The Statesboro City Council held a packed agenda at its June 3 meeting, highlighted by a public hearing on the city’s proposed FY2026 budget, the announcement of key staff promotions, and community efforts to support families grieving the loss of two local children.
City Manager Charles Penny presented the FY2026 budget proposal during a public hearing, describing the $64.7 million plan as a fiscally cautious yet forward-looking response to a post-ARPA funding environment. While the overall budget reflects a 6% decrease from the previous year—primarily due to the expiration of nearly $9 million in federal relief funds—the General Fund itself will increase by 8%, fueled by rising costs in salaries, benefits, and operations.
No tax hike is proposed, though the city will draw $928,755 from reserves to balance the budget and maintain its 25% fund balance target.
Penny noted that nearly 65% of the General Fund supports personnel. A 4% pay plan adjustment, recommended by Condrey & Associates, and continued performance-based raises are included. “We don't make any products, but our greatest asset is our employees,” Penny said.
Several city fees—ranging from water and sewer to police and fire extra duty—are proposed to rise by 10% to help fund critical infrastructure and debt service. These increases will support long-term projects like an estimated $80–$100 million wastewater treatment expansion, with rates designed to sustain annual repayments of $5–6 million over 20 years.
Addressing the Statesboro Fire Fund, which lost its dedicated fire district tax, Penny said the city will cover the $3.2 million shortfall this year through a one-time internal loan from its enterprise funds. “We can only do this one time,” he warned, stressing that maintaining Class 2 fire service standards remains a top priority.
Councilmembers offered praise for the budget’s strategic approach. Councilmember Shari Barr commended the emphasis on a “creative and inclusive city” and thanked staff for their solution to the fire fund deficit. However, Barr also urged caution in handling development pressures. “We have to look out for the folks already here and deal with the problems all this growth is bringing us,” she said.
Mayor Jonathan McCollar responded with a passionate defense of the city’s growth trajectory. “A city that’s not growing is dying,” he said, noting a near 30% drop in the local poverty rate and a reduction in unemployment from double digits to around 3%. He emphasized that new development is largely driven by the city’s prior investments in infrastructure and shared a broader vision: “This work, for me, is about the children… We should be paving a path so that our young people can go further than we have.”
According to Penny, over 4,500 housing units have been approved in the city, with approximately 2,500 already under construction. He cited a single multifamily project near Georgia Southern—Statesboro’s largest-ever building permit—valued at $62 million and currently assessed at $57 million, noting that such developments could eventually generate up to $1 million in annual tax revenue.
During the meeting, the council also:
- Approved the first reading of Ordinance 2025-03, aligning occupational tax procedures for attorneys with a Georgia Supreme Court ruling by switching to payment in arrears.
- Authorized amendments to the FY2025 street resurfacing program to accept additional Local Road Assistance Grant funds with no local match required.
- Renewed the city's towing and wrecker rotation agreements and updated tariff rate rules to automatically align with state-set towing fees.
- Approved contracts for asbestos abatement and demolition of blighted properties, funded in part by ARPA interest earnings.
- Approved the purchase of new fire department extrication tools and a landfill diesel pump.
- Approved a $33,750 hydrologic and hydraulic study of Little Lotts Creek, to address flooding concerns near West Main, Johnson, and MLK Drive.
- Formalized an MOU with the Youth Career Commission to support underserved young adults in residential development training, with an end-of-program celebration set for June 25.
Penny also announced two internal promotions: Matt Aycock was named Director of Public Utilities, and Justin Williams was named Director of Planning and Development. Both were praised for their longtime service and internal development within the city organization.
In closing, Mayor McCollar and councilmembers acknowledged the deep grief felt across the community following the recent deaths of Emily Grace Mayo and Landyn Wilkerson, ages 9 and 4. A candlelight vigil honoring their memory will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4 on the lawn of the Bulloch County Courthouse. “This is a time for our community to rally around these families,” McCollar said. “There are no words that can ease the pain, but sometimes it’s just felt to know that you’ve got a community that surrounds and supports you.”
Len Fatica, vice chair of Bulloch VOAD, urged residents to participate in the ongoing Georgia Public Service Commission election, emphasizing its significance for utility rate regulation. He expressed concern over low voter turnout, noting he was only the 21st person to vote at his precinct.
Fatica also reminded the community that hurricane season had officially begun and shared that Bulloch VOAD is actively preparing for potential disasters. He recently attended the National VOAD conference in Louisville, Kentucky, and said local coordination is underway with Bulloch County Emergency Management, the fire department, and police to improve preparedness, with more details to be released in the coming weeks.
Marcus Toole, representing Habitat for Humanity, offered a public thank you to Agape Worship Center for their role in the Pine Street housing project. He stated that the church had effectively made the largest single financial contribution in Habitat’s local history by donating land that is now being used for home construction under a CHIP grant. Though the grant only reimburses about 24% of the land’s original value, Toole emphasized the significance of the church’s gift and expressed plans to visit and thank them personally.
City Council Meeting Agenda Packet
I. Call to Order
II. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
III. Public Comments (Agenda Item)
APPROVED IV. Consideration of a Motion to Approve the Consent Agenda
A) Approval of Minutes
a) May 13, 2025 – Budget Work Session
b) May 20, 2025 – Work Session
c) May 20, 2025 – Council Meeting
d) May 20, 2025 – Executive Session
V. Public Hearing
Solicitation of public input on the proposed FY2026 Budget for the City of Statesboro.
City Manager Charles Penny presented a detailed overview of the proposed FY 2026 budget during a public hearing. The $64.7 million budget represents a 6% overall decrease due to the expiration of federal ARPA funds, but includes an 8% increase in the General Fund, driven largely by rising salary, benefits, and operational costs. No tax increase is proposed, though a $928,755 use of General Fund balance is required to maintain a balanced budget and uphold the city's 25% reserve target. The budget also proposes 10% fee increases across several utility and public safety services to address infrastructure needs and future debt obligations, such as a planned $80–$100 million wastewater treatment expansion.
The Statesboro Fire Fund, which lost dedicated fire district tax revenue, will be sustained this year by a one-time internal loan from the city's enterprise funds. Penny noted that nearly 65% of General Fund spending goes toward personnel and emphasized the importance of employee retention through pay adjustments and performance-based raises.
Mayor Jonathan McCollar and councilmembers expressed support for the administration’s budget strategy, highlighting its balance of cautious growth and fiscal responsibility. Penny and others also praised the city’s preparedness for continued development, noting over 4,500 approved housing units—about 2,500 of which are currently under construction—will expand the tax base in future years. Councilmembers also called for ongoing collaboration with the county to manage traffic and infrastructure demands tied to this rapid growth.
APPROVED FOR SECOND READING VI. Public Hearing and First Reading
Ordinance 2025-03: Amending Section 18-105 of the Statesboro Code of Ordinances regarding professional occupational taxes for attorneys.
Council held a public hearing and first reading of Ordinance 2025-03, which amends Section 18-105 of the City Code regarding the collection of occupational taxes from attorneys. City Attorney Cain Smith explained that the change aligns with a Georgia Supreme Court ruling deeming upfront occupational tax payments from attorneys unconstitutional, as they could be construed as a condition of practicing law. Under the revised ordinance, attorneys will now pay the tax in arrears, complying with legal precedent and mirroring a similar ordinance adopted by the City of Dunwoody.
The ordinance faced no public opposition, and councilmembers asked brief clarifying questions before unanimously voting to move the ordinance forward to a second reading.
APPROVED VII. Consideration of a Motion to Approve
Resolution 2025-10: Amendment of the FY2025 Street Resurfacing Program and authorization for the Mayor to execute the Local Road Assistance Grant Application (CIP Item ENG-128, no local match required).
Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG), is an annual program in which GDOT allocates transportation funds to local governments. The City uses these funds to supplement the Street Resurfacing Budget. City Engineering staff evaluates City streets annually to prioritize and select streets for the yearly LMIG resurfacing list that is submitted to GDOT. For FY 2025, GDOT is providing an opportunity to receive additional LMIG funding in the form of the Local Road Assistance Grant. This funding will require no local match, and the application will need to be submitted no later than June 15, 2025. The Engineering Department will utilize all funding received from both the LMIG grant and LRA grant on resurfacing for FY2025. The resurfacing list that was presented as part of the FY2025 LMIG application at the November 5, 2024 Council Meeting has been amended to add more resurfacing work.
APPROVED VIII. Consideration of a Motion to Approve
Resolution 2025-11: Adoption of maximum tariff rates for non-consensual towing and storage operators.
In 2021, the City Council adopted a Maximum Tariff Rate for nonconsensual towing that tied the city's rate to the state's rate. However, in that Resolution, the Council also referenced the 2017 state rates. I propose that Council adopt a new resolution which simply matches the city rate to whatever the current state rate is, regardless of adoption date, to ensure the city and state match.
APPROVED IX. Consideration of a Motion to Approve
The Statesboro Police Department Towing Rotation and Wrecker Agreement for FY 2026.
The City maintains a Wrecker Agreement with local businesses that conduct motor vehicle tows. The Agreement provides companies with requirements in order to be used by the City to tow vehicles at the City’s request. In order to be placed on the wrecker rotation, companies must agree to, and abide with, the Agreement. As an example, if the police respond to a motor vehicle crash and a driver requires a tow from the scene, and that driver does not have a personally preferred towing service, the City will contact the next wrecker available under the rotation. This Agreement has been adopted annually by City Council. There are no proposed changes to last year’s Agreement aside from the dates.
APPROVED X. Consideration of a Motion to Rescind and Approve Amended Application
Rescinding previous approval of a $19,969.50 application from Centurion Property III South, LLC dba South Apartment, and approving an amended application for $9,969.50 under the Security Enhancement Program, contingent on eligibility requirements.
APPROVED XI. Consideration of a Motion to Approve
Two lease renewal agreements with Georgia Southern University for 58 East Main Street and 62 East Main Street, from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
APPROVED XII. Consideration of a Motion to Approve
A contract with Southern Asbestos Abatement Co. for asbestos abatement at 31 Lovett Street (Tax Parcel S08 000039 000).
In 2012, 31 Lovett Street was identified as an unsafe structure within the City of Statesboro. This was reaffirmed in 2021, which resulted in the City beginning the process court of proceedings to ensure the demolition or reconstruction of this building. While an initial demolition order was granted by the municipal court, budget constraints prevented the City from proceeding with demolition. In 2025, a new order was granted on the property.
APPROVED XIII. Consideration of a Motion to Approve
A contract with JRD, LLC to demolish multiple structures on the City Demolition List.
In 2025 the Code Enforcement Division identified a listing of structures requiring demolition. Using ARPA interest funds, multiple high priority structures were selected for demolition, with a low bid being received from JRD, LLC.
APPROVED XIV. Consideration of a Motion to Approve
The purchase of battery-operated vehicle extrication equipment for $35,450.00, funded by 2019 SPLOST.
The Fire Department is requesting to purchase a set of battery-operated hydraulic extrication tools. These tools will replace some of the department’s aging equipment and offer greater mobility, faster deployment, and increased efficiency during emergency responses. Battery-operated systems eliminate the need for power units and hoses, reducing setup time and allowing our crews to work more safely and effectively in confined or hazardous environments. This set includes Cutters, Spreaders and a Telescoping Ram. This is a sole source purchase in the amount of $35,450.00 and will be funded using 2019 SPLOST funds.
APPROVED XV. Consideration of a Motion to Approve
The purchase of a diesel pump from Xylem Dewatering Solutions for $59,869.46, to be used at the landfill by the Solid Waste Disposal Division (Item SWD-12), funded by SWD Operating Revenues.
This water transfer pump will be purchased to drain borrow pits of ground water to extract clay soil for use at the City/County Solid Waste Disposal Facility to cover the Inert landfill material. This pump is essential in order to extract this clay material efficiently to keep inert landfill within EPD compliance. This pump will be funded, in the amount of $59,869.46, from the FY 2025 Solid Waste Disposal budget.
The Florida Sheriff’s Contract #091219 meets all requirements, specifications and warranty needed. This pump will be on 8-year rotation to minimize the downtime and maintain operational efficiency due to the continuous work load of the Inert Landfill. The amount quoted includes extended warranty on engine, transmission and emissions.
APPROVED XVI. Consideration of a Motion to Approve
Change Order #1 for $33,750 with Atlas Technical Consultants for a hydrologic and hydraulic study of Little Lotts Creek, related to the West Main St./Johnson St./MLK Dr. Intersection Improvements Project, funded by TSPLOST.
Design work on the West Main Street at Johnson Street and MLK Street project is currently in progress through a contract with Atlas Technical Consultants. During the design process, the capacity of the existing culverts at the intersection were analyzed. The analysis indicated that the culverts do not have the capacity to convey runoff from the 100-year design storm. Staff has observed occasional flooding at this intersection during storm events, and would like to address these issues. Atlas and their subconsultant, CA Engineering, recommends performing a Hydrologic and Hydraulic Study (H&H Study) of approximately 1 mile of Little Lotts Creek, from Donnie Simmons Way to West Grady Street to provide recommendations for reducing flooding in the area.
Any changes to the drainage structures will need to be closely analyzed to identify any impacts to surrounding properties. The results of this study will also affect the design of the West Main/Johnson/MLK intersection. An H&H Study of this magnitude was not included in the scope of the original contract for intersection improvements with Atlas. Atlas’ subsonsultant, CA Engineering, has prepared a proposal with a cost of $33,750 to complete the H&H Study
APPROVED XVII. Consideration of a Motion to Approve
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Youth Career Commission to provide residential development opportunities to underserved youth and young adults in Statesboro.
Reverend Wayne Williams, CEO of Youth Career Commission and citizen, requested City support for conducting this year’s developmental programs.
XVIII. Other Business from City Council
Shari Barr reminded everyone that Keep Statesboro Bulloch Beautiful applications are still open.
XIX. City Manager’s Comments
Penny shared that Statesboro will compete in the All-America City Awards later this month in Denver, Colorado. He said a team of city staff and community partners have been working hard on the presentation, with support from Georgia Southern University, Georgia Power, and the Chamber of Commerce. A rehearsal was scheduled for that evening, and the final presentation will be live-streamed on June 29.
Penny also said the Police Department is running out of cloud storage space. Although money is set aside in next year’s budget, the city may need to act sooner to stay in compliance with open records laws.
XX. Public Comments (General)
During public comments, Len Fatica, vice chair of Bulloch VOAD, urged residents to participate in the ongoing Georgia Public Service Commission election, emphasizing its significance for utility rate regulation. He expressed concern over low voter turnout, noting he was only the 21st person to vote at his precinct. Fatica also reminded the community that hurricane season had officially begun and shared that Bulloch VOAD is actively preparing for potential disasters. He recently attended the National VOAD conference in Louisville, Kentucky, and said local coordination is underway with Bulloch County Emergency Management, the fire department, and police to improve preparedness, with more details to be released in the coming weeks.
Marcus Toole, representing Habitat for Humanity, offered a public thank you to Agape Worship Center for their role in the Pine Street housing project. He stated that the church had effectively made the largest single financial contribution in Habitat’s local history by donating land that is now being used for home construction under a CHIP grant. Though the grant only reimburses about 24% of the land’s original value, Toole emphasized the significance of the church’s gift and expressed plans to visit and thank them personally.
XXI. Executive Session
Consideration of a motion to enter Executive Session to discuss Personnel Matters, Real Estate, and/or Potential Litigation, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-14-3(b).
No executive session was needed.
XXII. Adjournment
