After more than three decades of steady, behind-the-scenes leadership, Steve Hotchkiss, Director of Public Utilities for the City of Statesboro, is officially retiring. The City Council recognized Hotchkiss during its May 20, 2025 meeting with a formal retirement award and public tribute, celebrating 36 years of service that spanned major infrastructure expansions, regional utility partnerships, and the groundwork for Statesboro’s current wave of industrial and residential growth.
The tribute was introduced by Mayor Jonathan McCollar, who read a prepared statement honoring Hotchkiss’s legacy. “Steve Hotchkiss has served the City of Statesboro for over 36 years,” McCollar began. “During his time, he served as department head for natural gas and for all city public utilities, including natural gas, water and wastewater.”
In his leadership role, Hotchkiss was directly responsible for coordinating some of the most consequential infrastructure developments in Statesboro’s recent history. Among his accomplishments were overseeing the extension of natural gas service across the city and surrounding areas, helping launch new wastewater treatment capacity for the City of Brooklet, and supporting infrastructure growth in unincorporated Bulloch County. His work was central to making utility access possible at Ogeechee Technical College, Gateway Industrial Park, and Bruce Yawn Commerce Park.
Following the announcement of the Hyundai Metaplant in neighboring Bryan County, Hotchkiss and his team pivoted to planning and implementing critical upgrades to support the influx of new residents, commercial businesses, and suppliers coming into the area. “Steve has worked tirelessly to prepare our community’s infrastructure to serve and support a significant increase in residential, commercial and industrial growth,” the mayor continued.
These preparations included updates to the city’s water, sewer, and natural gas long-range master plans, revisions to rate structures, and utility ordinance modernization. Hotchkiss also served as a technical advisor for a range of major economic development projects, including TA Travel Center, Anjin Georgia, Hanon Systems, and utility expansions to serve Georgia Southern University’s south campus and the new Georgia Industrial Systems and Robotics Training Center at Ogeechee Technical College.
“He has provided support to numerous agencies and cities,” McCollar noted, adding that Hotchkiss’s expertise extended beyond Statesboro to benefit the region more broadly. “His leadership and contributions will leave a lasting impact on the quality of life in Statesboro and the surrounding communities.”
As Hotchkiss approached the podium to speak, he received a round of applause from the room. With his signature humility, he kept his remarks brief but heartfelt. “I’ve enjoyed working for this council, Mr. Penny and Jason, who do a great job. But these guys back here are the ones—I enjoy working with them. We’ve got a great group, and it just makes me feel good.”
Hotchkiss spoke with visible pride in the department he helped build, expressing confidence in the team he’s leaving behind. “I think they’re in a good place. I think they’re ready to go on. We’ve got a lot of stuff going on.”
Hotchkiss closed his remarks with gratitude for the opportunity to serve. “The city’s provided a good income for me and my family, a good place to work and live all these years. I’m very thankful for it.”
Mayor McCollar concluded the presentation by reflecting on Hotchkiss’s legacy. “Thirty-six years is a long time, and we can’t thank you enough for the work that you’ve put in over those years,” he said. “But as you choose to step away at this point, I want you to think about the thousands of lives you’ve impacted… whether it was infrastructure that led to new homes, or new jobs within this community. The growth that we’re seeing right now is directly a tribute to a lot of the work that you spearheaded.”
McCollar added, “We can’t replace you, but what we do is wish that God bless everything that you touch moving forward. And know that if you ever wonder—you’ve always got a family right here in the City of Statesboro.”
Hotchkiss’s career with the city began in 1989 as Gas System Superintendent, where he was responsible for compliance, inspections, construction projects, and customer service within the natural gas division. He was promoted to Director of Public Utilities in 2017, bringing all utility services—gas, water, and sewer—under a single administrative structure. Prior to joining the city, he worked as a technician with TexGas Corporation and operated a 400-acre farm in Bulloch County, giving him both technical and practical experience that he carried into his municipal service.
His retirement comes alongside that of Kathy Fields, Director of Planning and Development, with the two set to be honored at a joint retirement celebration later this month. Combined, the pair represents nearly 90 years of institutional knowledge and public service for the City of Statesboro.
As the city prepares to enter a new era of growth and development, the legacy of Steve Hotchkiss will remain embedded in the infrastructure, policies, and professional standards he helped establish—and in the team he trained to carry it all forward.