This is an informal rundown of what happened at the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
Invocation & Pledge
Roll Call – All Commissioners present
Approval of General Agenda
Public Hearing on Proposed Property Tax Increase
This is one of three scheduled tax hearings to discuss a proposed increase in property taxes by 6.50 percent. The tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 11.350, an increase of 0.693 mills over the rollback rate.
Melissa Gonzalez – Spoke against the increase due to her being on a fixed income. Stated she disagrees with the way assessments are done as well, indicating that her home value is going up because of homes that aren’t comparable to hers.
She also stated she likes living in the country and looking at the cotton. “If I wanted to look at a subdivision, I’d move into one.” She said there a lot more people who can’t afford this.
Cassandra Mikell – Spoke against the increase, stating that citizens spoke loudly during the last election and made it clear they don’t want higher taxes. “This isn’t about making tough decisions, it’s about working within the budget of the taxpayers,” she said. Mikell stated the county has the tools to make it through this fiscal year without a tax increase.
Marcus Toole – Stated he cannot afford the tax increases that are coming, he understands the local governments “have to do it.”
Presentation: All Green Services a Division of Atlantic Waste Services Inc.
Commissioners heard from Ben Wall of Atlantic Waste Services and Sam Sullivan of All Green Services Tuesday morning during the county commission meeting. The duo offered commentary on expanding the transfer station, cost savings, and safety improvements in addition to consolidation of solid waste sites, additional security measures, and privatized services. Read the article.
Public Comments
Keith Hamilton - Thanked commissioners because his ISO rating was reduced from a 10 to a 4. He said it has saved him 'thousands' in homeowners insurance. He also said he supports the tax increase and commended the commissioners for 'how they handled it.' He also brought up the general sales tax and the fact that none of it goes to general operations. He wanted to know why 100% of it goes to the BOE, said it was a very 'Atlanta thing,' and wanted to know how it could be changed.
Commissioners and staff explained that this was done decades ago through a local constitutional amendment more than twenty years ago and it cannot be undone. Bulloch is one of eight counties that gives 100% of the local share to its Board of Education.
Jim Durham - Attorney for Clay Conner and his company who asked to speak in response to some of the 'unfairly' made comments about Conner and his business.
Consent Agenda
Commissioners asked that #5 and #7 be moved to 'New Business.' Remaining items were voted on collectively and approved unanimously.
Minutes of August 5, 2025 5:30 PM meeting
Approve Executive Session Minutes of August 5, 2025
Approve a Resolution to Establish a Special Streetlight District for Cornerstone Pointe Subdivision
The developers of Cornerstone Pointe Subdivision have requested the creation of a special streetlight district for this subdivision. This special streetlight district was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission on June 17, 2025, and the Commissioners need to approve the presented resolution to actually create the streetlight district. Approval is recommended.
Motion to Approve the Appointment of Matthew Lovett to the Planning and Zoning Commission, with a term beginning August 19, 2025 and ending December 31, 2025.
#5 FY 2026 Ambulance Purchase
For fiscal year 2026, Bulloch County EMS was authorized to purchase two (2) ambulances. An RFP was sent to ten (10) vendors with two (2) responses received. The low bid was by Ten 8 Fire & Safety Equipment in the amount of six hundred thirty four thousand, nine hundred and ten dollars ($634,910.00). We request approval by the Board to proceed forward with the purchase.
Approve Special Event Permit for the Phi Mu Georgia Southern to host a non-profit event at Ogeechee Technical College, 20 Joe Kennedy Boulevard on September 19, 2025 from 7:00pm until 10:00pm.
#7 - Approve Purchase of Two Rolloffs via a Sourcewell Contract
Staff recommends and requests the Consideration of a Motion to Award the purchase to Sanson Equipment Company for purchase of (2) two 2025/26 New Freightliner 114 SD Chassis with Pac Mac 60K Rolloff Hoist unit in the amount of $219,412.00 each. (Sourcewell Quote# SECQ8933 and SECQ8963 Contract Pricing).
Total cost for requested Items $ 438,824.00 These items will be purchased with funds from SPLOST.
Motorola Service and Support Contract for Radio System
This is the contract for the yearly service and support contract for the radio system. It is a budgeted item. Contract amount $195,907.22
Approve an Agreement for Animal Control and Municipal Court Services with the Town of Register
Bulloch County has provided animal control services for the Town of Register for a number of years pursuant to an intergovernmental agreement and in accordance with the Service Delivery Agreement. The attached agreement continues this arrangement on the same terms and conditions but has been updated to reflect Register's adoption of a new animal control ordinance and the provision of municipal court services by the magistrate judge. Approval is recommended.
Motion to approve a grant application process for awarding opioid settlement grants to nonprofit organizations in Bulloch County that provide opioid addiction treatment, prevention, or recovery services.
The State of Georgia is receiving funding from several national settlements with drug makers accused of contributing to the opioid crisis. Georgia was one of several states to join the settlements and a portion of these funds have been distributed to local governments. These funds must be used for opioid addiction treatment, prevention, and/or recovery services. Expenses must fall into one of the following Approved Purposes categories defined by the national settlement: prevention efforts, harm-reduction, treatment, and recovery services.
Staff would like to offer a portion of these funds to local non profits that provide these services that fall under the approved purposes through a grant application process. Eligible non profits will submit the attached application along with a list of required supporting documentation. The applications will be made available starting September 15 and will be due back by November 3. Grant awards will be announced by December 5, 2025.
Approve a Lease and Fixed Base Operator Agreement with Low Country Flight Company, LLC and Christian Rushing
Low Country Flight Company, LLC and Christian Rushing have presented a proposal to the Airport Committee to provide flight school services at the Airport as a fixed base operator. The Airport Committee has recommended approval. Approval of the presented Lease and Fixed Base Operator Agreement is recommended.
Approve the reappointment of Nikita Robinson and Jeneane Brown to the Library Board with terms from 7/01/2025 through 06/30/28 and approve the appointment of Kristine Yager-Rushton for a term from 07/01/2025 through 06/30/2028
As a provider of funds for the Statesboro-Regional Library, the State of Georgia requires that the Board of Commissioners nominate seven citizens to serve on the Library Board. Members serve a 3-year term and can serve no more than 2 consecutive terms, or six years total. The nomination listed herein are for final approval. |
Approve the appointment of Commissioner Ray Mosley to the Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport Committee with a term from 7/01/2025 through 06/30/2031
The Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport Committee is a joint committee with the City of Statesboro and Bulloch County to assist with airport policies, procedures, and operation. Appointed members will each serve a six-year term.
Approve the appointment of Lorna G. DeLoach and Catherine Tootle to the Region 5 Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) Advisory Council for 3-year terms
This regional board represents 34 counties in the southeast area of Georgia. Board members serve as advocates for consumers of mental health, developmental disabilities, and addictive diseases services and their families. Regional Planning Board members, in partnership with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and Regional Offices, are charged with planning service delivery systems that focus on a core set of consumer-oriented, community-based values and principles that provide efficient delivery of compassionate, innovative, and accountable services to individuals, families, and consumers with mental illness, addictive disease, or developmental disability challenges. Appointments are for a term of three years with the option to serve one additional term.
New Business
Chairman David Bennett asked to table Items 1-3 on the agenda until the next meeting due to additional information he received Monday regarding the GBI. Commissioner Toby Conner recused himself from the discussion and vote. Newkirk and Bennett supported tabling the items while Rushing, Simmons, and Mosley voted not to table the items, so the items remained on the agenda.
#1 - Approval of bid submitted by Sand Creek Land Construction LLC.
County staff stated the only sealed bid returned was from Sand Creek Land Construction and it was determined to be complete. Staff recommended and requested approval by commissioners. Staff said more than 300 contacts received the information on the bid and only one replied.
Commissioner Newkirk said the goal was to have three companies, so he wanted to know if there were still a plan to having a range of vendors. Staff replied that the other vendors could not be included in this contract because they did not bid, but in the event that there was an issue, Sand Creek Land Construction could subcontract with other vendors.
Approved 5-0.
#2 - Approval of sealed bid by Sand Creek Land Construction LLC.
On July 31, 2025, at the bid opening meeting we did receive one sealed bid package marked “Long Haul Tractor Trailer Rental”. This package was opened and reviewed by Purchasing Manager and was determined to be complete. The bid was from Sandcreek Land Construction, LLC.
Approved 5-0.
#3 - Approval of sealed bid by Sand Creek Land Construction LLC.
On July 31, 2025, at the bid opening meeting we did receive one sealed bid package marked “Long Haul Tractor Trailer (Specialty Load/ Trailer) Rental”. This package was opened and reviewed by Purchasing Manager and was determined to be complete.
The bid was from Sandcreek Land Construction, LLC.
Approved 5-0.
#4 - Motion to approve proposal from Pape-Dawson to provide Surveying and Engineering Services for Mill Creek Tennis Complex
Due to a major issue at Mill Creek Tennis Complex with asphalt cracks on all 10 courts along with tripping hazards and ground water coming out the cracks on four of the courts, Tony Morgan, Assistant Director, had met with multiple tennis court experts, public works department, engineers, and Natural Resources Conservation Service to determine the cause and how to resolve the problem. After chasing solutions, it was determined that we would turn over to engineers. With help from Ron Nelson, Bulloch County Engineering Department, we contacted the firm WSP who referred us to Pape-Dawson who met on site on June 27, 2025, to assess the project. See additional details in Tony Morgan’s narrative, which is attached.
Time is of the essence with this project. We have already shut down four courts with others on a fine line of being closed. Bulloch County Board of Education also utilizes these courts as well. These courts are used by Statesboro High. We are pushing to get this project started with target completion date of March 1,2026.
After assessment of the project, Pape-Dawson has submitted a proposal for providing surveying and engineering services for this project in the amount of $58,670.00. Included in the proposal will be topographic survey, utility locates, construction documents, permitting, project management, and construction phase services. Due to the professional services needed to repair the Mill Creek Tennis Courts to standard playing levels we are asking you to approve the sole source proposal from Pape-Dawson. This project would be paid through SPLOST funding.
Approved 6-0
#5 - Approve a Resolution Approving and Authorizing Execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement Between Bulloch County and Certain Municipalities of Bulloch County Concerning a One Percent Floating Local Option Sales and Use Tax
The presented resolution will approve an intergovernmental agreement between Bulloch County and the municipalities of Statesboro, Brooklet, Portal, and Register calling for a referendum on imposing a floating local option sales and use tax, or FLOST, on November 4, 2025. Subject to referendum approval, the intergovernmental agreement provides that the rate of the tax is one percent and that it will be imposed for 5 years. In accordance with the FLOST statutes, this one percent sales and use tax must be used exclusively for ad valorem property tax relief. Assuming the referendum passes, the collection of the one percent FLOST will begin on January 1, 2026.
Approved 6-0
#6 - Motion to approve a contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Incorporated in the amount of $726,500.00 to provide professional design and engineering services for Stage 2 final design and engineering for FY25-CP-E05 Roadway Design Batch 1 Floyd Clark Road, Deer Run Road, Deer Run Court, Deer Run Lane, Grimshaw Road, Grimshaw Lane, and Prather Road. The cost for this work will be funded by TSPLOST.
During its regular meeting on 01/27/2025, the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners approved a Contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Incorporated in the amount of $554,900.00, for project FY25-CP-E05 Roadway Design Batch 1, to provide Stage 1 preliminary design and engineering services for Floyd Clark Road, Deer Run Road, Deer Run Court, Deer Run Lane, Grimshaw Road, Grimshaw Lane, and Prather Road. The Contract was executed 01/29/2025 and Notice to Proceed was issued 02/04/2025. This Contract, also known as Individual Project Order #02, is in accordance with the Master Agreement between Bulloch County and Kimley-Horn and Associates, Incorporated for continuing professional services executed by both parties August 30th, 2024.
Approved 6-0
#7 -Motion to Approve a Contract with Parker Engineering in the amount of $18,000.00 for providing design and engineering services for permanent repairs to a bridge culvert wingwall on Pleasant Hill Road to be funded by TSPLOST.
An existing reinforced concrete bridge box culvert on Pleasant Hill Road at Lotts Creek, approximately 675 feet north of the Moore Road intersection, sustained damage during the August 2024 Tropical Storm Debby flood event. Flood damage at this location of Pleasant Hill Road occurred last year during the Tropical Storm Debby event on 08/06/2024 which produced 13.2 inches of rainfall from 08/04/2024 through 08/08/2024 in Bulloch County. The damage to this culvert involves one (1) wingwall, on the inlet (upstream) end of the culvert, that sheared off near the connection point of the exterior culvert wall. The damage at this location was discovered by Bulloch County Public Works immediately following the Tropical Strom Debby event. The roadway did not sustain damage at this location.
Bulloch County Engineering held a scoping meeting with Parker Engineering in July 2025 to review this location in the field and to discuss the design and engineering approach for permanent repairs to this location. Parker Engineering provided a Description of Engineer’s Services dated 08/07/2025 which includes a proposal for professional services for the design and engineering of permanent repairs to replace the wingwall at this location. Proposed services included are as follows: 1) Surveying, 2) Civil Engineering, 3) Bidding Assistance, 4) Construction Administration. Parker Engineering possesses the expertise, knowledge, and certifications necessary to provide design services for a project of this type. Parker Engineering will follow state/federal guidelines as previously followed for storm damaged drainage repair projects in Bulloch County. This location has been reviewed and qualified by FEMA for in-kind replacement Public Assistance reimbursement once funds become available (No improvements to existing structure). Delivery of final design plans for this project are anticipated during late Fall-2025. The total budget to provide design and engineering services for permanent repairs to this bridge culvert on Pleasant Hill Road is $18,000.00. The Engineering Office supports proceeding with Parker Engineering’s design and engineering services as proposed and recommends approval.
Approved 6-0
#8 -Motion to Approve a Contract with Parker Engineering in the amount of $33,000.00 for providing design and engineering services for permanent repairs to a reinforced concrete pipe drainage crossing on Metts Road to be funded by TSPLOST.
An existing reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) drainage crossing on Metts Road, approximately 460 feet south of the Two Chop Road intersection, sustained damage during the August 2024 Tropical Storm Debby flood event. Flood damage at this location of Metts Road occurred last year during the Tropical Storm Debby event on 08/06/2024 which produced 13.2 inches of rainfall from 08/04/2024 through 08/08/2024 in Bulloch County. The damage to this RCP drainage crossing involves four (4) lines of 60-Inch RCP and scour damage to the existing roadway embankment fill and pavement structure at the inlet (upstream) end of the drainage crossing. The damage at this location was discovered by Bulloch County Public Works immediately following the Tropical Strom Debby event. Bulloch County Public Works was able to perform temporary repair work to this drainage crossing and the roadway shortly after the storm event in order to keep this road open to traffic. However, this location is in need of permanent repair work to effectively handle future storm events.
Bulloch County Engineering held a scoping meeting with Parker Engineering in July 2025 to review this location in the field and to discuss the design and engineering approach for permanent repairs to this location. Parker Engineering provided a Description of Engineer’s Services dated 08/07/2025 which includes a proposal for professional services for the design and engineering of permanent repairs to replace the four (4) lines of 60-Inch RCP, install inlet and outlet protection, restore roadway embankment fill, and restore roadway pavement structure at this location. Proposed engineering and design services are as follows: 1) Surveying, 2) Civil Engineering, 3) Bidding Assistance, 4) Construction Administration. Parker Engineering possesses the expertise, knowledge, and certifications necessary to provide design services for a project of this type. Parker Engineering will follow state/federal guidelines as previously followed for storm damaged drainage repair projects in Bulloch County. This location has been reviewed and qualified by FEMA for in-kind replacement Public Assistance reimbursement once funds become available. Delivery of final design plans for this project are anticipated during late Fall-2025. The total budget to provide design and engineering services for permanent repairs to this RCP drainage crossing on Metts Road is $33,000.00. The Engineering Office supports proceeding with Parker Engineering’s design and engineering services as proposed and recommends approval. The cost for this work will be funded by TSPLOST.
Approved 6-0
#9 - Motion to approve Task Order FY26-ROW-E03A in the amount of $16,350.00 to perform right-of-way acquisition services along JA Hart Road within the proposed cul-de-sac location. This work will be funded by TSPLOST.
This is to request approval from the Board of Commissioners for Bulloch County to enter into Task Order FY26-ROW-E03A with Johnson, Mirmiran, and Thompson, Incorporated (JMT) for the purpose of right-of-way acquisition on JA Hart Road within the proposed cul-de-sac location. The scope of this work is being requested in accordance with the Master Services Contract for County Road Right-of-Way acquisition services with JMT approved by the Board of Commissioners during the 04/01/2025 regular meeting.
Bulloch County contracted with EMC Engineering Services 02/15/2023 to design and engineer paving and drainage improvements along JA Hart Road beginning at Zettwell Road, extending approximately 2,870 feet and terminating into a cul-de-sac. EMC Engineering Services completed the construction plans 07/24/2025. The Engineering Office requested a fee proposal from JMT for right-of-way acquisition services along JA Hart Road within the proposed cul-de-sac location. JMT submitted Task Order FY26-ROW-E03A in the amount of $16,350.00 to provide right-of-way acquisition services along JA Road as previously described. The Engineering Office is in support of JMT’s proposed Task Order to provide right-of-way acquisition services along JA Hart Road and recommends approval. The cost for this work will be funded by TSPLOST.
Approved 6-0
#10 -Motion to approve Task Order FY26-ROW-E03B in the amount of $36,500.00 to perform right-of-way acquisition services along JA Hart Road beginning at Zettwell Road and extending to the proposed cul-de-sac. This work will be funded by TSPLOST.
This is to request approval from the Board of Commissioners for Bulloch County to enter into Task Order FY26-ROW-E03B with Johnson, Mirmiran, and Thompson, Incorporated (JMT) for the purpose of right-of-way acquisition along JA Hart Road beginning at Zettwell Road and extending to and ending prior to the proposed cul-de-sac. The scope of this work is being requested in accordance with the Master Services Contract for County Road Right-of-Way acquisition services with JMT approved by the Board of Commissioners during the 04/01/2025 regular meeting.
Bulloch County contracted with EMC Engineering Services 02/15/2023 to design and engineer paving and drainage improvements along JA Hart Road beginning at Zettwell Road, extending approximately 2,870 feet and terminating into a cul-de-sac. EMC Engineering Services completed the construction plans 07/24/2025. The Engineering Office requested a cost estimate from JMT for right-of-way acquisition services along JA Hart Road beginning at Zettwell Road and extending to and ending prior to the proposed cul-de-sac (Excluding the cul-de-sac). JMT submitted Task Order FY26-ROW-03B in the amount of $36,500.00 to provide right-of-way acquisition services along JA Road as previously described. The Engineering Office is in support of JMT’s proposed Task Order to provide right-of-way acquisition services along JA Hart Road and recommends approval. The cost for this work will be funded by TSPLOST.
Approved 6-0
#5 from the Consent Agenda - FY 2026 Ambulance Purchase
For fiscal year 2026, Bulloch County EMS was authorized to purchase two (2) ambulances. An RFP was sent to ten (10) vendors with two (2) responses received. The low bid was by Ten 8 Fire & Safety Equipment in the amount of six hundred thirty four thousand, nine hundred and ten dollars ($634,910.00). We request approval by the Board to proceed forward with the purchase.
#7 from the Consent Agenda - Approve Purchase of Two Rolloffs via a Sourcewell Contract
Staff recommends and requests the Consideration of a Motion to Award the purchase to Sanson Equipment Company for purchase of (2) two 2025/26 New Freightliner 114 SD Chassis with Pac Mac 60K Rolloff Hoist unit in the amount of $219,412.00 each. (Sourcewell Quote# SECQ8933 and SECQ8963 Contract Pricing).
Total cost for requested Items $ 438,824.00 These items will be purchased with funds from SPLOST.
Approved 6-0
Commissioner Newkirk said he asked to move this to the general agenda after the presentation by AllGreen/Atlantic Waste. Specifically, he asked what a timeline would look like. Staff shared that privatization could be years out before a Service Delivery Agreement is worked out. "At least two years" from now, staff said, indicating that the truck force would not hold out until then.
Approved 6-0
