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City Council discusses county fire service agreement termination and temporarily suspends local business license

The Statesboro City Council meeting on February 4, 2025, focused on the suspension of a local massage’s business license amid allegations of illegal activity and an in-depth discussion on the proposed changes to the Fire Protection Plan, which could significantly impact funding and service levels for the city and county.
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Statesboro Mayor and City Council members declaring February 21, 2025 as Arbor Day

The February 4, 2025, Statesboro City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Jonathan McCollar, followed by the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Pro Temp Shari Barr.

The meeting commenced with a presentation of a proclamation recognizing February 21, 2025, as Arbor Day in the City of Statesboro and acknowledging the city’s participation in the Tree City USA program. Mayor McCollar highlighted the historical significance of Arbor Day, dating back to 1872 when J. Sterling Morton proposed dedicating a special day for tree planting. He emphasized the environmental, economic, and aesthetic benefits of trees, such as reducing soil erosion, improving air quality, lowering energy costs, and enhancing property values. The mayor encouraged citizens to celebrate Arbor Day, support tree conservation efforts, and plant trees to promote well-being for current and future generations.

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Shawn Diddie, Chair of Keeping Statesboro-Bulloch Beautiful, expressed gratitude to the mayor and the council for reading the Arbor Day proclamation. She noted that the proclamation effectively covered many key benefits of trees and announced that Statesboro's Arbor Day event will be held on February 21, 2025, coinciding with Georgia Arbor Day, which marks the end of the optimal tree planting season in the state. Diddie explained that while trees can be planted year-round, late fall through February is ideal due to Georgia’s hot summers, allowing new trees to develop strong root systems.

The Arbor Day event will take place at 4 PM at the Statesboro Food Bank and will feature a food drive where each donated item earns a raffle ticket for a chance to win a fruit tree donated by Southern Scape Nursery. The event will also include a tree planting ceremony with participation from local Girl Scouts. Diddie highlighted that Statesboro has been recognized as a Tree City USA for over 30 years. She introduced members of the Georgia Forestry Commission who presented the Tree City USA flag: Paul Kitchens, Bulloch County Chief Ranger; Nick Cloyd, Forestry Ranger; and Sam Smith, Urban and Community Forestry Specialist covering 48 counties, who offers free training on tree care, planting, and pruning. Diddie encouraged the mayor, council, and the public to attend the event, emphasizing community involvement in promoting urban forestry.

During the public comments section for agenda items, no speakers came forward. The council then approved the consent agenda, which included the approval of minutes from the January 28, 2025, work session, council meeting, and executive session.

One of the topics of the meeting was the public hearing to consider revoking the business license for Lisa’s Therapeutic Massage located at 609 Brannen Street due to allegations of illegal activity. Statesboro Police Captain Jared Akins provided a comprehensive briefing on the investigation, stating that the business had been under investigation for two to three years following anonymous tips alleging illegal sexual activities. These tips remained unsubstantiated as informants refused to identify themselves or testify. In 2023, a man reported being sexually battered by a masseuse at the establishment. He claimed that staff interfered with his attempt to call 911, and although he later filed a report, follow-up attempts to identify the masseuse were unsuccessful.

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By the end of 2024, the Statesboro Police Impact Team received new information indicating that sexual activities were continuing under the form of massage services. Investigators discovered online reviews and a website listing Lisa’s Therapeutic Massage among establishments allegedly offering illicit services. Their website, while claiming a zero tolerance policy for underage prostitution and sex trafficking, provided concerning content that raised suspicions. In November 2024, an undercover officer, equipped with audio and video recording devices, visited the business. The officer was referred to a different masseuse than initially requested, and during the massage, this masseuse performed a sexual act on the officer. Following this, both the masseuse and the business manager were arrested, with the manager charged for maintaining a place where prostitution-related activities occurred.

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Attorney Michael Classens, representing business owner Chunying Hou, argued against the revocation, stating that Ms. Hou had purchased the business in late December 2023, after many of the incidents had occurred. He claimed that no substantiated complaints had arisen under Ms. Hou’s ownership and highlighted that she immediately terminated the employee involved in the undercover incident upon learning of the allegations. Classens contended that revoking the license based on the actions of an employee, without evidence of Ms. Hou’s knowledge or involvement, would be unjust.

The council engaged in extensive discussion, with Shari Barr expressing concerns about fairness and due process, suggesting a temporary suspension instead of revocation. Councilmember John Riggs supported gathering more information before making a final decision, proposing a two-week suspension. In contrast, Councilmembers Paulette Chavers and Tangie Johnson argued that the city could be held liable if the business remained open and another incident occurred. Mayor McCollar voiced strong concerns about the red flags associated with the business, emphasizing the broader implications of criminal activity. Ultimately, the council voted 3-2 in favor of suspending the business license for two weeks, with Barr, Riggs, and Ginny Hendley voting in favor, while Chavers and Johnson opposed.

In new business, the council approved Resolution 2025-04 to abandon a 17-foot-wide alley from North Walnut Street to North Main Street, running through Simmons Shopping Center. This decision followed the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority’s purchase of the property, with plans to close and redevelop the site. The council also approved a $106,000 contract with Fred Foley Construction, Inc. for constructing restroom facilities for the Streets Division and Sanitation Division at Public Works, funded through the Solid Waste Collection Fund Income and 2019 SPLOST. Additionally, the council approved a sole source purchase of Opti brand Continuous Monitoring and Adaptive Control Hardware for $49,355, part of the Stormwater STM-36 project aimed at addressing flooding issues around Lake Sal.

During the city manager's comments, Charles Penny addressed several key issues. First, he referenced the Savannah Joint Development Authority (JDA) Workforce Development Plan presented by Anna Chafin, emphasizing its importance for future community growth. He also discussed concerns about private versus public road maintenance, highlighting issues at Cobblestone Place, where private roads built to lower standards create maintenance challenges for residents unaware of their private status. Penny suggested this topic be addressed at the upcoming City Council retreat to explore policy changes ensuring roads are constructed to city standards.

Penny then provided an update on negotiations with Bulloch County regarding the Fire Protection Plan and Fire Tax District. He expressed frustration over the county’s approach, noting that they presented a proposal without prior notice, requesting control over $2.3 million in funding currently allocated to the city’s fire department. The county’s plan would redirect 60% of the $2.3 million fire tax revenue directed to the city to their operations, leaving the city with 40%. Penny argued that this shift would unfairly burden Statesboro residents, as the city has been providing fire protection for the broader five-mile district, covering 96 square miles. He recommended discontinuing automatic aid if the county’s proposal moves forward, as it would require the city to subsidize county fire services without adequate funding.

Mayor Pro Temp Shari Barr commended Penny and Mayor McCollar for their professionalism during negotiations and expressed concern about the inequity of the county’s proposal. Mayor McCollar emphasized the potential financial impact on residents, noting that ending automatic aid could significantly increase insurance costs for thousands of people in the fire district. He proposed developing a long-term fire protection plan involving the city, county, and other municipalities to address future growth and improve services countywide. Fire Chief Tim Grams supported this approach, clarifying the differences between automatic aid and full fire response and highlighting concerns about potential impacts on ISO ratings, which influence homeowners’ insurance costs.

During public comments, Marshall Webster alleged an ethics violation involving Councilwoman Chavers, claiming she voted to award a contract to a firm where her brother is CEO. He criticized Mayor McCollar for not initiating an ethics investigation, despite a formal complaint being filed. City Attorney Cain Smith clarified that the complaint had been received and forwarded as required, and the city was in the process of forming an Investigative Committee to review the matter. McCollar emphasized the city’s commitment to transparency, noting that Chavers had withdrawn her vote, which did not affect the outcome as the motion passed unanimously regardless.

The vote Webster is challenging through an ethics investigation request is regarding a MOU between Agape Church, which is pastored by Donald Chavers who is brother to City Council member Paulette Chavers, Habitat for Humanity and the City.  The project is a partnership between the church and Habitat for Humanity to build low income houses on property acquired through a community effort led by the church.  The City is applying for a CHIP grant to help fund the construction of the homes and to purchase the land from the church.   The hope is for Habitat to build a minimum of six new low income homes on the property on Pine Street.  The church is the owner of the land, which is why they are named in the MOU.  For years Agape has been leading a community effort to acquire dilapidated and condemned houses in proximity of the church in an effort to clean up the area and hopefully see it revitalized.

The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss personnel matters, real estate, and potential litigation, followed by adjournment.

View the agenda here

Continue scrolling to see the in-depth coverage of the meeting

1. CALL TO ORDER

By: Mayor Jonathan McCollar

2. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

By: Mayor Pro Tem Shari Barr

3. RECOGNITIONS/PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS

Presentation of a Proclamation recognizing February 21, 2025, as Arbor Day in the City of Statesboro and recognition of the City’s participation in the Tree City USA program. 

Mayor McCollar presented a proclamation recognizing February 21, 2025, as Arbor Day in the City of Statesboro. He highlighted the historical significance of Arbor Day, originating in 1872 when J. Sterling Morton proposed a special day for tree planting. The mayor emphasized the environmental, economic, and aesthetic benefits of trees, such as reducing soil erosion, improving air quality, lowering energy costs, and enhancing property values. He encouraged citizens to celebrate Arbor Day, support tree conservation efforts, and plant trees to promote well-being for current and future generations.

Shawn Diddie, Chair of Keeping Statesboro-Bulloch Beautiful, thanked Mayor McCollar and the City Council for reading the Arbor Day proclamation, noting that it covered many key benefits of trees. She announced that Statesboro's Arbor Day event will be held on February 21, 2025, aligning with Georgia Arbor Day, which marks the end of the optimal tree planting season in the state. Diddie explained that while trees can be planted year-round, late fall through February is ideal due to Georgia’s hot summers, giving new trees time to develop strong root systems.

The Arbor Day event will take place at 4 PM at the Statesboro Food Bank, featuring a food drive where each donated item earns a raffle ticket for a chance to win a fruit tree donated by Southern Scape Nursery. The event will also include a tree planting ceremony with participation from local Girl Scouts.

Diddie highlighted that Statesboro has been recognized as a Tree City USA for over 30 years. He introduced members of the Georgia Forestry Commission who presented the Tree City USA flag:

  • Paul Kitchens, Bulloch County Chief Ranger
  • Nick Kloid, Forestry Ranger
  • Sam Smith, Urban and Community Forestry Specialist covering 48 counties, who offers free training on tree care, planting, and pruning.

He encouraged the mayor, council, and the public to attend the event, emphasizing community involvement in promoting urban forestry.

4. PUBLIC COMMENTS (Agenda Item)

None

APPORVED 5. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA

Approval of Minutes:
a) January 28, 2025, Work Session Minutes
b) January 28, 2025, Council Minutes
c) January 28, 2025, Executive Session Minutes

6. PUBLIC HEARING

Hearing to Consider a Motion to Revoke a massage parlor license for Lisa’s Therapeutic Massage located at 609 Brannen Street on the grounds that illegal activity has occurred at the business location. This hearing is conducted pursuant to City of Statesboro Ordinances 18-141 and 18-143. On November 14, 2024 Statesboro Police Department conducted an undercover operation at subject business. Chunying Hou and Jiaxiang Li were both arrested on prostitution related charges.

Statesboro Police Captain Jared Akins provided a detailed briefing regarding the investigation into Lisa’s Therapeutic Massage located at 609 Brannen Street. The business had been under scrutiny for two to three years following anonymous tips alleging illegal sexual activities. However, these tips remained unsubstantiated as the informants refused to identify themselves or testify.

In 2023, a man reported being sexually battered by one of the masseuses. He attempted to call 911 from his cell phone, but alleged that staff interfered with his ability to do so. Although he later filed a report, follow-up attempts to identify and contact the masseuse were unsuccessful, leaving the case unresolved.

By the end of 2024, the Statesboro Police Impact Team received new information indicating that sexual activities were continuing under the guise of massage services. Investigators discovered online reviews and a website that listed Lisa’s Therapeutic Massage among establishments offering illicit services. This website, while claiming a zero-tolerance policy for underage prostitution and sex trafficking, provided concerning guidance on such businesses, raising further suspicions.

In November 2024, an undercover officer, equipped with audio and video recording devices, visited the business. Although the officer initially requested a specific masseuse suspected of misconduct, he was informed that she no longer worked there and was referred to another employee. During the massage, this masseuse performed a sexual act on the officer. The officer promptly exited and briefed the Impact Team, leading to the arrest of the masseuse.

Further investigation revealed that the original masseuse involved in earlier allegations had returned to work at the business. During an interview with the manager, probable cause was established to arrest her for maintaining a place where prostitution-related activities occurred.

Attorney Michael Classens, representing the business owner of Lisa’s Therapeutic Massage, argued against the revocation of the business license, emphasizing that the current owner, Ms. Hou, purchased the business in late December 2023. Classens pointed out that many of the incidents mentioned, including the August 2023 report, occurred before Ms. Hou’s ownership.

Classens stated that no complaints have been substantiated during Ms. Hou’s time as owner, and the allegations rely heavily on anonymous online tips and reviews, which he claimed lack credibility. He acknowledged the November 2024 undercover operation, where a masseuse was arrested following an alleged sexual act. However, he stressed that Ms. Hou was not present during the incident and was unaware of it until informed by law enforcement the following day. Upon learning of the allegation, Ms. Hou immediately fired the employee involved.

Classens argued that the charge of maintaining a house of prostitution requires proof of commercialization, meaning an exchange of money specifically for sexual services. He emphasized that during the undercover operation, the officer paid the standard $50 fee for a half hour massage, with no additional money exchanged or discussions suggesting payment for sexual activities.

He contended that Ms. Hou has been a law abiding business owner, meeting all the city’s licensing requirements, and has taken appropriate action when misconduct was brought to her attention. Classens concluded that revoking Ms. Hou’s business license based on the actions of an employee, without evidence of her knowledge or involvement, would be unjust, especially as the allegations are still pending in court.

During the City Council meeting, the discussion surrounding the potential revocation of Lisa’s Therapeutic Massage business license was both extensive and contentious. Councilmember Shari Barr expressed concerns about the fairness of revoking a business license before a court ruling had been made. She emphasized the importance of due process and suggested a temporary suspension instead of permanent revocation, allowing time for more information to be gathered without immediately jeopardizing the business owner’s livelihood. Councilmember John Riggs agreed with the need for further investigation, proposing a two-week suspension to allow time for additional questions to be posed to both law enforcement and the business’s attorney. He acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations but stressed the importance of gathering all relevant facts before reaching a final decision.

In contrast, Councilmembers Paulette Chavers and Tangie Johnson argued that the city could be held liable if the business remained open and another incident occurred. Johnson stated that allowing the business to continue operating under such circumstances would be irresponsible, citing concerns not just about the alleged prostitution but also the potential for human trafficking. Chavers and the mayor agreed that they have closed businesses down for less in the past.  Both councilmembers felt that the risk to public safety outweighed concerns about the business owner’s rights.

Mayor McCollar highlighted several “red flags” associated with the business, including the broader implications of criminal activity. He expressed discomfort with the idea of the business continuing to operate while these serious allegations were unresolved, noting that he could not, in good conscience, support keeping the doors open without definitive answers. 

The city attorney clarified that the council had three options: revoke the license, suspend it, or take no action. Unlike cases involving alcohol licenses, where fines can be issued, this situation only allowed for suspension or revocation. The attorney also noted that the length of any suspension was at the council’s discretion.

Ultimately, Riggs’ motion to suspend the business license for two weeks passed with a 3-2 vote. Councilmembers Shari Barr, John Riggs, and Ginny Hendley voted in favor of the suspension, while Paulette Chavers and Tangie Johnson opposed it. The business will remain closed during this period, with the council set to reassess the situation at their next meeting after gathering additional information from law enforcement and legal counsel.

7. NEW BUSINESS

APPROVED Consideration of a Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-04: A resolution to abandon the 17' wide +/- alley from North Walnut Street to North Main Street, which runs through Simmons Shopping Center. 

In September 2024 the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority (DSDA) purchased the Simmons Shopping Center property, located between North Walnut Street and North Main Street. Located within the center of this property is a private parking lot and the subject City alley. The DSDA seeks to close and redevelop the Simmons Shopping Center property and its parking lot, negating the need for this alley, and is requesting the City to abandon and dispose of this alley. Pursuant to OCGA 32-7-2, when it is determined that a section of the municipal street system has for any reason ceased to be used by the public to the extent no substantial public purpose is service by it or that its removal from the municipal street system is otherwise in the best public interest, the municipality may declare that section of the street system abandoned. As was noted in previous right of way abandonment processes, the city attorney has advised that Georgia case law provides the Mayor and City Council with broad discretion in determining what is in the public interest in consideration of abandonment. Therefore, I am of the opinion that the Mayor and City Council consider formally abandoning and closing this alley and convey the property to the adjacent property owners, along its centerline, with the caveat that utility easements, where deemed nece

APPROVED Consideration of a Motion to Award a Contract in the amount of $106,000.00 to Fred Foley Construction, Inc. for the construction of restroom facilities for the Streets Division and the Sanitation Division at Public Works. Funding from Solid Waste Collection Fund Income and 2019 SPLOST. 

These two facility improvements are at Public Works, located at 5 Braswell Street. The Street Division restroom would complement the existing offices currently in use that does not have a restroom. The Sanitation Division currently has a single restroom and it does not adequately serve the diverse workforce of the Division. Additionally, the Sanitation facility is often used for training and emergency response staffing by outside groups. CIP# STS-126 is budgeted at $75,000.00 in FY2025. CIP# SWC-30 has a budget of $70,000.00 and is a carryover due to initial bids being over-budget. These two projects were bid together in order to obtain the lowest, most competitive possible bid due to an economy of scale factor for both these project

APPROVED Consideration of a Motion to Approve a Sole Source Purchase of Opti brand Continuous Monitoring and Adaptive Control Hardware in the amount of $49,355.00 from Opti by Aliaxis (Opti) as part of the Stormwater STM-36 project. This contract covers hardware for the continuous monitoring and adaptive control system (CMAC) for the Lake Sal project, funded from 2013 SPLOST. 

STM-36 is an active CIP to eliminate the ongoing flooding at the inlet of Lake Sal and around the emergency overflow. This project is in the design and construction of the conceptual solution from task order #6, approved by Council on October 4th 2022. Several design challenges have occurred so the decision was made to separate the project into two phases. The installation of the CMAC was separated from the original project to expedite the start of construction, since the other components of the plan still have to be permitted by EPD and the Corps of Engineers. This contract will be in conjunction with a proposal to install the CMAC at the Lake Sal structure which will be presented to Council in a few weeks. Opti recommended the City approves the hardware contract in order to start the lead-time for parts to be delivered. By approving the hardware contract, the installer can mobilize sooner.

8. OTHER BUSINESS FROM CITY COUNCIL

NONE

9. CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS

During the City Manager's comments, two key topics were addressed. First, the City Manager referenced the Savannah Joint Development Authority (JDA) Workforce Development Plan, noting that Anna Chafin, President and CEO of RISE (Regional Industry Support Enterprise) had recently presented on this topic. She had promised to provide an executive summary, which has since been distributed to council members. The City Manager emphasized the significance of the report, highlighting its importance for the future growth and development of the community. Although the summary is concise, the information within is considered critical for understanding workforce trends and planning for long-term community needs.

The second topic focused on Cobblestone Place and broader concerns about private versus public road maintenance. The City Manager pointed out the increasing development in the community and the need to ensure that new roads are constructed to city standards. Developers currently have the option to build either public or private roads. When private roads are created, they often do not meet the city’s construction standards. Problems arise when homeowners, unaware that their roads are private, experience issues like potholes and then contact the city expecting repairs. This leads to confusion and frustration, as the city is not responsible for maintaining private roads. The City Manager suggested that this issue be discussed further during the upcoming City Council retreat, with the possibility of implementing policies that require developers to build roads to city standards. This would help prevent future residents from being left with the burden of maintaining substandard private roads after developers have moved on.

Lastly, Penny provided an update on the recent meeting with Bulloch County officials regarding the Fire Protection Plan and Fire Tax District. He expressed frustration over the county's approach, noting that instead of sharing a proposal ahead of time for review, the county presented a plan during the meeting without prior notice. Currently, the city receives 2.7 mills in property tax revenue from the fire district, amounting to approximately $2.3 million, which helps fund the city’s fire department, including staffing increases from 48 to 69 firefighters with the county’s prior knowledge. The county now proposes to reallocate these funds, increasing the tax to 3 mills and claiming 60% of the revenue (around $3 million) for their own fire department operations, leaving the city with 40% of the funding. This shift would significantly impact the city’s ability to maintain current fire services.

Penny highlighted concerns about fairness, explaining that the city has been providing fire protection not only within the city limits but also in the broader five-mile fire district, which covers 96 square miles, compared to the city’s 17 square miles. He emphasized that it’s unfair to Statesboro residents to continue subsidizing county fire protection. The county also proposed splitting the fire district, with each entity covering different areas, yet still expecting the city to provide automatic aid without equitable funding. Penny stated that he recommended discontinuing automatic aid if the county’s proposal moves forward.

He concluded by informing the council that the current fire agreement is set to terminate on July 1, 2025, unless a new agreement is reached. The matter will be discussed in detail during the City Council retreat on March 14-15, where staff will present options for sustaining fire services without county funding. Penny expressed his commitment to following the council’s direction, though he made it clear that he would not recommend accepting the county’s proposal as it currently stands, as it could jeopardize the city’s fire services and potentially result in layoffs, something he strongly opposes given the city's dedication to its employees.

After hearing this, Councilwoman Chavers stated that she was at a lost for words. 

Mayor Pro-Temp Shari Barr addressed two key issues during the meeting. Regarding Cobblestone Place, she emphasized the challenges the city faces when developers or homeowners' associations request the city to take over private streets. Barr explained that these streets are often built narrower and with lower-quality materials, making them more costly to maintain. She stressed the importance of buyer awareness, urging potential homeowners to consult realtors and review covenants to understand if their streets are private, as it’s unfair for the city to assume responsibility for roads not built to city standards.

On the topic of the Fire Protection Plan and Fire Tax District, Barr commended City Manager Charles Penny and Mayor McCollar for their professionalism in negotiating with the county. She expressed concern about the county’s inequitable proposal, which expects the city to continue providing fire services in the five-mile district while receiving significantly reduced funding, eventually no funding, for those services. Barr highlighted that this arrangement would place an unfair financial burden on the city and jeopardize fire protection for residents both inside and outside of Statesboro. She hopes for a more equitable agreement that fairly compensates the city for its services.

Mayor Jonathan McCollar emphasized the financial impact that ending automatic aid would have on residents in the fire district, noting that without this support, insurance costs for thousands of people would increase significantly, effectively acting as an additional tax. He highlighted the challenges faced by rural areas in Bulloch County, where many residents have ISO ratings of 10, meaning if a fire breaks out, there's a high likelihood that their homes could be severely damaged or destroyed before help arrives.

McCollar criticized the county’s current approach as short-sighted, especially given the rapid growth occurring not only in Statesboro and the five-mile district but also in southern parts of the county, including areas like Nevil and Stilson, where residents already deal with high insurance costs due to inadequate fire protection.

To address these issues, McCollar proposed the creation of a long-term fire protection plan involving the City of Statesboro, other municipalities, and the county. This collaborative strategy would aim to improve fire services countywide, reduce insurance costs for rural residents, and ensure the community is better prepared for future growth. He also called on Fire Chief Grams to provide additional insights to support this plan.

Fire Chief Tim Grams emphasized that the current discussions about the fire protection plan are not about the firefighters or their capabilities, but rather about which entity—Statesboro or Bulloch County—can provide the best service for the greater good. He praised both Statesboro and Bulloch County firefighters for their skills and dedication, noting that both teams are well-trained and capable.

Grams clarified the distinction between automatic aid and a full fire response. Currently, Statesboro provides a full complement of 17 to 20 firefighters with five apparatus when responding within the fire district, ensuring an equitable level of service as within city limits. Automatic aid, however, is different—it involves sending just one engine with a crew when responding to calls in the county under mutual agreements. While this automatic aid provides immediate support, Bulloch County would be responsible for the full response if they take over certain areas. Although mutual aid could still be requested beyond automatic aid, the initial response time and resources would be significantly affected.

Grams also highlighted concerns about the potential impact on ISO (Insurance Services Office) ratings, which influence homeowners’ insurance costs. Statesboro currently holds a Class 2 ISO rating for the fire district, thanks to its ability to maintain a consistent water flow of 250 gallons per minute for four hours, regardless of property proximity to water sources. In contrast, Bulloch County has a split ISO classification of 4/4Y, meaning properties must meet two criteria to maintain the lower rating: being within five road miles of a fire station and within 1,000 feet of a credible water source. Grams pointed out that many properties in the county do not meet the water source requirement, which could lead to higher insurance premiums if automatic aid is reduced or eliminated.

He concluded by expressing the department’s willingness to support the city’s decisions, while acknowledging the differing viewpoints between the city and county regarding fire protection and resource allocation.

City Manager Penny addressed a key issue in the fire protection negotiations, noting that a sticking point in the agreement is the clause that prohibits the county from building a fire station within the existing fire district. Penny clarified that he did not negotiate this clause, as it was part of earlier agreements. While he personally doesn’t have strong objections to the county building a station in the district, his primary concern is ensuring there are enough firefighters on the ground to provide adequate response times. He highlighted that current response times of 18 to 20 minutes in some areas are concerning and that efforts should focus on reducing these times to improve public safety.

Mayor McCollar argued that allowing the county to build a fire station within the district would create a situation of double taxation. He explained that citizens of Statesboro would be paying twice, once for city fire services and again for the county’s operations, since the county would be using funds generated from Statesboro taxpayers to build and maintain these stations. The mayor stressed the need to protect city residents from this financial burden, framing it as an unfair cost for services that should already be covered by existing taxes.

Mayor Pro-Temp Barr acknowledged the complexity of the fire protection negotiations, expressing her appreciation for the additional context provided by Fire Chief Tim Grams. She clarified her understanding that under the county’s current proposal, Statesboro would no longer be required to provide the same full level of fire service to parts of the five-mile district but would still be obligated to offer automatic aid, which involves dispatching a single fire engine without any reimbursement from the county. This would result in residents of the northern portion of the district receiving reduced fire protection, compared to the comprehensive services they currently have.

Grams confirmed Barr’s understanding, explaining that the county’s proposal would shift primary responsibility for the northern half of the fire district to the county, where Statesboro’s role would be limited to automatic aid. Meanwhile, the southern portion of the district would continue to receive the city’s full complement of fire services—but only for one additional year. After that, the county plans to assume full responsibility, with the interim year serving as time for them to build the necessary fire infrastructure, which is currently lacking in areas like Highway 67 and Meadows Road.

Grams stressed that automatic aid should be mutually beneficial, noting that its current value to Statesboro lies in the county’s tankers for water shuttling. If that benefit diminishes, he recommended shifting to a mutual aid agreement, which allows for support upon request rather than automatic dispatch. He emphasized that mutual aid should remain intact, regardless of the outcome of the negotiations, as it serves the broader interest of community safety.

Barr concluded by expressing an understanding of the county’s efforts to improve fire protection across its expanding population. While she acknowledged that the proposal is inequitable for Statesboro, she appreciated the county’s intention to enhance fire services in underserved areas. Barr emphasized the importance of finding a balanced solution that supports county-wide improvements without compromising the safety of residents who currently rely on the city’s fire protection.

10. PUBLIC COMMENTS (General)

During the public comments portion of the meeting, Marshall Webster addressed the City Council, alleging an ethics violation involving Councilwoman Paulette Chavers. Webster claimed that Chavers knowingly and illegally voted to award a city contract to a firm where her brother serves as CEO. He described this as both a breach of city law and a serious ethical violation, citing the city code and general public expectations for elected officials.

Webster stated that he filed an ethics complaint with Mayor Jonathan McCollar two days after the incident. According to Webster, the mayor responded via email, indicating that the error had been caught after the meeting and that corrective action had been taken, specifically, Chavers had withdrawn her vote via email, and the correction would be reflected in the meeting’s official record.

Webster criticized this response, asserting that the issue was only addressed because it had been “caught” by outside attention, not through internal accountability. He argued that there are no “do-overs” when legal or ethical violations occur and accused the mayor of refusing to initiate an ethics investigation, which he claimed constitutes another violation of the city code.

After amending his complaint to include Mayor McCollar, Webster forwarded it to Mayor Pro-Temp Shari Barr, who he said also declined to initiate an ethics investigation. Webster concluded by stating he is in contact with law enforcement and legal counsel to determine next steps. He questioned the integrity of the council’s contracting practices, suggesting a broader issue of potential undetected corruption, and declared his intent to pursue the matter further.

Following Webster’s comments, Mayor McCollar deferred the matter to City Attorney Cain Smith. Smith confirmed that the mayor had received the verified ethics complaint and had forwarded it to Councilwoman Paulette Chavers as part of the required process. He stated that a response has been provided, and discussions are underway regarding the formation of a three-member City Council Investigative Committee, in accordance with the procedures outlined in the city code. This committee would be responsible for reviewing the complaint and determining any further actions.

Mayor Jonathan McCollar responded by clarifying that the city had been actively working on the matter in coordination with the city attorney, emphasizing that the situation was addressed promptly once the error was identified. He noted that Councilwoman Chavers had withdrawn her vote via email after the issue was caught. However, with or without her vote, the motion had passed unanimously, meaning it would have carried regardless of her participation.

McCollar highlighted the city's commitment to transparency and stated that the city would proceed with the formation of an Investigative Committee to review the complaint, as required by the city code. As the discussion continued, there was a disagreement between Webster and McCollar regarding the interpretation of previous communications related to the complaint. McCollar stressed that the city did not dismiss the complaint and had been following the appropriate process. Despite the tense exchange, McCollar reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the matter would be handled in accordance with the law and that the city remains dedicated to fairness and accountability.

11. EXECUTIVE SESSION

  • Consideration of a Motion to Enter into Executive Session to discuss “Personnel Matters,” “Real Estate,” and/or “Potential Litigation” in accordance with O.C.G.A 50-14-3(b).

No action was taken during executive session  

12. ADJOURNMENT