Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections for June 27, 2025

On June 29, 1565, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés sailed from Cadiz, Spain to invade Florida.

Johan De Kalb was born on June 29, 1721 in Germany. In 1777, De Kalb joined the Marquis de Lafayette in supporting the Americans against British forces, dying in Camden, South Carolina in 1780. In 1822, the Georgia General Assembly created DeKalb County.

On June 28, 1742, Spanish forces based in Florida invaded Georgia.

On June 29, 1767, the British Parliament passed the Townshend Acts, levying a tax on glass, paint, oil, lead, paper, and tea in order to raise funds from the colonies.

On June 28, 1776, Thomas Jefferson’s second draft of the Declaration of Independence was presented to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

On June 27, 1864, Sherman’s Union forces attacked General Johnston’s Confederates at the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.

One year later, the Military Department of Georgia was created to oversee Reconstruction in the state.

On June 28, 1887, John Pemberton patented Coca-Cola Syrup and Extract.

Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo, Bosnia on June 28, 1914, sparking the First World War.

The Gone with the Wind scene that includes the line, “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn,” was filmed on June 27, 1939, along with an alternate that used the line, “Frankly, my dear, I just don’t care.”

The first production Corvette was assembled on June 28, 1953 in Flint, Michigan.

The United States Supreme Court released its 5-4 opinion in Furman v. Georgia on June 29, 1972, holding that the death penalty violated the Constitution’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment.

On June 29, 1993, Governor Zell Miller bought the first ticket in the Georgia Lottery.

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections

Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams filed suit against Burke County Commissioners, according to WRDW.

Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams has now officially filed a planned lawsuit against county commissioners.

This comes as a judge has been selected to hear the case.

Harold A. Hinesley, senior judge of the Superior Courts of Georgia has agreed to conduct proceedings.

The assignment was filed Monday for Hinesley, who serves in the Toombs Circuit.

All Augusta Circuit Superior Court judges disqualified themselves from the mandamus lawsuit filed by Sheriff Alfonzo Williams.

It wasn’t a huge surprise that the judges should recuse themselves, since they deal with the sheriff a lot and therefore could have a conflict of interest.

The sheriff’s legal battle against commissioners is a civil case. He’s filed a writ of mandamus lawsuit against them because he claims they and the county manager are illegally interfering with his budget decisions.

A mandamus lawsuit is a case asking a judge to make someone either do something or stop doing something.

It hasn’t stopped there; he’s also filed an incident report outlining their alleged offenses.

Also as part of the battle, commissioners asked Gov. Brian Kemp to launch an investigation of the sheriff.

The commissioners also declined to consent to the sheriff’s settlement of a sexual harassment case filed by a former employee.

And an outside audit of the county singled out his department – the only county agency to go over budget – for lacking budgetary controls.

Five counties filed a complaint seeking the ouster of Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney Keith Higgins for alleged financial mismanagement, according to The Current GA.

Commissioners of the five counties served by the Brunswick Judicial Circuit have signed a joint complaint seeking to remove District Attorney Keith Higgins from his position, four officials told The Current.

The complaint filed to Georgia’s Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission (PAQC) is the latest development in a slow-rolling saga that has pitted the Republican DA against fellow GOP elected county leaders who approve large portions of his budget.

Commissioners from the five counties — Glynn, Camden, Appling, Wayne and Jeff Davis — believe Higgins’ financial mismanagement and conduct have been so egregious that he represents “an ongoing and escalating threat to the justice system and to the taxpayers of the Brunswick Judicial Circuit,” according to the five-page document reviewed by The Current and authenticated by the four officials.

As The Current has previously reported, the Brunswick DA’s office had budget arrears with at least two counties. Those included nearly $1 million to Glynn County and approximately $13,500 to Camden County, according to the complaint reviewed by The Current. The budget dispute with Glynn is the subject of an ongoing lawsuit filed by Higgins against the county and its commissioners.

Since the start of the year, several commissioners across the judicial circuit believe that Higgins has not prioritized their concerns about taxpayer spending. Commissioners in these counties last month voted to join a complaint, which one commissioner confirmed was filed this week to the prosecuting attorneys’ body.

Ian Heap, the executive director of the commission, said he could not confirm the existence of a complaint or comment on the matter, as the work of his body is confidential.

The prosecutors’ commission was set up in 2023 by the Republican-led state legislature to oversee the DAs serving Georgia’s 159 counties. The body has the power to discipline, remove, or involuntarily retire appointed or elected district attorneys.

By statute, the commission’s process to review a complaint starts with a preliminary investigation. If the body finds that the complaint has merit, it refers the issue to an investigative panel that initiates a formal investigation. At that stage, the DA under scrutiny has the chance to respond.

Higgins told The Current that he denies any wrongdoing. He said that he hasn’t received a copy of a complaint or had any communication from the commission.

“The public distribution of what purports to be a complaint to the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualification Commission is a politically motivated attack on my character and the staff of the District Attorney’s Office who work hard every day to seek justice for crime victims and provide a safe community where our citizens can live, work, and raise their families,” Higgins wrote in a statement to The Current. “The allegations that are set forth in the so-called complaint are false and reveal a gross misunderstanding of the legal process.”

Glynn County Board of Elections will open a single polling place for the July 15, 2025 statewide Special Democratic Primary Runoff Election for Public Service Commission, according to The Brunswick News.

Floyd County also announced it will open a single voting location for the runoff, according to the Rome News Tribune.

Just 576 of the county’s 64,789 registered voters cast ballots in the June 17 contest between Peter Hubbard, Robert Jones and Keisha Sean Waites, a turnout of 0.89%.

The Floyd County Board of Elections unanimously voted Monday, June 23, to move to a single voting location and trim the early voting period to one week, following a discussion with Elections Supervisor Akyn Beck and other officials.

The Georgia Secretary of State’s Office is auditing the June 17, 2025 statewide Special Primary Elections for Public Service Commission, according to WRDW.

On Wednesday, Secretary of State Chief Operating Officer Gabriel Sterling held a post-election assessment — rolling a 10-sided die to determine a random selection of ballots to audit.

The audit is expected to be completed by Monday.

Georgia’s PSC general election will be held on Nov. 4.

Rolling a D10 might be the nerdiest move ever in state government.

The Georgia Republican Party is suing the Fulton County Commission over GOP appointments to the Fulton County Board of Elections, according to the AJC.

The Democrat-controlled Fulton County Commission in May voted along party lines to reject the GOP’s nominees. That led the Georgia Republican Party to sue earlier this month contending the commission is required to accept the party’s choices.

Meanwhile in DeKalb County, the Republican Party nominated two people who have challenged the eligibility of hundreds of voter registrations. The decision on whether to accept their nominations will be made by the county’s chief Superior Court judge.

In both Fulton and DeKalb, the Republican and Democratic parties nominate representatives for four out of five seats on the election boards, which are then confirmed or rejected by the county commission or chief judge. The tiebreaking fifth seat in Fulton was nominated by the commission chairman and in DeKalb by the other four members.

Fulton Commissioner Marvin Arrington, a Democrat, said he had a responsibility to oppose the Republican Party’s nominees: Jason Frazier, who has challenged the eligibility of thousands of voter registrations, and Julie Adams, an incumbent election board member who voted against certifying last year’s primary election.

“The buck stops here,” Arrington said before voting down their nominations last month. “The Republican Party ought to take a look at their people and not nominate people that are on the far right, and nominate people that are in the center.”

Georgia Republican Party Chairman Josh McKoon said Fulton is denying Republican representation on the county election board. The existing Republican appointees to the board will continue to serve until their replacements are confirmed.

Glynn County Commissioners are considering a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax for Transportation (T-SPLOST), according to The Brunswick News.

The county and Georgia Department of Transportation already have a number of major traffic improvement projects ongoing or planned in the future. A number of those, such as the Canal Road roundabout, were funded through a combination of state funds and Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax revenue.

While the list of road projects on the SPLOST list is important, there are plenty of other needs that have been identified, but there’s one problem: no money.

County Manager Bill Fallon said when it comes to road projects, there are wants and needs.

“We’re focused on the needs we have,” he said.

He said the county has shown fiscal responsibility and transparency with the way SPLOST 2023 projects are proceeding in a timely manner.

“We feel every dime is being spent as fiscally responsible as possible,” he said.

The same close oversight would occur if the county decides to propose a Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or T-SPLOST referendum, for voters to consider.

The 1% sales tax would be dedicated to transportation projects and would be added to the county’s 7% sales tax, increasing the sales tax in Glynn County to 8%.

Glynn County voters rejected a regional T-SPLOST that involved other coastal counties in Georgia just over 10 years ago.

Gwinnett County and Buford Boards of Education are placing a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax for Education (E-SPLOST) on the ballot, according to the Gwinnett Daily Post.

The Gwinnett County Board of Education passed two measures on Thursday night to team up with Buford City Schools for a renewal of the existing Gwinnett penny E-SPLOST. If voters approve the referendum, the penny sales tax would benefit the two school systems.

One of the measures was a resolution to hold the referendum and the other was an agreement with Buford City Schools on how the tax proceeds would be split. The Buford school board had already approved the measures on June 9.

“(This) is a joint resolution with Buford City Schools calling for a county-wide referendum to continue the existing One Cent sales tax as our primary method of funding capital expenditures,” Gwinnett County Public Schools Interim Superintendent Al Taylor told the county school board on Thursday.

The proposed E-SPLOST is expected to raise $1.47 billion over a five-year period starting in 2026.

Before it can do that, however, voters must first approve it in a referendum that will be held on Nov. 4.

That is the same day that municipal elections will be held. As a result, voters who live in one of Gwinnett’s 17 cities will have to go to two different polling locations that day: One to vote in E-SPLOST referendum and a different one to vote in their local city elections.

Derek Dooley is considering running for the United States Senate seat held by Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Atlanta), according to the AJC.

Since emerging as a potential GOP rival to Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff, Dooley has quietly met with Georgia donors aligned with Gov. Brian Kemp and traveled to Washington to sit down with senior Republicans close to President Donald Trump.

But his possible candidacy raises a question even his allies can’t yet answer: Can a political newcomer with almost no public record on hot-button issues win the support of a former president who prizes loyalty above all?

Dooley avoided politics during his decades-long coaching career, which included stints as Tennessee’s head coach and nine years as an NFL aide. His only recent campaign donation was a $5,000 check to Kemp, a longtime friend. He’s steered clear of MAGA rallies, culture war flashpoints, policy debates and overt political messaging.

That ambiguity may serve him well in a campaign climate where name recognition and political flexibility can be assets. Former U.S. Sen. David Perdue is one example of a newcomer who converted an outsider brand into statewide victory in Georgia.

But Dooley faces a different climb: positioning himself as a unicorn candidate who can win both Kemp’s endorsement and Trump’s blessing — two factions that have often pulled Georgia Republicans in opposite directions. And other MAGA-friendly contenders are already in the race.

A lawyer-turned-coach, Dooley hasn’t made a public statement since floating his candidacy earlier this month, when he cast himself as someone who can “cut through the noise and partisanship and get back to real problem-solving.”

A Trump endorsement might boost his chances — but it may not be a golden ticket to a GOP nomination. Unlike Tommy Tuberville, who rode football fame to the U.S. Senate in Alabama, Dooley’s brand in Georgia may be linked more to his late father Vince, the revered Bulldog coach.

“Derek Dooley has never been a head coach who built the sort of popular appeal necessary to overcome his unknown political views,” said S.E. Buchanan, a Georgia College and State University political scientist.

“Realistically, he’d need a strong endorsement from President Trump — and even that’s no guarantee in Georgia.”

United States District Court Judge Amy Totenberg (ND-GA) issued an injunction blocking enforcement of Georgia’s law requiring age verification for social media users, according to the Associated Press via WALB.

Georgia has become the latest state where a federal judge has blocked a law requiring age verification for social media accounts.

Like in seven other states where such laws have been blocked, a federal judge ruled Thursday that the Georgia law infringes on free speech rights.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge Amy Totenberg means that the Georgia measure, which passed in 2024, won’t take effect next week as scheduled. Instead, Totenberg granted a preliminary injunction blocking the law until there’s a full ruling on the issue.

Georgia’s law would require some social media providers to take “commercially reasonable” steps to verify a user’s age and require children younger than 16 to get parental permission for accounts. It was challenged by NetChoice, a trade group representing online businesses.

“The state seeks to erect barriers to speech that cannot withstand the rigorous scrutiny that the Constitution requires,” Totenberg wrote, finding the law restricts the rights of minors, chills the right to anonymous speech online and restricts the ability of people to receive speech from social media platforms.

Georgia will appeal, a spokesperson for Attorney General Chris Carr said Thursday.

“We will continue to defend commonsense measures that empower parents and protect our children online,” spokesperson Kara Murray said in a statement.

Parents — and even some teens themselves — are growing increasingly concerned about the effects of social media use on young people. Supporters of the laws have said they are needed to help curb the explosive use of social media among young people, and what researchers say is an associated increase in depression and anxiety. Totenberg said concerns about social media harming children are legitimate, but don’t outweigh the constitutional violation.

Totenberg wrote that NetChoice’s members would be irreparably harmed by the law. She rejected arguments from the state that the group shouldn’t get temporary relief because it had delayed filing its lawsuit by a year and because the state would be required to give 90 days’ notice before enforcing the law.

“Free expression doesn’t end where government anxiety begins,” NetChoice Director of Litigation Chris Marchese said in a statement. ”Parents— not politicians — should guide their children’s lives online and offline— and no one should have to hand over a government ID to speak in digital spaces.”

It’s the ninth state where NetChoice has blocked a law over children’s use of social media. In Arkansas and Ohio, federal judges have permanently overturned the laws. Besides Georgia, measures are also on hold in California, Florida, Mississippi, Texas and Utah. Louisiana agreed to not enforce its law while litigation proceeds. Only in Tennessee did a federal judge decline to temporarily block a law, finding NetChoice hadn’t proved that people would be irreparably harmed if the law wasn’t blocked before trial.

Georgia had argued the law was meant to protect children in a dangerous place, likening it to banning them from bars serving alcohol instead of restricting their speech.

From the Capitol Beat News Service via the Athens Banner Herald:

The Protecting Georgia’s Children on Social Media Act sailed through the General Assembly with broad bipartisan support and was a top priority for Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones.

But Amy Totenberg, a federal judge for the Northern District of Georgia, said the industry-backed plaintiff in the case was likely to prevail on claims that the law violates the First Amendment’s speech protections.

To restrict speech, the government must have a “compelling interest” that is “narrowly tailored,” the judge’s order says. But this law had “flawed tailoring,” she wrote, and it “curbs the speech rights of Georgia’s youth while imposing an immense, potentially intrusive burden on all Georgians who wish to engage in the most central computerized public forum of the twenty-first century.”

The plaintiff, a group called NetChoice, represents a who’s who of social media companies, Including Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta, YouTube, Reddit, X and Pinterest.

“Free expression doesn’t end where government anxiety begins,” said Chris Marchese, NetChoice’s litigation director. “Parents — not politicians — should guide their children’s lives online and offline — and no one should have to hand over a government ID to speak in digital spaces.”

NetChoice had urged Gov. Brian Kemp to veto the bill last year, asserting that it was unconstitutional.

But Kemp signed the legislation, which required social media companies to make “commercially reasonable efforts” to verify users’ age and mandated parent consent for those under 16. It also banned advertising to children.

Supporters had cited numerous studies that found social media posed significant danger to young people, particularly girls, increasing their risk of suicide.

Among Judge Totenberg’s criticisms was the age verification provision that she said imposes “severe burdens” on all Georgians.

The judge noted that NetChoice has challenged similar laws in at least eight other states, including Texas, Ohio, Arkansas, California, Utah, Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

“Nearly all of those state laws are currently enjoined on a preliminary or permanent basis,” she added.

Governor Brian Kemp issued three Executive Orders appointing judges.

EO# 06.23.25.01 appointing Chaundra D. Lewis as Superior Court Judge of the Flint Judicial Circuit serving Henry County

EO# 06.23.25.02 appointing James D. Boles, Jr. as State Court Judge for Henry County

EO# 06.23.25.03 appointing Randolph G. Rich as a Senior Judge for the Superior Courts of Georgia.

The Valdosta Board of Education discussed policy changes to comply with House Bill 340, the “Distraction-Free Education Act,” according to the Valdosta Daily Times.

The most significant discussion of the evening revolved around changes to the student code of conduct, particularly a shift in cell phone policy. In anticipation of House Bill [340], which mandates a ban on cell phones in K–8 classrooms by fall 2026, the board is looking to begin rolling out restrictions.

The updated code of conduct looks to keep all personal electronic devices, including phones, tablets, smartwatches, and earbuds, secured in their bags or lockers during school hours. The policy applies throughout all areas of school property, including classrooms, cafeterias, hallways, and restrooms. Violation of the new rule will result in escalating consequences. Exceptions may be made only for students with documented educational or medical plans. Board members debated the balance between enforcement and flexibility, with some advocating for a complete ban.

Lockhart framed the update as a necessary shift to bring focus back to the classrooms. The new rule is considered a first step, with plans to evaluate its effectiveness at a later date to see if it is enough for the time being.

“Right now, we are in a fight for our students’ attention, and these devices have been winning,” Lockhart said. “The time has come to stop it.”

Senate Bill 17, called “Ricky and Alyssa’s Law,” also goes into effect July 1, 2025, and will require “panic buttons” for Georgia schools, according to WTOC.

It’s called “Ricky and Alyssa’s Law,” which requires all Georgia public schools to install mobile panic alert systems and provide digital mapping data to first responders within the coming year.

Governor Brian Kemp officially signed “Ricky and Alyssa’s Law” in April. It’s named after a Florida student, Alyssa Alhadeff, and a Georgia coach, Richard Aspinwall, who lost their live in separate school shootings.

The law goes into effect Tuesday, giving Georgia public Schools one year to provide maps of their buildings to law enforcement and place panic alert devices in the hands of every teacher and administrator in the building.

Devices like 911inform and Centegix are wearable panic buttons that, when pressed, alert first responders to the exact location of an emergency.

Former police chief and 911inform representative Shannon Torres says the emergency can be an active threat like a school shooting or a medical emergency affecting a student or teacher.

In all situations, the technology reduces response time which could mean the difference between life and death.

“Having a system in place, digital technology like 911 Inform, in combination with the training and the muscle memory that you law enforcement officers do with constant training for these crisis situations, you know, that’s the best protection and peace of mind that you can give your students, your teachers, your community,” said Torres.

WTOC reached out to many of the public school districts in our area to see if they meet the requirements under “Ricky and Alyssa’s Law.”

Based on the responses, several counties already do like Candler, Liberty and Toombs.

The Effingham County School District has been using Centegix for a few years already.

Superintendent Yancy Ford says the devices have worked well during emergencies, and he believes they will continue to.

“Worst case scenario, if we have a situation where there is an active threat, anybody can immediately shut it down so that we can make sure that the school, which is our students and our staff members, are safe,” said Superintendent Ford.

Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools are currently rolling out the safety devices.

In a statement, campus police said:

“Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools is actively working to meet the state-mandated deadline of July1, 2026, for implementing wearable panic alert systems in all schools. We currently utilize the Audio Enhancement wearable panic button solution in a number of our schools and are rapidly expanding the program to ensure full implementation across every campus by the required deadline.”

“In addition to the Audio Enhancement system, SCCPSS has long used SecureTech Solutions, which provides fixed panic button technology integrated with both our school intercoms and the Campus Police radio system. These systems work together to enhance emergency communication and ensure rapid response capabilities throughout our district.”

“The safety of our students and staff remains a top priority, and we are committed to exceeding state requirements by deploying layered, responsive technologies.”

– Lt. Justin Pratt, GA-CEM

Georgia public schools will resume teaching cursive writing, according to WRDW.

Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students will be instructed to read and write cursive, thanks to the state’s updated English Language Arts standards.

Third-grade students will learn how to write the letters and read short phrases, while fourth- and fifth-grade students will read and write longer passages.

According to a guidance packet released by the Georgia Department of Education, school districts will adopt or develop curriculums that match the state’s requirements.

Easy-to-learn cursive styles, such as Zaner-Bloser and D’Nealian, are recommended.

The department argues that handwriting plays a “crucial role” in language development, literacy and learning in general.

I’d argue that handwriting also plays a crucial role in developing fine motor control.

Savannah City Council is considering a rollback property tax millage rate, according to the Savannah Morning News.

The city of Savannah is proposing to adopt a rollback millage rate, which would impose the lowest property tax levy since 1987. City Manager Jay Melder has recommended council adopt a rate of 11.749 mills.

The potential rollback is a departure from recent years when the city maintained a 12.2 mill rate and devoted added tax revenues to address major capital projects, such as drainage. This year’s rollback proposal is due to new growth that is projected to generate $5.38 million in new taxes.

“People are continuing to invest in our city. They are building new homes and businesses, and they are strengthening our economy,” said Savannah Mayor Van Johnson at his weekly press conference on Tuesday.

Council held its first reading of the rollback proposal at its meeting Thursday, with final adoption scheduled for its July 10 meeting. The city’s 2025 budget was based on $101.6 million in property tax revenue. This year’s rollback rate will produce an estimated $103.3 million in revenue.

The millage rate, which is a property tax rate based on property value assessments, has come into heightened focus in Savannah in recent years as the city experiences extensive growth. The annual growth rate of the tax digest has been 10.3% in recent years.

As Savannah grows so do property values, and in turn, property taxes. The rollback rate is a calculated rate required by state law that would produce the same revenue on the previous year’s digest had property reassessments not occurred.

“The rollback rate eliminates any additional tax that you can get for reassessments,” said Savannah’s Director of Financial Services David Maxwell.

Savannah’s tax digest grew significantly in 2025, logging 8.8% growth over the previous year. About half that growth in the digest is from new growth coming from new or improved properties. The other half is from property value reassessments.

For Savannah residents, the city’s millage is one of four paid by Chatham County residents. The local school board, Chatham County and Chatham Area Transit all levy millage. Chatham County is set to vote on its millage rate at its Friday meeting, with a proposal to maintain its general operations and maintenance millage and slightly increase the CAT millage.

Savannah City Council also adopted the “Savannah GPS” strategic plan, according to WSAV.

City council and staff have finalized the details on the Savannah GPS “Your Future, Your Voice” campaign.

More than 1,200 residents contributed to the planning process through community meetings, online surveys and more.

Alderwoman Bernetta Lanier of District 1 said she wants to make sure the city continues to have residents at the forefront of the plan and its implementation process.

“This is the way we should be moving with this plan, being the more participatory strategic plan for the city,” Lanier said. “We are concentrating and focusing on our plan being driven by residents, being driven by the primary stakeholders, our residents and our taxpayers.”

There is no set date on when the city will start to implement the plan.

The Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education adopted a final millage rate for FY 2026, according to the Savannah Morning News.

After listening to 10 residents who spoke in opposition to the public school system’s proposed millage rate of 17.481, the board held a lengthy discussion before ultimately adopting the budget and an adjusted millage rate.

Millage rate reduced, but not full rollback

At the hearing, One of the speakers was Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO [Bert] Brantley. In March, Brantley had said that the Chamber’s board members felt the schools district’s use of the Educational Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) was the “right funding mechanism” for major capital improvement projects, especially since visitors to Chatham County historically contributed to over 40% of ESPLOST’s revenue.

Wednesday evening, he spoke on behalf of the Chamber’s 2,300 businesses stating that owners are facing the exact same challenges with regard to operational and construction costs as the public school system is. He said that when the Chamber supported the March ESPLOST ballot measure, he had asked for continued transparency, which he felt has been met, as well as a roll back of the millage.

Later, during the special meeting, the school district’s Budget Director Paige Cooley revealed a final budget presentation that included a reduced millage rate of 17.331 (a .15 reduction from 17.481, which she characterized as a “rollback”).

Board President Roger Moss later said that “words matter” and that the new rate amounted to a reduction not a rollback.

Bulloch County Commissioners adopted a FY 2026 budget, according to Grice Connect.

The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners approved the county’s FY 2026 budget during a called meeting on Thursday evening, June 26, 2025 ending months of deliberation with a 5-1 vote.

After public comments, Commissioner Nick Newkirk, the sole vote against the final budget, said he was elected to oppose tax increases and felt the county should be pursuing a smaller, more efficient government. “We have to learn how to cut budgets,” Newkirk said. “We cannot continue to turn Bulloch County into big government.” He expressed appreciation to Kristie King for assisting him throughout the budget process, even as he opposed the outcome.

Commissioners moved into discussion of the budget resolution. Commissioner Ray Davis introduced two separate amendments—first, to adopt a full rollback of the millage rate, and second, to transfer $100,000 from the Development Authority to the District Attorney’s Office. Both motions failed by a vote of 4-2.

The final roll call vote saw five commissioners: Ray Davis, Anthony Simmons, Ray Mosley, Timmy Rushing, and Toby Conner vote in favor, with Nick Newkirk opposed.

Chairman Bennett reiterated that, while also encouraging property owners to verify or file for homestead exemptions under House Bill 581, which now limits assessed value increases for qualifying homeowners to 3% annually.

The FY 2026 budget goes into effect July 1.

Whitfield County Commissioners meet today and will likely adopt an FY 2026 budget, according to the Dalton Daily Citizen.

“This is all brand new,” said Board Chairman Jevin Jensen.

House Bill 92, which was approved earlier this year, requires all local governments to provide a certified estimated “roll-back rate” (a tax rate that avoids revenue increases from rising property values) at least 15 days before sending out annual property assessment notices.

In the past, property tax assessment notices were sent out with the previous year’s tax rate.

“So, it was never right,” Jensen said. “We never had the same millage rate from one year to the next.”

Commissioners have cut the property tax rate for five straight years.

The commissioners will set an estimated tax rate. They will not set an official tax rate until this fall after the digest has been finalized.

“The commissioners plan to set a ‘not to exceed’ millage rate,” Jensen said, meaning they may set a final rate that is lower than the one they set Friday but do not expect to set a higher final rate.

Hall County Commissioners adopted an FY 2026 budget, according to AccessWDUN.

The budget was approved at $398.5-million, which was unchanged from FY2025.

“We presented a flat budget to the Board of Commissioners, meaning there was no change in the overall county-wide total from last year’s budget,” Hall County Administrator Zach Propes said. “The Board of Commissioners and Budget Committee worked diligently to optimize and balance the needs and demands of a growing community like Hall County, keeping top of mind our responsibility to serve and prioritize the taxpayers of our community.”

The millage rate is still uncertain due to delays in the final tax digest.

Hall County Financial Services Director Taylor Samples said that he expects them to get the millage rate at a meeting in August.

Hall County prepared the budget using an estimated full rollback of the millage rate. They have rolled back rates in 10 of the last 11 years.

Troup County will allow weekday liquor sales beginning Tuesday after passage of a referendum, according to WTVM.

The sale of liquor in rural Troup County is set to begin next week, marking a significant shift for local businesses and residents.

In November of last year, voters approved a referendum allowing liquor sales in the county’s unincorporated areas. While beer and wine had been permitted, liquor remained off-limits—until now. Starting July 1, that restriction will be lifted.

“We think we have about four businesses in Troup County that have received theirs,” said Patrick Crews, chairman of the Troup County Board of Commissioners. “We don’t expect a lot of them because we don’t really have many restaurants in the county.”

Ashley Young, owner of The Fields Golf Club, says the change will help him better serve guests at his event space.

“I’m not looking to have a bar or a tavern where people are staying here all night,” Young explained. “It’s mainly for our events and golf tournaments and whatnot. People can have a cocktail if they would like.”

Until now, liquor sales were only allowed in LaGrange, West Point, and Hogansville. Young, whose business is the only restaurant within an eight-mile radius, says customers were often surprised they couldn’t order mixed drinks.

“They would have no idea you couldn’t even buy a liquor drink in Troup County,” Young said. “There are not many establishments and I think the county is going about it the right way. They are doing a good job at vetting places.”

Crews emphasized that the new ordinance includes stipulations.

“They have to serve a certain amount of food. It’s not just everyone that will be able to apply for one,” he said.

Despite the new rules, Sunday sales will still be limited to beer and wine.

Anti-Trump “Good Trouble” protests will be held in eight Georgia cities next month, according to the Savannah Morning News.

A famous quote of [late Congressman John] Lewis is “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.” In honor of that mission, activists across the nation will hold “Good Trouble Lives On” events across the U.S. on Thursday, July 17, the anniversary of Lewis’s death.

On their website, organizers call this a nonviolent “a national day of action” in response to Trump’s “attacks on our civil and human rights” such as “attacks on voting rights, the gutting of essential services, disappearances of our neighbors, or the assault on free speech.”

Each event will look different depending on who is planning it. As of June 26, organizers have confirmed eight in Georgia:

• Atlanta: “GOOD TROUBLE LIVES ON: Rally and Candlelight Vigil” 7-8:30 p.m.
• Brunswick: “GOOD TROUBLE LIVES ON: Brunswick” 1-5 p.m. at Ahmaud Arbery Park
• Marietta: “GOOD TROUBLE LIVES ON: Marietta” 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bridge Pointe Church
• Newnan: “GOOD TROUBLE LIVES ON: Newnan” 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Newnan Probate Courthouse
• Richmond Hill: “GOOD TROUBLE LIVES ON: Richmond Hill” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bryan County Courthouse
• Savannah: “GOOD TROUBLE LIVES ON: Savannah Community Day of Action” 4-5:30 p.m.
• Valdosta: “GOOD TROUBLE LIVES ON: Valdosta” 5-6 p.m.
• Waynesboro: “GOOD TROUBLE LIVES ON – Waynesboro” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Gainesville City Council member Zack Thompson is resigning effective today to work on his campaign for Mayor, according to AccessWDUN.

Thompson said in the release sent to AccessWDUN, “After nearly a decade of service on the Gainesville City Council, I am announcing my resignation from the Ward 2 seat, effective as of Friday, June 27, 2025, as I prepare to dedicate my full attention to running for Mayor of our great city this November. Under Georgia law, I could continue serving until the official candidate qualification period in August. However, stepping down now ensures that the election to fill my council seat can be included on this November’s general election ballot. Otherwise, our city would face the burden of a costly and unnecessary special election next March. I believe this early decision is the most responsible course of action and reflects my commitment to what’s best for Gainesville.”

His original announcement to run for Gainesville Mayor came after current Gainesville Mayor Sam Couvillion formally announced his run for the U.S. 9th Congressional District seat in Georgia, currently filled by Congressman Andrew Clyde.

Thompson adds that he continues to have confidence in the current work by the sitting city council members as he makes his future political plans. “I want to be clear: I am extremely confident in our current elected officials and city leadership. Gainesville is in great hands, and I step away from this role knowing that the work we’ve begun will continue to move forward with vision and integrity. Serving on the City Council for the past nine years has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Together, we’ve made real progress—thoughtful growth, major infrastructure improvements, expanded public safety, and stronger community programs. But the most rewarding part has been the relationships built along the way—with my fellow council members, our hardworking city staff, and the citizens who make Gainesville so special.”

Thompson’s resignation from Gainesville City Council will take effect today, June 27th, 2025. So far, John Elliott has announced his intentions to run for Thompson’s vacated seat an election to fill the role will take place in November.