The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, June 3, voted 4-3 to deny a controversial rezoning request that would have allowed a 59-lot residential subdivision on Highway 119 Connector, marking a rare instance where the board rejected a staff-backed recommendation.
Chairman David Bennett broke a 3-3 tie, siding with residents who voiced concerns about school overcrowding, infrastructure strain, and the loss of rural character in the community.
River Bluff Properties, LLC, represented by Robert Bell, sought to rezone 61 acres from AG-5 (Agricultural) to R-40 (Residential) to construct a single-family neighborhood. Planning staff had recommended approval, noting the proposal aligned with the county’s Smart Bulloch 2045 Comprehensive Plan. However, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 3-1 to recommend denial.
During the public hearing, developer representative Chris Gohagan pointed to projected 20% population growth and argued that the proposal would help meet housing demand. Jason Reiner, a project engineer, presented upcoming GDOT plans to improve safety at the nearby Highway 119 Spur intersection.
Still, eight residents signed up to speak in opposition, citing traffic hazards, gopher tortoise habitats, and a recent spike in local crashes—including one involving a survey crew on the project site.
Bell offered to delay construction until at least 2029, giving time for infrastructure improvements, but the proposal still failed to gain majority support. Commissioner Timmy Rushing voiced concern that rejecting the plan despite its legal alignment with the comprehensive plan could invite litigation. He also argued that school capacity issues fall under the Board of Education’s purview.
In response, school board member Lannie Lanier confirmed that nearby Stilson Elementary is already near capacity and warned that absorbing an estimated 36 new students would raise class sizes significantly.
“There are not two empty classrooms in that building,” Lanier said. “To absorb those students, we would have to increase the student-teacher ratio across the board.”
Lanier also addressed broader funding issues, citing a $6 million loss in state aid following Bulloch County’s reclassification into a higher wealth category due to property growth.
“Anyone who can do basic math can see that our current funding model is not sustainable,” he said.
While Rushing, Anthony Simmons, and Ray Mosley voted in favor of the rezoning, Nick Newkirk, Toby Conner, and Ray Davis opposed. Bennett cast the deciding vote to deny, signaling growing tension over how the county manages development in rural areas.
In other action:
Brooklet Farmers Market Approved to Relocate to Bell Road
The board approved a conditional use permit for Lloyd Strickland to operate an event facility on Bell Road, which will become the new site for the Brooklet Farmers Market. Michelle Wilson, the market’s organizer, said the new location will host vendors, food trucks, and artisans every Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. The vote was unanimous.
American Aero to Expand with New Manufacturing Site
Commissioners granted a conditional use permit for American Aero Real Estate, LLC to build a 45,000-square-foot facility across from its current site on Highway 80 East.
The project is expected to double the company’s workforce from 90 to as many as 200 employees. Chris Gohagan, speaking for the applicant, emphasized the clean, indoor manufacturing process and lack of public impact. Toby Conner recused himself from the vote due to a family connection.
In-Home Daycare on Sweetheart Lane Approved
Sharon Hill received approval to continue operating a licensed daycare for up to 10 children at her home. She committed to installing a $17,000 fenced play area to meet state and county requirements. No opposition was filed.
Public Comments Highlight Development Concerns, Habitat Grant
Bruce Simons of Pembroke urged the board to impose a freeze on rezonings and implement impact fees to ease pressure on local infrastructure and services.
Marcus Toole, representing Habitat for Humanity, announced a $1.6 million grant to build six affordable homes on Pine Street in partnership with the City of Statesboro and Agape Worship Center.
Brooklet Park Court Reconfiguration Approved
A $39,980 bid from Advanced Athletic Surfaces, LLC was approved to flip the layout of the Brooklet Park courts—transforming tennis courts into basketball courts and basketball courts into six new pickleball courts.
Equipment Purchase for Parks Department
The board approved a $46,868.90 purchase of a Kubota L5460HST tractor to improve athletic field maintenance.
Airport Insurance Renewed
Global Aerospace was awarded the $3,890 contract to continue liability coverage for Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport.
Drainage Design Work for Country Club Road Approved
A $234,900 contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates will fund design and engineering services for permanent storm damage repairs along Country Club Road.
Farm Winery Alcohol Sales Expanded
Commissioners unanimously amended the alcohol ordinance to allow farm wineries to sell beer and spirits on-site. Eric Van Otteren, owner of a planned meadery, successfully advocated for the change. A proposed 50% wine sales minimum was struck from the final amendment.
Storm Recovery Funding Finalized
The remaining $2 million from the county’s $13 million Helene emergency fund was allocated to Southern Disaster Recovery LLC and Thompson Consulting Services LLC. Contract extensions were also approved through June 22, 2025.
Dekle Road Repair Change Order Approved
A change order for $80,650 was approved for McLendon Enterprises, Inc. to complete additional drainage work after recent flooding delayed progress.
Groundwater Sustainability Program Update
Planning Director James Pope reported 205 well registrations and 43 public inquiries to date. A second RFP for additional well drillers closes June 5. Advisory Committee meetings are ongoing, and mitigation wells in Bryan County are expected to be operational by mid-July.
Chairman Urges Preparedness, Highlights Budget Cuts
Chairman David Bennett closed the meeting with remarks urging residents to prepare for hurricane season and recognize the county’s fiscal challenges. He reaffirmed plans to present both a recommended and a cuts-based version of the FY26 budget, with a public hearing on June 18 and final adoption on June 26.
Condolences for Longtime County Employee
Commissioners extended condolences to Mitch Johnson, the county’s lead field supervisor, following the passing of his mother Carlene Johnson, a former Bulloch County Tax Commissioner.
The meeting ended with a motion to enter executive session for discussions of personnel and potential litigation.
Board of Commissioners Agenda Meeting Packet
I. CALL TO ORDER, WELCOME MEDIA AND VISITORS
II. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE
III. ROLL CALL
IV. APPROVAL OF ZONING AGENDA
APPROVED 1. Lloyd Strickland – Conditional use to allow a facility to host private and public functions on Bell Road
Lloyd Strickland requested a conditional use permit to operate a facility for public and private functions on Bell Road, intended to serve as the new home of the Brooklet Farmers Market. The property, zoned AG-5, is suitable for such a use under county code. Planning staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval, noting the area is largely agricultural and the impact on adjacent properties is expected to be minimal.
Michelle Wilson, identified as the market’s organizer and current operator of a greenhouse on the site, explained that the market features vendors, food trucks, and local artisans, and is relocating from downtown Brooklet. She stated the market will operate Saturdays from 2 to 5 p.m. No public opposition was submitted, and commissioners approved the request unanimously.
DENIED 2. River Bluff Properties, LLC – Rezoning of approximately 61 acres from AG-5 to R-40 to create a single-family subdivision on Highway 119 Connector
A proposal to rezone 61 acres for a new residential subdivision off Highway 119 Connector was denied by the Board of Commissioners following a lengthy public hearing and split vote. The decision came in a 4-3 vote, with Chairman David Bennett breaking the tie to side with residents who voiced concerns about infrastructure, school capacity, and environmental impacts.
River Bluff Properties, LLC, represented by Robert Bell, submitted the request to rezone the parcel from AG-5 (Agricultural) to R-40 (Residential) in order to construct 59 single-family homes. Staff recommended approval, citing alignment with the county’s Smart Bulloch 2045 Comprehensive Plan, which designates the area as a “rural neighborhood.” However, the Planning and Zoning Commission previously voted 3-1 to recommend denial.
Chris Gohagan, speaking on behalf of the developer, pointed to the county’s projected 20% population growth and housing demand, arguing that the proposed density was both responsible and supported by the comprehensive plan. He noted that the development would roll out gradually over several years, giving the county time to address infrastructure needs. Jason Reiner, a project engineer, presented GDOT-backed plans to improve traffic safety by converting the Highway 119 Spur intersection into a four-way stop within the next fiscal year.
Eight residents signed up to speak in opposition, raising concerns about traffic safety, strain on emergency services, school overcrowding, environmental impact—including the confirmed presence of gopher tortoises—and the loss of the area’s rural character. One speaker noted that 31 accidents had occurred at the nearby intersection since January 2024, including one involving a survey crew working on the project site.
In response to the concerns, Bell offered to delay lot sales until 2027, stating that home construction and occupancy wouldn’t occur until 2029 at the earliest. He emphasized that this timeline would give the county ample time to complete fire station improvements and road safety upgrades.
Commissioners engaged in a lengthy discussion before voting. Commissioner Timmy Rushing expressed concern that denying the application could expose the county to legal action, as staff had found the request to be in compliance with adopted plans. He stressed that school capacity and siting decisions fall under the jurisdiction of the Bulloch County Board of Education, not the commission, and invited Board member Lannie Lanier to respond publicly to rising concerns about overcrowding.
Lanier offered a blunt assessment. He confirmed that Stilson Elementary School—which would serve children from the proposed subdivision—is already near capacity and lacks the classroom space to accommodate the estimated 36 additional students. “There are not two empty classrooms in that building,” Lanier said. “To absorb those students, we would have to increase the student-teacher ratio across the board.” He warned that raising class sizes from 18 to 25 students in early grades would almost certainly lead to a decline in school performance. “There’s no way around that,” he said.
Lanier also explained that the school system is under growing financial pressure, having recently passed a budget with a deficit driven by a $6 million cut in state funding. He said the loss resulted from Bulloch County being placed in a higher wealth category due to rapid growth in property values and development. “That’s $6 million we had to absorb quickly,” he said. “And it’s only going to get worse as the tax digest continues to grow.” Lanier made it clear that unless revenue increases significantly, the school board would be forced to choose between cutting services or raising taxes. “Anyone who can do basic math can see that our current funding model is not sustainable,” he said.
Separately, Fire Chief Ben Tapley addressed emergency service concerns. He confirmed that while volunteer fire trucks are already stationed in Stilson, full-time staffing and EMS presence likely won’t be in place until July 1, 2026, depending on budget approval. He added that construction of expanded facilities could begin in the coming months.
While Rushing, Anthony Simmons, and Ray Mosley supported the rezoning, citing legal compliance and the long-range growth plan, Nick Newkirk, Toby Conner, and Ray Davis voted to deny the request, pointing to a lack of infrastructure readiness and overwhelming community opposition. With a 3-3 split, Chairman Bennett cast the deciding vote to deny.
The outcome marked a rare instance of the board rejecting a staff-backed rezoning application, highlighting the ongoing tensions over growth management in rural parts of Bulloch County.
APPROVED 3. American Aero Real Estate, LLC – Conditional use to operate a light manufacturing facility on US Highway 80 East
The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a conditional use permit allowing American Aero Real Estate, LLC to operate a light manufacturing facility on U.S. Highway 80 East, just outside Brooklet. The decision clears the way for the company to expand its production capacity by relocating across the highway from its existing site within the Brooklet city limits.
The project will transform the long-vacant WK Jones sawdust and lumber site into a modern, 45,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. Planning and Development Director James Pope explained that while the property is already zoned light industrial, recent ordinance changes require a conditional use permit for light manufacturing operations. Both county staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval, with staff placing conditions related to architectural aesthetics and landscaping to reduce the facility’s visual impact along the state-maintained corridor.
Representing the applicant, attorney Chris Gohagan said the new facility will allow the company to grow from its current 90 employees to as many as 200, with roughly 75% of its workforce expected to come from Bulloch County. Gohagan highlighted the company’s reputation, noting that since its founding in 2018, American Aero has received no complaints from the city or surrounding residents.
“All of their processes are conducted indoors,” Gohagan said. “This is a clean, light industrial facility producing self-extinguishing aircraft interior components. There are no hazardous materials, no fumes, and very limited noise or traffic.”
The new facility will be fully enclosed and fenced, with no public access and minimal daily vehicle activity aside from employee and delivery traffic. The company uses a private well and has low water demands due to the nature of its work. Gohagan also emphasized that the components are inherently fire-resistant, eliminating the need for complex suppression systems and ensuring safety in the event of an incident. “When there’s a fire in this facility,” he said, “it goes out.”
Commissioner Toby Conner, whose wife is associated with the project, recused himself from the vote, and a formal disclosure was entered into the minutes. No members of the public signed up to speak in opposition to the project.
With no further discussion, the board voted unanimously to approve the conditional use permit with staff-recommended conditions.
Chairman David Bennett closed the item with a light remark: “For the record, I really appreciate self-extinguishing aircraft parts.”
APPROVED 4. Sharon Hill – Conditional use to operate a daycare facility within a residential neighborhood at 609 Sweetheart Lane
Commissioners unanimously approved a conditional use permit for an in-home daycare facility on Sweetheart Lane, allowing Sharon Hill to continue operating a small-scale child care service in compliance with state and county regulations.
Hill, who owns the property at 609 Sweetheart Lane, told commissioners she and her husband began caring for children in 2019. They became licensed by the state in 2023 but recently learned that a zoning letter was required to finalize their standing with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. To obtain that letter, the county required her to submit a conditional use application, as the daycare operates in a residential neighborhood zoned R-25.
“This is about doing things the right way,” Hill told the board. “We’re just trying to stay in compliance with both the state and the county so we can keep serving the families we currently help.”
The proposed daycare will serve up to 10 children between the ages of 0 and 6, including one child with autism currently in Hill’s care. As part of the approval, Hill agreed to install a fenced rear play area to meet state and local standards. The estimated cost of the fencing project is $17,000, a financial commitment Hill said they are actively working toward fulfilling.
Planning staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission both recommended approval, with the fencing requirement as a condition. Planning and Development Director James Pope noted that the surrounding area is primarily residential, with light industrial zoning across the street.
No opposition was filed, and the commissioners approved the application with conditions unanimously following a brief discussion.
V. APPROVAL OF GENERAL AGENDA
VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS
During the public comments portion of Tuesday’s meeting, Bruce Simons of Pembroke urged commissioners to consider enacting impact fees on new development to offset strain on county infrastructure, emergency services, and schools. Simons argued that continued residential growth is outpacing available resources and unfairly shifting the tax burden to private landowners. “We can’t keep letting the private landowner pay all the taxes,” he said, calling for a freeze on rezonings and development until a full impact fee study is conducted. He also advocated for increased tax relief for senior citizens and emphasized that rezonings do have indirect impacts on the school system.
Marcus Toole, representing Habitat for Humanity, provided an update on a $1.6 million grant awarded to the organization in partnership with the City of Statesboro and Agape Worship Center. The funding will support the construction of six new homeowner-occupied houses on Pine Street, near Butler Homes—an area Toole described as a recent “violence hot spot.” He praised Agape’s contribution, which he said constitutes the largest single financial donation in the affiliate’s history. Toole explained that Habitat homes are sold at affordable rates—typically around $100,000—to qualified buyers earning between 30 and 60 percent of the area median income. Buyers must also live or work in Bulloch County for at least a year, maintain good credit, and contribute sweat equity to the project. “These homes will go back on the tax rolls,” Toole said, “and the families will pay property taxes like everyone else.”
APPROVED VII. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes Approval: Thursday, May 15, 2025, 10:00 AM
2. Minutes Approval: Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 8:30 AM
3. Approve the Tennis Courts & Basketball Courts Conversion Project at Brooklet Park by Advanced Athletic Surfaces, LLC – $39,980.00
The tennis and basketball courts in Brooklet are due to be resurfaced. During this process, we would like to reconfigure the courts by flipping the layout. We would convert the current tennis courts into basketball courts and convert the current basketball courts into six pickleball courts. Pickleball has become extremely popular and the demand for more pickleball courts has increased in the last 3-4 years. Reconfiguring the courts would also help with any parking issues. The resurfacing and conversion project was advertised for bid on May 1, 2025. Advanced Athletic Surfaces LLC was the lowest bidder with a price of $39,980. After reviewing the bids and checking references, it is the recommendation of Dadrian Cosby, Recreation and Parks Director, to accept the bid from Advanced Athletics Surfaces LLC. This project is scheduled in the FY2025 CIP schedule, Project ID PARK02, $33,000. We will use savings from other projects to complete the project.
4. Approve the purchase of a Kubota L5460HST with loader and 6' bucket from Shea Tractor and Equipment – $46,868.90 for Recreation & Parks Department
The purchase of a replacement tractor for the Recreation and Parks Department is listed on the FY25 CIP schedule (Project ID PARK22, $55,000). Tony Morgan, Assistant Manager, has researched several models, specifications, and also looked at availability issues. Shea Tractor has provided a quote for a Kubota L5460hst with loader and 6’ bucket for $46,868.90 through Sourcewell. This tractor is an open station and equipped with turf tires needed to reduce ruts on athletic fields. It has a greater lifting capacity than the other two models researched, and the hydraulics are rated and suited for all of our hydraulic needs for the top dresser and laser grading box blade we have for maintaining the athletic fields. It is the recommendation of Mr. Morgan to accept the quote from Shea Tractor in the amount of $46,868.90 for a Kubota L5460hst with loader and 6’ bucket purchasing through Sourcewell contract number 112624- KBA.
5. Approve renewal of Statesboro Bulloch County Airport liability insurance coverage through Global Aerospace – $3,890.00
6. Approve Individual Project Order Number 04 with Kimley-Horn and Associates – $234,900.00 for design and engineering services for permanent drainage repairs to Country Club Road (funded by TSPLOST
A portion of Country Club Road from Bent Tree Road to Hood Road was closed to traffic on 05/12/2025 due to safety related concerns associated with slope and roadway loss resulting from 6.90 inches of rainfall within a 24-hour time period 05/12/2025. Flood damage along this portion of Country Club Road began last year during the Tropical Storm Debby event on 08/06/2024 which produced 13.2 inches of rainfall from 08/04/2024 through 08/08/2024. Country Club Road sustained scour damage along the upstream slope and scour damage to the existing triple barrel forty-two (42) inch reinforced concrete pipe cross-drain and headwall at the downstream outlet location. Bulloch County reviewed this location during and immediately following the Tropical Strom Debby event and found it to be safe for traffic. This portion of Country Club Road was again affected during the unnamed storm event 11/07/2024 through 11/08/2024 which produced 7.27 inches of rainfall during a forty-eight (48) hour timeframe. Bulloch County monitored this location during and immediately following the unnamed storm event and found it to be safe for traffic. However, the 05/12/2025 rainfall event created an unsafe condition for traffic causing Bulloch County to close Country Club Road as previously described. Bulloch County Engineering held a scoping meeting with Kimley-Horn and Associates 05/14/2025 to discuss plans for design and engineering plans for permanent repairs to Country Club Road. Kimley-Horn and Associates has provided Individual Project Order (IPO) No. 4 dated 05/27/2025 which includes a proposal for professional services for the design and engineering of permanent repairs to Country Club Road. Proposed services included are as follows: 1) design project management and coordination, 2) topographical survey database preparation of the area, 3) geotechnical studies, 4) hydrology and hydraulic modeling, 5) hydrology and hydraulic report and coordination with FEMA along with an opinion of probable construction cost, and 6) final design plans for construction, 7) agency permitting, and 8) construction phase services. All services provided by Kimley-Horn and Associates will be in accordance with the Master Agreement for Continuing 7.6 Packet Pg. 90 Professional Services dated 08/30/2024. County Engineering anticipates this project to be handled and delivered in a format similar to the Brannen Pond Road Drainage Repairs Project and the Nevils Denmark Road Bridge Culvert Replacement Project. Kimley-Horne possesses the expertise, knowledge, and certifications necessary to provide design services for a project of this type. Kimley-Horne will follow state/federal guidelines as previously followed for storm damaged drainage repair projects in Bulloch County. This location has been reviewed and qualified by FEMA for reimbursement once funds become available. Delivery of final design plans for this project are anticipated late January 2026. The total budget to provide design and engineering services for permanent drainage repairs to the closed portion of Country Club Road is $234,900.00.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
APPROVED 1. Approve an Amendment to Section 3-26(c)(5) of the Code of Ordinances
Mr. Eric Van Otteren, who owns a farm winery on Highway 46, has requested an amendment to the alcohol ordinance that would allow farm wineries to sell distilled spirits and malt beverages for consumption on the premises in addition to wine. The presented amendment to Section 3-26(c)(5) of the Code of Ordinances will allow farm wineries to sell distilled spirits and malt beverages for consumption on the premises, but it requires that at least 50% of a farm winery's total alcohol sales must consist of wine produced by the farm winery. If the amendment is adopted, the fee schedule will also be amended to raise the license fee for a farm winery from $2,500.00 to $2,750.00.
Commissioners unanimously approved an amendment to the county's alcohol ordinance, expanding what farm wineries may serve on-site by allowing distilled spirits and malt beverages for consumption on the premises. The decision came after a detailed presentation and personal appeal by Eric Van Otteren, owner of a forthcoming meadery on Highway 46, who requested the change to better attract customers to his farm winery.
The amendment originally included a clause requiring at least 50% of a winery’s alcohol sales to consist of wine produced on-site. However, after discussion and clarification from County Attorney Jeff Akins, commissioners voted to strike that clause from the amendment before passing it. Akins explained that while the ordinance change itself appears brief, it represents a significant policy shift. Unlike traditional establishments, farm wineries are not required to serve food to qualify for on-premise consumption sales—a requirement typically tied to restaurants serving mixed drinks or beer.
Van Otteren emphasized the extensive licensing and regulatory hurdles farm wineries already face, including oversight from federal, state, and local agencies. “There is more than just your requirements,” he said. “It’s not just somebody wanting to set up a juke joint in the county.” He added that his winery has over $100,000 in equipment and is subject to regular inspections and reporting. While he has not yet reached the 2,000-gallon production threshold required to meet the county’s farm winery definition, he expressed confidence in ramping up to that level by his targeted opening in August.
Van Otteren also raised concerns about the county’s proposal to increase the farm winery license fee from $2,500 to $2,750. He noted that between licensing and excise taxes, he would owe approximately $4,716 before making a profit, and urged commissioners to consider the burden on small businesses.
“This isn’t about becoming a bar,” Van Otteren said. “This is about creating a destination that introduces people to mead.” He cited the need to offer beer and cocktails as a way to draw in a broader customer base, noting that meaderies often rely on mixed drink offerings to introduce patrons to their products.
Following questions from commissioners about enforcement, Akins clarified that wineries must still meet existing zoning requirements, including a minimum 30-acre property and annual production of at least 2,000 gallons. While the county does not currently have a formal method for tracking production, Van Otteren said he files monthly reports with state agencies and pays excise taxes that reflect his volume.
Ultimately, the Board voted to adopt the amendment without the 50% wine sales requirement, allowing Van Otteren’s project—and any future farm winery meeting the county’s other criteria—to serve spirits and beer alongside their own wine products. The amendment applies countywide to all qualifying farm wineries.
APPROVED 2. Approve allocation of Helene Emergency Funds
Public Works was allocated $13 million in emergency funds after Helene. At this point we are not requesting new funds, but to allocate the remaining $2 million previously awarded, to be equally divided into open POs for SDR and Thompson to cover the remaining final invoices.
Commissioners unanimously approved allocating the remaining $2 million in emergency funding toward cleanup costs. The funds will be split evenly between Southern Disaster Recovery LLC and Thompson Consulting Services LLC via new purchase orders.
Public Works Director Dink Butler emphasized that the action does not represent a request for additional funding but is instead a reallocation of the final portion of the $13 million originally approved by the county. “Right now, we are estimating that we’re going to come under the $13 million. We’re just not 100% sure by how much,” Butler said. The new purchase orders will be used to process final invoices and complete the storm recovery project.
APPROVED 3. Approve contract extensions for storm debris and monitoring with Thompson Consulting Services and Southern Disaster Recovery, LLC
Effective March 12, 2025, Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency announced that Bulloch County received a time extension for Category A and B on FEMA-4830-DR-GA Project and extended the new deadline to June 22, 2025 Staff are requesting and recommending extension of contracts with Southern Disaster Recovery, LLC and Thompson Consulting Services to June 22, 2025 to allow both companies to complete any remaining invoices and administrative services to close out the storm declaration.
APPROVED 4. Motion to approve a Change Order in the amount of $80,650.00 with McLendon Enterprises, Inc. for additional work at Dekle Road drainage repair site following storm damage (May 9–14)
During the Board of Commissioners regular meeting 04/15/2025, New Business Agenda Item 7. Motion to approve a contract with McLendon Enterprises, Incorporated for construction of concrete headwalls on Dekle Road, in the amount of $119,945.55, to be funded by TSPLOST was approved. The Contract between Bulloch County and McLendon Enterprises, Incorporated (MEI) was signed and executed by both parties 04/30/2025 and issuance of Notice to Proceed was provided to MEI 05/01/2025. The preconstruction meeting was held onsite at Dekle Road on 05/07/2025 with representatives present from Bulloch County Public Works, Bulloch County Engineering, and MEI. MEI discussed plans to begin work on 05/12/2025 and complete the work 05/29/2025. However, MEI was unable to mobilize and begin work due to a rain event that moved through Bulloch County beginning 05/09/2025 and ending 05/14/2025 bringing a measured rainfall total of 8.48 inches of rain with 6.90 inches of rainfall occurring 05/12/2025. This project is located along the closed unpaved portion of Dekle Road approximately 2,253 feet west of Kennedy Bridge Road and was originally damaged by Tropical Strom Debby. Bulloch County and FEMA identified this storm damaged location as an unpaved road in need of repair. Bulloch County Engineering developed several options to restore this unpaved section of Dekle Road to a passable condition with “Restore to Pre-existing Condition” being the preferred option. Bulloch County Public Works procured and installed five (5) lengths of sixty (60) inch inside diameter corrugated coated metal pipes and also dewatered the upstream and downstream locations by installing bulkheads utilizing borrow material. Contract scope for performance by MEI includes excavation and preparation for construction of steel reinforced concrete headwalls, wingwalls, and aprons at the inlet location and the outlet location of the five (5) lengths of sixty (60) inch inside diameter corrugated coated metal pipes. MEI’s scope does not include maintenance or removal of the upstream and downstream bulkheads. The rain event that occurred 05/09/2025 through 05/14/2025 (8.48 inches total, 6.90 inches on 05/12/2025) devastated the upstream and downstream bulkheads. The upstream and downstream locations will need to be dewatered in order to advance this project forward and Bulloch County Public Works is unable to provide assistance due to outstanding commitments. MEI has provided a lump sum Grading Complete cost of $28,502.09 to dewater the upstream and downstream locations, a unit cost of $165.25/TON to provide 185 tons of permanent Type 3 Rip Rap including geotextile fabric at the outlet location and on the slopes behind all four (4) wingwalls, and additional steel reinforced concrete quantities in the amount of fourteen (14) cubic yards to cover modifications to headwall, wingwall, and apron construction at the contract unit price of $1,541.19/CY. The total increase to the Contract to perform the additional work as described is $80,650.00. If approved, the revised Contract total for this project will be $200,595.55
IX. COMMISSION AND STAFF COMMENTS
Planning and Development Director James Pope provided the Bulloch County Commission with a detailed update on the Groundwater Sustainability Program, highlighting upcoming deadlines, community engagement, and projected operational timelines for area wells.
Pope reminded the public of the program's dedicated hotline — 1-888-353-8020 — for residents within five miles of the Highway 119 and Highway 516 intersection who experience water well issues. He also encouraged use of the program’s website, bryanbullochgsp.org, which includes resources on how to file claims and learn more about well protection efforts.
He said the program is currently soliciting additional on-call well drillers, with a second Request for Proposals set to close on June 5. The first round received only two bids, and Pope noted that while more well drillers expressed interest, many were unable to submit by the deadline. He expects three or more submissions this round.
Pope reported that 205 voluntary well registrations have been received to date, and that the program has fielded 43 phone or email inquiries. While a few callers had experienced outages, none were attributed to the project, and many involved shallow wells outside the affected aquifer.
The next Groundwater Program Advisory Committee meeting will be held June 26 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at the Bryan County Board of Education meeting room in Pembroke, and is open to the public. The meeting is expected to be livestreamed for remote access.
When asked by commissioners about the operational timeline for the four mitigation wells — two in Bulloch and two in Bryan — Pope stated that Bryan County’s wells are expected to be ready by mid-July, while Bulloch County’s are slightly behind in construction. He added that final legal and financial agreements are still being coordinated between both counties’ attorneys and CFOs before any wells go live.
At the close of Tuesday’s meeting, Chairman David Bennett issued a series of public safety and fiscal warnings, urging residents to begin preparing for hurricane season and to engage seriously with the county’s ongoing budget challenges.
Bennett reminded the public that while Bulloch County was previously spared major hurricane impacts, changing topography and the loss of old mill dams now mean water moves faster and with fewer natural barriers. He encouraged families to stock up on non-perishable supplies, secure batteries, and develop an evacuation plan. In recognition of National Dam Safety Day, he also urged residents to be aware of nearby water retention structures and their conditions.
Turning to long-term planning, Bennett reiterated his call for the county to establish a uniform building and zoning code, stressing that development pressure from large out-of-state builders is already mounting. Without such safeguards, he said, these firms could overwhelm the county and alter its character. He acknowledged ongoing discussions around impact fees, but warned they would not be enough to close the county’s current budget shortfall.
“If we need to slow building down, whether it be through a moratorium or other method, until we can fix this, let’s do it,” Bennett said.
On the budget, Bennett stated the current draft remains tentative and will be presented alongside an alternative budget that includes significant cuts. Those cuts, he warned, would affect every county service and take years to recover from if enacted. The public hearing is scheduled for June 18, with the adoption set for June 26.
“People in this county are going to have to make a decision,” Bennett said. “If we cut it, the services will go down. That’s not rhetoric—it’s fact.”
Bennett also addressed backlash he’s received for supporting the proposed SPLOST-backed property tax offset, noting that while House Bill 581 imposes a floating homestead exemption, the sales tax component still requires local approval. He urged residents to weigh the full impact of the proposed measure before rejecting it on principle.
Following Bennett’s remarks, Commissioner Timmy Rushing and Public Works Director Dink Butler offered condolences to Mitch Johnson, the county’s lead field supervisor, whose mother Carlene Johnson passed away last week. Carlene was a longtime public servant who retired as Bulloch County Tax Commissioner.
The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session for discussion of personnel and potential litigation.
X. EXECUTIVE SESSION (POTENTIAL LITIGATION AND PERSONNEL)
XI. ADJOURN
