A Farewell from the Chairman

I will soon complete 8 years of serving my community on the Glynn County Board of Commissioners. During that time I have served with 11 other dedicated public servants on the Commission. They all have earned my respect for making a personal commitment to serve. Seven Commissioners are your governing body. Together they raise the money necessary to fund the operations of government and provide the services our citizens want. Our primary role is to set policy and fund our government.

The Board has two contract employees, the County Manager and the County Attorney, and both answer to the Board. All the other employees answer to the County Manager, Alan Ours. Alan Ours is very knowledgeable in managing County operations. His professionalism and commitment to being the best serves our County well. Aaron Mumford is tops in his role of advising the Board and defending the interests of the County and our citizens. His track record is almost perfect in the cases he has defended. We are fortunate to have Alan Ours and Aaron Mumford on board.

Our department directors are as professional and dedicated as any out there and meet every new challenge with a commitment to move Glynn County forward. I can’t say enough for all of our county employees that do the heavy lifting day after day and are the ones that keep everything running. They never get enough thanks for a job well done. I know my fellow Commissioners join me in thanking them for their dedication and work.

Glynn County is a diverse community. We have very wealthy folks and very poor folks. Our residents are of many races, ethnicities, cultures, religions, and educational levels. We don’t all see eye to eye on everything. Some want more government. Some want less government. With this and more in mind it’s impossible for a Board of Commissioners to set any policy that is perfect and everyone agrees with. It’s a balancing act to be sure and always will be. There is no “one size fits all” policy out there. It has been an honor to serve this wonderful county and I sincerely thank the voters for allowing me the opportunity. I will soon return to being a full time husband, father, and grandfather. I have much to do. I wish the best for Glynn County and the Board of Commissioners in their mostly thankless jobs. Be a government for all the people, not for just a few.

- Michael F. Browning, Glynn County Board of Commissioners Chairman

Solicitor's Office Proves Resourceful During Pandemic

The ongoing 2020 Pandemic has permanently impacted the way we live and work. Sadly, many businesses went under and several aspects of government were brought to a screeching halt. Fortunately, that was not the situation with the Glynn County Solicitor-General’s Office comprised of Maria Lugue, Solicitor, Jerry Ramsey, Assistant Solicitor, Alison Crews, Assistant to Solicitor, Bernadette Trawick, Crystal Fernwalt legal secretaries, and Stephanie Clinch, Victim’s Advocate. The Solicitor’s Office was not about to let a pandemic interrupt the flow in their office. Instead, they decided to find a way to continue following the CDC guidelines of social distancing, wearing masks, sanitizing, etc., while working at a time when there was minimal activity.

The challenge was to devise a way in which to dispose of those pending cases prior to COVID when no court was in session and without exposing the public and staff to potential health risks. Their solution was to make offers by mail April through June to the people who had pending traffic citations, and those charged with misdemeanors that the law does not require a mandatory period in jail. Their efforts were highly successful as more than 500 members of the public positively responded by paying their fines via mail. Incredibly, more than $117,000 in fines were paid. Everyone benefited. No one’s health was jeopardized, and it proved to be a convenience for everyone.

The team at the Solicitor’s Office is proud of their efforts and what they accomplished during a difficult time. They are definitely deserving of being recognized for their initiative and unfaltering dedication to their jobs and Glynn County. Ms. Lugue says that she is blessed in many ways, and one of the best is her staff at the Solicitor’s Office.

Animal Control Facility Construction

The furry friends at Glynn County Animal Control will have a new home on Carl Alexander Way as early as May 2021. Construction on the 15,369 sq. ft. facility began on August 10, 2020. With a budget of $3,509,289, the facility will be able to house approximately 100 dogs and 60 cats. The new location and design will significantly improve security of the facility and will allow staff and animals to shelter in place during tropical storms and small hurricanes, opposed to evacuating. Some other improved features of the facility include:

Climate controlled kennels
Designated adoption room
Play yards
Larger area available for exercising dogs
Play area for cats
Separated areas for any necessary isolation and quarantines
Outdoor access to an indoor drop-off area for impounded dogs
Two additional areas for veterinary care
Separated laundry, food prep, and grooming rooms

This new and improved facility will further allow Glynn County Animal Control to provide outstanding service and enhance our community as a whole, further ensuring Glynn County remains a great place to live.

GCPD Updates

The Glynn County Police Department (GCPD) continues toward their goal of making Glynn County one of the safest communities in Georgia. Many of these changes focus around meeting with and hearing the concerns and input of community leaders and residents.

In early June of this year, Chief Wiggins and his Command Staff began meeting with The Community Leaders Group of Community First. During these meetings GCPD addressed questions from members of the I Run with Maud group, discussed staff joining The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement (N.O.B.L.E.), and explored how to better recruit minorities, improve community relationships, and increase transparency. They are receiving great insight and suggestions through these reoccurring sessions.

Additionally, GCPD continues to receive feedback from The Police Advisory Panel and make improvements per panel suggestions. In their last public meeting, Chief Wiggins expressed that updating body cam equipment and building the K-9 Unit are priorities for the department. Chief Wiggins also expects to implement a shift change from 12-hour days to 10-hours days later this year.

GCPD has also launched an Online Police Reporting System which allows residents to submit a report immediately and print a copy of the report for free. This system aims to improve the flow of information and response time.

To keep up with the changes occurring within the Glynn County Police Department, be sure to watch their meetings live. The Police Advisory Panel will meet on September 9th, and the next Police Town Hall will be held virtually on September 16th. These meetings will be live streamed on the Glynn County Board of Commissioner's YouTube and Facebook pages.

Tax Commissioner Reminders

Property Tax

Glynn County Property Tax Bills are scheduled to go out by the end of September 2020 and will be due within 60 days.
You have several options available to pay by:

Online at https://glynncounty.org/
Tax Payment drop boxes located on the Reynolds Street and Newcastle Street sides of the Harold Pate Building that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
U.S. Mail
Of course, in person at the Harold Pate Building, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tags

Did you know? Just about anything you need to do in person at the Tag Office, can be done online – IT’S EASY!
Go to https://eservices.drives.ga.gov where you can:

Renew or Cancel Vehicle Tag
Apply for a tag
Pay Insurance Fines
Change Address
Replace Registration
Get an Estimate of Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT)

Labor Day Weekend Reminders

Glynn County wants you and your family to have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend! Beach Life Guards will be on duty from Massengale Park to Coast Guard Park from 11 AM to 6 PM daily Labor Day weekend, September 5th-7th.

Glynn County’s Beach Operations Team reminds you to:

1. Swim in guarded areas of the beach.
2. Check beach warning flags and safety signs.
3. Be aware of strong currents that can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea.
4. Be aware of weather conditions and forecast.
5. Swim with caution when approaching visible sandbars.
6. Ask a Life Guard for assistance.

Labor Day Weekend Pool Hours of Operation

Online County Services

Glynn County's Information Technology (IT) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) departments work diligently to make information readily available on the County website as well as build online services for public use, which provide increased efficiency, improving response capabilities from County Staff across departments. The need for online solutions and resources became even more prominent as social distancing became the norm during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Several of Glynn County's online services and resources are listed below.

GIS Services:

Property Maps & Records Search: gives the public a free way to search and view property records on a map, print maps, and create mailing labels.
Web Flood Maps: GIS created new web mapping applications to show Elevation Contours, Flood Zones, and Hurricane Storm Surge.
GIS Data: The Open Data Portal offers the public the ability to search, download, and share data related to Glynn County.
Special Order Maps: Staff analysts can work with you to create maps specific to your business or personal needs.
Map Galleries: A gallery of free downloadable maps in PDF format covers a wide range of topics including: commission districts, historical resources, hurricane surge, and zoning.

Online Services for State, Superior, and Probate Court:

Other Online Services:

The Glynn County Portal: IT and Community development collaborated to create a citizen Portal which allows users to :
- Submit various applications such as for building permits, planning and zoning applications, land disturbance, abandonment, and building inspections.
- Submit service requests including public works requests or complaints and code enforcement complaints.
- Communicate other concerns to the County's Customer Service representatives.
Bulky Waste Pick-Up: The County Public Works Department provides free pickup of bulk items (furniture, household items, etc) and white goods (appliances). Each property owner is allowed two bulk items and two white goods pickups per year, per property. You can schedule a pick-up by using this form.

Awards and Recognition

Promotion to Fire Captain

After 26 years in fire service and 13 years with Glynn County, Former Lieutenant Billy I. Cone was appointed to the rank of Captain on August 4, 2020. A career in fire service was an easy choice for Captain Cone with his military background combined with his desire to have a challenging career. Captain Cone said that one of his favorite accomplishments was running a training program for new fire recruits. The 4-week program aimed to help the new recruits prepare for the Fire Academy and provide them with skills that would help them adjust to and succeed in their new career. In his new rank, Captain Cone will report to the First Platoon Station Six as the Station Commander.

Grants Awarded

Between 2016 and 2019, Grants Coordinator Monica Hardin procured 60 grants for Glynn County. These grants provided $6,632,767 of funds across County departments including Fire, Police, Recreation, Juvenile Court, EMA, Community Development, Library services, IT, GIS, Public Works, and Animal Control. The revenue from these grants allowed departments to promote various programs, such as pet adoptions and internships, provided protective equipment, and assisted in post disaster recovery. During 2020, so far, $1,464,534 has been obtained via grants with several more proposals pending approval. Seeking and securing public and private grant funds is just one factor that promotes the County's goal of being a fiscally responsible government.

Employee Spotlight

The Glynn County Police Department has worked diligently to improve their recruiting and hiring process. At the center of these improvements has been
Officer Colin Scogin. After working with GCPD for 15 years, Officer Scogin was recently transferred to the Administration Division as the official recruiter for the department. At the time of his appointment, the Glynn County Police Department was short 24 officer positions. Officer Scogin has done tremendous work in recruiting officers for the police department. Currently, 9 officers have been hired and are either in or entering their Field Training Officer Program. Further, Officer Scogin has an additional 15 officers going through the hiring process. On top of his duties as the department recruiter, Officer Scogin teaches at regional police academies and spearheads major departmental projects such as the COPS grant. Scogin is a true leader, and Glynn County is thankful to have him as a vital member of the Glynn County Police Department.

Meetings & Events

Community Events

Drool at the Pool Event

Glynn County Recreation & Parks along with Animal Control invite you to bring your pooch to Neptune Park Fun Zone Park to enjoy a dip in the pool! All pups who participate will receive a treat.

DATE: Saturday, September 19, 2020
TIME: 10am-12pm
COST: $2 per dog
LOCATION: Neptune Park Fun Zone Pool
INFO: 912-279-2836
NOTES: Capacity will be limited due to COVID-19 precautions.

Fall Instructional Classes

Glynn County Recreation and Parks Department offers a variety of instructional programs for youth and adults:

Tennis

Lessons for youth and adults begin the week of September 7th. Lessons are held at Epworth Park on St. Simons Island.

Toddler Fitness

Children age 3-5 years will have a blast participating in structured games, activities and obstacle courses to build motor skills, social skills, and self-confidence. The program will be held on Tuesdays from 10:30 AM -11:30 AM at Selden Park (September 15th - October 20th). Parents/guardians are encouraged to be active in the classes as well. Cost is $12 per child. Space is limited.

Homeschool P.E.

Homeschool students age 7-14 years will have fun and meet new friends participating in games, various sports, and more to improve physical fitness, social skills, and self-confidence. The program will be held on Thursdays from 1:00 PM -2:00 PM at Selden Park (September 17th - October 22th). Cost is $12 per child. Space is limited.

For more information on any of these programs, call 912-554-7780 or email glynnrec@glynncounty-ga.gov. Online registration for classes is available at www.glynncounty.org/recreation.

For other events with Recreation and Parks, please visit their calendar.

Spay & Neuter Clinic

Glynn County Animal Control in partnership with the City of Brunswick, the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and No Kill Glynn County, will be hosting a FREE spay/neuter clinic in Downtown Brunswick on Saturday, September 19th. This clinic is offered by appointment only for low-income residents in the 31520 zip code. The spay/neuter includes a free rabies shot and microchip! For more information and to set up an appointment please call 912-554-7511 or animalservies@glynncounty-ga.gov. Proof of residency & income are required in order to participate.

Closures & Other Reminders

September 7th: Glynn County offices will be closed in recognition of the Labor Day Holiday. This includes all offices in the Harold Pate Building, the Glynn County Historic Courthouse, and the Glynn County Courthouse. Public Safety and Animal Control will remain on duty to serve the public.
September 7th - 12th: Resident's Trash and Recycling Pick-up provided through Republic Services will be delayed one day during the week of Labor Day. The 2020 Recycling Guide and Calendar can be found here.
September 8th - 20th: In order for Glynn County Public Works to facilitate the completion of the roundabout at East Beach Causeway and Demere Road, the intersection will be closed to all traffic.

Public Meetings

Please see the County Calendar for updates.

September 9th, Police Advisory Panel Meeting: 5:00 PM - Glynn County Historic Courthouse
September 10th, Zoning Board of Appeals: 10:00 AM - Glynn County Historic Courthouse
September 10th - 20th, Envision Glynn Zoning Update Virtual Open House: Link will be available on September 10th
September 14th, Brunswick Area Transportation System (BATS) - Technical Committee Meeting: 1:30 PM - Harold Pate Courthouse Annex
September 14th, Brunswick Area Transportation System (BATS) - Citizen Advisory Committee Meeting: 4:00 PM - Harold Pate Courthouse Annex
September 15th, County Commission Special Called Meeting: 2:00 PM - Harold Pate Courthouse Annex
September 15th, Island Planning Commission Meeting: 6:00 PM - St. Simons Island Casino Building
September 16th, Revenue Study Committee Meeting: 9:00 AM - TBA
September 16th, Police Town Hall: 6:00 PM - Virtual Meeting
September 17th, County Commission Meeting: 6:00 PM - Glynn County Historic Courthouse
September 22nd, Finance Committee Meeting: 2:00 PM - Harold Pate Courthouse Annex
October 1st, County Commission Meeting: 6:00 PM - Glynn County Historic Courthouse

Book Review of the Month

The Shell Seekers
by
Rosamunde Pilcher

My plan had been to review a nice, shiny new book that has just come out. However, my mind keeps wandering back to my absolute favorite book of all-time: a modern day classic that was released over 30 years ago, The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher.

This novel is a multi-generational one featuring the Keeling family. Each chapter represents a character throughout their life and how they relate to one another. Themes of war, love, family, inter-personal relationships, and betrayal are all explored in-depth.

The main character of the novel, Penelope Keeling, is nearing the end of her life. After a health crisis, Penelope decides to sell her father’s priceless painting and drawings. Set in Cornwall, Pilcher’s descriptions will not disappoint.

I hope you’ll consider picking up this old favorite for a second look or for the very first time. I like to remind people that books are like old friends, it’s always good to revisit both.

--Jim Orser-Schwalm

Census 2020

Want to track Glynn County’s 2020 census ranking? Follow it here.

Currently, Glynn County has a 56.4% Census 2020 filing rate, which is behind the national average. If you haven't completed yours yet, please submit your Census form by September 30th. You can complete your Census by mail, phone, in person, or online at my2020census.gov.

This newsletter will be released the first Friday of each month. To subscribe, please sign up through Notify Me on the Glynn County website. Thank you for reading!