The Statesboro City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, where it adopted the FY26 budget, approved contracts tied to Hotel/Motel tax proceeds, and authorized construction of the cities third fire station. The meeting began with an invocation by City Manager Charles Penny and with the Pledge of Allegiance.
FY25 Budget Amendment and FY26 Adoption
Resolution 2025-13 was approved to amend the FY25 budget, incorporating higher-than-expected revenues in certain funds, including TAD districts and permit fees. Council also adopted the FY26 city budget through Resolution 2025-14, totaling $103,984,585. City Manager Penny noted the budget holds the current 8.625 millage rate flat but anticipates potential upward pressure later in the year. It also includes a loan from the enterprise fund to support the Fire Fund following the county’s withdrawal from the joint fire district agreement. The city will formally adopt the millage rate in September.
Life Saving Recognitions
During the recognitions portion, SPD Officer Anita Kennedy, SPD Sergeant Eric Simms, and Bulloch County EMS Paramedic Lauren Karinshak were honored with Life Saving Awards for their actions during an April 24 traffic accident. Responding to a collision on Veterans Memorial Parkway, the three worked together—administering CPR, deploying an AED, and summoning EMS—to save a man who was not breathing and had less than a 5% chance of survival, according to medical staff.
Fees and Fire Station Contract
Through Resolution 2025-15, the Council adopted updated rates, fees, and fines, including increases in water and sewer rates, storm water fees, solid waste disposal, extra duty pay for first responders, and a hike in the convenience fee from 2% to 3%.
Council also approved a $4.8 million not-to-exceed contract with Lavender and Associates, LLC for construction of Fire Station 3, funded through 2019 and 2025 SPLOST dollars and other financing if needed. The base contract is $4.36 million, with $440,000 set aside for contingency and fixtures.
Consent Agenda and Ordinance Approvals
The Council approved the Consent Agenda, including June 3 meeting minutes and the surplus of old utility equipment. It also unanimously approved the second reading of Ordinance 2025-03, aligning city policy with state case law to require attorneys to pay occupational taxes in arrears.
UDC Amendments and Vehicle Marking Waiver
Council held a public hearing and first reading of Ordinance 2025-01, proposing updates to the Unified Development Code aimed at simplifying procedures and reducing the need for special service districts. The ordinance will return for a second reading at a future meeting.
Council then approved Resolution 2025-12, which exempts unmarked vehicles driven by department heads and other officials from state marking requirements for one year. The list included personal and departmental vehicles such as the Fire and Police Chief's.
Hotel/Motel Tax Contracts
Three annual service contracts were approved using Hotel/Motel Tax proceeds:
- Statesboro Arts Council for operations of the Averitt Center for the Arts
- Downtown Statesboro Development Authority/Main Street for marketing the downtown district
- Statesboro Convention and Visitors Bureau for tourism marketing of Statesboro and Bulloch County
City Manager Comments
City Manager Charles Penny offered updates on several initiatives:
- The city will compete for the All-America City Award in Denver on June 29, with trip support partially funded by community sponsors, including Ogeechee Technical College Foundation.
- A groundbreaking ceremony for Whitesville Park is set for July 2 at 10:30 a.m., ahead of demolition and site work later in the month.
- Penny discussed the county’s formal opposition to a voluntary annexation request for property near Old Register Road, clarifying that the city is only taking responsibility for roads within the annexation area—not the full stretch to Langston Chapel Road.
- Statesboro was named Georgia’s first “Retail Ready” community by Georgia Power, a recognition of its efforts to attract small businesses and retail development.
- A Gordon Street Neighborhood Town Hall meeting is scheduled for June 24 at 6:00 p.m. at New Generation Christian Worship Center.
- The city is working with GDOT on implementing a new traffic control technology for Veterans Memorial Parkway and Fair Road to reduce accident rates at the high-crash intersection.
- With the fire services agreement with Bulloch County ending June 30, mutual aid agreements are being prepared for Council approval on July 1.
Public Comments and Remembrances
During final comments, Councilmembers and staff paid tribute to June DiPolito, founder of High Hope, and Maria Fatima Pereira Rea, a Board of Education liaison and community advocate, both of whom passed away recently.
Executive Session
After executive session, council did the following:
Aspen Ransburg and LaDawndra Dobbs were appointed to the Keep Statesboro Bulloch Beautfiul Advisory Board. Judge Keith Barber's three year contract as municipal court judge was also renewed.
Click here to review the full agenda with supporting documents.
Livestream of the meeting
I. Call to Order
II. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
III. Recognitions / Public Presentations
Presentation of Life Saving Awards to Officer Anita Cannady, Sergeant Eric Simms, and Paramedic Lauren Karinshak
The Council presented Life Saving Awards to Officer Anita Kennedy, Sergeant Eric Simms, and Paramedic Lauren Karinshak in recognition of their actions following a serious traffic collision on April 24, 2025. According to the citation, the officers responded to the scene at Veterans Memorial Parkway and Brannen Avenue, where they found an unresponsive driver. While off duty, Karinshak stopped to assist and began CPR as Officer Kennedy retrieved an AED. The three worked together to deliver multiple shocks and continued life-saving efforts until EMS arrived. Their actions were credited with saving the driver’s life, despite him having less than a 5% chance of survival.
IV. Public Comments (Agenda Item)
APPROVED V. Consent Agenda
A) Approval of Minutes
- June 3, 2025 Council Meeting Minutes
B) Surplus and Disposition Approval – Public Utilities Department
- 2004 Allmand TLB 425 Backhoe (SN: 007T42505)
- Mikasa MT-75HS Tamp (SN: K 6455)
- MBW Ground Pounder Tamp
- 2 pallets and 1 wood crate of miscellaneous gas surplus, outdated products, and old tools
APPROVED VI. Ordinances – Second Reading and Consideration for Approval
Ordinance 2025-03: Amendment to Statesboro Code of Ordinances Section 18-105 (Taxes for Attorneys)
This revision is necessary to collect occupational taxes from attorneys under current state case law. Was approved for First Reading at May 20, 2025 Work Session. First Reading was approved at June 3, 2025 regular meeting.
Council held the second reading and approved Ordinance 2025-03, which amends Section 18-105 of the Statesboro Code of Ordinances to bring the city’s occupational tax collection for attorneys in line with state case law. The change requires that attorneys now pay their occupational taxes in arrears, rather than in advance. Staff explained that the ordinance mirrors language upheld in a recent court decision and recommended adoption. The measure passed without discussion
APPROVED VII. Public Hearing and First Reading
Ordinance 2025-01: Amendment to the Unified Development Code
After the institution of the Unified Development Code, certain policies have been analyzed for improvement and proposed amendment.
Council held a public hearing and the first reading of Ordinance 2025-01, which proposes amendments to the Unified Development Code (UDC). Planning staff described the changes as part of an ongoing effort to streamline development processes, eliminate outdated sections—such as Chapter 54—and reduce reliance on special service districts. The ordinance also introduces new language for improved clarity in development standards. With no opposition and no comments from council, the ordinance advanced to a second reading.
APPROVED VIII. Public Hearing and Consideration for Approval
Resolution 2025-12: Exempting certain vehicles from marking requirements for one year
2001 Session of the General Assembly amended O.C.G.A. 36-80-20 to limit the duration of such an exemption to one year, requiring an annual exemption instead of doing it one time as under the previous statute.
Council held a public hearing and approved Resolution 2025-12, which renews the city’s annual exemption for certain vehicles from state marking requirements. City Manager Charles Penny explained that under Georgia law, unmarked vehicles used by public officials—often their personal vehicles—must be listed and approved by resolution each year. This year’s list also includes the Fire Chief’s city-issued vehicle, which is unmarked. No public comments were submitted, and the resolution passed unanimously following the hearing.
APPROVED IX. Budget Amendment
Resolution 2025-13: Fourth Amendment to the FY 2025 Budget for all City of Statesboro funds
Council approved Resolution 2025-13, adopting the Fourth Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. City Manager Charles Penny explained the amendment reflects adjustments based on updated revenues and expenditures, including increased income from Tax Allocation Districts (TADs) and building permits. These mid-year adjustments are part of the city’s routine financial reconciliation process. Councilmembers noted this is a standard quarterly update, and the resolution was approved without further discussion.
APPROVED X. FY 2026 Budget Adoption
Resolution 2025-14: Adoption of the FY 2026 Budget, including appropriations, revenue anticipations, and expenditure limitations
State law requires the City of Statesboro to adopt a balance budget every fiscal year. The City of Statesboro fiscal year runs from July 1st to June 30th of each year. The Mayor and City Council were presented the capital budget at the March 15th Council Retreat and the operating budget at the May 13th budget work sessions.
Council approved Resolution 2025-14, officially adopting the Fiscal Year 2026 budget for the City of Statesboro, totaling $103,984,585. City Manager Charles Penny noted that the budget maintains the current 8.625 millage rate, though a rollback is not anticipated when the rate is set later this year. The adopted budget includes provisions to fund fire services independently following the county’s withdrawal from the joint fire district agreement, made possible by a temporary interfund loan from the city’s enterprise fund to the fire fund. The resolution passed unanimously.
APPROVED XI. Adoption of Rates, Fees, and Fines
Resolution 2025-15: Adoption of updated Schedule of Rates, Fees, and Fines for the City of Statesboro
In June 2015, the City of Statesboro adopted its first comprehensive Schedule of Rates, Fees and Fines. This document is updated and adopted every year based on any changes of rates, fees and fines and is effective July1. The document may also be amended during the fiscal year if the need arises. Proposed increases for rates and fees are highlighted in yellow. There is a proposed rate increase of 10% for Water and Sewer Rates, Stormwater Fees, Gas Distribution Charges, Solid Waste Collection Fees, and Solid Waste Disposal Fees. An Aid to Construction (Waste Water Treatment Plant) Fee increase. A proposed extra duty rate increase for both Police and Fire. An increase in the Convenience Fee from 2% to 3%.
Council approved Resolution 2025-15, adopting the updated Schedule of Rates, Fees, and Fines for the City of Statesboro. City Manager Charles Penny outlined several recommended increases, including water and sewer rates, stormwater and solid waste fees, aid-to-construction charges, and extra duty rates for police and fire personnel. The resolution also included a change in the convenience fee, raising it from 2% to 3%. All proposed updates were highlighted in the accompanying documentation, and the measure passed without discussion.
APPROVED XII. Contract Authorization – Statesboro Arts Council, Inc.
Marketing downtown and managing the Averitt Center for the Arts
Funded by Hotel/Motel Tax proceeds
Averitt Center for the Arts will receive 25.1% of the Hotel-Motel excise taxes collected pursuant to City Ordinances 74-32 et seq. to fund the general operating budget. The percentage remains the same as Fiscal Year 2026. Downtown Statesboro Development Authority (DSDA) will receive 19.9 % of the Hotel-Motel excise taxes collected pursuant to City Ordinances 74-32 et seq. The percentage remains the same as Fiscal Year 2026. Statesboro Convention and Visitors Bureau (SCVB) will receive 50.0 % of the HotelMotel excise taxes collected pursuant to City Ordinances 74-32 et seq. The percentage remains the same as Fiscal Year 2026.
APPROVED XIII. Contract Authorization – Downtown Statesboro Development Authority/Main Street
- Marketing downtown Statesboro
- Funded by Hotel/Motel Tax proceeds
APPROVED XIV. Contract Authorization – Statesboro Convention and Visitors Bureau, Inc.
- Marketing Statesboro and Bulloch County
- Funded by Hotel/Motel Tax proceeds
APPROVED XV. Capital Project – Fire Station 3 Construction
- Award of contract to Lavender and Associates, LLC in the amount of $4,360,000.00
- Additional $440,000.00 allocated for change orders and furniture/fixtures
- Total not-to-exceed cost: $4,800,000.00
- Funded by 2019 SPLOST, 2025 SPLOST, and other sources (CIP# FD-85)
The City of Statesboro issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to contractors for a design/build project for the construction of Fire Station 3. The design/build method was selected as it provides a fast track construction path and groups the architectural/engineering aspect with the contracting element together as an all in one proposal submittal. Proposals were submitted from Lavender and Associates, LLC., GMC Garbutt Construction and Tommy Gibson Builders. RFP opportunities were sent to numerous contractors and there were seven in attendance at the mandatory pre-bid meeting. A selected evaluation team evaluated these submittals by listed criteria in the RFP. These evaluations produced a ranked order and the team conducted negotiations with the top selected contractor to produce a final product and cost. Per this process, if an agreement had not been reached, the team would have dropped to the second ranked contractor and went into negotiations with them and so on. Contractors did not have access to other submittals at any time so as to keep this process valid and equitable for all. Fire Station 3 will be located on recently purchased land located on Brannen Street adjacent to the back of Lowe’s. The negotiated contract with Lavender and Associates LLC. is in the amount of $4,360,000.00. The remaining amount of $440,000.00 is intended for any unforeseen issues (unsuitable soils and change orders) and furniture/fixtures that were not a part of the base construction proposal. The final agreed upon design will be a two story structure with two engine bays. The fire station will contain upstairs sleeping quarters with showers and the downstairs floor will contain a gym, an activity room, a kitchen and offices. This facility will have a total area of 11,210 square feet. Funding for this project will be made from the 2019 and 2025 SPLOST along with other financing sources if needed. This project is budgeted under CIP# FD-85.
Council approved a $4.36 million construction contract with Lavender and Associates, LLC for Fire Station 3, along with an additional $440,000 contingency for potential change orders and necessary furnishings. The total not-to-exceed amount is $4.8 million. City staff confirmed the project will be funded using 2019 and 2025 SPLOST revenues, along with other financing sources if needed, and is listed under Capital Improvement Project FD-85. Financing recommendations will be brought back to Council at a later date. The contract was approved without further discussion.
XVI. Other Business from City Council
XVII. City Manager’s Comments
City Manager Charles Penny began his remarks with an update on Statesboro’s upcoming participation in the All-America City Award competition hosted by the National Civic League. The city’s delegation will travel to Denver, Colorado, with the formal presentation scheduled for Sunday, June 29 at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time. Penny noted that the presentation will be live-streamed for the public. He also acknowledged an earlier oversight in recognizing sponsors, adding that the Ogeechee Technical College Foundation has contributed support to help fund the city’s participation.
Penny then announced that the groundbreaking ceremony for Whitefield Park has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 2 at 10:30 a.m. The timing was chosen to avoid midday summer heat, and demolition work at the site is expected to begin in mid-July. The city has already been in contact with the Windsor Forest Neighborhood Association to ensure residents are informed and involved in the process.
He also addressed the city’s ongoing annexation dispute with Bulloch County over roughly 100 acres on Old Register Road, requested voluntarily by the property owner. Penny explained that although the Bulloch County Board of Education voted to oppose the annexation—citing concerns about school overcrowding—the school board has no formal role in the annexation process under state law. The County Commission, however, has issued a formal objection. Their primary concern is road maintenance; they requested the city take over the entire stretch of Old Register Road to Langston Chapel Road. Penny clarified that the city is only willing to maintain roadways within the annexation area, not those outside the proposed city limits. He said the city expects this disagreement may be elevated to the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for arbitration.
Turning to economic development, Penny shared that Statesboro has been named Georgia Power’s first official “Retail Ready” community, one of six such designations across the state. He credited the Council’s forward-thinking investment in a small business recruiter position and local economic infrastructure. According to Penny, Georgia Power representatives were impressed with the city’s commitment to small business growth, particularly given its size. The designation means the city will receive additional support and visibility in attracting new retailers.
Penny invited residents to attend a Gordon Street neighborhood community meeting, scheduled for June 24 at 6:00 p.m. at New Generation Christian Worship Center. The event will be hosted by the Mayor and will provide residents a forum to share concerns, ideas, and feedback. Flyers will be distributed in the area in advance of the meeting.
On public safety, Penny reported that GDOT will be testing new traffic signal technology at the intersection of Fair Road and Veterans Memorial Parkway, Statesboro’s highest-crash location. The system is designed to delay signal changes when vehicles are entering the intersection at the end of a green phase, which could reduce the number of angle collisions caused by drivers attempting to beat the light.
Finally, Penny addressed the upcoming expiration of the Fire District Agreement and Automatic Aid Agreement with Bulloch County, which officially ends at 11:59 p.m. on June 30. He reassured Council that the city and county have agreed to continue cooperation through a Mutual Aid Agreement, which will be formally presented for approval at the July 1 meeting. Additional mutual aid agreements with Pooler and Metter are also in progress and will be brought to Council at the same time. Penny expressed confidence that emergency response coverage will remain uninterrupted during the transition period.
XVIII. Public Comments (General)
XIX. Executive Session
After executive session, council did the following:
Aspen Ransburg and LaDawndra Dobbs were appointed to the Keep Statesboro Bulloch Beautiful Advisory Board. Judge Keith Barber's three year contract as municipal court judge was also renewed.
XX. Adjournment