The Statesboro Mayor and Council on Sept. 2 rescinded a prior security enhancement incentive grant approval and conditionally approved a revised grant award of $13,000 to Centurion Properties (doing business as South Department) to support security improvements.

Background and staff recommendation: Staff member King explained the council previously approved a $9,969 grant for this project but the owners returned with a higher bid. King said the $13,000 balance represents the remaining available funds from a designated "Arbor" interest account set aside for security enhancement incentives. "So the $13,000 is a balance of what we have available. But we do recommend approval of, the rescission and then the approval of the $13,000 grant," King said.

Funding and limits: King said the program had about $80,000 originally set aside; available funds were exhausted and the $13,000 represents the remaining balance used to support eligible property security enhancements. King noted the city would not use general tax funds for the program and that staff expects applicants to meet eligibility requirements.

Council action: The transcript records staff recommending rescinding the earlier award and approving the revised amount; the council proceeded with the recommendation as recorded in the meeting.

Why it matters: The program provides targeted assistance to businesses for security upgrades. The revised award reflects project bid changes and available program funds; staff emphasized conditional approval pending fulfillment of eligibility requirements.