Bulloch County commissioners held their second FY26 budget work session this past week to evaluate projected needs and begin narrowing funding priorities. No decisions were finalized, but the conversation made clear that the current list of requests exceeds available resources by millions of dollars.
Finance staff presented an updated overview of projected general fund revenues and expenditures. Revenues are estimated at $66.5 million, while expenses are currently projected at $74.3 million, creating a shortfall of approximately $7.8 million.
One of the most significant fixed expenses discussed was a projected $3 million increase to the employee health insurance fund, which the board acknowledged as unavoidable. Alongside that, commissioners were presented with nearly $1.1 million in personnel requests and a series of new operational studies, including a $100,000 impact fee study and a $65,000 compensation and classification study.
Projected Revenue Breakdown
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Taxes: $51,708,600
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Charges for Services: $9,181,516
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Fines and Forfeitures: $1,800,000
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Intergovernmental: $729,000
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Licenses and Permits: $634,000
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Miscellaneous: $408,000
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Other Financing Sources: $405,000
Projected Expense Breakdown
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Personnel and Benefits: $50,963,121
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Purchased/Contracted Services: $10,676,147
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Supplies and Materials: $6,700,000
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Other Expenses: $5,200,000
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Intergovernmental Costs: $400,000
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Interfund/Interdepartmental Charges: $181,000
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Capital Outlay: $142,000
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Debt Service: $4,000
Top Priorities Identified
Commissioners ranked a list of service areas using criteria such as legal requirements, safety risk, cost efficiency, and community impact. Based on group consensus, the top five "must-fund" priorities were:
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Life safety services (EMS, fire, emergency response)
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Fire services (personnel and station planning)
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EMS coverage for the Stilson area
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Legal and judicial services
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Exploring additional grant funding sources
Staffing and Pay Adjustments
The board also reviewed requests for 19 new full-time and 1 part-time position across multiple departments. Public safety accounted for a majority of these requests, including six EMTs/paramedics, four jail staff, a patrol deputy, a school resource corporal, and administrative roles in EMA and the coroner’s office. These positions total $762,016.
Other county departments requested:
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Solid Waste: 2 collection equipment operators – $152,540
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Tax Commissioner: Delinquent tax administrator – $74,313
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Engineering: Assistant county engineer – $106,493
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Magistrate Court: Part-time constable – $9,241
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Total for County Operations: $1,104,603
The Sheriff's Office also requested eight School Resource Officers (SROs) for schools within the city of Statesboro. The estimated personnel cost is $733,340, with the Board of Education expected to reimburse $445,200, leaving a net cost of $288,140 to the county.
Additional non-personnel SRO costs include:
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Vehicles & Equipment (SPLOST): $668,000
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Technology & Uniforms (General Fund): $53,600
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Total Non-Personnel Cost: $721,600
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Net General Fund Cost: $341,740
Public Works Job Reclassification Proposal
A major portion of the discussion focused on staffing issues in Public Works. The department is struggling to hire and retain equipment operators due to a rigid job classification structure that prevents experienced applicants from being placed and paid appropriately.
Officials proposed combining existing job titles into a single “heavy equipment operator” category, giving the department more flexibility. The change would not immediately impact the budget due to current vacancies but could help address long-term staffing and retention. Commissioners agreed this restructuring should be added to a future meeting agenda for formal consideration.
Tennis Court Repairs Under Evaluation
Commissioners also heard an update on the tennis courts at Mill Creek Regional Park, which are experiencing structural issues due to moisture pushing through the asphalt. Preliminary estimates suggest repairs could cost more than $1 million, potentially involving full surface removal, new drainage installation, and sidewalk reconstruction.
Staff said they are still gathering data to determine the cause of the failure and the most effective long-term fix. A delay in addressing the problem could affect scheduling for upcoming school sports seasons.
Considerations for Pay Increases
While no pay changes have been finalized, the tentative budget includes a 3% across-the-board raise for county employees, projected to cost $832,000. Other options under discussion include:
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Merit-Based Increases: Historically set at 1–2%, not currently budgeted
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Targeted Raises: Requested for Public Works, Parks & Grounds, and part-time Recreation staff
Operational Studies Proposed
Two studies were also up for discussion:
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Impact Fee Study: $100,000 — would allow the county to consider future fees on new development
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Compensation & Classification Study: $65,000 — to ensure pay equity and market competitiveness
What's Next
Finance staff will now begin shaping a draft FY26 budget based on the priorities identified during this session. The draft will be presented at the May 20 Board of Commissioners meeting. A public hearing will be scheduled before final adoption in June.
Officials emphasized that all figures presented are preliminary, and decisions are still being shaped by ongoing discussions.
