Local Government

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.

Georgia has enacted tougher penalties for fentanyl trafficking under a new law signed by Gov. Brian Kemp, aiming to curb the spread of the deadly drug that continues to claim young lives across the state.

The city of Brooklet held a Work Session and City Council Meeting held on Thursday, May 15, 2025. The Work Session, which began at 6:30pm, and the City Council Meeting, immediately following at 7:00pm, covered topics ranging from development proposals to zoning and water policies.

Governor Brian Kemp has signed House Bill 192 into law, officially establishing the Georgia MATCH program to simplify college admissions and strengthen the state's workforce.

The City of Statesboro is continuing its community-driven effort to update its Strategic Plan with a second stakeholder meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, at 6:00 p.m. at Statesboro First United Methodist Church.

Bulloch County Commissioners held a detailed budget work session Thursday to address a projected $7.8 million deficit in the FY 2026 budget, weighing options including partial or no millage rate rollback and use of fund balance reserves. CFO Kristie King, along with Public Works and Recreation leaders, outlined the operational and service-level consequences of proposed 10% cuts, while emphasizing the need for realistic, long-term revenue planning.

Brooklet leaders are developing a new incentive program to help residents connect to the city’s expanding sewer system by offering a $7,500 equipment credit and financing options for the $9,000 tap fee. The proposed plan focuses on cost-sharing, ordinance revisions, and a five-year window to encourage early participation, especially in areas without gravity access.

U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff has launched an investigation into four major out-of-state companies buying up single-family homes in Georgia, a trend he says is driving up housing costs and squeezing local families out of the market.