Chatham CountyThursday, November 5
Chatham County drops its fire fee appeal, clearing the way for refunds
The Daily Savannah team
If you paid Chatham County's unincorporated fire fee, you could eventually see some money back, though not soon. Commissioners dropped their appeal of the Georgia Supreme Court ruling that the fee was unconstitutional. Commissioner Brian Hussey said ending the appeal avoids interest that could reach $200,000 to $225,000 a month.
Hussey said the exact formula and how much goes toward attorney fees aren't known yet. The commission plans an official statement next week on next steps.
Refunds total roughly $30 million to $35 million, and interest could have piled up
- $35 million
- roughly to be refunded, per Commissioner Hussey
- $30 million
- in fees and interest the court ordered refunded
- $225,000
- a month in interest, at the high end, had the appeal continued
Sources: WTOC, Moultrie Observer
- Fee years: 2022 to 2024
- Who paid: unincorporated Chatham County residents
- Still unknown: the formula, attorney fees, amount per resident
The ruling reaches past Chatham. Lawmakers on a House study committee heard concerns from Perry's mayor and Decatur's city manager about their own fees. Clint Mueller of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia said the only fix is changing state law or the state constitution.
A yearHussey's rough timeframe for refunds, maybe longer
Hussey said it's a process and "it's going to take a while."
Source: WTOC
Sources: WTOC, Moultrie Observer