Hello, Statesboro!
This is Edition 50. The first one went out on October 13, 2025, the week of Georgia Southern Homecoming and the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair, and one has landed in your inbox every Monday since. Fifty Mondays in a row. Thank you for opening them, forwarding them, and writing back when we got something wrong.
It is a fitting week for it, because last week you showed up. Ten people spoke across the three city tax hearings, not one of them in favor, and on Tuesday night the council voted 4-0 to leave the rate where it was. Two days later, eleven residents and a nonprofit took the Burkhalter Road data center rezoning to court.
Also in this edition: the county has no working ladder truck, Brooklet cut its tax rate, the Eagles let a 17-point lead get away at Jacksonville State, and the first real cool front of the season arrives Thursday.
Let's get into it.
📰 TOP NEWS
The Council Kept the Tax Rate at 8.625 Mills, and Will Cover the Gap From Savings
Statesboro City Council voted 4-0 Tuesday night, September 15, to keep the city's property tax rate at 8.625 mills, the same rate it has charged since 2024. City Manager Charles Penny had recommended 9.6 mills. District 3 Councilmember Ginny Hendley made the motion, District 5's Shari Barr seconded it, and Tangie Johnson and John Riggs joined them. The District 2 seat is still vacant.
"I'm leaning on the side of keeping it the same and pulling from fund balance instead of messing with the people, if possible," Hendley said. "I just feel like it's crept up so much. A lot of people are hurt, and I don't see how we can go much higher."
Four residents spoke at the final hearing. Across all three hearings, ten people spoke, and every one of them opposed the increase. The last speaker, Capt. Joseph Sharon, speaking as a homeowner, went after the city's promise that a full year of sales tax money will bring the rate down next year. "Should is not a plan," Sharon said. "It's not a promise, and it carries zero operational value."
Here is what the vote means for you. Under 9.6 mills, Penny said a $250,000 home with the standard homestead exemption would have paid about $940.80 in city tax, up from about $845.25, an extra $95.55 a year. That increase is off the table. But 8.625 is still above the rollback rate of 8.214 mills, so if your assessment went up this year, your city bill can still rise a little.
Here is what it means for the city. Keeping the rate leaves about $1.4 million unfunded. Penny gave the council two ways to close it: eliminate roughly 60 positions, or draw down the general fund balance. Nobody on the council wanted layoffs, so the money comes out of savings. The fund balance is about $6.5 million, roughly 20 percent of the general fund, and city policy calls for 25 percent. The withdrawal pushes it further under that line, and Penny said staff will likely bring a revised fund balance policy to the next meeting so the city is not out of step with its own rules. He called the fund the city's rainy day money and pointed to Hurricane Helene, which cost the city more than $2 million up front.
The underlying problem has not moved. The city lost about $2.7 million a year when the county ended the fire service agreement, and the transfer from the general fund to the fire fund went from $3.2 million to about $7.49 million. Staff projects a full year of the new sales tax could bring in about $3.46 million in fiscal 2028. Whether that shows up as the rate cut Penny has predicted is next summer's story.
Eleven Residents and a Nonprofit Sued to Undo the Burkhalter Road Data Center Rezoning
The Burkhalter Road data center is now in Bulloch County Superior Court. Eleven residents and the nonprofit Coastal Communities United filed a petition on Thursday, September 17, through Warner Robins attorney Robert Abney Fricks Sr., asking the court to void the council's decision and put everything connected to it on hold.
The property is almost 27 acres at 6539 Burkhalter Road. On August 18 the council voted 3-2 to rezone it from R-4, high-density residential, to O, office and business, for 4 AM Development LLC. The plan on file is a two-story data center of about 230,000 square feet. The filing came in just ahead of the 30-day deadline to challenge a zoning decision.
The petition says the city broke its own procedures, calls the rezoning "spot zoning," and argues it amounts to an unconstitutional taking of the neighbors' property. It lists the watershed and aquifer, noise and vibration, traffic, property values and wildlife. Coastal Communities United also pointed at the ordinance itself: "The city's amendment to allow data centers in O zoning prohibits hyperscale data centers, yet this development is only one megawatt under the hyperscale definition."
City Attorney Cain Smith said he would review the petition when he receives it. City Manager Charles Penny kept it short: "The council zones property and that's what they do." No hearing date has been set.
Bulloch County Has No Working Ladder Truck Right Now
This one came out near the end of Tuesday morning's county commission meeting, and it deserves more attention than it got. Fire Chief Ben Tapley told commissioners the county does not currently have an operable ladder truck.
The main truck is a used 2009 model the county bought about a year and a half ago. It is back in the shop for more suspension work after already having suspension repairs done in Atlanta. The backup is a 1987 truck, and it is out of service too while staff hunt for parts. For now the department is running a spare engine in the ladder company's place. If a fire needs a ladder, the county can call the Statesboro Fire Department under the mutual aid agreement.
Two numbers explain why this is not a quick fix. A new ladder truck costs roughly $1.6 million to $2.1 million, according to the staff report, and Tapley said delivery on a new one can take 36 to 48 months. He asked commissioners to help look for funding, including another used truck. It also matters for your insurance: to keep its ISO rating, the county has to show that a staffed ladder company responds to structure fires.
📋 LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
The County's Data Center Working Group Should Start the First Week of October
Chairman David Bennett reminded commissioners Tuesday to turn in their three names each for the new data center working group. He said the county hopes to have it organized the first week of October so members can start reviewing information and drafting a policy. The county moratorium on data center applications runs through December 31.
If You Live on a Dirt Road, the County Is Rewriting the Rules for Paving It
Commissioners reviewed a proposed Dirt Road Improvement Program that would move paving requests through three phases: eligibility, engineering, then cost and funding. One sticking point is a requirement that at least 80 percent of property owners, covering at least 80 percent of the road's length, agree to donate 60 feet of right-of-way. Staff put the full cost of paving at $1.5 million to $2 million per mile. The county has 20 to 25 old petitions on file, one possibly more than 15 years old, and commissioners want a final draft before year's end.
The Rest of Tuesday's Council Agenda
The council tabled the 17.83-acre Zetterower Road rezoning for senior and multifamily housing until November 17 so the developer can work with GDOT on traffic access. It approved a sober living home for up to six women at 105 Peg Wen Boulevard, a hotel rezoning on Tormenta Way, a new Workforce Housing Incentive Program, up to $12 million in Housing Authority bonds to rehab 98 units at Statesboro Summit (no city debt), and the $164,900 gas line extension to serve Kroger. City property tax bills are due December 21.
Brooklet Went the Other Way and Rolled Its Rate Back
Brooklet City Council adopted the rollback rate of 3.840 mills on September 17, down from 4.599. Fees may go up instead. City Manager Lonnie Adamson proposed raising the monthly sanitation fee from $20 to $24 to pay for a second sanitation worker, and the special event application fee from $10 to $50. The council will review those over the next month before voting.
Forest Heights Pharmacy Goes Gold Thursday for Morgan Frison
Morgan Frison was 4 when she died in November 2018 after treatment for acute myeloid leukemia. Her mother, Ciera, works at Forest Heights Pharmacy, 4439 Country Club Road, which goes gold Thursday, September 24, for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. All week the pharmacy is collecting Coins4CURE donations for CURE Childhood Cancer, and it will match every dollar.
The Teal House Has New Leadership, and a Short Wish List
The Statesboro Regional Sexual Assault Center, known as the Teal House, has a new interim executive director, Ashley Lindsay, and a new board president, Adam Dean. It serves Bulloch, Effingham, Jenkins and Screven counties and has done 160 forensic interviews and 40 forensic medical exams so far this year. Lindsay said recurring gifts of $10 or $20 a month help most, and the center is collecting blankets, stuffed animals, toiletries and adult coloring books for comfort bags.
Bulloch County Schools Is Going After a National Real-Food Certification
The district's School Nutrition Services has started a two-year push for Eat Real Certification, which grades programs on standards like reduced sugar, whole grains, fresh choices and minimal processing. It is one of three programs in Georgia selected to pursue it. Director Desiree Yaeger's team of 85 staff runs 14 cafeterias and serves more than 1.8 million meals a year.
Headed to Savannah? The I-16 and I-516 Lane Closures Run Through Saturday
GDOT's 16@95 project has intermittent lane closures on I-16 between I-95 and I-516, and on I-516 at the interchange, daily and overnight through Saturday, September 26. Overnight ramp detours at Exit 164 run 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Give yourself extra time.
📅 THIS WEEK'S EVENTS (September 21 to 27, 2026)
Computer Class
Monday, Sept. 21 | 11 a.m. | Statesboro Regional Library, 124 S. Main St. | Free, ages 18 and up | (912) 764-1341
Table Games and Activities
Monday, Sept. 21 | 3:30 p.m. | Bethany Community Commons Building, Gesmon Neville Lane | (912) 225-7204
Estate Planning Class
Tuesday, Sept. 22 | 10 a.m. | Statesboro Regional Library, 124 S. Main St. | Free, ages 18 and up | (912) 764-1341
Tuesday Social
Tuesday, Sept. 22 | 3:30 p.m. | Bethany Community Commons Building, Gesmon Neville Lane | (912) 225-7204
Southern Pottery Activity
Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 3:30 p.m. | Bethany Community Commons Building, Gesmon Neville Lane | (912) 225-7204
Lego Club
Wednesday, Sept. 23 | 5 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library, 124 S. Main St. | Free, ages 6 to 11 | (912) 764-1341
Forest Heights Pharmacy Goes Gold
Thursday, Sept. 24 | During store hours | 4439 Country Club Rd. | Coins4CURE donations matched all week
Virtual Dementia Tour
Thursday, Sept. 24 | 3 p.m. | Bethany Community Commons Building, Gesmon Neville Lane | Space is limited, RSVP to (912) 531-4437
Adult Book Club
Thursday, Sept. 24 | 5:45 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library, 124 S. Main St. | Ages 18 and up | (912) 764-1341
Board of Education Work Session
Thursday, Sept. 24 | 6:30 p.m. | Board room, Central Office/Transition Learning Center, Williams Road | Open to the public
Computer Class
Friday, Sept. 25 | 2 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library, 124 S. Main St. | Free, ages 18 and up | (912) 764-1341
Family Craft Activity
Friday, Sept. 25 | 4 p.m. | Statesboro Regional Library, 124 S. Main St. | Free, all ages | (912) 764-1341
Georgia Southern Athletics Hall of Fame Induction
Friday, Sept. 25 | 6:30 p.m. | Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center | Tickets at gseagles.evenue.net
Statesboro Homecoming vs. Ware County
Friday, Sept. 25 | 7:30 p.m. | Statesboro High School, 10 Coach Lee Hill Blvd. | Ticket required
Main Street Farmers Market
Saturday, Sept. 26 | 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | 222 S. Main St., behind Visit Statesboro | Free to browse
True Blue Recovery Tailgate
Saturday, Sept. 26 | Before kickoff | Georgia Southern campus | Alcohol-free tailgate with music and food, hosted by the Center for Addiction Recovery
Georgia Southern vs. No. 25 Houston
Saturday, Sept. 26 | 4 p.m. | Allen E. Paulson Stadium | Ticket required
Southeast Bulloch returns from its off week Friday at West Laurens.
🦅 GEORGIA SOUTHERN UPDATES
Eight Going Into the Athletics Hall of Fame This Friday, Including the Dirty Dozen
Georgia Southern announced its Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026, and it will be inducted Friday night during Houston weekend. The class: running back Matt Breida, who helped lead the Eagles into the FBS era; the Dirty Dozen, the group of 15 who helped bring football back to Georgia Southern; baseball All-American Scott Henley; Frank Hook, who has worked for Georgia Southern for more than 40 years; Roger Inman, part of the athletics staff for nearly 50; sprinter Marlo Mincey-Vinson, a six-time SoCon champion; Sarah Purvis Bryant, the most decorated pitcher in Eagle softball history; and defensive lineman Brent Russell, named to 14 All-America teams.
The eight bring the Hall of Fame to 184 members. The public can buy tickets to the 6:30 p.m. ceremony at the Hill Convocation Center.
A Library Exhibit on Statesboro's Recovery Community, and a Tailgate Without Alcohol
For National Recovery Month, Henderson Library is showing "Statesboro Recovery Community Origin & Evolution," presented by Willingway Hospital, through the end of September. It traces local recovery history from the 1950s on through photographs, journals and recorded testimonials. On Saturday, the True Blue Recovery program hosts an alcohol-free tailgate before the Houston game. "College football and tailgating are such a big part of the student experience," coordinator Julia Curiel said, "and we want people to know that you can still be part of that excitement without alcohol or other substances."
🏈 SPORTS & CAMPUS EVENTS
The Eagles Led 17-0 and Lost 31-27 at Jacksonville State
Georgia Southern opened with 17 straight points Saturday and led 24-10 at halftime. Weston Bryan ran for three touchdowns in the second quarter, a career high, and Chace Calicut forced a fumble that Brandon Tyson recovered to set up another score. Tripp Bryant's 43-yard field goal made it 27-17 going into the fourth.
Then it slipped. The Eagles held the ball for 11:02 of the fourth quarter and did not score. A drive into the red zone ended on an interception at the Jacksonville State 15. The Gamecocks got a 26-yard touchdown run and then a 75-yard punt return for the winner.
David Mbadinga ran for 103 yards on 18 carries and caught five passes for 40 more. Max Johnson went 23 of 33 for 187 yards. The Eagles are 1-2. No. 25 Houston comes to Paulson Stadium Saturday at 4 p.m.
Statesboro Took Its First Loss, 42-21 to Benedictine
The Blue Devils led 14-0 in the second quarter on a Beckham Jarrard touchdown pass to Davis Harrison and a Jarrard keeper. Benedictine tied it before halftime, then scored twice in 30 seconds early in the third quarter, the second after an interception. Eron Mallard scored three touchdowns for the Cadets. Statesboro finished with 403 yards and is 3-1. Homecoming is Friday at 7:30 against Ware County.
Portal Has Won Four Straight
Portal led Atkinson County 42-6 at halftime and won 48-19 in Pearson. Zeke Percell accounted for three touchdowns, Omod Thomas threw touchdown passes of 40 and 68 yards, and Denzel Burroughs returned a fumble 43 yards for a score. The Panthers are 4-1.
Bulloch Academy Shut Out Robert Toombs, 56-0
A year after needing six overtimes to beat Robert Toombs Christian Academy, the Gators punted once, late in the fourth quarter, and won 56-0 on the road. Bulloch Academy is 5-1.
🍽️ RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
Southern Crab House, 468 S. Main St.
Southern Crab House sits on South Main, near Gnat's Landing, and Visit Statesboro lists it for crab legs, fried prawns and fried oysters. It takes reservations, does takeout, and delivers.
The timing works this week. The first cool evenings of the season arrive Thursday, and a pile of crab legs is a better idea at 80 degrees than at 95. It opens at 10 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, so it is also an early option on a 4 p.m. kickoff day.
Hours: Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday noon to 7 p.m.
Phone: (912) 489-1828
🌤️ WEATHER ADVISORY
Two more warm, storm-prone days, then fall. A front comes through Wednesday, and by Thursday the highs drop into the low 80s with nights near 60. The weekend looks sunny and dry, including Saturday's game.
Monday: High near 92, mostly sunny with a slight chance of afternoon storms, rain 16 percent
Tuesday: High near 91, mostly sunny then a chance of storms, rain 30 percent
Wednesday: High near 88, partly sunny with a chance of storms, rain 54 percent
Thursday: High near 82, partly sunny, rain 11 percent
Friday: High near 80, mostly sunny, rain 2 percent
Saturday: High near 83, sunny, rain 1 percent
Sunday: High near 84, sunny, rain 5 percent
Pulled live from the National Weather Service Charleston office at 10:55 a.m. Monday. No active alerts for Bulloch County at that time. Check weather.gov before you commit to an outdoor plan.
Friday and Saturday nights drop to about 58, the coolest of the season so far. Bring a layer to the homecoming game.
Wednesday's storms are the best rain chance in weeks, and we need it. The U.S. Drought Monitor map dated September 15 has 85.44 percent of Bulloch County abnormally dry and 16.18 percent in moderate drought, identical to the week before. The moderate drought share has now sat at 16.18 percent for five straight maps.
The council kept the city tax rate at 8.625 and will cover $1.4 million from savings. Your call?
The council kept the city tax rate at 8.625 and will cover $1.4 million from savings. Your call?
👀 LOOKING AHEAD
Friday, Sept. 25 and Saturday, Sept. 26: Houston weekend. The Hall of Fame induction Friday at 6:30 p.m., Statesboro High's homecoming game at 7:30, then No. 25 Houston at Paulson Stadium Saturday at 4.
Wednesday, Sept. 30: the second annual Forensic Science Symposium at Georgia Southern, run by the College of Science and Mathematics with Shimadzu Scientific Instruments.
First week of October: the county data center working group is expected to begin meeting.
Saturday, Oct. 3: "Bulloch Together: Faith & Blue," noon to 6 p.m. at Mill Creek Regional Park, hosted by the Sheriff's Office and the Sheriff's Foundation and presented by the Exchange Club of Statesboro.
Saturday, Oct. 10: the Statesboro Family YMCA's "A Place to Dream" bed delivery. Volunteers are asked to sign up in pairs.
Thursday, Oct. 15: the 16th annual Tasting Statesboro the United Way, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Anthony P. Tippins Family Training Facility next to Paulson Stadium.
Saturday, Oct. 24: the Ogeechee Riverkeeper's free fall community day, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ogeechee Crossing Park in Louisville, with a free lunch and a guided nature walk.
Tuesday, Nov. 3: the District 2 special election. Loletta Donaldson Elliott, Maleek Jones and Kathleen "Katie" Keehner are on the ballot for the seat that has been empty since May.
Tuesday, Nov. 17: the tabled Zetterower Road rezoning comes back to the council.
✉️ THANKS FOR READING!
Fifty editions. When we started, the big story was the Ogeechee Fair. This month it was a tax rate, and ten of our neighbors went to City Hall to talk about it. Whatever you think of the result, ten people stood up and opposed the increase, and the council voted it down. That is worth noticing.
Thank you for fifty Mondays. We are going to keep going.
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