Local Government

Sen. Billy Hickman (R–Statesboro) has been appointed by Lt. Governor Burt Jones to serve on several influential state committees and commissions focused on education, agriculture, and stewardship of Georgia’s resources.

The Bulloch County Board of Education met for their regular meeting on June 12, 2025, to review key updates presented in the superintendent’s report, including a prestigious finance award, progress at the Transition Learning Center, and important revisions to the student code of conduct. The board also approved several new business items during the meeting, including software renewals, technology purchases, and updated employee leave policies.

After years of stalled efforts, Georgia lawmakers are finally revisiting the idea of raising the state’s cigarette tax—currently one of the lowest in the nation—amid renewed urgency driven by federal funding cuts and mounting public health costs.

Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) has announced that his Washington, D.C. office is now accepting applications for the 2025 Fall Internship Program, offering college students and young professionals a firsthand look at the legislative process from August through December. Applications are due by July 7.

A new initiative by Georgia Power has chosen Statesboro, Georgia, as its pilot community, awarding the city the 'Retail Ready' designation and setting the stage for an influx of new retail opportunities.

State legislators convened in Gainesville to hear that rural Georgia faces a cancer care emergency, as small providers struggle with insurer reimbursement, rising expenses, and transportation hurdles, leaving many patients without timely screening or treatment.

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.