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November 5, 2018, City Council Regular Meeting
Title
25. Motion to Amend the City Charter to Eliminate Collection of a Fire Services Fee
Strategic Priority
Good Government
Description

The City’s Charter establishes laws for how rates, fees, and charges are handled for certain services provided by the City of Savannah. On December 21, 2017, the City Charter was amended to authorize the implementation of a fire fee within the City of Savannah.

This amendment will formally remove the authority to impose a fire fee within Savannah’s corporate limits; however it will authorize the City to charge a fire fee to entities who require fire services outside of Savannah's corporate limits. This allows the City to charge those entities outside of the City of Savannah who utilize the Savannah Fire Department’s firefighting, fire prevention, and fire protection services and benefits.

Approval would amend the City Charter in Section 5-203, Fire Services, of Chapter 2, Garbage and Sewerage Charges, of Article 5, Finance & Taxation. The amendment has been properly advertised in accordance with Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 36-35-3). First reading was held during the Meeting of October 25, 2018.

Recommendation

Approval

Contact
Jen Herman, Deputy City Attorney
Financial Impact
Loss of fire fee revenue of $16,500,000
Review Comments
Attachments
Fire Fee Charter Revision Amendment 101218.pdf
Agenda Plus