09 01 26 Council Meeting

The City of Statesboro, GA held a council meeting on September 1, 2026, which included significant discussions on potential data center development within the city. The city manager presented detailed information about the economic benefits, including an estimated $21.8 million in additional tax revenue over 10 years and minimal new city expenses. The council reviewed zoning ordinances, special use permits, and community concerns related to the data center project. Additionally, the council approved several procurement actions: the purchase of Chevrolet vehicles totaling approximately $128,000 funded by the 2019 SPARK fund; a $101,000 contract awarded to Colbert & Hudson for exterior stairway repairs funded by 2019 CDBG funds; a $459,895 task order to EMC Engineering Services for design services on a multi-use trail project funded by a Transportation Authority grant and 2023 CDBG funds; and a contract with Xylem Dewatering for backup pumps funded by the FY 2026 CIP budget. The meeting also included a public hearing on naming a street after a Revolutionary War veteran and discussions on community concerns such as garbage can management. The council voted to enter executive session for real estate and personnel matters. Overall, the meeting focused on procurement approvals for infrastructure and equipment, zoning and land use policy related to data centers, and community engagement.