Chairman James Burgess
Turner County Board of Commissioners
Leadership Rooted in Community. Vision Focused on Progress.
Our Town Our Future
I’m a lifelong advocate for transparency, equity, and smart growth in rural Georgia. Grounded in service and driven by impact, I focus on creating real solutions for real people — from expanding opportunities for small businesses and youth to ensuring local government works for everyone. My mission is simple: empower people, solve real problems, and build a future we can all be proud of.
My Priorities
Turner County deserves leadership that listens, acts, and delivers. As your Chairman, I’m focused on the issues that matter most to our everyday lives, from creating opportunity to preserving what makes our hometown special. These priorities aren’t just talking points; they are a blueprint for progress rooted in real community values.
✨ Preserving Small Town Charm
We don’t need to trade our identity to grow. I’m committed to protecting the heart and history of Turner County while planning for the future with intention and care.
🏕️ Boosting Parks and Recreation
Every child deserves a safe place to play, and every family deserves space to gather. I’m pushing for stronger investments in our parks, courts, and community spaces.
📣 Amplifying Community Voices
Your voice matters. I’ve made it a priority to increase public input, bring government closer to the people, and ensure every resident feels heard and seen.
💗 Supporting Underserved Communities
From seniors to single parents, I’m focused on reaching those most often left behind. Equity isn’t just a goal; it is the standard we must uphold.
👏 Unifying Public Officials
It’s time for less division and more collaboration. I believe we get further when we lead with respect, listen deeply, and focus on solutions.
📈 Stimulating Economic Growth
We’re building pathways for new businesses, supporting local entrepreneurs, and working to attract the kinds of jobs that keep families thriving here at home.
🔎 Guaranteeing Transparency
I’ve committed to clear updates, open door leadership, and accessible government. The people deserve to know what’s happening and the reasons behind it.
💼 Leveraging My Education and Business Acumen
With experience in both the private and public sectors, I bring a results-driven approach to government by balancing budgets, managing teams, and delivering outcomes.
🧱 Community Development
From housing to broadband to beautification projects, I’m focused on building infrastructure that strengthens our neighborhoods and uplifts our county.
👨🌾 Supporting Our Farmers
Agriculture is the backbone of our economy. I’ll continue fighting to ensure our farmers get the resources, respect, and representation they deserve.
👷♀️ Keeping Public Safety and Public Health Funded
Safe streets and accessible healthcare aren’t optional. They are essential. I’m committed to protecting the budgets that keep our people safe and healthy.
🛣️ Enhancing Public Spaces & Infrastructure
Whether it’s smoother roads, cleaner parks, or improved facilities, I’m working to modernize Turner County without losing what makes it home.
Active Key Projects
This section highlights a select group of key projects I am personally working closely on as part of my role. While these do not represent all initiatives happening across Turner County, they reflect areas where I am most actively involved, helping move progress forward through collaboration, planning, and community input.
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County Manager Hire
Deadline: ASAP
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Turner County Comprehensive Plan Kick-off
Deadline: May 2026
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FY 24-25 Audit Review
Deadline: May 2025
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Disaster Recovery & Redevelopment Plan (DRRP).
Deadline: May 2025
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Liquor by the drink Ordinance
Passed: May 2025
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FY25-26 County Budget
Deadline: July 2025
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MOU with Turner County B.O.E. : Recreation
Deadline: July 2025
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IGA with City of Ashburn : Animal Control
Deadline: July 2025
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Parks & Recreation Revitalization Plan
Deadline: July 2025
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Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) “Fund Strategy”
Deadline: TBD
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Turner County Comprehensive Plan
Deadline: Feb 2026
#OneTurnerCounty
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
— 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
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