Statesboro City Council recognized International Firefighters Day, Mental Health Awareness Month and Statesboro Bike Week during its May 5 morning meeting. Council also approved the city’s second FY26 budget amendment, renewed a municipal court supervision contract with JAG, approved an alcohol license for The Slider Joint and awarded contracts for the transfer station floor replacement and Edwina Drive improvements.
Statesboro City Council opened its May 5, 2026 morning meeting with three public recognitions focused on firefighters, mental health awareness and cycling in the community. Council also approved a second FY2026 budget amendment, a municipal court supervision contract, an alcohol license for The Slider Joint and two public works projects.
Mayor Jonathan McCollar called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. Mayor Pro Tem Shari Barr led the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
City Manager Charles Penny was not present for the meeting. Assistant City Manager Jason Boyles handled staff comments on several agenda items and delivered the city manager’s comments later in the meeting.
Council recognizes firefighters, mental health awareness and Bike Week
Council began the meeting with three proclamations.
The first recognized May 4, 2026 as International Firefighters Day in the City of Statesboro. McCollar read the proclamation, which honored firefighters for their work in emergency response, fire prevention, public education, rescue operations, emergency medical response, hazardous materials response and overall community safety. The proclamation also recognized firefighters who have died in the line of duty and expressed appreciation for the Statesboro Fire Department.
Council then recognized May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month. The proclamation described mental health as an important part of overall well being and encouraged residents to support conversations and resources that promote emotional and psychological health.
Rachel Bryant, president of the local Iota Iota Zeta Chapter serving Bulloch County, spoke after the proclamation. She said mental health is just as important as physical health and said many people, especially in underserved communities, continue to face stigma and lack of access when it comes to mental wellness. Bryant encouraged residents to speak openly about mental health, check on family and friends, practice self care and seek professional support when needed.
Council also recognized May 11 through May 17, 2026 as Statesboro Bike Week. The proclamation highlighted bicycling as a healthy, affordable and sustainable way to travel and recreate. It also noted local cycling resources, including the S&S Greenway, the Willie McTell Trail, Georgia Southern University campus trails and city routes.
Lissa Leege, chair of the Greener Boro Commission, said the commission is working to improve alternative transportation options and promote cycling in Statesboro. Lee announced Bike to Work Day on Friday during Bike Week and a community bike ride Saturday at 10 a.m. beginning at the Five Points end of the S&S Greenway.
Budget amendment approved
Council approved Resolution 2026-18, adopting the city’s second amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
Boyles said the amendment is part of the city’s normal budget process and is used to update fund figures during the fiscal year. The amendment accounts for expenses and revenues not included in the original budget.
The packet shows changes across several funds, including the General Fund, ARPA Fund, Statesboro Fire Service Fund, South Main TAD Fund, 2019 SPLOST, 2023 TSPLOST, LMIG Akins Boulevard, Water and Sewer, StormWater and Solid Waste Collection funds.
The General Fund will see a $140,300 decrease in fund balance. The 2019 SPLOST Fund will see a $2,017,570 decrease in fund balance, including funding tied to police vehicles, fire portable radios, a fire station and a transfer to the Solid Waste Disposal Fund.
The 2023 TSPLOST Fund will see a $230,435 increase in fund balance, while the StormWater Fund will see a $195,070 increase in cash. The Water and Sewer Fund will see a $292,910 decrease in cash.
Council approved the amendment without extended discussion.
Council approves court supervision contract
Council approved a contract with Judicial Alternatives of Georgia, Inc., also known as JAG, to continue providing probation and pretrial supervision services for Statesboro Municipal Court.
City Attorney Cain Smith presented the item and said JAG provides supervision for pretrial diversion and probationary defendants. He said JAG has been the city’s probation provider since 2018.
Smith said the new agreement is a three year contract, with the monthly supervision rate increasing from $40 to $45. That fee is paid by the defendant.
Smith also said the court does not keep people on probation longer than necessary and that cases are early terminated when appropriate. He described many municipal court probation cases as functioning more like payment extensions than long term supervision.
Council approved the contract without further discussion.
Two public works projects approved
Council approved two public works contracts during the meeting.
The first was a $364,778.46 contract with Fine Point Services to replace the tipping floor at the city’s landfill transfer station. The work will be funded through Solid Waste Disposal reserve funds.
Boyles said the floor wears down over time because of scraping from the front end loader used at the transfer station. He said the floor generally lasts six to eight years before needing replacement.
Barr asked whether the work would require the transfer station to shut down. Boyles said the city will work with the contractor and users of the transfer station to complete the work in sections when possible. He said there could be a day or two when the station has to close, but staff would notify users ahead of time.
Council also approved a $316,748.78 contract with Tim Lanier Construction, LLC for roadway improvements on Edwina Drive.
Boyles said Edwina Drive is located off Kiwana Road and is a dead end street with no cul de sac and no drainage improvements. The project will construct a cul de sac, add drainage improvements and bring the street up to standard.
The Edwina Drive project will be funded through 2023 TSPLOST funds.
The Slider Joint alcohol license approved
Council approved an alcohol license application for The Slider Joint at 22 W. Vine St. (former Vandy’s Bar-B-Que downtown).
The license type is listed as restaurant. Council opened a public hearing on the request, but no one spoke in favor of or against the application.
Barr noted that the business is going into the former Vandy’s location and said she was glad to see something new happening there. McCollar also expressed support for the new restaurant before council voted.
Council approved the application. McCollar congratulated those involved with the new business.
Councilmember Ginny Hendley recused herself from the vote.
Consent agenda approved
Council approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from the April 21 work session and April 21 regular council meeting.
Those minutes included earlier discussions and actions involving Old Register TAD financing, the Statesboro Fire Department’s health care model, a proposed data center ordinance, the city audit, zoning items and infrastructure projects.
No public comments
There were no public comments during the agenda item public comment period.
There were also no general public comments later in the meeting.
Council announcements
During other business from council, Barr said recent rain was welcome, though more is still needed. She also noted that some events had been postponed because of weather.
Barr said the Longest Table event downtown will still happen, but a new date had not been announced. She described it as a free meal meant to help residents meet new people and build community.
Barr also said the Great American Cleanup had been rescheduled for Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are expected to register in front of City Hall, receive assignments and equipment, and help clean up the city.
She also mentioned a food bank fundraiser tied to Mother’s Day and said Keep Statesboro Bulloch Beautiful has openings on its board.
City manager comments
During city manager comments, Boyles reminded the public that the city’s budget work session will be held May 12 at 2 p.m. in council chambers.
He also announced that the Statesboro Bulloch County Airport will hold its First Flight event Saturday, May 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Boyles said a draft ordinance regulating data centers had been included in council’s FYI packet. He said the ordinance was scheduled to go before the Planning Commission that evening and then come before council for reading and consideration at the next council meeting.
Barr also reminded residents that free Greener Boro visibility bands are available at the police station, downstairs at City Hall or from her directly. She said the reflective bands can be worn by pedestrians or cyclists to help drivers see them more easily.
Meeting adjourned
1. Call to Order by Mayor Jonathan McCollar
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance by Mayor Pro Tem Shari Barr
3. Recognitions/Public Presentations
A) Presentation of a Proclamation Recognizing May 4, 2026 as International Firefighters Day.
Council will recognize May 4, 2026 as International Firefighters Day in the City of Statesboro. The proclamation honors the dedication, courage and sacrifice of firefighters, including their work in emergency response, fire prevention, rescue operations, public education, disaster preparedness, emergency medical response and hazardous materials response.
The proclamation also recognizes firefighters who have died in the line of duty and expresses appreciation for the Statesboro Fire Department and firefighters serving locally and around the world.
B) Presentation of a Proclamation Recognizing May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month.
Council will recognize May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Statesboro. The proclamation notes that mental health is an essential part of overall well-being and cites the National Alliance on Mental Illness statistic that 1 in 5 adults in the United States experiences mental illness each year.
The proclamation is connected to the work of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Iota Iota Zeta Chapter, which the packet says is committed to encouraging open dialogue, education, advocacy and access to mental health resources. The proclamation urges the community to support conversations and initiatives that promote emotional and psychological well-being.
C) Presentation of a Proclamation Recognizing the week of May 11-17, 2026 as Statesboro Bike Week.
Council will recognize May 11-17, 2026 as Statesboro Bike Week. The proclamation describes bicycles as an affordable, healthy and sustainable form of transportation and recreation.
It highlights Statesboro’s existing cycling assets, including the S&S Greenway, the Willie McTell Trail, campus trails at Georgia Southern University and a growing network of city routes. The proclamation also says Statesboro is working toward becoming a more bicycle-friendly city where cyclists can commute and recreate safely.
4. Public Comments (Agenda Item)
5. Consideration of a Motion to approve the Consent Agenda
A) Approval of Minutes
a) 04-21-2026 Work Session Minutes
The April 21 work session minutes include several major discussions that are not up for new action at this meeting but are part of the official record.
One major discussion involved financing for the Old Register Tax Allocation District, or TAD. The city previously used TAD financing for infrastructure around the Publix development area and is preparing to refinance the existing debt before a $4.75 million maturity comes due in August 2026. The minutes show the TAD’s market value grew from about $5.5 million in 2021 to nearly $44 million in 2026, with current revenues generating around $450,000 annually, though future property tax relief changes are expected to lower projected revenue to about $340,000.
The work session also included a presentation on the Statesboro Fire Department’s firefighter health care model. Fire Chief Tim Grams announced the department had achieved an ISO Class 1 rating, the highest possible classification. Georgia Southern University representatives presented research showing Statesboro’s direct-access firefighter health model has helped reduce injury costs and lost work days compared with traditional workers’ compensation models.
The minutes also summarize a proposed ordinance regulating data centers. Planning Director Justin Williams discussed possible rules for edge and hyperscale data centers, including special-use permit requirements, setbacks from sensitive areas, water management plans, closed-loop cooling systems, noise studies, buffering and decommissioning requirements. The ordinance was expected to go before the Planning Commission on May 5, with possible council readings in May and June.
The work session also included the city’s annual audit presentation. The city’s total assets were reported at about $236 million, with a total net position of about $183 million, an increase of more than $15 million. The general fund balance was about 27% of annual expenditures, which the auditor said was above the recommended 25% minimum. However, the city’s health insurance fund had a significant deficit due to heavy claims.
b) 04-21-2026 Council Minutes
The April 21 regular meeting minutes include several actions from the previous council meeting.
Council recognized the Statesboro Fire Department’s ISO Class 1 rating and heard the FY2025 audit presentation. Council also approved rezoning on East Olliff Street for a multi-household residential project but denied a rezoning request at 115 Park Avenue, where the applicant sought to convert a single-family home into five total units. Neighborhood residents opposed that request, citing the Savannah Avenue Historic District, neighborhood character, tenant issues, police incidents, code concerns and absentee ownership.
Council also approved several infrastructure and service-related items, including the termination of a memorandum of understanding involving Agape Worship Center and Habitat for Humanity, an LMIG safety action plan application, the Old Register TAD refunding intent resolution, a water/sewer agreement for property outside the city limits, solid waste contract extensions, a gas main replacement project and engineering design services for the Bridges on the Creek on the Blue Mile project.
During general public comments, Newman and Donna Samples raised concerns about failing sewer infrastructure on Bedford Street, saying they had faced major damage and repair costs after a sewer line collapse. Kathy Dixon also spoke about abandoned and dilapidated properties throughout Statesboro and urged stronger code enforcement.
APPROVED 6. Public Hearing & Consideration of a Motion to approve an application for an alcohol license in accordance with The City of Statesboro alcohol ordinance Sec. 6-13 (a)
The Slider Joint
Owner: Travis Phillips
Location: 22 W. Vine St.
License Type: Restaurant
The packet states that the application was reviewed by Planning and Development, Fire, Police, Legal, Building and Engineering, with staff recommending approval. The business is located in Councilmember Tangie Johnson’s District 1.
Ginny Hendley recused from the vote.
APPROVED 7. Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2026-18: A Resolution to adopt the second amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget for each fund of the City of Statesboro, Georgia, appropriating the amounts shown in each budget as expenditures/expenses, adopting the several items of revenue anticipations, and prohibiting expenditures or expenses from exceeding the actual funding appropriated.
Council will consider approving the city’s second budget amendment for Fiscal Year 2026.
A memo from Cindy S. West, Director of Finance, says the amendment is needed to account for expenses and revenues that were not anticipated when the original budget was adopted. These include changes involving engineering surveying fees, bank card charges, public defender services, general fund debt service payments, ARPA-funded housing rehabilitation, multiple grant funds, the fire fund, the South Main TAD, 2019 SPLOST, 2023 TSPLOST, LMIG funds, stormwater grant funding and solid waste expenses.
One important note: the agenda identifies this item as Resolution 2026-18, but the resolution document in the packet is labeled Resolution 2025-18. That may be a typo in the packet and is worth watching during the meeting.
The amendment includes several fund-level changes:
The General Fund would see several expense increases, including $21,000 for Engineering surveying/appraisal fees, $80,000 for Finance Department bank card charges, $20,000 for Municipal Court public defender services and $58,300 for debt service connected to a GMA SWAP payment. It also includes a $30,000 transfer from the ARPA Fund and a $9,000 decrease in Boys & Girls Club expenditures. The net effect would be a $140,300 decrease in fund balance.
The U.S. Department of Justice Grant Fund would increase education and training expenditures by $29,015, resulting in a $29,015 decrease in fund balance.
The ARPA Fund would increase interest revenue by $70,000, while also increasing spending for several project units, contract labor/services, housing relocation costs and a transfer to the General Fund. The net effect would be a $52,200 decrease in fund balance.
The Multiple Grants Fund would add revenue and expenses for a KSBB Brace Grant and Bullet Proof Vest Program, with no net effect on the fund.
The Statesboro Fire Service Fund would increase revenue from insurance proceeds by $41,050, while increasing expenditures for contract labor/services by $25,500 and vehicles by $49,900. The net effect would be a $34,350 decrease in fund balance.
The South Main TAD Fund would increase contract labor/services spending by $110,000, decreasing fund balance by the same amount.
The Technology Fee Fund would increase technology fee revenue by $29,480 and increase spending for patrol cellphones by $11,000, resulting in an $18,480 increase in fund balance.
The 2019 SPLOST Fund includes several revenue increases across police, fire, public works, greenspace, city structures, cultural facilities, economic development, water/sewer, natural gas, solid waste and IT project categories. It also includes major expenditure increases, including $78,150 for police vehicles and conversion, $149,265 for fire portable radio replacement, $940,000 for a fire station, $1.4 million transferred to the Solid Waste Disposal Fund and $31,130 transferred to the Central Service Fund. The net effect would be a $2,017,570 decrease in fund balance.
The 2023 TSPLOST Fund would increase revenue by $115,435 for an LMIG grant connected to GDOT traffic projects and $150,000 in interest revenue, while increasing spending by $35,000 for new traffic signals. The net effect would be a $230,435 increase in fund balance.
The LMIG Akins Boulevard Fund would increase GDOT grant revenue by $564,945 and increase spending on the Akins Boulevard project by $562,830, resulting in a $2,115 increase in fund balance.
The Water and Sewer Fund would increase expenses for indirect cost allocation and well repair and maintenance, resulting in a $292,910 decrease in cash.
The StormWater Fund would increase revenue by $221,635 for a 319(h) grant stream restoration project and increase contract labor/services by $26,565, resulting in a $195,070 increase in cash.
The Solid Waste Collection Fund would increase spending for commercial division software support, residential division overtime and yard waste division overtime, resulting in a $79,050 decrease in cash.
Several funds have no proposed changes, including the Confiscated Assets Fund, Opioid Settlement Fund, CDBG Fund, Old Register TAD Fund, Hotel/Motel Fund, 2013 SPLOST Fund, 2018 TSPLOST Fund, Capital Improvements Program Fund, Natural Gas Fund, Solid Waste Disposal Fund, Health Insurance Fund, Fleet Management Fund, Wellness Fund and Central Service Fund.
APPROVED 8. Consideration of a motion to approve a contract with Judicial Alternatives of Georgia, Inc. (JAG) regarding the provision of probation and pre-trial supervision services for defendants in Statesboro Municipal Court.
Council will consider approving a contract with Judicial Alternatives of Georgia, Inc., also known as JAG, to continue providing probation and pre-trial supervision services for defendants in Statesboro Municipal Court.
A memo from City Attorney Cain Smith recommends approval. The packet says JAG has provided these services for Municipal Court since 2018. The city issued a request for proposals, and JAG was the only responsive bid submitted.
The packet lists no direct budget impact to the city because the service is paid through fees charged to probationers or supervisees. The standard monthly fee is $45 for regular probation supervision or pre-trial supervision. Intensive supervision is listed at $55 per month. Additional fees listed in the agreement include a $9 monthly GCVEF fee, $25 drug screens, $10 per day electronic monitoring and $12 per day electronic monitoring with intoxication monitoring.
The proposed agreement would begin July 1, 2026 and continue through June 30, 2029. The contract language describes it as a one-year agreement with the option to renew year-to-year for two additional years unless terminated. Either party may terminate the agreement with 30 days written notice, and the court or governing authority may terminate immediately for cause.
The agreement requires JAG to comply with state law and Department of Community Supervision rules. It also requires monthly reports to the judge and governing authority on the number of offenders supervised, fines and restitution collected, fees collected, community service hours performed, services probationers had to pay for, terminations of supervision and warrants issued.
The contract also addresses indigent offenders. If the court determines an offender is indigent, that person must be supervised at no cost to the probationer, the court or the governing body.
APPROVED 9. Consideration of a motion to approve a bid and enter into a contract with Fine Point Services for $364,778.46 to replace the tipping floor at the Landfill Transfer Station, funded by Solid Waste Disposal Reserve Funds.
Council will consider awarding a $364,778.46 contract to Fine Point Services to replace the tipping floor at the city’s Landfill Transfer Station.
A memo from Brad Deal, Director of Public Works and Engineering, says the transfer station tipping floor is where residential and commercial solid waste is transferred from garbage trucks into trucks that haul the material to Superior Landfill in Chatham County.
The packet says the floor has experienced rapid damage and deterioration over the past year due to wear from equipment and chemicals from the waste. That damage has made parts of the floor unusable and reduced operating capacity. The push wall has also been damaged from years of use.
The project includes removing and replacing the existing floor and push wall, along with removing a truck well and scales that are no longer used.
The city received sealed bids on April 15, 2026. Two bids were received:
Fine Point Services: $364,778.46
Tim Lanier Construction: $395,728.00
Fine Point Services was the low bidder and met the bid requirements. The project would be funded with Solid Waste Disposal Division reserve funds.
The transfer station serves all city districts as well as Bulloch County, so this is not limited to one council district.
APPROVED 10. Consideration of a motion to approve a bid and enter into a contract with Tim Lanier Construction, LLC, for $316,748.78 for the construction of ENG-114 Edwina Drive Roadway Improvements, to be funded by 2023 TSPLOST funds.
Council will consider awarding a $316,748.78 contract to Tim Lanier Construction, LLC for the ENG-114 Edwina Drive Roadway Improvements Project.
A memo from Brad Deal, P.E., Director of Public Works and Engineering, says Edwina Drive is a city street with pavement deficiencies, sub-standard width and no cul-de-sac at the end of the road. Because of that, vehicles such as garbage trucks, delivery trucks and school buses must either back down the street or turn around in a driveway or grass lot.
The project would construct a cul-de-sac, add drainage improvements and repave the street.
The city received sealed bids on April 15, 2026. Three bids were received:
Reeves Construction: $467,602.25, later verified at $467,692.85
Sims Paving: $394,742.82
Tim Lanier Construction: $316,748.78
Tim Lanier Construction was the low bidder and met bid requirements. The project would be funded through 2023 TSPLOST funds, and the packet says the project account currently has $445,000 budgeted.
This project is in Mayor Pro Tem Shari Barr’s District 5.
11. Public Comments (General)
NONE
12. Other Business from City Council
Mayor Pro Tem Shari Barr used this portion of the meeting to make several announcements.
Barr said recent rain was welcome, though more rain is still needed. She also said council continues to think about residents south of Statesboro who have been affected by dry conditions and wildfire concerns.
Barr said the city had to postpone some events because of expected rain.
She said the Longest Table event downtown will still happen, though a new date had not yet been announced. Barr described it as a free meal where residents can meet people they do not already know and build community in Statesboro.
Barr also said the Great American Cleanup had been postponed and rescheduled for Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. She said volunteers would register in front of City Hall, receive assignments and equipment, and then go out to help clean up the city.
Barr also mentioned a food bank fundraiser tied to Mother’s Day, saying residents could support the food bank by purchasing meals so mothers would not have to cook on Mother’s Day.
She also said Keep Statesboro-Bulloch Beautiful has one or two openings on its board and encouraged residents interested in serving to apply through the city’s website or Facebook page.
13. City Managers Comments
Assistant City Manager Jason Boyles spoke during city manager’s comments.
Boyles reminded the public that the city’s budget work session will be held May 12 at 2 p.m. in council chambers.
He also announced that the Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport will hold its First Flight event on Saturday, May 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Boyles described it as a good event for children and the public.
Boyles also told council that a draft ordinance regulating data centers had been included in council’s FYI packet, following discussion at the previous work session. He said the ordinance would go before the Planning Commission that evening and then come before council for reading and consideration at the next council meeting.
After Boyles’ comments, Mayor Pro Tem Shari Barr added a reminder about the Greener Boro visibility bands. She said the reflective bands can be worn around the arm or leg or placed on a bike to help drivers see pedestrians and cyclists more easily. She said the bands are free and available at the police station, downstairs at City Hall or from her directly.
Barr said the bands are sponsored by the Greener Boro Commission, which is also sponsoring Bike Week.
14. 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)
15. Consideration of a Motion to Adjourn