The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday morning, February 15, 2025, to discuss several key issues, including ongoing storm cleanup efforts, a change to the public comment process, and an update on the water system work session.
The board approved multiple financial and operational measures through the consent agenda, addressing emergency road repairs, park improvements, and public safety equipment. Under new business, commissioners approved amendments to county ordinances, including a revision that moves public comments to the beginning of meetings so that residents can provide input before votes take place.
Storm Cleanup Efforts & Property Reassessments
As cleanup continues following Tropical Storm Debby, Assistant Public Works Director Robert Seamans provided an update on debris collection. The county has removed 324,000 cubic yards of debris, with an estimated total of 400,000 cubic yards expected by the time collection ends.
The phase one deadline to place storm-related debris on the roadside is February 28, after which a second round of collection will begin on March 1. The county has yet to determine the absolute cutoff date for curbside pickup, which will be decided in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Corey Kemp provided updates on property reassessments, reminding residents that the deadline for damage reassessment is April 1. Homeowners who have not yet had their properties evaluated are encouraged to contact the EMA via Facebook, phone, email, or QR code before the deadline to ensure their damage reports are included in official assessments.
Public Comments Moved to the Beginning of Meetings
One of the most notable changes discussed was the relocation of the public comment period on the commission’s meeting agenda.
Under the new amendment to Sections 2-25 through 2-28 of Article II, Chapter 2, public comments will now be held before the consent agenda, allowing residents to voice their concerns about agenda items before commissioners vote.
County Attorney Jeff Akins explained that this change enhances transparency and public engagement. Commissioner Nick Newkirk questioned why the public comments had been moved to the end of meetings in the first place. Akins noted that no clear reason had been identified, and restoring them to the beginning aligns with previous practices.
Water System Discussion
During a work session, commissioners heard a presentation from Tony Rojas of TPR Consulting and Carl Hofstadter of Hofstadter & Associates regarding the county’s water system agreements with Bryan County. The county’s first well is expected to become operational by June 2025, with a projected water supply of 3.92 million gallons per day (MGD) by 2028.
Bulloch County will charge $1 per 1,000 gallons for both consumption and transportation, generating an estimated $1.43 million annually by 2028. Bryan County has also agreed to cover up to $21,000 per month in operating costs for the first five years.
In the long term, Bryan County plans to transition to a surface water source, requiring a reduction in groundwater withdrawal unless Bulloch County modifies its permit. Commissioners also discussed potential expansions of water and sewer infrastructure to encourage business growth, improve fire protection, and manage wastewater treatment capacity.
A more in-depth story will follow soon on Grice Connect.
Consent Agenda Highlights
The board approved several financial measures and operational decisions, including:
- Mid-Year Budget Amendment – Adjusting Fiscal Year 2025 funds to align with ongoing organizational needs.
- Fire Department PPE Purchase – Approving the purchase of Lion PPE gear from NAFECO for newly added fire department positions.
- Coca-Cola Concession Contract Renewal – Extending an agreement to supply beverages for resale at county recreation concessions, including Splash in the Boro and the Ag Complex.
- Hauling Services for Storm Repairs – Ratifying contracts with J.L. Derriso Trucking and Sand Creek Land Construction for rock and material hauling used in post-Debby emergency road repairs.
- New Fire Tanker Purchase – Approving a $498,407 purchase of a Fouts Bros 3,000-gallon tanker/pumper to improve fire response capabilities.
- Culvert Order for Road Repairs – Approving a $21,657.60 order from Cherokee Culvert to replace damaged road culverts following storm damage.
- Adult Education Program at the Correctional Institute – Approving an MOU with Ogeechee Technical College to continue offering GED programs for inmates.
- Mill Creek Park Playground Resurfacing – Accepting a $172,690 bid from Playworx Playset LLC for turf and rubber buffering replacements to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Georgia Emergency Communications Authority (GECA) Agreement – Allowing Emanuel County to install radio equipment on Bulloch County’s Two Chop communications tower to enhance regional emergency response.
New Business & Ordinance Amendments
Commissioners approved several updates to county ordinances, including:
- Body Art Studio Regulations – Aligning county rules with state health department standards for tattoo and body art studios, allowing violations to be handled through Magistrate Court rather than state administrative processes.
- Storm Cleanup Hauling Contracts – Ratifying additional contracts with Sand Creek Land Construction for hauling debris between January 27 and February 7 to assist with ongoing road repairs.
Public Comments & Commissioner Updates
During the public comment session, Marcus Toole of Statesboro’s Habitat for Humanity addressed the board about his recent trip to Washington, D.C., where he participated in Habitat for Humanity’s Advocacy Day alongside Commissioners Anthony Simmons and Ray Mosley. He highlighted concerns regarding blighted properties, corporate tax deductions, and property tax burdens on inherited homes. Commissioners agreed that these are significant housing and development issues for Bulloch County.
Additionally, Bulloch County Recreation Director Dadrian “Dee” Cosby announced plans for a monthly department newsletter and honored the late Wayne Davis, a beloved staff member, for his service to the county.
The board concluded the meeting by outlining next steps, including finalizing the Mitigation Advisory Board to oversee groundwater management, scheduling interviews for candidates, and preparing for the March 1 launch of the well registration program.
Commissioners Timmy Rushing, Anthony Simmons and Nick Newkirk will choose 6 of 19 people that applied and will have a decision on who to appoint before the next meeting. Chairman David Bennett reminded the public that early voting for SPLOST begins February 24 at the Elections Office, urging residents to participate in the upcoming vote.
With no further public action, the board moved into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters before adjourning.
To view the meeting agenda packet, click here
I. CALL TO ORDER, WELCOME MEDIA AND VISITORS
II. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE
III. ROLL CALL
IV. APPROVAL OF GENERAL AGENDA
APPROVED V. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes Approval: Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 5:30 PM
2. Approve an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025 budget for appropriating funds for various activities
Staff is requesting a mid-year budget amendment to appropriate monies needed for various operational and capital activities which are needed to complete organizational objectives. Adjustments are necessary to modify budgets at the legal level of control per O.C.G.A. Chapter 36, as only the Commission has the authority to change spending levels
3. Approve the purchase of Lion PPE gear from NAFECO
The Bulloch County Fire Department was budgeted to purchase new PPE, this purchase is for the new positions added to the department in July, this is a Sourcewell purchase on a Government contract that meets the AFG purchasing agreement.
4. Approve the renewal contract from Coca-Cola to provide beverages for resale at Recreation Concessions (Athletics, Splash in the Boro, & Ag Complex)
Coca Cola was awarded an initial contract to provide beverages for resell for the period April 7, 2023 and ending on April 6, 2024. It was approved at the BCBOC meeting held on March 21, 2023. It was stated in the contract that after the initial term, the agreement may be renewed for up to two (2) successive one (1) year periods. (April 7, 2023 through April 6, 2026 - including each renewal term). We recommend approval of the second and final successive one (1) year period contract renewal agreement, beginning April 7, 2025 and ending April 6, 2026.
5. Approve and ratify hauling service from J.L. Derriso Trucking
Public Works had J L Derriso Trucking hauling additional rock from Augusta to the BCPW yard during Feb. 3rd to Feb. 7th, at a cost of $24,987.75. Their services are aiding in the continued repairs using the Debby emergency fund
6. Approve and ratify the purchase of a Fouts Bros 3,000-gallon Tanker for $498,407.00
At the November 7, 2024, Board of Commissioners meeting the Board approved the purchase of a tanker/pumper up to $525,000.00. This move was prompted by not being able to get the approval of the tankers before the units were sold. Since that meeting, the fire department has secured a contract with Fouts Bros for a 3,000 gallon tanker/pumper that will be delivered within 365 days. This contract is with Fouts Bros using the cooperative purchasing power of NPP and was reviewed and approved by Faye Bragg in our purchasing department. Chairman Bennett signed the contract on 2/04/25 and was emailed to Fouts Bros on 2/05/24.
7. Approve and ratify a culvert order from Cherokee Culvert
Public Works has ordered culvert pipe from Cherokee Culvert to use in the continued road repairs after Debby. Cherokee Culvert is our regular supplier and they were able to provide us what we needed at a cost of $21,657.60.
8. Approve a Memorandum of Understanding with Ogeechee Technical College to provide an Adult Education Program
Ogeechee Technical College(OTC) provides adult education programs to the Bulloch County Correctional Institute(BCCI) inmate population providing them opportunities to earn their GED while incarcerated. The MOU allows OTC to use the BCCI facility to conduct the adult literacy curriculum. There are no associated costs to the BCCI or Bulloch County. Approval is recommended.
9. Approve a bid from Playworx Playsets, LLC for Mill Creek Park playground resurfacing
Bids were received and opened for the replacement of the turf under the large playground, all swing bays, and the small playground at the five-field complex at Mill Creek Park. This project is scheduled on the FY25 CIP schedule (Project ID PARK05 $175,000). The original bid asked for pricing for “pour in place rubber surfacing.” Three vendors went to Mill Creek to look at the playground and measure. Each asked about the rubber buffering under the turf. It was their suggestion that we replace it as well due to the inconsistent depth of buffering after testing it with a probe. As a result, an addendum was issued to the bid packet. All vendors then submitted two bid prices in their bids: *Option one would be to just replace the turf with EPDM pour in place rubber surfacing per specs in the bid. *Option two would be a total replacement which would guarantee the proper thickness of rubber buffering, meet ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards, and be IPEMA (International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association) certified. *Also included was a warranty section in the specs that states vendor must provide a guarantee against defects in the materials and workmanship for a period of 5 years from the date of completion. The warranty shall provide material and labor to repair and replace defective materials. Five bids were received for the project. After a thorough review of the bids, it is the recommendation of Tony Morgan, Parks & Recreation Assistant Director, that we accept Option 2 bid from Playworx Playset LLC in the amount of $172,690 for removal of existing turf and rubber buffering, and installation of new rubber buffering with pour in place surfacing. Playworx Playset LLC has installed over 100,000 square feet of surfacing for Savannah Chatham County Public Schools. We contacted their Senior Project Manager, Nicole Callahan, and she spoke very highly of the company and their work
10. Approve a Nondisclosure Agreement with the Georgia Emergency Communications Authority (GECA)
The agreement will allow Emanuel County to purchase and install equipment on Bulloch County's Two Chop communications/radio tower. This is how, under normal operations, they will send their radio signal through us to Savannah. The same type of equipment is present on the Landfill tower in Effingham County to deliver radio signal to the master site in Savannah.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
APPROVED 1. Approve an Amendment to Article VI of Chapter 8 of the Code of Ordinances of Bulloch County, Georgia
Article VI of Chapter 8 of the Code of Ordinances incorporates the Georgia Department of Public Health's rules and regulations governing the operation of body art studios and body artists. These rules and regulations are administered and enforced by the Bulloch County Health Department. The reason that the rules and regulations are incorporated into a County ordinance is to provide the Health Department with another enforcement option because the Magistrate Court has jurisdiction over violations of County ordinances, whereas without a County ordinance the Health Department would be limited to administrative enforcement through the State. The Georgia Department of Public Health has recently revised the rules and regulations for body art studios and body artists, and therefore the ordinance needs to be amended to reflect those revisions.
County Attorney Jeff Akins presented an amendment to Article VI of Chapter 8 of the county code, aligning Bulloch County's regulations with the Georgia Department of Public Health's revised rules for body art studios and tattoo artists.
“The reason these rules are incorporated into the county ordinance is to provide the Bulloch County Health Department with another enforcement option,” Akins explained. “Without a county ordinance, the Health Department would be limited to administrative enforcement through the state, whereas this allows violations to be handled through Magistrate Court.”
Commissioner Nick Newkirk asked for clarification on who would be responsible for enforcement, questioning whether it would fall under the Health Department, the Sheriff’s Office, or Code Enforcement.
Environmental Health Manager Marlin Thomas confirmed that enforcement remains solely with the Health Department, stating, "These rules were originally introduced by our district a couple of years ago. The state has now standardized them across Georgia, so this amendment removes the old rules and replaces them with the new state regulations. Our department will continue handling enforcement, issuing citations, and referring violations to Magistrate Court as needed."
The amendment was approved unanimously.
APPROVED 2. Approve an Amendment to Sections 2-25, 2-26, 2-27, and 2-28 of Article II of Chapter 2 of the Code of Ordinances of Bulloch County, Georgia
The proposed ordinance amendment moves the agenda item for public comments from the end of the agenda to just before the consent agenda. The amendment also makes some other revisions that will be discussed by the County Attorney when he presents the proposed amendment at the meeting. The attached "redline" version of the amendment shows deleted language in blue strikethrough font and new language in red font. The attached "clean" version of the amendment incorporates all the changes shown in the redline version.
This can all be viewed in the agenda packet above.
County Attorney Jeff Akins presented an amendment to Sections 2-25 through 2-28 of Article II, Chapter 2 of the county code, which included several clarifications and procedural changes. The most notable revision moves public comment sessions to the beginning of meetings, allowing citizens to address agenda items before votes take place.
“The Board previously discussed adjusting the order of business to allow public comments earlier in the meeting,” Akins explained. “This amendment formalizes that change, placing public comments before the consent agenda rather than at the end of meetings.”
In addition to this change, Akins proposed minor updates for clarity, including:
- Removing outdated language requiring the announcement of certain officials at the start of the year.
- Clarifying Open Meetings Act requirements for keeping records of executive sessions.
- Adjusting the order of business for regular meetings to reflect current practices.
Commissioner Nick Newkirk raised a question regarding why public comments had been moved to the end of meetings in the first place.
“I was looking back at agendas from 2023, and it seems like we had public comments at the beginning before. Was there a reason we changed that?” Newkirk asked.
Akins responded that there was no specific recollection of why the change was made but emphasized that the Board should follow its own ordinances to ensure transparency and consistency.
Newkirk then made a motion to allow public comment specifically on this agenda item before final approval. The motion passed unanimously. However, no members of the public opted to speak.
With no further discussion, the Board approved the amendment unanimously.
APPROVED 3. Approve and ratify the use of Sand Creek Land Construction for hauling services from January 27–31, 2025
Public Works had Sand Creek Land Construction hauling material, for the week of Jan 27th to Jan. 31st; at a cost of $20,632.50. Their services are aiding in the continued repairs using the Debby emergency fund.
Toby Conner recused.
APPROVED 4. Approve and ratify the use of Sand Creek Land Construction for hauling services from February 3–7, 2025
Public Works had Sand Creek Land Construction hauling material, for the week of Feb. 3rd to Feb. 7th; at a cost of $15,198.75. Their services are aiding in the continued repairs using the Debby emergency fund.
Toby Conner recused.
VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS
During the public comment session, Marcus Toole of Statesboro's Habitat for Humanity addressed the Board about his recent participation in Habitat for Humanity’s Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C.. He was joined at the event by Commissioners Anthony Simmons, Ray Mosley and Statesboro City Councilmember Tangie Johnson.
Toole praised the commissioners for their participation and encouraged others to attend in the future, stating, “This event provides some of the best training on housing and tax policies at all levels of government. Every year, we focus on different key issues, last year it was zoning policy, and this year it was the relationship between property taxes and federal tax incentives.”
He highlighted concerns discussed at the conference regarding blighted properties and how tax policies may unintentionally incentivize corporations to let properties sit vacant for tax deductions rather than redeveloping them.
- Heirs Property & Homestead Exemptions – Toole explained how low-income residents who inherit property often face higher tax burdens because heirs’ property does not qualify for a homestead exemption. This tax burden often forces owners to sell, leading to further corporate acquisition of blighted properties.
- Corporate Tax Deductions & Blighted Properties – He noted that current federal tax policies allow corporations to claim deductions on blighted properties, discouraging redevelopment.
- Impact on Local Commercial Properties – He pointed to abandoned commercial buildings, such as the old Winn-Dixie and Kmart properties, as examples of properties that may be sitting vacant due to corporate tax advantages.
- Georgia Chamber of Commerce Concerns – The Georgia Chamber has raised concerns that a new state tax law could increase the profitability of sitting on blighted properties, exacerbating the problem.
While Habitat for Humanity does not take an official stance on these policies, Toole emphasized the importance of local policymakers understanding the interplay between local, state, and federal regulations.
Commissioner Anthony Simmons noted that housing issues discussed at Habitat for Humanity’s Advocacy Day are not unique to Bulloch County but are widespread across the state and nation. He called the event insightful and hopes to apply lessons learned locally.
Commissioner Ray Mosley urged more commissioners to attend Habitat for Humanity’s Advocacy Day next year, emphasizing its value in addressing housing challenges and benefiting Bulloch County.
VIII. COMMISSION AND STAFF COMMENTS
Bulloch Rec. Director Dadrian “Dee” Cosby provided an update on upcoming events and announced plans to distribute a monthly newsletter.
He also took a moment to honor Wayne Davis, a beloved staff member who recently passed away, thanking county officials and first responders for their compassion and support. “Wayne was a great man, and he will be deeply missed,” Cosby said.
Assistant Public Works Director Robert Seamans reported that February 4 marked 120 days since the storm, shifting FEMA reimbursement to a 75/25 cost-sharing phase, increasing the county’s financial responsibility.
- Debris Collection Progress – 324,000 cubic yards of debris have been collected, with an expected total of 400,000 cubic yards.
- Pickup Schedule – Round 1 ends February 28, with Round 2 starting March 1 to clear remaining storm debris.
- Final Debris Deadline Pending – A final collection deadline will be determined at the next commission meeting. Residents are urged to place storm-related debris only by the road as soon as possible.
EMA Director Corey Kemp provided updates on FEMA preliminary damage assessments (PDA) for homes impacted by the storm:
- Properties are classified as affected, minor, major, or destroyed based on FEMA criteria.
- Damage reassessments will conclude on April 1, after which officials will finalize reports and close the review process.
- Residents who have not had their homes assessed are encouraged to contact the EMA via Facebook, phone, email, or QR code before the deadline.
Commissioners emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding the damage reassessment deadline and ensuring all eligible homeowners receive evaluations before April 1.
IX. WORK SESSION - WATER DISCUSSION
The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners held a work session led by Tony Rojas of TPR Consulting and Carl Hofstadter of Hofstadter & Associates to discuss the county’s water system and its agreement with Bryan County. The county has four wells designated for groundwater withdrawal, with the first expected to come online by June 2025. Bryan County is currently supplying 0.88 million gallons per day (MGD) to the Hyundai Mega Site, but as Bulloch County’s system ramps up, usage will increase incrementally, with an estimated 3.92 MGD by 2028. Bulloch County will charge $1 per 1,000 gallons for both consumption and transportation of water, generating projected revenues of $1.43 million annually by 2028. Additionally, Bryan County will cover up to $21,000 per month in operational costs for the first five years, reducing Bulloch County’s financial risk. After five years, the water rates will increase to $1.25 per 1,000 gallons, with an annual 2.5% adjustment for inflation.
Looking ahead, Bryan County is planning to transition to a surface water source, likely from the Savannah River, within the next three to five years. Once this happens, Bulloch County’s groundwater withdrawals will need to be reduced unless a modification to the county’s permit is approved. However, the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has indicated that Bulloch County will retain ownership of its wells and could apply for expanded service areas. This opens the possibility of using the wells for additional commercial, industrial, or residential developments, allowing the county to continue generating revenue. Commissioners discussed the potential economic benefits of expanding water infrastructure, particularly along Highway 46 and Highway 67, where growth is anticipated. Improved access to public water and sewer services could attract businesses, hotels, and gas stations, leading to increased sales tax revenue and long-term economic growth.
Beyond economic considerations, the expansion of water services could provide critical fire protection benefits for southern Bulloch County. Fire hydrants connected to a public water system can significantly lower homeowners’ insurance rates (ISO ratings) by reducing fire response times and increasing available water pressure. Additionally, the county has the option to purchase up to 1 million gallons per day of wastewater treatment capacity from Bryan County, which could be crucial as development continues. Commissioners were urged to consider how aggressively they want to pursue expansion, balancing economic growth with groundwater conservation efforts. The county will need to finalize a mitigation advisory board, establish a well registration program by March 1, and coordinate with well drillers for assessments and future infrastructure planning.
Interim County Manager Cindy Steinmann discussed the Mitigation Advisory Board with the commissioners. With 19 applicants, the board debated whether to hold public interviews or have a smaller panel narrow down the candidates.
Ultimately, a panel of three commissioners, Nick Newkirk, Timmy Rushing, and Anthony Simmons, was appointed to review applications, conduct interviews, and present a shortlist of six or seven candidates to the full board for a final vote at the next meeting. The goal is to have the committee in place by March 1, 2025.
The board also discussed groundwater expertise, noting that Bryan County’s selection included a well driller, a groundwater expert, and a citizen representative. Bulloch County may follow a similar model.
Chairman David Bennett’s Reminders:
- Early voting for SPLOST begins February 24 at the Elections Office.
- Residents are encouraged to vote, recognizing the significance of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) for funding infrastructure and community projects.
With no further action expected, the board moved into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters.
