At Tuesday morning’s regular meeting of the Statesboro City Council, both City Manager Charles Penny and Mayor Jonathan McCollar opened with reflections on the city’s recent recognition as a 2025 All-America City finalist—a milestone they say confirms the city’s rising profile and ongoing transformation. The City was one of 20 finalist and the only one in Georgia to make the cut. From the 20, 10 received the All-American City designation. Our delegation certainly captured the spirit and uniqueness of our city on the national stage.
“We are an All-American City,” said Penny, following the city’s national presentation in Denver. He praised the leadership of Edie Grace Grice, who wrote and led the application process, and Dr. Candice Bodkin of Georgia Southern University’s Institute for Vibrant and Equitable Communities. Penny also spotlighted the city’s Youth Connect representatives, whose performance, he said, left a lasting impression on the national judges. “We just haven’t gotten the designation yet—but we will,” he added.
Mayor McCollar followed with his own reflection, quoting Proverbs 29:18: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” He reminded those present that when he took office in 2018, more than half of Statesboro residents lived in poverty, and unemployment was in the double digits. Today, the poverty rate has dropped by 30%, and unemployment is just 3%.
“What some see as concerning growth,” McCollar said, “I see as a blessing—because that growth is lifting people out of poverty.” He called for continued investment in affordable housing and recreation, and emphasized a long-term vision to create a community where young people can stay, thrive, and raise families. “This is our season,” he said. “A season of harvesting the blessings that have come through preparation and purpose.”
“The work we do today,” he said, “is not about us—it’s about our children and grandchildren.” He concluded with a call to remain unified and future-focused: “Let us work to build a community where we continue to reduce poverty, where we’re continuing to put people to work, and we’re continuing to build a brighter future for our people.”
Public Comments
Len Fatica, Vice Chair of VOAD and trustee of Bulloch Strong, thanked the city for recognizing VOAD’s work during the All-America City presentation. He announced that VOAD has opened a new office at the corner of Vine and South Main, which will soon be staffed. Fatica said the organization continues to assist residents still in recovery—particularly those who were not eligible for FEMA assistance or insurance—and noted more updates are expected soon.
Council Approves Full Agenda of Growth-Oriented Initiatives
Unified Development Code Updates – APPROVED
Council approved the second reading of Ordinance 2025-01, amending the Unified Development Code (UDC). City Manager Charles Penny noted that the UDC was rewritten two years ago after more than four decades. Staff identified small errors and necessary adjustments, particularly regarding open space requirements, which were corrected through the current revisions.
Retail Development Agreement Renewal – APPROVED
The city renewed its partnership with Georgia Southern University’s Business Innovation Group (BIG) to continue retail and small business recruitment. The agreement, originally approved in 2022, will now extend for one year, through June 30, 2026. Penny said the goal is to transition the position to the Development Authority of Bulloch County next year, aligning economic development efforts under one umbrella.
Hyundai Vehicle Partnership – APPROVED
Council approved a restricted sales agreement with Hyundai Motor America to integrate two Savannah-made Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicles into the city’s fleet for just $1 per year. Penny called the deal both a marketing opportunity for Hyundai and a major step for Statesboro’s EV adoption. Charging infrastructure will be installed to support the vehicles.
Creek on the Blue Mile Design Services – APPROVED
Council authorized staff to negotiate with EMC Engineering Services, Inc. for the Creek on the Blue Mile (STM-34) project, using funds from a GEFA State Direct Investment grant. The project includes drainage improvements and construction of a multi-use trail and promenade. Penny noted that EMC’s prior involvement with the project will save the city time and money.
Police Radio Purchase – APPROVED
Council approved the purchase of 23 Motorola portable radios for the Statesboro Police Department in the amount of $145,625.42, funded by SPLOST. These radios will replace outdated units. Penny noted that a similar purchase for the Fire Department will be brought forward at the next meeting to lock in lower pricing.
Fire Protection Transition Brings New Mutual Aid Agreements
With Bulloch County assuming full responsibility for the former 5-mile fire district as of July 1, the City of Statesboro is formalizing mutual aid agreements to maintain regional readiness.
Metter Mutual Aid – APPROVED
City Manager Penny recommended approval of a mutual aid agreement with the City of Metter, highlighting its importance now that automatic aid with Bulloch County has ended. Penny explained that unlike automatic aid—which sends crews simultaneously—mutual aid is request-based, offering flexibility and continued support between departments.
Pooler & Bulloch County Agreements – APPROVED
Council also approved mutual aid agreements with the City of Pooler and Bulloch County Fire Department, further reinforcing regional cooperation. These agreements ensure shared resources, equipment, and personnel are available during major incidents.
City Manager Comments
During his report, City Manager Charles Penny provided updates on multiple ongoing initiatives and upcoming events:
- Whitesville Park Groundbreaking: Scheduled for Wednesday, July 2 at 10:30 a.m., the event marks the official start of long-awaited renovations at one of Statesboro’s historic neighborhood parks.
- CAFÉ Fire Rehab Unit Transfer: The city plans to transfer the fire rehab trailer (CAFÉ) from the Statesboro Fire Department to Bulloch County Emergency Management Agency to improve countywide emergency support.
- Art Park Rotation: The city's public art installation at the Art Park is due for its first annual rotation.
- Fire Department Radios Coming Soon: Following approval of police radios at this meeting, Penny said a similar request for fire department radios will be brought forward at the next meeting—already locked in at lower pricing.
- Regional Housing Report Presentation: A housing study presentation hosted by the Joint Development Authority will take place on Tuesday, July 9 at 5:30 p.m. at Ogeechee Technical College’s Jack Hill Building. A virtual option will be available.
Penny also reflected on insights gained from the All-America City conference, highlighting ideas like participatory budgeting and climate-resilient urban infrastructure. He emphasized how citizen involvement in processes like SPLOST negotiations could have long-term value and encouraged the Council to consider more ways to involve residents in early decision-making.
City Council Agenda Packet
All action taken by the city:
1. Call to Order by Mayor Jonathan McCollar
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance by Mayor Pro Tem Shari Barr
3. Public Comments (Agenda Item)
APPROVED 4. Consideration of a Motion to approve the Consent Agenda
A) Approval of Minutes
a) 06-17-2025 Work Session Minutes
b) 06-17-2025 Council Minutes
c) 06-17-2025 Executive Session Minutes
APPROVED 5. Second reading and consideration of a motion to approve Ordinance 2025-01: An Ordinance amending the Unified Development Code
At the regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council on June 17, 2025, the Mayor and Council recommended a second reading of the proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code.
City Manager Charles Penny reminded Council that the current Unified Development Code was adopted nearly two years ago as a full rewrite of zoning and subdivision rules dating back over four decades. After working with the new code in practice, staff identified minor errors and areas needing adjustment—particularly around open space requirements. Penny said the proposed amendments represent necessary tweaks and come with a staff recommendation for approval.
APPROVED 6. Consideration of a motion to accept and approve the renewal of the partnership agreement for Retail Development and Small Business Recruitment with Georgia Southern University Research and Service Foundation, Inc., for a one (1) year term beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026
The City of approved a proposal in July 2022 from the Business Innovation Group to provide retail development and small business recruitment services for Statesboro for a period of three years. This agreement will be expiring June 30, 2025.
City Manager Charles Penny recommended a one-year renewal of the city’s partnership with Georgia Southern University’s Business Innovation Group (BIG) to continue funding a small business recruiter. Penny explained that while the program has proven valuable—particularly through collaborations with the Development Authority of Bulloch County—he believes the role should eventually shift from the university to the Development Authority to better align with local economic development efforts. The one-year term will allow time to plan for that transition in July 2026. Penny noted the position is currently funded at approximately $125,000 by the city, with additional support from the university bringing the total investment to around $200,000. He concluded with a recommendation for approval.
APPROVED 7. Consideration of a motion to approve the restricted sales agreement with Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America has offered the City an opportunity to engage in a partnership with the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant for a two-year loan program of two (2) Savannah-made Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicles.
City Manager Charles Penny presented a proposed restricted sales agreement with Hyundai Motor America, which would place two electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 vehicles into the City of Statesboro’s fleet for just $1 per year. Penny described the offer as a marketing opportunity for Hyundai—located just 30 miles away—but also a cost-effective step forward for the city as it explores EV integration. The agreement includes insurance and liability considerations, which city staff have reviewed with risk management. Penny added that charging infrastructure would need to be installed and noted the potential for Statesboro to be one of the first local governments in the region to partner with Hyundai in this way.
APPROVED 8. Consideration of a motion to approve staff to enter negotiations with EMC Engineering Services, Inc. to perform engineering design services for the Creek on the Blue Mile Project, Project STM-34. This work is to be funded by GEFA State Direct Investment grant funds
The City of Statesboro accepted proposals from qualified professional consultants for the purpose of engineering services for drainage improvements and the design of a multi-use trail and promenade for the Creek on the Blue Mile. The City advertised the solicitation in accordance with the GDOT Procurement Manual beginning on April 8, 2025 and received Statements of Qualifications on May 14, 2025 from two firms: EMC Engineering and Cranston Engineering. It was determined that both firms met all specified minimum requirements for this initial phase of the process. Staff then requested a technical approach from both firms, which were received June 11, 2025. 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. Based on the evaluation of the submittals, staff recommends entering negotiations with EMC Engineering, Inc. for the design services for this project.
APPROVED 9. Consideration of a motion to approve the purchase of 23 portable radios and all required batteries, programming, warranty and licensing in the amount of $145,625.42
The police department has a CIP project from SPLOST (PD-27) in the FY26 budget for these radios in the amount $150,000. These Motorola radios are consistent and compatible with our current radios, and these new radios are to replace older, outdated models. Motorola has confirmed that prices are rising, and this quote is valid until June 27th. They have agreed to honor this quote since the project was passed in the FY26 budget by Council.
APPROVED 10. Consideration of a motion to approve a mutual aid agreement between the City of Statesboro Fire Department and the City of Metter Fire Department
Mutual aid agreements are a vital part of effective emergency response, enabling fire departments to support one another across jurisdictional boundaries during incidents that surpass local resources. The proposed agreement between the Statesboro Fire Department and the Metter Fire Department would strengthen emergency preparedness in both communities by facilitating the shared use of personnel, equipment, and resources during major incidents that exceed the capabilities of a single department.
City Manager Charles Penny recommended approval of a mutual aid agreement between the Statesboro Fire Department and the City of Metter Fire Department, emphasizing the need for coordinated regional response during large-scale emergencies. Penny noted that July 1 marked a new chapter for fire services in Bulloch County, as the county officially took over responsibility for the 5-mile fire district—bringing an end to the longstanding automatic aid arrangement between the city and county. Under mutual aid, support is provided upon request rather than dispatched automatically.
Penny explained that while automatic aid involved simultaneous response from both departments upon dispatch, mutual aid requires one agency to assess the scene and request help if needed. The agreement with Metter formalizes what has historically been a reciprocal relationship between the departments. Penny added that similar mutual aid agreements with Bulloch County and the City of Pooler were also being presented for Council approval, further strengthening the city's emergency response network.
APPROVED 11. Consideration of a motion to approve a mutual aid agreement between the City of Statesboro Fire Department and the City of Pooler Fire Department
Mutual aid agreements are a vital part of effective emergency response, enabling fire departments to support one another across jurisdictional boundaries during incidents that surpass local resources. The proposed agreement between the Statesboro Fire Department and the Pooler Fire Department would strengthen emergency preparedness in both communities by facilitating the shared use of personnel, equipment, and resources during major incidents that exceed the capabilities of a single department.
APPROVED 12. Consideration of a motion to approve a mutual aid agreement between the City of Statesboro Fire Department and the Bulloch County Fire Department
Mutual aid agreements are a vital part of effective emergency response, enabling fire departments to support one another across jurisdictional boundaries during incidents that surpass local resources. The proposed agreement between the Statesboro Fire Department and the Bulloch County Fire Department would strengthen emergency preparedness within our community by facilitating the shared use of personnel, equipment, and resources during major incidents that exceed the capabilities of a single department.
13. Other Business from City Council
Mayor Pro-Temp Shari Barr thanked everyone who participated in the All American City Competition in Denver.
14. City Manager’s Comments
City Manager Charles Penny began his remarks by inviting Council and the public to the groundbreaking ceremony for Whitesville Park, scheduled for Wednesday, July 2 at 10:30 a.m. He described the event as a historic occasion for the neighborhood and a long-awaited milestone.
Penny then highlighted a potential transfer of the city's CAFÉ (fire rehab) unit from the Statesboro Fire Department to Bulloch County Emergency Management Agency, noting that the move would better serve the entire county. He also reminded Council that the Art Park sculptures are approaching their one-year mark and will soon rotate out.
On the topic of equipment, Penny informed Council that following approval of portable police radios, a similar purchase for the Fire Department would be brought to Council at the next meeting. He noted the city had already committed to the purchase to lock in lower pricing, saving several thousand dollars per radio.
Penny then announced a regional housing presentation will be held on Wednesday, July 9 at 5:30 p.m. at Ogeechee Technical College's Jack Hill Building, hosted by the Joint Development Authority. The report, focused on housing pressures linked to Hyundai-related growth, will be shared with officials from the City, Bulloch County, and the Board of Education. A virtual option will be made available.
He closed with an extensive reflection on the city’s participation in the All-America City Awards in Denver. While Statesboro was not selected as a winner, Penny emphasized the value of being a finalist and declared, “We are an All-American City.” He praised the leadership of Georgia Southern University, Edie Grace Grice, who led the application effort, and Dr. Candice Bodkin, for their work through the Institute for Vibrant and Engaging Communities. Penny also recognized the city’s Youth Connect representatives, saying their performance left a lasting impression on judges and fellow participants.
Reflecting on why Statesboro was not selected, Penny noted that most winning cities had emphasized environmental sustainability and stormwater investment, citing cities like Jacksonville, Kinston, and Carrboro, North Carolina. He expressed belief that had the Creek on the Blue Mile project been completed, Statesboro’s application may have had a stronger chance.
Penny also shared lessons learned during the conference, including exposure to participatory budgeting and how citizen engagement could have influenced projects like SPLOST funding. He acknowledged resistance to new approaches but admitted the experience was eye-opening and described it as a moment where “you can still teach an old dog new tricks.”
He concluded by noting how other cities expressed a desire to visit or learn from Statesboro’s work, affirming that the value of the trip extended far beyond the competition itself. “We will do it again,” Penny said. “We are an All-American City—we just haven’t gotten that designation yet.”
Mayor Jonathan McCollar closed the meeting with a heartfelt reflection on leadership, growth, and community transformation. Quoting Proverbs 29:18 — “Where there is no vision, the people perish” — McCollar emphasized the importance of long-term vision and faith in guiding the city’s progress. He recalled stepping into office in January 2018 when over half of Statesboro’s population lived in poverty and unemployment was in the double digits. Since then, he said, the poverty rate has dropped by 30% and unemployment now hovers around 3%.
McCollar acknowledged that while some residents are concerned about the pace of growth, he sees it as a blessing that brings jobs, opportunity, and upward mobility. He affirmed that Statesboro has laid the groundwork for sustainable expansion—investing in infrastructure, making difficult decisions, and positioning the city as a regional and national leader.
He spoke passionately about retaining local talent, expressing hope that young people raised in Statesboro will be able to stay, thrive, and raise families here. He called for continued investment in key quality-of-life areas, including affordable housing and indoor recreational facilities, and reminded those present that the seeds being planted today are for future generations.
“This is our season,” McCollar said. “A season of harvesting the blessings that have come through preparation and purpose.” He concluded by urging the community to embrace the vision and continue working together to build a brighter future for all.
15. Public Comments (General)
Len Fatica, Vice Chair of VOAD and a trustee of Bulloch Strong, thanked the Mayor and Council for highlighting VOAD’s work during the recent All-America City presentation in Denver. He shared that VOAD has recently rented a downtown office at the corner of Vine and South Main, which will soon be staffed with at least one full-time employee. Fatica emphasized that VOAD is still actively engaged in long-term recovery efforts, particularly assisting residents who did not qualify for FEMA assistance or lacked adequate insurance coverage. He cited a recent example where VOAD board members quickly coordinated roofing help for a family in need. Fatica concluded by noting that more major announcements are coming soon, as the organization continues its mission to support the community through ongoing challenges.
16. 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)
17. Consideration of a Motion to Adjourn
