City Hall Now Open

City Hall

City Hall is now open for public access. Follow these social-distancing procedures when visiting:

  1. Please enter from the front door only.
  2. A maximum of 10 people will be allowed in the building at one time.
  3. Please follow the line and stand on the yellow dots. Only one person per transaction will be allowed one each dot.
  4. Please exit through the back door only.
  5. If you are sick, have a fever, or are coughing, please avoid coming into the building.
  6. For your convenience, drop box, phone, and online payments are still being accepted.

Local Coronavirus Updates

Information regarding the operation of local government offices during the Coronavirus outbreak is listed below. This list will be continuously updated.

Last update: 6/1/2020

Statewide Shelter In Place

Executive Order: Empowering A Healthy Georgia – June 11, 2020

Executive Order: Renewal of Public Health State of Emergency – May 28, 2020

Executive Order: Reviving A Healthy Georgia – May 28, 2020

Executive Order: Providing Additional Guidance for Reviving A Healthy Georgia – May 12, 2020

Executive Order: Reviving A Healthy Georgia – April 23, 2020

Executive Order – April 20, 2020

State of Georgia Shelter In Place Order – Extended through April 30, 2020

Shelter in Place Guidance and FAQs

Georgia Department of Economic Development Shelter In Place Guidance for Businesses

Swainsboro City Hall

Swainsboro City Hall is open for public access. Please follow these social distancing procedures when visiting City Hall: 

  1. Please enter from the front door only.
  2. A maximum of 10 people will be allowed in the building at one time.
  3. Please follow the line and stand on the yellow dots. Only one person per transaction will be allowed on each dot.
  4. Please exit through the back door only.
  5. If you are sick, have a fever, or are coughing, please avoid coming into the building.
  6. For your convenience, drop box, phone, and online payments are still being accepted.

For any business that may be conducted over the phone or email, we encourage the use of those methods. 

Utility Payments

Residents are encouraged to utilize the following services in making utility payments: 

  • Place payments in the dropbox located left of the front door of City Hall.
  • Mail payments to P.O. Box 600, Swainsboro, GA 30401
  • Make payments online at www.cityofswainsboro.org.
  • Make payments over the phone by calling 478-237-7025 between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., or by calling 888-514-9830 at any time (24 hours a day). 

New Water Connections

New water connections may be established by filling out the online form and attaching the required documentation. Service deposits must be received before new services are established. Deposits may be mailed to P.O. Box 600, Swainsboro, GA 30401; placed in the dropbox to the left of the front door of City Hall; or paid over the phone by calling 478-237-7025 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. 

Service Disconnections

For water service disconnections, please complete the online form


Swainsboro-Emanuel County Recreation Department

Swainsboro-Emanuel County parks and playgrounds are open for passive recreation such as utilizing the walking trails, fishing (Harmon Park), tennis, etc.
ABSOLUTELY NO LARGE GATHERINGS AT ANY PARK IS PERMITTED. NO BIRTHDAY PARTIES OR GATHERINGS THAT DON’T MEET THE SOCIAL DISTANCING REQUIREMENTS.
The basketball courts at DeAlva Park, Gumlog Park, and Fowler Park are open, but only for groups of 10 or less and you must meet the social distancing requirements.
Bark in the Boro Dog Park is also open.

All practices, games, and tournaments have been cancelled until further notice. The GRPA District and State Track and Field Meets have been canceled for this year.

All events at the Vann Community House and the Swainsboro-Emanuel County Auditorium are suspended at this time. 

The Recreation Department offices are currently open, but please try to utilize the phone for communication rather than in-person visits.


Emanuel County Animal Shelter

The Emanuel County Animal Shelter is open to the public from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. If you are interested in adopting a pet, please call (478) 237-4040 to make an appointment.


Emanuel County Schools

Emanuel County Schools are closed through the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. This cancellation involves all school activities and events. ECI Prom is scheduled for May 1st and SHS Prom is scheduled for May 8th. Click here for a letter from Superintendent, Dr. Kevin Judy. 

Free lunch meals will be available for children ages 1–18. 

Free online learning resources for students are available at this link


Franklin Memorial Library

Book drops are open and porch pickup is available. Book requests may be made by phone or email from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. Please make requests 24 hours in advance. Pickup is for books only (no movies, passes, etc.). Pickup times are Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Patrons must call the library upon arrival – a staff member will place bagged items on a table at the front door for pickup. All book returns must be placed in the book drop. The library is not taking any donations at this time. Please follow the library’s Facebook page for more updates.


Emanuel County Jail

The visitation schedule at the Emanuel County Jail has been suspended. Each inmate will receive 15 free minutes of phone time per week while this is in place. Additional phone time may be purchased. Attorneys needing to speak with clients must call ahead.


Emanuel County Offices

All County offices are closed to the public at this time. 

  • Emanuel County Tax Office – Property taxes, mobile homes taxes, and timber taxes may be paid online at EMANUELCOUNTYTAX.COM. Please call 478-237-3351 for tag renewals. No title transfers can be completed at this time.
  • Emanuel County Courthouse – The Emanuel County Courthouse will have limited access for essential functions. If you have questions about these functions, you can first contact the Clerk of Court at 478-237-8911. 
  • Emanuel County Probate Court – The office of the Emanuel County Probate Court has limited access to the public. The court continues to remain open, and business will be handled by phone, fax, email, or mail. Please call 478-237-7091 for any questions.

Local Business Updates

Due to the Coronavirus, many local businesses are adjusting their daily operations. Below is a list of changes implemented by local businesses. Operations are subject to change. Because things are changing quickly during this time, Facebook pages are linked to most businesses below to aid in confirming operating procedures. To have your business added to the list, please email downtown@cityofswainsboro.org

Ashley and Company Salon & More – Open for business in accordance with state guidelines. 

Bangles II Hair & Makeup LoungeMain Street StylesChanges SalonBeauty Works – Open for business with the following guidelines: 

☑️ Only 10 people will be allowed in the salon at a time. This includes employees. Those working will have to be 6ft apart.
☑️ Stylists may have to alternate days to work to keep the amount of people in the salon at the minimum. 
☑️ Stylists will be allotting more time for each appointment to sanitize between each and every client.
☑️ Stylists will be required to wear a mask and gloves at all times.
☑️ Clients will have to wear a mask. ( Please bring your own)
☑️ Only people with scheduled appointments will be allowed in the salon; No Walk-Ins. (Please stay in your vehicle until asked to come in)
☑️ Clients must wash their hands for at least 30 seconds upon arrival.
☑️ Please STAY HOME if you are sick or caring for someone who is sick and if you have had any symptoms of COVID -19. STAY HOME if you have been in contact with anyone that is waiting on test results or tested positive for COVID -19.

Berni’s On West Main – Open for take-out only. 

Bird’s Wings & Things – Open regular business hours.

Citizens Bank & CBS Insurance Services – Lobby is open. Access to the lobby will be limited to nine customers following a screening process that will require a forehead temperature check and the application of hand sanitizer. These measures will continue until further notice to protect our valued customers and team members from COVID-19. Necessary in-person meetings with lenders and personal bankers can be scheduled by contacting them directly at 478-237-7001.⠀
Customers are encouraged to continue to observe CDC guidelines of social distancing by utilizing all of our banking products and services, including on-line banking, mobile banking (Access Now), ATMs, night depositories, and drive-in windows when possible.

Central Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic – Operating as normal. 

Coleman House Inn – Closed until further notice. 

Dairy Queen – Open for drive-thru and curbside service.

Dollar General – Shopping during the first hour of operation is dedicated to seniors.

Dot’s Boutique – Open for business.

Durden Bank – Lobby is open but restricted to 10 customers at a time. Customers are asked to be respectful of others inside the bank by practicing physical distancing and abiding by other CDC guidelines. Customers are encouraged to utilize our other banking platforms including internet banking, mobile banking, drive through lanes and making appointments by phone and email when appropriate.

Emanuel County Offices – All County offices are closed to the public at this time. 

  • Emanuel County Tax Office – Property taxes, mobile homes taxes, and timber taxes may be paid online at EMANUELCOUNTYTAX.COM. Please call 478-237-3351 for tag renewals. No title transfers can be completed at this time.
  • Emanuel County Courthouse – The Emanuel County Courthouse will have limited access for essential functions. If you have questions about these functions, you can first contact the Clerk of Court at 478-237-8911. 
  • Emanuel County Probate Court – The office of the Emanuel County Probate Court has limited access to the public. The court continues to remain open, and business will be handled by phone, fax, email, or mail. Please call 478-237-7091 for any questions.

Emanuel Healthcare Center Walk-In Clinic – Open 7 days a week for non-emergency conditions. Located on the second floor of Emanuel Medical Center. Monday & Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Please use Emergency Room entrance after 5:00 p.m.

Emanuel Medical Center – No visitation until further notice (includes Med/Surg, Nursing Home, ICU and Senior Behavioral Health). Cafeteria closed to the public until further notice. Medical Records Office closed to the public – please call or use Patient Portal for assistance.  If you suspect you have been exposed to Coronavirus, do not go to the Emergency Room – please call your primary care physician’s office. 

Happy’s – Reopening June 23rd. Check Facebook page for menus and updates.

Harvey’s Supermarket – Shopping from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Monday – Friday is dedicated to seniors and those most at risk of COVID-19.

Kellam’s Variety – Open for business.

Kent’s Tax Service – Open for business, but requesting that clients call and drop information off, or request that information be picked up at the car. 

Lynn & Bob’s – Open for call-in/drive-thru only.

Main Street Market – Open for business.

Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio – Operating as normal. Call ahead for curbside service.

Pinetucky Country Meats – Operating as normal.

Queensborough Bank & Trust – Drive-thru locations are open and online and mobile banking allow you to bank from home. During Phase 1, we will be asking that all teller transactions continue to be done through our drive-thrus. If you need to visit with a Customer Service Representative or Loan Officer, please visit a Q branch lobby. Our lobby guidelines include hand sanitizing and social distancing. Face masks are recommended, but to protect your account from fraud, be prepared to lower your mask for identification purposes. Below are some key safety measures in place at each branch location:
1. Increased cleaning and sanitation efforts in our branches while reinforcing healthy habits for our staff
2. Sanitation stations at each branch customer entrance
3. Social distancing floor decals and acrylic “sneeze guard” dividers
4. Reduced lobby seating and other furniture
For more information go to… www.QNBTRUST.bank

Robins Financial Credit Union – Lobby is now open. Appointments are encouraged for anything other than teller transactions. Self-service options are available including digital and phone banking, drive-thru services, and call center services. 

Shop Rite Pharmacy & Gifts – Operating as normal.

Southern Traditions Floral & Gifts – Operating as normal. 

Southland Insurance Group – Lobby is closed. Drive-Thru available and payments may be made over the phone. Please call for quotes, claims, and new policies. 

Spivey State Bank – Lobby is closed. Drive-Thru, online, and mobile banking services are available. 

The Rustic Grill – Open Tuesday – Sunday.

The Sugar Bowl Bakery – Open regular business hours. Drive-Thru available – may call to order and pay ahead of time. 

Spivey State Bank – Starting May 18th, lobby will be open from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. for limited service: Existing Commercial and Safe Deposit Box customers only; Retail customers by appointment only (Call 877-753-9224 for an appointment); Retail customers please continue to use the drive thru, ATM, mobile banking, internet banking, and telephone banking; Drive thru hours will continue for normal banking hours.

Full lobby service for all customers from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. will resume beginning May 26th: Drive thru hours will continue for normal banking hours; ATM, Mobile Banking, Internet Banking and Telephone Banking 24/7

Swainsboro Dental Center – Open Monday- Thursday 8 AM- 5 PM and Fridays 8 AM- 1 PM. Please visit Facebook page for patient guidelines. 

Walmart – Operating hours are 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. From March 24 through April 28, Walmart stores will host an hour-long senior shopping event every Tuesday for customers aged 60 and older. This will start one hour before the store opens. Pharmacies and Vision Centers will also be open during this time. 

Wendy’s – Drive-Thru only. Open regular business hours.

Wrens Southern Ladies & Gents – Open for business and operating through online shopping via shopwrens.com, Instagram, and Facebook.

Yeomans & Associates Insurance Agency – Lobby closed.  Regular business hours. Call office to process new business, file claims, process endorsements or general questions.  Payments can be taken by phone using credit card or checking account.  New business can be processed via e-sign for most carriers.  Drop box available by front door for checks/money orders.   

Young Fashion – Open for business.

Zaxby’s – Open regular business hours. Drive-Thru and Dining Room open.

Downtown Swainsboro Receives 2019 National Main Street Accreditation

The City of Swainsboro has been designated as an accredited Main Street America™ program and Georgia Classic Main Street program for meeting rigorous performance standards set by the National Main Street Center. Each year, the National Main Street Center and its partners announce the list of accredited Main Street America programs to recognize their exemplary commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™

“We are proud to acknowledge this year’s 840 nationally accredited Main Street America programs that have worked tirelessly to strengthen their communities,” said Patrice Frey, President  & CEO of the National Main Street Center. “These programs deserve recognition for generating impressive economic returns, preserving community character, and celebrating local history. Main Street America Accredited communities are part of a powerful movement of changemakers, and their dedication to improving quality of life in the places they call home is inspiring.”

In 2018 alone, Main Street America programs generated $4.93 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 5,310 net new businesses, generated 25,301 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 8,146 historic buildings, and clocked 2.2 million volunteer hours. 

Downtown Swainsboro’s performance is annually evaluated by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Office of Downtown Development, which works in partnership with the National Main Street Center to identify the local programs that meet ten national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards such as fostering strong public-private partnerships, documenting programmatic progress, and actively preserving historic buildings.

As one of the five original Georgia Main Street Cities designated in the 1980s, Swainsboro reclaimed its accreditation as a state and national Main Street City in 2016 and has worked diligently in maintaining the distinction since. In 2018, six downtown Swainsboro properties received physical improvements and six new businesses were opened, creating 13 net new jobs. Approximately 1,700 volunteer hours were invested in downtown projects and special events held in the district, which drew nearly 33,000 people downtown over the course of the year.

“We strive to maintain an active downtown district that stimulates our local economy through its inviting atmosphere, unique shops and restaurants, and exciting events,” said Lynn Brinson, Director of Downtown Development.  “The resources and assistance provided through the National Main Street Center and Georgia Main Street Program have made a tremendous impact on our achievements in historic preservation, business development, and economic revitalization in downtown Swainsboro.”

Main Street America accreditation and Georgia Classic Main Street designation bring many benefits including technical assistance and training opportunities in the areas of historic preservation, architecture and design, and economic development, among others; special access to a variety of funding programs; and the support of a network of partner communities and organizations. 

Swainsboro’s Main Street Program is led by the City of Swainsboro’s Department of Downtown Development and the Downtown Development Authority of Swainsboro Board of Directors.  The 2019 DDA Board of Directors is composed of: Gary Mason, Board Chair; Dr. David Davis; Stephanie Flanders; Anna Gambrell; Daisy Reeves; Jim Roberts; James Ward; Mayor Charles Schwabe (ex-officio); Ken Warnock (ex-officio); and Michael Bright (ex-officio).  Lynn Brinson is the Director of Downtown Development. 

To keep up with the latest news and announcements from downtown Swainsboro, follow along on Facebook @downtownswainsboro.

Santa to visit area neighborhoods on Christmas Eve

Once again, Jolly Saint Nick will visit Swainsboro neighborhoods for the fifth year. Santa has been in touch with Chief Mike Strobridge and the Swainsboro firefighters, requesting their assistance in guiding his annual trip to visit the good children. Santa will once again ride upon his highly decorated No. 7 Sleigh.

Beginning at 5 p.m., Santa will travel down Main Street to Walmart after a meet-and-greet with children, then his journey will continue to the following streets:

South Main Street, Youmans Avenue, Soloman Street, Neal Street, and Richard Street for the first stop; Harmon, Lakewood Drive, Meadowlake Parkway, Injunction Road, South Main Street to Meadowlake Parkway to Industrial Way, Elmer Street to Lambs Bridge Road to Claxton Avenue and Jones Avenue for the second stop; onto Lambs Bridge Road and Market Street to Stevens Drive, South Anderson Drive, Turner Drive, Fortune Loop onto Prosperity Drive, Lake Luck Drive onto East Main Street to Advantage Lane, Friendly Way, Happiness Drive for the third stop by Freedom Street, continuing ontoEast Pine Street, Norwood Avenue, and King Circle Drive for the fourth stop; Waller Pass, Ben Street, William Street to Rentz Street, MLK to Center Street, onto Longview Road, Fowler Street, North Coleman Ext., Wells, Old Wadley Road, R.J. Holder Road onto North Main Street, Stallion Road, Christopher Drive, McKenzie Drive, back to North Main Street onto MLK, onto Wells Street, Shearhouse Street, Robin Street, across Kite Road onto Golf Drive, onto Barbara Avenue, Oak Lawn Drive to Kite Road, then McLeod Bridge Road to North Green Street, onto Lucky Street and North Racetrack Street for the fifth stop between West Church and West Pine streets, West Pine Street, Roberts Street, onto West Main Street, onto Tyson Street to West Moring Street to Arden Drive, Azalea Circle, Rosedale Circle, back to Arden Drive, across Old Nunez Road to Maurice Drive, Poplar Street to Calhoun Street, Mary Ann Drive, onto West Moring Street to Central Street and West Pine Street to fire 

Historic Theater Renovation

On November 19, 1934, William M. Karrh opened the Dixie Theater in the 100 Block of North Green Street in Dixie Theaterdowntown Swainsboro, Georgia. The theater was considered one of the finest of its kind, featuring major cinematic releases and Vaudeville attractions. Mr. Karrh went on to build several other theaters in nearby towns; however, the original Dixie remained his grandest of enterprise.

As in-home television rose in popularity, movie houses saw a decline in business. Eventually, in the late 1960s, the Dixie Theater ran its last film and closed its doors.

Soon after, the building was repurposed as part of the Delores & Woody’s department store, and later became home to Rainbow Antique Mall. In 2013, the grandsons of William M. Karrh donated the vacant theater to the City of Swainsboro for renovation as the Barbara & Tobe Karrh Community Arts Center, named after their parents, the son and daughter-in-law of William Karrh.

Since then, the City of Swainsboro has been hard at work in securing the structure, developing renovation plans, and building community support around the project. Current plans for the Barbara & Tobe Karrh Community Arts Center include:

  • A fully renovated Historic Dixie Theater, featuring state-of-the-art theater projection and audio technology and performance stage. The completed theater is expected to show feature films on a regular basis, along with small theatrical productions and musical performances.
  • An expanded lobby area that can also serve as meeting space for community events
  • A replication of the circa 1951 Dixie Theater marquee
  • A home for the Emanuel Arts Council, including offices, educational space, and art workspace
  • An art gallery
  • Three loft apartments
  • A gathering plaza outside of the theater entrance

For more information, or to become involved with the renovation project, contact:

Lynn Brinson
Director of Downtown Development
downtown@cityofswainsboro.org
(478) 237-7025

Changes to Requirements for Business License in the City of Swainsboro

Effective January 1, the 2017 City of Swainsboro Business License Application form requires that all Business License holders in the City of Swainsboro must display the name of their business directly on the building in which the business is located, or on signage immediately in front of the business in accordance with City of Swainsboro Comprehensive Zoning Regulations.  The sign must be legible and large enough to be read from the nearest city street. Public ordinance also requires that all buildings (business or residential) display the street number of their location.

The deadline for obtaining your 2017 business license is January 31, 2017.

Thank you for your assistance in making these improvements to our city.  If you have questions regarding this change, please contact the

City Building Inspector at (478) 237-7025.

SOULfest: Celebrating African American Culture

Preparations are in place for the inaugural SOUL Fest: Celebrating African American Culture on March 3, 2012.

Activities will run from 12:00 Noon until 7:00 p.m. in downtown Swainsboro. The event is intended to honor, educate, and commemorate the many contributions that African Americans have made toAmerica andEmanuelCounty.

The SOUL Fest: Celebrating African American Art and Culture is organized by committee members of the Emanuel Arts Council, Downtown Development Authority, and various members of the community, including faith-based groups, local businesses, and more. The festival will focus on the ingenuity, creativity, cultural, and political experiences and struggles of African Americans. Colorful entertainment with an educational flair will be provided by groups such as the AJADACO African dancers and drummers of Augusta, Praise Dancers from St. Phillip’s Baptist Church, Elite Step Team of Millen, Perpetual Motion, Luis Cruz and the GuanGuanco and Mozambique dancers, Temple of Grace, and Soulistic. An exhibit of artwork from renowned artist Willie Tarver will also be featured at the Main Street Market at the Boneyard.

Highlights of the day are sure to include a performance of “Lift Every Voice” by a community choir, and a special performance from nationally acclaimed ring shouters, the McIntosh County Shouters. The shouters are famous for their song and dance performances depicting age-old shouts and songs sung by slaves. The McIntosh County Shouters have performed at such venues as the Library of Congress, the John F. Kennedy Center and the Lincoln Center. They have been featured in an HBO documentary and have performed on a Grammy-winning album. The Soulfest will also feature African American artisans, music, food, dance, and more.