Savannah City Council Approves 2024 Millage Rate
City Council Unanimously Passes Millage Rate
City councilmembers in Savannah have unanimously approved the city’s primary funding source last Thursday. The millage rate, a value used in calculating taxes, for 2024 will remain at 12.2 mills – consistent with the previous year’s rates.
However, due to rising property values, some residents may potentially pay nine percent more in taxes. This increase, according to city staff and Mayor Van Johnson, will bring millions more in tax revenue to the city. Mayor Johnson explained, “Growth that has occurred in our city over the last year – some from valuation, some from new construction. We anticipate about $7.2 million.”
Funding Pedestrian Safety Improvements and Pay Raises
The additional tax income will be utilized to finance pedestrian safety enhancements and wage increases for local police and fire departments. Approximately half of the funds will be directed towards stormwater drainage improvements in areas such as Mills B. Lane, Woodville, and Sylvan Terrace.
Assistant City Manager, Heath Lloyd, emphasized the importance of these investments in light of recent heavy rainfall that caused widespread flooding and vehicle damage. “Most people in our community felt that,” Lloyd said. “And if you were out about the other day in the streets, you understand why it’s important to invest in our drainage system”.
Public Response and Future Plans
Despite the council’s approval, not all Savannah residents share the same sentiment. Some pleaded with the councilmembers during the meeting to consider reducing the millage rate instead of maintaining it. Lloyd responded by stating that the millage rate would not be changed, but that property values would – meaning some residents without homestead exemptions could see a noticeable increase in their taxes.
Lloyd defended their decision by acknowledging the city’s unfunded needs. With the millage rate settled, the focus shifts to developing the city’s budget. And in this process, Savannah residents will be allowed to participate. The staff has released a survey asking the residents to prioritize issues they wish to see incorporated in the city’s spending plan.
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