Local Government

On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, the Senate Study Committee on Preservation of Farmlands, chaired by Statesboro's Senator Billy Hickman, convened for its inaugural meeting at the Georgia Southern University Center for Continuing Education. The session was dedicated to tackling the pressing issue of safeguarding Georgia's valuable agricultural lands.

The Bulloch County Board of Education tentatively approved the adoption of the 2024 Tax Digest and M&O Millage Rate for FY25, at 7.932 mills. This is a decrease from last year's millage rate of 8.478, but an increase of .374 mill over the rollback rate set this year.

The Statesboro City Council approved $20,000 each for three apartment complexes to enhance security. Councilman Phil Boyum announced his resignation after 12 years effective August 1st. Continue reading for all business covered by City Council tonight.

In a significant move to bolster local education, the Bulloch County Commissioners have approved up to $13 million in bonds for the construction of a new Statesboro STEAM Academy. This decision was made during their regular bi-monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

Paula Mooney, a senior lecturer at Georgia Southern, will serve a four year term on the Board.

Two Bulloch middle schools will see new modular classrooms, updates to the student code of conduct were approved, and most students will now receive free lunch. Read about this and more from Thursday night's BOE meeting.

Brooklet City Council approved Thursday night several first readings of several key ordinances including annexation of nearly 300 acres for development, discussed the Brooklet Farmers Market, city sanitation fees, and approved Carter Crawford as the Interim City Manager. Read more for all business covered at the meeting.

All students in the system will continue to receive free breakfast, but six additional schools have qualified for free lunch for all students, regardless of family income and with no application process, under the Community Eligibility Provision.

Residents of Bryan and Bulloch counties are gearing up for a crucial public meeting hosted by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to discuss draft groundwater withdrawal permits that will impact water resources in the region. With concerns raised over potential impacts and environmental considerations, stakeholders are encouraged to participate in shaping the future of water usage in the two counties.