Statesboro leaders give update on proposed fire service fees

STATESBORO, Ga. (WTOC) - During Tuesday night’s city council meeting, Statesboro officials shared their concerns about imposing a new fire service fee to fund fire protection.

WTOC has covered previous community meetings about imposing the fire service fee. City leaders say the funding is needed after a service agreement with Bulloch County Fire ended last July. The City of Statesboro says the fee would help cover four million dollars in the budget as the city continues to grow and expand.

However city leaders reported concerns from community members and stakeholders about using fees to fund fire protection.

“From a management standpoint, we need to make sure we are on sound footing when we implement that fee,” said Statesboro City Manager Charles Penny.

Penny also shared reservations about other governments who have faced lawsuits and legal trouble over fire service fees. He mentioned Garden City and the City of Perry. He also mentioned Chatham County who faced legal challenges and had to pay back some of the fees collected.

“If the council decided to proceed with the fire service fee this fiscal year, July 1, and then in October or November someone challenges the fire service fee, and if we are withdrawing for collecting the funds, at that point our city would be in a pickle because we have a four million dollar hole we have to cut,” said Penny.

Tuesday night, city council members decided to continue with a feasibility study and gather more community input before making a final decision.