The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners approved two task orders with Johnson, Mirmman and Thompson (JMT) to provide right-of-way acquisition services for separate paving and drainage projects.

The board approved Task Order FY25 ROWE02 with JMT for $119,000 to perform right-of-way acquisition services on the Lee Road drainage and paving project, covering 28 parcels from Willow Oak Court to Mike Usher Road. County engineer Ron Nelson said this task order covers administrative acquisition services to move properties to closing; any purchases of land or purchase prices will return to the board for separate approval.

The board also approved Task Order FY25 ROWE04 with JMT for $117,200 to provide right-of-way acquisition services on the Moore Road drainage and paving project. Nelson said the Moore Road task order covers 27 parcels and that the project plans were completed in December 2023.

Nelson told commissioners that acquiring right of way through a dedicated acquisition firm speeds the process and reduces workload on county staff, and that both task orders are administrative in nature (title work, negotiations and closings) rather than payments to property owners. Commissioner discussion noted that design approvals for portions of Lee Road were completed in 2023–2024 and that the projects will advance to procurement for construction when appropriate.

Nelson said all costs associated with the task orders and eventual purchase of property will be financed from TSPLOST funds, not the general fund. Motions to approve both task orders were moved, seconded and carried unanimously.