Chatham Commissioners Hold Executive Session on CAT Lawsuit

County and transit agency at odds over board restructuring

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The Chatham County Board of Commissioners held a closed-door executive session on Friday to discuss their ongoing lawsuit with the Chatham Area Transit (CAT) authority. The lawsuit stems from the county's challenge to a state law that restructured CAT's board, adding two seats and reducing the number of county-appointed members. The county has appealed a lower court's dismissal of the suit, with a ruling expected in April.

Why it matters

The dispute between the county and CAT has been ongoing for nearly a year, resulting in a reduction in CAT's funding that has impacted the transit agency's budget and operations. The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for the governance and funding of public transportation in the Savannah region.

The details

In the executive session, the commissioners discussed their legal strategy, strengths, and weaknesses in the case. The county argues the state law restructuring the CAT board violates its home rule authority over transportation, while CAT has disputed these claims. A lower court previously dismissed the county's lawsuit, but the county has appealed the ruling to the Georgia Court of Appeals.

  • The Chatham County Board of Commissioners held the executive session on Friday, February 7, 2026.
  • A ruling from the Georgia Court of Appeals is expected in April 2026.

The players

Chatham County Board of Commissioners

The governing body of Chatham County, Georgia, which oversees local government operations and policies, including public transportation.

Chatham Area Transit (CAT)

The public transit authority serving Chatham County and the Savannah metropolitan area, responsible for operating buses and other transportation services.

Georgia General Assembly

The state legislature of Georgia, which passed the law restructuring the CAT board that is at the center of the lawsuit.

Judge Timothy Walmsley

The Chatham County Superior Court judge who previously dismissed the county's lawsuit against the CAT board restructuring.

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What they’re saying

“We discussed where we are, and we discussed what are our next steps. We discussed what we thought our strengths were, and where our weakness were. All I can say is this: we have more strengths than we have weaknesses.”

— Chester Ellis, Chatham County Commissioner (savannahnow.com)

“Chatham Area Transit affirms our unwavering commitment to the residents of Chatham County. We remain fully prepared and eager to work collaboratively with all parties to ensure that CAT riders have reliable, timely transportation options.”

— Spencer DeMink, Chatham Area Transit Board Spokesperson (savannahnow.com)

What’s next

A ruling from the Georgia Court of Appeals on the county's appeal is expected in April 2026.

The takeaway

The ongoing dispute between Chatham County and the Chatham Area Transit authority over the restructuring of CAT's board highlights the complex governance and funding challenges facing public transportation systems, with the outcome of the lawsuit potentially having significant impacts on the future of transit services in the Savannah region.