The Bulloch County Commissioners met for the first time in 2025 to address a wide range of agenda items, including public hearings, new business, public comments, and updates from staff and commissioners.
This was the first board meeting under newly elected Chairman David Bennett and Commissioner Nick Newkirk. Commissioner Ray Davis joined the board early in October.
The commissioners held a public hearing to consider a resolution for the abandonment and closure of a 0.09-mile segment of County Road No. 2085, also known as Bertie Lane. The request was submitted by Groover Mill Farms, LLC, represented by Joey Jones, who stated that the road was no longer required for property access.
The section in question extends from Bertie Lane’s intersection with County Road 576 (Westside Road) to its terminus. If abandoned, the county would cease maintenance, including grading, ditch upkeep, and debris clearing.
Concerns were raised about potential impacts on emergency response times, school bus routes, and mail delivery. While the petition met legal standards under O.C.G.A. § 32-7-2(b)(1), the commissioners required that public safety agencies be notified of address changes before maintenance officially ceased.
After deliberation, the resolution was approved, allowing the abandonment process to proceed.
The consent agenda was unanimously approved and included several routine but important matters. Items on the agenda included the approval of minutes from the December 17, 2024, meeting, the renewal and upgrade of the county-wide network and communications system agreement with Bulloch Solutions, and the ratification of hauling services provided by J.L. Derriso during the week of December 16–20, 2024.
Also included were payments to Thompson Consulting Services for debris collection monitoring and approval of 2025 alcoholic beverage license renewals for package retail beer and wine sales to establishments previously licensed in 2024.
Under new business, the commissioners voted on two significant items. The first was a $37,450 change order to Parker Engineering’s design contract for the Clark Farm Road project. The additional funds will cover supplemental topographic surveys and drainage improvements for both Clark Farm Road and the unpaved 1,900-foot segment of WD Peacock Road.
These improvements aim to address stormwater management and reduce maintenance needs by paving the dirt road section. The original $125,000 contract with Parker Engineering was increased to $162,450, with funding provided through TSPLOST.
The second item was an application to the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) program. The grant totals $1,831,816.96 and requires a 30% local match of $549,545.09, which will be covered using TSPLOST funds.
The LMIG funding will support road resurfacing projects across Bulloch County, covering approximately 17.73 miles. An additional $715,175.38 is allocated for pavement preservation and subdivision road resurfacing, with specific project locations to be finalized in the coming weeks.
Both items were approved by the board.
County Attorney Jeff Akins and Deputy Chief Appraiser Robert Fisher provided an in-depth overview of House Bill 581, which allows counties to implement a local option sales tax of up to 1% for property tax relief.
Akins explained the prerequisites for calling a referendum, including the establishment of an intergovernmental agreement with municipalities representing at least 50% of the county’s population and the implementation of a “floating” homestead exemption that caps annual increases in assessed property value to the inflation rate.
Fisher highlighted changes for property owners under the bill, including the removal of estimated tax amounts from property assessment notices. He explained that while the homestead exemption limits assessed value increases, it does not cap tax rates, which depend on local millage rates.
Both Akins and Fisher emphasized the urgency of addressing the exemption, as opting out would disqualify the county from pursuing the new sales tax.
The board opted to continue discussions but took no formal action.
During public comments, Pulaski Point resident Jeremy Moye expressed concerns about severe flooding in his neighborhood. He described how the creek serving as the area’s sole drainage system has been obstructed by debris from storms, particularly Hurricane Helene, leading to significant property damage and rising insurance costs.
Moye also noted unclear maintenance responsibilities for roads and drainage infrastructure in the area. Chairman Bennett acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and assured Moye that the county would explore potential solutions.
Lisha Nevil, District 7 elect for the Bulloch County Board of Education, welcomed the commissioners and encouraged collaboration between the county, city, and Board of Education to address shared challenges and ensure balanced growth.
Mayor Pro-Tem Shari Barr commended the commissioners and staff for their dedication and professionalism, expressing her confidence in Bulloch County’s leadership and their commitment to improving the community.
Staff updates included a presentation by Fire Chief Ben Tapley and Chief of Prevention Joe Carter, who provided seasonal safety tips. Their recommendations included inspecting chimneys, using space heaters safely, testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and practicing fire exit drills. Carter also encouraged residents to prepare pets for cold weather and ensure proper disposal of ashes from fireplaces.
Interim County Manager Cindy Steinmann provided updates on three key priorities. First, she discussed the need to renegotiate the Statesboro-Bulloch Fire agreement and promised updates on meeting dates. Second, she addressed the formation of the Well Mitigation Committee, confirming that applications for citizen members would be solicited immediately, with progress reviewed at the next meeting. Lastly, Steinmann reminded the council about hiring a permanent County Manager.
Chairman Bennett supported Steinmann, and looks to get a new County Manager sooner rather than later.
Commissioners also took time to address the public directly. Commissioner Nick Newkirk expressed gratitude to his supporters and announced plans to organize a town hall meeting.
Commissioner Toby Conner asked the community to keep the family of Chris Thompson, a respected local farmer who recently passed away, in their thoughts.
Chairman David Bennett concluded the meeting with remarks of gratitude and direction. He thanked the commissioners and staff for their support during his transition into leadership, encouraged unity and collaboration, and emphasized the importance of preparing for upcoming budget discussions. Reflecting on his learning experience with SPLOST, Bennett praised staff for their dedication and encouraged all stakeholders to seek clarity and ask questions when needed.
The commissioners also made several appointments. Toby Conner, Timmy Rushing, and Anthony Simmons were appointed to the Bulloch County Public Facilities Authority for terms running from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026.
Commissioner Ray Mosley was appointed to the Savannah Harbor-Interstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority (JDA) for a four-year term from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2028, following a 4-2 vote.
The meeting concluded with an executive session and adjournment.
To view the full agenda coverage, continue reading below.
To view the agenda packet, click here
Agenda
Call to Order
Invocation and Pledge
Roll Call
Public Hearing – Road Abandonment/Closure
APPROVED 1. Resolution to Abandon County Road No. 2085 a/k/a Bertie Lane
The petition requests the formal abandonment and closure of a 0.09-mile portion of County Road No. 2085 (Bertie Lane) from its intersection with County Road 576 (Westside Rd) to its terminus. Groover Mill Farms, LLC, represented by Joey Jones, submitted the request, citing that the road is no longer needed for property access.
If approved, the County would cease maintenance, including grading, ditch upkeep, and debris clearing. Potential impacts include changes to emergency response times, school bus routing, and mail delivery. The petition meets the legal standard under O.C.G.A. § 32-7-2(b)(1) if the road is deemed to no longer serve a substantial public purpose or if its removal is in the public’s best interest. The landowner has requested that any County interest in the road be relinquished through a quitclaim deed.
The resolution was approved with the acknowledgment that the road would not be completely cut off until public safety was made aware of an address change for the home.
Approval of General Agenda
APPROVED: Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from December 17, 2024, at 8:30 AM
- Renewal and upgrade of the Annual Service Agreement with Bulloch Solutions for the County-Wide Network and Communications System
- Ratification of hauling service from J.L. Derriso for December 16–20, 2024
- Payment to Thompson Consulting Services for debris collection monitoring
- Grant of 2025 alcoholic beverage license renewals for package retail beer and wine sales to certain establishments with 2024 licenses
New Business
APPROVED 1. Change Order for Clark Farm Road Design Contract
- Amount: $37,450.00
- Purpose: Additional design services with Parker Engineering, funded by TSPLOST
TSPLOST funds were budgeted in FY 2024 for surveying, wetlands delineation, and permitting for the paving of Clark Farm Road, from US Hwy 80 to the Candler County Line, a distance of 1.7 miles. Citizens had previously submitted a paving petition, and the County entered into a contract with Parker Engineering for engineering design services for the project. During the design phase of the project, the need for supplemental topographic survey information has become necessary to adequately design an additional stormwater outfall location along Clark Farm Road. The cost for this supplemental topographic survey is $3,250. Additionally, and as a result of the proposed Clark Farm Road drainage improvements, the design phase has determined the need for drainage improvements under the unpaved portion of WD Peacock Road. This unpaved portion of WD Peacock Road is approximately 1,900 feet in length, from Clark Farm Road to Lake Collins Road. Due to the short length of the unpaved section of WD Peacock Road and the need for drainage improvements along that section of road, the County Engineer requested a proposal from Parker Engineering for the surveying and design for paving and drainage improvements along the unpaved portion of WD Peacock Road. Paving the dirt portion of WD Peacock Road from Clark Farm Road to Lake Collins Road will not only allow the County to construct drainage improvements but also eliminate the need for dirt road maintenance on this section of the road. The cost of the additional design services for WD Peacock Road is $34,200. The total change order amount would be $37,450 if approved. The original contract with Parker Engineering was for $125,000.00, and the revised contract amount would be $162,450.00. The County Engineer recommends approval.
APPROVED 2. Application to GDOT for Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant Funding
- Amount: $1,831,816.96 for county road resurfacing
- Matching Local Funds: $549,545.09
The Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) program is administered on an annual basis by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). The purpose of the program is to allocate funding from state motor fuel taxes for maintenance and improvement of infrastructure on county and city maintained roads. A formula which includes the population and number of road miles maintained by the local government determines the annual allocation amount. Bulloch County typically uses the LMIG funding to supplement the County's annual road resurfacing projects. The Engineering Department has developed a proposed resurfacing project utilizing the LMIG, and TSPLOST funds that totals $4,292,652.00 as shown on the Resurfacing Summary in the Agenda Package. $715,175.38 has been reserved for road patching, pavement preservation (crack sealing, chip sealing, etc.) and subdivision road resurfacing. The specific location list for these activities is still being developed and will be reported at a later date. The preliminary list of 17.73 miles of resurfacing is proposed for the LMIG application. State law requires that the County provide a 30% local match, which will be provided using TSPLOST funds.
3. House Bill 581 Discussion
County Attorney Jeff Akins explained the details of House Bill 581, which authorizes counties to implement a new local option sales tax of up to 1% for property tax relief. This tax can be imposed in increments of 0.1%, and its proceeds must be used to roll back property taxes, with funds distributed among the county and its municipalities. To call a referendum for this sales tax, two prerequisites must be met: an intergovernmental agreement between the county and municipalities representing at least 50% of the municipal population (e.g., Bulloch County and Statesboro), and the implementation of a "floating" or adjusted base year value homestead exemption. This exemption caps annual increases in homestead value to the rate of inflation, determined using a standardized index like the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Counties, municipalities, and school districts may opt out of the homestead exemption by holding three public hearings and adopting a resolution by March 1. However, opting out would disqualify the county from pursuing the new 1% sales tax, as having the exemption in place is a mandatory condition. Notably, the Board of Education can opt out without affecting the county’s ability to proceed with the sales tax. Akins emphasized that the sales tax revenue would go into the general fund for operational costs and would not be restricted to capital projects like SPLOST funds. Furthermore, the tax requires jurisdictions to roll back property taxes in an amount equivalent to the previous year’s tax revenue from the sales tax. Akins highlighted the urgency of action if the board wished to opt out, noting the tight timeline and the potential long-term consequences of such a decision.
Deputy Chief Appraiser Robert Fisher provided additional insights into the implementation of the new homestead exemption under House Bill 581 and its impact on Bulloch County property owners. He explained that approximately 8,700 properties currently receive a homestead exemption, and those owners would automatically qualify for the new exemption without needing to reapply.
Fisher highlighted a significant change introduced by House Bill 581: the removal of the estimated tax amount from property owners’ annual notice of assessment. Previously, this estimate was included at the bottom of the notice based on the prior year's millage rate. Fisher noted that the legislature deemed this estimate potentially confusing, so future notices will only include the fair market value and taxable value, adjusted for the new homestead exemption.
He emphasized that the new exemption limits increases in assessed value to the inflation rate but does not cap property tax increases, which depend on the county's, cities’, or schools’ budgetary needs and millage rates. While the exemption provides long term benefits to homeowners who stay in their homes, it resets to the market value upon the sale of the property, with the new owner starting at a new base value. Additionally, any home improvements or additions would adjust the base value beyond the inflation rate to reflect the added value.
Fisher clarified that the homestead exemption, coupled with the sales tax offset, offers significant benefits to long-term homeowners, as seen in other states. However, the exemption does not eliminate the possibility of tax increases driven by budgetary requirements.
The commissioners reiterated that the discussion was informational and no action was being taken at the time.
Public Comments
Jeremy Moye raised concerns about severe flooding issues in the Pulaski Point neighborhood. He explained that the neighborhood relies on a creek as its sole drainage system, which has been obstructed by debris, particularly after Hurricane Helene downed hundreds of trees. Moye noted that water flow is severely restricted, leading to repeated flooding. He described the challenges faced by residents, including property damage, insurance cancellations, and difficulty obtaining assistance. He mentioned that while some residents have cleared debris on their properties, the scale of the problem requires heavy equipment and manpower beyond their resources.
Moye highlighted the lack of clarity about maintenance responsibility for the creek and roads, as the neighborhood is not county maintained, and the original developer is no longer involved. He shared that despite efforts to engage with county officials, residents have encountered roadblocks. He emphasized the urgency of the issue, showing examples of flooding that destroyed homes and belongings multiple times within a short period.
Chairman Bennett expressed empathy for the situation and acknowledged the legal and logistical challenges involved. He indicated ongoing discussions to explore potential solutions and proposed a follow-up meeting.
Lisha Nevil, the District 7 elect from the Bulloch County Board of Education began by formally welcoming both the new and returning commissioners to the board and noted the upcoming swearing-in of three new Board of Education officers. Nevil expressed optimism about the direction of Bulloch County and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the county, city, and Board of Education.
Mayor Pro-Temp Shari Barr commended the returning commissioners for their dedication and welcomed the newly elected officials, expressing confidence in their intentions to work collaboratively for the betterment of the community. She praised Bulloch County's leadership team and staff for their expertise and commitment, comparing their excellence to that of the staff at Statesboro City Hall. Barr concluded by expressing her appreciation for the collective efforts to make Statesboro and Bulloch County a great place to live and her enthusiasm for continued collaboration.
Commission and Staff Comments
Bulloch County Fire Chief Ben Tapley addressed the new chairman, commissioners, and staff to provide seasonal safety guidance ahead of the anticipated cold weather. Chief Tapley introduced Chief of Prevention Joe Carter, who outlined several important safety measures for residents to prevent fire-related incidents during the winter months. Chief Carter emphasized that heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires and fire-related deaths, urging residents to take precautions such as having chimneys cleaned and inspected annually to prevent attic fires. He stressed the importance of using space heaters safely, keeping them at least three feet away from combustibles, unplugging them when not in use, and ensuring they are UL-tested.
Chief Carter also highlighted the need for functional smoke alarms, which should be installed in sleeping areas and on every floor of a home, and tested biannually during time changes. Homes using propane or fuel gas for heating or cooking should have carbon monoxide alarms installed to prevent potential poisoning. He advised proper ash disposal from wood-burning stoves or fireplaces, using a metal can with a secure lid stored at least 10 feet away from the home. For power outages, Carter encouraged residents to follow generator safety guidelines. He also reminded residents to protect pets from freezing temperatures and to practice fire exit drills with their families, ensuring everyone knows how to evacuate safely in an emergency.
Interim County Manager Cindy Steinman provided several updates during the meeting. She began by reiterating the need to move forward with the renegotiation of the Statesboro-Bulloch Fire agreement, which the board voted to terminate during their December 3 meeting. Steinman stated that she had contacted the City Manager to propose meeting dates and would update the commissioners once those dates are finalized. She emphasized the importance of starting this process sooner rather than later.
Next, Steinman discussed the formation of the Well Mitigation Committee. She reminded the board that the committee requires up to three citizen members and noted that an application process had been drafted. Steinman sought feedback from the commissioners on when to release the application and how long to keep it open. The board agreed to begin soliciting applications immediately and to revisit the number of applicants at the next meeting to determine if the application period should be extended. She also mentioned that Bryan County had already appointed its members, urging Bulloch County to expedite the process.
Finally, Steinman addressed the recruitment of a permanent County Manager, to which Chairman Bennett agreed that they should get the extra load off of Steinmann's shoulders sooner rather than later.
Commissioner Nick Newkirk thanked everyone that helped him get in the commissioners chair, as well as announcing he will try to get a town hall meeting organized soon.
Commissioner Toby Conner asked if everyone could keep the family of Chris Thompson in their prayers, as Bulloch County lost a good farmer recently.
Chairman David Bennett concluded the meeting with remarks of gratitude and direction before entering executive session. He began by addressing the upcoming budget discussions, urging commissioners to review past budget priorities and start considering their priorities for the upcoming year. Bennett emphasized the importance of providing clear guidance to staff as they begin drafting budgets, fostering a collaborative process that aligns staff proposals with commissioner concerns and goals.
Bennett expressed his appreciation to the county staff and fellow commissioners for their support as he transitioned into his role. Reflecting on the past two months, he shared how he valued the honest and insightful discussions he had with each commissioner, acknowledging their differing perspectives and committing to working collaboratively for the betterment of the county. While disagreements are inevitable, Bennett noted that they would handle them constructively.
He also recounted a learning experience regarding the upcoming SPLOST, where key staff members, including Cindy Steinman, County Attorney Jeff Akins, and CFO Kristie King, took an entire afternoon to explain the complexities of SPLOST in a way that was thorough and approachable. Bennett praised their dedication and encouraged others to reach out to staff with questions, emphasizing their willingness to provide clarity and support.
In closing, Bennett called for unity and mutual respect among the county’s leadership and residents, advocating for moving past any lingering distrust or hard feelings from recent elections. He encouraged everyone to focus on common goals and treat each other with decency, recognizing the shared desire to make Bulloch County a better place
Executive Session
Appointments
During the appointments section of the meeting, the commissioners made the following decisions:
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Bulloch County Public Facilities Authority: Commissioners Toby Conner, Timmy Rushing, and Anthony Simmons were appointed for terms running from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026.
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Savannah Harbor-Interstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority (JDA): Commissioner Ray Mosley was appointed for a term spanning January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2028, following a 4-2 vote.
