The County Compass

In this week’s episode, county manager Scott Johnson reflects on the unexpected loss of Major Steve Morris and the lasting impact he made on our community.The legacy of leaders like Major Morris live on in the systems they helped build, the people they trained and the culture of professionalism they helped establish. Join us today as we look at additional leadership transitions happening across the county, including retirements and term-limited roles and how the county prepares for those changes through succession planning and steady leadership.

In this week’s episode, we’re breaking down the State of Emergency issued by Governor Brian Kemp in response to the South Georgia wildfires, along with the statewide burn ban from the Georgia Forestry Commission.We’re also talking about what a Level 1 drought designation from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division means for our area, especially when it comes to fire risk and water supply. Plus, we’re sharing simple steps you can take to help prevent wild fires and conserve water. Staying informed and proactive makes a difference.

After nearly two decades of leadership, County Manager Scott Johnson will retire on January 2nd, 2027. In this week's episode, he reflects on the milestones, challenges, and partnerships that have helped shape Columbia County and why he is confident in what comes next.

Masters week is one of the most exciting times of the year for our area. In this week’s episode, we’re taking a closer look at how tournament week impacts Columbia County.  The tournament doesn't just bring in the best golfers, it puts more people in our local restaurants, shops, sidewalks and more cars our roads creating a noticeable buzz that can be felt for miles. From county leaders, to traffic control and public safety operators, it takes everyone working together to make sure this week runs smoothly for residents and visitors alike.  Join us today for the full story!

In this week’s episode, we’re take a closer look at House Bill 439 which just passed the Georgia House and Senate. The next stop is the Governor's desk and then it heads to you, the voters, this November.House Bill 439 gives local governments the necessary tools to help lower property taxes for homeowners. But getting here hasn't been easy. Earlier legislation didn’t make it through, so we worked with our delegation to find other options to move forward and that turned in to House Bill 439. Join us today as we break down what this means, how it would work, what could change and what Columbia County homeowners can expect moving forward.

Ever wonder how traffic flows through Columbia County and what’s being done behind the scenes improve it?In this week’s episode, we take you inside the county’s Intelligent Traffic Network for a deeper look at the technology helping create safer roads. From analyzing traffic patterns to planning road widening projects and signal placement, every decision is driven by real data. We’re also breaking down how traffic cameras, vehicle counts, and system-wide coordination work together to keep things moving efficiently. Plus, you’ll learn how preemption technology gives emergency vehicles priority at traffic signals, helping first responders get where they need to be when seconds count. 

In this week’s episode of the County Compass, we look back at the one-year mark since Columbia County completed it’s response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.  From county staff working around the clock to residents stepping up to help their neighbors, the cleanup effort showed what’s possible when everyone shares a common goal. We also highlight the recognition Columbia County has received for these efforts, the lessons we’ve shared with other counties and ways residents can stay informed during severe weather emergencies with our HyperReach emergency notification system. Join us today as we take a look back at resilience, teamwork, and the importance of staying prepared. 

Decisions made at the Georgia State Capitol can have a direct impact on Columbia County. In this week’s episode, County Manager Scott Johnson breaks down how Columbia County stays connected with our State Delegation during the legislative session. From tracking bills to following them through crossover and final passage, the county works around the clock to stay informed on issues that could impact our community.Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the legislative process and what proposed legislation the county is watching this session.

This week, we’re highlighting the hard work that makes Columbia County a great place to live and work.From the Finance Department receiving the Triple Crown Award, to our AAA bond rated government, the Fire Department’s ISO-1 rating, to Public Works awards, and EMA being named 2025 Agency of the Year, Columbia County has a lot to celebrate.These awards and accreditations aren't just titles, they reflect the commitment to service, safety, and stewardship for our community. Tune in this week to learn more about the people who make it all happen.

In this episode, we take a look back at the history of Columbia County and explore how growth has shaped the community we know today. Change can sometimes feel uncertain, but it can also bring opportunity, innovation, and progress. Today, County Manager, Scott Johnson discusses where the county has been, how it has evolved over the years, and what the future may hold. Understanding our past helps us prepare for what's ahead. Join us for a conversation about growth, vision, and the road forward. 

In Episode 2 of The County Compass, County Manager Scott Johnson walks through government 101, breaking down exactly how our local government operates. From the Board of Commissioners to Constitutional Offices, our cities, Board of Education, and beyond, Johnson explains how these offices work together to keep the county moving forward. 

Welcome to the first episode of The County Compass, Columbia County's new podcast designed to keep residents informed, engaged, and connected.In today's episode, County Manager Scott Johnson shares how the idea for the podcast came to life, the County's vision for transparent communication, and the importance of getting your information directly from the source. Tune in to learn what The County Compass is all about and what you can expect from future episodes.