Bullock County Manager Tom Couch has announced that he will retire on November 29, 2024 after 20 years of service. His tenure saw innovative growth in public safety, infrastructure and county services, creating a legacy that will have a lasting impact on the community.
After 20 years of dedicated service, Bulloch County Manager Tom Couch has announced that he will retire on November 29, 2024. Mr. Couch’s decision to step down follows what he describes as “one of the most fulfilling experiences” of his life, marked by numerous advances. and Bullock County’s accomplishments.
In his letter to the Board, Mr. Couch expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve in this position and highlighted the remarkable progress he has made since taking the position in 2004. During his 20-year tenure, Mr. Couch has spearheaded substantial reforms that have reshaped society. Expanding community and county services and strengthening infrastructure. He noted the importance of collaboration, saying, “Together, we have strengthened our infrastructure, improved our services, hired quality talent, and fostered an environment of collaboration and transparency.”
“As County Manager, it is a privilege to work closely with the Board of Commissioners and county staff, as well as an opportunity to achieve collective results.” Tom Couch said, “Over the years, we have overcome challenges and Together, we have strengthened our infrastructure, improved our services, hired quality talent, and fostered an environment of collaboration. ” he said. And transparency. Our collective efforts have always been rooted in a shared vision for Bullock County, and we are proud of the progress we have made for the benefit of our residents. ”
Mr. Couch’s more than 20 years of leadership include:
Community growth and transformation
Mr. Couch’s tenure has seen significant demographic and economic changes. When he started, Bullock County’s population was about 61,000 people and has since grown to about 85,000. The county’s unemployment rate also fell from 4.9% to 3.4%, and the number of housing units increased by nearly 10,000. Georgia Southern University’s enrollment has increased significantly, reflecting the county’s development as a vibrant hub of education and opportunity.
progress in public safety
Couch’s legacy includes significant improvements to public safety and emergency services. Bullock County now has four EMS stations, up from just one in 2004. The fire service was also transformed, moving from an all-volunteer force to a department with 18 full-time employees and three 24/7 fire stations, along with many volunteers. Additionally, Couch played a key role in establishing a modern public safety radio system and establishing an independent 911 and emergency operations center. These advances have shortened emergency response times, improved resident safety, and lowered the neighborhood risk rating for the Statesboro suburb from ISO 9 to ISO 5.
Strengthening county management and services
Under Couch’s leadership, the county prioritized modernization and efficiency. In 2007, we centralized purchasing and IT operations and hired the county’s first chief financial officer. Bullock County now regularly receives awards for outstanding budget and financial reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), and annual audits show significant improvements. Mr. Couch also implemented a comprehensive grant management system and secured significant funding for county projects, including $2.6 million for fire equipment and $4 million for road infrastructure.
Mr. Couch introduced financial and human resources policies, including an annual salary plan review and a management development program to support succession planning. His focus on staff development and succession has ensured that the county has a skilled team and a smooth transition following his retirement.
Improvements to buildings and equipment
During Couch’s tenure, he oversaw a wide range of building projects that enhanced the county’s infrastructure and public facilities. Major facility improvements include the expansion of Boro Splash, the construction of an Ag Arena, a new airport hangar, and the development of various industrial parks. Couch was instrumental in establishing a new solid waste convenience center and installing an additional fire station. He also led energy efficiency efforts that reduced energy use in county buildings by 20 percent, reducing both costs and environmental impact.
A lasting legacy of service
As Mr. Couch prepares to retire, he remains focused on supporting the next administration’s seamless transition. Looking back on his years of service, he acknowledged the trust and support of county commissioners, staff, and residents. “This community and the relationships I have built here will always hold a special place in my heart,” he said, expressing confidence in the county’s future growth and continued success. .
With his retirement, Bulloch County says goodbye to a transformational leader who left a lasting impact on the entire community.
Grice Connect requested a complete list of Mr. Couch’s leadership accomplishments over two decades. Please click on each section to review.
Community overview
Public security and court initiatives
Animal shelter operations: Improved from substandard operations and facilities to a “no-kill” framework with better public relations.
EMS Coverage: Expanded from one station in Statesboro to four stations including Portal, Register and Brooklet.
Ambulances and equipment: upgraded from defective to modern.
Fire personnel: 75 100% volunteers to 18 full-time personnel, 3 battalion chiefs, 2 fire safety inspectors, and 55 volunteers.
Firefighter Safety: New fire equipment and an ongoing replacement program for breathing apparatus, turnout equipment, and other protective equipment.
Fire response coverage: Increased from eight volunteer stations to three 24/7 stations and added seven additional substations.
Fire Area Hazard Rating: ISO rating improved from 9 (2004) to ISO 5.
911 and Emergency Management: Relocated from the basement of the North Main Annex to a separate 911/EOC building in 2008, with a dedicated EMA Director in 2024.
Sheriff’s Office: Expanded with a funded SRO program, additional road officers, investigators, and court security officers.
Public Safety Radio System: Upgraded from an older 800 MHz system with 85% coverage to a new system with 97% coverage and regular maintenance.
Court security: Established in 2007.
Accountability Courts: Launched in 2013 to provide a framework for pretrial clients with drug and mental health issues and reduce incarceration costs.
Management and professional staff initiatives
GFOA Award: One of 12 counties in Georgia to receive Excellence in Budget Award and Excellence in Financial Reporting.
Finance: Hired our first CFO in 2007. He has been working as a certified public accountant since 2015.
Note-free audits: Since 2016, audit notes have been reduced from 12-15 to 1.
Centralized Purchasing/IT: Centralized in 2007. Georgia Technologies has managed the county’s IT since 2012.
Policies and Procedures: We established comprehensive human resources and financial policies in 2007 and are updated regularly.
Human Resources: Founded in 2006. It has expanded from basic functionality to complete human resources, training and risk management.
Latest Pay Plan: Annual review and update established since 2004.
Grant Management: Created pre-award and post-award systems to secure millions of dollars in grants.
Legal: Staffed by a county attorney since 1996.
Engineering: We have a state-licensed county engineer with over 20 years of experience and two additional staff members.
Planning and Development: The first full-time director with 15 years of experience and professional qualifications was hired in 2022.
Public Works: Director with 20 years of experience and multiple certifications.
Public Safety: A degreed and certified director with over 30 years of experience in state corrections.
Special Projects: Construction Supervision Manager, Certified Inspector, Flood Manager with 25 years of experience.
Recreation: Third Director, Certified Recreation Professional with 20 years of experience.
Planning and development
Comprehensive Plan: 5 updates completed.
Transportation Planning: Two Updates.
Land Use Ordinance: Two updates.
One-Stop Permits: We’ve created a single permit center for zoning, construction, fire inspections, and special permits.
Competitive Project Grant Funding
Project Funding SAFER (Firefighter Personnel) $400,000 Firefighter Assistance (Equipment) $2,600,000 CDBG (Road and Rail Infrastructure) $4,000,000 One Georgia (Industrial Park Improvements) $3,500,000 EDA (Road Improvements) $1,200,000 Transportation Infrastructure Bank $1,500,000 s (Wastewater) $4,500,000 FHWA S&S Greenway $3,500,000
Building and equipment improvements
Prison: Prisoner pod added in 2010. A reservation area and training building were added in 2019.
Georgia State Patrol: New building in 2005.
Animal Shelter: Replaced substandard shelter in 2008.
A splash of “boro expansions”: expansions completed in 2009 and 2018.
Ag Arena: Built in 2018.
Mill Creek Tennis Center: Built in 2008.
Airport Hangar: Expanded in 2006, 2008, and 2021 to improve runway and navigation.
