NEWS
In a letter to Savannah’s Mayor and City Council, Savannah Area Chamber President & CEO Bert Brantley conveyed feedback from the business community and urged Council to consider reducing the city’s millage rate should it move forward with a new stormwater fee.
Following the Chamber’s correspondence, the proposed stormwater fee was removed from the December 11, 2025 Council agenda. The item is now scheduled to be considered at the January 22, 2026, meeting.
“While we continue to support investments that strengthen our drainage system, our members have made it clear that this new fee comes at a time when they are already facing significant cost pressures,” Brantley wrote to Council members. “By pairing the fee with a reduction in the millage rate, the City can still direct dedicated funding toward critical stormwater improvements without adding to the financial burden on Savannah property owners.”
During a recent workshop, city staff shared estimated monthly stormwater costs for various property types. A single-family residential property would average about $4.75 per month, while a fast-food restaurant would pay approximately $72.68, and a hotel about $120.18 per month. Large industrial properties—such as a truck or container yard or warehouse—would see monthly costs ranging from $1,891.93 to $2,529.38.
The full presentation can be viewed here: https://www.savannahga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/35588/stormwater-utility-update-presentation-Workshop-PPT?bidId=
If Council approves the stormwater fee this week, Savannah utility customers would begin seeing the charge on bills starting July 1, 2026. Between now and then, property owners will be able to review their exact monthly fee and earn credits by making improvements that reduce stormwater runoff.
In November, Chatham County voters approved a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), dedicating 20 percent of revenue to drainage improvements across Chatham County and its municipalities.
Chamber members are encouraged to stay engaged and make their voices heard. Please continue providing feedback through the city’s portal at www.savannahga.gov/stormwaterutility and share how this proposal may impact your business.