The March 4, 2025, Statesboro City Council meeting covered several major topics, including a new oncology services agreement, updates on fire protection services, and concerns regarding the termination of the Fire District Agreement by Bulloch County.
The council approved the meeting minutes from February 18, 2025, and authorized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with St. Joseph’s/Candler (SJC) to provide oncology services for disadvantaged individuals in Statesboro. The agreement will help SJC qualify for the federal 340B drug discount program, which provides affordable cancer treatment options for uninsured and underinsured patients. Representatives from SJC and East Georgia Regional Medical Center (EGRMC) emphasized the importance of localized cancer care, eliminating the need for patients to travel for chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments.
The council also approved a $246,306 contract with Tim Lanier Construction LLC for Anderson Street Roadway Improvements, funded by 2023 TSPLOST revenue.
City Manager Charles Penny provided key updates, including:
- Fire Alarm Blitz: Scheduled for March 29, led by Fire Chief Tim Grams, to improve fire safety.
- Police Staffing: Thanks to hiring bonuses, the police department has eliminated vacancies, leading to the discontinuation of hiring incentives as of March 1.
- New Fire Truck: The new fire truck was recently inspected in Ohio, and is expected to arrive by the end of March.
- Utility Relief: The council approved financial relief for an elderly resident facing six months of unusually high water bills due to her toilet continuously running water.
- Staff Changes: The city recognized Steve Hotchkiss for 36 years of service before his retirement in June and announced the resignation of Public Works and Engineering Director John Washington.
Fire District Agreement and Misinformation
The termination of the Fire District Agreement was a major focus of the meeting. Fire Chief Tim Grams presented a detailed report addressing Bulloch County Commissioners’ December 3, 2024, vote to terminate the agreement without prior notice to the City of Statesboro.
Lack of Communication from the County
For 46 years, the Statesboro Fire Department (SFD) has provided fire protection services within the Fire District, funded by a 2.7-mill tax rate paid by district residents. However, at the January 30, 2025, Fire District Committee meeting, the County suddenly presented a plan to split the Fire District, with 52% of revenues going to the County and 48% to the City. The City was given less than three weeks (until February 17) to respond, which officials considered an unrealistic timeframe.
ISO Ratings & Insurance Increases
Chief Grams raised concerns about the impact on insurance premiums. SFD currently holds a "Flat" Class 2 ISO rating, ensuring that all properties within five miles of a fire station receive the same insurance classification. However, Bulloch County Fire Department operates with a "Split" Class 4/4Y rating, meaning that homeowners without a nearby water source could see insurance rates rise by 30-40%.
Disputing the County’s Justification for Termination
Chairman David Bennett claimed that fire services in the district cost $6,000 per call, making the agreement financially unsustainable. Chief Grams rejected this claim, explaining that fire protection is not measured solely by dividing funding by the number of calls. The value of SFD’s service includes:
- Lower insurance premiums due to better ISO ratings
- Faster response times, reducing property loss
- Fire prevention efforts such as community education and smoke detector programs
Additionally, Statesboro responded to 52 structure fires in Bulloch County in 2024, arriving first 32% of the time, countering the claim that the County provided more aid to the City.
Automatic Aid Agreement Considerations
The Automatic Aid Agreement between the City and County is set to automatically renew unless canceled before June 30, 2025. Unlike Mutual Aid, which requires a department to assess the situation before requesting help, Automatic Aid dispatches both fire departments simultaneously.
Since the City will no longer service the Fire District, City Manager Penny recommended ending Automatic Aid, arguing that Statesboro taxpayers would effectively be subsidizing County fire protection. However, Chief Grams supports maintaining a Mutual Aid Agreement, allowing both departments to assist each other in large-scale emergencies. The City Council will decide the future of Automatic Aid before June 30.
Mayor Jonathan McCollar emphasized that there was never any formal negotiation between the City and County regarding the Fire District’s future. He stated that the County unilaterally made its decision and then rejected the City’s request for a one-year transition period.
McCollar expressed concern over misinformation being spread by County officials, stressing that the City values truth and transparency. He warned that residents in the Fire District could face insurance increases and reduced fire protection, potentially putting lives at risk.
Public Comments
During the public comment section, a Statesboro resident spoke about her efforts to keep Johnson Street drug-free for several years. She recalled that 17 arrests were made due to past drug activity and expressed frustration over attempts to remove her from the area. She reaffirmed her commitment to staying in the neighborhood and continuing her work to improve safety.
To see the full coverage of the meeting, continue scrolling down.
Here is the meeting agenda
1. Call to Order by Mayor Jonathan McCollar
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance by Councilmember Paulette Chavers
3. Public Comments (Agenda Item):
APPROVED 4. Consideration of a Motion to approve the Consent Agenda A) Approval of Minutes a) 02-18-2025 Work Session Minutes b) 02-18-2025 Council Minutes c) 02-18-2025 Executive Session Minutes
APPROVED 5. Consideration of a motion to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with St. Joseph’s Candler (SJC) to provide oncology services to disadvantaged individuals in the Statesboro area.
The council members unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with St. Joseph’s/Candler (SJC) to expand oncology services for disadvantaged individuals in the community. This agreement allows SJC to qualify for the federal 340B drug discount program, which will provide discounted cancer medications for uninsured and underinsured patients. City Manager Charles Penny emphasized the importance of the partnership between SJC and East Georgia Regional Medical Center (EGRMC), which has provided oncology services in Statesboro for the past three years. Through this collaboration, patients can receive chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other treatments locally, eliminating the need to travel long distances for care.
The council heard from Steve Pennington of EGRMC and Brad Trower, Vice President of SJC, who explained the impact of the 340B program. Trower highlighted that while the program's approval process will take about a year, it will strengthen and expand oncology services, ensuring more patients have access to affordable treatment. The partnership also includes a tumor board, where specialists collaborate to develop treatment strategies. Looking ahead, SJC hopes to expand its clinical trial offerings in Statesboro, bringing advanced cancer treatments closer to home. Mayor Jonathan McCollar and council members praised the initiative, calling it a historic step forward for healthcare in the community. They also expressed interest in visiting the facility to see the services firsthand.
APPROVED 6. Consideration of a motion to approve an award of contract in the amount of $246,306.00 to Tim Lanier Construction LLC for Anderson Street Roadway Improvements. The project will be paid from 2023 TSPLOST funds.
This project will consist of roadway improvements along Anderson Street from E. Main Street to Hill Street. This work will improve the road to a 20 feet width. The roads drainage will be improved by the installation of a new storm pipe network. The WORK will include but is not limited to the following: clearing, excavating, setting grade, installing subgrade materials, paving, concrete forming & pouring, concrete pipe installation, grading and dressing of job site.
7. Other Business from City Council
Mayor Pro-Tem Shari Barr reminded everyone to get out and vote for the SPLOST.
8. City Managers Comments
City Manager Charles Penny first highlighted the upcoming Fire Alarm Blitz scheduled for March 29, led by Fire Chief Grams, aimed at improving fire safety in the community. He also announced a significant achievement in police department staffing, noting that thanks to council-approved hiring bonuses, the department has virtually eliminated vacancies. As of March 1, hiring bonuses have been discontinued since the department is now fully staffed, with even more officers in the hiring pipeline.
Additionally, Penny provided updates on fire department equipment, informing the council that a new fire truck was recently inspected in Ohio, and is expected to arrive in Statesboro by the end of March.
A key action item involved granting financial relief to an elderly resident who incurred six months of unusually high water bills due to her toilet running continuously, which she was unaware of. Under city policy, only three months of adjustments could be made, but Penny requested permission to credit an additional three months, given her financial situation. The council unanimously approved the request.
Penny also recognized Steve Hotchkiss, a longtime city employee with 36 years of service, who plans to retire in June. The city will formally honor him before his departure, though Mayor McCollar jokingly “rejected” his request to retire. Penny also announced the resignation of Public Works and Engineering Director John Washington.
The meeting then transitioned into discussions regarding Fire Chief Tim Grams, as Penny prepared to present further updates to the council.
Fire District Agreement and Misinformation
Chief Grams provided a detailed presentation addressing the Bulloch County Commissioners’ decision to terminate the long-standing Statesboro Fire District Agreement. The decision, which was made unanimously by the Bulloch County Commission on December 3, 2024, came without prior notice to the City of Statesboro and has sparked concerns over transparency, service levels, and the potential financial impact on residents.
Lack of Communication Leading to Agreement Termination
For the last 46 years, the Statesboro Fire Department (SFD) has provided fire protection services within the Fire District, which is funded through a 2.7-mill tax rate paid by district residents. The agreement between SFD and Bulloch County ensured fire protection services for these residents, utilizing SFD's established personnel, equipment, and resources.
However, at the December 3, 2024, Bulloch County Commissioners meeting, the board voted to terminate the agreement without any prior discussions with city officials. Chief Grams emphasized that no concerns were raised about fire service delivery before the vote, and no advance notice was given to the City of Statesboro. According to the presentation this morning:
- The County Manager at that time, Tom Couch, stated "if the County decided to pursue the Fire District in the future, there would be a great deal of notice given."
- Chairman Roy Thompson stated "we have enough on our plates trying to build up the rural fire district and the only way the county would pull away from the agreement would be if the City makes us by no longer wanting to provide the service."
- While Mr. Couch and Mr. Thompson are no longer with the County, the City was under the impression that the County had no desire to pursue assuming responsibility for the Fire District.
Despite repeated inquiries over the years, Bulloch County officials had consistently stated that they had no plans to take over fire services within the Fire District.
Yet, at the January 30, 2025, Fire District Committee meeting, the County suddenly presented a new plan to split the Fire District, with the County covering the northern portion and the City continuing to service the southern portion. Under this plan, the County would receive 52% of the fire tax revenues, while the City would receive 48%.
The County gave the City until February 17 to make a decision on the proposal, less than three weeks. City Manager Charles Penny argued that this was an inadequate amount of time to properly review the proposal and discuss it with the City Council. The City had requested more time to consider the proposal, hoping to discuss it during their annual March retreat, but the County pushed for a quicker response.
ISO Ratings and Potential Insurance Increases
A major point of contention following the termination of the agreement has been the impact on Insurance Services Office (ISO) ratings, which directly affect homeowners' insurance premiums.
The Statesboro Fire Department currently maintains a "Flat" Class 2 ISO rating for properties within the Fire District, meaning that all properties within five road miles of a fire station receive the same rating regardless of whether they are near a fire hydrant or another water source.
In contrast, the Bulloch County Fire Department holds a "Split" Class 4/4Y rating:
- Properties within five miles of a fire station AND within 1,000 feet of a water source receive a Class 4 rating.
- Properties within five miles of a fire station but NOT within 1,000 feet of a water source receive a Class 4Y rating (formerly known as an 8B).
Grams refuted Commission Chairman David Bennett's recent claim that Statesboro’s Class 2 rating only applies to commercial properties and that residential properties were actually rated as Class 3. He stated that this was completely false and confirmed that all properties within five miles of an SFD station receive the Class 2 rating, leading to lower insurance premiums.
With the County now assuming control of the Fire District, residents currently covered under the City’s Class 2 ISO rating could be reassigned to the County’s split rating of 4/4Y, which could significantly increase homeowners’ insurance costs.
Local insurance agents have indicated that moving from a Class 2 rating to a Class 4Y could result in a 30% to 40% increase in annual insurance premiums. However, insurance companies apply ISO ratings differently, so the exact increases will vary by provider.
Disputing Claims of Excessive Costs
Another major argument the County made for terminating the agreement was the alleged high cost per fire call in the Fire District. Chairman Bennett claimed that the cost per call was around $6,000, stating that this made it too expensive to continue the agreement.
Chief Grams strongly disagreed with this simplified cost analysis, explaining that fire protection services cannot be measured solely by dividing total funding by the number of calls. He pointed out that fire services provide much more than just emergency response, including:
- Lower insurance premiums due to high ISO ratings
- Faster response times, minimizing property damage and loss
- Fire prevention education programs, such as smoke detector distribution
- Risk reduction efforts that prevent fires from occurring in the first place
Additionally, Grams noted that regardless of which department services the Fire District, the funding generated per call would remain the same, meaning the County will still face the same funding-to-call ratio as the City did.
Fire Response and Automatic Aid Agreement
Grams also pushed back against the narrative that the County was providing more automatic aid to the City than vice versa, and that continuing to offer aid made the agreement "cost prohibitive."
In 2024, SFD responded to 52 structure fires in Bulloch County (outside of the Fire District), but in 24 cases, they were canceled before arrival. Of the remaining 28 fires, SFD was the first on scene and initiated the primary fire attack in 9 instances (32% of the time).
Additionally, no County tankers responded within the Fire District in 2024, only fire engines. Grams emphasized that the City does, in fact, have a tanker, which was purchased specifically for use in the Fire District, carrying 3,000 gallons of water and responding alongside four other apparatus carrying a total of 7,000 gallons of water.
The Automatic Aid Agreement between the City and County is entirely separate from the Fire District Agreement, meaning that fire response coordination should not have been used as justification for ending the Fire District contract.
Fire Inspections and Fire Code Enforcement
Another accusation made against the Statesboro Fire Department was that they were not providing all fire inspections as required by the agreement.
Grams clarified that in 2019, the City recommended that Bulloch County implement fire prevention and protection ordinances within the Fire District so that SFD could legally conduct fire inspections and enforce fire codes. However, the County declined to move forward with these recommendations and chose to assume responsibility for fire code enforcement itself.
Thus, the claim that SFD failed to provide inspections is misleading, as the County opted to handle those responsibilities.
Concerns Over the County’s Intentions
During the January 30 Fire Committee meeting, County officials stated that they needed the funding from the Fire District to help build fire services throughout the County. Grams directly asked Commissioners if funding was the primary reason for taking over the Fire District, and both Commissioner Timmy Rushing and Chairman Bennett confirmed that it was.
While Grams reiterated that he wants to see the Bulloch County Fire Department succeed, he expressed frustration that the City was left out of critical discussions and given no opportunity to prepare for the transition.
He ended by emphasizing that the Statesboro Fire Department has always provided the highest level of fire protection in the Fire District, not for financial gain, but to protect lives and property.
Mayor Jonathan McCollar refuted claims that negotiations ever took place between the City of Statesboro and Bulloch County regarding the termination of the Fire District Agreement. He clarified that the County simply informed the City of their plan at the January 30 meeting without prior discussions. When the City requested a year-long transition period to properly adjust, the County declined the request on February 18.
McCollar expressed concerns that residents in the Fire District may see significant increases in their insurance rates due to the shift from Statesboro Fire’s Class 2 ISO rating to Bulloch County Fire’s 4/4Y rating. He also warned that the change could impact emergency response times, increasing the risk of property loss and potential loss of life.
Additionally, McCollar criticized misinformation being spread by leadership figures, emphasizing that the City values transparency and accuracy in public communication. He reaffirmed that Statesboro has always been a willing partner in working with the County but stressed that cooperation must be based on truth and mutual discussion. Despite the City’s objections, the County is moving forward with taking over the Fire District without additional negotiation.
Chief Grams pointed out a key issue that has been largely overlooked: the difference in millage rates between the Statesboro Fire District (2.7 mills) and the Bulloch County Rural Fire District (3 mills). Once the County fully assumes control of the Fire District, commissioners will have to decide whether to raise the Fire District millage rate to 3 mills or lower the county’s rural fire millage rate to 2.7 mills.
Grams noted that most citizens would likely oppose having two different tax rates for the same fire service, meaning that an adjustment will be necessary. As a result, residents in the Fire District may face either a tax increase or a shift in funding that impacts fire service levels. He emphasized that even those who do not see major insurance rate changes could still be looking at an overall increase in costs due to these adjustments.
City Manager Charles Penny addressed the misconception that the City of Statesboro was unwilling to conduct fire inspections in the Fire District. He clarified that the City was fully willing to provide fire inspections, but it had simply requested that Bulloch County adopt the City’s fire code to ensure consistency and efficiency.
Penny compared the situation to when Statesboro adopted the County’s animal control ordinance to prevent confusion and ensure uniform enforcement. He emphasized that the request was made to avoid requiring fire inspectors to operate under two different sets of fire codes. However, the County declined to adopt the City’s fire code, which led to misunderstandings and incorrect claims that Statesboro refused to conduct inspections. Penny confirmed that there are meeting memos documenting the County’s decision not to proceed with the City’s request.
The Automatic Aid Agreement between the City of Statesboro and Bulloch County is set to automatically renew unless one party cancels it before June 30, 2025. Currently, Automatic Aid ensures that both fire departments are dispatched simultaneously when a fire is reported, whereas Mutual Aid requires a department to assess the situation first before requesting assistance.
Chief Tim Grams explained that while Automatic Aid was initially beneficial, especially when Bulloch County relied more on volunteer firefighters, SFD has since expanded its staffing, making the agreement less critical. Now that SFD will no longer cover the Fire District, the City must evaluate whether continuing Automatic Aid is in its best interest. City Manager Charles Penny recommended ending the agreement, arguing that Statesboro taxpayers would effectively be subsidizing fire protection for the County. However, he clarified that this was only a recommendation, and the City Council will make the final decision.
As an alternative, Grams supports maintaining a Mutual Aid Agreement, which would allow both departments to assist each other in large-scale emergencies when resources are stretched thin. Meanwhile, SFD is enhancing its fire response capabilities with a new platform truck (Truck 1) and a Quint truck (Truck 3), both of which are undergoing final inspections before being deployed.
Looking ahead, the City and County must determine the future of Automatic Aid before the June 30 deadline. SFD will continue evaluating its fire response strategies as it transitions away from Fire District responsibilities. Additionally, ensuring clear public communication remains a priority as these changes take effect.
9. Public Comments (General)
During the public comment section, a Statesboro citizen spoke passionately about her long-standing presence and efforts on Johnson Street to help keep the area drug-free. She recalled a time when 17 people were arrested for drug-related activity and emphasized that she has dedicated several years ensuring that drugs do not return to the area. She stated that she was asked by Judge Johnson to remain involved in keeping the neighborhood safe and that she has no intention of leaving, despite any opposition.
She expressed frustration that some individuals, including city officials, seem to want her gone, but she made it clear that she will continue her work in the community for as long as she lives. She also questioned why there is so much concern about her presence in the area, reiterating that she is simply doing what she has always done, watching over the neighborhood and preventing criminal activity.
She also referenced past interactions with local law enforcement, mentioning that a former police chief attempted to have her removed. However, she remains determined to stay and continue advocating for a drug-free environment in the area.
10. 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)
11. Consideration of a Motion to Adjourn