Wednesday, November 18, 2015
City Manager Stephanie Cutter on Wednesday "proposed to City Council a $364 million 2016 Budget that enhances public safety and road maintenance while remaining fully balanced and structurally sound without a property tax increase," a City spokesman says.
The budget overview came during the first day of City Council’s two-day Budget Retreat at the New Ebenezer Retreat Center in Effingham County.
Among the highlights of the proposed budget, according to the spokesman:
· $364 million consolidated 2016 Budget is "fully balanced"
· 15 new police officer positions "to combat street-level drug activity."
· 15 new firefighter positions
· Full-year funding of public safety salary increases
· No property tax rate increase, "maintaining the lowest millage rate (12.48 mills) in the City of Savannah since 1987."
· 2 new positions to enhance street sweeping
· New equipment to "enhance pothole repair services."
· Funding for new "Ambassador Program to enhance public safety, maintenance and visitor services downtown."
· $82 million capital spending plan. Projects expected to begin in 2016 include:
New Cultural Arts Center
New Arena and Canal District development
Waters Avenue streetscape redevelopment
Major streetscape enhancements on Broughton, River, Bay streets
New Center for Family Resources and Services on Pennsylvania Avenue
Habersham Village drainage improvements
Development of former Coastal Empire Fairgrounds into mixed-use housing, neighborhood retail and regional recreation complex
New Coffee Bluff Road sidewalks and enhancements to Joseph Tribble Park.
“The City of Savannah has a lot to be proud of,” City Manager Stephanie Cutter said. “We are making all of these improvements, and we are doing it without raising the property tax rate, which is impressive.”
The budget is balanced with an expected:
· 1.2 percent increase ($811,680) in property tax revenue
· 2.7 percent increase ($1,016,540) in sales tax revenue
· 4.8 percent increase ($450,000) in hotel/motel tax revenue
· $2.3 million decrease in reimbursements from Chatham County for Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department costs "due to a renegotiated intergovernmental agreement."
The proposed budget can be viewed online at www.savannahga.gov/budget, or in-person at the Clerk of Council’s Office in City Hall or at the Bull Street Library.
Public hearings on the 2016 Proposed Budget will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, and 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, in Council Chambers in City Hall. The budget is scheduled for adoption Dec. 10.
The budget overview came during the first day of City Council’s two-day Budget Retreat at the New Ebenezer Retreat Center in Effingham County.
Among the highlights of the proposed budget, according to the spokesman:
· $364 million consolidated 2016 Budget is "fully balanced"
· 15 new police officer positions "to combat street-level drug activity."
· 15 new firefighter positions
· Full-year funding of public safety salary increases
· No property tax rate increase, "maintaining the lowest millage rate (12.48 mills) in the City of Savannah since 1987."
· 2 new positions to enhance street sweeping
· New equipment to "enhance pothole repair services."
· Funding for new "Ambassador Program to enhance public safety, maintenance and visitor services downtown."
· $82 million capital spending plan. Projects expected to begin in 2016 include:
New Cultural Arts Center
New Arena and Canal District development
Waters Avenue streetscape redevelopment
Major streetscape enhancements on Broughton, River, Bay streets
New Center for Family Resources and Services on Pennsylvania Avenue
Habersham Village drainage improvements
Development of former Coastal Empire Fairgrounds into mixed-use housing, neighborhood retail and regional recreation complex
New Coffee Bluff Road sidewalks and enhancements to Joseph Tribble Park.
“The City of Savannah has a lot to be proud of,” City Manager Stephanie Cutter said. “We are making all of these improvements, and we are doing it without raising the property tax rate, which is impressive.”
The budget is balanced with an expected:
· 1.2 percent increase ($811,680) in property tax revenue
· 2.7 percent increase ($1,016,540) in sales tax revenue
· 4.8 percent increase ($450,000) in hotel/motel tax revenue
· $2.3 million decrease in reimbursements from Chatham County for Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department costs "due to a renegotiated intergovernmental agreement."
The proposed budget can be viewed online at www.savannahga.gov/budget, or in-person at the Clerk of Council’s Office in City Hall or at the Bull Street Library.
Public hearings on the 2016 Proposed Budget will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, and 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, in Council Chambers in City Hall. The budget is scheduled for adoption Dec. 10.
Monday, November 16, 2015
Police have initiated a death investigation "after the body of an unidentified adult female was found inside of a residence near Mad Turkey Crossing and Romerly Road on Friday," police say.
"At about 1:15 p.m. Metro officers discovered the body during a welfare check at the residence. The Georgia Bureau of Investigations Crime Lab will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death."
Metro’s Violent Crimes detectives, patrol officers, Forensics Unit and Animal Control responded to the scene. The Chatham County Coroner also responded.
"At about 1:15 p.m. Metro officers discovered the body during a welfare check at the residence. The Georgia Bureau of Investigations Crime Lab will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death."
Metro’s Violent Crimes detectives, patrol officers, Forensics Unit and Animal Control responded to the scene. The Chatham County Coroner also responded.
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Violent Crimes detectives are investigating a homicide at West 45th and Montgomery streets.
"The shooting occurred approximately 2:30 a.m. on Saturday. Emanuel Simmons, 31, was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. The investigation is ongoing," police say.
"The shooting occurred approximately 2:30 a.m. on Saturday. Emanuel Simmons, 31, was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. The investigation is ongoing," police say.
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’s Violent Crimes detectives are investigating a fatal Saturday morning shooting on 57th and Montgomery streets.
"At about 12:58 a.m. Metro responded to Candler Hospital, where Robert Brown, 18, arrived in a privately owned vehicle seeking care of a gunshot wound. Brown succumbed to his injuries," police say.
"Detectives are now looking for a white Chevrolet Camaro. Circumstance leading up to this shooting remain under investigation."
"At about 12:58 a.m. Metro responded to Candler Hospital, where Robert Brown, 18, arrived in a privately owned vehicle seeking care of a gunshot wound. Brown succumbed to his injuries," police say.
"Detectives are now looking for a white Chevrolet Camaro. Circumstance leading up to this shooting remain under investigation."
Friday, November 13, 2015
Detectives are investigating a Thursday afternoon shooting on the 1100 block of East 57th Street, that left Carlos Roundtree, 18, with a non-life threatening injury.
At about 1:30 p.m. Metro responded to the scene and found Roundtree suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported by ambulance to Memorial University Medical Center.
"Roundtree was reportedly riding his bike when a suspect in a gray Ford F-150 opened fire," police say.
"The vehicle was last seen traveling west on East 57th street toward Waters Avenue. The suspect is described as black male in his early 20s, with a dark complexion and unkempt Afro. Investigators believe the victim and suspect may be acquainted."
At about 1:30 p.m. Metro responded to the scene and found Roundtree suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported by ambulance to Memorial University Medical Center.
"Roundtree was reportedly riding his bike when a suspect in a gray Ford F-150 opened fire," police say.
"The vehicle was last seen traveling west on East 57th street toward Waters Avenue. The suspect is described as black male in his early 20s, with a dark complexion and unkempt Afro. Investigators believe the victim and suspect may be acquainted."
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Warner
"At about 2 a.m. an Islands Precinct patrol officer stopped Warner after reports of someone fitting his description prowling in yards and tampering with vehicles. Warner complied with the officer initially, but attempted to flee as the officer stepped away to verify his identity," police say.
"Warner struck the officer, as that officer attempted to subdue him. The two scuffled briefly before Warner fled. Warner was not located after a search of the area. The officer sustained minor injuries."
Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Reginald Johnson, 26, after a Wednesday night shooting on Sterling near Wheaton Street, that claimed the life of John Williams, 22.
On Thursday afternoon Johnson turned himself in at Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Headquarters. He was arrested without incident and charged with murder.
At about 8:19 p.m. Metro responded to the scene where Williams was found suffering from a gunshot wound. Williams was transported to Memorial University Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.
"Investigators believe Williams was shot during a verbal altercation with Johnson. Detectives also believe, this altercation may have stemmed from an ongoing feud between the two men," police say.
Johnson is described as a black male standing 6 feet and weighing roughly 140 pounds. He drives a white 2007 Chevrolet Impala or Malibu. Johnson frequents Fred Wessels Homes.
Johnson faces murder charges. He is believed to be armed and dangerous. Any citizen who sees Johnson should not approach him, but should call 911 immediately.
On Thursday afternoon Johnson turned himself in at Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Headquarters. He was arrested without incident and charged with murder.
At about 8:19 p.m. Metro responded to the scene where Williams was found suffering from a gunshot wound. Williams was transported to Memorial University Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.
"Investigators believe Williams was shot during a verbal altercation with Johnson. Detectives also believe, this altercation may have stemmed from an ongoing feud between the two men," police say.
Johnson is described as a black male standing 6 feet and weighing roughly 140 pounds. He drives a white 2007 Chevrolet Impala or Malibu. Johnson frequents Fred Wessels Homes.
Johnson faces murder charges. He is believed to be armed and dangerous. Any citizen who sees Johnson should not approach him, but should call 911 immediately.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Merle Haggard has announced his show at the Johnny Mercer Theatre on Thursday, March 10, 2016, at 7:30pm.
Tickets are on presale now at savannahcivic.com with password SILVERWINGS and on sale to the public Friday, November 13 at 10 a.m.
Tickets are on presale now at savannahcivic.com with password SILVERWINGS and on sale to the public Friday, November 13 at 10 a.m.
Monday, November 9, 2015
Detectives are investigating two shootings occurring on Saturday.
"At about 6:23 p.m. Metro responded to a business on the 4500 block of Montgomery Street, where Ronald Hughes, 25, sought help after sustaining a non-life-threatening gunshot wound," police say.
Hughes was reportedly shot while in his vehicle, by an unknown male, at an unspecified location. Investigators are working to identify suspects and the location of the shooting. Hughes' vehicle was not present when officers arrived. The vehicle is described as a tan Chevy Malibu.
"At about 3:33 p.m. Metro also responded to a residence on the 2100 block of East 57th Street, were Michael Bernard Knight, 22, was found suffering from a gunshot wound," police say.
Knight was "reportedly shot by his acquaintance, Vincent James Zapeline, 21, during an altercation at Zapeline’s residence. Zapeline and Hughes were both in possession of firearms," police say.
There were no arrests, as this case remains under investigation.
"At about 6:23 p.m. Metro responded to a business on the 4500 block of Montgomery Street, where Ronald Hughes, 25, sought help after sustaining a non-life-threatening gunshot wound," police say.
Hughes was reportedly shot while in his vehicle, by an unknown male, at an unspecified location. Investigators are working to identify suspects and the location of the shooting. Hughes' vehicle was not present when officers arrived. The vehicle is described as a tan Chevy Malibu.
"At about 3:33 p.m. Metro also responded to a residence on the 2100 block of East 57th Street, were Michael Bernard Knight, 22, was found suffering from a gunshot wound," police say.
Knight was "reportedly shot by his acquaintance, Vincent James Zapeline, 21, during an altercation at Zapeline’s residence. Zapeline and Hughes were both in possession of firearms," police say.
There were no arrests, as this case remains under investigation.
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Detectives are investigating three robberies occurring on Oglethorpe Avenue on Thursday between 9:09 p.m. and midnight. One of the robberies resulted in an arrest, and another resulted in an injury.
Friday morning, "Metro received reports of an armed robbery and cutting on Oglethorpe Avenue and Abercorn Street that occurred close to midnight on Thursday," police say.
"Two victims were walking together when an armed suspect demanded one victim’s purse. The second victim attempted to stop the suspect and was cut. The cutting victim sought treatment of a non-life-threatening injury at Memorial University Medical Center on Friday."
The suspect is described as a white or Hispanic male, standing about 6-01 with a slender build. During the incident he wore a hat and a dark colored shirt.
At about 9:09 p.m. "Metro responded to an armed robbery reported on the 700 block of West Oglethorpe Avenue. The suspect demanded the victim’s belongings. The victim complied. The robbery suspect fled in a vehicle driven by a second suspect. The pair was last seen crossing the Talmadge Bridge into South Carolina. No injuries were reported," police say.
The first suspect is described as a black male in his early 20s, standing 6 feet to 6-3, with an average to muscular build. During the robbery he wore a black hoodie and black jeans, with a black bandana over his face. The second suspect is a black male in his early 20s with a light complexion. He wore a black polo during the incident. They fled in a white 2012 Chevrolet Impala.
At about 9:07 p.m. "Metro responded to a third armed robbery reported on the 200 block of West Oglethorpe Avenue. A male subject entered the female victim’s office requesting food. An airsoft pistol resembling a real gun was presented when she said no. The suspect grabbed the victim’s cellular phone and fled. No injuries were reported. The cellular phone was traced to the 500 block of Hartridge Street, still in the suspect’s possession," police say.
The suspect was identified as Richard Conyers, 21. He was arrested and charged with armed robbery.
Friday morning, "Metro received reports of an armed robbery and cutting on Oglethorpe Avenue and Abercorn Street that occurred close to midnight on Thursday," police say.
"Two victims were walking together when an armed suspect demanded one victim’s purse. The second victim attempted to stop the suspect and was cut. The cutting victim sought treatment of a non-life-threatening injury at Memorial University Medical Center on Friday."
The suspect is described as a white or Hispanic male, standing about 6-01 with a slender build. During the incident he wore a hat and a dark colored shirt.
At about 9:09 p.m. "Metro responded to an armed robbery reported on the 700 block of West Oglethorpe Avenue. The suspect demanded the victim’s belongings. The victim complied. The robbery suspect fled in a vehicle driven by a second suspect. The pair was last seen crossing the Talmadge Bridge into South Carolina. No injuries were reported," police say.
The first suspect is described as a black male in his early 20s, standing 6 feet to 6-3, with an average to muscular build. During the robbery he wore a black hoodie and black jeans, with a black bandana over his face. The second suspect is a black male in his early 20s with a light complexion. He wore a black polo during the incident. They fled in a white 2012 Chevrolet Impala.
At about 9:07 p.m. "Metro responded to a third armed robbery reported on the 200 block of West Oglethorpe Avenue. A male subject entered the female victim’s office requesting food. An airsoft pistol resembling a real gun was presented when she said no. The suspect grabbed the victim’s cellular phone and fled. No injuries were reported. The cellular phone was traced to the 500 block of Hartridge Street, still in the suspect’s possession," police say.
The suspect was identified as Richard Conyers, 21. He was arrested and charged with armed robbery.
