Statesboro Metropolis Council approves oncology partnership, addresses fireplace district settlement termination

The March 4, 2025, Statesboro Metropolis Council assembly coated a number of main subjects, together with a brand new oncology providers settlement, updates on fireplace safety providers, and considerations relating to the termination of the Hearth District Settlement by Bulloch County.

The council accepted the assembly minutes from February 18, 2025, and licensed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with St. Joseph’s/Candler (SJC) to offer oncology providers for deprived people in Statesboro. The settlement will assist SJC qualify for the federal 340B drug low cost program, which supplies reasonably priced most cancers remedy choices for uninsured and underinsured sufferers. Representatives from SJC and East Georgia Regional Medical Middle (EGRMC) emphasised the significance of localized most cancers care, eliminating the necessity for sufferers to journey for chemotherapy and immunotherapy therapies.

The council additionally accepted a $246,306 contract with Tim Lanier Building LLC for Anderson Avenue Roadway Enhancements, funded by 2023 TSPLOST income.

Metropolis Supervisor Charles Penny offered key updates, together with:

• Hearth Alarm Blitz: Scheduled for March 29, led by Hearth Chief Tim Grams, to enhance fireplace security.
• Police Staffing: Because of hiring bonuses, the police division has eradicated vacancies, resulting in the discontinuation of hiring incentives as of March 1.
• New Hearth Truck: The brand new fireplace truck was lately inspected in Ohio, and is predicted to reach by the tip of March.
• Utility Reduction: The council accepted monetary aid for an aged resident dealing with six months of unusually excessive water payments attributable to her bathroom repeatedly working water.
• Employees Adjustments: Town acknowledged Steve Hotchkiss for 36 years of service earlier than his retirement in June and introduced the resignation of Public Works and Engineering Director John Washington.

Hearth District Settlement and Misinformation 

The termination of the Hearth District Settlement was a serious focus of the assembly. Hearth Chief Tim Grams offered an in depth report addressing Bulloch County Commissioners’ December 3, 2024, vote to terminate the settlement with out prior discover to the Metropolis of Statesboro.

Lack of Communication from the County

For 46 years, the Statesboro Hearth Division (SFD) has offered fireplace safety providers throughout the Hearth District, funded by a 2.7-mill tax charge paid by district residents. Nonetheless, on the January 30, 2025, Hearth District Committee assembly, the County immediately offered a plan to separate the Hearth District, with 52% of revenues going to the County and 48% to the Metropolis. The Metropolis was given lower than three weeks (till February 17) to reply, which officers thought of an unrealistic timeframe.

ISO Rankings & Insurance coverage Will increase

Chief Grams raised considerations concerning the affect on insurance coverage premiums. SFD presently holds a “Flat” Class 2 ISO ranking, making certain that every one properties inside 5 miles of a fireplace station obtain the identical insurance coverage classification. Nonetheless, Bulloch County Hearth Division operates with a “Cut up” Class 4/4Y ranking, that means that owners and not using a close by water supply may see insurance coverage charges rise by 30-40%.

Disputing the County’s Justification for Termination

Chairman David Bennett claimed that fireplace providers within the district price $6,000 per name, making the settlement financially unsustainable. Chief Grams rejected this declare, explaining that fireplace safety is just not measured solely by dividing funding by the variety of calls. The worth of SFD’s service consists of:

• Decrease insurance coverage premiums attributable to higher ISO rankings
• Sooner response occasions, decreasing property loss
• Hearth prevention efforts equivalent to neighborhood schooling and smoke detector packages

Moreover, Statesboro responded to 52 construction fires in Bulloch County in 2024, arriving first 32% of the time, countering the declare that the County offered extra help to the Metropolis.

Computerized Help Settlement Concerns

The Computerized Help Settlement between the Metropolis and County is about to robotically renew until canceled earlier than June 30, 2025. In contrast to Mutual Help, which requires a division to evaluate the scenario earlier than requesting assist, Computerized Help dispatches each fireplace departments concurrently.

For the reason that Metropolis will not service the Hearth District, Metropolis Supervisor Penny really helpful ending Computerized Help, arguing that Statesboro taxpayers would successfully be subsidizing County fireplace safety. Nonetheless, Chief Grams helps sustaining a Mutual Help Settlement, permitting each departments to help one another in large-scale emergencies. The Metropolis Council will determine the way forward for Computerized Help earlier than June 30.

Mayor Jonathan McCollar emphasised that there was by no means any formal negotiation between the Metropolis and County relating to the Hearth District’s future. He acknowledged that the County unilaterally made its choice after which rejected the Metropolis’s request for a one-year transition interval.

McCollar expressed concern over misinformation being unfold by County officers, stressing that the Metropolis values fact and transparency. He warned that residents within the Hearth District may face insurance coverage will increase and decreased fireplace safety, probably placing lives in danger.

Public Feedback

In the course of the public remark part, a Statesboro resident spoke about her efforts to maintain Johnson Avenue drug-free for a number of years. She recalled that 17 arrests have been made attributable to previous drug exercise and expressed frustration over makes an attempt to take away her from the realm. She reaffirmed her dedication to staying within the neighborhood and persevering with her work to enhance security.

To see the complete protection of the assembly, proceed scrolling down.

Here is the meeting agenda

1. Name to Order by Mayor Jonathan McCollar

2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance by Councilmember Paulette Chavers

3. Public Feedback (Agenda Merchandise):

APPROVED 4. Consideration of a Movement to approve the Consent Agenda A) Approval of Minutes a) 02-18-2025 Work Session Minutes b) 02-18-2025 Council Minutes c) 02-18-2025 Government Session Minutes

APPROVED 5. Consideration of a movement to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with St. Joseph’s Candler (SJC) to offer oncology providers to deprived people within the Statesboro space.

The council members unanimously accepted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with St. Joseph’s/Candler (SJC) to increase oncology providers for deprived people in the neighborhood. This settlement permits SJC to qualify for the federal 340B drug low cost program, which can present discounted most cancers medicines for uninsured and underinsured sufferers. Metropolis Supervisor Charles Penny emphasised the significance of the partnership between SJC and East Georgia Regional Medical Middle (EGRMC), which has offered oncology providers in Statesboro for the previous three years. By this collaboration, sufferers can obtain chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and different therapies regionally, eliminating the necessity to journey lengthy distances for care.

The council heard from Steve Pennington of EGRMC and Brad Trower, Vice President of SJC, who defined the affect of the 340B program. Trower highlighted that whereas this system’s approval course of will take a few yr, it is going to strengthen and increase oncology providers, making certain extra sufferers have entry to reasonably priced remedy. The partnership additionally features a tumor board, the place specialists collaborate to develop remedy methods. Wanting forward, SJC hopes to increase its medical trial choices in Statesboro, bringing superior most cancers therapies nearer to house. Mayor Jonathan McCollar and council members praised the initiative, calling it a historic step ahead for healthcare in the neighborhood. In addition they expressed curiosity in visiting the power to see the providers firsthand.

APPROVED 6. Consideration of a movement to approve an award of contract within the quantity of $246,306.00 to Tim Lanier Building LLC for Anderson Avenue Roadway Enhancements. The undertaking will likely be paid from 2023 TSPLOST funds.

This undertaking will encompass roadway enhancements alongside Anderson Avenue from E. Primary Avenue to Hill Avenue. This work will enhance the street to a 20 toes width. The roads drainage will likely be improved by the set up of a brand new storm pipe community. The WORK will embrace however is just not restricted to the next: clearing, excavating, setting grade, putting in subgrade supplies, paving, concrete forming & pouring, concrete pipe set up, grading and dressing of job web site.

7. Different Enterprise from Metropolis Council

Mayor Professional-Tem Shari Barr reminded everybody to get out and vote for the SPLOST. 

8. Metropolis Managers Feedback

Metropolis Supervisor Charles Penny first highlighted the upcoming Hearth Alarm Blitz scheduled for March 29, led by Hearth Chief Grams, aimed toward enhancing fireplace security in the neighborhood. He additionally introduced a big achievement in police division staffing, noting that due to council-approved hiring bonuses, the division has nearly eradicated vacancies. As of March 1, hiring bonuses have been discontinued for the reason that division is now absolutely staffed, with much more officers within the hiring pipeline.

Moreover, Penny offered updates on fireplace division gear, informing the council {that a} new fireplace truck was lately inspected in Ohio, and is predicted to reach in Statesboro by the tip of March.

A key motion merchandise concerned granting monetary aid to an aged resident who incurred six months of unusually excessive water payments attributable to her bathroom working repeatedly, which she was unaware of. Underneath metropolis coverage, solely three months of changes might be made, however Penny requested permission to credit score a further three months, given her monetary scenario. The council unanimously accepted the request.

Penny additionally acknowledged Steve Hotchkiss, a longtime metropolis worker with 36 years of service, who plans to retire in June. Town will formally honor him earlier than his departure, although Mayor McCollar jokingly “rejected” his request to retire. Penny additionally introduced the resignation of Public Works and Engineering Director John Washington.

The assembly then transitioned into discussions relating to Hearth Chief Tim Grams, as Penny ready to current additional updates to the council.

Hearth District Settlement and Misinformation 

Chief Grams offered an in depth presentation addressing the Bulloch County Commissioners’ choice to terminate the long-standing Statesboro Hearth District Settlement. The choice, which was made unanimously by the Bulloch County Fee on December 3, 2024, got here with out prior discover to the Metropolis of Statesboro and has sparked considerations over transparency, service ranges, and the potential monetary affect on residents.

Lack of Communication Resulting in Settlement Termination

For the final 46 years, the Statesboro Hearth Division (SFD) has offered fireplace safety providers throughout the Hearth District, which is funded by means of a 2.7-mill tax charge paid by district residents. The settlement between SFD and Bulloch County ensured fireplace safety providers for these residents, using SFD’s established personnel, gear, and assets.

Nonetheless, on the December 3, 2024, Bulloch County Commissioners assembly, the board voted to terminate the settlement with none prior discussions with metropolis officers. Chief Grams emphasised that no considerations have been raised about fireplace service supply earlier than the vote, and no advance discover was given to the Metropolis of Statesboro. In line with the presentation this morning:

• The County Supervisor at the moment, Tom Sofa, acknowledged “if the County determined to pursue the Hearth District sooner or later, there can be quite a lot of discover given.”
• Chairman Roy Thompson acknowledged “we’ve got sufficient on our plates attempting to construct up the agricultural fireplace district and the one means the county would draw back from the settlement can be if the Metropolis makes us by not wanting to offer the service.”
• Whereas Mr. Sofa and Mr. Thompson are not with the County, the Metropolis was beneath the impression that the County had no want to pursue assuming duty for the Hearth District.

Regardless of repeated inquiries over time, Bulloch County officers had constantly acknowledged that that they had no plans to take over fireplace providers throughout the Hearth District.

But, on the January 30, 2025, Hearth District Committee assembly, the County immediately offered a brand new plan to separate the Hearth District, with the County overlaying the northern portion and the Metropolis persevering with to service the southern portion. Underneath this plan, the County would obtain 52% of the hearth tax revenues, whereas the Metropolis would obtain 48%.

The County gave the Metropolis till February 17 to decide on the proposal, lower than three weeks. Metropolis Supervisor Charles Penny argued that this was an insufficient period of time to correctly evaluate the proposal and focus on it with the Metropolis Council. The Metropolis had requested extra time to contemplate the proposal, hoping to debate it throughout their annual March retreat, however the County pushed for a faster response.

ISO Rankings and Potential Insurance coverage Will increase

A significant level of rivalry following the termination of the settlement has been the affect on Insurance coverage Providers Workplace (ISO) rankings, which straight have an effect on owners’ insurance coverage premiums.

The Statesboro Hearth Division presently maintains a “Flat” Class 2 ISO ranking for properties throughout the Hearth District, that means that every one properties inside 5 street miles of a fireplace station obtain the identical ranking no matter whether or not they’re close to a hearth hydrant or one other water supply.

In distinction, the Bulloch County Hearth Division holds a “Cut up” Class 4/4Y ranking:

• Properties inside 5 miles of a fireplace station AND inside 1,000 toes of a water supply obtain a Class 4 ranking.
• Properties inside 5 miles of a fireplace station however NOT inside 1,000 toes of a water supply obtain a Class 4Y ranking (previously referred to as an 8B).

Grams refuted Fee Chairman David Bennett‘s current declare that Statesboro’s Class 2 ranking solely applies to business properties and that residential properties have been truly rated as Class 3. He acknowledged that this was utterly false and confirmed that every one properties inside 5 miles of an SFD station obtain the Class 2 ranking, resulting in decrease insurance coverage premiums.

With the County now assuming management of the Hearth District, residents presently coated beneath the Metropolis’s Class 2 ISO ranking might be reassigned to the County’s cut up ranking of 4/4Y, which may considerably enhance owners’ insurance coverage prices.

Native insurance coverage brokers have indicated that transferring from a Class 2 ranking to a Class 4Y may lead to a 30% to 40% enhance in annual insurance coverage premiums. Nonetheless, insurance coverage firms apply ISO rankings in a different way, so the precise will increase will fluctuate by supplier.

Disputing Claims of Extreme Prices

One other main argument the County made for terminating the settlement was the alleged excessive price per fireplace name within the Hearth District. Chairman Bennett claimed that the fee per name was round $6,000, stating that this made it too costly to proceed the settlement.

Chief Grams strongly disagreed with this simplified price evaluation, explaining that fireplace safety providers can’t be measured solely by dividing whole funding by the variety of calls. He identified that fireplace providers present rather more than simply emergency response, together with:

• Decrease insurance coverage premiums attributable to excessive ISO rankings
• Sooner response occasions, minimizing property injury and loss
• Hearth prevention teaching programs, equivalent to smoke detector distribution
• Threat discount efforts that forestall fires from occurring within the first place

Moreover, Grams famous that no matter which division providers the Hearth District, the funding generated per name would stay the identical, that means the County will nonetheless face the identical funding-to-call ratio because the Metropolis did.

Hearth Response and Computerized Help Settlement

Grams additionally pushed again in opposition to the narrative that the County was offering extra automated help to the Metropolis than vice versa, and that persevering with to supply help made the settlement “price prohibitive.”

In 2024, SFD responded to 52 construction fires in Bulloch County (exterior of the Hearth District), however in 24 circumstances, they have been canceled earlier than arrival. Of the remaining 28 fires, SFD was the primary on scene and initiated the first fireplace assault in 9 situations (32% of the time).

Moreover, no County tankers responded throughout the Hearth District in 2024, solely fireplace engines. Grams emphasised that the Metropolis does, the truth is, have a tanker, which was bought particularly to be used within the Hearth District, carrying 3,000 gallons of water and responding alongside 4 different equipment carrying a complete of seven,000 gallons of water.

The Computerized Help Settlement between the Metropolis and County is totally separate from the Hearth District Settlement, that means that fireplace response coordination mustn’t have been used as justification for ending the Hearth District contract.

Hearth Inspections and Hearth Code Enforcement

One other accusation made in opposition to the Statesboro Hearth Division was that they weren’t offering all fireplace inspections as required by the settlement.

Grams clarified that in 2019, the Metropolis really helpful that Bulloch County implement fireplace prevention and safety ordinances throughout the Hearth District in order that SFD may legally conduct fireplace inspections and implement fireplace codes. Nonetheless, the County declined to maneuver ahead with these suggestions and selected to imagine duty for fireplace code enforcement itself.

Thus, the declare that SFD failed to offer inspections is deceptive, because the County opted to deal with these tasks.

Considerations Over the County’s Intentions

In the course of the January 30 Hearth Committee assembly, County officers acknowledged that they wanted the funding from the Hearth District to assist construct fireplace providers all through the County. Grams straight requested Commissioners if funding was the first cause for taking on the Hearth District, and each Commissioner Timmy Speeding and Chairman Bennett confirmed that it was.

Whereas Grams reiterated that he needs to see the Bulloch County Hearth Division succeed, he expressed frustration that the Metropolis was ignored of important discussions and given no alternative to arrange for the transition.

He ended by emphasizing that the Statesboro Hearth Division has at all times offered the best degree of fireplace safety within the Hearth District, not for monetary achieve, however to guard lives and property.

Mayor Jonathan McCollar refuted claims that negotiations ever happened between the Metropolis of Statesboro and Bulloch County relating to the termination of the Hearth District Settlement. He clarified that the County merely knowledgeable the Metropolis of their plan on the January 30 assembly with out prior discussions. When the Metropolis requested a year-long transition interval to correctly modify, the County declined the request on February 18.

McCollar expressed considerations that residents within the Hearth District might even see important will increase of their insurance coverage charges as a result of shift from Statesboro Hearth’s Class 2 ISO ranking to Bulloch County Hearth’s 4/4Y ranking. He additionally warned that the change may affect emergency response occasions, growing the danger of property loss and potential lack of life.

Moreover, McCollar criticized misinformation being unfold by management figures, emphasizing that the Metropolis values transparency and accuracy in public communication. He reaffirmed that Statesboro has at all times been a keen companion in working with the County however harassed that cooperation have to be primarily based on fact and mutual dialogue. Regardless of the Metropolis’s objections, the County is transferring ahead with taking on the Hearth District with out further negotiation.

Chief Grams identified a key problem that has been largely neglected: the distinction in millage charges between the Statesboro Hearth District (2.7 mills) and the Bulloch County Rural Hearth District (3 mills). As soon as the County absolutely assumes management of the Hearth District, commissioners should determine whether or not to boost the Hearth District millage charge to three mills or decrease the county’s rural fireplace millage charge to 2.7 mills.

Grams famous that almost all residents would probably oppose having two completely different tax charges for a similar fireplace service, that means that an adjustment will likely be crucial. Because of this, residents within the Hearth District might face both a tax enhance or a shift in funding that impacts fireplace service ranges. He emphasised that even those that don’t see main insurance coverage charge modifications may nonetheless be an general enhance in prices attributable to these changes.

Metropolis Supervisor Charles Penny addressed the misunderstanding that the Metropolis of Statesboro was unwilling to conduct fireplace inspections within the Hearth District. He clarified that the Metropolis was absolutely keen to offer fireplace inspections, however it had merely requested that Bulloch County undertake the Metropolis’s fireplace code to make sure consistency and effectivity.

Penny in contrast the scenario to when Statesboro adopted the County’s animal management ordinance to stop confusion and guarantee uniform enforcement. He emphasised that the request was made to keep away from requiring fireplace inspectors to function beneath two completely different units of fireplace codes. Nonetheless, the County declined to undertake the Metropolis’s fireplace code, which led to misunderstandings and incorrect claims that Statesboro refused to conduct inspections. Penny confirmed that there are assembly memos documenting the County’s choice to not proceed with the Metropolis’s request. 

The Computerized Help Settlement between the Metropolis of Statesboro and Bulloch County is about to robotically renew until one celebration cancels it earlier than June 30, 2025. At the moment, Computerized Help ensures that each fireplace departments are dispatched concurrently when a hearth is reported, whereas Mutual Help requires a division to evaluate the scenario first earlier than requesting help.

Chief Tim Grams defined that whereas Computerized Help was initially helpful, particularly when Bulloch County relied extra on volunteer firefighters, SFD has since expanded its staffing, making the settlement much less important. Now that SFD will not cowl the Hearth District, the Metropolis should consider whether or not persevering with Computerized Help is in its greatest curiosity. Metropolis Supervisor Charles Penny really helpful ending the settlement, arguing that Statesboro taxpayers would successfully be subsidizing fireplace safety for the County. Nonetheless, he clarified that this was solely a advice, and the Metropolis Council will make the ultimate choice.

As a substitute, Grams helps sustaining a Mutual Help Settlement, which might permit each departments to help one another in large-scale emergencies when assets are stretched skinny. In the meantime, SFD is enhancing its fireplace response capabilities with a brand new platform truck (Truck 1) and a Quint truck (Truck 3), each of that are present process ultimate inspections earlier than being deployed.

Wanting forward, the Metropolis and County should decide the way forward for Computerized Help earlier than the June 30 deadline. SFD will proceed evaluating its fireplace response methods because it transitions away from Hearth District tasks. Moreover, making certain clear public communication stays a precedence as these modifications take impact.

9. Public Feedback (Basic)

In the course of the public remark part, a Statesboro citizen spoke passionately about her long-standing presence and efforts on Johnson Avenue to assist maintain the realm drug-free. She recalled a time when 17 folks have been arrested for drug-related exercise and emphasised that she has devoted a number of years making certain that medication don’t return to the realm. She acknowledged that she was requested by Choose Johnson to stay concerned in retaining the neighborhood protected and that she has no intention of leaving, regardless of any opposition.

She expressed frustration that some people, together with metropolis officers, appear to need her gone, however she made it clear that she’s going to proceed her work in the neighborhood for so long as she lives. She additionally questioned why there’s a lot concern about her presence within the space, reiterating that she is just doing what she has at all times completed, watching over the neighborhood and stopping legal exercise.

She additionally referenced previous interactions with native legislation enforcement, mentioning {that a} former police chief tried to have her eliminated. Nonetheless, she stays decided to remain and proceed advocating for a drug-free surroundings within the space.

10. Consideration of a Movement to enter into Government Session to debate “Personnel Issues” “Actual Property” and/or “Potential Litigation” in accordance with O.C.G.A 50-14-3(b)

11. Consideration of a Movement to Adjourn