Council approves first reading to remove sewer-charge language and designate utilities director

The Statesboro City Council approved first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 82 of the city code to remove language that required customers to pay water or sewer charges when the service was available but not being used, and to update internal references to the city’s public utilities director in place of the city engineer. City legal and utilities staff told council the prior provision — which required payment when sewer was available but not connected — was difficult to enforce, and recommended removing the requirement. Staff also recommended replacing the title “city engineer” with “public utilities director” where the code references an administrative official. Council opened the public hearing, heard no public comment for or against the change, and approved the ordinance on first reading; staff said the ordinance will return for a second reading at the next meeting.