Click Here To See A More Detailed List
News
Fire Department
Our county fire department was in a terrible state of disrepair. Scott learned about the negative impact this would have on residents insurance rates. He, along with the other commissioners have focused on rebuilding our fire department as economically as possible. In 3 years, 7 fire engines and 4 tankers have been purchased. While it is still a work in progress, our fire department is steadily improving and should have a very positive impact on residents.
Grants
One of Scott's initial target areas was grant funding. Working closely with grant writers, Scott and the commission has applied for and received grants with an overall impact of over $1,800,000 over 3 years. This has helped to replace worn road department equipment, provide vehicles and equipment for EMS and FIRE, provide safety equipment for officers, and provide safer and more economical vehicles for deputies. Grants have also allowed the commission to begin much needed updates on the Mystic water system.
Communication Services
Between internet, office phones, and cellular phones, Scott and the commissioners have found over $48,000 in annual savings by consolidating unused lines and moving services to one local provider which has provided exemplary service.
Roads
While roads will always be a challenge, the commission has invested over $310,000 into drainage projects by replacing damaged/aging pipes. Over $1,540,000 has been invested into paving/resurfacing projects with an additional $1,260,000 in projects set to be completed this year. Utilizing grant funds where possible, over $1,000,000 has been invested in equipment.
Detention Center
Through the hard work of our commission, our sheriff, and the detention center staff, the Irwin County Detention Center has remained open. The detention center is one of the county's largest employers and generates revenue for multiple local businesses. Saving those jobs and revenue is crucial to our local economy. The detention center also provides 35 beds to the county for housing our inmates at no charge to the county. Those 35 beds saves Irwin County over $1,000,000 annually in inmate housing cost due. We appreciate our partnership with the detention center and will continue to fight for it's success.
South Central Drug Task Force
When Scott took office he found that there were concerns surrounding our drug task force. The main concern was it's grant status. The SCDTF was founded as a multi-jurisdictional drug unit. Over time the other 3 counties dropped out, leaving only Ocilla and Irwin. The SCDTF grant provides approximately $150,000 of assistance annually. In order to continue to receive those funds, the SCDTF needed two other agencies to sign on. By working with neighboring law enforcement agencies, the South Central Drug Task board, consisting of the Chairman, Sheriff, Mayor, and Police Chief, have signed agreements which will secure the future of the grant. This is a huge success since it relieves that burden from our local taxpayers and protects our community from being overrun with drugs and crime.
Hospital
When Scott took office in 2021, Irwin County Hospital was on the verge of closing. Scott vowed to leave no stone unturned in his search for savings for the county and one of those searches led him to an answer for the hospital. Scott wanted to keep EMS as a county service but felt he owed it to the community to explore options. While looking at a private EMS company, the owner of the company introduced him to Quentin Whitwell. Whitwell is the founder of Progressive Health Systems out of Mississippi and specializes in managing small rural hospitals. After a trip to Mississippi to vet Whitwell, Scott and hospital board Chairman Chris Paulk felt that Whitwell gave them the best chance at turning the hospital around. Less than 2 years later, the hospital has made an amazing turnaround. Irwin County Hospital is now financially stable and currently looking at options to expand services.