Local Government

At the March 20, 2025 Brooklet City Council meeting, Mayor Gwinnett swore in Police Chief Michelle Reolegio and full-time officer Hadrian Wolff, while the Council approved the city’s health insurance renewal and addressed resident concerns about speeding on South Cromley Road.

Georgia's Republican-led General Assembly passed Senate Bill 68, a major tort reform measure championed by Governor Brian Kemp, aimed at reducing liability insurance costs and limiting excessive jury awards in civil lawsuits.

House Speaker Jon Burns has reappointed State Representative Butch Parrish to continue serving as vice chairman of the Geo. L. Smith II Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) Overview Committee.

Georgia taxpayers will see some relief after Governor Brian Kemp signs two tax measures, including one-time rebates and a reduction in the state income tax rate from 5.39% to 5.19%, despite heated debate in the state Senate.

Bulloch County Commissioners spent two days in a budget retreat to learn more about county department operations along with current and future needs. This story includes highlights from over 12 hours of presentations from 21 county-funded departments.

Bulloch County Commissioners approved a pay increase for firefighters to improve recruitment and retention while also discussing major infrastructure concerns, including the closed Cypress Lake Road bridge and ongoing Nevils-Denmark Road repairs. The Board also addressed septic system challenges, road improvement projects, and upcoming county manager recruitment efforts.

Marijuana legislation has taken center stage in the Georgia Senate this session, with lawmakers passing three key bills ahead of the Crossover Day deadline—two aimed at tightening regulations on THC products and one expanding access to medical cannabis.

The March 18, 2025, Statesboro City Council meeting covered key issues, including a variance request for signage, approval of an alcohol license, an increase in sewer treatment services for Brooklet, and discussions regarding the termination of the Automatic Aid Agreement with Bulloch County.

In what turned out to be very low voter turnout Bulloch County Citizens have voted to approve the SPLOST one penny sales tax for six more years funding critical projects like the Bulloch County jail expansion.

Bulloch County continues its steady climb in population, according to newly released estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. The latest data solidifies the county's position as a regional growth leader, with a 1.3% increase in residents since 2023.