This is an informal rundown of the January 6, 2026 Statesboro City Council meeting.
Call to Order by Mayor Pro Tem Shari Barr
Invocation given by Pastor Craig Tremble and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilmember Paulette Chavers
Oath of Office administered by Bulloch County Probate Judge Lorna Deloach to:
- Mayor Jonathan McCollar
- Councilwoman Tangie Johnson
- Councilman John Riggs
Consideration of a motion to appoint a Mayor Pro Tempore for the next two years, per Statesboro Municipal Code, Section 2-4 of the City Charter.
Council members appointed Shari Barr to continue serving as mayor pro tem.
Public Comments (Agenda Item)
No one from the public was present to speak.
Consideration of a Motion to approve the Consent Agenda
A) Approval of Minutes
a) 12-16-2025 Work Session Minutes
b) 12-16-2025 Council Minutes
c) 12-16-2025 Executive Session Minutes
Approved unanimously.
Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2026-01: A Resolution approving application to the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program in the amount of $945,000.00 for hydrologic and hydraulic study of the Little Lotts Creek basin. If awarded, the 10% required grant match ($94,500) will be provided by Stormwater Fund Operating Revenues.
The City of Statesboro and surrounding unincorporated Bulloch County have experienced multiple flooding events in the past few years. Impacts from Hurricane Idalia, Tropical Storm Debby, Hurricane Helene, and other severe thunderstorms have made our area eligible for hazard mitigation assistance from FEMA. If awarded, this grant will assist in the planning phase to gather data in identifying current conditions and to create conceptual capital projects that mitigate flooding from large storm events.
Staff recommends to execute planning application from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to apply for federal funding. This funding is for the purpose of conducting Hydrologic and Hydraulic study of the Little Lott’s Creek basin (see map for project limits) as preliminary planning for flood mitigation projects along the basin. The federal funding will be awarded to the City of Statesboro in the form of a grant under FEMA’s hazard mitigation assistance program. This application will request assistance to cover the estimated cost of the planning phase in the amount of $945,000.00.
The HMGP4830 grant requires a matching contribution of 10% or $94,500.00. The matching amount will be budgeted as STM-49 in fiscal year 2027. This CIP will be used to cover this match and any other cost associated with this project.
Approved unanimously.
Public Comments (General)
An individual who did not state his full name for the record addressed the council about construction updates. Mayor McCollar stated he would connect the man with the proper staff before he left the meeting.
Other Business from City Council
Councilwoman Shari Barr stated the city tree board is accepting ‘previously alive’ trees. She also made mention of the passing of Henry Clay who passed away on Monday.
City Managers Comments
Penny congratulated the newly-re-sworn city officials. He also mentioned that the NAACP invited city officials to participate in the MLK Jr. Day parade.
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)
No executive session.
Consideration of a Motion to Adjourn
Meeting adjourned at 9:21 a.m.
