The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners approved the county’s FY 2026 budget during a called meeting on Thursday evening, June 26, 2025 ending months of deliberation with a 5-1 vote.
Chairman David Bennett opened the meeting by acknowledging the presence of all seven commissioners before turning the floor over to public comment. Only one resident, Kathy Todd, addressed the board. A retired CPA and former municipal chief financial officer, Todd criticized what she described as misinformation about the budget process circulating in the community and voiced her support for the proposed budget. “There are many standards that have to be adhered to... local government finance is a specialization in the accounting industry,” Todd said. She also expressed gratitude for the work of CFO Kristie King, saying she had “worked tirelessly” to balance department needs, rising costs, and regulatory requirements with limited resources.
After public comments, Commissioner Nick Newkirk, the sole vote against the final budget, said he was elected to oppose tax increases and felt the county should be pursuing a smaller, more efficient government. “We have to learn how to cut budgets,” Newkirk said. “We cannot continue to turn Bulloch County into big government.” He expressed appreciation to Kristie King for assisting him throughout the budget process, even as he opposed the outcome.
Commissioners moved into discussion of the budget resolution. Commissioner Ray Davis introduced two separate amendments—first, to adopt a full rollback of the millage rate, and second, to transfer $100,000 from the Development Authority to the District Attorney’s Office. Both motions failed by a vote of 4-2.
The final roll call vote saw five commissioners: Ray Davis, Anthony Simmons, Ray Mosley, Timmy Rushing, and Toby Conner vote in favor, with Nick Newkirk opposed.
Following the vote, multiple commissioners publicly thanked Kristie King for her efforts. Rushing emphasized that King had managed the entire budget process without a county manager or assistant manager.
Commissioners echoed those remarks and Commissioner Davis reminded the public of ongoing challenges the county faces, including delayed FEMA and GEMA reimbursements totaling an estimated $15 to $20 million.
Chairman Bennett reiterated that, while also encouraging property owners to verify or file for homestead exemptions under House Bill 581, which now limits assessed value increases for qualifying homeowners to 3% annually.
In closing, Bennett invited the public to attend the Bulloch County Fire Department recruit graduation on Friday at 3 p.m. at the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fairgrounds.
The FY 2026 budget goes into effect July 1. To view the budget, click here.
