One tour operator cautions that the bill may result in the permanent closure of the almost 50-year-old tourist sector. Citing the lost income and the $200,000 she spends annually on feeding, housing, and caring for her 23 horses, Cara Marshall of Carriage Tours of Savannah refers to the 85-degree restriction as a prohibition in disguise.
During a lengthy discussion that included over 90 minutes of public comment on the heat law, the council made its decision. Mayor Van Johnson opposed the proposed restriction and threatened to use his veto authority to stop it because of the potential impact it would have on the city’s two carriage tour operators, both of which are tiny, long-standing enterprises. The restriction was approved by a vote of 5–4.
Six council members would have to vote to override his veto.
Sarah Peacock is credited.
Sarah Peacock is credited.
A less stringent heat threshold, known as the wet bulb globe temperature, or WBGT, was advocated by Johnson. Sports teams who practice outside in the summer frequently employ the WBGT, which accounts for temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle, and cloud cover. Johnson suggested using a WBGT of 92 degrees in place of the current maximum temperature.
However, Nick Palumbo, the alderman who supported the ordinance change, raised concerns that the WBGT is unclear to the general public and that any modification should utilize the heat index or temperature instead. In response, Johnson moved to keep the statute the same. Palumbo moved to raise the requirement to 85 degrees after that proposal was unsuccessful.
Additionally, for the rest of 2025, the council adjusted the heat threshold to 92 degrees.
Johnson did not provide a timeframe for a possible veto. The City Council will meet again on August 28.
