Local Government

Statesboro City Council approved a lower 8.725 mills increase after several hours of debate and discussion led to a tie-breaking vote by Mayor Jonathan McCollar. Read about this and all business covered by the Council at its September 17 regular meeting.

At the recent Brooklet city work session, a broad spectrum of issues was discussed, ranging from the future of the old Southeast Bulloch Junior High School property to updates on city financial policies and infrastructure projects. Key discussions included proposed changes to public comment procedures, new procurement guidelines, and the allocation of SPLOST and TSPLOST funds for community projects.

County Commissioners and citizens praised and thanked all County employees for their commitment and dedication at Tuesday's meeting. Three new Bulloch Fire Battalion Chiefs were introduced and an update was given on when roads will be open after Hurricane Debby. Keep reading for this and all business covered at the Commission meeting.

The Bulloch County School Board continues to narrow the site drawings of the new SEBHS, with cost efficiency and current student body size at the forefront of the plan's direction. Superintendent Charles Wilson says the future sewage management plan for the school is still pending on the proposed intergovernmental agreement between the cities of Statesboro and Brooklet. Read about this and more from Thursday night's BOE meeting.

The City of Statesboro held two public hearings on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, to discuss a proposed property tax increase. The hearings, required by state law when a tax increase is proposed, took place at 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM at the Statesboro City Council Chambers. A third and final hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, September 17, during the regular city council meeting.

The highly anticipated public information meeting for Burkhalter Village has been canceled following a formal request from developer Blue Fern Development to pause the project. Residents will need to wait until early 2025 for further updates as the developer conducts additional due diligence on the proposed plans.

Hearings will take place in the Council Chambers at City Hall on September 10 and 17.

In a heated exchange commissioners pushed back at Lawton Sack leader of the Bulloch Action Coalition regarding the recent First Friday cancelation. Commissioner Anthony Simmons expressed how upset his constituents in the city are that the BAC legal action has stopped these fun family friendly events.

At the September 3rd Statesboro City Council meeting, Mayor Jonathan McCollar highlighted Latinx Heritage Month with a proclamation celebrating Latino American contributions to Georgia. The council also approved various measures, including a temporary relocation of a voting precinct, a grant for fire safety education, and updates on infrastructure projects and public information sessions.

The Downtown Statesboro Development Authority has canceled all First Friday events this year to review and rewrite their policies on hosting these events. This is in response to a legal challenge from the Bulloch Action Coalition, followed by an $80,000 settlement and public statement from the DSDA to the BAC.