Statesboro City Council advances fire station, website, and insurance projects

Statesboro City Council’s August 5, 2025 meeting focused on advancing several major initiatives, including finalizing financing and access improvements for Fire Station #3, approving a four-year contract to redesign the city’s website, and renewing nearly $1.9 million in insurance coverage for city operations.

A large portion of the meeting focused on Fire Station #3, a project city officials hope to complete by June 2026. Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the public sale of land to the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) as part of a financing arrangement that will allow the city to lease the land back during construction and eventually regain full ownership. City Manager Charles Penny explained the approach is commonly used in Georgia to navigate state financing laws, adding that a required public hearing will take place at the council’s first meeting in September. The council also accepted a 0.638-acre right-of-way deed from property owner Robbie Franklin at no cost to the city, allowing for the construction of a new access road to the rear of the fire station. A $41,000 contract with EMC Engineering Services, Inc. was approved to design the road. Penny noted that EMC is also the site engineer for the general contractor, Lavender & Associates, which he said will ensure strong coordination between both projects.

Council also gave final approval to Ordinance 2025-04, amending Chapter 82 of the city’s code of ordinances to remove language that required customers to pay for water and sewer services even if they didn’t use them. The ordinance also replaces outdated references to the “City Engineer” with “Public Utilities Director” to reflect the city’s current organizational structure. Penny and staff said the changes will help prevent billing complications and clarify responsibility.

The city’s annual insurance renewals were also approved. Coverage for general liability, property and casualty was renewed with Travelers for $1,330,939, while workers compensation coverage was renewed with Bitco for $561,507. The policies were brokered by Assured Partners for a one-year term. Penny noted the city’s growing fleet and rising property values contributed to increased premiums but emphasized that coverage remains essential.

Council approved a routine renewal agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration, continuing the city’s longstanding partnership to host FAA-owned navigation, weather, and communication infrastructure at the regional airport.

One of the more anticipated items was the award of a four-year contract to Revize for the development and maintenance of a new city website. The first year of the contract includes $36,100 for design and implementation, followed by three years of support at $12,200 annually. Penny said the city received ten proposals and narrowed them down to three finalists, with Revize ultimately selected by a unanimous committee vote. The redesign, expected to take six to eight months, will produce a more mobile-friendly, intuitive, and accessible website. “Layne would be really excited to get started,” Penny added, referencing the Public Affairs Manager who has championed the project for several years.

Council also approved two significant equipment purchases. A new Pac-Mac KB-20 Grapple Loader Truck was approved for $225,624, funded by 2023 TSPLOST. Penny noted that the cost has tripled since the city first began using such trucks but said it remains vital to street maintenance and vegetation removal. A Hyster H50A Lift Truck was also approved for $37,140, replacing a 34-year-old forklift. Penny joked that the city had gotten its money’s worth on the old unit—roughly $1,000 per year of use.

Two task orders were approved for TSPLOST-funded engineering work. The first, for $31,500, was awarded to Atlas Technical Consultants to conduct Phase I and limited Phase II environmental assessments along West Main, Johnson Street, and MLK Drive—areas with historic underground storage tanks and former auto shops. The second task order, awarded to Cranston, LLC for $33,200, will support the design of a new city-owned parking lot at 45 West Main Street. The lot will offset lost on-street parking during the upcoming West Main streetscape project and is expected to provide a net increase in available spaces. Mayor Pro-Temp Shari Barr voiced her support for making the lot environmentally friendly and encouraged the use of permeable materials to reduce runoff.

During the city manager’s comments, Penny informed councilmembers that the Fire Department is considering transitioning to a 48/96 shift schedule, in which firefighters would work 48 hours and then be off for 96. He said a committee of department members developed the proposal to provide more predictable time off and improve work-life balance. The schedule change will not affect overall work hours but could lead to better planning and morale.

Penny also shared his recent appearance at a Bulloch County Board of Education meeting, where he spoke in his personal capacity in support of a proposed 10.4 mill school millage rate. He emphasized the role strong school systems play in economic development and community quality of life. “People don’t move to communities where they don’t believe their child can get a good education,” he said, urging residents to support local schools. Penny explained that the school system faces an $8 million shortfall due to a combination of state-level funding changes and the impact of House Bill 581. While the school board has consistently rolled back the millage rate over the past decade, this year’s proposal aims to reduce the deficit without exhausting the system’s fund balance.

Before closing the meeting, Mayor Pro-Temp Shari Barr offered a heartfelt remembrance of longtime community member Joe McGlamery, describing him as a “mighty fine fellow” who will be missed by many. Joe McGlamery was well known for his years in local media including the Statesboro Herald and his passion for community engagement.

The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session to discuss personnel matters, real estate, and potential litigation.

City Council Agenda Packet

I. Call to Order

II. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

III. Public Comments (Agenda Item)

IV. Consent Agenda

Approval of Minutes

July 15, 2025 Council Minutes

APPROVED V. Second Reading & Consideration of Ordinance

Ordinance 2025-04: An Ordinance amending Chapter 82 of the Statesboro Code of Ordinances to remove language concerning water and/or sewer charges for customers not utilizing the services, and to replace “City Engineer” with “Public Utilities Director.”

At the June 17, 2025 work session, the Mayor and Council were presented with concerns regarding the ordinance language which states that utility customers must pay for water and/or sewer at such time that it becomes available, whether or not they utilize these services. Citing case law, the City Attorney recommended that this language be removed. Also, the original ordinance was written with the City Engineer as the department head over utilities. In an effort to allow for proper assignment of duties within Chapter 82-Utilities, it is recommended to replace City Engineer with Director of Public Utilities. The First Reading was included on the July 15, 2025 Council Agenda.

APPROVED VI. Consideration of Resolution

Resolution 2025-20: A Resolution to authorize the public sale of real property and the holding of a public hearing relating to the construction of a new Fire Station for the City.

City desires to enter into a tax-exempt financing transaction with the Georgia Municipal Association in order to provide funding for Fire Station #3. This resolution allows for the sale of the property to GMA, which is necessary under the contemplated financing instrument.

-Penny said they wanted to be done with the new fire station by next June.

APPROVED VII. Right-of-Way Acceptance

Acceptance of a right-of-way deed for 0.638 acres on Brannen Street for the construction of a new street to serve Fire Station #3.

During the preliminary design for the fire station #3 on Brannen Street it was determined that access to the rear of the station would best be provided by mean of access from a driveway to the side property line versus a driveway that circulates around the facility from the Brannen Street frontage. This proposal will provide for that road and reserves options for future fire station expansions and an additional area for staging/testing apparatus adjacent to the station. The right of way is being deeded to the City at no cost. The City will be responsible for design and construction of the proposed street.

APPROVED VIII. Engineering Services Contract

Award of contract to EMC Engineering Services Inc. for design and professional engineering services for a new access road for Fire Station #3 in the amount of $41,000.00 (TSPLOST funded).

During the preliminary design for the fire station #3 on Brannen Street it was determined that access to the rear of the station would best be provided by mean of access from a driveway to the side property line versus a driveway that circulates around the facility from the Brannen Street frontage. This proposal will provide the survey, geotechnical, permitting, engineering and construction services support for the new street. EMC Engineering Services Inc is also the site engineer for general contractor, Lavender & Associates, for the new Fire Station #3. Having the same engineer perform engineering services for both projects in close proximity will alleviate any scheduling or compatibility concerns and will ensure coordinated and efficient projects.

APPROVED IX. Insurance Policy Renewals

Award of renewals for:

General Liability Property and Casualty (P&C) to Travelers for $1,330,939.00
Workers Compensation coverage to Bitco for $561,507.00
Policies brokered by Assured Partners for a one-year term.

The City of Statesboro’s General Liability Property & Casualty (P&C), Workers Compensation and Health insurance coverages are marketed through our contracted brokers for each of these areas. Currently, our General Liability P&C and Workers Compensation is brokered by Assured Partners (Statesboro) and our Health insurance is brokered by NFP (Statesboro). These selected brokers shop all available markets and submit to the City their recommended carriers based on pricing and performance. These two new coverage policies will be for a period ending July 1, of 2026. Please note the totals above do not contain the policies for Cyber, Drone, Fire Department facilities and equipment and Assured Partners Risk Control due to these four polices renew January 1, of 2026. The Assured Partners Risk Control is a program that evaluates and attempts to mitigate the City’s risks. This program works with our current Safety Program conducted through our Human Resources Department. Fire facilities and equipment are insured by VFIS which is a fire specialty insurer that provides specialized training and the replacement of equipment at current market value. As of fiscal year 2027, it is our goal to have all our insurance coverages run concurrent with our fiscal year budget. This will allow the City to bid out all policies at once in hopes of getting better volume pricing and efficiency. The increase in our General Liability premium is due to additional vehicles and increased rates to insure each vehicle and property value increases. In addition to specific departmental charges (PD and Public Officials etc…) the premiums are charged out to departments based on the percentage of our budget each department represents. These contracted premiums are based on current personnel totals and current property owned by the City. Any changes in these areas during the year will result in potential increases in yearly premiums as we are audited throughout the year.

APPROVED X. FAA Memorandum of Agreement

Approval of a Memorandum of Agreement between the City, Bulloch County, and the FAA regarding installation and use of FAA-owned navigation, communication, and weather aid facilities.

FAA has maintained these facilities at the airport for decades. This is merely a renewal agreement

APPROVED XI. Website Contract

Award of a four-year contract to Revize Firms for a comprehensive City website in the amount of:

$36,100.00 for the first year (includes $23,900 design + $12,200 support)
$12,200.00 annually for years two through four (support)
Funded from Contractual Services Fund (Central Services)

The City of Statesboro issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide a new website. This contract will include design, implementation and support. We received ten (10) responses and our evaluation committee selected three (3) to offer presentations based on their RFP responses. The firms that offered presentations were: 1. Civic Plus 2. Planeteria 3. Revize Firms were evaluated based on experience, staff, design and cost. Our evaluation committee took all these factors into consideration and selected Revize. All three had a cost within the same range and offered good products as well. Revize’s yearly support cost of $12,200.00 is less than the current yearly support fee we currently pay our current provider. We felt Revize excelled in many categories and was the best fit for the City of Statesboro’s mission concerning our website needs. Our website is a major source for public information, employee access and an important image we project as a City. Revize’s product is innovative, responsive and seems to be more flexible in that it can grow with the City’s changing needs over the years. Revize scored the highest in all our ratings and was the unanimous selection for our recommendation. If approved, it is expected to take approximately 6-8 months to fully implement the new website. Budget Impact: This contract would be budgeted out of the Contractual Services Fund in Central Services (605.1535.5238501).

APPROVED XII. Equipment Purchase – Lift Truck

Award of contract to Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. for purchase of a Hyster H50A Lift Truck for $37,140.00

Sourcewell cooperative contract
Funded from FY2026 CIP Budget (WWD-208 and NGD-110)

We are proposing to replace the existing 1991 Nissan Forklift (34 years old) with a new unit, utilizing the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract (#053024-HYS expires 7/23/2028). The existing forklift is well past its useful life and is no longer reliable for daily use. The new unit will be purchased through Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. and will be sold and serviced through the Savannah distributor, LiftOne Savannah. The budget estimate was $40,000.00 and the unit quote received was $37,140.00. Budget Impact: Funds were approved in the FY2026 CIP, WWD-208 and NGD-110, utilizing system revenues.

APPROVED XIII. Equipment Purchase – Grapple Loader Truck

Approval to purchase a 2026 Pac-Mac KB-20 Grapple Loader Truck for $225,624.00 from Sansom Equipment Company

Sourcewell Contract
Funded by 2023 TSPLOST

This new Freightliner model Pac-Mac 20’ Grapple Truck would be utilized in the Streets Division of Public Works. This equipment will be used for removing vegetation from roadway clear zones. Staff proposes to purchase the equipment using Sourcewell Contract # 040621-HMC. The City has utilized the equipment vendor for purchases of similar equipment in the Sanitation Division. Budget Impact: The cost to purchase this equipment is $225,624.00. STS-128 has $250,000 in 2023 TSPLOST funds budgeted in FY 2026 for the purchase of this equipment.

APPROVED XIV. Environmental Site Assessment Task Order

Approval of a $31,500 Task Order with Atlas Technical Consultants for Phase I and Limited Phase II Environmental Site Assessment

Related to ENG-123c West Main St./Johnson St./MLK Dr. Intersection Improvement 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. Some of the properties within the project footprint include the presence of underground storage tanks as well as the historical use of automotive repair shop operations. A Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessment is needed to assess environmental concerns on these properties and protect the City from liability imposed by the Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). The proposed construction project will impact these properties, and includes areas where right of way will need to be acquired. The scope of this proposal includes a Phase I ESA of the properties as well as a Limited Phase II Environmental Site Assessment that includes research of historical data, interviews and contacts with local officials, site reconnaissance, soil borings, soil sample laboratory analysis, groundwater sampling, and reporting. This work was not included in the scope of the original project design contract. Budget Impact: ENG-123c has a total budgeted amount of $4,700,000 for design and construction from 2023 TSPLOST funds. The original design contract with Atlas was in the amount of $399,800. Change Order #1 for an H&H Study of Little Lotts Creek was previously approved in the amount of $33,750. The total cost of Change Order #2 is $31,500.

APPROVED XV. Parking Lot Design Task Order

Approval of a $33,200 Task Order with Cranston, LLC for design of a new City parking lot at 45 West Main Street

Part of ENG-92 West Main Streetscape Project
Funded by TSPLOST

Engineering design work on the West Main Streetscape Project is currently in progress through a contract with Cranston, LLC. Property at 45 West Main St. has been acquired by the City for construction of a parking lot. Some on-street parking will be eliminated in the proposed construction of the streetscape project. The construction of the new parking lot at 45 West Main St. will include approximately 36 parking spaces and provide a net increase in downtown parking spaces when the project is complete. Currently there are approximately 33 parking spaces in the West Main area (excluding the existing West Main/South College St. parking lot), and this proposed design will increase the total number of spaces to approximately 55. In addition, the proposed parking lot would be constructed in the initial phase of the project, so as to provide needed parking in the area during construction on West Main St. The scope of this proposal includes topographical survey, drainage design, preliminary plans, final plans, erosion control design, irrigation design, landscaping design, and opinion of probable cost. This work was not included in the scope of the original project design contract. Budget Impact: ENG-92 has a total budgeted amount of $2,300,000 for design and construction from 2018 TSPLOST funds. The original design contract with Cranston was in the amount of $181,360. The total cost of this Task Order is $33,200.