State of the CountyOn Friday, February 26, 2021, The Glynn-Brunswick Chamber of Commerce held their annual State of the Community event. At the luncheon, representatives from Glynn County and the City of Brunswick provided attendees, both in-person and virtual, an insight into the accomplishments and challenges that came along with 2020 as well as what's to come in 2021.
Some of the highlights from Glynn County's presentations included updates for the Glynn County Police department, which include a new Interim Chief, Ricky Evans and a special appointed advisor, Carl Alexander. Additionally, the search for a new police chief is underway. The County is utilizing the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and NOBLE, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives for that hiring process.
Another high note is the County's financial health. In fiscal year 2020, $24 million remains in the undesignated fund balance, which has generally been maintained around $15 million. This is due largely to higher than expected revenues during COVID-19 in combination with a tight fiscal year. It is anticipated that some of these extra funds will be put towards improving security at the County Courthouses and rearranging the Office Park Building to provide more security to Juvenile Court. Another way the County is remaining fiscally responsible is through the implementation of a five-member Revenue Study Committee, who review the appropriate amounts for fees that should be charged for County Services. Their research is then analyzed by the County Auditor to ensure the County is receiving and using tax dollars appropriately and uniformly.
A few other changes include the higher rock walls in Neptune Park. The rock revetment has been raised 8.5 feet in the public area with money received from the OneGeorgia grant. The new golf cart ordinance also went into effect on July 12, 2020, which restricts golf carts from driving on roads with higher than a 35 mile an hour speed limit. Also, 18 more properties were demolished or brought into compliance by the Community Development Department's condemnation program coordinator in her second year. These properties are brought to the county’s attention through community member complaints and go through a legal process with Code Enforcement. Twenty-three more properties are currently in that process.
There’s no doubt it’s been a challenging year. Hopefully our time of plexiglass dividers, masks, and elbow handshakes will come to a safe end, but we’ve been made more efficient by the pandemic, more balanced by our planning, and more prepared by our experiences. This isn’t the time to relax, but to charge ahead, put this past year behind us, and remember what we are thankful for.
|
|
|
|
|
The Budget Process - FY 21/22Glynn County is halfway through their budget process for Fiscal Year 2022, as the Budget Team, which consists of the County Manager, the Assistant County Manager, the County's CFO, Finance Manager, and Budget Analyst, wraps up their meetings with each department to discuss budget requests. The budget process begins in November of each year at the Budget Kickoff Meeting. At the this meeting, the designated Budget Team meets with all departments to walkthrough the Fiscal Year (FY) budget cycle and advises that each department will be expected to justify all budget requests in full, not just the amount more than their approved prior year’s budget. Also requested are organizational charts, goals and objectives, mission statements, performance measures, and personnel requirements. These additional forms help ensure each departments' budget matches their goals and needs for the FY. By the following January, all departments are instructed to have their requested budgets entered into the County's online budgeting software system. Once entered, each department's budget is thoroughly reviewed and challenged by the Budget Team. The budget capital and operating requests are balanced with the estimated revenues that will be collected by the County, as expected revenues must equal or exceed expenditures. After review by the Budget Team, the Recommended Budget is provided to the Board of Commissioners in May for their review and approval. A public notice that the recommended budget is available for review is advertised in the local newspaper, following BOC approval. This ad allows the public the opportunity to review the recommended budget before a public hearing is held in June. The public hearing promotes citizen participation and transparency as well as allows public input into the fiscal year budget before its final adoption.
After extensive work by the Budget Team and the staff in all departments, the budget is adopted in June. Notification of the budget adoption is advertised in the local newspaper and a copy is placed on file in the County Clerk’s office as required by law. The approved budget, which is controlled and maintained by the Finance Department, is then added to the computerized budgetary and financial reporting system for use in the fiscal year, which begins in July. This reporting system allows each department to manage their budgets efficiently and effectively throughout the fiscal year.
|
|
|
|
Employee Spotlight On February 26, 2021, Glynn County Clerk Dhwani Patel was honored for her completion of the Georgia Clerks Education Institute Certificate Program. The certificate is a 101-hour program of classes that begins with a 15-hour state mandated training for new clerks and continues with topics relevant to clerks’ duties as well as professional development and management subjects.
Dhwani started her journey with Glynn County in May 2014 and served as the Administrative Secretary for the BOC and Assistant to the County Manager before taking on the role of County Clerk. She is thankful for the team she works with. When she first started the County Clerk position, she received much encouragement and support from her co-workers. As she moved into the position, she knew the previous County Clerk Cindee Overstreet was a legend and left big shoes to fill. She's grateful she had Cindee's friendship and mentorship before stepping into this role. The institutional knowledge Cindy shared provided her with a good foundation to build on. Dhwani has found that in order to move an organization forward, its helpful to know where it has been. And though challenging, she finds service-related work rewarding. Having a job that is a part of the larger initiative to maintain and improve public life keeps her motivated.
|
|
|
|
Animal SpotlightsThe furry friends at Glynn County Animal Control are hoping for snuggles and treats at the end of the rainbow instead of a pot of gold.
Popeye, Prissy, Daisy, Gruff, Howard, and Sawyer are just a few of the animals hoping their luck changes this month. Come in to meet each of them and their friends. They are all sure to charm their way into your heart!
All adoptable pets can be found on the GCAC Website.
You can schedule a time to meet your new best friend by calling 912-554-7500 or emailing animalservices@glynncounty-ga.gov.
|
|
|
|
|
Popeye is such a goof ball. He enjoys chasing his shadow and playing in the yard. He's an active boy with a heart of gold.
Prissy is a beautifully shy girl, with unique coloring and the softest fur. All she needs is a little love to become anyone's best companion.
Daisy is as sweet as they come. This pretty girl loves getting all the attention she can from her humans, and will do best as the only household pet. Gruff is the life of the party. This smiley boy loves to play and would be an amazing addition to an active family.
Howard loves attention and isn't shy with his affections. He will just plop on your lap to say hi and to get a few head scratches. He would love to be the only king in your home.
Sawyer is a ball of energy looking for the perfect active family to spend his days with. He's a little stingy with his love, and prefers to be the only animal in the house, getting all of his family's attention.
|
|
|
|
|
Amazon Wish ListBefore we know it, Glynn County Animal Control will be moving into their new facility this summer. If you're looking for a new way to partner with Animal Control, please consider donating an item from their Amazon Wish List. All items on this list are specifically picked in order to enhance the new shelter, ensuring it's stocked with the best supplies and equipment for our animals.
If you'd prefer to donate other items, the shelter can never have too many of these types of donations: Dawn dish soap, Laundry detergent, Bleach, Paper towels, Fleece blankets of all sizes, Cat toys, and Dog chews (not rawhide).
|
|
|
|
Community Events
Recreation & Parks Department Programs and AnnouncementsBeach 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.
Pitch, Hit, and Run (Ages 7-14) This free event sponsored by Glynn County Recreation and Parks allows boys and girls age 7 to 14 to showcase pitching, hitting, and running abilities with the opportunity to advance through four levels of competition including the finals of the MLB All-Star Game. Birth certificates are required at registration. On-site registration begins at 5:30pm at the North Glynn Baseball concession stand. Participants do not have to be registered in GCRPD spring leagues.
Day/Date/Time: Wednesday/March 24th/6pm Location: North Glynn Recreation Complex Info: 912-554-7780
American Red Cross Lifeguarding Classes (Ages 15 & Up) Become a certified lifeguard! Participants must meet minimum requirements plus completion of a swim test. Class size is limited. Register early! Session 1: April 5-9/8am-5pm each day/In-Person only Session 2: April 29-May 2/Thurs & Fri 6pm-8pm; Sat & Sun 9am-5pm/Blended Learning Cost: $175 per session Location: Howard Coffin Park More Info: 912-279-2836
Spring Break Camp (Ages 5-12) Children will enjoy a fun-filled week of arts and crafts as well as indoor and outdoor games and activities.
Dates/Time: April 5th-9th/8am-5pm Cost: $55 per camper Location: Howard Coffin Park More Info: 912-279-3810
Spring Junior Tennis Camps (Ages 4-14) Spring Tennis Camps for Juniors are held at Epworth Park. For more information and details on upcoming programs, email glynnrec@glynncounty-ga.gov or call 912-554-7780.
Please follow the Glynn County Recreation and Parks Facebook page for updates on programs, athletics, events, facilities, and services.
Public Meetings & Important Dates - March 8th, Brunswick Area Transportation System (BATS) - Technical Coordinating Committee Meeting: 1:30 PM - Virtual Meeting
- March 8th, Brunswick Area Transportation System (BATS) - Citizen Advisory Committee Meeting: 4:00 PM - Virtual Meeting
- March 9th, Board of Elections Meeting: 6:30 PM - Office Park Building
- March 9th, Mainland Planning Commission Special Called Meeting: 6:00 PM - Glynn County Historic Courthouse
- March 11th, Glynn County Board of Appeals Meeting: 10:00 AM - Glynn County Historic Courthouse
- March 11th, Blythe Island Advisory Board Meeting: 4:00 PM - Ballard Complex Room 129
- March 16th, County Commission Special Called Meeting: 2:00 PM - Glynn County Historic Courthouse
- March16th, Island Planning Commission Meeting: 6:00 PM - The Casino Building 550 Beachview Drive Room 108
- March 17th, Revenue Study Committee Meeting: 9:00 AM - Harold Pate Courthouse Annex
- March 18th, County Commission Meeting: 6:00 PM - Glynn County Historic Courthouse
- March 23rd, Finance Committee Meeting: 2:00 PM - Glynn County Historic Courthouse
- March 24th, Police Advisory Panel Meeting: 5:30 PM - Glynn County Historic Courthouse
- April 1st, County Commission Meeting: 6:00 PM - Glynn County Historic Courthouse
|
|
|
|
Book Review of the MonthAt Home on St. Simons by Eugenia Price For anyone of a certain age from Glynn county, Eugenia Price is sure to bring back wonderful memories. This lovely and delightful memoir is actually more of a love letter to a forgotten St. Simons. First written in 1980 and published in 1981, many will delight at the charming stories of a forgotten and not-so-distant time on the Island. Wonderful, historical glimpses of Miss Price’s books are peppered throughout along with the reminiscences of former St. Simons Island residents. This book is sure to evoke not just a feeling of nostalgia, but will introduce new readers to our beloved St. Simons through a different lens. --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!
|
|
|
|
|
|