The Statesboro City Council met on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, covering a packed agenda that included retirement recognitions, key fiscal updates, several land use decisions, infrastructure approvals, and support for youth-focused programs.
Mayor Jonathan McCollar called the meeting to order, followed by an invocation and pledge led by Councilmember Paulette Chavers, who attended via Zoom. Council then moved into a series of presentations and recognitions.
Honoring Years of Service
The Council issued a proclamation recognizing May 18–24, 2025 as National Public Works Week, in line with the American Public Works Association’s campaign to highlight the critical role of public works in daily life.
Two major retirements were also recognized. Steve Hotchkiss, Director of Public Utilities, was honored for his 36-year tenure with the city. Hotchkiss played a lead role in major utility expansions, including service to the Hyundai Metaplant corridor, Brooklet’s sewer project, and key commercial and industrial sites. “We can’t replace you,” Mayor McCollar said, “but we wish that God bless everything you touch moving forward.”
Kathy Field, Director of Planning, was also recognized for her five years with the city and decades of experience in urban development. During her tenure, Field led initiatives such as the Unified Development Code, the Downtown Master Plan, and the city’s Affordable Housing Study. “It’s truly the best team that I’ve worked with in all my years of experience,” Field said in farewell remarks.
City’s Financial Health Remains Strong
Richard Deal of Lanier, Deal, and Proctor presented the city’s audited financial report for Fiscal Year 2024. The city reported a net position of $167.9 million, a 13% increase over the previous year.
General Fund reserves remained strong at $7.5 million, and enterprise funds showed a $3.5 million operating income, driven by solid performance in water, sewer, gas, and solid waste services.
Zoning, Variances, and Development Approvals
Council unanimously approved several development-related requests:
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Blue Water Bulloch LLC received approval to annex and rezone a 38.58-acre property on Herman Rushing Road for a 198-unit townhome subdivision. The decision followed public concerns over traffic on Burkhalter Road and Highway 67, which staff acknowledged were being addressed through TSPLOST-funded improvements. Councilmember Shari Barr emphasized the need for better planning around open space and traffic capacity.
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Ramona Hagin was granted a variance to convert a 1,078-square-foot workshop at 109 Sandy Way into a short-term rental unit in memory of her late father, Hugh Russell Hagin, a former Georgia Southern University engineer. The structure, built in 1997, predates current ADU size restrictions. The variance includes a condition prohibiting porch screening to comply with code limitations.
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Bill Gross was approved for a special use permit to increase the unit count for Phase III of Bryant’s Landing, a senior housing development located on the former Julia P. Bryant school site. The expanded phase brings the total unit count to 151 across all phases.
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3SD Investments LLC received approval for a cottage court subdivision on East Main Street, consisting of eight units on a 0.98-acre parcel. Councilmember Barr voiced support while requesting that tree buffers bordering Eastside Cemetery be preserved.
Infrastructure and Property Matters
Council approved Resolution 2025-09, accepting Roscomare Lane, Somera Lane, Anzio Drive, and Hamner Drive within the Bel-Air East Subdivision as public streets. City Manager Charles Penny explained that the roads were constructed to city standards and are now eligible for maintenance and home closings.
Council also approved the city’s formal acceptance of 0.65 acres at 64 East Main Street from the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority—finalizing property transfers for the Business Innovation Group (BIG) campus expansion. The city previously invested $2.5 million in grant funding and $500,000 in matching funds to renovate the site.
An easement agreement with the Archibald Bulloch Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was also approved, allowing installation of a historical marker near Triangle Park to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
A $33,500 change order to Southeast Pipe Survey, Inc. was approved for emergency repairs to two deteriorated sewer manholes on Fair Road. The work will be funded through 2019 SPLOST and utility capital improvement funds.
Youth and Community Initiatives
In his remarks, City Manager Charles Penny requested and received Council approval to allocate $3,500 toward the Youth Career Commission’s summer camp, a job-readiness program led by Rev. Wayne Williams. The funding will be provided via a service contract to meet state gratuity laws.
Penny also announced that the city has received a $1.3 million CHIP grant—its first in six years—to support affordable homeownership in the Pine Street area. The project will be coordinated with Habitat for Humanity and Agape Worship Center.
He highlighted the recruitment of a major national retailer to Statesboro, which will be announced soon.
Lastly, Penny reported that approximately $90,000 in opioid settlement funds are available for local nonprofits. A review committee—consisting of city staff and two community members—will oversee grant awards of up to $15,000 to support addiction recovery and prevention efforts.
Councilmember Barr closed the section by acknowledging the passing of Dr. Paul Whitlock, a longtime community leader, and extended condolences to his family.
Final Actions
After an Executive Session, the Council returned and voted to appoint the following members to the Youth Commission:
- Phillip Campbell
- Jean Owens
- Ashley Tremble Scott
- Tina Patterson
- Caitlin Brady
- Lakesha Hill
The meeting concluded with no additional public comment, and the Council voted to adjourn.
Full meeting agenda packet
I. Call to Order
Mayor Jonathan McCollar called the meeting to order.
II. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Councilmember Paulette Chavers.
III. Recognitions / Public Presentations
A) Presentation of a proclamation recognizing May 18–24, 2025, as Public Works Week.
The 2025 National Public works Week is May 18 – 24, 2025. The American Public Works Association uses this time to promote public works as a profession and to educate the public on the importance of public works activities and programs to their daily lives.
B) Presentation of a retirement award to Steve Hotchkiss, Director of Public Utilities, in honor of his 36 years of service to the City of Statesboro.
The Statesboro City Council honored Steve Hotchkiss, Director of Public Utilities, with a retirement award recognizing 36 years of service to the city. In prepared remarks, Mayor McCollar credited Hotchkiss with guiding critical infrastructure improvements that have supported Statesboro’s rapid growth and extended essential services across the region. His leadership has included overseeing natural gas, water, and wastewater systems, as well as planning and executing long-range utility strategies.
During his tenure, Hotchkiss was instrumental in expanding service to key developments such as the Hyundai Metaplant corridor, Brooklet’s new sewer system, and major commercial and industrial sites including TA Travel Center, Hanon Systems, and the Gateway Industrial Park. He also played a key role in supporting the expansion of Georgia Southern University's South Campus and Ogeechee Technical College's Robotics Training Center.
Speaking at the podium, Hotchkiss expressed gratitude to City Manager Charles Penny, engineering staff, and the utility teams he worked alongside. “These guys back here are the ones I enjoyed working with,” he said, gesturing to his department. “We’ve got a great group. I think they’re ready to go on.” He thanked the city for providing “a good place to work and live all these years.”
Mayor McCollar closed the presentation by praising Hotchkiss’ lasting legacy: “We can’t replace you, but we wish that God bless everything you touch moving forward. You’ve always got a family here in the City of Statesboro.”
C) Presentation of a retirement award to Kathy Field, Director of Planning, in honor of her 5 years of service to the City of Statesboro.
The Statesboro City Council recognized Kathy Field, Director of Planning, with a retirement award honoring her five years of service to the city and decades-long career in urban planning. Field joined the city’s leadership team in April 2020, bringing prior experience from senior roles in Milton, McDonough, Roswell, and the Boston Housing Authority.
During her time in Statesboro, Field played a central role in shaping the city’s development policies and managing its unprecedented growth. Her accomplishments include leading the creation and adoption of the International Property Maintenance Code, the townhouse zoning ordinance, and the Unified Development Code (UDC). She also oversaw major strategic initiatives such as the citywide housing study, affordable housing study, five-year Comprehensive Plan update, Downtown Master Plan, and the Strategic Plan. Additionally, she helped launch the Housing Rehabilitation Program and guided the establishment of the Land Bank Authority.
Addressing the Council, Field praised her colleagues and staff: “It’s truly the best team that I’ve worked with in all my years of experience,” she said. “I give a lot of credit to my staff—they really helped implement all of these policies.” She called the moment “bittersweet,” but affirmed her gratitude and readiness for retirement.
City leaders thanked Field for her thoughtful leadership and policy expertise, noting the significant impact her work will have on the city’s future.
D) Presentation by Richard Deal of Lanier, Deal, and Proctor on the City’s Fiscal Year 2024 financial results.
Richard Deal, representing Lanier, Deal, and Proctor, delivered a brief overview of the City of Statesboro’s audited financials for Fiscal Year 2024, praising the city’s strong financial standing and the cooperation of Finance Director Cindy West and her team. As of June 30, 2024, the city reported total assets of $223.4 million and liabilities of $56.3 million, resulting in a net position of $167.9 million—a 13% increase from the previous year, or approximately $19.2 million.
Citywide expenses, including depreciation and debt service, totaled $35.3 million, while total revenues for governmental activities reached $49.8 million. The General Fund ended the year with a fund balance of $7.5 million, up by $563,080, representing 35% of annual expenditures—a healthy reserve by government finance standards. General Fund revenues and expenditures both stood at roughly $18.5 million.
The city’s enterprise funds—which include water, sewer, gas, and solid waste services—also performed well, with a combined net position of $79.3 million. These funds brought in $27.2 million in revenue against $23.7 million in expenses, generating $3.5 million in operating income. Deal concluded by affirming the city’s financial health and invited any follow-up questions from the Council.
The City of Statesboro is required to have an independent financial audit at the end of each Fiscal Year. Richard Deal, with Lanier, Deal and Proctor, will give an update on how the City financially ended Fiscal Year 2024.
IV. Public Comments (Agenda Item)
APPROVED V. Consideration of a Motion to Approve the Consent Agenda
A) Approval of Minutes
a) May 6, 2025, Council Minutes
b) May 6, 2025, Executive Session Minutes
APPROVED VI. Public Hearing and Consideration of a Motion to Approve
A) Application AN 25-03-04: Blue Water Bulloch LLC requests annexation of approximately 38.54 acres to develop a townhome subdivision at 285 Herman Rushing Road (Tax Parcel #108 000013 000).
The Council held a public hearing to consider an annexation and rezoning request from Blue Water Bulloch LLC, seeking to annex and rezone a 38.58-acre vacant property at 285 Herman Rushing Road from R-40 (One-Household Residential) to R-2 (Townhouse Residential) for the development of a 198-unit townhome subdivision. Staff presented the proposal, noted the property’s location within a developing neighborhood on the city’s future land use map, and acknowledged an existing Georgia Power utility easement running through the site. Under an intergovernmental agreement, the adjacent portion of Herman Rushing Road would become a city-maintained street.
Concerns were raised during the public hearing about growing traffic congestion in the Burkhalter Road and Highway 67 corridor. A resident and former government employee, urged Council not to rush into approving further high-density development in an area already facing pressure from nearly 1,000 units that have been approved or are under construction nearby. they called for infrastructure improvements to catch up before adding more housing, emphasizing the need for road upgrades, roundabouts, and proper planning.
Councilmember Shari Barr, whose district includes the project site, echoed those concerns and highlighted three issues: the utility easement’s potential use as default open space without meaningful amenities; the impact of continued growth on already strained roads; and a desire for updates on traffic mitigation planning. City staff confirmed that improvements are in the works for the Highway 67 and Burkhalter Road intersection using TSPLOST funds, but they acknowledged that project timelines are still uncertain due to coordination with Georgia Power and Bulloch County.
Haydon Rollins of Hussey Gay Bell, representing the developer, said the required traffic studies have already been completed and accounted for cumulative development in the area. He also addressed the open space issue, arguing that while the easement cannot be built on, it could still provide usable green space for residents.
Following further discussion, the Council unanimously approved the annexation and rezoning request with staff-recommended conditions, which include the completion of a traffic study prior to land disturbance permitting and construction of any recommended right-of-way improvements before certificates of occupancy are issued.
B) Application RZ 25-03-05: Blue Water Bulloch LLC requests a zoning map amendment from R-40 (One-Household Residential) to R-2 (Townhouse Residential) for the development of approximately 198 townhome units at 285 Herman Rushing Road (Tax Parcel #108 000013 000).
VII. Public Hearing and Consideration of a Motion to Approve
Application V 25-04-01: Ramona Hagin requests a variance from Section 2.4.1 B of the Unified Development Code to convert an existing building into an accessory dwelling unit larger than the allowed 749 square feet at 109 Sandy Way (Tax Parcel #MS85 000006 000).
Council unanimously approved a variance request from Ramona Hagin to convert an existing 1,078-square-foot workshop on her property at 109 Sandy Way into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), exceeding the Unified Development Code’s current 749-square-foot limit. The structure—originally built in 1997 by Ms. Hagin’s late father, Hugh Russell Hagin, a longtime chief engineer at Georgia Southern University—will be renovated into a vintage-style short-term rental unit in his honor, preserving elements of the original workspace and tools.
Represented by attorney Russell Jones, Hagin requested the variance with the understanding that a screen cannot be added to the exterior porch, a condition imposed by city staff to keep the project within the spirit of the code. Staff recommended approval, noting that the structure predated the current ordinance. The Planning Commission approved the variance 5-1 on May 6, 2025.
Jones emphasized that the project would not alter the structure’s exterior or impact neighboring properties, and would contribute to short-term rental inventory without straining city infrastructure. Council discussion remained brief, with a lighthearted question raised about the rationale for prohibiting porch screening. Staff explained the condition helped mitigate the square footage issue as part of a compromise.
The motion to approve the variance carried without opposition.
APPROVED VIII. Public Hearing and Consideration of a Motion to Approve
Application SU 25-04-03: Bill Gross requests a Special Use Permit to allow for an increased number of units in the R-4 (High-Density Multi-household) district to complete Phase III of the Bryant’s Landing Senior Housing Project (Tax Parcel #MS38000056 002).
Council approved a special use permit request from Bill Gross to allow for additional density in Phase III of the Bryant’s Landing housing development. Located on the site of the old Julia P. Bryant Elementary School football field, the project falls within the city’s R-4 (High-Density Multi-Household) zoning district and is part of a broader redevelopment area. The permit grants the developer flexibility to exceed the base density limit, adding approximately 36 units beyond what is normally permitted by zoning code.
According to city planning staff, the full project will include 151 units across all three phases. Phases I and II have already received funding approval through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). The special use permit was required to move forward with Phase III, which completes the build-out. Planning staff and the Planning Commission both recommended approval, with the Commission voting 6-0 in favor.
City staff clarified that the approval does not allow immediate construction—final building review, certification, and coordination on any necessary road closures must occur before development begins. Councilmember Shari Barr noted that while the first phase targeted seniors and the second phase included family housing, the third phase would return focus to senior living, unless family occupancy was needed to meet demand. The permit was unanimously approved by Council without public opposition or further debate.
APPROVED IX. Consideration of a Motion to Approve
Application SUB 25-04-02: 3SD Investments LLC requests approval of a Preliminary Subdivision Plat on 0.98 acres for the development of a cottage court consisting of 8 units on East Main Street (Tax Parcel #S49 000016 001).
Council approved a preliminary subdivision plat request from 3SD Investments LLC to develop an eight-unit cottage court on a 0.98-acre vacant parcel located on East Main Street. The property, zoned R-4 (High-Density Multi-Household), has changed hands multiple times over the past five years without development until now. The proposed project takes advantage of the existing zoning and proximity to a neighboring apartment complex to create compact, detached units in a shared community layout.
City staff recommended approval, noting that the site falls within a designated redevelopment area. The Planning Commission also endorsed the project with a 6-0 vote at its May 6, 2025 meeting, with the added condition that the final plat must include a designated dumpster pad or trash collection area.
Councilmember Shari Barr praised the proposal as a good fit for the cottage court concept, citing the estimated 1,200 square foot units as likely to include three bedrooms and one bath, which aligns with typical design standards. She also expressed a desire to preserve the tree buffer and fencing at the rear of the property, which borders Eastside Cemetery, noting the importance of maintaining a respectful boundary between the housing and the burial grounds.
The motion to approve the subdivision passed unanimously.
APPROVED X. Consideration of a Motion to Approve
Resolution 2025-09: A resolution accepting the street right-of-way of Roscomare Lane, Somera Lane, Anzio Drive, and Hamner Drive in the Bel-Air East Subdivision as public streets to be owned and maintained by the City of Statesboro.
In June 2023, the Statesboro City Council approved the annexation and zoning changes for the Belair subdivision on Northside Drive East, which initiated subsequent infrastructure developments, including road construction. A total of five proof rolls were completed for subgrade and GAB during road construction between August 2024 and December 2024. The developer now desires to dedicate these roads, Roscomare Lane, Somera Lane, Anzio Drive, and Hamner Drive, to the City of Statesboro.
Council approved Resolution 2025-09, officially accepting Roscomare Lane, Somera Lane, Anzio Drive, and Hamner Drive within Phase I of the Bel-Air East Subdivision as public streets to be owned and maintained by the City of Statesboro. According to City Manager Charles Penny, the roads were constructed to meet city standards, including final pavement installation, and are now ready for dedication.
Penny noted that accepting the roads allows property owners within the development to proceed with closing on homes, as public street access is required for such transactions. He emphasized this is a typical part of the development process, and once accepted, the city assumes responsibility for long-term maintenance. Council approved the resolution without opposition or further discussion.
APPROVED XI. Consideration of a Motion to Approve
Acceptance of 0.65 acres of property located at 64 East Main Street from the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority (DSDA) for expansion of the Business Innovation Group (BIG).
Council unanimously approved the acceptance of 0.65 acres of property located at 64 East Main Street from the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority (DSDA) to complete the Business Innovation Group (BIG) campus expansion. City Manager Charles Penny reminded Council that the city had previously secured a $2.5 million federal grant and contributed $500,000 in matching funds to renovate the final portion of the BIG campus.
Penny explained that with renovations now complete, the city is receiving title to the last remaining parcel associated with the project, completing the transfer process. He recommended approval, and the motion passed without opposition or further discussion.
APPROVED XII. Consideration of a Motion to Approve
An easement agreement with the Archibald Bulloch Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution to place a historical marker on City property adjacent to Triangle Park.
The Archibald Bulloch Chapter, National Society, Daughters of the American Revol tion is requesting approval to install a historical marker recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Américan Revolution.
The Archibald Bulloch Chapter NSDAR would like to place this marker in the vicinity of the Triangle Park.
XIII. Consideration of a Motion to Approve
Change Order #1 in the amount of $33,500.00 to Southeast Pipe Survey, Inc., to be funded by 2019 SPLOST and Water Sewer Funds included in CIP projects #WWD 14, 187, and 188.
In December of 2024, Council approved to award the contract for the 2024 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation project to Southeast Pipe Survey, Inc. in the amount of $609,467.50 with approval to spend up to $1,200,000 for additional sewer rehabilitation in areas of immediate concern. This project involves sewer main pipe lining with Cured in Place liners, and, also adding liners to the inside of the associated manholes within the project area as part of the City’s ongoing efforts to reduce ground water infiltration into the sewer system. During the initial cleaning and inspection, it was discovered that two manholes along Fair Road were in critical condition from sewer gases deteriorating the entire concrete structure to the point that they may collapse. In order to rehabilitate these manholes, they will need to be rebuilt with new concrete from the inside and then lined, all while allowing high volumes of sewer flow to pass through. Since this additional work is outside the scope of the original project, we recommend approval of this change order in the amount of $33,500.00 to restore these critical manholes.
XIV. Other Business from City Council
Shari Barr reminds everyone of the Downtown Live concert on Thursday evening.
XV. City Manager’s Comments
During his remarks, City Manager Charles Penny provided several key updates and requests for Council consideration:
First, Penny asked Council to consider a $3,500 contribution to support the Youth Career Commission's two-week summer camp, a program led by Rev. Wayne Williams that offers local students hands-on job training. While the initiative was funded in the previous year, it had not been included in the FY26 budget. Councilmember Shari Barr raised concerns about compliance with gratuities restrictions, noting that any funding must be tied to a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) or contracted service. With general support from Council and the understanding that the funding serves a community benefit, the Council voted to approve the funding through a service contract.
Penny then announced that the city had been awarded a $1.3 million Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP) grant from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. The funds will be used in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and Agape Worship Center to promote affordable homeownership opportunities, particularly in the Pine Street area. Penny noted it was Statesboro’s first CHIP grant in six years.
He also acknowledged the successful recruitment of a major national retailer to the area, soon to be officially announced. Penny emphasized that although some residents may question the need for additional retail, the presence of this retailer (currently operating only in Pooler) will help retain sales tax revenue within Bulloch County and reflects positive economic growth in the local market.
Finally, Penny discussed the availability of opioid settlement funds, noting the city currently has approximately $9,000 available to allocate. The city will soon launch a grant application process for local nonprofits and community groups, with awards up to $15,000 per recipient. A review committee, consisting of staff and two community members, including a pediatrician, will oversee application evaluations. Penny noted that outreach is underway and that details will be made public in the coming days.
Councilmember Barr closed the section by acknowledging the recent passing of Dr. Paul Whitlock , a respected community figure in Bulloch County, and extended condolences to his family.
XVI. Public Comments (General)
XVII. Executive Session
After returning from Executive Session, the Statesboro City Council voted to appoint six members to serve on the Youth Commission. The newly approved appointees are:
- Phillip Campbell
- Jean Owens
- Ashley Tremble Scott
- Tina Patterson
- Caitlin Brady
- Lakesha Hill
The appointments follow earlier discussion during the meeting about continued support for youth programming and development initiatives in the city.
XVIII. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn the meeting.
