This is an informal rundown of what happened at the June 2, 2026 Statesboro City Council meeting.
Call to Order by Mayor Jonathan McCollar – All council members present
Invocation & Pledge – Councilwoman Ginny Hendley
Recognitions
A) Ceremonial Signing between the City of Statesboro and the United States Army.
This morning, the City of Statesboro hosted a ceremonial signing with the United States Army for the Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) program, inaugurating Statesboro as a partner with the program.
The strategic partnership between the U.S. Army and a cross section of corporations, companies, and public sector agencies. The Program provides America’s Soldiers with an opportunity to serve their country while they prepare for their future. PaYS Partners guarantee Soldiers an interview and possible employment after the Army. This unique Program is part of the Army’s effort to partner with America’s business community and reconnect America with its Army.
Georgia National Guard members and Army Reservists will have priority with the City of Statesboro now that the city is a PaYS participant.
The partnership was presented by Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Craig A. Henderson, who has served in command positions up to the battalion level and staff positions up to the Division. He currently serves as the Battalion Commander of the Georgia Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion.
Mayor Jonathan McCollar also addressed the room, noting the city’s excitement in partnering with the program. “If you want to get far in life, you help someone and I believe the military branches embrace that,” he said. “Not only ‘thank you,’ but we want to stand beside you in every step of your soldier’s journey…We’re going to support them 100%.”
B) Presentation of a Proclamation recognizing June 8-12, 2026 as Municipal Court Clerks Week.
Public Comments – No one present to sign up to speak on agenda items.
Consideration of a Motion to Approve the Consent agenda
A) Approval of Minutes
a) 05-12-2026 Budget Work Session Minutes
b) 05-19-2026 Work Session Minutes
c) 05-19-2026 Council Minutes
d) 05-19-2026 Executive Session Minutes
Approved 4-0.
Public Hearing to Solicit Input on the FY 2027 Budget for the City of Statesboro
The City Council is expected to adopt the budget on June 16.
No one was present to speak for or against the proposed budget.
Public Hearing and second reading for consideration to approve Ordinance 2026-01: An Ordinance amending the Unified Development Code to create zoning classifications and requirements for the development of Technological Facilities & Data Centers.
After an initial draft recommendation for approval by the Planning Commission and discussion at the May 19, 2026 City Council Work Session, staff presented a revised ordinance for the Public Hearing and First Reading at the City Council Meeting on May 19, 2026.
Approved 3-1.
Public hearing and 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):
Annie’s Nail Salon PT2
Owner: Tom Berry
Location: 105 Tormenta Way, Unit B1
License Type: Low Volume
Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2026-22: A Resolution calling for a Special Election to fill the unexpired term of the vacant District Two Council Seat; fixing the qualification fee for candidates, and authorizing publication.
Councilmember Paulette Chavers tendered her resignation as District 2 representative at regular Council meeting on May 19, 2026, effective immediately. This resolution would allow a special called election to fill the District 2 vacancy on November 3, 2026. The dates and times for candidates to qualify for this Special Election will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 and end at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
Approved 3-0.
Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2026-23: A Resolution approving the increase of health insurance rate premiums for current and retired employees.
Expenditures related to providing health insurance for employees, retirees, and their families increase annually. For the past six years, the City has covered the increases and not increased premiums for employees or retirees. Staff recommends a 15% increase for biweekly employee premiums effective July 1, 2026. Staff recommends that retiree rates be adjusted to match employee premiums. Lastly, staff recommends that coverage for spouses will end when the retiree reaches age 65.
Approved 4-0.
Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2026-24: A Resolution requesting approval to apply for Assistance to Firefighters Grant for the City of Statesboro, Georgia.
Each year, the federal government invites fire departments from across the country to submit applications for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). The primary goal of the AFG program is to help local fire departments meet critical firefighting and emergency response needs by providing funding for equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, health and safety programs, and other essential resources. The AFG program is highly competitive, and it is the Fire Department’s desire to submit an application during this grant period for the following two projects. The total grant request is $799,700.00
Approved 4-0.
Consideration of a motion to approve an amended IGA with Bulloch County, Brooklet, Portal, and Register regarding the Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST), in order to comply with Senate Bill 33.
This amendment is necessary to accommodate the provisions of Senate Bill 33, which amended OCGA 48-8-109.42 to provide that FLOST proceeds received from July 1 of the previous calendar year through June 30 of the current calendar year must be used to reduce ad valorem property taxes for the current calendar year.
Approved 4-0.
Consideration of motion to approve a limited warranty deed conveying a one-half undivided interest in Parcel 135 000010 000, a one acre parcel on WW Mann Center Road in Bulloch County.
Subject property houses FAA-maintained airport infrastructure pursuant to a lease with the City and County. Recent title search revealed this parcel is owned solely by the City. It was assumed that this parcel was jointly owned with Bulloch County, like all other airport related real property. This conveyance will bring the property’s ownership in line with other airport properties.
Approved 4-0.
Consideration of a motion to approve the Statesboro Police Department Towing Rotation and Wrecker Agreement for FY 2027.
The City maintains a Wrecker Agreement with local businesses that conduct motor vehicle tows. The Agreement provides companies with requirements in order to be used by the City to tow vehicles at the City's request. In order to be placed on the wrecker rotation, companies must agree to, and abide with, the Agreement. As an example, if the police respond to a motor vehicle crash and a driver requires a tow from the scene, and that driver does not have a personally preferred towing service, the City will contact the next wrecker available under the rotation. This Agreement has been adopted annually by City Council.
There are no proposed changes to last year's Agreement aside from the dates.
Approved 4-0.
Consideration of a Memorandum of Understanding with GeorgiaForward, Inc. to host the
2026 Youth Symposium in Statesboro, Georgia.
Annually, the Georgia Municipal Association and GeorgiaForward host a Youth Symposium in conjunction with a host city. City leadership believes this event would provide an excellent opportunity to host approximately 100 youth from across the state while highlighting our community. The Statesboro Youth Council has affirmed its support and is committed to collaborating with staff to successfully implement this event if approved by the Elected Body. The budget impact is $10,000.
Approved 4-0.
Public Comments
Marshall Webster - Addressed ethical issues amongst elected officials, alleging that Councilwoman Paulette Chavers was not living in her district for over a year.
Eddie Delgado - Lead Civic and Advocacy Coordinator for Migrant Equity SouthEast (MESE), a grassroots advocacy organization based in South and Coastal Georgia that serves the migrant and refugee communities throughout the region. He spoke about the city's partnership with ICE and the agreements the police department is currently operating under at the direction of city council and legal counsel.
Len Fatica - Announced an event for Bulloch VOAD.
Other Business from Council
City Managers Comments
City Manager Charles Penny announced he will retire at the end of the year.
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)
Council did not go into executive session.
Consideration of a Motion to Adjourn
Council adjourned to go into executive session at
