greater than ever because of the aging of the American population, the continuing expansion of life-sustaining technology, and the explosive growth of home health care services that more qualified registered nurses will be needed in the future to meet the increasingly complex needs of health care consumers in this community. The cost-effective, safe and quality health care services provided by registered nurses will be an ever more important component of the U.S. health care delivery system in the future.

  

Living Well Onsite Wellness Clinic Now Open at New Location
   
(pictured left to right: Receptionist Julie Maccs; Dr. Daniel Matricia;  Dawn Vivezio, RN; and Barbara Walters, RN)
  

On Wednesday, May 15, 2013 the Living Well Employee Onsite Clinic hosted an Open House at its new location 701 Charles Gilman, Jr. Avenue just north of Camden Middle School.  The new facility provides a more centralized location and offers more space and privacy for patients with individual exam rooms, a nice waiting room, and children's waiting area. 

 

The clinic is currently a collaborative between Camden County, the City of St. Marys, and the Public Service Authority to provide quality health care and chronic disease management to their employees and dependents and has collectively saved over $425,000. 

 

Steven Crowell, City Manager commented, "The City of St. Marys is excited about the new Employee Healthcare Clinic facility and the additional services the Clinic will provide for the City of St. Marys, Camden County, and the Public Service Authority employees." Mr. Crowell went on to say, "The Clinic has been instrumental in helping to reduce healthcare costs for the City and improve the health of City employees. The City of St. Marys looks forward to continuing our partnership with Camden County in the Employee Health Clinic."  County Administrator, Steve Howard said, "I'm proud of the success of the wellness clinic, it provides a model for other local governments to duplicate by showcasing the success and impact collaboration between public-private partnerships can achieve."

Brian Bishop Recognized for achieving
"Appraiser IV Certification"
During the Board of County Commissioners regular meeting, held on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, the Board recognized Office of the Tax Assessor employee Brian Bishop for achieving the Georgia Department of Revenue's highest certification of Appraiser IV.
This certification is designed to provide county tax officials with the necessary skills to appraise and assess property, as well as supply individuals with fundamental appraisal methods and techniques necessary to function effectively as a Georgia Appraiser.  
 
  
(Pictured from Left: Brian Bishop and Chairman, Willis "Chip" Keene)
  
Mr. Bishop began his career with Camden County in September 2004 and is the only County employee to start out as a trainee and reach the highest level of certification. During the meeting Chairman Willis R. Keene, Jr. said "This is a major accomplishment that requires a lot of work and studying to accomplish and the Board is very proud to present this plaque to Brian Bishop recognizing this achievement."
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
Chip Keene
District 1
Chuck Clark 2013
Chuck Clark
District 2
Commissioner Jimmy Starline, District 3
Jimmy Starline
District 3
Commissioner Gary Blount, District 4
Gary Blount
District 4
Tony Sheppard 
Tony Sheppard
District 5
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