Savannah Intergovernmental Agreements & Severability

General Governance and Administration Georgia 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 21, 2026 Flag of Georgia

In Savannah, Georgia intergovernmental agreements are the contracts and cooperative arrangements the city makes with other public agencies to deliver services, share resources, or coordinate projects. These agreements commonly include severability clauses saying that if one part is invalid, the remainder stays effective. Municipal authority, approval procedures, and enforcement pathways are governed by the city charter and code and may involve the City Council and the City Attorney.[1]

What are intergovernmental agreements?

Intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) are written contracts between the City of Savannah and other governmental entities such as counties, other cities, regional authorities, or state agencies. They set roles, fiscal responsibilities, performance standards, and liability allocation for shared programs or infrastructure. IGAs may take the form of memoranda of understanding, service contracts, or formal joint powers agreements.

IGAs often require specific Council action or authorization before they bind the city.

Key contract clauses and severability

Typical clauses to watch for in Savannah IGAs include scope of work, term and renewal, termination for convenience or breach, indemnity, insurance, cost sharing, and a severability clause that preserves the remainder of an agreement if a provision is found invalid. Severability language varies; where a clause limits remedies or waives statutory rights, courts may scrutinize enforceability.

Penalties & Enforcement

Monetary fines or statutory penalties tied specifically to breaches of intergovernmental agreements are generally contract remedies rather than municipal bylaw fines. Specific fine amounts for contract breaches are not specified on the cited page.[1]

  • Monetary damages: typically compensatory and related to actual loss; exact ranges not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Enforcer: City Attorney advises enforcement and defenses; contact the City Attorney for contract enforcement and dispute handling.City Attorney[2]
  • Non-monetary relief: specific performance, injunctive relief, termination, or reprocurement; availability depends on the agreement language and applicable law.
  • Escalation: first breach, cure periods, repeated or continuing defaults are addressed by contract terms; escalation schedules are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Complaint and inspection pathways: raise breaches with the department administering the agreement and the City Attorney for legal remedies.
  • Appeals and review: contract disputes proceed through negotiated claims, mediation/arbitration if provided, or state courts; time limits for appeals or claims are governed by the contract or applicable statutes and are not specified on the cited page.[1]
Contact the City Attorney early to preserve claims and meet procedural deadlines.

Applications & Forms

There is no standard public "intergovernmental agreement" form posted on the municipal code page; agreements are usually drafted by city staff or legal counsel and approved by City Council via resolution or ordinance as required. Specific form names or application procedures are not specified on the cited page.[1]

Common violations and practical effects

  • Failure to perform agreed services: may trigger damages or termination.
  • Failure to remit shared funds on schedule: may lead to collection actions or offset.
  • Noncompliance with insurance or reporting requirements: can cause suspension or cure demands.

Action steps

  • Review the executed IGA language and severability clause for cure periods and remedies.
  • Notify the city department administering the agreement in writing and preserve documentation of performance or breach.
  • Consult the City Attorney for enforcement options, timelines, and possible alternative dispute resolution.

FAQ

Who approves intergovernmental agreements for Savannah?
The City Council typically authorizes IGAs, often following department review and City Attorney approval.[1]
Can an IGA be invalidated without affecting the whole agreement?
Yes, a severability clause is intended to preserve valid parts of an agreement; the effect depends on the clause wording and applicable law.[1]
Where do I report a suspected breach?
Report first to the managing city department and the City Attorney for legal assessment.City Attorney[2]

How-To

  1. Gather the executed agreement and any correspondence documenting performance or payments.
  2. Notify the administering department in writing, referencing the agreement clause alleged to be breached.
  3. If unresolved, request City Attorney review and discuss mediation, arbitration, or litigation options.
  4. Preserve evidence of damages and meet any contractual notice or claim deadlines.

Key Takeaways

  • Severability clauses help keep valid provisions in force if one part is void.
  • Contact the City Attorney early to protect rights and comply with notice rules.
  • IGAs are contract instruments; remedies are generally contractual and not municipal fine schedules.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Savannah Code of Ordinances - Municode
  2. [2] City of Savannah - City Attorney

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