News Summary
The Chatham Area Transit Authority (CAT) is heading to Superior Court to request emergency injunctive relief against the Chatham County Commissioners. This legal challenge arises in response to the County’s recent restructuring of the CAT Board and significant funding cuts, which CAT officials argue were improperly executed. The dispute centers on the implications of House Bill 756 and the county’s authority under Home Rule. Additionally, the funding cuts pose operational challenges for the transit authority. The case highlights underlying tensions between local governance and transit agencies.
Savannah, GA – The Chatham Area Transit Authority (CAT) will appear in Superior Court on Friday, September 11, 2025, seeking emergency injunctive relief against the Chatham County Commissioners. The hearing will take place before Judge Timothy Walmsley and is a response to the County’s recent actions regarding the restructuring of the CAT Board and significant funding cuts.
On August 22, 2025, the Chatham County Commissioners voted 6-2 to invoke their Home Rule authority to bypass specific provisions of House Bill 756. This legislation, passed by the Georgia General Assembly, was aimed at increasing the CAT Board of Directors from nine to eleven members, along with changing the authority responsible for board appointments. The County’s ordinance attempts to revert the CAT Board to its original nine-member structure and restore prior appointment processes.
CAT officials are contesting these decisions, claiming that the legal notice related to the ordinance was not properly executed. Under the previous structure, six out of nine CAT Board members were appointed by the County Commissioners, which allowed them to maintain 67% voting control. In response to the recent changes, CAT is arguing that the County’s Home Rule Provision should not be applicable for modifying a local act that involves entities outside of the County’s control or conflicts with state law.
The legal dispute is further compounded by financial implications, as the County Commissioners also voted to reduce CAT’s funding by $1.9 million for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, CAT has been excluded from a $4.8 million allocation from the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) distribution list, heightening the operational challenges the transit authority may face.
House Bill 756 was introduced by the Chatham County Delegation with the intention of ensuring that municipalities such as Garden City, Port Wentworth, and Thunderbolt could have representation on the CAT Board. The newly established eleven-member board seeks to enhance inclusivity among various localities served by CAT.
In light of these developments, CAT is taking a stand to preserve its operational framework. The authority is represented by the law firm Troutman Pepper Locke, based in Atlanta, which will advocate on its behalf during the court proceedings. CAT aims to halt any actions by the County Commissioners that would undermine its governance and operational capabilities until the legal case is fully resolved.
Meanwhile, the County Commissioners plan to appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court to affirm their claimed authority under the Home Rule, asserting their stance regarding the restructuring of the CAT Board and the associated funding changes.
This situation highlights ongoing tensions between local government authorities and transit agencies, particularly as communities strive for effective representation and adequate funding for essential public services. The court’s ruling could set a precedent impacting similar governance and funding issues in the future.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Business Journal: Chatham Area Transit in Superior Court
- Savannah Now: Chatham County Commission Approves Amendment
- WTOC: Chatham Area Transit Changes Holiday Schedule
- WJCL: Chatham Area Transit $2M Cut Changes
- WSAV: Impact of Lower Chatham Area Transit Millage Rate
- Wikipedia: Transit in the United States
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.
