Columbia County Manager Scott Johnson Announces Retirement Effective Jan. 2, 2027

Scott Johnson, Columbia County’s county manager, announced on the County Compass podcast that he will retire effective Jan. 2, 2027, and said he will continue working through the remainder of the year.

"It’s with a full heart and deep gratitude that I announce my retirement as your county manager effective 01/02/2027," Johnson said on the recorded episode. He said the announcement was made April 20 and that he plans to remain on the job until the stated effective date to complete outstanding work.

Johnson used the episode to review accomplishments during his time in office and to explain his decision. He credited more than 1,400 county employees and a supportive board for the county’s progress and said Columbia County is "financially sound, forward thinking, and ready for continued success." He cited several financial measures and projects as evidence of that claim: he said the county has maintained its lowest millage rate in 35 years, that operating budgets now exceed $400,000,000 a year, assets are "very close to $1,000,000,000," and that Columbia County holds a AAA bond rating from all three major rating agencies.

Johnson highlighted infrastructure and capital work funded in part by SPLOST and T‑SPLOST, saying the county has repaved and widened major corridors, built connectors and greenways, and made substantial stormwater and water-utility investments. He named current projects including an expansion of the Justice Center and a new government complex, and outlined plans for a Patriots Park south of I‑20 with indoor courts and multiple athletic fields.

On economic development, Johnson defended the county’s approach to data centers, saying the board placed strict conditions on approvals and that the projects will occupy "less than 3% of the entire land in the county." He said those projects are expected to generate substantial revenue and predicted that the revenue could help reduce or eliminate homestead property taxes over time. "We said yes to the smart projects, but we said no to a lot of projects that didn’t fit," he said.

Johnson recounted the county’s emergency response to Hurricane Helene, describing coordinated work with Georgia Power, Jefferson Electric, FEMA and GEMA, the establishment of shelters and recovery sites, and what he characterized as a more-than-$100,000,000 recovery effort. He also noted awards won across county departments and said he was humbled to receive a lifetime achievement honor from the Georgia City/County Managers Association.

Johnson addressed rumors circulating after his announcement, denying that he is "running away because I’m afraid of the election" or selling his house. "I’m not selling my home and I’m not running from anything," he said, and also denied any suggestion of improper payments or intent to control county affairs after leaving: "I’m not going to work for a data center or anything affiliated with a data center. I’m not getting paid off in some shady deal. I would never do that."

On his plans after leaving the county manager’s office, Johnson said he does not expect to return to full‑time local government work but is open to opportunities in the private sector or higher education and to volunteer roles. He said he plans to remain part of the community personally and civically.

The podcast episode included a final message urging residents who criticize county decisions to participate publicly and attach their names to comments: "If you want to be involved in this community and you really want to make a difference, put your name behind what you write," he said.

Johnson asked listeners with questions about his transition to contact the county through its normal channels and the county website, columbiacountyga.gov. He said the next county manager will inherit a "strong, well-run organization" and closed the episode by thanking staff, commissioners and residents for their support.

(Reporting based solely on comments Johnson made on the County Compass podcast; no formal succession plan or appointment was announced during the episode.)