Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections for June 9, 2026

Georgia’s colonial charter, signed by King George II was witnessed on June 9, 1732.

Click here for the full text of Georgia’s Royal Charter from 1732.

Click here to see the oldest copy of Georgia’s Royal Charter, which was presented to Georgia by South Carolina.

The Battle of Bloody Marsh was fought between Spanish forces and colonists under James Oglethorpe on St Simons Island, Georgia in 1742 on a date that is variously cited as June 9 or June 7, 1742. Thus began the rivalry between Georgia and Florida.

On June 9, 1772, the first naval attack of the Revolutionary War took place near Providence, Rhode Island, as HMS Gaspee, a British tax enforcement ship was baited into running aground and attacked by a boarding party the next day.

On June 9, 1864, Gen. W.T. Sherman moved his troops to Big Shanty, Georgia, now called Kennesaw, and beginning a four-week period sometimes called the Battle of Marietta.

Cream was formed on June 9, 1966 by Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, and Jack Bruce.

On June 9, 1973, Secretariat won the Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown, the first to win all three of the Triple Crown races since 1948. Secretariat was bred by Christopher Chenery, a graduate of Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, whose jockeys wore blue-and-white silks in honor of Chenery’s alma mater.

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections

Governor Brian Kemp’s office released state revenue numbers for May, which were down 12.6% due to his suspension of the motor fuel sales tax, according to a Press Release.

The State of Georgia’s net tax revenue collections in May totaled $2.35 billion, for a decrease of $339.1 million, or 12.6%, compared to FY 2025, when net tax collections totaled $2.69 billion for the month. Year-to-date, net tax revenue collections for the period ending May 31 totaled $30.8 billion, for an increase of $344.6 million, or 1.1%, compared to last year’s net collection revenue through eleven months.

Monthly comparisons were affected by the recent motor fuel tax suspension effective March 20, 2026. Net of motor fuel tax changes, revenues for the month of May were down 5.7% from the same month a year ago, while year-to-date collections remained up 1.8%.  Monthly comparisons were also impacted by last year’s extension of the return and payment deadlines for both individual and corporate income taxes to May 1, 2025, due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene. With that extension shifting some collections between months, April and May are more informative when viewed together. On a combined basis, April and May net tax collections were down 1.9% overall from the same two months in 2025 and up 2.5% net of motor fuel changes.

The changes within the following tax categories help to further explain May’s overall net tax revenue decrease:

Individual Income Tax: Individual Income Tax collections totaled $1.23 billion, for a decrease of $97.7 million, or 7.4%, compared to last year when Individual Tax collections approached $1.33 billion.

The following notable components within Individual Income Tax combine for the net decrease:

• Individual Income Tax refunds issued (net of voided checks) were down $99.8 million or 48.1%.
• Individual Withholding payments increased by $8.4 million, or 0.7%, over the previous fiscal year.
• Individual Income Tax Return payments declined $163.3 million, or 59.1%, from FY 2025.
• All other Individual Tax categories, including Estimated payments, were down a combined $42.6 million.

Sales and Use Tax: Gross Sales and Use Tax collections totaled roughly $1.72 billion in May, which was an increase of $117.9 million, or 7.4%, over FY 2025. Net Sales and Use Tax increased by $36.7 million, or 4.7%, compared to last fiscal year, when net sales tax totaled $783.5 million. The adjusted Sales Tax distribution to local governments totaled $879.5 million, for an increase of $70.1 million or 8.7%, while Sales Tax refunds for May increased by $11.1 million compared to the previous fiscal year.

Corporate Income Tax: Corporate Income Tax collections for the month of May totaled $60.6 million, for a year-over-year decrease of $60.5 million, or 50%, compared to last year’s total of $121.2 million.

The following notable components within Corporate Income Tax make up the net decrease:

• Corporate Income Tax refunds issued (net of voids) increased $13.6 million, or 132% over FY 2025.
• Corporate Income Tax Return payments decreased by $34.9 million, or 56.5%, from May 2025.
• All other Corporate Tax types, including Corporate Estimated payments, were down a combined $12 million.

Motor Fuel Taxes: Motor Fuel Tax collections decreased by $196.6 million, or 99.5%, compared to FY 2025, reflecting the impact of Governor Kemp’s Executive Order suspending the motor fuel excise tax for taxpayer relief.

Motor Vehicle – Tag & Title Fees: Motor Vehicle Tag & Title Fees decreased by $1 million, or 3%, for the month, while Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) collections decreased by $4.6 million, or 5.6%, from May 2025.

From the Capitol Beat News Service via the Savannah Morning News:

Drivers are paying the 33-cent-per-gallon excise tax at Georgia gas pumps again, but the suspension that ended Tuesday saved them nearly $200 million in May.

Motor fuel tax collections fell by $199.6 million, or 99.5%, compared to May 2025, according to the Georgia Department of Revenue.

Georgia lawmakers approved a gas tax suspension from late March through May 19, the date of the primary election. But Gov. Brian Kemp, using his authority to declare a state of emergency, extended the suspension by two weeks, into June.

Last week, he amended his call for a special session to begin June 17, asking the Legislature to approve his emergency tax suspension retroactively. In May, Kemp had ordered the special session to redraw district lines.

Tax revenues for May would have fallen even without the gas tax suspension. Collections were down 12.6%, or $339.1 million, from a year earlier, for a total of $2.35 billion.

However, the year-over-year comparison is complicated by the lingering effects of Hurricane Helene, which delayed tax filings last year and shifted collections from April to May.

Kemp’s office noted that, taken together, collections from April and May this year were down 1.9% from a year ago but were up 2.5% when excluding changes to motor fuel taxes.

So far, 99,564 early ballots have been cast ahead of the June 16, 2026 Runoff Election, according to the Secretary of State’s website.

Democratic – 36,222 – 34.38%

Republican – 68,827 – 65.33%

Nonpartisan – 302 – .29%

Early voting for the June 16, 2016 Primary Runoff Elections began statewide yesterday, according to WTVM.

Early voting began Monday in Muscogee County, where voters are choosing leaders including the next mayor of Columbus.

Both parties are pushing voters to the polls. Democrats held a press conference Monday criticizing the two Republican candidates for Georgia governor, while Republicans pointed to the past two decades of economic growth under their leadership.

Democrats held a news conference at the city services center arguing Georgia needs change, while Republicans said the state is thriving under their leadership and urged supporters to get out and vote.

Democrats criticize Republican candidates

“The republicans have spent their entire primary trying to decide who’s most like Trump, and who can take the most from the people of Georgia,” said Carolyn Hugley, who represents House District 141.

Democratic candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms will be on the ballot for the Democrats in November. Republicans will know their candidate on June 16 as candidates Burt Jones and Rick Jackson will face off in a runoff.

During the press conference, local Democrats said both Republican candidates are running for their own personal gain instead of serving the people.

“They both oppose Medicaid expansion which has resulted in rural hospitals shutting down left and right and has left to many communities without care,” said Marquese Averett, a candidate for District 140.

Republicans defend record

“We’ve got two great candidates. I think either one of them will be the governor and Georgia will continue to move forward,” said Alton Russell, former chair of the Muscogee County Republican Party.

Russell said economic growth in Georgia has been strong for the past 24 years because of Republican leadership.

“Economic growth in Georgia has been great for the past 24 years and I think it’s because of republican leadership. I think the success of Georgia being 10 or 12 years in a row being the best state to do business is proof of that,” Russell said.

Russell said it’s important for everyone to head to the polls because new leadership can impact everyone.

“If you want to make a change you need to figure out who’s your candidate and get out and vote for that candidate to make sure we do get lower prices and we do get the things done that need to be done,” Russell said.

“This election we are not allowing the Republican Party to slip by on ignoring what’s currently happening. Folks are sick and tired of it, we are not going to sit here and pretend people don’t feel the pain because they do. Folks are ready for a better Georgia, better America and it’s going to start in November,” said Teddy Reese, a candidate for Senate District 15.

Early voting will be at the city services center this week from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

From 13WMAZ:

Here’s a look at which races will be on the ballot in the runoff races.

Statewide:

GOP Senate:
Mike Collins
Derek Dooley

GOP Governor:
Rick Jackson
Burt Jones

GOP Lt. Governor:
John Kennedy
Greg Dolezal

Democratic Lt. Governor
Josh McLaurin
Nabilah Parkes

Democratic Georgia Labor Commissioner
Nikki Porcher
Michelle Sanchez

Democratic Secretary of State
Penny Brown Reynolds
Dana Barrett

Republican Secretary of State
Tim Fleming
Vernon Jones

Democratic Insurance Commissioner
Keisha Sean Waites
DeAndre Mathis

State Superintendent Republican
Richard Woods
Fred Longgrear

Republican Primary for the District 5 Public Service Commission Seat
Josh Tolbert
Bobby Mehan

Local Central Georgia runoffs

Macon Water Authority District 2
Marshall Talley
Ronald Lemon

Monroe County Republican Primary for the District 4 Commission Seat
Albert Turner
William Osborne

Washington County Democratic Primary for the District 2 Commission Seat
Bobby Jackson
Barbara Davenport

Wheeler County At-Large Post for the Board of Education
Brian Screws
Marvin Howard

Wilcox County Republican Primary for the District 3 Board of Education Seat
Morris Holloway
Morgen Martinez

Democratic Primary House 12
Ceretta Smith
Traci George

From WTOC:

Steven Fischer said he prefers to vote early because unexpected events can interfere with plans to vote on Election Day.

“With life, things get crazy and I don’t want to have the chance that I might not be able to vote at the last minute,” Fischer said. “I hear people say that all the time where they were going to wait until the last minute, something came up and they didn’t have a chance to vote. So I believe in voting early so you don’t have to worry about last-minute rushes.”

Another voter, Odell Caine, encouraged residents to take advantage of early voting opportunities and avoid waiting until Election Day.

“People really need to come out and don’t procrastinate, just come out and do it,” Caine said. “It’s very convenient. We just walked straight to the line and there is no line and just go up and vote and go about your day. It’s just important to me.”

Voters interviewed by WTOC said they view voting as both a right and a responsibility, and many said they wanted to avoid potential long lines on Election Day.

Early voting continues through Friday. Election Day is June 16.

From WJBF via WSAV:

Political experts say economic issues could play a central role in voter decision-making.

“Inflation, that’s been happening for a few years now, and it’s rising up again, the figure of the price of gasoline. So I think that candidates’ messages on the economy, inflation, affordability are likely to be important,” said Zachary Peskowitz, professor of political science at Emory University.

Other statewide races on the ballot include lieutenant governor, state school superintendent, and Public Service Commission.

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is urging voters to review sample ballots, make a voting plan, and bring valid photo identification to the polls.

“We have photo ID for all forms of voting. I’ve been checking citizenship… so people know only American citizens are voting in Georgia,” Raffensperger said.

Voters who did not participate in the primary may choose either party’s runoff ballot. Those who voted in the primary must vote in the same party’s runoff.

Polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, and voters in line by closing time will still be allowed to cast a ballot.

From WJBF:

Early voting is underway in Richmond County ahead of the June 16 runoff election.

Voters will decide several local races, including the runoff for Augusta mayor between incumbent Garnett Johnson and challenger Steven Kendrick.

District 8 voters will also choose between Evett Williams and Michael Cioffi for the Augusta Commision seat.

Early voting runs from June 8 through June 12.

Travis Doss, executive director of the Augusta-Richmond County Board of Elections, says voters should double-check their polling location before heading to vote.

“During May primary, we had three polling locations that changed,” Doss said. “It’s always good for people to double check because just because they may have voted at one location four years ago does not mean that it will be the same location.”

Doss says voters who cast vallots early in previous elections may not know thier assigned Election Day polling place if they deicde not vote early this time.

He also says voters who did note vote in the primary can still vote in the runoff.

“We always encourage people to check their status, either be calling our office, checking on the My Voter Page and look up their polling location,” Doss said.

Local voters say early voting gives people more flexibility, especially for those with health concerns, work schedules or other responsibilities.

“I voted early because [of] the right to make sure the right person qualify for office and to save trouble,” said Richmond County voter Jomo Crawford.

The Board of Elections expects turnout for the runoff to be between 20 and 25 percent.

Voters are encouraged to bring a valid photo ID when casting their ballot.

U.S. Senate Republican Runoff candidate Derek Dooley campaigned in Savannah, according to WTOC.

Early voting began for Georgia’s runoff election, with former football coach Derek Dooley challenging Rep. Mike Collins for the United States Senate seat.

Dooley, who spent 28 years coaching football, said he started his career as a lawyer before entering coaching. He said two factors prompted his decision to run for office.

“When COVID came around and what happened under the last administration, I started seeing things that I thought I’d never seen in our country before,” Dooley said. “They are way too concerned about their own political career or getting rich and famous.”

Campaign platform

Dooley outlined what he calls a “Georgia First Contract,” a one-page pledge he said will guide his decisions if elected.

The contract includes five commitments:

• Loyalty to the people of Georgia
• Serving only two terms and fighting for term limits
• Refusing to trade stocks or cryptocurrency and working to ban the practice
• Declining pay during government shutdowns
• Staying accountable to voters

“I think it’s the most important step we can take with getting Congress working,” Dooley said of term limits.

Dooley said he wants to ban stock and cryptocurrency trading by members of Congress.

“I’m not going to trade stocks or crypto and I’m going to fight to ban that nonsense,” he said.

He also said members of Congress should lose pay and privileges when they fail to pass budgets.

“We need to take away their pay, their privileges when they don’t do their job,” Dooley said.

The runoff election is scheduled for June 16.

Dooley also campaigned in Rome, according to WRGA News.

Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones (R-Jackson) campaigned in Flowery Branch, according to AccessWDUN.

Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones is running against Forsyth County healthcare magnate Rick Jackson in the GOP Gubernatorial runoff.

On Saturday, he made his last stops in northeast Georgia to make his case to voters in what has been a hotly contested and litigious GOP Primary.

Access North Georgia attended his stop at Royal Lakes Golf & Country Club in Flowery Branch Saturday.

“It is a Hollywood production that’s being put on right now, make no mistake about it,” Jones told the crowd. “We got this little billionaire we got to get through first.”

Georgia’s 9th Congressional District Representative Andrew Clyde was there as well, and endorsed and introduced Jones.

“When did Rick Jackson donate his million dollars [to Trump]?” Clyde asked. “13 months after President Trump won.”

Jones went on the offensive against Jackson numerous times, calling him out for feigning endorsements from President Donald Trump and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.

He also confirmed reports that he filed a defamation lawsuit against Jackson.

“Is anyone surprised a guy that pretends to be endorsed by President Trump and Governor Kemp would have a bad relationship with the truth?” Jones told Access North Georgia in an email.

Jones answered questions from Access North Georgia afterward, including attack advertisements from Jackson insinuating he used eminent domain for a data center project.

The project in Butts County exists, and requested 11-million square-feet of data centers as well as a hospital complex in October. Heading the project is his father Bill Jones’ company Interstate Health Systems, LLC.

“The developer across the road, who I know … it was his land. He sold it to Amazon, and that was over two years ago,” Jones told Access North Georgia. “There was definitely no eminent domain involved.”

On WDUN’s “Mornings on Maine Street” Friday, Jones called the advertisements “complete lies.”

“I can’t stand the idea of eminent domain on private property holders, and we’ve had to fight utility companies in our own business, fight utility companies like DOT, as well as other quasi government entities,” Jones said.

One attendee asked Jones about his thoughts on data centers and claimed Jackson is funded by artificial intelligence (AI) industries.

“I’ve pushed against having tax credits for data centers,” Jones told the attendee. “I will say the technology is getting a lot better, where they’re using less and less water … everybody that thinks there’s going to be one in every county, it’s just not simply going to happen.”

The winner will face Democrat nominee and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms on Nov. 3.

Keisha Lance Bottoms, Democratic nominee for Governor, isn’t waiting to whack Republicans. From the AJC:

The Democratic nominee for governor returns to the airwaves Tuesday with two ads that aim to capitalize on the ongoing turf war between Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and billionaire Rick Jackson.

One spot compares the two GOP runoff rivals as pro-Donald Trump jackasses. The other leans into Bottoms’ biography, featuring her mother’s bootstrapping salon business and her “Can’t never could” mantra.

The ads are funded jointly by her campaign and newly formed leadership committee, which she can now tap as the nominee after winning the Democratic primary last month.

It’s another example of Democrats trying to make the most of their head start while Republicans spend another week locked in a bitter runoff.

Augusta Commissioner Jordan Johnson endorsed Steven Kendrick for Mayor, according to WRDW.

“Steven Kendrick has demonstrated the leadership, vision, and commitment necessary to move Augusta forward,” said Commissioner Jordan Johnson.

“Our city faces important challenges and opportunities, and I believe Steven is prepared to bring people together, focus on results, and deliver the kind of leadership Augusta deserves.”

[Incumbent Mayor Garnett] Johnson had 42.8% of the votes (16,313), while Kendrick had 35.5% (13,531) during the primary elections in May.

“I am honored to have Commissioner Johnson’s endorsement and grateful for his confidence in our campaign,” Kendrick said.

U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-SSI) spoke to WTOC.

Rep. Buddy Carter said President Donald Trump has a handle on the situation in Iran and is working to ensure the country never obtains a nuclear weapon.

“For 47 years they’ve been the leading state sponsor of terrorism in the world,” Carter said. “And if they were to get a nuclear bomb, God forbid, what might happen?”

Carter, who has represented Georgia’s 1st Congressional District for more than 11 years, said the president needs to make sure Iran stops killing protesters and stops sponsoring terrorism.

Carter said he understands gas prices are high and things are expensive, but the president is working to finish the situation.

Working Families Tax Act

Carter said Congress passed the Working Families Tax Act to help Americans with rising costs.

The act eliminates taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security, and increases the child care tax credit. Carter said it saves a typical Georgia family almost $5,000 a year in taxes.

“That puts more money in your pocket,” Carter said. “And that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Carter said gas prices will go down once the conflict in Iran is resolved. He said prices dropped to under $80 a barrel during a temporary ceasefire.

“We’ll get the Strait of Hormuz opened up again, and oil will start flowing through there, and prices will come down,” Carter said.

Senate race disappointment

Carter said he was deeply disappointed by his recent loss in the U.S. Senate race but appreciative of supporters throughout the state.

“I had hoped that we would do better and that we would be in the runoff, but it wasn’t in God’s plan right now,” Carter said.

Carter said he has gas left in his tank and is not ruling out running again in two years.

“This is not the end,” Carter said. “This is the beginning of a new chapter.”

Healthcare provider cuts

Carter said the country needs to ensure healthcare providers offering specialty services for children are compensated so they can stay in business.

Carter, a pharmacist who practiced for many years, said therapies including speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy are extremely important to society.

“We need to make sure in the state of Georgia and in America that we’re doing that, that we’re compensating our providers,” Carter said.

Carter’s wife is a physical therapist.

Legacy and priorities

Carter said he is not ready to write his legacy yet and has parts to be filled in.

Carter served as mayor of Pooler, spent 10 years in the Georgia state legislature and has served 12 years in Congress. He said he grew up in Pooler and Pembroke, where his father worked shift work in a paper mill and his grandfather was a sharecropper.

“I’ve lived the American dream,” Carter said. “And to be able to give back through public service.”

Carter said he has about six months left in his term and plans to sprint through the finish line. He is pushing legislation dealing with forestry, animal testing and pharmacy.

Carter said he has passed 27 bills and hopes to reach 30 by the end of the year.

He said healthcare has been a focus as a healthcare professional. Carter said Congress passed transparency and reforms at the start of the year that will bring down prescription drug prices, but more work needs to be done.

If you haven’t received your state income tax refund, you may be waiting a while. From the AJC:

Georgia officials have issued more than 2.6 million refunds of up to $500 as of last week, and there’s still more to come.

In the years after the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia accumulated $16.5 billion in various savings accounts. Gov. Brian Kemp and his fellow Republicans who control the state Legislature have been giving much of this money back to taxpayers in special refunds.

Earlier this year Kemp and lawmakers approved legislation authorizing special tax refunds again this year. It’s the fourth time in five years the state has done this. The latest round is expected to reduce state reserves by more than $1 billion.

Georgia residents who filed a timely individual state income tax return for 2024 and 2025. Nonresidents and people who lived in Georgia for part of those years are eligible for partial refunds. Most people who are eligible have already received refunds. Of the roughly $1 billion available, Georgia has sent out about $950 million so far.

Why haven’t I gotten a refund yet? Many reasons. People who asked for more time to file their tax returns have not gotten refunds yet. Or you might not be eligible. People who didn’t pay state taxes will not receive a refund. For example, many retirees won’t get a refund because they don’t make enough money to owe taxes. State law exempts up to $35,000 in retirement income for people ages 62-64 and up to $65,000 in income for those age 65 and older.

Irwin County and the Irwin Industrial Authority find themselves embroiled in controversy, according to WALB.

Allegations over hiring based on race has become a point of controversy in Irwin County government. In the most recent County Commission meeting, held on June 1, an alleged text thread between county leaders became a major focus.

That text conversation comes months after Irwin County Commission Chairman Vince Thompson pushed to dissolve the Ocilla-Irwin Industrial Authority. County Commissioner Chris Paulk said he and Commissioner Aldene Tyson opposed the move, which required unanimous support for approval.

The newly-created Irwin County Industrial Authority leaves Ocilla leaders out of it. Several county leaders said they believe that move is motivated by race.

WALB’s Taylor Lewis obtained a text thread between Chairman Thompson and Commissioner Paulk. In the thread, Thompson expressed concern that Ocilla Mayor Melvin Harper and Dr. Lemond Hall, both Black men, would try to replace the current Economic Development Director, who is a white woman.

“I support her totally and am trying to save her job,” Thompson wrote in a text message. “Melvin and Lemond want to replace her with a person of color. Just like they want to two fire [two white employees whose names are redacted] and replace them with a person of color.”

During Wednesday’s meeting, Paulk told the chairman and audience that he personally contacted the people referenced in the text messages after reviewing them and confirmed the allegations about replacing those employees were false.

Other text messages obtained by WALB show that Thompson told a data center developer the new authority would only oversee data center operations and payments.

In messages, Thompson wrote that he was trying to protect the job of the current economic development director.

Thompson added: “The new authority is only for the data center. I’m trying to help fix the joint authority as well for future growth. Maybe the reason the status quo sucks is nobody here can see what I see.”

The official then questioned why Thompson did not believe the existing Ocilla-Irwin Industrial Authority was capable of handling data center oversight.

In text messages, officials expressed concern that the situation made it appear Thompson was trying to avoid the possibility of Black leadership.

Mayor Melvin Harper denied Thompson’s allegations, saying he never intended to replace the current director or any employees.

“That is not true,” Harper said. “It was very alarming and surprising to me.”

Harper also called the allegations “disrespectful” and said leaders should not promote that type of thinking or behavior.

“It’s certainly disrespectful to even be in a leadership position and to lead people into that type of thinking or behavior or even to adopt the ideology that that’s okay,” Harper said. “That is not okay. It’s sad. It’s unfortunate.”

“I feel like they were more than capable,” Harper went on. “I believe that the integrity of the individuals that make up this authority, that their heads and hearts are in the right place toward not only the city of Ocilla, but also Irwin County.”

When asked again whether he had intentions to hire persons of color in leadership roles solely to hire persons of color at all, Harper rejected the idea.

“To do that would be racism,” Harper said. “And I wouldn’t do that. I don’t operate like that. That’s just nonsense.”

Harper also emphasized the importance of unity between the city and county moving forward.

“There’s no Ocilla without Irwin County, no Irwin County without Ocilla,” Harper said.

Chairman Vince Thompson issued the following statement regarding the messages:

“I am fine with the revelation of the text conversation. I wanted it out there. Any injection of race or allegations of racism when it comes to the creation of this new IDA is completely manufactured and simply a distraction as we work toward, not only stabilizing the county’s financial situation, but preparing the County for what may be a once in a lifetime financial windfall. When you are in disagreement with another commissioner on an issue, and all of their arguments are falling flat, they tend to go to personal attacks.”

Following Thompson’s statement, another county official, who said they wish to remain anonymous, disputed that characterization. They said the concerns raised throughout the process focused on legal, financial and procedural questions surrounding the new authority rather than personal attacks.

Colquitt County Commissioners voted to adopt a 120-day moratorium on data centers, according to the Moultrie Observer.

At its June 2 meeting, the Colquitt County Commission voted unanimously to put a moratorium on the construction of data centers in the county.

County Attorney Lester Castellow proposed the 120-day moratorium so that the commission could consider revising the zoning ordinance to regulate data centers.

He said, he, County Administrator Chas Cannon and Compliance Department Head Justin Cox had spoken about it.

“It would be our suggestion that y’all adopt a moratorium,” Castellow said. He said the time would allow him and the county staff to put together a proposed ordinance, which they’ve already started researching.

He said the moratorium would give the commission time to look at what they would propose.

Chairman Denver Braswell asked what would be in the ordinance and Castellow responded that, “You could only have a data center or a cryptocurrency mining center in an area that is zoned industrial or light industrial … and it would be a conditional use, provided that it meet the conditions of the conditional use.”

Cox said, “It’s one of those things you can’t outright prohibit but you can regulate it to a certain area and to certain standards.”

Worth County Commissioners will hold an emergency meeting to discuss a new proposed homestead exemption for county property taxes, according to WALB.

The Worth County Board of Commissioners has scheduled an emergency meeting for Thursday, June 11, at noon at the Worth County Courthouse in Sylvester.

According to county officials, the purpose of the meeting is to discuss a bill that could provide a homestead exemption from Worth County ad valorem taxes for county purposes. Commissioners are also expected to address other county business during the meeting.

The proposed homestead exemption could have an impact on county taxpayers, making the discussion an important topic for residents throughout Worth County.

County officials say the meeting is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and learn more about the proposal and other matters that may come before the board.

The emergency meeting will begin at 12 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, at the Worth County Courthouse in Sylvester.

Cairo City Council voted against a 287(g) agreement with ICE, according to WALB.

The Cairo City Council voted Monday night not to approve a proposed Memorandum of Agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following significant public input from community members.

Concerned citizens packed the council chambers ahead of the vote, voicing concerns about the potential impact of the agreement on the community and local resources.

The proposed 287(g) Memorandum of Agreement would have allowed Cairo police officers to serve as field officers under ICE with certain limitations.

City officials, including the Cairo Police Chief, said community feedback played a major role in the council’s decision.

“The law is very specific, as to what the law enforcement agency shall do. It chose that terminology for a reason. It locks my hands as to what I must do. So, you are the one that decide whether to ratify it or not. The law specifically says what I must do,” the police chief told council members during the meeting.

Several residents also expressed concerns about the financial and personal impacts they believed could result from the agreement.

“Most of the funds to run this program specifically come out of local budget and comes out of taxpayer dollars. In 2018, Gwinnett County in Georgia, taxpayers spent $9.8 million dollars in a period of eight years. These people’s future is at stake and you have the power to make the right decision,” one speaker said.

After hearing from residents and city officials, the council overwhelmingly voted not to move forward with the agreement.

Although the agreement was not approved, city officials said Cairo will continue to comply with all current legal requirements and will cooperate with ICE when required by law.

Bulloch County Commissioners will meet at 5:30 PM today to discuss the second draft of their proposed budget, according to the Statesboro Herald.

For fiscal year 2027, set to begin July 1, the current version of the budget proposal allows general fund spending of $76.25 million, up from $72 million in the fiscal 2026 budget. It includes pay adjustments for some positions toward the implementation of a new compensation plan, but no across-the-board or merit-based raises.

The budget will not set the property tax millage rate. Commissioners would do that as a separate action later this summer. But because of early revenue from the Floating Local Option Sales Tax, or FLOST, and the limits on added spending, this budget could make possible a 1.3-mill net rollback in the county government operations millage, King said in May.

After Tuesday’s hearing, commissioners could vote to adopt the budget during their June 16 regular meeting.

Lowndes County Commissioners are considering revising their liquor ordinance, according to the Valdosta Daily Times.

If passed, this change would affect Article 4-3(b) of the ordinance and all related articles, increasing the current distance that a liquor store can be located from a church, school or separate liquor store. Currently-established liquor stores would maintain their license, but a change in ownership would trigger a reconsideration for the application.

Thunderbolt Fire Chief Odis Boyles was placed on administrative leave after an arrest in South Carolina, according to WSAV.

Thunderbolt Fire Chief Odis Boyles was placed on paid administrative leave Thursday, pending an internal investigation.

The Town of Thunderbolt made the announcement after Boyles was arrested and charged with DUI on May 29 in Beaufort County.

A statement received by WSAV says, “Recent events warrant formal review, and the Town has taken this action in the interest of protecting the integrity of its public safety operations and the community it serves. During Chief Boyles’ absence, Captain Brandon Runyon will assume operational oversight. Residents should be assured that the Thunderbolt Fire Department remains fully operational and prepared to respond to all emergencies. The Town will provide further updates as appropriate and when permitted by the circumstances of the investigation.”