City Council Workshop 11-26-24

The City of Savannah held a City Council Workshop focused primarily on the FY 2025 budget proposal, which totals $602 million, marking the largest budget to date. The budget maintains the millage rate at 12.20, the lowest since 1987, and includes $78.3 million in planned capital spending across 78 projects, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure, public safety, and community development. Strategic budget cuts totaling $5.3 million were identified to improve efficiencies without sacrificing service quality. The workshop also highlighted the city's capital improvement plans, including significant bond issuances planned for major redevelopment projects such as the Waterfront and Waterworks Redevelopments. Additionally, the council discussed the development of a new signature inclusive playground at Daffin Park, designed to be accessible to children of all abilities, with features like adaptive swings and ADA-compliant surfacing. The meeting underscored the city's commitment to equitable community development, high-performing government, and enhancing quality of life through thoughtful budgeting and capital investments.