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Jasper County chairman John Kemp outlines transparency, growth management and transportation priorities
Summary
John Kemp, chairman of Jasper County Council, described a new council’s priorities including financial audits, debt retirement, appointments to regional boards, code enforcement, growth management and transportation referendum priorities such as Route 278 widening and Argent Boulevard.
John Kemp, chairman of the Jasper County Council, told the meeting his recently reconstituted council (in office about 53 days) is focused on transparency, fiscal cleanup and guiding growth to appropriate locations. “Our vision for Jasper County states that our identity is intrinsically rooted in the beauty and diversity of our natural environment,” Kemp said, framing policy as a balance between growth and preservation.
Kemp listed immediate governance steps: a new annual audit with a new auditing firm, $4 million in retired debt, review of tax‑sale overages and legacy property sales, revisions to purchasing ordinances and publication of check registers to improve public accountability.
On outreach, Kemp said council members have been assigned to attend municipal and regional meetings to strengthen partnerships and will make proactive appointments to regional organizations including TCL, LCOG, LATS and the Housing Trust to ensure representation and information flow. He also said Jasper is reviewing a comprehensive plan and rezoning for the Broad River Uha District as part of efforts to guide development.
Public safety and capital needs were detailed: Kemp said the county is considering a new sheriff’s headquarters and training facility, detention center repairs, and fire station projects at Coosahechee, Tillman (temporary) and Levy.
Kemp noted the recent transportation referendum passed and described the Transportation Tax Advisory Committee’s near‑term priorities — Argent Boulevard, Route 278 widening to the Buford county line, Route 36 and Glover Road in Ridgeland, Exit 18 and Levy Road — and said the committee will use those priorities to create an RFP for a program manager and to ensure spending transparency.
Kemp closed by urging code enforcement, ordinance updates and continued municipal collaboration to preserve Jasper’s rural character while preparing for growth. The presentation drew questions from the board and public but no formal vote at this meeting.
