CHaIRMAN OF CouNTy CoMMISSIONERS sees coe = reas se —- July 21, 2017 ‘The Honorable Eddie DeLoach, Mayor City of Savannah P.O. Box 1027 Savannah, Georgia 31402 Dear Mayor DeLoach: {too regret that you and members of City Council have voted to end the merger agreement atime when city and county staff members were workingto correct errors inthe funding formula inthe Berkshire Report. Infact, they met for over three hours yesterday, July 20%, to finalize their work. This was a necessary step before we could consider going forward, We are aware of the recommendations in the report of adding 147 officers to achieve 7-minute response time, and we commend you and council for setting that as your goal for the City of Savannah. However, the County has been advised that the 7-minute response time was not achievable in the unincorporated area of Chatham County; therefore, Iam not certain this is an ‘option for the County. Nevertheless, the majority of the County Commission voted to increase the millage rate in the Special Service District for the County's FY2018 Budget Year for the purpose of increasing Funding for the joint police department. I believe the joint department isin the City of Savannah's best interest; however, since that view is not shared by you and members of City Council, | am instructing County staff to start the process of starting up a County Police Department. Sincere regrets, Albert J Chairman ‘Chatham County Commission cc: Members of the Board of Commission City of Savannah Couneil Members Lee Smith, County Manager Michael A. Kaigler, Assistant County Manager Linda B. Cramer, Assistant County Manager R. Jonathan Hart, County Attomey