These meetings will provide an opportunity for the public to learn about the proposed utility, ask questions, and provide valuable feedback. Residents are encouraged to attend any of the individual meetings being held in each Aldermanic District, April 21 – April 30 at 6 p.m.

Savannah faces numerous challenges related to stormwater drainage including aging and expanding infrastructure, flood mitigation, and a changing climate that has produced more intense storms.

Historically, the City has used a combination of funding sources including federal grants, Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds, and general fund appropriations to address drainage issues in the past. Now, City staff are exploring the creation of a dedicated funding mechanism through a new utility to help alleviate the long-term financial burden of future stormwater management.

The proposed Stormwater Utility would fund all services within the Stormwater Management Program with a focus on drainage system maintenance, reduction in flooding, water quality management, and regulatory compliance. The new utility would reduce reliance on General Fund appropriations.

Like other City utilities, the Stormwater Utility will be funded through a user fee—assigning costs more equitably based on the impact of each property and the service delivery demand that the property imposes on the City’s Stormwater Department.

A property with more pervious areas, like a lawn or garden, would pay lower fees in stormwater utility costs due to their ability to absorb stormwater runoff. Properties with more impervious surfaces, such as parking lots and rooftops, generate greater stormwater runoff and require more service, resulting in higher stormwater utility fees.

In May 2024, the City issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a study to examine the level, cost, and extent of services currently being provided and how they would change under a new Stormwater Utility. In August 2024, City Council approved a $300,000 contract with Stantec Consulting Services to conduct the new study.

For more information about the proposed Stormwater Utility and the upcoming meetings, visit savannahga.gov/stormwater.

What: SWU Meeting, Aldermanic District 3

When: Monday, April 21, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Where: Pennsylvania Avenue Resource Center, 425 Pennsylvania Ave.

What: SWU Meeting, Aldermanic District 6

When: Tuesday, April 22, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Where: Windsor Forest Community Center, 414 Briarcliff Cir.

What: SWU Meeting, Aldermanic District 2

When: Wednesday, April 23, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Where: Delaware Community Center, 1815 Lincoln St.

What: SWU Meeting, Aldermanic District 5

When: Thursday, April 24, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Where: Liberty City Community Center, 1401 Mills B. Lane Blvd.

What: SWU Meeting, Aldermanic District 1

When: Monday April 28, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Where: Coastal Georgia Center, 305 Fahm St.

What: SWU Meeting, Aldermanic District 4

When: Wednesday, April 30, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Where: Jenkins High School, 1800 E. Derenne Ave.