The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners held its regularly scheduled meeting on March 18, 2025, at 8:30 AM at the North Main Annex. The meeting began with a proclamation honoring Robin Holmes-Lanier for her contributions to music education and mentorship in the community. Commissioners praised her dedication to developing young musicians, noting the impact of her guidance on students and local churches.
During public comments, Keith Hamilton raised concerns about Bulloch County’s growing reliance on septic systems, stating that the county leads the state in new septic permits but lacks a proper waste disposal solution. He urged the Board to develop a long-term sewage treatment plan as the population continues to grow.
The Consent Agenda was approved, including meeting minutes from February 25 and March 4, 2025, payments for mulch debris clearing and hauling services related to storm damage, and the approval of 2025 alcoholic beverage licenses for two locations formerly operated by EnMarket. The Board also authorized negotiations for County Road Right-of-Way Acquisition Services to support upcoming road improvements and awarded a contract to Thunder Road, LLC for roadway crack sealing on 66.5 miles of county roads, funded by TSPLOST for $180,905.
In new business, the Board approved the purchase of a beacon system for the Ballpark Radio Tower retrofit for $30,600 to replace a failing FAA-required light. Payments to Sand Creek Land Construction were approved for hauling services aiding in storm-related road repairs. A bid from Central Fence Co. was accepted to repair 14 collection center fences damaged during Hurricane Helene. The Board also approved Pracademic Partners to lead the search for a new County Manager at a fixed cost of $26,500, which includes a one-year replacement guarantee if needed. Additionally, an amendment to the Fire Department pay plan was passed, increasing firefighter salaries by approximately 5%, with an annual cost of $2.1 million to help recruit and retain firefighters.
Infrastructure updates were also provided. The Cypress Lake Road Bridge at Watering Hole Branch remains closed due to structural damage and decay, and the Board approved moving forward with full replacement rather than temporary repairs. Work on Nevils-Denmark Road, which suffered severe damage from Hurricane Debby, is progressing, with bids opening March 27 and construction expected to begin in May, with a late summer completion date. Old Happy Road right-of-way acquisitions have begun, with Hightower Road and Josh Smith Road also planned for similar work.
The Akins Pond Road traffic signal has been approved by GDOT, though the installation timeline remains uncertain; however, the county has funds available to expedite the project if needed. Dekle Road repairs are waiting on pipe delivery by the end of the month, with preliminary dirt work set to begin soon, and concrete headwalls will be added to stabilize the structure.
During commissioner discussions, Commissioner Timmy Rushing highlighted the county’s lack of septic waste disposal facilities, forcing haulers to transport waste to other counties, many of which are also reluctant to accept it. He invited Keith Hamilton to present a more detailed report at the next morning meeting to explore potential solutions. Commissioner Toby Conner expressed gratitude to County Engineer Brad Deal, who is transitioning to a new role with the City, for his dedication and problem-solving approach. Commissioner Ray Mosley took a moment to thank the Board and community for their support following the passing of his sister.
Continue scrolling for the in-depth coverage of the meeting.
See the agenda and business discussed below, and view the full packet here.
I. CALL TO ORDER, WELCOME MEDIA AND VISITORS
II. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE
III. PRESENTATION
Proclamation Presentation: Community Service and Engagement - Mrs. Robin Holmes-Lanier
The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners recognized Robin Holmes-Lanier for her longstanding contributions to the community, particularly in music education and mentorship. She has been instrumental in teaching students across the county, helping them excel in their musical and academic journeys.
Commissioners praised her dedication to developing young musicians, noting that many local churches benefit from her training. Commissioner Moseley emphasized her impact, stating that her guidance has helped countless students succeed beyond just making it through—they have excelled. Commissioner Simmons echoed these sentiments, sharing that Holmes-Lanier currently teaches his granddaughter piano and that her influence has been transformative.
Beyond her teaching, Holmes-Lanier is a gifted vocalist and performer, having appeared at the Emma Kelly Theater multiple times. Commissioners encouraged the community to support her performances and expressed their gratitude for her ongoing dedication, leadership, and passion.
The proclamation was presented as a small token of appreciation for her immeasurable contributions to Bulloch County.
IV. ROLL CALL
V. APPROVAL OF GENERAL AGENDA
VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Keith Hamilton emphasized the need for improved infrastructure, particularly road paving and drainage, as Bulloch County continues to grow. He also raised concerns about the county’s rapidly increasing reliance on septic systems, noting that Bulloch has led the state in new septic permits for years, with 55,000 residential tanks and an average of 500 new installations annually. Despite haulers pumping 2,400-2,500 tanks per year, most septic waste, over 90%, is transported outside the county due to limited local disposal options. With projections showing the county’s population could double in 40 years, Hamilton urged the Board to develop a long-term plan for sewage treatment to accommodate future growth.
APPROVED VII. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes Approval: Tuesday February 25th, 2025 06:00 PM
2. Minutes Approval: Tuesday March 4th, 2025 05:30 PM
3. Executive Session Minutes Approval: Tuesday March 4th, 2025 05:30 PM
4. Approve payment to Jenkins County Landfill for mulch debris clearing services the week of February 17th, 2025 through February 21st, 2025
In clearing the storm debris with SDR, the mulched debris has been hauled to Jenkins County C&D Landfill for disposal. Disposal for the week of 2/17 - 2/21 is roughly 3,640 tons at a cost of $91,009.00.
a. Jenkins County CD Landfill - 949
b. Requisition Form - Jenkins County Landfill 2_27_25
5. Motion to approve payment to Jenkins County Landfill
In clearing the storm debris with SDR, the mulched debris has been hauled to Jenkins County C&D Landfill for disposal. This invoice covers Feb. 24th to Feb. 26th with 2,028.63 tons of mulch at a cost of $50,715.75.
a. Jenkins County CD Landfill - 965
b. Requisition Form - Jenkins County Landfill 3_3_25
6. Motion to approve and ratify payment to M W Collins
In clearing the storm debris with SDR, the mulched debris has been hauled to M W Collins for disposal. At this time 4,220 total cubic yardage, at a cost of $25,320.00.
a. Requisition Form - MW Collins 2914
7. Motion to approve and ratify payment to M W Collins
In clearing the storm debris with SDR, the mulched debris has been hauled to M W Collins for disposal. For hauling days 2/27 and 2/28 the cost was $33,486.00 for 5,581 cu/yd.
b. Requisition Form - MW Collins 2930
8. Motion to approve and ratify payment to M W Collins.
In clearing the storm debris with SDR, the mulched debris has been hauled to M W Collins for disposal. For the week of 3/3/25 to 3/7/25; 6,223 total cubic yardage was disposed, at a cost of $37,338.00.
b. Requisition Form - MW Collins 2963
9. Motion to approve and ratify J L Derriso hauling service.
Public Works had J L Derriso Trucking hauling additional rock from Augusta to the BCPW yard during Feb. 24th to Feb. 28th, at a cost of $15,390.00. Their services are aiding in the continued repairs using the Debby emergency fund.
a. Requisition Form - J L Derriso Trucking 11371
b. J L Derriso Trucking (rock hauling) 3_3_25
10. Motion to approve and ratify J L Derriso hauling service.
Public Works had J L Derriso Trucking hauling additional rock from Augusta to the BCPW yard during March 3rd to March 7th, at a cost of $15,408.25. Their services are aiding in the continued repairs using the Debby emergency fund.
a. J L Derriso Trucking (rock hauling) 3_10_25
b. Requisition Form - J L Derriso Trucking 11382
11. To grant a 2025 alcoholic beverage licenses for package and retail beer and wines sales to Nouria Energy Retail, Inc., located at 6640 Hwy. 67 Brooklet, GA (formerly EnMarket #755) and 17500 Hwy. 301 North Statesboro, GA (formerly EnMarket #769).
Approval recommended.
12. Motion to enter into negotiations with the most qualified responsive firm for County Road Right of Way Acquisition Services.
Bulloch County seeks to improve a number of existing unpaved roads, various roadway drainage repair projects, intersection improvement projects, and road widening projects through design & engineering service contracts and construction contracting. Bulloch County has traditionally self-performed a large portion of its Right-of-Way acquisition needs through utilization of in-house resources while outsourcing specialty services such as Property Valuation Appraisal Services. However, the current volume of work contracted for design & engineering services coupled with construction delivery expectations will no longer accommodate the traditional approach to County Road Right-of-Way Services.
Bulloch County understands the Right-of-Way phase of a project to be an essential component in the successful delivery of every roadway design project and roadway drainage repair project. The Right-of-Way phase includes varying levels of work detail associated with Property Valuation Appraisal Services, Property Acquisition Services, Pre/Post Project Preparation Services, Court Coordinator Services, Valuation Specialty Services, and all required Property Legal Services. Bulloch County has design & engineering service contracts with a need for County Road Right-of-Way Services on the following unpaved roads: W.D. Peacock Road, Moore Road, Lee Road, Old Happy Road, Lakeside Estates (Bream Road, Bass Court, Pike Road), R.L. Lee Road, Shuman Road, J.R. Parker Road, Club Road, Floyd Clark Road, Deer Run Road, Deer Run Court, Deer Run Lane, Grimshaw Road, Grimshaw Lane, and Prather Road.
Various drainage improvement projects associated with damages caused by Tropical Storm Debby are in the early stages of development with FEMA. Bulloch County anticipates procurement of design & engineering services for the various FEMA approved roadway drainage repair projects during Spring-2025. These locations could bring potential impacts to adjacent properties requiring County Road Right-of-Way Services to successfully deliver the project. T
herefore, Bulloch County is seeking a GDOT Prequalified full service Right-of Way Consultant with ample certified and qualified personnel resources fully capable of providing County Road Right-of-Way Services through all necessary means at a programmatic level for a period of no more than three (3) years form the dated of contract execution. The selected Consultant will be allowed to negotiate a cost increase to the terms of the executed contract on an annual basis with a maximum increase of 2% to its overall cost and a maximum of two (2) negotiated cost increases occurring annually during the entire term of the contract (i.e. occurs once in 2026 and once in 2027). Bulloch County reserves the right to extend the contract for an additional term (i.e. 1, 2, or 3 years) and at a cost mutually agreed upon by Bulloch County and the Consultant.
Bulloch County advertised this solicitation on the Georgia Procurement Registry, Statesboro Herald, Bulloch County Procurement Website, and also sent the solicitation to several qualified consultant firms listed in the GDOT Directory. A total of two Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) were received on February 28, 2025. Staff scored and ranked the SOQs, according to scoring criteria in the solicitation, and staff is requesting approval to begin cost negotiations with the highest scoring firm. The County Engineer recommends approval of this motion.
a. FY25-CP-E11_CountyRoadROWProfessionalServices_SOQResults_03102025
13. Motion to approve a bid and enter into a contract with Thunder Road, LLC for roadway crack sealing on various county roads, in the amount of $180,905.00, to be funded by TSPLOST.
This contract includes crack sealing of 66.5 lane miles of county roads. Crack sealing preserves roadways by preventing the infiltration of water under the asphalt pavement, thereby lengthening the lifespan of the pavement until more costly repairs will be required.
Sealed bids were received on March 13, 2025, as detailed in the attached memo from Faye Bragg, Purchasing Manager. The low bidder, Thunder Road, LLC, met all requirements of the County's bid specifications. The low bid amount, which was $180,905.00, is lower than the County Engineer's cost estimate of $266,000. The County Engineer recommends approval.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
APPROVED 1. Beacon System at Ball Park Radio Tower Retrofit
We were notified that the tower at Ball Park Rd had a beacon (tower light) that is not working. The system is no longer supported, parts are also not available. A retrofit is about 1/2 the cost of a replacement. The retrofit also allows us to reuse the 3 good beacons if this issue happens at another site.
a. Bulloch_County_911_Ball_Park_Tower_Lights_Retor_TWR_March_3_2025
b. Requisition MCA
c. Sole Source MCA
E-911 Director Kelly Barnard presented a request to approve the purchase of a beacon system for the Ballpark Radio Tower retrofit at a cost of $30,600. She explained that the mid-tower light had failed, and FAA regulations require functional lighting at both the top and midway points of the tower.
The county’s Motorola dealer, Well Mobile Communications, provided two pricing options: a retrofit for $30,600 (replacing only the broken lights while keeping existing cabling) or a full replacement for over $60,000. Given the cost savings and ability to reuse functioning lights on other towers, the retrofit was recommended. The system includes a five-year warranty.
APPROVED 2. Motion to approve and ratify payment to Sand Creek Land Construction
Public Works had Sand Creek Land Construction hauling additional rock from Augusta to the BCPW yard during Feb. 24th to Feb. 28th, at a cost of $16,542.75. Their services are aiding in the continued repairs using the Debby emergency fund.
a. Requisition Form - Sand Creek 2335
b. Sand Creek Land Construction Invoice 2335
Commissioner Toby Conner recused himself on items 2 and 3.
APPROVED 3. Motion to approve and ratify payment to Sand Creek Land Construction
Public Works had Sand Creek Land Construction hauling additional rock from Augusta to the BCPW yard during the week of March 3rd to March 7th, at a cost of $21,123.00. Their services are aiding in the continued repairs using the Debby emergency fund.
a. Sand Creek Land Construction Invoice 2340
b. Requisition Form - Sand Creek 2340
Commissioner Toby Conner recused himself on items 2 and 3.
APPROVED 4. Motion to accept bid from Central Fence
During Helene 14 collection center fences' were damaged; either by wind or trees falling. After all damages were documented with insurance and FEMA, Public works reached out to three fencing companies to bid on repairs at all 14 centers. With that, the Public works recommends accepting the bid from Central Fence.
a. Bid Memo
b. Quote Comparison
c. Central Fence
d. Morris Fence_Middleground Construction
APPROVED 5. Motion to accept a proposal from Pracademic Partners to provide executive recruitment services for the County Manager position
Bulloch County Board of Commissioners solicited responses to a request for proposals (RFP) for executive recruitment services for the County Manager position. Ten (10) submissions were received on February 20, 2025.
After review of each submission and the services offered, it is recommended that the Board accept the proposal and enter into a contract with Pracademic Partners to provide recruitment services on behalf of Bulloch County.
a. Executive Recruitment Services - Basic Analysis of RFP Responses for Agenda
b. Pracademic Partners COMBINED
Interim County Manager Cindy Steinmann presented a motion to accept a proposal from Pracademic Partners for executive recruitment services to hire a new County Manager. She explained that the county received 10 proposals following a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued on February 20. After reviewing all submissions, PRAcademic Partners was recommended as the best option due to its comprehensive package at a fixed cost of $26,500.
Unlike other firms that included additional fees for various services, PRAcademic Partners' proposal covered all aspects of recruitment within a single fee. Additionally, the firm offers a replacement search at no extra charge if the selected County Manager does not remain in the position for 12 months.
APPROVED 6. Motion to amend the pay plan to include new pay rates for the Fire Department
The Board of Commissioners approved an amendment to position control to add positions to the Fire Department on March 4, 2025. The Interim County Manager along with Human Resources engaged Archer, the company that completed the County's last compensation and classification study, to perform an updated study focusing only on the Fire Department in an effort to remain competitive with the economy and labor market rates. The labor market competition has aggressively raised Firefighter pay during the last few years and our pay has not kept pace. However, it is crucial that we make an effort to correct that to increase recruitment and retention. The last comprehensive pay study was completed by Archer in 2018 with minor updates in 2023.
Attached you will find the current pay plan before the amendment and the proposed pay plan with the amendments in red. Adoption of the amendment to the pay plan for the Fire Department is recommended.
Future consideration should be given to conducting a new comprehensive compensation and classification study for all positions as the economy and labor market has changed significantly, as well as internal factors, putting many positions behind in pay. This should be considered to mitigate recruitment and retention issues.
a. Pay-Plan-Positions-FY2025-Alpha-Order
b. Amended_Pay Plan Positions FY2025 Alpha Order
c. fire payscale 2025
Steinmann presented a motion to approve an amendment to the pay plan to include new pay rates for the Fire Department. She noted that while the board previously approved new firefighter positions, a review of firefighter pay was necessary to ensure competitive wages for recruitment and retention. The last pay study was conducted in 2018, and though an overall study is needed, the county’s previous consultant conducted a focused review on fire department wages.
The updated pay rates reflect an approximate 5% increase, which still aligns with current pay ranges. CFO Kristie King provided rough budget estimates, projecting that the new positions will cost around $2.1 million per year, with approximately $600,000 needed for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Discussion followed on whether SPLOST funds and excess revenue from previous SPLOST projects could be reallocated to cover equipment costs. Concerns were raised about addressing vacancies in other departments, such as Public Works, which has reported 13 unfilled positions for over a year. Steinmann clarified that the fire department pay review was prioritized at this time but other departments could be evaluated upon request.
Fire Chief Ben Tapley addressed the board, emphasizing the need for competitive firefighter pay to retain and recruit personnel. While the department has had vacancies throughout the year, it is currently short by one firefighter and is preparing to train a large incoming class in the next few weeks.
Tapley highlighted pay disparities between firefighters and other public safety roles, stating that entry-level firefighters earn $15 per hour, while an EMT starts at $18.91 per hour and a certified deputy earns over $19 per hour. He stressed that the department needs a pay adjustment to remain competitive with other public safety agencies in Bulloch County.
Concerns were raised about fairness in pay adjustments across departments. Tapley acknowledged the broader issue and reiterated that a county-wide pay study is needed, but the fire department’s situation required more immediate attention.
IX. COMMISSION AND STAFF COMMENTS
County Engineer Brad Deal provided an update on the Cypress Lake Road bridge at Watering Hole Branch, which has been closed since February 25 due to accident-related damage. Initial inspections revealed pre-existing structural issues, including rotting timber piles and a low 10-ton weight limit, making it the lowest-rated bridge in Bulloch County. The GDOT bridge office recommended further evaluation by a structural engineer, as the bridge is unsafe to reopen without significant repairs.
Deal outlined two options:
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Rehabilitation – Estimated at $500,000 and requiring at least a year to complete, this would still leave the bridge with a 10-15 ton weight limit and no long-term solution.
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Full Replacement – Estimated at $1.5 million, this option would take over two years but result in a modern bridge with no weight restrictions, improved safety features, and a wider structure.
Due to heavy school bus and truck traffic in the area, along with the bridge’s age (built in 1970), Deal recommended a full replacement rather than temporary repairs. While past funding requests to GDOT’s bridge replacement programs were denied, he suggested moving forward with design work immediately and seeking TSPLOST funds and possible GDOT supplemental funding to cover construction costs.
Assistant County Engineer Ron Nelson provided updates on ongoing infrastructure repairs following Hurricane Debby, which caused severe damage to Nevils-Denmark Road. He thanked the Board for their quick approval in September to move forward with designing a new drainage structure.
Nelson reported that the hydraulics and hydrology study, conducted in coordination with FEMA, was officially approved on March 12. The county began procurement for a contractor last Thursday, and bids will be opened on March 27. Once a contractor is selected and approved by the Board in April, the project is expected to begin in early May, with an anticipated 120-day construction schedule. If everything stays on track, the roadway should reopen by late summer.
He also provided updates on additional storm-related damage, noting that the county is still evaluating solutions for issues on Country Club Road and GW Oliver Road. While FEMA has been engaged for support, the county is also working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a drainage analysis for the affected areas. Nelson highlighted that GW Oliver Road may require a full bridge replacement due to significant water flow, but further assessments are needed to determine the best course of action.
County Engineer Brad Deal provided additional infrastructure updates, noting that the county is still awaiting a formal site inspection from FEMA for storm-damaged areas, despite ongoing requests. He also reported progress on Old Happy Road, where right-of-way acquisitions are set to begin following the Board’s approval to negotiate with an acquisition firm. This firm will handle the entire process, including appraisals and negotiations with property owners. Similar work is planned for Hightower Road and Josh Smith Road. Regarding Akins Pond Road, GDOT has approved a traffic signal permit for the Highway 67 intersection, but an installation timeline remains uncertain. One option under consideration is for GDOT to handle the installation using its own personnel, which could delay the project due to equipment procurement. However, if GDOT requests county involvement, local funds are already budgeted to move the project forward.
At the request of Commissioner Timmy Rushing, Public Works Director Dink Butler provided an update on Dekle Road. He reported that the county is awaiting pipe delivery, which is expected before the end of the month. In the meantime, if weather allows, crews plan to begin dirt work within the next week to prepare the site from both sides. Once the pipes arrive, the road will be temporarily closed to allow for installation and upgrades, including concrete headwalls on each side to help stabilize the structure and prevent future damage.
Butler also mentioned the completion of Aiden Lanier Road upgrades, where crews replaced a pipe and moved approximately 450 loads of dirt. He credited contract labor for expediting the project, noting that using county dump trucks alone would have significantly prolonged the timeline.
Shifting to staffing concerns, Butler addressed ongoing Public Works vacancies, stating that while the department has recently filled some positions, 10 full-time and four part-time roles remain open. He acknowledged Commissioner Newkirk's remarks on staffing shortages and expressed support for a countywide pay study, emphasizing the importance of ensuring adequate personnel to maintain the county’s roads and infrastructure.
Commissioner Timmy Rushing addressed Keith Hamilton’s concerns about septic system management, emphasizing that the issue is often overlooked by the public until a problem arises. He noted that most people don’t think about where their waste goes after flushing, making it a largely invisible issue. He pointed out that many county commissioners, as well as some city officials, also rely on septic systems, underscoring that this is both a county and city-wide challenge.
Rushing explained that years ago, the city wastewater plant stopped accepting septic waste due to the shock load from concentrated septic pumping. As a result, Bulloch County has no designated disposal site, forcing local haulers to transport waste to other counties, which are also reluctant to accept it. During peak seasons, especially around the holidays, septic haulers operate nearly 24/7, yet they struggle to find places to dump waste, leading to regulatory challenges. He pointed out that health department regulations often force homeowners to address septic issues, but without a county-run disposal solution, the system remains stuck in a cycle with no clear resolution.
Recognizing Hamilton’s research and data on the issue, Rushing formally invited him to give a detailed presentation at the next morning commission meeting. He stressed that with 4,300 new homes expected to be built in Bulloch County in the coming years, septic and wastewater management must be addressed. He also noted that while wastewater treatment plants can be extremely costly ($30 per gallon, equating to $30 million for a million-gallon plant), alternative solutions need to be explored. The Board agreed to schedule Hamilton’s presentation, with Clerk Venus Mincey-White coordinating logistics.
Commissioner Ray Mosley thanked his fellow commissioners, staff and audience for reaching out to him during his sister's passing.
Commissioner Toby Conner took a moment to express gratitude to County Engineer Brad Deal for his dedication and service to Bulloch County as he prepares to transition to a role with the City. Conner commended Deal for his commitment to public service and problem-solving, noting that while he may not have always had immediate answers, he consistently followed up with thorough and well-researched solutions. He thanked Deal for his contributions and wished him the best in his next endeavor.
X. EXECUTIVE SESSION (PERSONNEL)
No action taken.
