The Statesboro City Council is exploring the possibility of implementing a Fire Service Fee to help fund the city's fire protection services. During the council’s recent work session, Statesboro Fire Chief Tim Grams presented an overview of the proposal, outlining its benefits, funding considerations, and the need for further analysis.
Later that evening, during the regular council meeting, the council approved a $60,000 contract with Goodwin Mills Cawood (GMC) to conduct a fire services study to assess the feasibility of the fee.
What is a Fire Service Fee?
A Fire Service Fee is a funding mechanism used by several cities and counties across Georgia to support fire protection services. Unlike property taxes, this fee would apply to all property owners, including some tax-exempt entities, ensuring that a broader range of property owners contribute to the cost of fire protection.
Chief Grams emphasized that even if a property never requires fire services, it still benefits from:
- Reduced risk of fire-related losses for both life and property
- Increased property value and marketability
- Lower insurance premiums due to improved ISO ratings
Some tax-exempt properties, including schools, nonprofits and churches, place demands on fire services but do not currently contribute through property taxes. The feasibility study will determine which properties would be subject to the fee, including whether government buildings would be included.
Why Consider a Fire Service Fee?
Chief Grams outlined several advantages of shifting fire department funding from property taxes to a dedicated service fee:
- Equitable Funding – Ensures all property owners contribute, including tax-exempt properties.
- Stable Revenue Source – Unlike property taxes, which fluctuate with market conditions, this fee provides a consistent funding stream.
- Potential for Property Tax Relief – Could allow for a millage rollback or reallocation of general fund resources.
- Supports Long-Term Planning – Provides funding for future fire stations, new equipment, and additional personnel.
Grams noted that additional fire stations and firefighters will be needed in the future, and the city must determine how to fund these necessary expansions.
City Council Approves Fire Service Fee Study
During the regular council meeting, the council approved a $60,000 contract with Goodwin Mills Cawood (GMC) to conduct a fire services study, funded through the Statesboro Fire Service Fund Operating Budget.
The city solicited proposals for 30 days, advertising the request for qualifications (RFQ) on the Georgia Procurement Registry. Two vendors submitted proposals, and after conducting interviews, city staff recommended GMC based on their experience in conducting similar studies.
The scope of work for the study includes:
- Data Gathering & Evaluation – Reviewing current Statesboro Fire Department (SFD) operations.
- Determination of Cost & Services – Analyzing the current cost of services and service levels.
- Call Data & Property Correlation – Examining how fire service calls relate to property data.
- Revenue Sources & Fee Suitability – Determining potential funding sources and whether a Fire Service Fee is a viable option.
Additionally, the study will assess:
- Taxable and non-taxable properties
- Property uses and risk classifications
- Current and future fire station locations
- Capital equipment needs
- Long-term fire service planning
GMC has prior experience in implementing Fire Service Fees, including work with Garden City and McDuffie County. Their McDuffie County study resulted in a successfully implemented Fire Service Fee, improving fire service delivery in that area. McDuffie County has recommended GMC for this project based on their past success.
City Manager Charles Penny reassured the council and the public that the Fire Service Fee is not a done deal. He compared the study to the storm water utility fee, which was implemented over a decade ago to ensure all properties contributing to runoff also contributed to its management costs.
“The good thing about this process is that no decision has been made,” Penny said. “We will collect the data and, if the information supports the implementation of a Fire Service Fee, the council will consider it. If the data shows it is not beneficial, we won’t move forward.”
He also clarified the earliest possible timeline for implementation:
- Feasibility study completion: Summer 2025
- Council decision and potential adoption: Fiscal Year 2027 budget (July 2026)
- Earliest possible implementation: 2026 or 2027
If implemented, the Fire Service Fee would likely be a supplemental funding source, rather than replacing all property tax funding for the fire department.
What’s Next?
The council will await the results of the six-month feasibility study before making any decisions. GMC is expected to present preliminary findings during the council’s March 2025 retreat. If the study indicates the fee is a viable option, further discussions will determine how it would be structured and how it would impact property owners.
For now, no new fees have been approved, and the city remains in the research phase of the process.
