Local Government

This week at the Capitol, Rep. Lehman Franklin and his colleagues made significant progress on key legislative priorities, including passing a balanced budget, recognizing Georgia’s first responders, and unveiling a comprehensive school safety plan.

The Statesboro City Council is exploring a Fire Service Fee to ensure all property owners, including tax-exempt properties, contribute to fire protection funding. A six-month feasibility study will analyze its impact, with preliminary findings expected in March 2025 and potential implementation no earlier than 2026 or 2027.

Georgia’s state Senate Republicans are prioritizing conservative policies like tax cuts and transgender athlete restrictions while also addressing hurricane recovery and tougher fentanyl penalties in this year’s legislative session.

The City of Statesboro proudly celebrates the inaugural graduating class of its **Emerging Leaders Academy**, a program designed to develop and prepare employees for future leadership roles.

The Bulloch County Commissioners discussed implementing impact fees, approved several consent agenda items, and focused heavily on fire service plans with Chief Ben Tapley, who addressed concerns about coverage and future infrastructure. Public comments highlighted issues with fire funding, service equity, and the impact of county decisions on taxpayers.

The Statesboro City Council meeting on February 4, 2025, focused on the suspension of a local massage’s business license amid allegations of illegal activity and an in-depth discussion on the proposed changes to the Fire Protection Plan, which could significantly impact funding and service levels for the city and county.

Bulloch County and Statesboro officials met to discuss fire protection, with the county voting in December to terminate the Five Mile District coverage by the Statesboro Fire Department. City leaders were shocked to learn about this termination in a public meeting with no prior notice. As the City moves forward with plans to terminate the agreement, leaders expressed concerns about the impact this will have on citizens in the five mile district.

The Statesboro City Council heard presentations on regional workforce development and the Emerging Leaders Academy, approved a fire services study and landfill expansion, and recognized city employees for leadership training. They also adjusted school bus violation fines and scheduled a meeting with the county on the fire district agreement on January 30.

The House Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight Committee will conduct reviews of state agencies to determine their compliance with code and to ensure that legislative intent was considered during the rule-making process. Burns says the goal of the committee is to maintain an environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive.

The Ogeechee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office has appointed Andrae Wright as its new Chief Investigator, who brings more than 23 years of law enforcement experience to the role.