This is an informal rundown of what happened at the September 1, 2026 Statesboro City Council meeting.
Call to Order by Mayor Jonathan McCollar – All council members present, District 2 seat vacant.
Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance
Recognitions & Public Presentations
A) Presentation by City Manager Charles Penny regarding data centers
Read the full analysis of the presentation by Penny here.
Consideration of a Motion to approve the Consent Agenda
Approval of Minutes
a) 08-18-2026 Work Session Minutes
b) 08-18-2026 Council Minutes
c) 08-18-2026 Executive Session Minutes
Approved unanimously.
Public hearing and consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 2026-36: A Resolution naming the unnamed street between East Cherry Street and East Vine Street "Nicolas Anciaux Lane.
On July 4th, 2026 City Staff received a petition for the naming of a local street in honor of a Franco-American Revolutionary War soldier, who resided in Bulloch County after the war. As noted by the BCHS, Nicolas Anciaux was responsible for the naming of the Arcola area, and was granted 1200 acres in Bulloch County. The request is to formally provide a name to an existing unnamed road behind City Hall.
IN FAVOR - Family members of Anciaux were present to support.
AGAINST - No one was present to speak against the petition.
Approved unanimously.
Consideration of a motion to approve the purchase and up-fitting of two 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Custom 2WD pickup trucks and one 2025 Chevrolet Express 2500 cargo van vehicles for a total expenditure of $128,558.67. These expenses will be funded using 2019 SPLOST funds. The expenditure breakdown is as follows:
- Buster Miles Chevrolet of Heflin, AL: $79,914.00 for two 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Custom 2WD pickup trucks.
- Rick Hendrick Chevrolet: $41,736.65 for one one 2025 Chevrolet Express 2500 cargo van.
- West Chatham Warning Devices: $6,908.32 for the up-fitting of the two 2026 Silverado pickup trucks.
Approved unanimously.
Consideration of a motion to award a contract to Hubbard and Hudson to repair the exterior stairway at City Hall in the amount of $101,000.00. If approved, this project would be funded by the 2019 SPLOST.
This project is for the repair of the exterior metal stairway in back of City Hall. Over the years, the steps have deteriorated and have the potential to fail if not repaired in the near future. While currently functional, the welded joints have been compromised and need immediate attention to prevent any hazard in the future. This project will include replacing all the steps and painting with a weather proof finish to help mitigate future weather damage. DPR Architectural Services (Statesboro) has designed this project to allow for stability and optimal functioning. This is the second time this project was bid out as we received no sealed bids during the first bid process. The sealed bid results are as follows:
- Hubbard and Hudson $101,000.00
- Whites Construction $135,000.00
- Akins Construction $212,000.00
- Valcourt $216,199.00
Hubbard and Hudson has been involved on numerous City projects over the years and has provided excellent results. This is a Capital Improvement Project (GBD-3) and will be funded out of the 2019 SPLOST.
Staff recommends a contract to repair the exterior stairway at City Hall be awarded to Hubbard and Hudson in the
amount of $101,000.00 as they submitted the lowest responsive sealed bid for this project.
Approved unanimously.
Consideration of a motion to approve Task Order 2A with EMC Engineering Services, Inc., in the amount of $459,895 for engineering design services for the Creek on the Blue Mile Multi-Use Trail project, to be funded by a Transportation Alternatives Grant, and 2023 TSPLOST funds.
A contract with EMC Engineering Services was approved by City Council on November 18, 2025, for design of drainage improvements to Little Lotts Creek from West Jones Avenue to Gentilly Road for the Creek on the Blue Mile project. A multi-use trail is planned to go along both sides of the creek. The City received notification from GDOT on July 1, 2027 that the City has been awarded a Transportation Alternatives (TA) Grant in the amount of $1,400,000 for preliminary engineering for the Creek on the Blue Mile Multi-Use Trail. A local match of $350,000 is required.
The City released a Request for Qualifications in April 2025 for engineering design services for the drainage improvements and multi-use trail, using the GDOT procurement process. EMC was selected as the most qualified firm for the project. The design of the drainage improvements and multi-use trail were split into two separate contracts, due to the separate funding sources being used. City Council approved a contract with EMC on November 18, 2025, for design of the drainage improvements. The design of the Multi-Use Trail was delayed while the City pursued the TA grant funding.
Task Order #2A is the first task order for the design of the Creek on the Blue Mile Multi-Use Trail. This task order includes preparation of the GDOT Concept Report, land surveying, and initial environmental reports. The project must follow the GDOT Plan Development Process to meet the requirements of the TA Grant. The cost of this initial task order is $459,859. There will be subsequent task orders to complete the design, and the estimated total design cost is $1.75 million.
Budget Impact: Task Order #2A has a total cost of $459,859. The work is to be funded by the TA grant
(80%) and 2023 TSPLOST funds (20%).
Approved unanimously.
Consideration of a motion to award a contract to Xylem Dewatering Solutions, Inc for the purchase of two (2) Godwin 6 inch diesel backup pumps (Model # NC100S) per the Florida Sheriff’s Association cooperative purchasing contract in the amount of $109,445.20. These items to be purchased with funds approved in the FY2026 CIP Budget, item #WWD-37, funded by the 2025 SPLOST.
As part of the city's long range plan to provide backup power or pumping to all of the sewage pump stations, the city has budgeted funds each year for installing backup pumps and generators. This year, the city proposing to install two 6-inch backup diesel pumps at two City sewage pump stations that currently do not have backup pumping capabilities. It is vital that we have a reliable source of backup pumping capacity at these locations.
The City is proposing to purchase these units using the Florida Sheriff’s Association Contract FSA23-EQU21.1, #313 government procurement process. The Purchasing Department has reviewed and approved this procurement method and has verified that there are no local vendors for this item.
Funds were approved in the FY2027 CIP, #WWD-37, utilizing the 2025 SPLOST.
Public Comments (General)
_ once again brought forth her complaints about the garbage cans not being picked up. She asked who would be responsible if someone hits the cart - the resident or the City of Statesboro.
Other Business from City Council
None.
City Managers Comments
City Manager Charles Penny reminded city council members of the upcoming public hearings for the proposed millage rate. He also updated council members on the robotics center and the upcoming ribbon cutting for the new fire station.
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)
At 9:49 a.m., council voted to go into executive session for real estate and personnel.
