Ribbon cutting set for Davis–Thompson Building

Emanuel County is opening the doors to a new era of public service with the debut of a new administrative space.

The Emanuel County Board of Commissioners will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, April 21, at 3 PM to mark the official opening of the new Davis–Thompson Building in Swainsboro.

Located at 223 West Moring Street, the new facility brings together three critical public offices (the tax assessor’s office, the tax commissioner’s office, and the elections office) under one roof. In addition to creating a more modern and functional working space for staff, the Davis–Thompson Building enhances public access by consolidating services and offering updated amenities for Emanuel County citizens.

The building is named in memory of two of the county’s most respected and longest-serving commissioners, the late Desse Davis and the late Keith Thompson. They served a combined 52 years as commissioners, shaping the community and championing accessible government.

The new office was designed by Buckley & Associates and built by Pope Construction, both of whom are longtime partners in public projects for Emanuel County. Their experience, professionalism, and community ties helped ensure the success of a project that reflects both quality and efficiency.

The project was officially approved by the Emanuel County Board of Commissioners in June 2022 with ground broken in July 2023. Construction on the building itself took about a year from start to finish.

“This building represents both the legacy of two outstanding public servants and the progress we’re making in delivering better services to the people of Emanuel County,” said Chairman Jim Sherrod. “We’re proud of what this space stands for and, more importantly, how it’ll help our county, and we think Mr. Desse and Mr. Keith would be, too.”

The 15,000-square-foot facility is fully handicap-accessible and features several improvements designed with public convenience in mind. Highlights include a drive-through window for tax payments and title transactions, dedicated handicap-friendly entrances and exits for elections, and expanded conference space to support the work of the board of assessors and other county business.

The project was made possible through a combination of federal relief funding and long-term financial planning. Construction was funded in part by the American Rescue Plan Act, a federal initiative designed to help local governments recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emanuel County’s leadership also prioritized strategic financial decisions such as paying down bonds and leveraging strong year-end balances alongside the use of voter-approved SPLOST dollars, which allowed the county to fund improvement projects like this one without relying on general fund revenue or property tax dollars.

“Bringing this facility to life has been a team effort from start to finish. To me, it reflects the county commission’s prioritization of fiscal responsibility and a tangible commitment to serving the public well,” said Chairman Sherrod. “We look forward to opening the doors and welcoming the community in.”

As of this week, two of the affected offices are finalizing their move to the new Davis–Thompson Building, which means temporary closures are in place to accommodate the transitions.

The Emanuel County Tax Assessor’s Office will wrap up its two-day closure Wednesday, April 16. (It began Tuesday, April 15). Business as usual for the tax office will resume Thursday, April 17.

As for the Emanuel County Elections Office, it will close Thursday, April 17, and reopen Monday, April 21.

Anyone needing to do business with either of these offices is encouraged to plan around these closures or wait until staff are settled into the Davis–Thompson Building, which is located next door to the Swainsboro post office and across from The Nordson Center.

The Emanuel County Tax Commissioner’s Office has already completed its move and resumed operations at the new facility. Jessica Moran and her team reopened for business on Monday, April 14.

These staggered closures have allowed all three departments (the tax commissioner’s office, the tax assessor’s office, and elections) to vacate the Mitchell Building, an aging facility just off Highway 1 at the corner of Main and Main across from the fountain square.

The Davis–Thompson Building brings these essential departments together under one modern, accessible roof and marks a major step forward in improving customer service and convenience for Emanuel County residents.

The ribbon cutting for the county’s newest office hub is open to the public. Following the ceremonial snip, guests will be welcome to see the new space for themselves.

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 124 North Main Street in Swainsboro; call 478-237-3881; follow us on Facebook; or visit www.emanuelco-ga.gov.