CAT Files Lawsuit Against Chatham County Commissioners

SAVANNAH, Ga. () – A legal battle between Chatham Area Transit (CAT) and the Chatham County Board of Commissioners is heating up.

In early September, CAT filed a lawsuit against the county commission to stop them from trying to gain control over their independent board.

In Tuesday’s hearing, CAT scored a big win, being granted a preliminary injunction by Chatham County Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley.

The county commission has been trying to undo a new state law, House Bill (HB) 756, that restructured CAT’s board, giving the county less control.

The civil lawsuit from CAT aims to keep HB 756 intact.

Their legal team, led by Atlanta-based attorney David Dove, has already laid the legal groundwork by having the injunction granted, which means CAT’s board remains untouched as the case is being litigated.

“This is a preliminary ruling by the court,” Dove told , “This is something that preserves the status quo, so riders should take confidence in the fact there’s not going to be any leadership changes or any uncertainty about CAT during this lawsuit.”

The county commission argued legal precedent gives them authority over the CAT’s board, including the right to appoint members.

“It specifically says that the county sets the mileage rate, the county sets the service district, the county has the authority to do those things, and the county has to be on the board,” Chatham County Attorney Andre Pretorius said.

“The constitution says county has home rule over things that the county controls,” he continued.

Savannah Alderman Detric Legget, who is the chairman of CAT’s board, took the stand, and said if their independent board would undergo a lengthy transition phase CAT would be in disarray, essentially affecting all riders and employees, leading Judge Walmsley to ultimately side with CAT Tuesday.

“If we cannot meet the needs of our ridership, then not only will this snowball, it will turn into what you call a gridlock. People won’t be able to work. Hotels won’t be able to service,” said Leggett.

No further court dates for the case have been set yet.