The County Compass

In this week’s episode of The County Compass, County Manager Scott Johnson sits down with Public Relations Director Cassidy Harris to talk about how Columbia County communicates and why reaching residents takes more than one platform. 

From social media and videos on the county website, emergency notifications, and beyond, the goal is simple: meet residents where they are with accurate, timely information that’s easy to find. 

Scott and Cassidy talk about how communication has changed over time, the lessons learned along the way, what shapes the county’s day-to-day communication and what happens behind the scenes to get information from county departments to the people who need it.

At the end of the day, good communication isn’t just about putting information put there. It’s about making sure you can find it, understand it and know what to do with it.

License Plate Reader (LPR) technology has become a hot topic, and with all the conversation comes a lot of questions about how it really works. 

On this week’s episode, County Manager Scott Johnson sits down with Major Andy Shedd of the Columbia County Sheriff's Office to break it down. 

What can Deputies see? What information does the system collect? How does Columbia County Sheriff’s Office use it? And what safeguards are in place? 

Major Shedd explains how the technology itself isn’t the goal. It’s a tool law enforcement can use to help prevent and solve crimes while keeping the people who live, work, and raise their families in Columbia County safe. 

We’re going straight to the source to break it all down. 

No assumptions. No speculation. Just an opportunity to better understand the technology and how it is being used in Columbia County.

Columbia County is growing and with growth comes questions, conversations, and different perspectives.

In this week’s episode, County Manager Scott Johnson takes a closer look at what’s being said about the county and compares those perceptions with the facts. 

From population growth and household income to jobs, schools, public safety, taxes, AAA bond ratings and quality of life, Johnson gives a clear picture of where the county stands today. 

This episode separates facts from perception to help tell Columbia County's story.

You’ve heard about the data center coming to Columbia County, but how did we get here and what does it mean for you?

In this week’s episode, County Manager Scott Johnson explains how the county acquired the land, Google’s involvement and the potential for property tax relief.

Johnson also explains the demand for data centers, why companies are choosing Georgia and how Columbia County is positioned to be part of the growing industry.

Ultimately, the goal is simple: grow the commercial tax base and create opportunities to reduce the burden on residential property owners.

Join us today for a closer look a the decisions, challenges, and strategy behind one of the biggest economic development projects in Columbia County.

As Columbia County continues to grow, so does the need for a strong, innovative emergency medical system ready to serve our community. 

In this week’s episode, County Manager Scott Johnson sits down with EMS Chief Ray Blessing to explore how EMS has evolved in Columbia County. 

They discuss the history of EMS, the difference between EMTs and Paramedics, how our current model works and what it takes to provide this critical service. 

From serving a growing population to adaption to new healthcare resources, Columbia County Fire Rescue continues to find new ways to strengthen their emergency response. 

Join us today for a behind-the-scenes look at how CCFR is building on its past and preparing for what’s next. 

In this week’s episode, County Manager Scott Johnson takes us back to 2011, when former Chairman Ron Cross and county leaders began working towards a big goal: a hospital in Columbia County.

Johnson explains the challenges that stood in the way. Georgia's Certificate of Need (CON) laws initially prevented the county from pursuing a hospital under the existing framework. But leaders kept working. Through research, legal analysis, collaboration with state leaders, and the Sole Community Provider pathway, they found a way to meet the requirements and move the project forward.

Join us today as we walk through the original vision, choosing a healthcare partner, navigating leadership changes, legal challenges, and a major public-private partnership.

In this week’s episode, County Manager Scott Johnson sits down with Teka Jenkins from Columbia County Community Connections, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting children, parents, and families throughout our community.
Together, they discuss how Community Connections links families with valuable resources, supports healthy child development, strengthens parenting skills, and helps build a stronger Columbia County. 

You’ll also learn more about their mission, how they partner with local agencies, and the different ways they're helping families access resources they need. 

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or simply want to learn more about resources available in Columbia County, this episode highlights the programs, partnerships, and people working to help local families thrive.

For more information about Columbia County Community Connections, please visit www.cccc4kids.org/

Ever wondered how your property's value is determined or what to do if you disagree with your assessment? 

In this week’s episode, County Manager Scott Johnson sits down with Chief Appraiser Morgan Aune from the Columbia County Tax Assessor's Office to answer commonly asked questions about property assessments. 

Together, they break down how property values are calculated, what factors influence an assessment, and how appraisers work to make sure values are fair and consistent across Columbia County. They also discuss what you can do if you believe your property has been overvalued.

Whether you’re a longtime homeowner or recently purchased a property, this episode offers a closer look into a process that impacts every property owner.  

This week’s episode is a little different, and one you won't want to miss. 

County Manager Scott Johnson welcomes 16-year-old student and Saving Time podcast host, Jaleal Fraley. What starts as a conversation takes an unexpected turn as Fraley flips the script, asking Johnson questions about leadership and local government. 

This fun and engaging conversation highlights the importance of encouraging young leaders, supporting civic engagement, and giving the next generation a seat at the table. 

Join us today to see what happens when curiosity meets community.

As America celebrates 250 years of independence, County Manager Scott Johnson takes you back through Columbia County’s history and its connection to our nation’s founding.

History isn't something just found in textbooks, it’s right here at home.

Join us today as we learn more about the people, places, and stories that helped shape both our community and our country.