Board of Commissioners meeting / Millage Rate Public Hearing August 18, 2026 8:30AM

The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners held a meeting on August 18, 2026, which included a public hearing on the proposed property tax millage rate for the year. The board discussed the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) and the impact of House Bill 581 on property tax assessments, including the implementation of a floating homestead exemption and the local option sales tax (LOST) to offset property taxes. The proposed millage rate was set at 10.26, representing a decrease from the previous year, with detailed explanations provided on tax savings for various property classifications. The board also approved multiple procurement items, including purchases of thermal imaging cameras, rescue tools, police vehicles, and equipment for fire engines, totaling significant amounts. Additionally, the board approved contracts for right-of-way acquisition services related to a drainage and road repair project funded by disaster relief grants, and authorized land acquisition services for airport obstruction removal with FAA and state funding participation. A grant application to the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank was approved, and a state homeland security grant for election security equipment was discussed and tabled for further review. The meeting included discussions on zoning regulations for data centers, focusing on overlay districts, environmental concerns, noise limits, and community impact, with no current data center developments but preparation for potential future proposals. The county manager provided updates on budget status, public safety staffing and equipment challenges, facility maintenance, and ongoing projects. Motions related to procurement and budget approvals were passed unanimously or with majority votes, reflecting active management of county resources and infrastructure.