Local Government

The first week of the 2025 Georgia legislative session kicked off on January 13 with the swearing-in of all House members and the re-election of Speaker Jon Burns. The week also included the adoption of the session's adjournment schedule and Governor Kemp's State of the State Address.

The City of Brooklet held its first council meeting of the year on January 16, addressing key updates on hurricane cleanup, the Forcemain Project, and police department activities. The council also made several important appointments to kick off 2025.

State Representative Butch Parrish (R-Swainsboro) has been reappointed as Chairman of both the House Rules Committee and the Special Committee on Healthcare, continuing his leadership role in shaping key policies impacting Georgia’s legislative and healthcare landscape.

State Representative Lehman Franklin (R-Statesboro) has been appointed Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education and the Retirement Committee, furthering his leadership role as he begins his second term in the Georgia House of Representatives.

The City of Statesboro is hiring a new coordinator for its Keep Statesboro-Bulloch Beautiful program. This is a full time position, and the application period closes on January 24.

Hickman represents the 4th Senate District, which includes Bulloch, Candler, Effingham, and Evans County as well as a small portion of Chatham County.

Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) was unanimously re-elected by the Georgia House of Representatives on Monday to serve another term as Speaker for the 2025-2026 legislative session. This re-election marks another milestone in his continued leadership and commitment to advancing policies that strengthen Georgia’s families, businesses, and communities

After years of closure and community advocacy, Whitesville Park is poised for a vibrant rebirth. The City of Statesboro has committed $1.2 million in ARPA funds to revitalize the park, bringing new recreational opportunities to the neighborhood.

The Bulloch County Board of Education kicked off 2025 with its first meeting on January 9, which included the swearing-in of new members Lannie Lanier, Jennifer Mock, and Lisha Nevil, along with the re-sworn Maurice Hill. The meeting covered key updates, including the election of officers, a school spotlight presentation, and progress on the Mattie Lively Elementary HVAC project.

The Brooklet City Council discussed term appointments for incoming Planning & Zoning Commission members, funding sources for the Georgia Water & Wastewater initiative, the Brooklet to Statesboro Sewer Project, and more at the most recent work session on Thursday, January 9.