News

Tuesday, June 22, 2010 - BOC APPROVES FY 2011 GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS BUDGET

The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners approved the spending plan for Fiscal Year 2010 at its regular meeting. The $73.2 million annual work program including $30.541 million in General Fund expenditures and authorizes $26.5 million in Special Local Option Sales Tax expenditures. The budget assumes no increase in the current millage rate (10.44 mills countywide and 1.8 mills in the Statesboro Fire Tax District).

Wednesday, June 16, 2010 - PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TO BECOME AVAILABLE IN BULLOCH COUNTY

On July 1, 2010, Coastal Regional Coaches will begin service in Bulloch County establishing a demand-response, advance reservation (Dial-a-Ride) public transportation program. CRC already provides this type of transportation service for Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh and Screven counties.  The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners has entered into a contract with the Coastal Regional Commission in Brunswick, Georgia to provide this service and is co-funding the program at a cost to the county government that will not exceed $20,000 through June 30, 2011, with an option to renew annually.  Therefore, availability of this program is subject to annual funding by the County.  However, the County is not the operating agency for this service.

This system will be available to anyone that wishes to use public transit.   Service availability will be on Mondays through Fridays (excluding some holidays), operating from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.  Trips must be scheduled 24 hours in advance and service is provided on a first-come, first serve basis.  The service is also available to human services providers on a subscription basis.

The cost for the local fare will be $3.00 per boarding ($6.00 round trip) from the point of origin, plus an additional $3.00 for each county boundary crossed when travelling regionally.  Exact fares must be paid either prior yo pick up, or at the time of boarding.  Drivers cannot make change or extend credit for riders.

For more information on this program, prior to July 1, please contact Barbara Hurst, at the Coastal Regional Commission at 912.262.2800

Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - SPLASH IN THE 'BORO CREATES SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC IMPACT FOR THE COMMUNITY

In a presentation to the Board of Commissioners, the Statesboro-Bulloch Recreation Department shared the results of a economic impact study prepared by the Georgia Southern University Bureau of Business Research and Development. Splash's positive impact on the local economy benefits the tourism sector and reinforces the emergence of Bulloch County as a regional growth center.  The present total economic seasonal impact is estimated at $8.6 million dollars and has created 161 jobs.  The expansion of Splash in 2009 increased output and job creation by 63%. Total attendance in 2009 was 154,034, a new record.  2010 numbers are expected to show an increase because some of the new features in the 2009 expansion were not opened until later in the season. Splash continues to retain positive net earnings or "profit" after debt and depreciation is taken into consideration.  The venue continues to add to the quality of life of the community offering a family atmosphere with sensational features and service.  We owe great thanks to the Board of Commissioners for supporting this experience.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010 - BULLOCH COUNTY RECEIVES FEDERAL GRANT AWARD FOR ENERGY EFFICIECNY AND CONSERVATION FUNDS UNDER THE STIMULUS PROGRAM

The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners announces that it has received a federal grant award of $215,000 under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Federal Stimulus Program) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. These funds will be used to further leverage $1.1 million in 2007 SPLOST funds allocated over the next five years to retrofit County facilities, educate the community and train development personnel in green building techniques.

The primary goal is to meet Governor Perdue's Energy Challenge to state and local government to reduce energy costs by 15% in the next five years. Bulloch County, like many other units of government, is looking for ways to improve efficiencies and reduce costs.  One such way this can be accomplished is through the completion of detailed energy audits of County facilities along with the creation of a comprehensive energy strategy.  Bulloch County has identified 11 of its largest and oldest County-owned buildings for which retrofits to be conducted comprising approximately 171,925 square feet.  The average annual energy cost for these facilities is $315,027.00 and they use over 3 million kilowatt hours (kW/h) of electricity, 12 million gallons of water  and 25 million cubic feet of natural gas each year.  The County recognizes how significant these energy costs are to a budget that is already stretched and knows that identifying, costing and prioritizing energy improvements is absolutely necessary.

Upon concluding a comprehensive energy audit of the aforesaid facilities, $172,000 of grant funds will be allocated to the the facilities meeting the highest priority needs for energy retrofitting.  Remaining grant funds is expected to be used for training county building inspectors and planners on modern energy codes and and LEED certification, and to draft a model green building code to be considered for potential adoption by the County Commission to incent new sustainable development.

A 15% reduction in County energy costs would save nearly $50,000 annually.  The program would also help make our county a leader in terms of "Going Green!"

Friday, February 12, 2010 - BOC ANNOUNCES IMPROVED FIRE PROTECTION STATUS AND POTENTIAL FOR LOWER FIRE INSURANCE RATES FOR HOMEOWNERS AND BUSINESSES IN RURAL BULLOCH COUNTY

Press Release

Tuesday, January 26, 2010 - COMMISSIONER GEORGE JACKSON PASSES (In Memoriam)

On Sunday, January 24, 2010, District 1-A Commissioner, George T. Jackson passed away. County elected officials, employees and residents are deeply saddened, but rejoice in remembering a wonderful person and community role model.  We wish Commissioner Jackson's family our deepest sympathies as the Bulloch County "family" will miss him tremendously.

http://www.statesboroherald.com/section/1/article/20663/

Tuesday, January 19, 2010 - BOC ADOPTS THE COUNTY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM (CIP): 2015

At their regular meeting, the Board of Commissioners adopted an update of its six-year Capital Improvements Program consisting of approximately $40.7 million for 70 planned projects, primarily using SPLOST 2007 funds, and remaining SPLOST 2002 funds. The FY 2010 Capital Budget adopted as a part of the FY 2010 General Appropriations Budget was reaffirmed. The objective of the new CIP will be to provide an annual update for the current year capital budget, and extend planned projects over a five year period. For example, next year's update will include the FY 2011 Capital Budget, and extend the CIP to 2016. A Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is an important tool for planning and managing the County’s growth and development.  It implements many of the community’s goals and objectives and encourages discussion of the direction the County wants to take in the future. It is important to understand that the Board of Commissioners is not committing funding for any projects authorized beyond the first year.  Projects scheduled in the successive five years in the CIP are intended to show what the Board of Commissioners priorities are at the present time.  However, barring unforeseen circumstances or events, this plan shows what the Board of Commissioners would like to accomplish through 2015. (Click here to link: CIP 2015 )

Tuesday, January 19, 2010 - BOC ADOPTS THE BULLOCH COUNTY-STATESBORO LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN (2035) AND SUB-AREA STUDY FOR THE SOUTHEAST QUADRANT

At their regular meeting, the Board of Commissioners adopted a joint transportation plan as a long range policy guide for surface transportation (road improvements) and bicycle-pedestrian improvements extending through the year 2035. This document involved an exhaustive study of future transportation needs consisting of $235 million of projects for city, county and state routes during the period measured in today's dollars.

The County has committed $13 million in funding for local routes in the unincorporated areas through 2015 in the transportation element of its Capital Improvements Program. The County hopes to accelerate local improvements by applying for low interest loan funds from the State Transportation Infrastructure Bank for its "Shovel-Ready" dirt roads program, and to resurface existing paved roads in the "Neighborhoods First" program. If the STIB application is successful, the County will proceed with these programs in mid-2010, with completion by mid-2012. A second round of STIB funding would be dedicated in FY 2012-2014 for intersection and network improvements in Southeast Quadrant area of Statesboro extending from the Five Points intersection located at the proposed S&S Greenway to the Langston Chapel-Old Register Road intersection, including a developing area known as the Burkhalter-Harville-Langston Chapel Triangle. (See link: Planning Documents)

Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - REVERSE 911 SYSTEM NOW IN PLACE IN BULLOCH COUNTY

Bulloch County E-911 is proud to announce that this service is available.  Reverse 911 is a communication system that allows emergency services to quickly contact members of a community or organization with information.  It is so named, because 9-1-1 is the telephone number used for members of the community to communicate with emergency services (police, fire, EMS).   This new system allows emergency services to do the "reverse", usually to inform the public of a known hazard or emergency. Reverse 911 is designed to provide map or list based communications with key audiences. Geographic calling zones are created based on immediate circumstances (e.g. Amber Alerts) or ahead of time based on anticipated needs (e.g. evacuations).  Reverse 911 may also target specific lists of people (e.g., first responders or Neighborhood Watch).  System policies are currently being written so that the public can be informed as to when such use is appropriate.  Meanwhile, the system has been tested and in place and is another tool for use in keeping Bulloch County safer.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - COMMISSIONER ROBERT RUSHING IS NAMED VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD FOR 2010

Commissioner Robert Rushing, District 2-D, has been named Vice Chairman for 2010 at the BOC meeting on January 5, 2010.  The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners uses a rotation system defined in its Codes of Ordinances to appoint the Vice-Chairman each year.  Vice-Chairman Rushing replaces Commissioner Roy Thompson, District 2-C, who served in this capacity in 2009.

The Vice Chairman acts as Chairman of the Board in the Chairman's absence, and serves as the primary designee for the Chairman at various meetings and functions.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - COMMISSIONER JAN TANKERSLEY NAMED ONE OF THE 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL GEORGIANS

Georgia Trend magazine has named Commissioner Tankersley among the 100 Most Influential Georgians for 2010 for its 12th annual edition in January.   Tankersley, the first woman elected to the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners, won a third term in 2008 and is currently serving as president of the ACCG, the state-wide association representing Georgia county commissioners.  As a member of numerous local, gubernatorial and state government task forces and committees, Tankersley has focused on regional transportation and water issues and leadership training.

"I am humbled to be recognized by Georgia Trend for this distinction" said Tankersley. "While my sole priority and focus is serving Bulloch County, we live in a bigger world than we used to.  Participating in the bigger world is a gateway for our community to stay connected to the rapid changes that take place."

Georgia Trend also recognized Bulloch County Government as a County of Excellence in the spring of 2009.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009 - BOC APPROVES RIGHT-OF-WAY MANAGEMENT REVIEW AND INSPECTION FEES

The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners approved a schedule of fees for the review and inspection of right-of-way encroachments. With the expectation of continuing development in the unincorporated areas of county, the Board of Commissioners has taken recent action to protect the taxpayer’s investment in the public right-of ways, minimize unsafe conditions, and avoid unknown liabilities.  This notice is to inform the public that it is unlawful (Article II, Section 11.5.26 of the County Code of Ordinances) without a permit issued by the county, to encroach upon the county maintained roads, right-of-ways and easements for the purpose of:

• Excavating or altering the surface, shoulders or sides of any county road, street, sidewalk or other passage.
• Installing or removing drainage structures that may negatively affect the drainage of a county road or passage.
• Placing or erecting signs, poles, notices, warnings, or other obstructions or symbols designed or intended to discourage the use of such county road or passage.
• Constructing or re-constructing a driveway for ingress and egress onto one's property from a county road or passage.
• Installing or maintaining public or private utilities (including water, gas, telecommunications, electricity or cable) that requires trenching, boring or drilling within the public way, except where an authorized franchise agreement states otherwise.

 

Tuesday, June 16, 2009 - BOC APPROVES COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE

 

The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners approved the 2010-2030 Comprehenisve Plan Update that includes a new Future Development Guide and Map.  The original plan was drafted in 1993, but has not been substantially updated except for land Use amendments in 2006. 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 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).