Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce Savannah Downtown Business Association, Savannah, Economic Development Authority Tourism Leadership Council July 25, 2017 The Honorable Eddie DeLoach Mayor City of Savannah PO. Box 1628 Savannah, GA 31402 The Honorable Al Scott Chairman Chatham County P.O. Box 8161 Savannah, GA 31412 Dear Mayor DeLoach and Chairman Scott: On behalf of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, The Savannah Downtown Business Association, Savannah Economic Development Authority and The Tourism Leadership Council, we would like to request a meeting with the Mayor of the City of Savannah and Chairman of the Chatham County Commission (with whatever staff of your choosing) to better understand each governments position regarding the dissolution of the Chatham County Metropolitan Police Department. Time is of the essence, and we would like to meet, at the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, prior to the close of business Friday, August 4, 2017 if at all possible. Please submit three possible dates and times that you will be. available to meet, and we will coordinate an agreeable time. All four of our organizations, over the years, have worked hard to help the Savannah Chatham County Metropolitan Police Department merger be successful. We were very disappointed in the pending dissolution. We believe dissolving the police merger now sends the wrong message to our citizens. We believe this is a time for all members of this community to come together and help with solutions to the growing gang and gun violence that plagues our Community. Spending staff time now to divide the department assets could distract Metro staff from the full and complete focus on policing strategies and activities; we know is so important.Mayor Eddie DeLoach Chairman Al Scott July 25, 2017 Page 2 Since the Friday vote, media reports and interviews focus on a lack of communication between the City and County as being a major reason for the separation at this time. This is particularly troublesome, especially given that City Hall and the County Courthouse are only separated by a five-minute walk There is no higher priority in this community than the safety of our citizens. We believe we should explore every option and do everything in our power to resolve any issues between the City and ‘County when it comes to public safety. We are deeply concerned the return to two departments could be a distraction, could take officers off the streets, and at a minimum, will necessitate two duplicate command structures. Please allow us to help the City and County make one last effort to come to mutual understanding and agreement concerning the City of Savannah/Chatham County police merger agreement. Knowing you all have future budgets to plan for, we feel strongly that this meeting needs to happen as soon as possible. Regards, William W. Hubbard Karen Guinn President and CEO President Savannah Area Savannah Downtown Chamber of Commerce Business Association Hugh K. Tollison Michael Owens President and CEO President and CEO Savannah Economic Tourism Leadership Development Authority Council