After decades of intergovernmental cooperation, the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners has announced that the Bulloch County Fire Department (BCFD) will assume full responsibility for fire services in the Five Mile Fire District, effective July 1, 2025. This decision terminates the long-standing agreement with the City of Statesboro Fire Department, which has served the district since the 1970s.
The move follows a December 2024 vote by the County Commission to allow the existing five-year agreement to expire, providing the required six-month notice to the city. While the county initially indicated a termination of the agreement, city officials, including Statesboro City Manager Charles Penny, clarified that the county later expressed an openness to renegotiation.
Penny, addressing the Statesboro City Council on Tuesday evening February 18, 2025, revealed that the county proposed splitting the Fire District, a suggestion he strongly opposed. He emphasized the Statesboro Fire Department's extensive service to the 96-square-mile district, which significantly exceeds the city's 16.1 square miles. He also noted that the Bulloch County Fire District's funding accounts for only 30% of the city’s fire department budget, enabling the city to maintain an impressive Class 2 Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating throughout the city and five mile coverage area.
At the city council meeting, Penny recommended that the city reject the county's split proposal, offer to continue services for one final year under the current terms, support the county's efforts to establish its own fire stations within the district, and maintain automatic aid assistance for at least one year to facilitate a smooth transition. The council agreed to this counter offer.
The Bulloch County Commission, in a press release Friday, February 21, 2025, stated that the county had rejected the offer by the city. Instead they have decided to take over the Fire District. This is part of a long-term plan to enhance fire protection in rural areas. Since 2008, the county has consolidated volunteer departments, established a Fire Chief position, and implemented a plan to add 24-hour staffed stations with career firefighters. The county plans to establish additional fire stations within the Five Mile Fire District, an expansion previously restricted by the agreement with Statesboro.
Currently, residents in the Five Mile Fire District pay a fire service millage rate to support Statesboro Fire Department's services. Beginning July 1, 2025, all revenue from this tax will be directed to the BCFD, enabling the county to expand staffing, acquire new equipment, and improve fire coverage across the county.
While the city and county will transition from an automatic aid to a mutual aid agreement, both departments have pledged to continue collaborating and providing support as needed.
Potential Impact on Homeowners Insurance
One significant concern arising from this change is the potential impact on homeowners insurance rates. The City of Statesboro Fire Department currently holds an ISO rating of 2, indicating superior fire protection capabilities. The Bulloch County Fire Department, on the other hand, has an ISO rating of 4 or 4y.
ISO ratings are a crucial factor in determining homeowners insurance premiums. A lower ISO rating generally translates to lower premiums, as it signifies a reduced risk of fire damage. Therefore, residents in the Five Mile Fire District may see an increase in their insurance rates when the BCFD assumes responsibility, due to the higher ISO rating.
"The difference between an ISO 2 and a 4 or 4y can be significant," said a local insurance agent who asked not to be named. "Homeowners are potentially in for a double hit. Insurance rates are already predicted to increase significantly to help make up for the historic damage caused by last years storms. Now on top of that they may be impacted by this transition which could see increased ISO ratings and in turn increased insurance costs. The best way to determine how the change may impact you if you live in the affected area is to contact your insurance provider to understand how this change might affect your premiums."
Click here to search by your address to see if you are in the five mile fire district.
The Statesboro City Council will revisit the financial and operational implications of the county's termination of this agreement at its March retreat.
Here is our coverage on the termination of the fire agreement:
Bulloch Commission terminates five mile fire agreement with Statesboro, debates housing regulations
Statesboro City Council gives the thumbs up for new fire station, moves ARPA funds into food bank
Bulloch County meets City to negotiate 5 mile fire coverage agreement
City Council discusses county fire service agreement termination and temporarily suspends local business license
Commissioners receive an update on expansion of fire service and learn more about impact fees
Statesboro City Council suspends massage parlor license, discusses fire district and gets recognized by United Way contributions
