News Summary
A Superior Court ruling in Savannah has denied the Chatham County Commissioners’ request to revert the Chatham Area Transit Board structure, maintaining its current form of 11 members. The Commissioners are set to appeal if future hearings do not favor their position. This legal battle traces back to the passage of House Bill 756, which altered the makeup and appointment powers of the board, raising concerns over constitutional violations. Tensions are exacerbated by significant budget cuts proposed for the transit authority, potentially affecting local transit services.
Savannah, GA—A Superior Court ruling has brought a setback to the Chatham County Commissioners in their ongoing legal battle concerning the restructuring of the Chatham Area Transit (CAT) Board of Directors. On October 3, 2023, Judge Timothy R. Walmsley denied the temporary injunction that would have reverted the CAT Board’s composition from 11 members back to 9 members, which included 6 appointed by the County Commissioners. As a result of this ruling, the Board will maintain its current structure while the matter continues to unfold in the courts.
The Commissioners are scheduled to have a hearing for further injunctive relief on October 6, 2023. Should the court rule against the Commissioners again during this upcoming session, Chatham County Attorney R. Jonathan Hart has indicated that an appeal will be pursued. Conversely, the CAT Authority also plans to file an appeal if the Commissioners find success in their hearing.
This legal contest is poised to escalate, with potential reviews from the Georgia Supreme Court on the horizon. The conflict traces back to the passage of House Bill 756, a recent piece of legislation that altered the appointment powers and structural makeup of the CAT Board. This bill received unanimous support from Savannah’s local legislative delegation. The Commissioners contend that House Bill 756 unlawfully stripped them of their appointed positions and conflicts with constitutional clauses in Georgia law.
At the heart of the Commissioners’ challenge are claims of violations related to the Bill of Attainder Clause and the Uniformity Clause of the Georgia Constitution. Historically, the CAT was established in 1986 with a 9-member board, allowing for 6 appointees from the County Commissioners, thereby maintaining majority control. Under the newly instituted House Bill 756, the county’s appointment ability has been reduced to 3 members out of a total of 11.
Further complicating the relationship between the Commissioners and the CAT, a significant budget reduction has been proposed. The Commissioners have announced a $1.9 million cut to the transit authority’s funding for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, CAT has been excluded from the distribution list for the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), which equates to an approximate total funding cut of $4.8 million.
These fiscal reductions have led to mounting tensions, as legal disputes emerge regarding the governing structure of CAT and the financing it receives. The presence of legal counsel for CAT has highlighted this discord, emphasizing the implications of the Commission’s actions on local governance and adherence to state legislation. Notification of intent to file a lawsuit against the County Commissioners has also been served, potentially escalating the legal skirmish into deeper judicial waters.
The current situation is a pivotal junction for Chatham County, as the decisions made in the upcoming hearings could impact not only the governance of CAT but also the quality and accessibility of services for local riders. This ongoing dispute between the County Commissioners and the CAT Authority underscores larger themes of governance rights and funding in local transit operations, marking a contentious chapter in Savannah’s regional politics.
As the legal process continues, stakeholders from both sides are bracing for what implications the results of the October 6 hearing may yield, ensuring that the narrative surrounding the CAT Board remains a focal point of community attention and legal scrutiny.
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Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
