New Chairman Elected

On January 4, 2021 the Glynn County Board of Commissioners appointed a new Chairman for a one year term. After serving on the Board for two years, Commissioner Wayne Neal is looking forward to his new role as he says, “I am honored to serve the people of Glynn County and appreciative that my fellow commissioners allowed me to become the chairman this year. I look forward to working with the commissioners to serve our community as ‘One Glynn’, and in cooperation with the city to move Glynn County forward."

Commissioner Neal has never shied away from serving his community. He is a member of First Baptist Church where he has taught in the youth department for nearly 40 years. He also served on the first-ever elected Glynn County Board of Education from 1982-86, and served on the Skylark Board of Directors from 2014 - 2020. In addition to his leadership roles in the community, professionally, Commissioner Neal works in the construction industry, and he has been building homes in the coastal region since 1978. His company, Regency Innovations, is a family operated business. He is joined by his wife and best friend of 44 years who is the company’s CFO, his son who is assuming the reigns of the company, and his daughter who manages all of the rental properties and the real estate division. Following the start of his career in the building industry in 1978, he became a real estate agent in 1983 and a real estate broker in 1986. In 1993, he opened his own real estate company. He then went on to start a real estate development company in 1994 and a real estate management company in 1995.

Glynn County is thankful for Chairman Neal's service and leadership.

Special Election March 16, 2021

The upcoming March 16, 2021 Special Election will be held countywide and voters can cast ballots on the SPLOST 2021 and Oglethorpe Conference Center resolutions. All polls will be open on Election Day, March 16, 2021 from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Early voting will begin on Monday, February 22, 2021 at all three locations: Board of Elections, Ballard Community Building, and SSI Fire Station #2. Early voting will run for three weeks, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. There will be no Saturday voting or extended voting hours.

Absentee ballot applications are being accepted now and ballot mailing will begin February 22nd. All absentee voters must reapply. No ballots will be automatically mailed. If you would like to receive a ballot, you must submit a new application by March 12, 2021. Applications can be requested from the Board of Elections office, by phone, or downloaded from the county website. The ballot drop boxes will not be in use for this election.

If you have any questions, please contact the Board of Elections and Registration at
912-554-7060.

Oglethorpe Conference Center

The capital outlay project consisting of the Oglethorpe Center was included on the SPLOST IV and SPLOST V project lists in 2001 and 2005. According to SPLOST laws, if projects approved in a prior SPLOST referendum have become infeasible, counties and municipalities can modify the intended purpose of the tax proceeds, with voter approval.

Together, the Glynn County Board of Commissioners and the City of Brunswick Board of Commissioners found that the Oglethorpe Conference Center has become infeasible, impracticable, unrealistic, and otherwise not in the best interests of the citizens of Glynn County.

Voting "yes" for this item will release the estimated $2,504,492 intended for the Oglethorpe Conference Center into the respective general funds of the City of Brunswick and Glynn County to be used for the purpose of reducing ad valorem taxes.

If the vote passes, the Board of Commissioner's intend to re-allocate the County's portion of the reauthorized proceeds, approximately $1,300,441, to paying off the bond that was used for Brunswick-Glynn County Library renovations.

More information on SPLOST laws can be found in the ACCG SPLOST Guide for County Officials.

SPLOST 2021

A Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax is an optional one percent county sales tax used to fund capital outlay projects proposed by the county government and participating qualified municipal governments. Voters should vote "yes" if they wish to implement the 1% sales tax in order to fund the following list of projects.

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Employee Spotlight

For the past seven years, Gerald Rewis has dedicated himself to both the citizens and animals of Glynn County, but his desire to become a public servant started long before his 2014 hire date. Before joining Animal Control, Gerald worked in the home medical field and has always enjoyed working with people. He's passionate about customer relations and enjoys solving problems, the more unique the better, so seeking out employment with local government and working in the Animal Law Enforcement community was a natural decision for him.

As the Animal Control Senior Field Officer, Gerald coordinates and mentors Animal Control's team of four officers who respond to animal emergencies and requests for welfare checks, chasing stray dogs and farm animals, and reporting animal bite incidents. During his tenure, Gerald says he's received invaluable education from conferences, on the job trainings, and real world experiences, all of which are rewarded in some form or another, but what he finds most rewarding and feels the most pride for is that the work he does everyday allows him to make a difference, provide for his family, and feel secure in his small part of the world. He's appreciative for the opportunities he's been given.

Over the years Gerald has distinguished himself through his exceptional customer service skills, his ability to adapt, and his moral character. Glynn County and it's animals are thankful for his service.

Severe Weather Preparedness

Even though Hurricane Season is behind us until June, severe weather can strike at any time, so make sure you're prepared. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency provides many tips and tricks for staying prepared for potential disasters. Their statewide campaign, Ready Georgia provides guidance on the three most important steps you can take to protect you and those in your care:

Make a Plan. Ensure your family has an emergency communication plan. A template created by Ready Georgia can be found here http://bit.ly/2FpaIeD.
Build a Kit. This checklist can help you get started on determining what unique needs your family might have during an emergency.
Ready your Business. If businesses are ready to survive and recover, our state and economy are more secure. Download the Ready Your Business Guide and start today.

Animal Spotlight

The furry friends at Glynn County Animal Control are hoping for loads of hugs and kisses this month. Max, Howard, and Nala are just a few of the animals hoping to have a new family to love in time for Valentine's Day.

All adoptable pets can be found on the GCAC Website, and you can schedule a time to meet your new best friend by calling 912-554-7500 or emailing animalservices@glynncounty-ga.gov.

Max is 3 years old and an all around a great guy. His sweet smile will pull you in and keep your attention. Although, he does prefer the company of females over males. Just let him know if you're looking for a date on Valentine's Day and a best friend every other day of the year.

Howard hasn't always been treated the best, but he doesn't hold a grudge. He has a permanent head tilt and crooked ribs from previous injuries, and he can get confused easily. Despite his difficult past, he is the sweetest cat who loves affection. If you want to meet him, he can often be found assisting the Animal Control Manager in her office.

Nala is a shy little girl at first, but once she gets comfortable with you, she’ll love you forever. She's a high energy pup who loves to play and run around. She would be the perfect addition to an active family.

Community Events

Recreation & Parks Department Programs and Announcements

Beach Lifeguard Positions Available

Glynn County Recreation and Parks Department (GCRPD) is seeking energetic and enthusiastic candidates to apply for summer beach lifeguard positions at East Beach on St. Simons Island. If you are looking for a rewarding summer job that benefits our community, please apply online at www.glynncounty.org. Beach lifeguards explain and enforce safety rules, assist and rescue swimmers in distress, and use their knowledge of First Aid and CPR to save lives. Candidates must be at least 16 years of age and available to work 40 hours a week during peak season (Memorial Day to mid-August). Required certifications include American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification (offered by GCRPD April 5-9 at Howard Coffin Park), CPR/AED/First Aid for the Professional Rescuer, and Waterfront Certification. Learn teamwork, build leadership skills, and serve your community!

Pool Lifeguard Positions Available

Glynn County Recreation and Parks Department (GCRPD) is seeking energetic and enthusiastic candidates to apply for summer pool lifeguard positions at Howard Coffin Park, Neptune Park, and Selden Park. Lifeguards have one of the most important jobs in our parks and that is keeping our residents and visitors safe in and around the water. Meaningful work and great pay! Guards must be available to work mid-May through Labor Day. Apply online at www.glynncounty.org. GCRPD offers ARC Lifeguard Certification in April.

Online Registration

Online registration for Glynn County Recreation and Parks Department programs is available at www.glynncounty.org/recreation. Glynn County Recreation and Parks will follow all local, state, and federal guidelines pertaining to COVID-19. Please follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/glynnrec for updates on programs, athletics, events, facilities, and services.

Spring Youth Track (Ages 7-14, Co-Ed)

Age Calculation: Age prior to September 1 determines league placement
Registration: February 1-28
Practice Begins: Week of March 8 (Weeknights, 5pm-7:30pm)
Track Meets: Saturdays/9am-5pm/late March
Locations: Howard Coffin Park and Brunswick High School
Cost: $24
Additional Info: 912-279-3810
City of Brunswick: In partnership with the City of Brunswick, GCRPD offers a discounted registration fee to City residents. Proof of residency is required when registering. For more information and to see if you qualify, call 912-554-7780.

Please follow the Glynn County Recreation and Parks Facebook page for updates on programs, athletics, events, facilities, and services.

*Glynn County charges a 3% convenience fee for payments made by credit/debit cards.

Public Meetings & Important Dates

Please see the County Calendar for updates.

February 8th, Brunswick Area Transportation System (BATS) - Policy Committee Meeting: 1:30 PM - Virtual Meeting
February 9th, Board of Elections Meeting: 6:30 PM - Office Park Building
February 10th, Police Advisory Panel Meeting: 5:30 PM - Glynn County Historic Courthouse
February 11th, Glynn County Board of Appeals Meeting: 10:00 AM - Glynn County Historic Courthouse
February 15th, Glynn County offices will be closed in recognition of the President's 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.
February 16th, County Commission Special Called Meeting: 2:00 PM - Glynn County Historic Courthouse
February 16th, Island Planning Commission Meeting: 6:00 PM - The Casino Building 550 Beachview Drive Room 701
February 17th, Revenue Study Committee Meeting: 9:00 AM - Harold Pate Courthouse Annex
February 18th, County Commission Meeting: 6:00 PM - Glynn County Historic Courthouse
February 23rd, Finance Committee Meeting: 2:00 PM - TBD
February 24th, SPLOST 2016 Citizen's Oversight Committee Meeting - TBD
March 2nd, Mainland Planning Commission Meeting: 6:00 PM - Glynn County Historic Courthouse
March 4th, County Commission Meeting: 6:00 PM - Glynn County Historic Courthouse

Book Review of the Month

Circe
by
Madeline Miller

Once again it’s time for the Big Read! Please join us, as we join together as a community, to read and discuss Circe by Madeline Miller. Circe is a retelling of the goddess’s story, in the house of Helios, god of the sun and Persephone, the ocean nymph.

Travel along with Circe, as she is banished to an island and meets many other notable figures in mythology. In the end, Circe must summon up all her courage and strength and decide whether she will side along with the gods or with the mortals that she loves.

Destined to be a modern classic, Circe will help bring Greek mythology alive to the scholar and novice alike.

--Jim Orser-Schwalm

The Glynn Report 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!