This is an informal rundown of what happened at the June 6, 2023 Statesboro City Council meeting. See the complete agenda packet here.
Call to Order by Mayor Jonathan McCollar – Councilwoman Venus Mack was not present
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance by Councilmember Phil Boyum
Recognitions/Public Presentations
- A) Presentation to the Finance Department for receiving the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Award for the City of Statesboro FY 2023 Budget.
- B) Recognition of Cindy West, Director of Finance for completing the Carl Vinson Institute of Government’s Public Finance Leadership Academy.
Public Comments (Agenda Item): None
Consideration of a Motion to approve the Consent Agenda
- A) Approval of Minutes
- a) 05-09-2023 Budge Work Session Minutes
- b) 05-16-2023 Work Session Minutes
- c) 05-16-2023 Council Minutes
- d) 05-16-2023 Executive Session Minutes
Public Hearing to solicit input on the proposed FY2024 Budget for the City of Statesboro
- $105 Million budget for FY 2024, a $20 million increase from FY 2023
- $10 million is ARPA Funds
- FY 2024 General Funding spending is $22 million, of which 65% is personnel
- City manager is recommending adjusting salaries 5% to keep up with ‘pace of inflation,’ which is over 7%
- Recommending a 2 mill increase on property taxes, per City Manager Charles Penny
- $914,000 per mill, so two mills=$1.8 million more
- Penny said the city has been using Fund Balance to balance the budget since he arrived ($600,000 in FY 2023), though property taxes have steadily increased by council doing and through property assessments.
- Increases are proposed in water fees, wastewater fees, natural gas costs, and solid waste fees
Public Hearing & Consideration of a Motion to approve application for an alcohol license in accordance with The City of Statesboro alcohol ordinance Sec. 6-13 (a):
Clarke Beverages II
607 Brannen Street, Suite 1
Statesboro, Ga 30458
License Type: Package Sales: Beer, Wine, and Distilled Spirits
Clark Beverages II was issued a package license (beer, wine, & distilled spirits) located at 607 Brannen Street on June 7, 2022 and renewed for the 2023 year. The business has expanded its footprint and has moved into the old Peachtree Hams location. Section 6-7(h) of the Statesboro Code of Ordinances requires a new application if any changes are made to the footprint of the originally licensed premises.
No one was present to speak for or against the application. The application was approved unanimously.
Public hearing and first reading of Ordinance 2023-05: An Ordinance amending Sections 2-55 and 2-57 of the Statesboro Code of Ordinances in order to expand One Boro Commission membership to sixteen members and to incorporate the mission and scope of authority of the Healthy Boro mayoral ad hoc committee.
One Boro Commission was established in November of 2020 as successor to the Commission on Diversity and Inclusion which was formed in 2018 to advise Mayor and Council on matters concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion. Mayor McCollar established the Healthy Boro ad hoc committee in 2022 to address health concerns and initiatives affecting all City residents.
The motion was approved 2-1 with Boyum voting NAY due to his belief that the number of members would be too many to be effective.
Consideration of a motion to approve the Statesboro Police Department Towing Rotation and Wrecker Agreement for FY 2024.
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 3-0.
Consideration of a Motion to approve an easement with the Bulloch County Historical Society to place a historical marker on City of Statesboro property adjacent to the Art Park, recognizing the Dover & Statesboro Railroad.
The Bulloch County Historical Society (BCHS) is requesting approval to install a historical marker recognizing the Dover & Statesboro (D&S) Railroad, the first railroad in Statesboro. The railroad provided a transportation connection between Statesboro and the Dover community to the north. Additional railroad lines traversing Statesboro would follow in later years. BCHS would like to place this marker in the vicinity of the Art Park, where the original depot was located.
It was recommended to BCHS to place the marker adjacent to East Main Street near Railroad Street. However, one of the BCHS board members would prefer to locate the marker within the Art Park, where the original depot was located. Staff will work with BCHS to determine a suitable location for both parties.
According to City Manager Charles Penny, BCHS already purchased the marker but it is up to council as to where to place it.
Approved 3-0.
Other Business from City Council
- Discussion regarding work session procedure
- Councilmembers Boyum and Barr previously expressed concerns that City Manager Charles Penny wanted to address. Specifically, whether or not the council can take actions while in workshops.
