Fire Service Fee Public Information Meeting

The City of Statesboro, GA held a public information meeting on February 10, 2026, to discuss the proposed fire service fee aimed at funding the local fire department. Fire Chief Tim Grahams and consultant Ed Damaso presented details on the fire department's operations, staffing, and the need for sustainable funding following the expiration of a FEMA SAFER grant and the loss of county special service district funds. The proposed fee structure is designed to be equitable, based on property square footage and land use, with caps and credits available for fire safety measures like sprinkler systems and smoke detectors. The fee is expected to generate approximately $4 million annually, covering about 50% of the fire department's budget, with the remainder supplemented by the general fund. The city manager emphasized that the fee is an alternative to a millage rate increase, which would disproportionately affect non-exempt property owners, whereas the fee includes tax-exempt properties such as universities and government buildings. Public questions addressed the use of special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) funds, the impact on insurance premiums, and the operational implications of funding changes. The city plans further community engagement and informational resources before council decisions are made.