SAVANNAH, Ga. () — The Chatham County Board of Commissioners adopted a lower Chatham Area Transit (CAT) millage rate at their most recent meeting, but it has some local leaders concerned.

The vote to reduce the rate came just days after Savannah Alderman and CAT Chairman Detric Leggett sent Chairman Chester Ellis a letter requesting that the rate stay the same it’s been since 2021, 1.056 mills.

The rollback rate was set for 1.021. The board, however, approved even lower at 0.94 mills.

Chairman Ellis raised this concern ahead of the decision: some residents in parts of unincorporated Chatham County pay this tax but don’t get the service.

“We’re the ones getting shafted,” Chairman Ellis said.

Ellis also said that some municipalities are receiving discounts for CAT services. The chairman named Port Wentworth and stated the city allegedly pays $248,000 less for transit services.

“That means that the folks in the unincorporated Chatham County are paying for that bill,” Ellis said.

According to estimates, lowering the millage rate would cut CAT’s property tax revenue by about $2 million dollars. CAT CEO and Interim Executive Director Stephanie Cutter was at the commission meeting last Thursday. Cutter said CAT received a little over $17 million dollars in transit tax funding last fiscal year, so this could impact operating and capital costs.

Cutter sent the following statement: “Chatham Area Transit Authority (CAT) remains committed to delivering essential transit services to the residents and visitors of Chatham County, despite a projected $1.9 million shortfall resulting from the recently approved reduction in the Special Service District Transit Tax Millage Rate.

We understand the critical role CAT plays in connecting our communities to work, school, healthcare, and essential services. That is why we are actively exploring every available option to ensure service continuity and operational efficiency.

Our goal remains clear: to provide safe, dependable, and equitable transit service to the communities we serve. We thank our riders and stakeholders for their continued support and patience as we navigate this period of adjustment with transparency and due diligence.”

In a press release, CAT announced service changes for some routes following this vote by county commission, however a spokesperson said this was unrelated as they have three service changes each year.

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson voiced his concerns about the possible impact this cut could have on services.

“The CAT Board sets the millage and then the county has to approve it. This reduction would be devastating,” Mayor Johnson said. “It’s about people. It’s about independence. It’s about dignity. It’s about the working parents who rely on Chatham Area Transit to get to their jobs. It’s about the seniors who need it to get to their medical appointments.”