[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,97,109],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6234255,"mediaKeyId","3411657-3b4aab36bf7be1579120e7cc06812096","parentId",3411657,"title","County pays $41,000 to grind storm debris, staff says process saved roughly $109,750 versus landfill disposal","audioSeconds",235,"startMs",4980000,"endMs",5215000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411657-3b4aab36bf7be1579120e7cc06812096&start=4980&end=5215","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411657-3b4aab36bf7be1579120e7cc06812096/thumbnail_4980000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6234255/Bulloch-County/Georgia/County-pays-41000-to-grind-storm-debris-staff-says-process-saved-roughly-109750-versus-landfill-disposal","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234255-02063c961c18d476ce233c7f39b05a57/orig.mp4?Expires=1775324452&Signature=aBg1pbhloGG5lh2rpv7eyriYjNov4q~Fa-07TivkKanE4k~rM4NgXuMqy-qQaR-YGOg~VPuVnB85IE3E25rL4YK4b0szjsGOn-nuysgzvkm4mkXAVN9wzgTal6Uz22tHMIGbsI27lLrL4K8DQxGcrogIqhwLr2lew-0RLg7pxyVG8jK8yx03WTUhbMX55iQX6S~Yl6rlRDFT-S73XYws~YAZlrqn~RkgWkKs3ABFZaojo5axoEudrryjrmOBsU87Eie5P~iOgl-1sVRsYFWMVRZ6JpZgYOe8y-eoKBK8tPdHN36z-Kyl2AF8nbcbHTrCWt3Q3dJwWgPDUHbz2mFGcA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-21T00:49:54.05Z","article","Bulloch County approved a $41,000 payment to JCT Enterprises for grinding storm debris into mulch, and county public works staff told the board the arrangement saved the county a substantial sum compared with landfill disposal.

Assistant Director of Public Works Robert Siemens said the county and the city of Statesboro collected about 9,000 cubic yards of storm debris and staged it at a Mill Creek site. He reported an earlier estimate for hauling and landfill disposal of that volume would have been $150,750, while a negotiated price with a grinding contractor to reduce the material to mulch was $41,000, yielding a stated savings of roughly $109,750.

Siemens said the material is EPD‑approved for use on county property if properly staged and managed, and that parks and recreation had indicated it could use the resulting mulch for tree beds, roundabouts and other county landscaping. The county will maintain a firebreak around the staged material and control access. The board approved the invoice and payment unanimously.

Siemens said crews used county and donated city workforce to collect the debris and that savings reflected both reduced hauling costs and reuse of the end product for county maintenance and landscaping.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting 5-20-25 8:30am ( full meeting video)","oneSentenceSummary","Public works reported a $41,000 invoice for mulch grinding of storm debris and said in-house collection and a negotiated grinding price produced substantial savings compared with landfill disposal.","taxTitle","Bulloch County, Georgia","taxId",28221,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6234260,"Commission approves engineering task releases for septic feasibility study and plan reviews",244,5326000,5570000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411657-3b4aab36bf7be1579120e7cc06812096&start=5326&end=5570","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411657-3b4aab36bf7be1579120e7cc06812096/thumbnail_5326000.jpg","/articles/6234260/Bulloch-County/Georgia/Commission-approves-engineering-task-releases-for-septic-feasibility-study-and-plan-reviews","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234260-85bb6feed986db6a6b74b876eedaf734/orig.mp4?Expires=1775324452&Signature=ofhOrBoLB6xJSvWDffGLs8BorYIpNVyl1RWCcQF-Z5XZlVpMtUjkZZmJ6mgcb02pFmIMpAbE3EX2wYb09eJg1vz898T2M5FsblAbFEwrxMuVfqgy0k-BZX5kpLSloXheffpz1T9pY36ZrMLIwKYduaXOL8pstpk8z~V0Vn5JQ8zLDnguy5EkW-mY8r~WBEunI2vIhz1cyHCXzHUsHObhfbA0ScrhLTiYCuKwgqB2diZRYyNf~86mz6lvAEPx24Bno7Tr9TN3U6LlxN0yUvduXaT6saxVY1pwEkwt85v2G0YMUiqNMr-AlyVM6MI6qThwWjy-LkDxb22qd1~CyRSdRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners approved two task releases with Hofstadter and Associates on May 20: one to prepare a feasibility analysis of septage and sewage options for the county and another to provide cursory civil engineering plan reviews while county engineering staff are being recruited.

Planning and development director James Pope said the septic/sewage task release follows a consultation prompted by resident concerns over septage disposal and pumpers’ limited capacity after recent heavy rains. The scope includes an analysis of options and a feasibility report; the work will also assess a $4,000,000 EPA funding allocation the county has available to support wastewater infrastructure and identify ways to use those funds before they expire.

The board approved task release number 1 for a lump sum budget of $18,000 to perform the septic/sewage feasibility analysis. The board also approved task release number 2 to purchase plan‑review capacity from Hofstadter and Associates at $750 per review, not to exceed $27,000 for an estimated 36 plan reviews over 12 months; that work is intended to backfill diminished in‑house engineering capacity after recent staff turnover.

Planning staff said the county added a fee line in the proposed budget to cover plan‑review fees going forward, and that the task releases will be budget‑neutral after the line item is implemented. Commissioners approved both task releases unanimously and directed staff to begin the work and report back with findings and options.

The feasibility study will examine multiple approaches for septage and wastewater handling, including potential collection, treatment and disposal options, cost estimates, funding scenarios and timelines. County staff said they will form a small steering group to meet with the consultant and that the outcome will guide use of the EPA funds and future capital planning.","The board approved task releases with Hofstadter and Associates to study septic/sewage options and to provide civil plan review capacity while the county fills engineering staff vacancies; staff cited available federal EPA funds as part of the study.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":90,"_47":91,"_49":92,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6234265,"Commission accepts two subdivision roads but commissioners flag future policy review on private vs. public streets",0,5443000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411657-3b4aab36bf7be1579120e7cc06812096&start=5443&end=5443","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411657-3b4aab36bf7be1579120e7cc06812096/thumbnail_5443000.jpg","/articles/6234265/Bulloch-County/Georgia/Commission-accepts-two-subdivision-roads-but-commissioners-flag-future-policy-review-on-private-vs-public-streets","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234265-8bec71b9d5bc577b0da9c24ccf6030f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775324452&Signature=Kb7EfQSa8148hT-PykTzjqnesw1TbGU8ozvO-kCGVlJrq6uFwhE~7yvvSDMquJkzE~s5Z0O3fZIkAl-XHemceSgYS-TaU7vYFijWPu4guFlZ0RlmeZsyxhAc6fRMqo-66GnqBvGfoAkEx-VqbuFasag0HC7uSB~78rkuGKocDG1JlvLr17tTKhoK6qGl3yW4crMOUeYCYgBotykqbnWdU6rUYrgd4v70GYlOAn2VRLuJUblWKHs2z8II~Klgc0~T4ge7-aWnAkH5cghklfHyydc085McxeRkJWWeOb2cRtyervhEyfr7wtOZREAK1nSs3ls-YWMkthk5kY59OBwovA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners approved resolutions to accept public roads in Broadmoor Estates and Grenville (Grenville) Pointe subdivisions but several commissioners used the discussion to press staff for policy changes on accepting developer-built subdivision roads going forward.

Public works and engineering staff explained that accepting subdivision roads increases county maintenance and labor responsibilities over time; paved roads typically have a 15–20 year lifespan and multiple recent acceptances required significant maintenance within a few years. The county’s engineering staff said inspection and punch‑list processes have improved and that newer ordinances require developers to post maintenance security (for example, a percentage letter of credit) and to meet construction standards before acceptance.

Commissioners and the county attorney reviewed the county’s current subdivision ordinances. The county attorney summarized two rules: under the older subdivision ordinance (effective before April 4, 2023) the county will not accept a street until at least one year after paving and until at least 50% of lots are built; the newer ordinance requires a maintenance security equal to 20% of the improvement cost for a period of three years or until 75% build‑out, whichever is later, and makes private roads permissible only if they are gated and meet local‑street criteria.

Public works staff and commissioners argued the county should consider whether to continue accepting developer-built subdivision roads because of rising maintenance costs and the operational burden on the road maintenance budget. Commissioners asked for a follow-up report with recommendations, including stronger construction inspection, coring/testing of pavement and base, and clearer developer security requirements, before accepting more roads in future developments.

Despite those concerns, the board approved the two acceptance resolutions: Broadmoor Estates (motion passed 5–1) and Grenville Pointe (motion passed 5–1). Staff said the specific roads were inspected and met county requirements at the time of final review. Commissioners directed staff to prepare recommendations for the board at an upcoming meeting on whether to change acceptance policies and to strengthen quality assurance and quality control during subdivision construction.","The board approved acceptance of Broadmoor Estates and Grenville Pointe subdivision roads, but commissioners and staff warned that accepting more developer-built roads will raise long‑term maintenance costs and asked staff to recommend updates to inspection and acceptance policies.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6234270,"Bulloch County consolidates fire tax districts into single countywide district",390,4622000,5012000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411657-3b4aab36bf7be1579120e7cc06812096&start=4622&end=5012","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411657-3b4aab36bf7be1579120e7cc06812096/thumbnail_4622000.jpg","/articles/6234270/Bulloch-County/Georgia/Bulloch-County-consolidates-fire-tax-districts-into-single-countywide-district","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234270-d5fde08d18e6c82d41096d97ac673bc0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775324452&Signature=FUmcLYC6xhQht93g19OQdgnR6XoFDydc-2vDFrIplbeau3X~Q1MYhGyK0K7xm9fTEYgD1eIBCF58MBbSl6vRw6w6j9A2QcfYCtM6sVIXHlU8J0fjUzYTzDz5cYfiONYvxTNOOl5t8TFcsbZZq0saOUha3wd4fTzTKFTfD3SYrThgfVRX9cAS-9GB4jeJQ2Bsz9eLRcDZyMWS5lLs95dbcuhs5Gi7Cf6ng9DSvAtbwdA5QdakRl-q1Mcp1bj2HSUKpQquXKa5vgUOfns0QGfPu9ZmSY2AAToiJKKMoIJH~o5UONKBjAlm2mxVK-C7xDnt3r2dQgXkstAs9fDXdnycfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously May 20 to terminate two existing fire tax districts—the five‑mile Statesboro Fire Tax District and the rural fire tax district—and to create a single Bulloch County Fire Tax District effective July 1.

County Attorney Jeff Akins explained the change follows the termination of the intergovernmental agreement under which the city of Statesboro provided fire protection inside a five‑mile travel distance of city fire stations. He told commissioners that because the Statesboro agreement will end June 30, “there will no longer be a need for the Statesboro Fire Tax District, and the approval presented resolution will terminate the Statesboro fire tax district as of 07/01/2025.”

Staff said the actions taken remove two separate tax district structures and replace them with one countywide district for unincorporated areas and for the municipalities that contract for county fire protection (Brooklyn, Portal and Register). The board will set the millage rate for that new district when it sets the county’s maintenance and operations millage in August.

County staff cautioned the board that equalizing or lowering millage for the newly consolidated district was not guaranteed. The county manager noted the tentative budget left the rate at 3.0 mills to ensure sufficient funding to pay recently hired personnel to serve the entire district; he said lowering the rate to 2.7 mills could “greatly strain the ability to pay the current employees.” The board approved resolutions to terminate the two older districts and to establish the new Bulloch County Fire Tax District; the votes on the two termination resolutions and the establishing resolution were unanimous.

Commissioners discussed that the consolidation does not itself set a tax rate but clarifies the tax district framework so the county can allocate resources uniformly outside the city of Statesboro. Staff and commissioners said they would return in August with millage recommendations as part of the budget process.","The commission voted to terminate the Statesboro and rural fire tax districts and establish a single Bulloch County Fire Tax District effective July 1; commissioners will set the millage rate later when adopting the millage.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_47":115,"_49":116,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6234274,"Bulloch County approves 20-year financing plan for jail expansion",3165,1454000,4619000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3411657-3b4aab36bf7be1579120e7cc06812096&start=1454&end=4619","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3411657-3b4aab36bf7be1579120e7cc06812096/thumbnail_1454000.jpg","/articles/6234274/Bulloch-County/Georgia/Bulloch-County-approves-20-year-financing-plan-for-jail-expansion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234274-3760f08da8a5e292f652690713d2a195/orig.mp4?Expires=1775324452&Signature=GuCqlUhjJSCnih0rzJLY8CQcYVIA3mC2jzR4fAxHPWpjoZuF~ZJYeFRyGGpdVUgcsusZrp0pSZ1eK4CfKd12jkbHYyJ6oi9QRZUYCH8qVgAITfDPVR2Y11O1nBVQgJbrNUJmpvdS8QQhtxYgGr16x3kiCjgTSLjAKdoNwcn~20cPjC7MQee-gEr3zne97fFo69DgcPt0s5vE5LE2qzGluNAGOnBbRzFThV2fL3efHnb8vqTfzliy07vILf01-odyQ3fXUs6RqiTJyW31bAd3O8zQeWxI5By3p9VJe9GLp1F8-Y9weV3ShooG5rUSR0mGDi03TLMT-AXkttsrJM-IWw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bulloch County commissioners voted to pursue a 20-year revenue bond financing plan for a jail expansion project during their May 20 meeting, approving the financing option after discussion of alternatives, operating impacts and legal constraints.

The vote followed presentations from county legal and financial advisers and a public discussion that included the interim county manager and the correctional institute warden. County Attorney Jeff Akins told the board that the jail project was included on a recent SPLOST referendum and that “by law, you cannot abandon a project that was approved on a splosh referendum.” He added that the intergovernmental agreement contemplated issuance of revenue bonds and that the board could seek voter approval to abandon a project only through a separate referendum process.

The question before the board was whether to issue revenue bonds over 12 years or 20 years. Financial adviser Doug (Davenport) presented a cash-funding analysis showing that paying for the project solely from SPLOST collections would delay construction many years and substantially increase total cost because of construction inflation; under one pay-as-you-go scenario construction would not start for nine years and the estimated cost rose into the tens of millions. He said, “we do recommend going forward with the 20 year financing option, purely that it allows the county a lot of flexibility into the future with the ability to pay it off early in the event that there are surplus collections.”

County leaders and corrections officials described operational reasons the county must proceed. Chairman David Bennett said, “we're not building a new jail. We are expanding the jail that we have by adding an additional jail pod.” Interim county manager Randy Tillman and Warden Robert Toole explained differences between jails and prisons, the need to house a shifting pre‑conviction population, and the high baseline costs for medical care and security in a jail setting. Tillman estimated the sheriff’s general population bed capacity at roughly 443 beds and said the facility was operating near about 80% of that capacity.

Discussion highlighted tradeoffs: a 12-year bond would reduce interest expense but create greater short- to medium-term pressure on the general fund if SPLOST revenues fell short. County financial staff presented the millage‑equivalent millage impact of a shortfall under each option: if SPLOST revenues were not available as expected, the 12‑year scenario could equate to roughly 1.3 mills of levy pressure on the general fund, while the 20‑year scenario lowered that equivalent to about 0.68–0.69 mills (figures based on the current digest and assumptions presented by the county’s advisers).

Board members said they intended to pursue early payoff if revenue allowed; commissioners were told the financing can be structured so SPLOST excess collections would be applied to early retirement of the debt. Several commissioners also asked whether the bonds could be restructured later; bond counsel confirmed refinancing or restructuring would be possible although it would carry additional costs.

After discussion, a motion to approve the 12-year option failed for lack of a second. A motion to approve the 20-year revenue bond financing was seconded and passed; the motion carried with the board recording the outcome as approved (tally: yes 5, no 1). The board and staff said the county’s intention is to pursue early payoff of the bonds when feasible and to use SPLOST excess collections to reduce the outstanding balance.

County staff also briefed the board on reasons construction costs for modern jail facilities can be high, including prefabricated steel cell modules, specialized doors and locking systems limited to a few certified vendors, and additional health and safety standards that evolved from litigation and regulatory requirements. The commissioners said they would hold future boards accountable for any early-payoff commitments.

The board’s action authorizes staff and professionals to proceed with issuance of revenue bonds under the approved structure and directs county staff to continue coordination with bond counsel and financial advisers on final transaction documents. The board moved next to other agenda items.","The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners voted to issue 20-year revenue bonds to fund an expansion of the county jail after hearing financing scenarios and operational briefings on capacity and costs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County pays $41,000 to grind storm debris, staff says process saved roughly $109,750 versus landfill disposal

Commission approves engineering task releases for septic feasibility study and plan reviews

Commission accepts two subdivision roads but commissioners flag future policy review on private vs. public streets

Bulloch County consolidates fire tax districts into single countywide district

Bulloch County approves 20-year financing plan for jail expansion