It’s another great day in Emanuel County! The roots we planted way back in 1812 paid off in a big way last year. Since its founding more than 200 years ago, Emanuel County has been brimming with hard-working people who never quit, always looking for a better and brighter tomorrow. That spirit is what saw us through what turned out to be a challenging 2024 full of change. In fact, if there’s a single word for Emanuel County to describe the past year, it’s “resiliency.” We faced some big challenges head-on and came out stronger because of our roots.

Here’s how it went. (This is a lengthy update, so we suggest checking out the headers to help you navigate it quicker.)

Leadership Changes and Fresh Faces

This year brought new faces to our county commission. Commissioner Kawame Coleman stepped in for District 1 in April, following the passing of longtime Commissioner Desse Davis. In December, John Moore was sworn in for District 3, filling the seat of another longtime leader, Hugh Foskey. We’re grateful for the service of Desse and Hugh and excited to see how Kawame and John bring fresh energy to the table.

Commissioner Ricky Thompson also reached a major milestone this year, completing his certification through the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) this summer. Training and development remain a priority for our board; all 5 of our commissioners collectively completed 150 hours of training in areas like public safety, economic development, and quality of life, all in the name of serving you better.

Emanuel County also welcomed two new elected officials—Jessica, or, as some of you may know her, “Jessie,” Moran as tax commissioner and Chase Sherrod as probate/magistrate judge. Their predecessors, Sandra Wright and Don Wilkes, dedicated more than 75 years of combined service to this county. That’s a legacy worth honoring. Now, Jessie and Chase are stepping up to continue that work, and we’re excited to see two bright and talented youth take on these important roles and work alongside the commission.

Alongside leadership changes, we’ve had several new employees join county departments, making sure essential services run smoothly. In the tax assessor’s office, we saw a familiar face return—Darryl Gray, stepping back into his old role to help transition leadership after the retirement of Chief Assessor Joyce Lamb. A former longtime assessor, Corrina Coker, has returned to his side as assistant chief appraiser, solidifying continuity in one of the most important offices for citizens.

In addition to the retirement of Sandra, Don, and Joyce, we also said goodbye to three employees: tax clerk Vanessa Coxwell and road department operators Gibson Way and Morris Brantley. Their years of dedication helped shape Emanuel County into what it is today, and we’re grateful for their service.

Weathering the Storm—Literally

Nothing tested us quite like Hurricane Helene. The storm left destruction in its wake, forcing many of us to rebuild our homes, clear out debris, and find ways to move forward. But if there’s one thing this community knows how to do, it’s come together when it matters most. Recovery is still ongoing. Many are still repairing homes and clearing debris, but that’s progress you can see.

Restoring power and communication was no small feat. Helene did a number on our communications network, sending us back decades in an instance. The storm also wiped out our power grid completely; some parts of Emanuel were still in the dark about 2.5 weeks after the storm. Thousands of linemen poured into Emanuel County, working around the clock to bring us back online. May we never forget their selflessness, sacrifice, and hard work.

In the midst of these efforts, our frontline workers also demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to service. Hospital staff, EMS responders, sheriff’s office, firefighters, and other public safety personnel faced severe challenges in reaching their workplaces due to blocked roads and hazardous conditions. Yet, their determination prevailed, ensuring that essential medical care and emergency services remained uninterrupted during one of our community’s most difficult times. Their willingness to overcome personal obstacles to serve the public truly embodies the resilient spirit of Emanuel County.

Hundreds of laborers with our debris management contractor came to Emanuel County and worked quietly and tirelessly for nearly 6 months to bring our beloved home back to her natural beauty. From October 2024 to this February, more than 1.6 million cubic yards were collected—with about another month of clean-up ahead. The cost of this massive effort has been covered mostly by federal funds. FEMA provided 75 percent of the cost, and as of this report’s writing, the state has committed to covering the remaining 25 percent. These dollars have been critical in ensuring Emanuel County could focus on recovery without bearing the financial burden of such an extensive clean-up. This effort was especially critical for our smaller cities, whose budgets simply couldn’t have absorbed such an expense. Years of sound fiscal management allowed us to take on that responsibility, ensuring all our citizens could recover together.

The county also strengthened bonds with leadership in its eight municipalities. When disaster struck, politics took a backseat and public service came first. Our leaders did what they were supposed to do: they led. Communications were strong—at least in ways we could control (cell towers were down, after all). We worked hand in hand to meet the needs of our citizens, proving that government, when done right, truly works for the people.

Help came from all directions. FEMA set up a Disaster Recovery Center in Swainsboro, staying for nearly three months to assist residents. Meanwhile, at the county’s request, the chamber of commerce established the Emanuel County Disaster Relief Fund, raising around $60,000 that stayed right here to help our own. Emanuel County’s generosity shone beyond its borders too. Several outside donations came in and were distributed, reinforcing the heart of our community.

Another unexpected positive? America Knits donated specially designed Emanuel-themed t-shirts in the weeks following the storm. The chamber handled distribution, ensuring that all proceeds went directly to the disaster fund. While not a county-run initiative, it was another example of the private and public sectors coming together to support our neighbors. If you’re still interested in purchasing a shirt, you can reach out to the chamber.

Beyond immediate relief, we’re taking steps to prepare for the future. In collaboration with the University of Georgia’s PROPEL Rural Scholars organization, we are developing a comprehensive natural disaster-specific hazard mitigation plan. This document will be a critical tool in the event of future storms and will also position us for potential grant funding to further strengthen our infrastructure.

Speaking of infrastructure, our Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was put to the test for the first time in a full-scale emergency, and watching it in action was a powerful reminder that capital investments in preparedness are not just worthwhile—they are essential. The success of our response to Hurricane Helene was due in no small part to the dedicated leadership and coordination of key individuals across county departments.

Our county administrator, Guy Singletary, played an outstanding role in overseeing and directing emergency response efforts, ensuring a swift and effective countywide strategy. Public Works Director Justin Morris led his team through immense challenges while keeping safety at the forefront, resulting in zero reported injuries among county crews throughout the storm response.

Public Safety Coordinator Courtney Terwilliger and Fire Support/Public Safety Officer Foster Grimes managed complex logistical operations alongside EMA/911 director, Martha Culbreth, whose leadership helped maintain emergency communications and coordination despite widespread service disruptions. Meanwhile, county clerk Halei Lamb expertly managed the county’s communication channels, keeping citizens informed with minimal technological resources, often relying solely on social media when cell towers and traditional networks were down.

Beyond county officials, our recovery efforts were strengthened by strike teams from various agencies, including the National Guard, Georgia’s forestry service, and other state and federal partners, all of whom played a crucial role in clearing roads, distributing resources, and restoring infrastructure. Additionally, Emanuel County was supported by its local civic clubs, churches, food pantries, and nonprofits, whose service and generosity provided critical relief to those in need.

A special thanks is also due to our county employees who showed up to work as usual despite facing an unpredictable and ever-changing situation. Many took on roles outside of their normal duties, seamlessly adapting to cross-departmental tasks wherever they were needed—without hesitation or complaint. Their commitment to serving our citizens, no matter the circumstances, was a testament to the dedication that makes Emanuel County exceptional.

Though the full financial toll of Helene is still being calculated, early estimates put damages in the millions. As mentioned previously, state and federal dollars will play a significant role in covering the recovery costs, alleviating the burden on local taxpayers. Thanks to responsible financial planning over the years, Emanuel County was able to mobilize resources immediately without hesitation, ensuring a fast and effective response. This storm may have been one of the hardest trials we’ve faced, but it has also reinforced our strength, our leadership, and our ability to rise to any challenge.

Major Investments in County Facilities

Infrastructure development has been a common marker of progress this past year. We have several major projects in motion that will serve our community for generations to come.

One of the most anticipated projects, the new 15,000-square-foot administrative building on West Moring Street, has moved into the final stages of construction. Although its official completion and move-in won’t happen until early 2025, this facility is a significant milestone for the county. Despite the setbacks caused by Hurricane Helene, we largely stayed on track, demonstrating our commitment to efficiency and dependability. Once finished, the building will consolidate several essential county offices—including the tax assessor, tax commissioner, and elections office—into one centralized location. It will also house the Swainsboro precinct, Emanuel County’s largest polling location, ensuring improved accessibility to voting, including ADA-compliant features.

To further enhance convenience and accessibility, the facility will include a drive-through at the tax commissioner's office allowing citizens with mobility challenges to handle tax, tag, and title services without leaving their vehicle.

Another major project is the renovation of the historic Coleman Hotel, which began with its demolition phase in the summer of 2024. Commissioners’ office staff temporarily relocated down the street while the building undergoes extensive redevelopment. When completed, the Coleman will serve as the new and improved home of the Board of Commissioners, records retention, a new board room, conference rooms, training spaces, and offices for the county administrator, district attorney, Emanuel County Extension/4-H program, sheriff’s investigators, building inspection and code enforcement, coroner, and finance, human resources, and information technology teams.

This project is particularly meaningful because it preserves a critical piece of Emanuel County’s history, the 1936-built Coleman Hotel, while also providing much-needed space for government operations. The renovation ensures that vital county services remain in a single, functional location while keeping jobs local. The district attorney’s office, for example, could have relocated outside the county without an updated facility here. This project reflects our commitment to preserving our past while preparing for the future.

Expanding and Enhancing Recreation

Emanuel County made significant strides in recreational development in 2024, marking the first full year we have operated our recreation department as a fully county-run operation, independent from the City of Swainsboro. This transition has allowed us to expand and enhance our recreational offerings to better serve citizens of all ages and abilities.

The heart of a project that targets major upgrades to our baseball and softball complexes is finally getting underway after the project got its start in 2024 when the county put out a request for proposals for construction management. In the end, improvements will include new lighting, batting cage covers, fencing, and other facility enhancements. Additionally, the county put out an RFP for construction management for the soon-to-be designed and constructed Olympic-sized swimming pool, providing a much-needed aquatic facility for the community.

Already completed last year, we have seen significant improvements, including updated bathrooms and new scoreboards at the baseball complex, new pickleball courts added to the gym, and renovations to the conference room inside the gym, which now features updated trophy displays. The community also has plenty to celebrate in terms of athletic success as Emanuel County proudly brought home three state championships across different sports this year.

In terms of leadership, longtime recreation department staff member Jerry Lawson was ushered in as the new recreation director, alongside a newly appointed assistant director, Mitchell Hudson. Their leadership is driving the department forward with a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring programming meets the diverse needs of our community, just as we envisioned in the acquisition of the rec. The expansion of recreational offerings now includes more nontraditional and adaptive sports, ensuring opportunities for individuals of all ages and physical abilities.

These achievements mark an exciting new chapter for recreation in Emanuel County, where we are fostering a more inclusive, engaging, and well-maintained environment for youth and adult athletics alike.

Strengthening Public Safety and Everyday Emergency Response

Public safety remains a top priority in Emanuel County, and this year, we made significant investments to enhance our fire and emergency response services.

In the summer, we secured nearly three-quarters of a million dollars in federal funding for fire department improvements, allowing us to invest in new turnout gear and two new fire engines. While the gear has yet to be ordered, we’ve already put those funds to work by purchasing two fire trucks. One of these will replace an outdated engine in Oak Park while the location of the second truck is still being determined. These additions will ensure our fire departments are well-equipped to respond effectively to emergencies across the county.

Emergency medical services also saw a major upgrade with the addition of a brand-new ambulance to our fleet. The 2024 Ford E-450, purchased using SPLOST VI funds, comes fully equipped with state-of-the-art features to enhance emergency response capabilities. Its arrival in March fulfilled a promise made back in 2022 and further strengthened our ability to provide timely and effective care in emergency situations.

Additionally, we welcomed Foster Grimes as our new Fire Support/Public Safety Officer. His expertise and leadership will help ensure our fire and emergency services remain well-coordinated and prepared for any situation.

With these investments, we are continuing to build a safer Emanuel County, where our first responders have the tools and resources they need to protect and serve our community.

Commitment to Community Beautification, Sustainability, and Roadways

Emanuel County continues to invest in keeping our community clean and accessible for all residents. One of our biggest community beautification efforts came in November with another successful Tire Amnesty Day, a program designed to encourage proper disposal of old tires. According to our Public Works Director Justin Morris, the event November 23 collected 186,560 pounds of tires for a total weight of 93.28 tons with 64 county residents or property owners participating. The Keep Emanuel Beautiful Organization played a key role, raising awareness about the event and providing volunteers to assist with traffic control. This initiative, made possible through an EPA grant, is an example of our ongoing dedication to sustainability and responsible waste management.

Beyond beautification, our road infrastructure remains a top priority. Given the vastness of Emanuel County and our significant number of dirt roads, maintaining and improving our transportation network is critical. In 2024, we re-submitted for another round of Transportation Investment Act (TIA) and Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) funding, which has historically allowed us to improve roads across the county. We used these funds to address key roads in need of repair and resurfacing, and in 2025, we have already applied for additional funding to expand these efforts.

As we continue to receive updates from the Public Works Department, we will refine our road infrastructure plans to ensure residents and businesses benefit from safer, more efficient transportation routes. Investing in road improvements not only enhances mobility but also strengthens economic opportunities and overall quality of life for everyone in Emanuel County.

Advancing Technology and Cybersecurity

Emanuel County continues to invest in modern technology and digital security to improve services and public safety. One of the most critical technology advancements this year has been the new P-25 radio communication system, which is steadily moving toward going live. This system will replace the outdated analog system, bringing our emergency communications into the 21st Century with a more reliable and efficient digital network.

Despite some setbacks in 2024, including delays caused by a historic preservation investigation at one of the sites, progress is back on track. The county successfully erected all necessary radio towers and, in a major milestone, our IT team traveled to Chicago to witness the assembly and successful testing of the new system. The final step before going live will be two-fold: first, ensuring all agreements between the county, local municipalities, the school board, and the college are fully executed, and second, the arrival of the handheld and mobile units. These intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) were finalized in February in anticipation of the system hopefully becoming operational within the next six to seven months. Once in place, this digital system will significantly improve the reliability of communication across emergency services, ensuring faster response times and better coordination during crises.

Another major but quieter accomplishment came on the cybersecurity front. Just six weeks after Hurricane Helene, Emanuel County's IT system faced an unexpected challenge: a ransomware attack that could have jeopardized county operations. However, the county’s investment in cloud-based systems and strong backup protocols paid off. Our IT team was able to completely rebuild the county’s network without paying a ransom, utilizing backups and installing new hard drives to restore operations efficiently.

This rapid response saved the county significant financial loss while also preventing any sensitive data from being leaked or compromised. The ability to recover so quickly is a testament to the strategic decisions made in recent years to strengthen our IT infrastructure, ensuring that government services remain secure and operational no matter the threat.

A New, Comprehensive Website

Speaking of technology, Emanuel County’s website has undergone a complete overhaul, transforming it into a modern, user-friendly platform that better serves our citizens. This new site was designed to be a one-stop shop for residents seeking county services, ensuring transparency, accessibility, and ease of navigation.

The homepage now features direct links to some of the most frequently accessed services, including paying taxes and citations, searching property records, signing up for recreation, registering to vote, viewing agendas, minutes, and county codes, applying for employment and emergency alerts, and even applying to be a volunteer firefighter. In addition, citizens can report littering, seek solid waste guidance, and access alcohol licensing information and current-year licensees.

We’ve also added an expanded directory of county departments and offices, featuring headshots of department leaders, new biographies for commissioners, a comprehensive overview of services offered by the county, including the tax assessor’s office, fire and rescue (to include prevention education, resources for fire survivors, and a list of all fire stations in the county), the sheriff’s and coroner’s offices, animal services, EMS, and the courts, along with helpful information about local elections such as voting guides, polling places, and a results archive.

Additionally, Building Inspection & Code Enforcement now provides online access to common forms while the road department features a work order form and soon-to-be completed road project tables. The Keep Emanuel Beautiful Organization (KEB) section now includes a donation link and a form to request clean-up help for a specific area of Emanuel, further emphasizing our commitment to a cleaner county.

One of the most exciting new features is the Community Board/Authority Volunteerism Application, which allows residents to express interest in serving on county boards and authorities. This form includes a variety of checkboxes for different opportunities, ensuring that applications are retained for a full year. Since its implementation in December, we’ve used it several times to solicit applications and ultimately make 4 appointments to various board.

Rounding out the website update, our new Community Tab provides a deep dive into Emanuel County’s key statistics, history, municipalities, attractions, education, healthcare, and utilities—with a future section on local media coming soon.

This overhaul took nearly a year to complete and while it includes a wealth of information, we encourage residents to take advantage of the built-in search feature to navigate the content easily. Ultimately, the goal was to make government services more accessible, informative, and transparent, offering Emanuel County citizens a seamless digital experience. Of course, as always, we remain available for in-person assistance whenever needed.

Looking Forward into 2025

Through every storm, through every challenge, and through every moment of change, Emanuel County stands strong—rooted in the hard work and perseverance of those who came before us. The foundation built by generations of determined citizens is what continues to carry us forward. We weathered 2024 with resilience, proving once again that when Emanuel County is tested, we don’t just withstand the storm. We grow from it.

That growth will continue in 2025, beginning with the implementation of HB581, the homestead property tax relief measure overwhelmingly authorized by voters in November 2024. This measure is a game-changer for homeowners, offering tangible tax relief at a rate that takes inflation into account. Additionally, citizens will have the opportunity to vote this November on a 1-cent sales tax, which, if passed, would literally afford commissioners a means to substantially lower the millage rate, easing the tax burden on property owners even more.

Our court system remains one of the most efficient and well-run in the state, a model of excellence in judicial operations. Emanuel County Clerk of Superior Court Kristin Hall and her team continue to set the standard for what a clerk’s office should be by maintaining thoroughness, accuracy, efficiency, and integrity in every aspect of their work.

We are also proud of our strong education sector, which remains a pillar of growth in Emanuel County. Our partnership with the Emanuel County Board of Education is instrumental in shaping the future, and we are fortunate to have both East Georgia State College (EGSC) and Southeastern Technical College (STC) expanding opportunities for students right in our backyard.

We take great pride in being “The Place to Grow.” And that’s not just a slogan; it’s who we are and what we do. Whether it’s rebuilding after a hurricane, enhancing access to essential services, or strengthening the bonds between our municipalities, Emanuel County is always looking ahead, always preparing for what’s next, always growing.

As we embark on another year, let’s carry forward the spirit of resilience that has defined us for 212 years and counting. Let’s continue to build a county that is stronger, smarter, and more connected than ever before.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for making Emanuel County the incredible place it is. And most of all, thank you for being a part of our future.

Here’s to 2025.

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 call 478-237-3881; follow us on Facebook; or visit us at 124 North Main Street, Swainsboro.

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