Statham holds public hearing on HB581; resident urges opting in to avoid higher rates

The Statham City Council held a public hearing Feb. 12, 2025, on House Bill 581, hearing staff explanations of the bill’s potential effects and a public comment urging the city to opt in rather than raise rates or taxes.

City Attorney Jody Campbell and City Accountant Rachel Bembry gave presentations explaining HB581 and the impact the bill would have on the City of Statham, according to the meeting transcript. The presentations were informational; the transcript does not include detailed fiscal figures or specifics of how the bill would change city authority or revenue flows.

Councilmember Penn moved to open the public hearing at 2:01 p.m., a motion seconded by Councilmember Burnette and approved unanimously by the four councilmembers present (Terilli, Bogenrieder, Penn and Burnette). Adrian Mellow spoke during the public-comment portion in favor of the city opting for HB581, saying the city could pursue budget spending changes and cuts instead of implementing higher water and sewer rates and higher taxes approved by the current council. The transcript records that there were no further questions or discussion following the presentations and public comment.

Councilmember Penn moved to close the public hearing at 3:15 p.m.; Councilmember Burnette seconded and the motion passed 4-0. Councilmember Penn then moved to adjourn the meeting, a motion seconded by Councilmember Bogenrieder and approved 4-0. The hearing was procedural and informational; the transcript shows no formal council action adopting or rejecting HB581 during this meeting.

Members present were Mayor Krause and Councilmembers Terilli, Bogenrieder, Penn and Burnette. City Attorney Jody Campbell, City Clerk Nicole Sapp, City Administrator Cheryl Venable and City Accountant Rachel Bembry attended. Councilmember Patterson was absent. The meeting convened at 2:00 p.m. and adjourned at 3:15 p.m.