This is an informal rundown of the February 3, 2026 Bulloch County Commission meeting.
Call to Order, Welcome Media and Visitors
Invocation & Pledge
Roll Call – All Commissioners present.
Approval of Zoning Agenda
The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners have submitted an application to rezone approximately 39.20 acres from PUD-2 (Planned Mixed Use Development) to R-40 (Residential 40,000 sq. ft.) and HC (Highway Commercial) due to the expiration of PUD approval subject to Section 1210 of the Bulloch County Zoning Ordinance. The property is located on Highway 67.
Commissioner Newkirk, stating that the county has rules and regulations for development, said the county commission should follow those and the ordinance states that if no development occurs within 2 years, it reverts back to the previous zoning. Newkirk made a motion to approve the request from county employees, it was seconded by Davis and failed a vote of 2-4 with Simmons, Mosley, Conner, and Rushing voting to deny the request.
A motion was then made by Simmons to deny the rezone and extend the PUD for 2 years. The motion was denied by the same vote, 4-2 with Simmons, Mosley, Conner and Rushing voted to deny the rezone application.
Rent Ventures, LLLP., has submitted an application to rezone approximately 9.49 acres from R-40 (Residential 40,000 sq. ft.) to GC (General Commercial) for the purpose of creating a congregate personal care home. The property is located on Rushing Road, PIN 107 000014 009.
Approved unanimously with conditions.
Damascus Rehabilitation has submitted a text amendment application requesting to modify text within the Bulloch County Code of Ordinance Appendix C – Zoning to include the use of Recovery Residence.
Approved unanimously with conditions.
Timothy Marsh has submitted an application for a conditional use to allow a facility to host private and public functions. The property is located at 7198 Stilson Leefield Road, PIN 160 000004 001.
Approved unanimously with conditions.
Approval of General Agenda
Approved unanimously.
Public Comments
Donald Armel – Wanted to discuss manufactured housing and the amount of land that is required to place manufactured housing on a parcel.
Carrie Boardman – Wanted to discuss the proposal for the new fire station property. She prefaced saying she supports public safety and works in it herself, but has concerns about the price being paid for the property. She also expressed that there is already a fire station 2.5 miles from the proposed location. She also asked why the county needed 5 acres for this project at $1.7 million.
Cassandra Mikell – Addressed the $1.7 million proposed real estate purchase for the fire station. She stated the public was not given adequate information in the agenda packet ahead of the meeting to know the purpose for the property. She said the project is unbudgeted, according to the agenda packet, and asked for the costs associated with the purchase as well as if it is a time sensitive issue.
Lawton Sack – Addressed the issue of duplication of services that comes in to play with the proposed new fire station. He said the optics are that there is a manpower issue at the present time.
Deidrich Harden – A resident of Banks Creek Church Road who stated they’re working on a petition to have the road paved, but in the interim there are issues with the road that are making roadways difficult to pass.
Consent Agenda
Commissioner Newkirk requested that #6 be added to new business. The remaining items were voted on collectively and approved unanimously.
1. Minutes of January 20, 2026
2. Approve the Executive Session Meeting Minutes of January 20th, 2026
3. Approve a Resolution to Change the Name of a Portion of C.L. Woods Road to Joy Street
The attached petition has been submitted requesting that the Board of Commissioners change the name of a portion of C.L. Woods Road to Joy Street. Section 4-78(g) of the Code of Ordinances provides that upon receipt of a petition requesting the change of an existing road name containing the signatures of the owners of not less than 75 percent of the parcels of property abutting the road, the Board of Commissioners shall take under consideration, but be under no compulsion, to grant the request. The attached petition has been signed by 100% of the owners of all abutting parcels. As indicated by the attached email correspondence from GIS Address Coordinator Shannon Mixon, both the property owners and the City of Portal have requested this change to eliminate confusion on this portion of the road. Approval of the attached resolution will implement this road name change and is recommended.
4. Motion to Approve the Purchase of Bullard Thermal Imaging Camera
The Bulloch County Fire Department seeks to purchase 2 new Bullard Thermal Imaging Cameras, this purchase will help our Department equip our engine’s with life saving equipment to better serve our citizens. Bullard cameras have become the camera or choice for Bulloch County; Thermal Imager’s allow Firefighters to see through smoke to locate fire, exits, and victims.
5. Motion to approve Ghost Coast Entertainment bid for annual Firecracker Fest Fireworks Display scheduled for July 4, 2026 in the amount of $28,900.
Due to a requested date change to July 4, 2026, the fireworks show was re-bid. Ghost Coast Entertainment, owned by Wade McDaniel, was the sole respondent to the re-bid.
Mr. McDaniel has prior experience with the County’s fireworks displays. He previously worked with Pyro Shows and served as the lead operator for the 2024 show. After opening his own company, Ghost Coast Entertainment, Pyro Shows contracted him to operate the County’s 2025 fireworks display. While Pyro Shows intended to continue this arrangement for 2026, they were unable to accommodate the requested date change.
The proposed cost for the July 4, 2026, fireworks display is $28,900. This expense will be covered primarily, if not entirely, through sponsorship donations. The bid meets all required qualifications and has been accepted for the 2026 fireworks display, with an option to renew for up to two additional shows in subsequent years.
After reviewing the bid, it is our staff’s recommendation to approve the bid from Ghost Coast Entertainment Pyro Shows in the amount of $28,900.
6. Yard Gym Equipment Authorization
Staff is requesting authorization to purchase yard gym equipment for inmate population utilizing available Inmate Funds. Inmate Funds are generated at the CI from payments from the Inmate Telephone Vendor. These Funds can only be used for the benefit of the inmate population. These Funds are not provided by the Taxpayers.
The proposed equipment would enhance recreational programming by promoting physical fitness, encouraging constructive use of leisure time, and supporting overall inmate health and well-being. This request consistent with institutional objectives, and all purchased items would be designated solely for inmate use and benefit.
7. Capital Request Fleet Maintenance
Fleet Maintenance has a vehicle approved for replacement through Capital Request this Fiscal Year. The purchase will use SPLOST Funds.
The vehicle is needed to make service repairs on equipment out in the field, away from the shop.
The current vehicle being replace is a 2008 service truck that has reached the end of it’s reliable service life. It currently has 135,000 miles and requires increasingly frequent maintenance and repairs. This leads to higher operating cost and downtime. Replacing the truck will improve reliability, safety, and efficiency while reducing long-term maintenance expenses.
New Business
#6 from the Consent Agenda –
Commissioner Newkirk stated it was in the agenda packet but he wanted the public to be informed that the equipment is not being paid for with tax dollars. Warden Toole explained the following.
Staff is requesting authorization to purchase yard gym equipment for inmate population utilizing available Inmate Funds. Inmate Funds are generated at the CI from payments from the Inmate Telephone Vendor. These Funds can only be used for the benefit of the inmate population. These Funds are not provided by the Taxpayers.
The proposed equipment would enhance recreational programming by promoting physical fitness, encouraging constructive use of leisure time, and supporting overall inmate health and well-being. This request consistent with institutional objectives, and all purchased items would be designated solely for inmate use and benefit.
Approved unanimously.
Approve a Resolution Requesting Local Legislation to Amend an Act Creating the Bulloch County Public Facilities Authority
County Manager stated it could help with getting better bond rates.
Approved unanimously.
Approve a Joint Resolution with the City of Statesboro to Request State Funding to Extend Statesboro’s Water and Sewer System Onto and Around the Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport
There are 70 people on the waiting list for the the airport and the hangered aircraft would generate significant revenue for both the city and the county.
Commissioner Newkirk asked who would be paying for the project or how that would work. Chairman Bennett replied that the county is asking for assistance from the state but the state wants to see that there is an interest and a resolution between the city and the county.
Approved unanimously.
Approve the Purchase of 2026 Chevy Colorado Pickup
Staff recommends and requests the Consideration of a Motion to Award the purchase of a 2026 Chevy Colorado Crew Cab Pickup 4WD to Allen Jay Fleet Sales in the amount of $38,210.15. (Georgia State Bid Contract # 2026 GA – 99999-001-SPD0000218).
Total cost for requested Item $ 38,210.15. This item will be purchased with SPLOST funds allocated in this year’s budget for the Transportation Division.
Approved unanimously.
Motion to Approve a Change Order to Contract FY25-CP-E13 Nevils Denmark Road Bridge Box Culvert Replacement Project with Reeves Construction Company in the amount of $68,212.09 to cover contract pay item overruns. The cost for this Change Order will be funded by TSPLOST.
The Board approved a construction Contract with Reeves Construction Company in the amount of $924,900.00 during its regular meeting 15-APR-2025 for construction of a new reinforced concrete bridge box culvert and roadway reconstruction on Nevils Denmark Road. The existing bridge culvert and roadway suffered irreparable damage during the Tropical Storm Debby event in September 2024 and was qualified by FEMA as a storm damaged location eligible for mitigation reimbursement ($926,827.30). Bulloch County has received the final FEMA/GEMA reimbursement for this project of $787,803.21. The construction plans were prepared by Kimley-Horn & Associates, Incorporated and issued for construction 12-MAR-2025. Reeves Construction Company completed the project and the roadway was opened to traffic 18-AUG-2025.
Reeves Construction Company submitted its final pay application and request for final retainage for the Nevils Denmark Road Bridge Culvert Project on 14-JAN-2026 in the amount of $993,112.09 which is $68,212.09 over the original Contract amount. The additional contract pay item overruns became necessary to complete the project as follows:
- Foundation Backfill Material Type 2 Aggregate – The condition under the existing bridge culvert required additional quantities than originally anticipated due to the severity of unknown voids resulting from scour during the Tropical Storm Debby event. Additional aggregate bedding material was needed to sufficiently prepare the site for the footprint of the final reinforced concrete bridge box culvert structure.
- Graded Aggregate Base Material – The length of roadway replaced was increased to meet the field conditions observed during construction and therefore, the GAB quantity was increased to sufficiently match these changes.
- Asphalt Quantities – The length of roadway replaced was increased to meet the field conditions observed during construction and therefore, the asphalt quantities were increased to sufficiently match these changes.
- Bridge Culvert Class AA Concrete and Bar Reinforcing Steel – The contract pay items for the steel reinforced bridge box culvert did not include sufficient quantities for the parapet, barrel end, and toewall at each end of the bridge culvert. Additionally, the quantities did not include the fish baffles required through each of the three (3) barrels of the bridge culvert.
- Other incidental items in need of additional quantities include sign posts, final length of guardrail, orange barrier fence, and yellow traffic striping.
The above-mentioned items were necessary to complete the Nevils Denmark Road Bridge Box Culvert Project to satisfy the overall design requirements and safely deliver the project to the traveling public.
The Engineering Office has reviewed the final pay application from Reeves Construction Company and recommends approval of a Change Order to increase the original Contract amount of $924,900.00 to a revised Contract amount of $993,112.09 to cover the cost of Contract quantity overruns totaling $68,212.09. The cost for this Change Order will be funded by TSPLOST.
Approved unanimously.
Motion to approve Task Order FY26-ROW-E10 with Johnson, Mirmiran, and Thompson in the amount of $10,800.00 to provide right-of-way acquisition services affecting two (2) parcels at the bridge design project on G.W. Oliver Road. The right-of-way acquisition at this location will support FY26-CPBD-E01 G.W. Oliver Road Bridge Design Project being designed and engineered by Kimley-Horn & Associates. The cost for this work will be funded by TSPLOST.
The Bulloch County Engineering Office is requesting approval from the Board of Commissioners for Bulloch County to enter into Task Order FY26-ROW-E10 with Johnson, Mirmiran, and Thompson, Incorporated (JMT) for the purpose of right-of-way acquisition on G.W. Oliver Road approximately 650-FT east of its intersection at Sinkhole Road. The active bridge design & engineering project known as FY26-CPBD-E01 G.W. Oliver Road Bridge Design Project, which is being delivered by Kimley-Horn & Associates, has sufficiently progressed in the design phase to allow Bulloch County to begin the right-of-way acquisition phase at the upstream and downstream locations on G.W. Oliver Road. 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 01-APR-2025 regular meeting.
The location of the right-of-way acquisition work involves that section of G.W. Oliver Road that was closed on 06-AUG-2024 due to flood damages associated with the Tropical Storm Debby event. Following 8 months of coordination with FEMA, Bulloch County contracted with Kimley-Horn & Associates on 02-JUL-2025 to design and engineer a new multi-span bridge structure suitable to replace the existing damaged roadway and series of seven (7) 72-Inch reinforced concrete pipes at this location. Please be reminded that this new multi-span bridge structure has been approved by FEMA and GEMA for a combined reimbursement at 85% of the approved estimated construction cost of $2,313,701.13. Kimley-Horn & Associates has sufficiently advanced the project design to an acceptable level of detail allowing the right-of-way acquisition phase to begin. The Bulloch County Engineering Office requested a fee proposal from JMT for right-of-way acquisition services at this location. JMT submitted Task Order FY26-ROW-E10 on 12-JAN-2026, for $10,800.00 to provide right-of-way acquisition services affecting two (2) parcels at the project location on G.W. Oliver Road. The Bulloch County Engineering Office recommends approval of JMT’s proposed Task Order FY26-ROW-E10 for $10,800.00 to provide right-of-way acquisition services on G.W. Oliver Road approximately 650-FT east of its intersection at Sinkhole Road. The cost for this work will be funded by TSPLOST.
Commissioner Newkirk asked if part of a right-of-way acquisition process project could be handled in-house because it only addressed 2 parcels instead of contracting it out for $10,800. He said it could also save time as it’s tangential to a FEMA-related project.
County Attorney Jeff Akins replied that commissioners could do that, but a decision was made ‘a while back’ to use one company for the right-of-way acquisitions and he [Akins] thought “they’d been doing a really good job.” He then asked the county employee at the podium if he agreed.
Commissioner Newkirk stated he wasn’t implying they didn’t do a good job, he was just asking because of the small number of parcels.
Approved unanimously.
IPAWS / Local Alerting
The county currently utilizes a local alerting system that is operational but limited to opt-in users only. This system is used to distribute notifications related to traffic accidents, road closures, and other non-emergency public information; however, messages are only received by individuals who have voluntarily subscribed. FEMA presently disables the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). When operational, IPAWS enables the delivery of emergency alerts, including Local Area Emergency notifications and Missing and Endangered Person alerts, to all compatible devices within a defined geographic area. Both alerting systems are necessary to ensure comprehensive public notification. The local alerting system supports targeted, opt-in messaging, while IPAWS provides the capability to issue mass emergency alerts to the general public within affected areas. The cost is $20,403.35.
Approved unanimously.
Drainage and Road Repair on Metts Road
The OneGeorgia Hurricane Disaster Recovery Award has been approved for Bulloch County for $535,749 to support drainage and road repair improvements on Metts Road. Bulloch County will provide a required local cost share of $178,583.35 covered by TSPLOST, toward the completion of this project. Estimated completion date December 2026.
It is recommended that the existing concrete pipes at the Metts Road stream crossing be removed and replaced. Several pipe sections have already failed due to erosion and settling, and it is likely that the remaining pipes under the road are also shifting and separating at the joints. These gaps allow water and soil to enter the system, which can lead to road and shoulder failure. The pipes are old, damaged, and no longer meeting their intended service life, making repairs ineffective. Replacing the pipes is the most practical and cost-effective solution rather than building new structures over failing infrastructure.
Approved unanimously.
Motion to approve a Services Agreement with Gunnerson Consulting & Communication Site Services, LLC
This request is for the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners to approve the contract with Gunnerson Consulting and Communication Site Services, LLC to ensure the county’s financial interests are fully protected regarding the cellular tower located behind the Annex. Currently, Verizon is aggressively pushing for a buyout of their lease; however, evaluating such a deal requires specialized knowledge of the telecommunications market that goes beyond standard property management. Without an expert on our side, the county is at a disadvantage when negotiating against a major corporation. By hiring Gunnerson, we gain a professional advocate who can accurately determine if the buyout is a fair deal or if maintaining the current lease is more beneficial for our long-term budget. The contract is fiscally responsible, set at $250 per hour with a $5,000 limit that cannot be exceeded without Board approval. Investing in this expertise now prevents the county from potentially leaving thousands of dollars on the table and ensures we make an informed, confident decision for our taxpayers. The current Verizon contract brings in approximately $26,000 annually.
Approved unanimously.
Approve a Real Estate Sales Contract with Keith and Patricia Copeland
Keith and Patricia Copeland have verbally accepted an offer from the County of $1,750,000.00 to purchase 5.07 acres located at 2600 Highway 301 South. This property is in an ideal location for a fire station, and there is an existing building that can be easily adapted for that purpose. The attached real estate sales contract will formalize and make binding the offer and acceptance. Approval is recommended.
Approved unanimously.
