This is an informal rundown of the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners meeting.
Call to Order/Welcome
Invocation & Pledge
Roll Call
Approval of Zoning Agenda
#1 – Turtle Landing Investments, LLC., has submitted an application to rezone approximately 71.17 acres AG-5 (Agricultural 5 acres sq. ft.) to R-80 (Residential 80,000 sq. ft.) for the purpose of creating a single-family subdivision. The property is located on Sinkhole Road and Ephesus Church Road.
6-0 to deny the application.
#2 – Blitch Place Land Co, LLC., has submitted an application to rezone 57.68 acres AG-5 (Agricultural 5 acres) to R-25 (Residential 25,000 sq. ft.) for the purpose of creating a subdivision. The property is located on Old Riggs Mill Road.
Mallory Chang – Spoke against the proposal. Undue stress on schools, fire, EMS and said it’s not beneficial to the community as a whole. Does not meet the vision of Bulloch County that we voted for.
Commissioner Rushing asked how large the lots are in the front, which Pope replied said occurred before the zoning laws took effect, and that the lots are less than 5 acres.
Rushing asked the landowner how long the family has owned the land – 30+ years.
Rushing said they didn’t buy the land to put houses on, but times have changed. He said it’s what’s been done
Rushing asked if it could be R-80 instead of R-25. Pope said it could be zoned to R-80 without going back through the process since it’s less dense than what went through P&Z. He said the Comprehensive Plan shows AG-5 and R-80 being the most dense. Pope said R-80 would then meet the standards. The landowner said she would consider it, but it would not be a solution for the overall problem they’re facing. she said the plan put together is not set in stone.
Commissioner Ray Davis asked if it can be tabled, to which Attorney Jeff Akins said it could be tabled one time – to the October meeting.
Paused for the meeting period to allow the landowner to consult with other parties.
At the conclusion of the Zoning agenda, commissioners returned to this line item.
Commissioner Rushing made a motion to rezone it to R-40 with conditions.
- Vote was 3-3 with Rushing, Simmons, and Mosley voting to approve.
- Davis, Conner, and Newkirk voted against. Bennett broke the tie, voting with Davis, Conner, and Newkirk and the motion to rezone to R-40 failed.
- Commissioner Newkirk then made a motion to deny the rezone application altogether. Davis and Conner followed.
- Rushing, Simmons, and Mosley voted against.
- With the tie, Bennett voted again, breaking it and voting to deny the application with Newkirk, Conner, and Davis.
- 4-3 vote to deny the application for a rezone.
#3 – Nathaniel Lundy has submitted an application to rezone 1.4 acres from R-40 (Residential 40,000 sq. ft.) to R-2 (Residential 15,000 sq ft.) for the purpose of adding two duplex (two-family dwellings) to the property. The property is located on Miller Street Ext.
P&Z recommended denial with 6-0 vote. James Pope noted that Lundy did not attend the P&Z hearing for two months, so P&Z sent the application on to commissioners.
Motion to approve with conditions. Commissioner Nick Newkirk asked if he had to do something regarding the fire hydrant over concerns with two deep wells and water supply. Approved 6-0.
#4 – New South Development has submitted an application for a conditional use in order to construct self-storage units. The property is located at 9384 Highway 301 South.
Currently zoned Highway Commercial. Staff recommended approval. P&Z approved 6-0.
Approved by commissioners 6-0.
#5 – Kevin Kirsch New Homes, Inc., has submitted an application to rezone 19.53 acres from AG-5 (Agricultural 5 acres) to R-80 (Residential 80,000 sq. ft.) for the purpose of creating a subdivision. The property is located on 252 Pleasant Hill Road.
P&Z recommended denying the application 6-0.
Staff recommended approval with conditions.
Kirsch said it was initially submitted as 10 homes, but it was later submitted to 9 lots the day before the P&Z meeting because the initial quote for a water system for the hydrant was $350,000.
Opposition:
Joseph Stuckey – Said he relocated from Savannah to avoid development of a subdivision. They purchased 35 acres and placed their home in the middle of the property. He stated that as a neighboring landowner, he was not informed of the reduction to 9 lots outside of what was presented at the meeting the lot sizes were ‘substandard.’ He then stated that the public has not had an opportunity to review what is being proposed now. “Please deny this thing. We’ve lived here for 40 years. I don’t want to have to relocate at 80 years old.”
Beverly Stuckey – She said she built her dream home in Chatham and they were infiltrated in Chatham like they’re trying to do now in Bulloch after she built a haven here. “I just think it’s outrageous that we can let this gentleman throw this pop up subdivision and ruin the acreage. We live on rural acreage.” She said she has spoken to her neighbors and she cannot find one who is not opposed to the rezoning. “I’m not beyond begging you, but please deny this.”
Robert Seamans – Asked county staff to consider that the developer has already ‘chopped up’ 36 acres from a 55 acre plot. He’s gone from 11 houses, now he can get 9 on site. “Please leave it at AG-5 acres. Let’s not set a precedent in this area where people are offering big money – over $11,000 an acres in some places…Please deny”
James Carr – Forester, realtor, and property owner in Bulloch County. He also mentioned the landowners adjacent who do not wish to have the development. He stated he started in Brooklet, which was a farm area, and they eventually ended up in the area they are now with 100 acres. With growth that’s in Bulloch County, he said he wishes he would have purchased in Emanuel or Jenkins instead. He called Portal “the last frontier” of Bulloch County.
Kirsch responded that he’s not trying to push the envelope and he said he’s received requests from homeowners who want to get away from an HOA but don’t want 5 acres.
There were no comments or questions from the Board. A motion was made by Simmons to deny, seconded by Conner, and approved 6-0 to deny the application.
#6 – Samuel Lovett Sr., has submitted an application for a conditional use to allow a facility to host private and public functions. The property is located at 2999 Old Dill Road.
P&Z voted 3-1 to deny.
The staff recommended approval of the conditional use request with conditions.
Opposition
Miriam Hatcher – Asked commissioners to vote NO and deny the application. She said an event center in rural communities is not consistent with neighboring land or the Smart Bulloch 2045 plan. She said it would cause harm with noise, traffic, and activity. “Please help us protect the character of rural Portal.”
Calvin Stewart – His family has owned land in the area for a long time. He said this is a continuation of what has happened in the lower end of the county. He’s worried about pets, the wildlife, and the farmers. “It would be devastating for something like this to be approved.” He also noted that the road cannot handle 200 vehicles.
Anna Stewart – Emphasized her concerns about safety, noting that the area does not have the necessary infrastructure and it also lacks proper lighting. She said her family will have to invest considerable funds to secure their property to keep event-venue goers from trespassing on their property.
Ryan Brannen – Has lived on Old Dill and he’s the closest by proximity to the property. He said 99% of the people on the road have lived there without issue between neighbors for decades and the majority of them are opposed. He also expressed concern about the devaluing of the property.
Bill Hatcher – He said the problem with the proposal is a blank check – weddings, family reunions, and festivals. “I respectfully ask of you, and beg you, to vote NO for this proposal.”
Lovett replied that he does not plan to have festivals or Air BnBs. He then said he doesn’t like snakey behavior and people should pick up the phone and call him and ask. “It’s kind of disrespectful to me to think I’m going to have people out there with beer cans and cigarettes.” He said it makes him uncomfortable that people think he would have those kinds of parties. “It’s a lot of nonsense and not cool.”
Commissioner Simmons asked James Pope what the landowners could put out there other than the event venue. Pope said said churches, farms, garden center, farm supply, kennel, cemetery, school, government building, utility substation, and some other single-family home related uses. Simmons said he knows Pope is not responsible for the beer cans because he doesn’t drink.
Commissioner Ray Davis said in all the calls he made, no one’s issue was with Lovett, but instead with the project. “Zoning is perpetual,” he said.
A motion was made by Simmons to approve with conditions, seconded by Mosley. The motion failed. A motion to deny was then made by Newkirk and approved 4-2 with Simmons and Mosley voting against the denial.
#7 – Bulloch County Board of Commissioners has submitted a text amendment application requesting to modify text within the Bulloch County Code of Ordinance Appendix B to include modifications to 3.2 Definitions, 4.4 Amendments to Approved Sketch Plan/Site Plans, 5.6.3 Required Supplemental Information, 6.3.14.2 Illumination Standards, 6.6 Private Streets, 6.7.1 Improvement Standards by Development Scale, 7.7.5 Right-of-Way Design Standards-Inverted Crown, and 7.7.10 Community Water System Standards.
Among some of the changes to the ordinance:
- Illumination standards – amber lighting as opposed to white daylight lighting with streamlined standards
- Improvement standards by development schedule
- Cul-de-sac street design – to ensure fire trucks can turn around in cul-de-sacs, sets paving diameter to 100 foot
- Community water system standards – such as generators (required) for new neighborhoods and for subdisvisions that expand capacity
- P&Z voted 6-0 to approve the amendments to the ordinance.
Commissioners voted 6-0 to approve the ordinance.
Approval of General Agenda
Public Comments
- William Emley – Addressed the county on water and fire protection. He addressed previous issues with inadequate fire services. He said from 2014 to 2025, the main issue, according to official reports, for ISO ratings was inadequate water supply, needing four tankers to shuttle water around the county.
- Latressa Harden – Banks Creek Church Road resident – 90% of landowners signed the petition to pave Banks Creek Church Road. She said she was told by county employees that the road would be on the list in FY 2028 for paving and she asked commissioners to consider bringing it sooner.
- Bill Taylor – Founding member of CAFE – Community Assistance for Fire Emergencies.
Consent Agenda
Moved #9 to new business. All other voted on unanimously.
#1 – Minutes of August 19 8:30 A.M meeting
#2 – Approve Executive Session meeting minutes from August 19
#3 – Minutes of August 21, 2025 – 6:00 p.m.
#4 – Minutes of August 26, 2025 – 6:00 p.m.
#5 – Approve Executive Session Minutes from August 26, 2025
#6 – Approve a Resolution Agreeing to Participate in the Governmental Entity and Shareholder Direct Settlement Agreement and to be Bound by the State of Georgia and Local Governments: Memorandum of Understanding Concerning National Settlement with Purdue
A settlement agreement with Purdue has been reached in the multi-district opioid litigation. Blasingame, Burch, Garrard, and Ashley, P.C., the law firm representing Bulloch County in the multi-district opioid litigation, has recommended that Bulloch County agree to participate in the settlement with Purdue and be bound by the Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with the State of Georgia regarding this settlement. The MOU has the same terms and conditions as previous MOUs with the State of Georgia for previous opioid settlements in which Bulloch County has agreed to participate, providing that the State of Georgia receives 75% of settlement funds and participating Georgia subdivisions (such as Bulloch County) receive 25% of settlement funds. Approval of the presented resolution agreeing to participate in the Purdue settlement is recommended.
#7 – Approve a Resolution Agreeing to Participate in the Settlement with Sandoz
A settlement agreement with Sandoz has been reached in the multi-district opioid litigation. Blasingame, Burch, Garrard, and Ashley, P.C., the law firm representing Bulloch County in the multi-district opioid litigation, has recommended that Bulloch County agree to participate in the settlement with Sandoz. Approval of the presented resolution agreeing to participate in the Sandoz settlement is recommended.
#8 – Approve a Resolution Accepting Roads in Pulaski Pointe Subdivision
County Engineer Ron Nelson has recommended acceptance of the roads in Pulaski Pointe Subdivision. Approval of the attached resolution will implement acceptance of these roads and authorize Chairman Bennett to accept a deed for these roads on behalf of the County. Approval is recommended.
#9 – Approval of Purchase of Grapple Loader
Staff recommends and requests the Consideration of a Motion to Award the purchase to Sanson Equipment Company for purchase of (1) One Western Star 47X Chassis with Pac Mac KB-222 Grapple Loader unit in the amount of $314,420.00. (Sourcewell Quote# SECQ8959 Contract Pricing). This is a FY26 budgeted item that will be paid for using SPLOST funds.
moved to news business
#10 – Motion to Approve a Purchase of 3 Continental Extractors from Wholesale Commercial Laundry Equipment
The Bulloch County Fire Department was budgeted to purchase gear extractors for staff. The gear extractors are designed to remove toxic chemicals and carcinogens from gear that are known to cause cancer to Firefighters, these machines meet NFPA1851 standards and will give our staff the ability to clean their PPE after each fire. The purchase price for three machines is $41,544.00, this includes shipping and installation at three locations.
#11 – Motion to purchase Self Contained Breathing Apparatus from MES.
The Bulloch County Fire Department was budgeted $99,000.00 to purchase new SCBA’s These SCBAs allow our Firefighter to work in IDLH environments, this equipment provides respiratory protection to prevent lung disease, cancers, and other respiratory issues. This purchase will equip the two engines that are currently on order.
New Business
#1 – Zoll Billing Contract
Bulloch EMS currently utilizes Zoll Billing. Our initial 3 year contract expired in April 2025. We are requesting Board approval to enter back into another 3 year contract to avoid a 4% increase. Under contract we will pay $4.41/claim. This is based on 600 claims/month. This is a monthly fee of $2,648.33 or $95,340.00 over the life of the contract. This is budgeted in our operational line item. Staff requests Board approval to enter into a 3 year contract.
Approved 6-0
#2 – FY 26 Stryker PM Contract
This is a request to continue the preventative maintenance contract with Stryker Medical for our stretchers, powerloads, and stair chairs. This is a one year contract in the amount of $35,770.01 and covers approximately 30 pieces of equipment. This is a budgeted item in our operational line item. This contract will not go into effect until the current contract is expired in December, however we will avoid an October 1 price increase if we move forward with this renewal. Staff requests approval.
Approved 6-0
#3 – BD MedFlex Pyxis
EMS is requesting Board approval for a sole source purchase of a hospital grade pyxis machine to store and distribute our non controlled and controlled medicines. After reviewing options from 3 different vendors our team decided that the BD pyxis would best fit our current and future needs. We have updated our protocols and in doing so had to upgrade our med list to match the protocols. We have also added multiple controlled meds. Our current system on storing our controlled substances is no longer adequate and needs to be updated as soon as possible. This is a one time purchase of $50,155.00. There is also a monthly fee of $143.00 for cloud hosting and support. The machine has a 7-10 year life. Staff requests Board approval.
Approved 6-0
#4 – Consideration of a Motion to Request a letter for GDOT funding support
Staff and Chairman of the Statesboro- Bulloch County Airport Committee, Doug Lambert recommends and requests the Consideration of a Motion to request by letter to the Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner for State funding to support the Rehabilitation of the Runway and Taxiway Lighting Design and the Installation of the Airfield Perimeter Fencing, Phase 1 at the Statesboro- Bulloch County Airport. Bulloch County’s tentative matching funds are estimated to be $124,140.00
Approved 6-0
#5 – Motion to Approve Submission of an Application to GEMA for the Acquisition of 691 Live Oak Lane Road, Pembroke GA
Approved 6-0
#9 – Approval of Purchase of Grapple Loader
Staff recommends and requests the Consideration of a Motion to Award the purchase to Sanson Equipment Company for purchase of (1) One Western Star 47X Chassis with Pac Mac KB-222 Grapple Loader unit in the amount of $314,420.00. (Sourcewell Quote# SECQ8959 Contract Pricing). This is a FY26 budgeted item that will be paid for using SPLOST funds.
Moved from consent agenda
Approved 6-0
