Bulloch County Commissioner met for over three hours at their bi-monthly meeting on Tuesday evening, August 5, 2025. The packed agenda included controversial zoning hearings, hiring outside legal council and getting updates on limitations of fire hydrants in county subdivision serviced by private water systems. Commissioners also voted to tentatively adopt an M&O millage rate of 11.35, which is in excess of the rollback rate but was recommended in the approved budget for this fiscal year. There will be three public hearings before the final vote. Grice Connect will publish these dates on our events calendar once they are released.
Hunnicutt Subdivision Approved After Extended Public Opposition
One of the most debated items of the night was a rezoning request from the John and Marie Hunnicutt Family, LLLP, seeking to rezone approximately 51 acres of a 64.95-acre tract from AG-5 (Agricultural) and Highway Commercial to R-8 (Residential 8,000 sq. ft. lots) for a proposed 134-lot single-family subdivision. The property is located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 80 East and Hagan Lane.
The request came before the Board with a recommendation of denial from the Planning and Zoning Commission, which had voted unanimously 5-0 against it. However, county staff recommended approval with conditions, citing that the property falls within a designated “Suburban Neighborhood – Corridor” character area in the Bulloch County 2045 Comprehensive Plan. Staff also noted the project’s access to City of Statesboro water and sewer infrastructure in the nearby Burkhalter Road corridor.
The public hearing drew strong opposition from residents of the area, many of whom raised concerns about increased density in a rural setting, traffic safety on Hagan Lane, and potential flooding from storm water runoff. Several speakers shared that the dirt road is already difficult to navigate and lacks the infrastructure to support large-scale residential development. There were also questions about school capacity, compatibility with the surrounding area, and the long-term impact of transitioning farmland to higher-density housing.
Commissioner Nick Newkirk made a motion to deny the request. His motion was seconded by Commissioner Toby Conner, but failed on a 2-3 vote.
Following that, a second motion was made to approve the rezoning with staff-recommended conditions, including a requirement that all vehicular access come from U.S. Highway 80—not Hagan Lane. That motion passed 3-2, with Commissioners Anthony Simmons, Ray Mosley, and Timmy Rushing voting in favor.
Commissioner Ray Davis recused himself from the vote due to a personal connection with the applicant.
Commission Divided on Outside Legal Counsel Contract
The Board also debated whether to move forward with a retention agreement with Jarrard & Davis LLP, a law firm brought in to represent the county in the lawsuit River Bluff Properties, LLC v. Bulloch County Board of Commissioners.
The item was originally listed on the consent agenda but was pulled out for further discussion. Commissioner Timmy Rushing questioned the need for outside attorneys and criticized the high hourly rates, suggesting the move might be a way to avoid accountability. County Attorney Jeff Akins said he was already working on the case and capable of handling it, but that some commissioners had specifically requested outside zoning litigators. Chairman David Bennett added that the county has used outside counsel in similar past cases.
Commissioner Anthony Simmons expressed concern about setting a precedent, while Nick Newkirk and Ray Davis voiced support for bringing in a firm with deeper zoning litigation experience. A motion to deny the agreement failed 2-4. The final motion to approve passed 4-2, with Rushing and Simmons voting no.
Jail Expansion Bonds Finalized, Savings Exceed $5 Million
The Board voted unanimously to approve a resolution finalizing the sale of revenue bonds for the upcoming jail expansion project.
Christopher Holt from Davenport & Company presented the results of the sale, which took place earlier that morning. The county received strong credit ratings—Aa3 from Moody’s and AA- from S&P—and locked in a true interest rate of 3.63%. The bonds were sold competitively, with Wells Fargo submitting the winning bid and beating the next closest offer by just seven basis points—a difference that will save the county approximately $300,000.
Thanks to the premium at sale, the county was able to issue $58.2 million in bonds while still fully funding the $61.6 million project fund, ultimately reducing total debt service by more than $5.5 million compared to original estimates. The debt schedule is front loaded to align with SPLOST funding and will taper off over the final 14 years of the 20-year repayment plan.
Other Zoning Decisions
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Deferred: A request by Turtle Landing Investments to rezone 71.17 acres at Sinkhole Road and Ephesus Church Road was deferred until September at the applicant’s request.
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Denied: Michael Mallard’s request to rezone 24.4 acres on Clito Road for five rental homes was unanimously denied after nearby residents raised safety and infrastructure concerns.
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Approved: Beverly Cannady was approved to rezone 6.07 acres on Old River Road South to split her property and allow a friend to build a home. Commissioner Davis recused himself.
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Approved: A request by ABA Development, LLC to rezone 50.13 acres on Maria Sorrell Road for a 66-lot subdivision was approved 4-2, despite one resident's concerns about density and traffic.
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Denied: A request by Jason Dunn to rezone 23.78 acres on Highway 119 North for a vegetative debris facility was denied 6-0 after neighbors raised air, noise, and traffic concerns.
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Withdrawn: A related conditional use permit for Dunn’s project was pulled from the agenda.
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Tabled: A 57.68-acre rezoning request by Blitch Place Land Co. on Old Riggs Mill Road was tabled for plan revisions.
Road Updates and Fire Safety Concerns
County Engineer Ron Nelson gave a project update on the Nevils-Denmark Road bridge replacement, nearly one year after storm damage shut the road down. Demolition and culvert installation are complete, and asphalt work is expected this week—weather permitting. The road is still on track to reopen by mid-September.
Nelson also explained the new four-way stop at Old Highway 46 and Nevils-Denmark Road, which was recommended by GDOT following a traffic study. The county will continue monitoring traffic flow now that school is back in session.
Fire Chief Ben Tapley invited the public to an open house at the Clito Fire Station on Sunday at 3 p.m. to showcase renovations and improvements to public safety infrastructure.
Tapley also addressed ongoing concerns about community water systems and their inability to meet fire flow requirements. He explained that the county's current ordinance lacks enforcement power, which has made it difficult to ensure hydrants are tested and capable of supporting fire suppression. His team is now actively inspecting and testing hydrants across all subdivisions, especially those newly absorbed from the former Five Mile Fire District.
Commissioners Agenda Packet
I. Call to Order, Welcome Media and Visitors
II. Invocation and Pledge
III. Roll Call
IV. Approval of Zoning Agenda
DIFFERED 1. Turtle Landing Investments, LLC – Request to rezone 71.17 acres from AG-5 to R-80 for a single-family subdivision on Sinkhole Road and Ephesus Church Road.
The first zoning item on the agenda was a request from Turtle Landing Investments, LLC to rezone approximately 71.17 acres from AG-5 (Agricultural) to R-80 (Residential) for a proposed single-family subdivision at the intersection of Sinkhole Road and Ephesus Church Road. The applicant was unable to attend the meeting due to travel and submitted a formal request to defer the item until the September meeting. The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the deferral.
DENIED 2. Michael Mallard – Request to rezone 24.4 acres from AG-5 to R-80 for a single-family subdivision on Clito Road.
The second zoning item was a request from Michael Mallard to rezone approximately 24.4 acres from AG-5 (Agricultural) to R-80 (Residential) for the development of five additional single-family rental homes on Clito Road. The Planning and Zoning Commission had previously recommended denial. During the meeting, several nearby residents voiced strong opposition, raising concerns about increased traffic, lack of road infrastructure, safety issues near a curve, and inadequate property maintenance. Speakers also noted the absence of an HOA and questioned the project's compatibility with the surrounding area. Following the public comments, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to deny the rezoning request.
APPROVED 3. Beverly Cannady – Request to rezone 6.07 acres from AG-5 to R-80 to subdivide into two parcels at 1584 Old River Road South.
The third zoning item was a request from Beverly Cannady to rezone approximately 6.07 acres from AG-5 to R-80 in order to subdivide the property into two parcels at 1584 Old River Road South. The purpose of the request was to allow a close friend to build a home on the newly created lot. There was no public opposition to the request. Commissioner Ray Davis recused himself from discussion and voting due to a familial relationship with the applicant. The remaining commissioners voted unanimously to approve the rezoning.
APPROVED 4. John and Marie Hunnicutt Family, LLP – Request to rezone 51 of 64.95 acres from AG-5 to R-8 for a single-family subdivision on U.S. Highway 80 East.
A rezoning request for a proposed 134-lot subdivision on U.S. Highway 80 East drew more than an hour of public opposition Tuesday night before being approved by a 3-2 vote of the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners.
The application from John and Marie Hunnicutt Family, LLLP requested that roughly 51 acres of a 64.95-acre parcel be rezoned from AG-5 (Agricultural) and Highway Commercial to R-8 (Residential 8,000 sq. ft. lots). The remaining acreage would remain Highway Commercial. The property sits at the intersection of U.S. Highway 80 and Hagan Lane, a county-maintained dirt road. The developers were represented by attorney Steve Rushing.
The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended denial of the request in a unanimous 5-0 vote. County staff recommended approval with conditions, citing that the parcel falls within the “Suburban Neighborhood – Corridor” character area outlined in the county’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan. Staff also noted the property has access to water and sewer from the City of Statesboro near Burkhalter Road and Highway 80.
Several nearby residents spoke out against the development during the public hearing, raising concerns about drainage, stormwater runoff, traffic safety, school capacity, and the long-term impact of higher-density development in a rural area. Many speakers pointed to Hagan Lane’s condition and said additional development would strain already limited infrastructure.
Commissioner Ray Davis recused himself from the vote. Commissioner Nick Newkirk made a motion to deny, which was seconded by Commissioner Toby Conner, but that motion failed 2-3, with Commissioners Anthony Simmons, Ray Mosley, and Timmy Rushing voting no.
A follow-up motion to approve the request with conditions passed 3-2, with Newkirk and Conner voting against. One of the conditions approved with the rezoning is that all access to the development must come from U.S. Highway 80, not Hagan Lane.
The property is currently undeveloped and has historically been used for agricultural purposes.
APPROVED 5. ABA Development, LLC – Request to rezone 50.13 acres from AG-5 to R-25 for a single-family subdivision on Maria Sorrell Road.
The fifth zoning item was a request from ABA Development, LLC to rezone approximately 50.13 acres from AG-5 (Agricultural) to R-25 (Residential 25,000 sq. ft. lots) for a proposed 66-lot single-family subdivision on Maria Sorrell Road. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval in a 4-1 vote, and county staff also recommended approval.
One nearby resident spoke in opposition during the public hearing, raising concerns about density, increased traffic on the rural road, and the property's proximity to an active railroad and a propane transfer station. A representative for the developer responded by emphasizing the project’s low density of 1.3 units per acre, well within Smart Growth guidelines, and stated that the lots would likely be sold to local builders rather than developed by the company itself.
Following discussion, the Board of Commissioners voted 4-2 to approve the rezoning request.
DENIED 6. Jason Dunn – Request to rezone 23.78 acres from AG-5 to HI for a heavy manufacturing facility to process vegetative debris at 276 Highway 119 North.
The sixth zoning item was a request to rezone approximately 23.78 acres on Highway 119 North from AG-5 (Agricultural) to HI (Heavy Industrial) for the development of a vegetative debris processing facility.
County staff recommended approval with several conditions, including a 10-acre buffer, increased setbacks, fencing, and access controls. However, the request drew strong opposition from nearby residents during the public hearing. Concerns focused on air quality, noise, traffic impact, and the proposed site’s proximity to homes, a school, and a church. Several speakers said the facility would be better suited for an established industrial zone.
Following public comments and brief discussion, the Board of Commissioners voted 6-0 to deny the rezoning request. A related request for a conditional use permit tied to the same project was withdrawn.
DENIED 7. Jason Dunn – Request for conditional use permit to operate a heavy manufacturing facility to process vegetative debris at 276 Highway 119 North.
TABLED 8. Blitch Place Land Co, LLC – Request to rezone 57.68 acres from AG-5 to R-25 for a subdivision on Old Riggs Mill Road.
The eighth zoning item was a request from Blitch Place Land Co., LLC to rezone approximately 57.68 acres on Old Riggs Mill Road from AG-5 (Agricultural) to R-25 (Residential 25,000 sq. ft. lots) for a proposed residential subdivision.
At the applicant’s request, the item was tabled to allow time for revisions to the original plan. Concerns centered around traffic safety, road conditions, density, drainage issues, and the overall impact of continued growth in the area. Residents expressed frustration about the increasing number of subdivisions being proposed in rural parts of the county without corresponding infrastructure improvements.
V. Approval of General Agenda
VI. Public Comments
None
APPROVED VII. Consent Agenda
1. Approve Executive Session Minutes – July 1, 2025
2. Approve Executive Session Minutes – July 15, 2025
3. Approve Regular Meeting Minutes – July 15, 2025
4. Approve second and final renewal with Colonial Industries, Inc. for bulk oil and fluids for Fleet Maintenance
On June 6, 2023, the Board of Commissioners approved a one-year contract, July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, with Colonial Oil Industries, Inc. for bulk oil and fluids to be used by Fleet Maintenance on county-maintained vehicles. On June 4, 2024, the Board of Commissioners approved the first renewal of the contract. It is time for the second and final renewal of the contract for bulk oil and fluids. Deke Dover with Colonial Oil Industries, Inc., has agreed to keep the prices from the original bid the same for this contract renewal. Approval is recommended.
5. Approve purchase of a Netclock Masterclock System Replacement from MCA – $16,117.00
Our netclock has stopped working in the 911 center. This netclock is a master clock that keeps all our computers in the 911 Center synchronized to the same time. The master clock controls the time for the CAD system, radio system and telephone system.
(Moved to new business) 6. Ratify and approve Retention Agreement with Jarrard and Davis LLP
The presented retention agreement authorizes the law firm of Jarrard and Davis, LLP to represent Bulloch County in the following litigation: River Bluff Properties , LLC v. Bulloch County Board of Commissioners. Ratification and approval is recommended.
7. Approve renewal of On-Airport MOA for maintenance services with FAA and Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport
Requesting approval to renew MOA with U.S. Dept. of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintenance agreement.
8. Approve renewal contract with Clean by Lucy II, Inc. for janitorial services for BCRPD buildings
The current contract with Clean By Lucy II, Inc. for Bulloch County Recreation and Parks Department Janitorial and Cleaning services ended on June 30, 2025. In the bidding process in 2023, it stated if both parties agree, then we can renew the contract for two successive one-year terms without rebidding for the service provided. It is the recommendation of Don Glenn, Operations Manager, to renew the contract for one more year for the cost of $16,020.00. This would be the second renewal ending on June 30, 2026. This contract was budgeted for and expected during the FY2026 budget process and approved by the commissioners. Attached is the contract renewal that will be signed after being approved, the original bid, and an email from Clean By Lucy II, Inc. agreeing to renew under the same conditions and pricing.
VIII. New Business
APPROVED 1. Resolution – Authorize Intergovernmental Agreement and related documents for Public Facility Authority’s Revenue Bonds Series 2025
The presented resolution will authorize execution of the intergovernmental agreement and other related documents relating to the Public Facility Authority's revenue bonds. Approval is recommended.
The Board of Commissioners moved quickly Tuesday night to approve a resolution tied to the county’s jail expansion revenue bonds, bumping the item to the top of the agenda so Davenport & Company could present their bond sale results before heading back to Atlanta.
Christopher Holt, representing Davenport, walked the board through the final numbers from the sale held earlier that morning. Bulloch County secured strong credit ratings—Aa3 from Moody’s and AA- from S&P—which helped lock in a true interest cost of 3.63%. The bonds were sold through a competitive process, and Wells Fargo submitted the winning bid, narrowly beating out Mesirow by about seven basis points, which translated to a $300,000 savings in debt service. Compared to the highest bid, the county saved nearly $1 million.
Thanks to investor demand, the bonds sold at a premium. That allowed the county to issue $58.2 million in bonds, while still fully funding the $61.6 million project fund for the jail expansion. Holt emphasized that issuing fewer bonds means less interest over time—one of several factors that helped bring total debt service down to $78.9 million, about $5.5 million under what the county originally projected.
The debt is structured with heavier payments in the first six years—aligned with SPLOST allocations totaling just under $51 million—before leveling off to smaller annual payments over the remaining 14 years. Holt noted that issuance costs also came in under budget, and that everything is on track for a closing date of August 21.
The board approved the resolution unanimously.
APPROVED 2. Resolution – Tentatively adopt millage rate for 2025 general maintenance and operations
O.C.G.A. 48-5-32.1(c) requires the Board of Commissioners to conduct three public hearings prior to levying the M&O millage rate if the Board has tentatively adopted a millage rate in excess of the rollback rate as defined in O.C.G.A. 48-5-32.1(a)(9). The presented resolution tentatively adopts an M&O millage rate of 11.35, which is in excess of the rollback rate but was recommended in the approved budget for this fiscal year. After conducting the three required public hearings, the Board will need to levy the M&O millage rate for this calendar year, which can be set at any rate as long as it does not exceed the tentatively adopted millage rate of 11.35.
TABLED 3. Application to GEMA – Approve submission for acquisition of 1500 Live Oak Lane Rd, Pembroke, GA 31321
Purpose: Seeking approval to move forward and submit an application to GEMA for the acquisition of 1500 Live Oak Lane Road.
TABLED 4. Application to GEMA – Approve submission for acquisition of 691 Live Oak Lane Rd, Pembroke, GA 31321
Purpose: Seeking approval to move forward and submit an application to GEMA for the acquisition of 691 Live Oak Lane Road.
APPROVED 5. Pre-Disaster Contract – Approve agreement with CERES Environmental
The Review Team recommends and request approval from the Board of Commissioners to enter into PreDisaster Storm Debris Removal Services Contract with CERES Environmental Services, Inc., as one of two most qualified responsive firms.
APPROVED 6. Pre-Disaster Contract – Approve agreement with Thompson Consulting Services
The Review Team recommends and request approval from the Board of Commissioners to enter into PreDisaster Storm Debris Monitoring and Management Services Contract with Thompson Consulting Services, LLC., as one of two most qualified responsive firms
APPROVED 7. Pre-Disaster Contract – Approve agreement with Debris Tech LLC
The Review Team recommends and request approval from the Board of Commissioners to enter into PreDisaster Storm Debris Monitoring and Management Services Contract with Debris Tech, LLC., as one of two most qualified responsive firms.
APPROVED 8. Pre-Disaster Contract – Approve agreement with SDR
The Review Team recommends and request approval from the Board of Commissioners to enter into PreDisaster Storm Debris Removal Services Contract with Southern Disaster Recovery, LLC. as one of two most qualified responsive firms.
APPROVED 9. Motor Grader Purchase – Approve purchase of 3 motor graders from Yancey CAT
Staff recommends and requests the Consideration of a Motion for the purchase of (2) 2026 Caterpillar Model: 140 15B AWD Motor Graders in the amount of $756,434.00 (Sourcewell Contracts) and (1) 2026 Caterpillar Model: 150 15A AWD Motor Grader with Sloper in the amount of $475,577.00 (Sourcewell Contracts) to Yancey CAT. For a total price of $1,232,011.00. With the purchase of these machines, we have asked Yancey to evaluate and supply us with an as-is trade in value of 4 motor graders These items will be purchased with funds from TSPLOST.
(Consent Agenda Item Moved) APPROVED 6. Ratify and approve Retention Agreement with Jarrard and Davis LLP
The Board held extended discussion over a retention agreement with Jarrard & Davis LLP, a law firm brought in to represent the county in the lawsuit River Bluff Properties, LLC v. Bulloch County Board of Commissioners. The agreement had originally been listed on the consent agenda but was moved to new business for further debate.
Commissioner Timmy Rushing questioned the need to hire outside legal counsel, pointing out the high hourly rates listed in the contract and expressing concern that the decision could be an attempt to avoid accountability. County Attorney Jeff Akins explained that the firm had already begun work on the case to meet a legal deadline and said he was capable of defending the county himself, but some commissioners had asked for litigation specialists. Chairman David Bennett noted the county has previously used outside legal support in similar situations.
CFO Kristie King clarified that while Akins is salaried, George Rountree—another attorney often used by the county—bills separately, so some of the cost would be offset. Commissioners Nick Newkirk and Ray Davis supported using a firm with zoning and litigation experience, while Commissioner Anthony Simmons warned that the move could set a precedent for future legal spending.
A motion to deny the agreement failed in a 2-4 vote, and the final motion to ratify and approve the contract passed 4-2, with Rushing and Simmons opposed.
IX. Commission and Staff Comments
County Engineer Ron Nelson provided an update on the Nevils-Denmark Road bridge replacement project, noting that Thursday marks one year since the site was damaged by a storm. He said the county has made steady progress over the summer. In June, crews completed demolition of the old culvert, and by July, the new culvert was installed, followed by backfill, slope reestablishment, and grading work. Asphalt paving is tentatively scheduled for Friday, depending on weather conditions.
Remaining items include striping, signage, guardrail installation, and general cleanup. The project is still on track to reopen to traffic in mid-September, with a chance for earlier completion if conditions allow.
Nelson also addressed recent changes to the intersection of Old Highway 46 and Nevils-Denmark Road, where a four-way stop was recently implemented. He explained that GDOT conducted a traffic study last year, which found that increased traffic on Nevils-Denmark warranted a change for safety. The four-way stop was recommended by GDOT and approved by the county.
In response to concerns about school traffic backups, Nelson said the county will continue monitoring the intersection and stay in close contact with GDOT. He said that since school resumed on August 1, they have not observed any major issues or received complaints.
Fire Chief Ben Tapley invited the public to visit the Clito Fire Station this Sunday at 3:00 p.m. for an informal open house. He said refreshments and cookies will be provided, and residents are encouraged to stop by, see the recent renovations, and learn more about ongoing improvements to public safety in Bulloch County. The station is located at 10932 Clito Road, Statesboro.
During staff discussion, Tapley also addressed fire protection issues in county subdivisions—specifically related to a recent house fire in a neighborhood served by a community water system. He confirmed that the fire department was already aware the system in that area would not meet fire suppression standards and that this has been a long-standing issue dating back at least 11 years.
Tapley explained that the county’s subdivision ordinance currently lacks enforcement power, requiring community water system owners to submit annual hydrant testing data but not specifying a firm deadline or consequences for non-compliance. Because of this gap, his department is taking the initiative this year to inspect and test hydrants throughout every subdivision, especially following the transition from the Five Mile Fire District.
According to ISO (Insurance Services Office) guidelines, departments are expected to test 20% of hydrants each year, aiming to inspect 100% over a five-year cycle. Each hydrant should also be flushed annually. Tapley noted that community water systems often fail to provide adequate fire flow, which is a significant safety concern. While the ordinance currently requires a minimum of 500 gallons per minute (GPM) for fire flow, newer or larger homes may require flows of 1,000 GPM or more—a standard many systems cannot meet.
Tapley emphasized that while the county has made progress in tightening requirements, the current ordinance still falls short of what’s needed to ensure reliable fire protection in all areas.
