Savannah Leaders Propose New Utility Fee to Address Flooding Concerns

Savannah Faces Flooding Issues: City Leaders Consider New Utility Fee

Folks in Savannah are no strangers to the effects of heavy rain, but this past week’s downpour raised some serious eyebrows—and water levels. The city has seen some pretty significant flooding once again, making residents question just what’s happening with our drainage system. With worries bubbling up, city leaders are taking a hard look at a solution that includes an added utility charge.

Stormwater Utility User Fee Bill: What is it?

The city’s Water Resource Department, which has been juggling the weight of managing and improving our drainage pipes, recognized it comes with a hefty price tag. To keep our streets from turning into rivers during our rainy days, they presented a plan to Mayor Van Johnson and the City Council. Enter: the Stormwater Utility User Fee Bill.

This bill proposes a rather straightforward concept: it’s a user fee system, similar to the fees we already see for water, sewer, and sanitation. Ronald Feldner, the Chief of Water Resources, explained that the fees collected will be dedicated to maintaining and improving the stormwater program budget, just as we see with our regular water and sewer fees.

How Will It Work?

So, how does it affect your monthly bill? This new proposed fee is based on the amount of stormwater runoff your household contributes to the stormwater system. It’s not a brand-new idea—this concept has been floating around for nearly 25 years! In fact, according to the department, about seven nearby cities have already adopted this system. For instance, Garden City residents are shelling out just $4.75 a month for their stormwater utility fee. Feldner mentions this as a baseline for what Savannah could implement.

A Long-Term Solution?

Mayor Johnson shared his thoughts on the current situation in Savannah. “We can keep playing it by happenstance, through the general fund,” he said. “But I think we’re all very clear that that’s just not the long route to take care of this problem. We’re always playing catch-up. We’re never really investing in any major way.”

This statement resonates with many residents who feel like flooding is a recurring theme in Savannah. With climate change causing unpredictable weather patterns, experts suggest investing in better infrastructure is more critical than ever.

The Community Weighs In

As leaders deliberate on this potential utility fee, it’s crucial for community members to voice their opinions and concerns. After all, how would a fee impact households already struggling with rising costs? Many residents are likely wondering what the fee will look like in practice and how it will be implemented fairly.

In the meantime, some residents are appreciating the proactive approach, as building a better stormwater system can help prevent future flooding disasters. Those who have battled relentless water in their homes know all too well the importance of taking action before the next storm hits.

What’s Next?

The proposal is still on the table, and it will take time for city officials to finalize any decisions. Once they do, it will be interesting to see how this might change the game for Savannah’s drainage issues. Whether residents are for or against this new fee, one thing is for sure: we all want to keep our streets dry!

Stay tuned, Savannah! There’s much to unfold regarding how our beloved city plans to manage rainy days with a fresh perspective.