Clerk of Council

The Clerk of Council is the oldest position in Savannah’s City government with records dating back to 1787.  Pursuant to the City Charter, the Clerk of Council  is the official records custodian of the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah responsible for maintaining their official acts, oaths and proceedings.  In 2020, the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah strengthened and reaffirmed these duties by designating the Clerk of Council as the official Open Records Officer and Parliamentarian for City Council meetings.

The Clerk of Council maintains all records of the Mayor and Aldermen, such as: City Council minutes; the Code of Ordinances; City contracts; municipal cemetery deeds; and records of City boards, commissions and authorities. 

Typical roles of the clerk (recording officer) include:

  • Notifying officers and committee members of their actions/elections/appointments
  • Preparing and posting notices for meetings and other legal advertisements
  • Keeping the roll, and calling the roll as requested by the Mayor/presiding officer
  • Having a general understanding of the governing rules
  • Recording the minutes of each meeting
  • Maintaining a record book
  • Serving as the custodian of the records of the public body
  • Allowing inspection of the minutes and records as allowed by law
  • Carrying out administrative and executive duties

The Clerk of Council also serves as the Election Superintendent for the City of Savannah. City elections are held every four years. The next scheduled MUNICIPAL election is November 2, 2027.  The Clerk of Council qualifies all candidates and serves as the local filing officer.  The Clerk of Council serves as the liaison for newly elected officials, and coordinates the administration transition and the inauguration.

Our office is located at City Hall, 2 E. Bay Street, first floor, Savannah, GA 31401.

Citizens can petition the Mayor and Aldermen through the Clerk of Council. Petition requests include: cemetery deed transfers; damage claims; and, purchases of property.  There is no fee to file a petition (except encroachment processing fees; see forms for current fees).  There is a $0.10 per page charge for copies of records, pursuant to State Open Records Act laws.

Georgia Municipal Association, City Clerk Handbook: https://www.gacities.com/Resources/GMA-Handbooks-Publications/City-Clerk-Handbook.aspx 

Georgia Municipal Clerks Association: https://www.gmcfoa.com/