The Statesboro City Council tackled a packed agenda Tuesday evening, approving a regional sales tax referendum agreement that if passed in November will reduce property taxes, annexations tied to a large mixed-use project, and several housing assistance program measures.
Property Tax Relief FLOST Agreement Approved
Council unanimously backed an intergovernmental agreement with Bulloch County, Brooklet, Portal and Register to place a 1% Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) to lower property taxes on the November 4, 2025 ballot.
If approved by voters, the sales tax would begin in January 2026 and generate revenue for property tax relief starting with the July 2027 tax cycle. Statesboro is slated to receive 17.66% of the proceeds, while the remainder would be distributed to the county and other municipalities.
City Attorney Cain Smith explained that the measure was created under HB 581, passed in 2024, and that proceeds must be used exclusively to reduce property taxes.
Annexations and Rezoning Advance Student Housing Project
Council also approved five annexation requests and a rezoning tied to VSB Development’s expansion of a planned unit development along Old Register Road. These annexation requests had been delayed due to the Bulloch County Commissioners challenge to the annexation. The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) denied the challenge based on a technical issue with the challenge.
The move adds 99.5 acres to the existing 138-acre project, creating a total 237.59-acre development slated to include student apartments, cottages, single-family homes, and commercial space phased through 2030.
Director of Planning & Development Justin Williams told council the project aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan and falls within the Old Register Road Tax Allocation District, providing a financing tool for infrastructure. Conditions of approval include storm water controls, tree canopy preservation, traffic improvements, and creation of homeowners associations.
Mayor Pro-Temp Shari Barr raised questions about bike lanes, stormwater management, and tree preservation, emphasizing the need to ensure long-term sustainability. Mayor Jonathan McCollar responded that the developer had completed the required work under city planning rules, urging council to move forward. The rezoning and annexations were approved unanimously, with the developer agreeing to continue conversations about bike-friendly infrastructure.
CHIP Program Resolutions Passed
Council approved a series of resolutions tied to the city’s Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP):
- Resolution 2025-21: Adoption of Section 3 Policies to extend HUD-related economic opportunities to low- and very low-income persons.
- Resolution 2025-22: Adoption of an updated Language Access Plan, last revised during the 2022 CDBG cycle.
- Resolution 2025-23: Approval of a Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise Outreach Plan for housing projects.
- Resolution 2025-24: Adoption of an Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan.
- A contract amendment with the Coastal Regional Commission was also approved to continue CHIP administrative services.
Other Council Actions
- Council approved surplus actions for unused police equipment, including a trailer and several firearms.
- The Statesboro Police Department received approval to purchase a pole camera for its SWAT team at $23,451, funded through SPLOST.
- A contract worth $395,040 was awarded to Tim Lanier Construction for a North Zetterower Avenue sidewalk project, funded by TSPLOST.
- Staff were authorized to negotiate with Michael Baker International for engineering design of the Bridges on the Creek project on the Blue Mile, funded by GDOT.
Council and City Manager Comments
During council comments, Mayor Pro-Temp Shari Barr promoted Thursday’s rescheduled Downtown Live concert and Saturday’s Family Fun and Research Day at New Generation Church.
City Manager Charles Penny announced three public hearings on the city’s 8.625 millage rate, set for Sept. 2 at 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and Sept. 16 during the regular council meeting. Penny also shared highlights from a tour of the new Charme student housing development, led by Texas developer Graham Brill, praising the project’s quality and near-full occupancy.
City Council Agenda
Continue reading for all business covered in the meeting.
1. Call to Order
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
3. Public Comments (Agenda Item):
APPROVED 4. Consideration of a Motion to Approve the Consent Agenda
A) Approval of Minutes
a) 08-05-2025 Council Minutes
b) 08-05-2025 Executive Session Minutes
B) Consideration of a motion to approve the surplus of a 2008 TAKE III Trailer model 53LP in the Statesboro Police Department.
The Police Department is requesting that the City Council approve “surplus action” to remove a trailer from the city inventory. This trailer has been parked at the City shops, unused, for an extended period of time. 2008 TAKE III Trailer model 53LP, VIN# 1T9LS53388B540099
C) Consideration of a motion to approve the surplus of several firearms that have exceeded their useful life in the Statesboro Police Department.
The Police Department is requesting that the City Council approve “surplus action” to remove several firearms from the city inventory. These firearms have exceeded their useful life.
APPROVED 5. Public Hearing and Consideration of a Motion to Approve:
The Statesboro City Council on Tuesday approved five annexations and a rezoning request tied to ESB Development’s expansion of a planned unit development along Old Register Road. The decision adds 99.5 acres to an existing 138-acre project that will include student apartments, cottages, single-family homes, and commercial space, with construction phasing through 2030.
Planning Director Justin Williams said the project aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan and sits inside the Old Register Road Tax Allocation District, which will help fund infrastructure. He outlined conditions requiring wetland and stormwater management plans, preservation of 35% tree canopy, traffic improvements, and creation of homeowners associations.
Councilmember Shari Barr pressed the developer on bike lanes, stormwater management, and tree canopy, raising concerns about long-term impacts of the buildout. Mayor Jonathan McCollar, however, emphasized that the developer had done the required work under the city’s planning framework and urged council to move forward with approval.
The annexations and rezoning were ultimately approved unanimously, with Barr’s concerns noted and the developer agreeing to continue conversations about bike-friendly infrastructure during future phases.
a) APPLICATION AN 25-05-04: VSB Development LLC requests an Annexation of approximately 9.15 acres of property in order to develop a PUD (Planned Development Unit) on Highway 301 South (Tax Parcel #076 000001 005).
b) APPLICATION AN 25-05-05: VSB Development LLC requests an Annexation of approximately 52 acres of property in order to develop a PUD (Planned Development Unit) on Old Register Road (Tax Parcel #076 000001 003).
c) APPLICATION AN 25-05-06: VSB Development LLC requests an Annexation of approximately 5.02 acres of property in order to develop a PUD (Planned Development Unit) at 2443 Old Register Road (Tax Parcel #077 000053 000).
d) APPLICATION AN 25-05-07: VSB Development LLC requests an Annexation of approximately 30.89 acres of property in order to develop a PUD (Planned Development Unit) at Highway 301 South (Tax Parcel #077 000059 000).
HISTORY
Timeline of the project: July 2010, the City previously received an annexation and zoning map amendment application (AN 10-06-01) to annex and rezone 291.74 acres which included a shopping center on the northeast corner of Old Register Road and of Veterans Memorial Parkway; 227.69 acres was proposed to be zoned R-40 (Single Family Residential) District and the remaining 64.05 acres proposed to be zoned PUD-CR (Planned Unit Development – Commercial Retail) District. In August 2010, the city approved the annexation and zoning map amendment request under Ordinance #2010- 17. August 2018 zoned 138.06-acres from R-40 to PUD. Currently, the annexation of 99.53-acres is being considered.
REQUEST
The petitioner is requesting a Zoning Map Amendment from a R40 (One-Household Residential) to PUD (Planned Unit Development). The property is located south of Tormenta Way, and on the west side of Old Register Road. The PUD consists of five (5) separate parcels, combined to total 237.59-acres. The majority of the property is already designated as a PUD and is part of the City’s boundaries. Remaining parcels are all adjacent to the existing PUD which are under consideration for annexation. The remaining parcels that consist of 11.62 acres to the northwest, off Highway 301, 5.02-acres to the southeast off the Old Register Road, 52.00 acres to the south, off of Old Register Road and 30.89-acres to southwest off Highway 301, for a total of 104.53-acres.
e) APPLICATION RZ 25-05-08: VSB Development LLC requests a Zoning Map Amendment of an existing PUD of approximately 138.06 acres to add 99.53 acres, an addition of four (4) parcels along Old Register Road and Highway 301 South (Tax Parcels #077 000059 000, 077 000053 000, 076 000001 005, 076 000001 003).
6. Public Hearing and Consideration of a Motion to Approve:
APPLICATION RZ 07-07-01: Bobby Vangiller requests a Zoning Map Amendment of 0.95 acres from the R-15 (One-Household Residential) and HOC (Highway Oriented Commercial) to HOC (Highway Oriented Commercial) along East Parrish Street (Tax Parcel #S26 0000051 000).
HISTORY
The shopping center was constructed in approximately 1970. The two (2) storage warehouses were constructed at a later date. The storage warehouse farthest back on the property at one time was a different parcel which led to the split zone on this particular, now combined lot.
REQUEST
The petitioner is requesting a Zoning Map Amendment from two zoning districts; R-15 (One Household Residential) and HOC (Highway Oriented Commercial) to a single zone of HOC (Highway Oriented Commercial). The parcel consists of 0.95-acres comprised of a shopping center and two (2) storage warehouses. The property is on northwest corner of East Parrish Street and Poplar Street.
WITHDRAWN BY DEVELOPER 7. Public Hearing and Consideration of a Motion to Approve:
a) APPLICATION RZ 07-07-02: Hussey Gay Bell requests a Zoning Map Amendment of 1.72 acres from HOC (Highway Oriented Commercial) to R-2 (Townhouse Residential) District on the corner of Northbridge Drive and Highway 301 North for the development of townhomes (Tax Parcel #MS80000013 0C3).
b) APPLICATION RZ 07-07-03: Hussey Gay Bell requests a Zoning Map Amendment of 1.65 acres from HOC (Highway Oriented Commercial) to R-2 (Townhouse Residential District) on Highway 301 North for the development of townhomes (Tax Parcel #MS80000013 0C4).
APPROVED 8. Consideration of a Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-21: A Resolution Adopting Section 3 Policies as a requirement for the Community HOME Investment Program.
As a requirement for all recipients of CHIP Grant funds, the City of Statesboro shall pass a resolution adopting Section 3 policies, specifying that economic opportunities generated by HUD activities are extended to low and very low-income persons.
APPROVED 9. Consideration of a Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-22: A Resolution Adopting the Language Access Plan for the Community HOME Investment Program.
As a requirement for all recipients of CHIP Grant funds, the City of Statesboro shall pass a resolution adopting an update to the Language Access Plan. This document was last updated in the 2022 CDBG EIP Grant cycle.
APPROVED 10. Consideration of a Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-23: A Resolution Adopting an MBE/WBE Outreach Plan for HOME-assisted housing projects.
As a requirement for all recipients of CHIP Grant funds, the City of Statesboro shall pass a resolution adopting a Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise Outreach Plan.
APPROVED 11. Consideration of a Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-24: A Resolution Adopting an Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan.
As a requirement for all recipients of CHIP Grant funds, the City of Statesboro shall pass a resolution adopting an Affirmative Fair Marketing Plan.
APPROVED 12. Consideration of a Motion to Approve a Contract Amendment with Coastal Regional Commission for CHIP Administrative Services.
In accordance with the approval of the contract to apply for Community HOME Investment Program funds on December 3rd 2024, the Coastal Regional Commission has provided an updated contract to reflect the continuation of services throughout the established timeline of the grant.
APPROVED 13. Consideration of a Motion to Approve an Intergovernmental Agreement with Bulloch County, Brooklet, Portal, and Register to allow for a ballot referendum for consideration of a 1% Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) with all proceeds used for property tax relief.
Background: The FLOST referendum procedure allowed for in HB 581 was approved statewide in 2024 and allows for a local option sales tax to be imposed in order to provide property tax relief. The referendum would occur on November 4, 2025 and if approved by the voters, sales tax collection would begin January 2026; however, the funds would not be available to the city until July 1, 2027.
Budget Impact: None, all proceeds go to property tax relief. City receives 17.66% of FLOST proceeds.
APPROVED 14. Consideration of a Motion to Approve the purchase of a pole camera with accompanying equipment from Tactical Electronics in the amount of $23,451.17 for the Statesboro Police Department. This is a sole source purchase.
The police department's SWAT team needs to upgrade their equipment, including the purchase of a pole camera to allow members to view crammed spaces (e.g. attics), around corners, etc. This is a fairly niche market, and the team found this specific version to be the best fit for their needs after a testing and evaluation process. A 2019 SPLOST project listed as PD-28 for this purpose was approved in the FY26 Budget. The attached quote from Tactical Electronics shows a purchase price of $23,451.17. The SPLOST budget projection was for $25,000.
APPROVED 15. Consideration of a Motion to Approve an award of a contract for ENG-122j North Zetterower Avenue Sidewalk Installation to Tim Lanier Construction, LLC. in the amount of $395,040.00, to be funded by TSPLOST.
The project consists of installation of a 5-ft wide sidewalk along the east side of Zetterower Avenue from Hill Street to Northside Drive. Some curb and gutter replacement, driveway replacement, wheelchair ramps, retaining walls, and handrails will also be constructed as part of the project. The City solicited sealed bids for the project, and four bids were received on August 4, 2025. The low bid of $395,040.00 is below the Engineer’s cost estimate of $408,276.55. The low bidder, Tim Lanier Construction, met all requirements of the bid package.
APPROVED 16. Consideration of a Motion to Approve staff to enter negotiations with Michael Baker International, Inc., to perform engineering design services for the Bridges on the Creek on the Blue Mile Project, STM-34. This work is to be funded by GDOT.
The City of Statesboro accepted proposals from qualified professional consultants for the purpose of engineering services for design of two (2) span bridges and a box culvert for the Creek on the Blue Mile. The City advertised the solicitation in accordance with the GDOT Procurement and received Statements of Qualifications from five firms: STV Incorporated, Heath and Lineback LLC., Holt Consultant Company, Moffatt & Nichol Inc., and Michael Baker International Inc. It was determined that all firms met all specified minimum requirements for this initial phase of the process. Staff then requested a technical approach from both firms per GDOT policy. The RFQ evaluation team reviewed each proposal independently and scored the proposals according to the following criteria, in conformance with the GDOT Procurement Manual: Project Management and Key Team Leader(s) Qualifications and Experience, Workload Capacity, Technical Approach, and Past Performance of similar projects.
17. Other Business from City Council
During council comments, Mayor Pro-Temp Shari Barr highlighted two upcoming community events. She reminded residents that the rescheduled Downtown Live concert will take place Thursday evening with food trucks at 6 p.m. and music beginning at 7 p.m. Barr also promoted the next Family Fun Fair and Research Day, set for Saturday at New Generation Church on Thomas Street from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. She encouraged the public to come out and enjoy both events.
18. City Manager’s Comments
City Manager Charles Penny informed the council that three public hearings will be required to maintain the city’s current millage rate of 8.625. He recommended scheduling the first hearing during the Sept. 2 council meeting at 9 a.m., followed by a second hearing that evening at 6:30 p.m. The third and final hearing would take place on Sept. 16 during the regularly scheduled council meeting.
Penny also shared updates from a recent tour of Charme, a new student housing development led by Texas developer Graham Brill. He praised the project, noting that all but four units were already leased, and commended Brill and his team for the quality of the development. He also recognized city staff for helping facilitate the project, which he said raises the bar for future housing in Statesboro.
19. Public Comments (General)
20. 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).
21. Consideration of a Motion to Adjourn
