Local Government

The Bulloch County Board of Education approved the FY25 budget after months of preparation. Representative Lehman Franklin was also invited to the work session to help provide some clarity and guidance on the board's pursuit of state funding for the slated new Southeast Bulloch High School.

After a two-hour meeting, Bulloch County Commissioners voted to approve a water management and compensation agreement between Bulloch and Bryan Counties. Citizens voiced concerns over issues like the potential establishment of a water utility district, the construction of a green energy plant, and the privatization of water resources.

After citizens raised concerns that they had not had time to review the information being voted on, Commissioners voted to end the meeting and reschedule it, allowing citizens more time to review the documents.

The called meeting of the Brooklet City Council on June 24, 2024 encouraged speculations that a new city manager will step into the role soon, as former Metter City Manager Carter Crawford was present with the council during executive session discussions.

Once again, Statesboro City Councilman Phil Boyum has announced his intent to resign from his District 1 Council seat. He made the intentions known with a social media post. The announcement comes after a citizen requested Council look into his residency to see if he continued to reside in the City.

In a packed meeting that underscored the Brooklet community's dedication to its local traditions, the City Council successfully resolved operational issues surrounding the popular Brooklet Farmers Market. Following a temporary pause to address audit concerns and facility rental conflicts, the market is set to reopen this Saturday, June 22, 2024.

The Brooklet City Council's June 20, 2024 meeting saw the approval of the FY2025 budget and significant discussions on contentious zoning issues, including a debated rezoning application for a property owned by Mayor Nicky Gwinnett. The session also included recognition of long-serving City Attorney Hugh Hunter, who is retiring after 18 years of service.

City Council approved a $108.9 million budget for FY25, received a presentation from The Greener Boro Commission, approved a plethora of zoning amendments and preliminary PLATs. Continue reading for more details about Tuesday's meeting.

Nick Newkirk will move on to the November election after defeating incumbent Commissioner Jappy Stringer in a run off election Tuesday evening.

Commissioners approved the FY25 budget that will continue to improve public safety and allow a millage roll back. They praised public safety for their heroic work in a multi-casualty crash involving a bus on Friday evening and honored one of their own, Darryl "Hop" Hopkins for being named to the GS Athletics Hall of Fame. Keep reading for all business covered at the meeting.