The Savannah City Council voted to approve unanimously on Thursday, July 25 the 2024 millage rate at 12.20 mills. It means the 2024 millage rate will remain unchanged from 2022 and 2023, but property values rising means some could be paying more in taxes despite the unchanged millage rate. Mayor Van Johnson said at City Council’s regular meeting that the approval will mean millions of dollars in revenue added to the city’s balance.

“With growth, we know that brings with it other challenges,” Johnson said at a press briefing last week.

According to the City’s tax digest, published as an addition to Thursday’s agenda and seen below, the City’s 2024 “Net Taxes Levied” budget line reads $112,363,387. That is roughly $11 million more than the taxes ($101,264,358) collected by the City in 2023. How the City uses the money could be influenced by a public ranking survey open until the end of August. A release from the City explained the survey earlier this month.

“The City’s budget plays a crucial role in shaping the quality of life for everyone in Savannah. Input in the budget process is essential to ensure City funding reflects what matters most to residents. In the survey, participants are asked to rank which of eight service areas should receive focus in the budget process. Through this simple ranking survey, participants can provide vital information to City staff as they shape the budget.”

“Results from the survey will be compiled and presented to City leadership to inform budget decisions and will be made available to the public in September. Residents and stakeholders are asked to give priority ranking to: Human Services, Stormwater, Cultural Arts, Planning & Development, Housing, Recreation, Fire, and Police services. Descriptions of each service area can be found in the survey.”

Lafayette Trail historical marker approved for Johnson Square
A freestanding historical marker in the southeast quadrant of Johnson Square will be installed to commemorate the bicentennial of Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to Savannah, which occurred on March 19, 1825.

The marker is part of a nationwide program which remembers the French general’s contributions to America in the Revolutionary War. The Lafayette Trail marker program is expected to announce details about the marker and a potential ceremony to celebrate the anniversary next year. John Trussell, of the American Friends of Lafayette and Georgia Steering Committee, wore a full French military uniform in honor of Lafayette when speaking to council Thursday. Councilmembers had already voted to approve the marker, however.
The marker is being funded by the Pomeroy Foundation, according to the agenda item. It will read as follows: ON MARCH 19, 1825, GENERAL LAFAYETTE ARRIVED IN SAVANNAH. ESCORTED HERE ON MARCH 21, HE LAID THE CORNERSTONE FOR THE NATHANAEL GREENE MONUMENT.

Council’s approval comes after a 3-2 recommendation of denial from the Historic Site and Monument Commission on June 6, 2024. The Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC), however, recommended the approval of the marker in disagreement with the Monument Commission.

Leggett basketball trophy leads to funny exchange with Mayor
After his team won the City of Savannah’s first 3-on-3 basketball tournament on July 12 at Blackshear Basketball Complex, Alderman Detric Leggett brought with him the second district team trophy to council chambers on Thursday.
Leggett challenged other councilmembers to get their teams ready for next year before offering the trophy to Mayor Johnson and council as a tribute. Watch the clip from Thursday in the YouTube video below.
Daughter of “Camoflauge” back in Savannah Friday
Savannah native Flau’jae Johnson is returning to Savannah on Friday, July 26 for her second annual community event to give out school supplies and backpacks for kids in the area prepping for the beginning of the school year in the coming weeks. Johnson is the daughter of the late Savannah rap icon, “Camoflauge,” who was killed in Savannah in 2003, six months before Flau’jae Johnson was born.
Like her father, Flau’jae is a rising star in the hip-hop industry. Unlike her father, she doubles as a star basketball player at LSU while releasing albums and singles with regularity. She posted to Facebook on Thursday about the event, which is at Enmarket Arena from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is free to attend.
“I am so excited to share that my second annual back to school give back will be happening (on Friday) at the Enmarket Arena! It will be inside, so don’t worry about the weather! I can’t wait to see you all. I love giving back to the city, this is for the kids only bringing good vibes, let’s do this the ‘4’ way. A big thank you to all the sponsors for helping make this amazing event happen.”

This article appears in Connect Savannah I July 2024.