“Come on in!”
That’s the kind of greeting you’ll get (with a warm smile!) from the happy folks inside the newly-opened Davis–Thompson Building. And they’re not just being polite. They’re joyful to finally have a brand-new, modern, functional, beautiful space to work in.
Now open at 223 West Moring Street in Swainsboro, the Davis–Thompson Building brings together three essential Emanuel County departments under one roof: the tax commissioner’s office, the tax assessor’s office, and the elections office. Whether you’re renewing a tag, appealing your property value, or heading in to vote, this new space makes the experience more comfortable, more efficient, and more accessible for every citizen.
The building designed by Buckley & Associates and built by Pope Construction was officially christened on the afternoon of Monday, April 21, with a ribbon cutting ceremony that drew nearly 200 attendees. County Administrator L. Guy Singletary welcomed guests, followed by an address from Commission Chairman Jim Sherrod, who shared the project’s backstory and the significance behind its name.
“This isn’t just a government project. It’s a tribute,” said the chairman. “The Davis–Thompson Building honors two beloved members of our board who saw the value in this not just as a facility but as an investment in how we do business with the people we represent. Those two men left behind a lasting legacy of public service, and there’s no place better fit for serving the public than the building we’ve named in their memory.”
That legacy belongs to the late Desse Davis and the late Keith Thompson, two longtime commissioners whose names now grace a designation plaque on the building’s façade.
Together, the two served more than five decades on the commission, becoming two of Emanuel County’s most respected and tenured public servants. Both passed away while still holding office—but not before playing a direct role in making the Davis–Thompson Building possible. Alongside fellow commissioners Hugh Foskey and James Ray Canady, Davis and Thompson were part of the board that voted in June 2022 to authorize the project. (Canady was in Monday’s crowd to witness the historic moment, but Foskey was unable to attend due to a prior commitment.) Of those who cast that pivotal vote, Chairman Jim Sherrod is the only member still serving today. During Monday’s ceremony, he reflected on the leadership and legacy of the building’s namesakes.
Beyond the commission chambers, Davis and Thompson were prominent community figures whose service extended far beyond politics. “Coach Davis,” as he was commonly called by many in the community, began his tenure in 1995, was a longtime educator and coach (hence his affectionate moniker), and church deacon whose decades of public service shaped generations of Emanuel County families. Likewise, “Mr. Keith,” elected in 1999, was a former business owner, church leader, and dedicated board member for several local organizations. Both men were highly regarded for their commitment to Emanuel County and for believing that government should work hard, stay humble, and always serve with heart.
Their families stood at both ends of the ribbon during the ceremonial snip, surrounded by current board members, department heads, and project partners.
Light refreshments prepared by All The Fixin’s and generously provided by GIS1, Emanuel County’s longtime partner for GIS mapping, were available for guests to enjoy after the grand opening and group photo. Attendees were also free to explore public areas of the building during the social hour.
“Our dad loved this community tremendously and devoted much of his time and efforts in helping to make it a better place to live as an educator, a coach and as a public servant,” said Desse’s daughter, Natalie, on behalf of herself and her brother, John. “We are deeply appreciative to the Emanuel County commissioners and County Administrator Guy Singletary for bestowing this honor to him. We hope the name on the Davis-Thompson Building serves as a testament to his work and dedication to our community.”
Lynn Thompson, Keith’s wife, added, “My husband believed government should be personal, that it should work for the people who walk through its doors. Seeing this building now, filled with light and life, is a reminder of that. It’s absolutely beautiful, and we are very touched this space was named for Keith and Mr. Desse. They loved Emanuel County and its citizens, and I know they would be so proud, thankful, and truly humbled. I know Keith was so excited about the future of this project. To see it completed, I say, ‘Job well done.’”
To honor both men even further, painted portraits will be commissioned later this year and displayed inside the building, giving future visitors a face to go with the names and stories that shaped the space.
Employees across all three departments echoed the sense of pride and relief in their new home.
“We’re really grateful,” said Elections Clerk Elizabeth Elliott. “For the first time, our workspace is fully accessible and set up for the public to navigate easily. It’s clear when you walk through this building that the people behind it thought of everything. It’s so functional here—not just for us employees but for voters, too. Obviously we haven’t had an election here yet since we’ve only been moved in for 2 weeks or so, but I know when we do open the precinct for voting next time, people are going to appreciate this new building just like we do.”
The 15,000-square-foot government center was designed with both function and dignity in mind. It features: a dedicated drive-through window for quick tag and title transactions; spacious conference rooms to accommodate board of assessors’ meetings and inter-agency collaboration; an on-site voting precinct, replacing the 4-H clubhouse location, a major win for voters with physical limitations; ample, secure storage space for the tax commissioner’s office; expanded research and customer service areas for the tax assessor’s staff; and more. Each department now has the physical room and infrastructure needed to better serve the public. The building is fully handicap-accessible and laid out to make navigation simple and streamlined.
The Davis–Thompson Building replaces the former Mitchell Building at 101 South Main Street, which had housed these departments for decades. After extensive evaluation, the county determined renovation would cost more than new construction, and, even if budgetary concerns were void, a renovated space still wouldn’t solve the building’s foundational limitations.
Following Monday night’s regular meeting, the Emanuel County Board of Commissioners approved plans to auction the Mitchell Building in the coming weeks. The goal: reduce the county’s real estate footprint, lower long-term maintenance costs, and move on from a building no longer fit for service.
The new facility was made possible through federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, voter-approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) dollars, and sound financial decisions, including early bond repayments, that freed up local funds for capital investment. Notably, no property taxes were used to construct the Davis–Thompson.
Chairman Sherrod said during Monday’s ceremony, “Any time we open a building that helps us serve the people of Emanuel County better—and do it responsibly, affordably, and for the future—that is a great day.” County Administrator L. Guy Singletary agreed.
“This building is modern, it’s efficient, and it’s thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of every citizen who walks through its doors, thanks to, first and foremost, the commissioners who made it happen,” he said. “Because of their leadership, we’re meeting the needs of our citizens better than we were before, and that is, in fact, a great day.”
Residents are encouraged to stop by the new Davis–Thompson Building during regular business hours to explore the space and learn more about the services now offered there. The elections and the tax assessor’s offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. The tax commissioner’s office is also open Monday through Friday starting at 8 AM but closes 30 minutes earlier (at 4:30 PM).
A photo gallery of the ribbon cutting is available for viewing.
The Emanuel County Board of Commissioners governs Emanuel County, focusing on legislative and administrative responsibilities. Comprised of representatives from five districts, the board oversees policies and programs that impact local development, budgeting, and public services. Commissioners work collectively to ensure fiscal responsibility and address community needs, collaborating with other county departments and agencies. They are committed to supporting economic growth, public safety, and community well-being across Emanuel County.
For more information about the commissioners and for the latest from the county government, visit 124 North Main Street in Swainsboro; call 478-237-3881; or follow us on Facebook.
###