City invites residents to give feedback on FY26 budget priorities

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The City of Savannah’s Office of Management and Budget is giving the public an opportunity to discuss what their budget priorities are with City staff and officials, and learn how the budgeting process works.

A FY26 Budget Priorities Survey was launched in May and can be found by clicking here.

Why it matters: The survey seeks input from residents on City Council priorities, satisfaction with current services provided by the City, preferences for taxes and fees, and gives space to provide ideas for cost savings or more efficient service delivery.

The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous. It will remain open for feedback through August 31.

Survey results will be used in the decision-making process for next year’s budget.

The city says survey results will be shared with the public in a data set later this year.

A paper copy of the survey, and drop boxes to submit the survey, are available for residents at all City Community Centers, the Otis S. Johnson Cultural Arts Center, the Coastal Georgia Regional Center, and six branches of the Live Oak Public Library system.

A full list of locations with paper surveys and drop boxes can be found here.

Things you should know about the City’s budget:

• The City of Savannah operates on a fiscal year running from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.
• By law, City Council must pass a balanced budget by the end of the calendar year.
• City staff work through the summer months to prepare a proposed budget ahead of November meetings on the proposed budget.