Statesboro Council approves oncology MOU, awards Anderson Street contract and clears routine items

The Statesboro City Council on a March 2025 meeting approved several business items: approval of February work-session and executive-session minutes; a memorandum of understanding (MOU) enabling St. Joseph's/Candler to pursue federal 340B drug-pricing eligibility for oncology services in Statesboro; and an award of a $246,206 contract to Timberdale Construction LLC for Anderson Street roadway improvements.

The St. Joseph's/Candler MOU: Mr. Penny introduced an MOU between the city and St. Joseph's/Candler that the city recommended for approval to make the local oncology practice eligible for the federal 340B program, which provides discounted drugs for uninsured and underinsured patients. Steve Pennington (East Georgia Regional Medical Center) told the council the federal enrollment process will require about a 12-month period "to get it into the system, if you will," and that the change will not affect current delivery of care immediately. Pennington and a St. Joseph's/Candler representative said the arrangement will allow oncology patients to receive more discounted pharmaceuticals locally rather than traveling to Savannah or Pembroke for care. The council approved the MOU by voice vote.

Anderson Street contract: The council approved a motion to award a construction contract in the amount of $246,206 to Timberdale Construction LLC for Anderson Street roadway improvements. The agenda noted the project will be paid from 2023 funds; the transcript did not specify the precise fund name. Council members moved and seconded the award and the motion passed by voice vote.

Other routine actions: The council voted to approve work-session minutes and an executive-session minutes set from February, and it approved a city-manager release related to a citizen matter described in a memo ("release for a citizen in regards to no warranty"). Each of these items was adopted by voice vote. The council also moved to enter executive session under state law (OCGA 50-14-3(b)) to discuss personnel matters; the motion was seconded, and the vote to enter executive session carried.

Public comment: A resident identified as Amy used the public-comment portion to describe long-term occupancy and anti-drug efforts on Johnson Street, saying she has lived and worked in that neighborhood for decades and will remain to help prevent drug activity. The remarks were part of the public-comment record and did not trigger further council action at the meeting.

Ending: Council members encouraged voter participation on an upcoming ballot measure referenced at the meeting and acknowledged staff retirements and resignations announced during manager comments. No additional formal policy changes were adopted during the session.