Despite concerns regarding rising health care costs, and a shortfall in 2011, Statesboro city officials project a balanced budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Statesboro city council members along with Mayor Joe Brannen, Interim City Manager Frank Parker and department heads gathered Friday for the annual day-long budget planning retreat where initial projections and plans for the city's 2012 budget were presented. According to Parker, the City of Statesboro, due to cost-cutting efforts by various departments, should remain "in the black" during the coming fiscal year.