State & Local Meeting
Continuation of the FY 2026 Budget Retreat & City Council Workshop | November 25, 2025
November 25, 2025
The City of Savannah held a continuation of its FY 2026 Budget Retreat and City Council Workshop focusing extensively on the proposed budget framework, financial overview, and capital budget. Key discussions included the proposed $656 million all-funds budget with nearly half allocated to the general fund, a modest 1.91% increase in employee headcount, and a 2.7% cost of living adjustment for city employees effective January 2026, with an additional 3% general wage increase planned mid-year for public safety personnel. The council deliberated on personnel costs, vacancy rates, and the importance of competitive compensation to retain staff. Significant attention was given to the sanitation and water/sewer funds, including proposed rate increases to support rising operational costs and major capital projects such as water treatment plant expansions totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, funded largely through planned debt issuances. The meeting also featured an in-depth presentation on the establishment of a storm water utility fee, designed to provide a dedicated and equitable funding source for storm water management, maintenance, regulatory compliance, and capital improvements. The fee structure is based on impervious surface area, with tiered rates for residential and custom rates for non-residential properties, including provisions for credits to incentivize storm water mitigation efforts. The council discussed community engagement efforts, legal considerations distinguishing the fee from a tax, and the anticipated benefits of transitioning to a more proactive storm water management program. Additionally, the workshop addressed concerns about customer service in utility billing, the operation and funding of recreational facilities including pools, and the coordination between community violence prevention programs. Overall, the meeting emphasized fiscal responsibility, strategic investments in infrastructure, and responsiveness to community needs as part of securing Savannah's future.
Sources
- Continuation of the FY 2026 Budget Retreat & City Council Workshop | November 25, 2025 · City of Savannah · Nov 25