The Chatham County Commission typically holds its regular meetings at 9:30 a.m. at 124 Bull St. every other Friday.
The agenda for the meeting on July 10 is now available to view.
The meeting can be viewed on the county’s Youtube page and Facebook page.
Latest Chatham County News
- County silent on Georgia Power buffer vote taken after closed door session in April
- Chatham rejects Port Wentworth’s transit plans
- Port Wentworth seeking to join CAT tax district
- Disabling Transit – Chatham, CAT spat continues over funding, leadership
- Chatham Area Transit Reports Projected $8.4M Budget Deficit for FY27
CHATHAM COUNTY NEWS BRIEFS
Commission denies Port Wentworth request to join CAT tax district
The Chatham County Commission voted June 26 to deny Port Wentworth’s request to join the Chatham Area Transit service and tax district, with commissioners saying they would support expanding the district only if city voters first approve the additional tax in a referendum. Port Wentworth Mayor Tracy Saunders urged the board to approve the request, arguing the city can no longer afford to subsidize CAT service from its general fund and that residents rely on the buses to reach jobs, schools and medical appointments.
The vote followed an exchange of letters between Saunders and Chairman Chester Ellis. In a June 25 letter, Saunders argued that state law does not require a referendum and asked the county to approve the city’s inclusion in the district. Ellis previously responded that the commission had reached a consensus not to expand the CAT tax district while litigation over House Bill 756 remains pending and said the issue could be revisited after the case is resolved.
Chatham commissioners approve McQueen’s Island Trail restoration contract
Chatham County is preparing to fix the remainder west of the midpoint following a restoration project a couple years back that reopened a portion west of Fort Pulaski. On June 26, Chatham County commissioners approved a $1.85 million contract to repair remaining storm damage along the trail caused by Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene. According to the agenda report, the project would repair trail embankments, stabilize eroded areas and restore sections of the popular trail that were damaged during the 2024 storms. County spokesman Will Peebles said that the “repairs include extending the bulkhead shore protection to areas that were not previously armored. The bulkhead has proven to be effective at preventing erosion and loss.”
McQueen’s Island Trail restoration bids received
Five contractors submitted bids ranging from about $1.85 million to $2.74 million to restore hurricane- and erosion-damaged sections of McQueen’s Island Trail, according to bid documents released by Chatham County. The plans call for reinforcing existing timber bulkheads, constructing new retaining walls and replacing washed-out limestone, structural fill and riprap along several damaged sections of the western route of the trail. The county received the bids on May 26, with Savannah-based TIC – The Industrial Company submitting the apparent low bid of about $1.85 million.
County receives proposals to provide paratransit services
Chatham County recently received qualifications proposals from 10 firms for paratransit services in Chatham County, including Transdev Services, MV Transportation, Via Transportation and WeDriveU, according to procurement records released following the May 21 submission deadline. Chatham County is considering replacing CAT as the service provider, although the transit agency also submitted its own response to the RFQ. A recent county audit of the paratransit program concluded that CAT’s controls and reporting procedures “need improvement” and found significant deficiencies in reporting, cost allocation and operational oversight, as previously reported. CAT officials agreed with the audit findings and said it has begun implementing a new reporting system and formal review procedures following the purchase of updated software in October 2025.
Chatham introduces new STVR regulations
On May 8, the Chatham County Commission held a first reading of proposed amendments to the Short-term vacation rental ordinance that officials say are meant to address residents’ complaints about noise, overcrowded rental homes, parking violations, safety concerns, and property damages. The new regulations that would cap occupancy, require on-site parking and rapid-response local contacts, ban new rentals within 500 feet of existing ones, and increase fines and penalties for vacation rentals within the county’s unincorporated district. A second reading will need to be held before the amended ordinance is adopted and goes into effect, which is expected to occur at their next meeting.
Commission votes on development fees, Georgia Power amendment after closed door meeting
Following executive session on April 21, the county commission unanimously voted to waive the LDAO fees for Highland Woods Mobile Home Park for phase four of the park, according to recently published meeting minutes. The commission also voted to modify an agreement with Georgia Power to remove a 100-foot buffer for the Little Neck Road transmission line project. Commissioner Whitely seconded the motion and it carried in a five to two vote, with Chairman Ellis and Commissioners Hodge, Lockett, Whitely, and Buford voting yes and Commissioners Noha and Kicklighter voting no.
TRANSPARENCY SCORE
Agenda availability
Days ahead of meeting (1-5): 3
Posted online: (0-1): 1
Meeting packet (0-2): 2
Meeting accessibility
Video/audio (0-1): 1
Streamed online (0-1): 1
Minutes availability
Availability online (0-2): 1
Detail (0-2): 2
Responsiveness
Email inquiries (0-2): 1
Total: 12 out of 16
Context: The county’s meetings are very accessible, although it takes a while for the minutes to be posted (It is Oct. 25 and the minutes from the Sept. 19 meeting have not yet been posted). The commission also has a habit of voting after executive session on matters and not including those votes in the meeting videos. They also do not send out news releases about the votes. I have had challenges getting responses to my inquiries.