The Bulloch County Commissioners in their regular meeting on Tuesday morning, January 17, 2023 voted to approve an extension of the zoning moratorium for an extra 56 days. Tom Couch, Bulloch County Manager told the commissioners that it had been difficult to get people together during the holidays which has delayed some of the work. They have began meetings in earnest in the new year.
The county staff anticipates reconvening the Moratorium Committee in early February and hope to file the ordinance changes in mid February. The focus remains to select a good map area for the comprehensive plan ammendment and future development to include zoning and subdivision regulations. For this reason the staff asked for this additional time. The moratorium will now end on April 7, 2023. It originally was to end on February 10.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Request to remove Confederate Monument from Courthouse square
Bulloch County resident Marcus Toole addressed the commission asking for consideration to move the Confederate Monument from the Bulloch County Courthouse square. Toole is concerned about the impression this makes, especially to newcomers to our community. In addition, it is very offensive to the African American community. He went on to say the monument makes white southerners look bad and affirms all stereotypes of southerners. No comments or action was taken by the Commissioners.
CONSENT AGENDA
ALL APPROVED
- Approve a Tower Space Lease Agreement with Statesboro Towers, Inc.
- Motion to enter into an agreement for Bulloch County Fire Department to use the Statesboro Fire Department Training Facilities.
- Motion to grant a 2023 alcoholic beverage renewal license for package retail beer and wine sales to certain establishments with a current 2022 license.
- Approve a Right-of-way Easement to Excelsior Electric Membership Corporation
- Motion to enter into an agreement with Ogeechee Technical College for the use of the Bulloch County Correctional Institute for an Adult Education Program
- Motion to Approve the Purchase of Three Vehicle Lifts from Meco for $57,886.08.
- Motion to Approve Benefits Consulting Agreement with Oakbridge Insurance.
COMMISSION AND STAFF COMMENTS
Roy Thompson, Bulloch County Commission Chairman asked Cindy Steinmann, Bulloch County Assistant County Manager to research millage rates and Fees for all the contiguous counties. Chairman Thompson said a common complaint he hears is that Bulloch County has the highest taxes of any of the counties around Bulloch. Ms. Steinmann's presented a report to the Commission that proved this to be a false understanding. In fact, of all the counties that touch Bulloch, we have the lowest millage rate and fees of all the counties that touch Bulloch.
EXECUTIVE SESSION (PERSONNEL AND REAL ESTATE)
Bulloch County Commissioners entered into a lengthy executive session. No action was taken.
NEW BUSINESS
APPROVED - Approve a Resolution to Extend a Moratorium On Selected Residential Re-Zoning Applications in Southeast Bulloch County -
The extension extends the moratorium for an extra 56 days. Tom Couch, Bulloch County Manager told the commissioners that it had been difficult to get people together during the holidays which has delayed some of the work. They have began meetings in earnest in the new year. The county staff anticipates reconvening the committee in early February and hope to file the ordinance changes in mid February. The focus remains to get a good map for the comprehensive plan revision and future development to include zoning and subdivision regulations. For this reason the staff is asking for this additional time.
APPROVED - Approve a supplemental with Davenport & Company LLC or Financial Advisory Retainer Services.
APPROVED - Board of Commissioners July 4th, 2023 Meeting moved to Wednesday, July 5, 2023
APPROVED - Approve a Memorandum of Understanding by and among the Development Authority of Bulloch County and REVALYU (US) LLC
