News

VOTERS APPROVE SPLOST IV TO CONTINUE THE FAST FORWARD BULLOCH PROGRAM

 

On Tuesday, July 19, 2006, Bulloch County Voters approved a referendum to renew the county’s fourth Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), succeeding prior approved programs in 1989, 1997 and 2002.  SPLOST IV is expected to generate $71 million in tax revenue dedicated to capital projects. 90% of these projects will be for Basic Infrastructure and Facilities for roads and bridges, water and sewer, solid waste and public safety facilities and equipment.  10% are for Quality of Life projects for recreation, greenspace acquisition and economic development.

 

The most urgent need that will be funded is a $10.5 million expansion of the Bulloch County Jail. Bulloch County’s municipalities including Brooklet, Portal, Register and Statesboro will receive $24 million in funds for its most needed capital projects (click here to see funding allocations).

 

The Board of Commissioners wishes to express its gratitude to the voting citizens of Bulloch County for its support in renewing this program.  These funds will allow Bulloch County to “Fast Forward” many key projects.

 

BOC APPROVES FUTURE LAND USE PLAN

 

On Tuesday, July 19, 2006, the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners approved the long awaited Future Land Use Plan and Map.  The original plan was drafted in 2001, but not then adopted, was revived in mid-2005 by the County Commission and County Manager as a top priority program to be implemented. County staff led by Andy Welch, Assistant to the County Manager and Chief Administrative Officer for Community Development worked with an ad hoc committee of citizens appointed by the Board of Commissioners to prepare and recommend limited final updates and revisions.  After review by the County Planning and Zoning Commission and the State of Georgia for planning concurrency, the Plan and Map was approved by the County Commission.

 

The key features of the Future Land Use Map designate areas around the county’s cities, particularly Statesboro and Brooklet for a higher levels or densitities of development. There are also designated more moderate rural residential development districts in unincorporated communities such as Clito, Hopeulikit, Nevils, Olney and Stilson. Similarly, there are areas that reflect nodes for commercial or industrial development. Finally, there are also significant masses of undeveloped land that are designated to have limited development in light of agriculture and forestry activities and sensitive environmental areas.

 

The Plan document consists of information that supports the Map concept and provides guidelines for Planning and Zoning Commission and the County Commission to use in making decisions with development applications and proposals.  Over the next year, county staff is likely to recommend changes in development regulations that are conducive to the concepts suggested in this document (click here to see a copy of the Future Land Use Plan document)..