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 Camden 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 - September/October 2013
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Connect With Us! |    | |
Keep up with what's going on in YOUR local government! |
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UPCOMING
Meetings
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Oct. 8th
Regular BOCC Meeting
6:00pm
County offices will be closed Monday, October 14, 2013 in observance of Columbus Day
Oct. 22nd
Regular BOCC
Meeting 6:00pm
Nov. 5th
Regular BOCC
Meeting
6:00pm
County Offices will be closed Monday, November 11, 2013 in observance of Veterans Day
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Government Services Complex
200 East 4th Street
Woodbine, GA 31569
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| "Great Customer Service is the Cornerstone of Every Successful Organization!"
 | | Please click on the link below to complete Camden County's customer service survey. | |
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"NEW"
Free Prescription Discount Cards Available to Camden County Residents
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Click on the image above to view more information about this service.
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Camden County Fire Rescue Seeking Volunteers
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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.
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A Message from the County Administrator
The Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to set the 2013 general fund millage rate at 11.70 mils. The rate has remained unchanged since 2008. At 11.70 mills the estimated tax collection for 2013 is $15.5 million which is 6.5% less than the 2012 total collection of $16.6 million. One mil of tax is equivalent to $1.3 million.
Despite the steady decrease in tax revenue and a challenging economy Camden County has consistently maintained a balanced budget by focusing on meticulous fiscal management, increasing efficiency and enhanced interdepartmental cooperation. The most pressing funding challenges this year include declining revenues, an aging fleet of equipment and vehicles, being able to provide competitive wages and benefits, the cost of fuel and the cost of electricity.
Without the outstanding guidance from the Board of Commissioners, the foresight of the finance office and tireless efforts of all county employees we would not be in the good position we are in today. We have navigated through some difficult times together and were made stronger in the process. I believe Camden County's future remains bright.
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
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"Hay Days 2013"
October 12th through October 31st
It's that time of the year, the Fall season is here! Local businesses and organizations, including Camden County Government, will create scarecrows to enhance the median of Osborne Street. This event kicks off October 12th and continues through October 31st.
The St. Marys Downtown Development Authority encourages families to visit downtown St. Marys to view the scarecrows during this time. Be on the lookout for Camden County Government's scarecrow display!
Take the Scarecrow Stroll on October 15th in downtown St. Marys, our office staff will be handing out candy to all those that come by Camden County's display.
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2013 "Showcase Camden County"
Photo Contest!
Take your Best Shot! 
The "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 2013 contest calls for photos to be submitted under one of four categories:
- Landscapes
- Nature/Wildlife
- Transportation
- Current Events/People
One winner per category will be awarded. Each winning category participant will receive a $50 Visa gift card. An overall photograph will be chosen among all of the submitted photos of each category. The overall winner will receive an additional $100 Visa gift card. Gift card prizes are not County funded and are generously donated by sponsors.
The deadline to submit photos is Friday, November 8, 2013. Detailed information regarding the photo contest & rules can be found by clicking the link below:
"Showcase Camden County" Photo Contest
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Camden County Launches "New" Free Discount Prescription Savings Program
The new Coast2CoastRx card will allow all County residents, regardless of income, age, or health status to participate in the program and save on the cost of their medications.
Important Facts:
- The card is NOT insurance
- There is No registration fee
- One Card can be used for all family members
- Medicare Part D participants can benefit
- Cardholders with a High deductible health insurance plan can use until deductible is met
- No limits on usage
- Savings on Lab work, Imaging, Dental, Vision, Hearing, Diabetics and Veterinary Services.
The Coast2CoastRx card is available for residents at all governmental offices, Camden County Library and County health facilities. Residents are also able to print a Rx card and view the nearest participating locations at www.coast2coastrx.com
The Coast2CoastRx card will provide residents with a valuable tool to help maintain their health and wellbeing at an affordable cost.
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STAR of HOPE - Supporting local Families during the Holiday Season.
The Sheriff's Office (CCSO) and Camden County Government, STAR of HOPE program supports families in our community during the holiday season by providing for those in need. Fundraisers are held by County employees to raise money to support this great cause.
Upcoming Events:
- Wednesday, October 30th - Bake Sale - 9:00am to 1:00pm at the Government Service Complex, Woodbine
- Friday, November 15th - Bake Sale - 9:00am to 1:00pm at the Government Service Complex, Woodbine
More Events are in the planning stages and will be announced at a later date.
The name of the program was created based on Sharing Time And Resources, and Helping Other People Everyday. Which is our goal in providing assistance to those in our community who are less fortunate. Without the donation of time from volunteers and donations from citizens, businesses and organizations, this project would not be possible.
For more information about this program, or to learn more about how you may contribute, please contact Katie Bishop at (912) 576-5651 or Renee' Crews at (912) 510-0464. All donations are tax deductible.
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Come Out and Show Off Your "Bra" for Breast Cancer
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Suicide Prevention
Many Camden County residents struggle with depre  ssion and Suicide. There are some upcoming Suicide Prevention-related events, so be sure to mark your calendars. October 7th, from 5:00pm to 7:00PM at the Camden Campus of College of Coastal Georgia, a Community Depression Screening will be held.
November 21st & 22nd: A two-day training Mental Health First Aid for Youth. This training is for any person who works with youth. For information please contact Camden Community Alliance & Resources Inc. at (912) 882-7295.
September 10, 2013 was World Suicide Prevention Day, this day provides a special opportunity to refocus our collective energies on addressing this fundamental problem. Changing cultural attitudes about mental illness and suicidal behavior requires a scientific awareness of the many forces that influence community norms and the concerted effort of a wide range of community stakeholders over a prolonged period of time.
For more information about this Stigma please click the link below.
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2013 MDA Fundraiser - To Support the Fight against Neuromuscular  Diseases
Camden County Fire Rescue (CCFR) together with St. Marys Fire Department were able to raise $3,359.99 during the annual "Fill the Boot" drive for Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
A special thank you for supporting our local firefighters in the fight against neuromuscular diseases!
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Help Camden County Support Hunger Relief in Our Community 
To assist those who struggle with poverty and hunger in our community, Camden County Government's HOPE Team is accepting donations of non-perishable food items to benefit local food banks for Thanksgiving. Items can be dropped off in the designated boxes at County Government Offices.
For safety of those we serve, we are unable to accept open packages, homemade food items, perishable foods, or items with expired dates.
For more information or to have a bin delivered to your office please contact the County Clerk, Katie Bishop, at (912) 576-5651. THE DEADLINE FOR ALL DONATIONS IS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013.
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Dasko joins the Camden County Sheriff's Office
The newest member of the Camden County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) Drug Task Force started work this week. On Wednesday evening, September 18, Sgt. Kevin Barber returned from Ohio with Dasko, a Belgian Melinois. Dasko wasted no time in showing off his skills as he was part of the Citizen's Academy K-9  demonstration Thursday night.
Due to the tremendous generosity of the Board of County Commissioners and the efforts of County Administrator Steve Howard the CCSO was able to acquire Dasko for $11,500 from a highly rated and well respected trainer in Ohio. Dasko will take over the working duties of Reno with Sgt. Barber. Reno had to retire due to ongoing health issues.
Sheriff Proctor said working with Steve Howard and the Board of County Commissioners made the purchase of Dasko possible.
"I asked for their help with this knowing that Reno would have to retire. Without hesitation Mr. Howard and the Board stepped up and helped us. I truly appreciate their cooperation and assistance. Working together we can all better serve the citizens of Camden County."
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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."
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 Chip Keene District 1 |
 Chuck Clark District 2 |
 Jimmy Starline District 3 |
 Gary Blount District 4 |
 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.
The Board of County Commissioners and employees of Camden County are committed to the following values: Integrity, Respect, Service, Accountability, Teamwork, and Balance
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