The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners concluded a series of three required public hearings on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, before voting to set the 2025 millage rate. After weeks of discussion and public comment, commissioners approved (5-1) to keep the county’s maintenance and operations (M&O) millage rate at 11.350 mills, the same as last year, but higher than the state-calculated rollback rate of 10.657 mills. By law, this decision is defined as a tax increase of 6.5 percent.
According to the county’s notice, the proposed rate will increase property taxes by approximately $82.61 on a home valued at $300,000, or about $76.23 on a non-homestead property valued at $275,000. County officials emphasized that these amounts represent what homeowners would save if the rollback rate were adopted, not an added charge on top of last year’s bills.
Why the Increase?
In its press release, the county stressed that the FY 2025 budget directs new funding toward public safety, including additional personnel for law enforcement, the county jail, and EMS. Officials also pointed to Bulloch’s rapid growth, noting that service demands will continue to rise.
The county digest has grown significantly in recent years, climbing from a net taxable value of $2.15 billion in 2020 to more than $3.79 billion in 2025. Much of the increase stems from new development and rising property values, triggering state-mandated reassessments.
Clarification on School Board Millage Rate
During the discussion, County Attorney Jeff Akins emphasized that while the Board of Commissioners controls the county’s own millage rates, the Board of Education is a recommending authority. This means the school board sets its rate, but it does not have the legal authority to levy taxes. By law, commissioners must adopt whatever rate the BOE recommends.
Commissioner Timmy Rushing asked for this point to be clarified, and Akins confirmed that the board’s role regarding the BOE millage is purely ministerial, leaving commissioners no discretion to change the 10.4 mills submitted by the school system.
The Final Vote
Following the hearings, County Attorney Jeff Akins presented the resolution to adopt millage rates for calendar year 2025. Commissioners approved:
- County M&O: 11.350 mills (unchanged from 2024)
- New Countywide Fire District M&O: 3.000 mills
- Bulloch County Board of Education M&O: 10.400 mills (as recommended by the BOE)
The resolution passed on a 5–1 vote, with Commissioner Nick Newkirk being the sole vote against. Commissioners noted that by law they must levy the school board’s recommended rate, as they cannot alter it.
Looking Ahead
Throughout the hearings, Chairman Bennett and other commissioners emphasized their commitment to transparency and to balancing growth with responsible budgeting. They repeatedly praised county staff and first responders, with Bennett offering condolences to families recently impacted by tragic accidents and calling for continued community support.
With the final millage rates now set, Bulloch County taxpayers will see the impact on their bills later this year. In the meantime, voters will have an opportunity in November to weigh in on the proposed FLOST sales tax, which commissioners argue could significantly ease future property tax pressures.
Continue reading for an in-depth overview of the previous hearings
Board of Commissioners Tax Hearing 3 Agenda
Hearing One
The first public hearing of the property tax increase was held during the August 19th Board of Commissioners meeting. Below is the coverage of that hearing.
Public Hearing: Proposed Property Tax Increase
One of three scheduled tax hearings to discuss a proposed increase in property taxes by 6.50 percent. The tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 11.350, an increase of 0.693 mills over the rollback rate.
Public Comments – Audience
The first speaker at the tax increase hearing was Melissa Gonzalez, who said she opposed the proposed increase. Gonzalez explained that as a resident on a fixed income, she cannot afford higher taxes, noting that her disability payments do not rise even as her mortgage obligations do. She also criticized the county’s property assessment process, saying nearby home sales have unfairly inflated the assessed value of her modest residence.
“I have a $30,000 single wide that’s now worth $136,000,” Gonzalez said, questioning how such a jump could be justified. She added that the increase forces her to choose between essential expenses and compared it to “robbing Peter to pay Paul.”
Gonzalez emphasized her preference for rural living and preserving farmland, saying she does not want to see her community overtaken by subdivisions. She also pointed to inflation, such as the rising cost of basic groceries, as a reason many residents cannot afford additional taxes.
“I just can’t afford it… and I know I’m not the only person,” she told commissioners, urging them to “figure out another way” rather than “keep taxing the people of Bulloch County.”
The second speaker, Cassandra Mikell, strongly urged commissioners to reject the proposed tax increase, saying voters had already made their voices clear in recent elections.
“The citizens spoke loudly and overwhelmingly during the last election. They sent a mandate that has continued to be ignored,” Mikell said. She argued that raising taxes was not about making “tough decisions,” but about failing to operate within the existing taxpayer-funded budget.
Mikell accused the commission of becoming numb to budgets and disregarding citizen input. “The more you ignore them, the louder their voices will get in elections,” she warned. She stressed that approving a tax increase would confirm the fears of many residents that commissioners had already made up their minds and were disregarding the will of the people.
Mikell also shared that community members regularly thank her in public places for speaking up and encouraged commissioners to find alternatives, pointing to growth in the tax digest and a potential future FLOST (Floating Local Option Sales Tax) as ways to balance revenues. “Please do what is right,” she said. “You have the tools to make it through this fiscal year without a tax increase… We will be the voice for the voiceless.”
Lastly, Marcus Toole stepped to the podium and stated that he didn't love the fact that taxes would be raised again, but understands why they are. He talked about how he struggles with his budget now, and he will continue to struggle with it because "he will do what he has to do, so that they county can do what they have to do as well,".
Chairman Bennett then reminded everyone that they next tax hearing will be on August 21, and the last one on August 26
Hearing Two
Below is a summarized overview of hearing two. Our full article can be found here.
The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners held its second of three public hearings on proposed property tax increases on Thursday, August 21, 2025, where commissioners addressed questions from residents and provided clarification on recent changes to state law. Seven citizens attended the meeting, with three speaking on tax-related concerns and one asking about identifying their commissioner. Much of the discussion focused on rising property valuations, the county’s millage rate, and the potential impact of House Bill 581.
Resident Keith Hamilton voiced support for the board’s decision to keep the millage rate at 11.350, the lowest in nine years, while raising questions about the $607 million increase in the tax digest and how much was due to reassessments versus new growth. He also sought details on HB 581’s effect on homestead exemptions. Chairman David Bennett explained that the digest breakdown would be provided at the next hearing, while emphasizing that reassessments are required by state law to maintain a valid digest. Commissioners clarified that HB 581 offers relief to homeowners by freezing this year’s tax bills at 2024 valuations for properties with homestead exemptions, with future increases tied to the Consumer Price Index. CFO Kristie King added that the exemption applies only to five acres.
Other residents echoed concerns about the broader financial burden of multiple tax increases. Kathy Dixon supported exploring sales taxes as a fairer revenue source, noting the strain from county, city, and school taxes. Chairman Bennett confirmed that a Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) referendum will appear on the November ballot, with all proceeds dedicated to property tax relief. Arlene Hendrix spoke on behalf of seniors and those on fixed incomes, warning that the state’s interest in eliminating income taxes could further push costs onto local property owners. Bennett encouraged residents to contact state legislators directly to advocate for relief, while noting that counties cannot use public funds to organize petitions.
Before adjourning, commissioners took time to commend first responders. Commissioner Toby Conner highlighted the quick response of Fire and EMS personnel during a recent youth football injury, while Chairman Bennett offered condolences to the Rountree family following a fatal accident at Highway 46 and Nevils-Denmark Road. He praised County Engineer Ron Nelson for working with GDOT and Public Works to address safety concerns at the intersection. Bennett closed the hearing by inviting civic groups to request commissioner visits and reminding citizens of the final hearing set for Tuesday, August 26 at 6 p.m. “Y’all pay our salaries,” he said. “We work for you.”
Hearing Three
The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners held its third and final public hearing on the proposed 2025 property tax increase on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the North Main Annex. All seven commissioners were present, with Commissioner Nick Newkirk delivering the invocation and leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairman David Bennett opened the meeting by noting one addition to the agenda: an executive session at the end of the evening to discuss personnel matters.
Public Comments and Questions
Only two residents signed up to speak during the public hearing. Josephine Hutchins raised questions about how the county calculated the impact of the tax increase, specifically whether the estimated $76.23 increase for a home valued at $275,000 was billed annually, quarterly, or monthly. Commissioners clarified that the figure is an annual increase. Hutchins also shared her concerns about the rapid pace of development in Statesboro, questioning whether the additional revenues generated by new housing, businesses, and construction activity factored into the county’s revenue calculations. Chairman Bennett explained that property tax assessments are based strictly on the assessed value of completed properties, not projections or sales tax revenue, and that state law requires reassessments when digest values rise significantly.
The second speaker, Frank Davis, acknowledged that no one welcomes higher property taxes but argued the increase is necessary to sustain essential services. He pointed to rising costs across the board and emphasized that Bulloch County residents now benefit from enhanced first responder capabilities, including more manned fire and EMS stations, which have already saved lives. Davis also praised CFO Kristie King and her staff, noting that they have earned the Government Finance Officers Association’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting five years in a row. “The bottom line is, in order to maintain integrity of our county government services, we can’t do it for less,” Davis said, adding that maintaining the same millage rate while valuations rise is the only realistic path forward.
Millage Rate Approval
After public comment closed, County Attorney Jeff Akins presented the resolution to adopt millage rates for 2025. The board approved maintaining the county’s maintenance and operations millage rate at 11.35 mills, the same as last year. Commissioners also set the new consolidated countywide fire district millage rate at 3 mills and formally levied the Bulloch County Board of Education’s recommended rate of 10.4 mills. Akins explained that the school board has authority to set its own millage recommendation, and the commissioners are legally required to adopt that rate. The resolution passed by a 5-1 vote.
Other Business and Closing Remarks
In commissioner discussion, Akins also briefed the board on two additional items requiring direction: a proposed tower lease site near the Gateway Industrial Park and the City of Statesboro’s request to annex the county’s landfill property to expedite permitting with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. With no objections from commissioners, both matters were cleared to proceed.
Chairman Bennett then announced that the board would enter executive session to discuss personnel. No action was taken following the closed session, and the meeting was adjourned.