Savannah Council Workshop:11-7-24

The City of Savannah Council Workshop on November 7, 2024, focused primarily on the challenges and funding strategies related to the city's storm water management system. City officials presented detailed information on the increasing frequency of urban, coastal, and riverine flooding events exacerbated by climate change and aging infrastructure. The discussion highlighted the need for significant capital improvements, including upgrades to storm water pump stations, detention ponds, and drainage basins, with a current funding gap of approximately $245 million. To address this, the council considered establishing a dedicated storm water utility enterprise fund, modeled similarly to water and sewer utilities, to provide a sustainable revenue stream through user fees based on impervious surface area. The council expressed strong support for creating this utility fund and requested the city manager to present funding options. Additionally, the meeting included an update on the city's legislative agenda, emphasizing defense of home rule, infrastructure projects, housing initiatives, and other local government priorities for the upcoming state legislative session. The council encouraged ongoing community engagement and legislative advocacy to support these goals.