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Chatham County Homeowners Face Proposed Property Tax Increase

Savannah, Georgia - Proposed property tax increase for funding new fire department

News Summary

Homeowners in Chatham County are confronting a proposed property tax hike of nearly 50% following the Board of Commissioners’ tentative adoption of a new millage rate. Key components include a 3.36% increase in General Maintenance and Operations taxes, a 48.99% rise in Special Service District taxes, and a 3.43% increase in transit taxes. A public hearing is scheduled for residents to share their concerns, as this plan aims to fund a new county-run fire department.

Savannah, Georgia – Homeowners in Chatham County are facing a proposed property tax increase of nearly 50%, following the tentative adoption of a new millage rate by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners. This significant increase comes as the county prepares to establish its first-ever county-run fire department, a move that will replace the previous fire service fee for residents in unincorporated areas.

The proposed tax increases consist of multiple components: a 3.36% rise in General Maintenance and Operations taxes, a staggering 48.99% hike in Special Service District taxes, and a 3.43% increase in Chatham Area Transit Authority taxes. For homeowners with a property valued at $275,000, this tax hike could mean an additional payment of nearly $200 annually.

A public hearing for residents to voice their concerns regarding the proposed tax increases is scheduled for June 27, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. The hearing will be held at the Commission Meeting Room on the second floor of the Old Courthouse, located at 124 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia. This meeting will serve as a platform for homeowners to express their opinions and seek clarification on the implications of the tax changes.

The establishment of the new Chatham County Fire Department, which has a total budget of $21 million, is a primary justification for the substantial tax hike. The fire tax is expected to generate $14 million in revenue, with the difference being covered by reserves. It is important to note that the fire department will only serve unincorporated areas of Chatham County, which places the financial burden primarily on homeowners living outside city limits.

Residents have voiced frustration during prior public hearings, indicating that the proposed increases could lead to significant financial strain for many households. In response, county leaders defend the necessity of the tax hike, emphasizing the importance of public safety and citing reduced federal disaster support as a contributing factor to the increase.

The new fire tax will replace an annual fire service fee that previous residents in unincorporated areas had to pay. A significant portion of the population, approximately 80% of property parcels in those areas, may find the two mill tax to be less expensive than the previous fee structure. Furthermore, county officials have noted that homestead exemptions will be applied to help mitigate the overall tax burden for many property owners.

A final vote on the proposed tax increase is slated for the following Friday during the Chatham County Commission meeting. Homeowners and residents of Chatham County are encouraged to attend the public hearing, as it may influence the commissioners’ final decision regarding these crucial tax adjustments.

The potential property tax increase represents a pivotal moment for homeowners in Chatham County, as the landscape of local funding and public service provisions shifts with the establishment of the new fire department. Residents continue to seek answers and transparency from county officials as they navigate these financial changes.