Local Government

A public hearing for the City of Brooklet's Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget was held on June 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM, in the Brooklet City Hall Chambers at 104 Church Street. The City Manager, Mayor, and Council were present to receive both written and oral comments, questions, or concerns about the Annual Operating and Capital Budget for the city.

Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia Department of Revenue have announced the rollout of one-time surplus tax refunds for eligible Georgians, made possible by House Bill 112 and the state’s strong economic performance.

Bulloch County Commissioners voted 4-3 to deny a rezoning request for a 59-home subdivision on Highway 119 Connector, siding with a packed room of citizens who raised concerns about traffic safety, emergency services, and school overcrowding. The decision marked a rare rejection of a staff-backed application and underscored growing tensions over rural growth and development.

The Statesboro City Council promoted Justin Williams to Planning and Development Director and Matt Aycock to Public Utilities Director during a June 3 meeting that also featured a public hearing on the proposed FY2026 budget. Councilmembers discussed infrastructure needs, community growth, and announced a June 4 vigil for two local children lost in recent tragedies.

The City of Brooklet will hold two public hearings in June to gather community input on its proposed FY2026 budget. Residents can review the budget starting May 30 and provide feedback during hearings scheduled for June 5 and June 19 at City Hall.

The 200 Club of the Coastal Empire is thanking Georgia lawmakers, including Governor Brian Kemp, for passing legislation that guarantees tuition grants for the families of public safety workers and educators killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.

The Statesboro City Council honored retiring department heads Steve Hotchkiss and Kathy Field during a packed May 20 meeting that also featured strong FY2024 financial results and multiple housing-related approvals. Council also accepted new infrastructure, announced a $1.3 million CHIP grant, and appointed six members to the Youth Commission.

State Representative Lehman Franklin (R-Statesboro) was recently honored at the third annual Greater Georgia Legislative Awards Ceremony for his work supporting policies that strengthen Georgia’s families, communities, and economy.

Bulloch County Commissioners voted to approve a 20-year revenue bond to fund the jail expansion project, opting for long-term flexibility despite concerns about rising costs and taxpayer burden. The decision capped a meeting that also included discussions on fire district consolidation, road acceptance policy, storm debris savings, and critical infrastructure updates.

House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) has announced appointments to the Georgia House of Representatives’ 2025 study committees. Statesboro's Dr. Angela Gerguis has been appointed as a non-legislative member of the House Study Committee on Improving Access to Internal Medicine in Underserved Areas.