Savannah seeks public opinion on charging residents based on how much rain their property can’t absorb

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - In a press release WTOC just received, the City of Savannah asks both residents and businesses for feedback on the City’s proposed Stormwater Utility.

The city says the feedback form on their website will help them further assess public awareness of the proposed Stormwater Utility, gather additional community perspectives on current drainage services, and provide information related to community priorities related to stormwater management.

“Savannah’s proposed Stormwater Utility would fund an enhanced level of service for maintenance and capital improvements to the drainage system to address flood mitigation and water quality management as well as overall infrastructure upkeep,” the City says.

If enacted by City Council, the City says the proposed Stormwater Utility user fee charge would be based on the amount of impervious surface on a parcel of land, which are surfaces that do not absorb rainfall (such as rooftops and driveways) and contribute to stormwater runoff from a parcel, which discharges into the City drainage system.

The City of Savannah says ongoing public feedback is welcome and will help the City further evaluate how best to develop and refine the proposed Stormwater Utility program.

All citizens and business owners within the City limits are encouraged to provide feedback and input to the City’s ongoing process of developing its plans to address stormwater management issues affecting the community.

The feedback form is available at the top of the City’s Stormwater Utility website at www.savannahga.gov/stormwaterutility. The City of Savannah thanks its residents and businesses for their feedback and input.