Statesboro officials outline FY2026 budget with fee increases, enterprise loans to cover fire service gap

Statesboro City staff presented a proposed FY2026 budget June 3 that would hold staffing levels steady while recommending fee increases across utilities and a one-time interfund loan to cover a shortfall in the fire service fund.

At a public hearing, a staff presenter identified as Mister Finney said the budget represents a roughly 6% total decrease from FY2025 driven largely by the expiration of about $9 million in ARPA funds used in the prior year. "We recommend a pay plan adjustment...the 4% pay adjustment to our pay plan," Finney said, adding that the budget includes multiple recommended fee increases, most at about 10 percent, for convenience fees, water and sewer rates, stormwater, solid waste collection and disposal, police extra-duty fees and certain construction fees.

The budget matters because it affects utility customers, property owners and the city's ability to maintain reserves. Finney told the council staff used a 12% property tax digest growth estimate in revenue projections and said…