Public Meetings - Dekalb County, Georgia

The Planning, Economic Development and Community Services (PECS) Committee of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners met on October 27, 2026. The meeting was chaired by Commissioner Nicole Missayan (District 3) and included Commissioners Robert Patrick (District 1), Long Spears (District 2), Ladina Bolton (Super District 7), and Commissioner Terry. The committee reviewed appointments, human services and victim assistance grants, new economic development financing tools, and funding for homeless services. Consent Calendar - Agenda Item 2026-1529: Approved the minutes from the August 25, 2027 PECS meeting. - Agenda Item 2026-1130: Appointed Ronald Mangum to Post Seven of the DeKalb County Board of Family and Children's Services. Mr. Mangum discussed his experience as a former director of DeKalb CASA and his tenure on the DFACS board. - Agenda Item 2026-1492: Awarded $200,000 in Victim Assistance Grants to 10 state-certified nonprofit agencies. - Agenda Item 2026-1477: Approved a five-year rental agreement with the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area Alliance for two facilities at an annual fee of $10. Discussion Items Human Services Grants (Agenda Item 2026-1489) Director Scott presented the 22nd year of the Human Services Grants program, recommending 53 of 121 applicants for a total of $650,000 from the county's operating budget. Commissioner Terry requested a $20,000 increase for each of eight agencies under the homelessness category, adding a total of $160,000 to the allocation. The CEO suggested drawing from the broader $13 million housing budget if the board desired additional funding. Commissioner Patrick made a motion to approve the grants as presented, which carried. Commissioner Terry voted in opposition, citing unmet needs in homelessness prevention. C-PACER Program (Agenda Item 2026-1535) Jacob Vallow and Tiffany Wills (Decide DeKalb) presented a resolution to authorize a Commercial Property Assessed Conservation Energy and Resilience (C-PACER) program, making DeKalb the fifth county in Georgia to adopt the program. The program uses 100% private capital, has no cost to the county, and is intended to finance energy efficiency, flood mitigation, and seismic improvements for commercial and multifamily properties. Commissioner Patrick asked for national data on program default rates. Commissioner Bolton noted that owner-occupied condos are not eligible. The item was held in committee, to be advanced to the full board on November 10 after a final resolution is distributed and reviewed. DeKalb Development Corporation (Agenda Item 2026-1537) Mr. Vallow proposed the creation of the DeKalb Development Corporation, a non-profit subsidiary of Decide DeKalb, to take over the functions of the Office of Economic Development and focus on large-scale catalytic projects. The proposal requests $1,975,000 in annual funding for staffing and operations. Commissioner Patrick requested clarity on how commissioner-led projects would be vetted. Commissioner Terry inquired about cost-saving measures like sharing office space. Commissioner Bolton asked about the composition of the seven-member board of directors. The item was held pending the completion of an intergovernmental agreement and resolution for committee review. Affordable Housing Fund Allocation for Unhoused Services Dr. Ferguson and Director Mitchell presented a $1,316,927 request from the Affordable Housing Fund to increase capacity for homeless services. The funds would be used for five district-based street outreach workers, coordinated entry staff, day center management, shelter contract operations, warming/cooling centers, and a HMIS coordinator. Commissioner Patrick expressed strong support, noting the effort took six years to accomplish. Commissioner Bolton questioned the administrative overhead relative to direct service provision. Commissioner Terry requested a clear operational plan for the recently passed urban camping ordinance, expressing frustration over a lack of response from staff. Director Mitchell stated that comments had been provided to the board months prior. The item was discussed extensively and moved to the full Board of Commissioners for action. Key Outcomes - Appointments and several consent items were approved unanimously. - The Human Services Grants ($650,000) were approved, with Commissioner Terry casting a dissenting vote. - The C-PACER and DeKalb Development Corporation items were held in committee pending review of final legal documents. - The Affordable Housing Fund allocation for homeless services ($1.3M) was discussed and moved forward to the full Board of Commissioners for a vote.

On October 27, 2026, the Finance, Audit and Budget Committee, chaired by Commissioner Ted Terry, met to approve routine items and hear FY2027 budget presentations from the Superior Court, State Court, Tax Commissioner, and Sheriff's Office. Commissioner Michelle Longspears stepped out briefly but returned; Commissioners Shakira Johnson, Patrick, and others participated. No public comment period appeared in the transcript. Consent Calendar - The committee approved the minutes of the October 12 special call meeting (item 1493) by voice vote with no changes. - No public comments were heard. Contracting Item - Change Order No. 5 to Contract No. 1136419, inventory of capital assets, was approved. The change order increases funds to a total not to exceed $500,000 and extends the term through December 31, 2029, with HCA Asset Management LLC. Finance Director McNabb said the county has roughly $2.8 billion in fixed assets and the vendor uses tag-reading technology to conduct inventories. Superior Court FY2027 Budget Presentation - Chief Judge Shondina Morris and Court Administrator Hawkins Ponzo presented Superior Court's priorities. - Superior Court reported 11,406 cases closed across all 10 divisions in 2025, a 112 percent cumulative clearance rate, a 195.7 percent murder clearance rate, more than 175,000 jury summons issued, and 75 completed jury trials. For 2026, the court reported 68 adoptions disposed (94 percent clearance), 456 serious violent felonies (128 percent clearance), and 1,663 divorces (105 percent clearance). - The court requested a total of $2,212,000, including $772,000 for personnel for an 11th judge, $185,000 for senior judge support, $100,000 for security at the off-site accountability court office, $250,000 for judicial security, $150,000 for computer equipment and software, $175,000 for court administration, $30,000 for digital court reporters, $175,000 for jury management and juror summons, and $10,000 for dispute resolution. - Judge Morris said DeKalb has 10 Superior Court judges 'doing the work of 12' and that the 11th judgeship has been authorized by the Council of Superior Courts and the Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice. - The court administrator clarified that the $772,000 request is for personnel only; courtroom capital needs are part of a separate CIP request. COO Williams said roughly $3.4 million to $3.5 million is set aside in CIP for a courtroom build-out, but that figure may be outdated and needs an updated cost estimate. - Judge Morris said a larger courtroom is needed for multi-defendant gang and RICO murder cases and is a future request; the near-term ask is for an 11th judge's courtroom. - Commissioner Massey asked about pro se litigants; Judge Morris estimated a 40 to 45 percent increase in her division and said the family law information center currently receives $50,000 and relies on volunteer attorneys. The court agreed to add a request for a paid staff attorney for the law clinic after Commissioner Massey asked for one. - Commissioner Terry asked for a memo separating one-time and ongoing costs. State Court FY2027 Budget Presentation - Chief Judge Mike Jacobs, Judge Kimberly Anderson, and Court Administrator Edwin Bell presented. Judge Anderson becomes chief judge on January 1. - State Court and Magistrate Court jointly employ about 350 people, including judges' staffs, probation, marshal's office, and shared clerk's office. - Requests included sworn marshal benefits parity with police; vehicle replacements for the marshal's office and probation; judicial security positions and equipment after a serious threat to a judge; clerk's office training and staffing; and new clerk positions for new case loads. - Magistrate Court's civil jurisdictional limit rises from $15,000 to $25,000 on January 1, expected to increase small-claims filings. New school-bus-camera citations, with fines up to $1,000, will go to State Court Division B; Judge Jacobs said other jurisdictions are seeing an 'avalanche' of such cases. - Commissioner Longspears calculated the requested capital total as $2,560,000 and the operating total as $1,605,641. COO Williams said vehicle purchases are treated as an operating expense, not capital. - Commissioner Patrick asked that vehicle purchases follow the county's resolution encouraging electric vehicles. - Judge Jacobs said State Court plans a pilot in two divisions, led by himself and Judge Charlie Bailey, using judicially supervised mental-health treatment as a special bond condition. It is not in this year's request but is expected to be in next year's request. Tax Commissioner FY2027 Budget Presentation - Tax Commissioner Golden requested a salary line increase of about $356,000, later cited as $356,441, offset by $255,000 in reductions elsewhere, for a net increase of about $101,000 over the current budget. - He said the office collects nearly $2 billion per year in taxes, with about $670 million going to DeKalb County, and that attrition and retention are driven primarily by pay. He expects to return about $155,000 in salary savings this year and noted five new employees started that day. - Commissioners praised the office's community outreach and customer service and expressed support for the request. Sheriff's Office FY2027 Budget Presentation - Chief Atkins and Senior Fiscal Officer Carla Campbell presented the Sheriff's Office request. - The FY2027 request is $108.3 million, a 3.8 percent increase over the FY2026 adopted budget of $104.3 million. The roughly $4 million increase includes about $1.9 million for the full-year cost of a 5 percent salary adjustment, a 6 percent medical services contractual increase, a 5.5 percent dental services increase, and food service costs rising from about $5 million to about $6 million, including a 3.7 percent contractual increase. - The overtime request remains at $7.7 million; $6 million had already been spent through October 16, attributed to mandatory overtime and unfilled deputy positions. - Chief Atkins separately asked for deputy benefits parity with the police and fire departments, noting that the request is not included in the budget figures. - Chief Atkins also said the Sheriff's Office supported the court security response to the judge-related threat. Key Outcomes - The committee approved the October 12 meeting minutes and the HCA asset inventory change order unanimously. - The FY2027 budget presentations were received; no formal votes were taken on the budget requests themselves at this meeting. - Superior Court will provide a law-clinic staff attorney request and a one-time versus ongoing cost breakdown; COO Williams will bring back an updated courtroom build-out cost estimate. - The Sheriff's Office was asked to provide updated 2026 data on incarcerated criminal-trespass misdemeanants with mental health or substance abuse diagnoses and associated costs, with additional breakdowns by overall population growth, incident type, public or private origin, jurisdiction, and any additional charges. - The committee adjourned after the presentations and discussion.

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners met at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 178 Sams Street, Decatur, GA. Commissioner Chakira Johnson (District 4) presided. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, an invocation by Pastor Dr. C.L. May, and two proclamations. After extensive public comment and public hearings, the board approved several zoning items, appointments, contracts, and grants, deferred numerous items to the November 10, 2026 BOC meeting, and debated public safety, homelessness, and animal restraint ordinances. Presentations - Commissioner Michelle Long Spears (District 2) presented a proclamation honoring Andrew Keenan, retiring executive director of Callanwolde Fine Arts Center after nine years of service, and celebrated the naming of the Andrew Keenan Amphitheater. She also announced a future District 2 Andrew Keenan Artist Fund. - Commissioner Long Spears and Police Chief Scott Richards presented a proclamation recognizing Public Safety and Law Enforcement Mental Health Awareness, honoring police, fire, EMS, 911 dispatchers, corrections, animal enforcement, and behavioral health professionals. Public Comments & Testimony - Jack Hafley (Environmental Working Group, Necessary Trouble) urged strict data-center definitions and regulations before any moratorium lift, saying without action residents remain exposed to developers. - Jan Dunaway (District 4) said two non-resident Shadowbox representatives improperly took public comment slots at the Oct. 13 meeting and called for a health/environmental study to protect wetlands near Constitution Lake Park. - Stephen Benny criticized the commission's attendance, communication, and meeting schedule, saying it rejected over 95% of Charter Review Commission recommendations. - Mike Mann, a 40-year Coralwood Drive resident, asked for an environmental impact study for a potential 5.56-acre development at 2966 La Vista Road and sought transparency when rezoning is not required. - Keanu Jones Moore (District 3) opposed data centers and the urban camping/drifting ordinance and supported independent civilian oversight of Digital Shield surveillance. - Richard Fetter opposed data centers, citing Shadowbox's requested 651 megawatts compared with Columbus, Georgia's roughly 560 megawatts, and warned ratepayers would pay rising costs. - Jordan Moses opposed both data centers and the drifting ordinance. - Tana Harris Bosselman opposed the urban camping ordinance, saying people with disabilities are approximately three times more likely to experience homelessness than the general population and could be swept up by enforcement. - Sam Levy urged removal of the urban camping ordinance, saying police should not perform coordinated entry and that the county has only three street outreach professionals. - A District 4 resident questioned what DeKalb residents would gain from data centers and warned of environmental harm to future generations. - Rosalind McIntyre described seeing the Shadowbox CEO enter before doors opened and questioned why non-residents spoke before resident speakers. - Cheryl Dudley opposed data centers, citing infrastructure strain, water and power use, AI job displacement, and connection to seismic activity. - Al Chapman (King's Road Subdivision) opposed the development at 3053 West Chapel Road, saying stop dumping on South DeKalb. - Akeela McDaniel urged a no vote on the urban camping ordinance, asking for measurable commitments on shelter capacity, enforcement costs, and funded housing responses. - Gina Mangum said what you're selling, we're not buying, arguing proposed data-center definitions would allow a 5-million-square-foot campus and opposing Commissioner Bolton's proposal. Public Hearings - 2026-0143 (Gresham Road): Staff recommended approval of a substitute rezoning from R-75 to MR-1 for a mixed residential community with 10 conditions. Applicant Michelle Battle described cottage-style homes along Gresham Road, townhomes in the interior, and constraints from stream buffers and a gas easement. Opponents Jocelyn O'Neill and Shelley Johnson (Johnson's Learning Center) raised lack of access to the plan and traffic concerns. The board tabled the item to display the site plan, then voted to defer it to the November 10 BOC for decision only. - 2026-1401 (Old Hickory Street traffic calming): Approved with no opposition at no cost to the county. - 2026-1495 (Constitution Road right-of-way taking): Approved; cost to county $97,505. - 2026-1496 (Constitution Road temporary easement): Approved; cost to county $2,205. Decision-Only Items - 2026-1101 (4850 Redan Road drive-through SLUP): Staff maintained a denial recommendation based on SLUP criteria, but the board approved the special land use permit with seven conditions addressing walkways, raised crossings, queue analysis, lighting, and buffers. - 2026-1106 (729 Old Briarcliff Road rezoning to MR-1): Approved with six conditions for up to 14 townhome units. Commissioner Long Spears said district offices investigated opposition concerns about advertising, TV tower fall zones, and tree preservation and noted 40% of the site would remain permanently undisturbed. Appointments - Kendra Price appointed to Post 4 of the DeKalb County Community Service Board. - Angela Chambliss appointed to Post 3 of the DeKalb County Board of Family and Children Services. - Ronald Mangum deferred to the November 10 BOC with a stop in PECS for an interview. Consent Calendar - The board approved a 17-item consent agenda including minutes, District 1 mental health funding, District 2 animal welfare and pet enclosure allocations, District 3 community and probate court allocations, District 5 ARP interest fund allocations for eviction/utility assistance and food distribution, District 7 community programming allocations, a Juvenile Court grant, and a traffic signal change order. - Minutes from the Oct. 13, 2026 BOC meeting and the Oct. 20, 2026 special called meeting were deferred to November 10. Preliminary Items - Approved: government relations consulting with Peachtree Government Relations, LLC ($72,000); Farm Fresh Mobile Market services with Retaaza, LLC ($378,000); technology solutions cooperative agreement with MGT Impact Solutions, LLC ($224,583); substitutes for pest control and fire extinguisher contracts; multiple Watershed Management change orders and renewals; election operations rental of about 96,280 sq ft at 5615 Memorial Drive; UGA Cooperative Extension personnel agreement ($154,373); transfer/easement to Brookhaven; SPLOST I design funding for a joint fire/police training facility ($490,797); several recreation, parks, and human services contracts; and HUD Community Project Funding grant acceptances for park projects. - Also approved: SafeHouse Outreach rental assistance; declaration of 30 surplus county-owned properties for transfer to the DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority; creation of a Georgia Power easement at Exchange Park; and renaming a portion of Lithonia Park as DeKalb Lithonia Park. - Authorized the purchase of the YMCA property at 2565 Snapfinger Road; commissioners praised the acquisition as preserving a community recreation amenity. - Deferred to the November 10 BOC: C-PACER program authorization and outsourcing the Office of Economic Development to DeKalb Development Corporation (up to $1,975,000); Affordable Housing Fund homeless services allocation substitute; 2026 Human Services Grants ($650,000) and Victim Assistance Grants ($200,000); capital asset inventory change order; general contractor services and architect/engineering change orders; on-call construction management services; Arabia Mountain rental agreements; machine shop services and Scott Candler Water Treatment Plant construction management; nuisance abatement contract; and several other committee-recommended items. Discussion Items - Animal Restraint and Transportation Ordinance (2026-0596): Commissioner Bolton originally moved to defer to ERPS. Commissioner Long Spears offered a substitute to approve an amended tethering ordinance adding an exception for temporary tethering while an owner is receiving government services. The substitute motion failed; the board then voted to defer the substitute to the Nov. 10 BOC with a prior stop in ERPS. Commissioner Bolton said she would not support language with unintended consequences for unhoused residents receiving services. - Non-Discrimination Ordinance amendment (2026-1218): Deferred to the Nov. 10 BOC with a stop in ERPS. Commissioner Long Spears said it would strengthen housing protections and enforcement and was still being reviewed by the law department. - Urban Camping/Public Safety Ordinance (2026-0550): Approved 5-2. Sponsor Commissioner Massiah said the ordinance addressed public safety behaviors such as aggressive panhandling and unauthorized camping, not simply homelessness. Commissioners Terry, Long Spears, and Bolton raised concerns about enforcement, service capacity, and the need for trauma-informed outreach. Commissioner Patrick noted the board's joint policy statement on compassionate homelessness response. A motion to reconsider was ruled out because the mover was on the losing side. Key Outcomes - Approved zoning/land-use items at 4850 Redan Road and 729 Old Briarcliff Road; approved traffic calming and two right-of-way/temporary easement resolutions; deferred the Gresham Road rezoning to Nov. 10. - Approved the urban camping ordinance 5-2 and rejected reconsideration. - Deferred the animal tethering ordinance substitute, non-discrimination amendment, electric landscape rebate program, and Digital Shield civilian oversight resolution to committee stops before Nov. 10. - Approved numerous appointments, consent items, contracts, grants, and the YMCA purchase; deferred a large group of preliminary items to the Nov. 10 BOC meeting. The meeting recessed for lunch shortly after noon, reconvened, completed the remaining agenda, and adjourned without an executive session.

The DeKalb County Public Works and Infrastructure Committee, chaired by Commissioner Robert Patrick and joined by Commissioners Shakira Johnson and Terry, convened at 8:30 PM on October 20, 2026, to review contract actions for the Department of Watershed Management. The agenda primarily consisted of change orders and contract renewals seeking term extensions without additional funding, though one item included a $1 million fund increase. Three major procurement items were tabled pending an audit review by Mr. Campbell's team. Discussion Items Contract Term Extensions (No Additional Funds) The committee reviewed a series of change orders and renewals presented by Deputy Director Georgina Lacket (filling in for the Director of Watershed Management). These items were primarily aimed at extending current contracts to align with project timelines while sufficient funds remained. - Agenda Item 2026-1294 (Renee Group): Extending an on-call water and sewer services contract through June 30, 2027. Commissioner Johnson inquired about reliance on this contract for upcoming CIP projects; the Deputy Director clarified it was for operational plant activities. - Agenda Item 2026-1326 (Benchmark Management LLC): Extending consent decree construction management services through June 30, 2028. - Agenda Item 2026-1328 (Instaform Technologies LLC): Extending trenchless sewer line rehabilitation services through June 30, 2027. Commissioners asked about the performance of trenchless methods, and the Deputy Director highlighted improved efficiency and safety for sewer repairs. - Agenda Item 2026-1339 (Atlas Technical Consultants LLC): Extending land and easement acquisition services through December 31, 2027. A notable discussion occurred on the spending variance: of the $10.5 million authorized, only $4.4 million had been spent. The explanation provided was that easement acquisition is a downstream step dependent on the completion of the design phase. Commissioner Johnson requested a contact number for a resident with unresolved questions. - Agenda Item 2026-1340 (Xylem Dewatering Solutions Inc.): Extending water valve and fire hydrant assessment and repair services through December 31, 2027. - Agenda Item 2026-1354 (SDNC Incorporated): Extending on-call water and sewer installation and emergency response services through March 31, 2027. - Agenda Item 2026-1389 (Tetra Tech): Extending construction management and inspection services through March 31, 2027, related to CIP projects. Contract with Fund Increase - Agenda Item 2026-1355 (Chemie Construction Inc.): The committee approved a change order increasing the contract amount by $1 million to allow completion of the Sylvan Ramble Road Stream Bank Stabilization (Cluster 3) project through June 30, 2027. This project is part of the consent decree requirements. Commissioners requested additional detailed information from the department on the need for the increased funds and extended timeline. Sole Source Purchase - Agenda Item 2026-1155 (Qs Incorporated): A sole source contract for $600,000 was approved for cameras, transporters, and lamp two systems used by Watershed Management. Discussion clarified the equipment was for CCTV sewer pipe inspection trucks, not solely for vehicle or building surveillance. Items Held Pending Audit Review Three significant procurement items were tabled by the Chair as the committee had not yet received feedback from Mr. Campbell's audit review: - Agenda Item 2026-1391: An RFP for on-call construction management services recommending awards to five highest-scoring proposers, totaling up to $55 million. - Agenda Item 2026-1257: An ITB for machine shop services recommending award to two bidders, totaling up to $5.5 million. Commissioner Terry flagged a potential error in the evaluation tabulation sheet where a figure of $48 million appeared for one line item, far exceeding other bids. - Agenda Item 2026-1285: An RFP for construction management services for the Scott Candler Treatment Plant clear wells and pumping station upgrade, recommending an award of approximately $11.1 million to CDM Smith Inc. Key Outcomes - Approved: Minutes of the October 12, 2026 meeting (Item 2026-1532). Unanimous. - Approved: Sole source contract to Qs Incorporated for camera and lamp systems (Item 2026-1155). Unanimous. - Approved: Term extension for on-call water/sewer contract with Renee Group (Item 2026-1294). Unanimous. - Approved: Term extension for consent decree construction management with Benchmark Management LLC (Item 2026-1326). Unanimous. - Approved: Term extension for trenchless sewer rehab with Instaform Technologies LLC (Item 2026-1328). Unanimous. - Approved: Term extension for land/easement acquisition with Atlas Technical Consultants (Item 2026-1339). Unanimous. - Approved: Term extension for valve/hydrant services with Xylem Dewatering Solutions (Item 2026-1340). Unanimous. - Approved: Term extension for on-call water/sewer with SDNC Inc. (Item 2026-1354). Unanimous. - Approved: Fund increase ($1M) and term extension for Chemie Construction (Item 2026-1355). Unanimous. - Approved: Term extension for construction management with Tetra Tech (Item 2026-1389). Unanimous. - Held: RFP for on-call construction management services ($55M) (Item 2026-1391). - Held: ITB for machine shop services ($5.5M) (Item 2026-1257). - Held: RFP for Scott Candler plant upgrade CM services ($11.1M) (Item 2026-1285).

The Employee Relations and Public Safety (ERPS) Committee, chaired by Commissioner Ladina Bolton, convened on October 20, 2026. The committee reviewed seven items, approving funding for a new joint public safety training facility and several emergency services contracts, while deferring action on multiple ordinances pending further discussion. Consent Calendar - Item 2026-1484: Unanimously approved the minutes from the October 6, 2026 meeting. Discussion Items - Joint Fire-Police Training Facility (Item 2026-1387, Director Fulham): Director Fulham presented the critical need for a replacement facility, highlighting the age (purchased 1980 and built 1973), non-purpose-built nature, and physical limitations of the current police and fire training centers. The county currently relies on borrowing facilities from Atlanta, incurring significant rental fees and logistical challenges. Commissioner Terry expressed support for joint facilities as a cost-saving measure. Commissioner Patrick requested the feasibility study include a fee comparison of renting external facilities versus the cost of the new construction. - Fire Rescue PPE Inspection Contract (Item 2026-0773): The committee discussed Change Order 5 to extend a contract for gear cleaning to maintain NFPA 1850 compliance. Commissioner Bolton noted a drafting error in the term extension which was corrected. - Emergency Medical Supplies Contract (Item 2026-1370): The committee reviewed Change Order 6 to extend a contract for medical supplies while the county pursues a new solicitation. - E911 Call Handling System (Item 2026-1338): The committee considered an increase for 48 generation keypads designed to improve operator efficiency. - Restraint and Transportation of Animals Ordinance (Item 2026-0596, Commissioner Long Spears): Commissioner Bolton expressed a position against categorizing individuals as specifically unhoused in an exemption, advocating for broader language to avoid excluding those who do not self-identify that way. Commissioner Terry expressed a position in favor of an Operational Procedure from Animal Services that prioritizes referral to services over citation. - Non-Discrimination Ordinance (Item 2026-1218, Commissioner Terry): Attorney Welch clarified the specific redline version being proposed by District 2. The committee deferred discussion to allow members time to review the document. - Digital Shield Oversight Resolution (Item 2026-0769, Commissioner Terry): Commissioner Terry requested a deferral to allow the ACLU to present the Community Control Over Police Surveillance (CCOPS) framework. Commissioner Davis Johnson expressed a need for a clearer definition of the oversight board's authority and mandate. Commissioner Patrick expressed a position suggesting the use of existing county boards or councils to absorb this function. Key Outcomes - Approvals: Approved the preliminary design funding for the joint training facility ($490,797). Approved the Fire Rescue PPE contract change order ($75,000). Approved the Emergency Medical Supplies contract change order ($225,000). Approved the E911 call handling system change order ($16,117.36). - Deferrals and Next Steps: Deferred the tethering ordinance and the non-discrimination ordinance for two weeks to the next ERPS meeting. Deferred the Digital Shield oversight resolution to the November 10 Board of Commissioners meeting, with a prior stop in the November 5 ERPS committee for an ACLU presentation.

The DeKalb County Operations Committee (OPS Committee) convened on October 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Chair Commissioner Marita Davis Johnson presided, joined by Commissioners Robert Patrick and Ladina Bow. The committee approved the minutes from October 6, 2026, and took action on multiple agenda items, including professional service contracts, change orders for pest control and fire extinguisher services, a technology upgrade contract, and a rental agreement for post-election operations. Two items were deferred to the next OPS meeting for audit review. The committee also received a year-one progress update from Momentum Firms on the county-wide operations assessment. Discussion Items - Government Relations & Strategic Consulting (26-1312): The committee approved a $72,000 contract with Peace Street Government Relations LLC for lobbying and strategic consulting services to support the county’s legislative and economic development interests. Staff clarified that this contract is separate from the existing Peach Tree Government Relations contract and will augment, not supplant, current efforts. The motion carried (voice vote; all in favor). - Pest Control Services (26-1361): The committee approved a change order extending the pest control contract (Power House Terminating Pest Control) through March 31, 2027, at no additional cost. A typographical error in the purpose section (listing April 30, 2027) was noted and corrected. The term is through March 31, 2027. Motion approved. - Fire Extinguisher Inspection/Repair Services (26-1362): A change order with All Star Fire LLC was approved, increasing contract funds by $125,000 ($100,000 for Facilities Management and $25,000 for Fire Rescue) and extending the term through April 30, 2027. A similar typographical error (listing March 31, 2027) was corrected. Motion approved. - On-Call Construction Contractors (26-1388): The committee reviewed a $55,235,000 proposal for a five-year on-call general contract services RFP with five vendors, intended for small projects across multiple departments (Facilities, Parks, Recreation, Fire Rescue, Roads & Drainage). Director Asbill explained that the contract covers ongoing, small-scale projects (each under $1.5 million) that change frequently. Commissioner Ted Terry questioned the equal allocation of $10 million per vendor despite varying technical scores and the absence of a bid tabulation sheet. He also inquired about funding sources (general vs. SPLOST). The committee voted to defer this item for two weeks to allow audit review (motion passed; all in favor). - On-Call Architectural/Engineering Design Services (26-1425): The committee considered a $6 million change order extending on-call architecture and engineering contracts (WSP, LDD, Blue Line, Access Infrastructure) through August 1, 2027. The extension provides interim capacity while a new five-year contract is being finalized. This item was also deferred for two weeks for audit (motion passed; all in favor). - Technology Solutions – Server/Storage Upgrade (26-1133): The committee approved a $224,583 cooperative agreement with MGT Impact Solutions for installation, configuration, and migration of county server and storage systems, including three years of monitoring and support. The upgrade is countywide and expected to take approximately 90 days. Motion approved. - Post-Election Operations Space (26-1533): The committee approved a $96,000 one-month rental agreement for approximately 96,200 square feet at 5615 Memorial Drive (old Kmart) in Stone Mountain for mandated risk-limiting audit and potential hand-count activities. The space will be used from November 1–30, 2026. Motion approved. Presentation – Operations Assessment Year-One Update Lake Shassai and Alexis Mathis of Momentum Firms, the county’s implementation management firm, presented key outcomes from the first year of the operations assessment. Highlights included: - Over 100 recommendations completed across 18 departments, with 40% fully implemented as of August 2026 (up from 12% in December 2025) and another 44% in progress. - Performance dashboards established for 15 departments, tracking over 70 key performance indicators. - Notable improvements: time to hire reduced from 45 to 40 days; EMS response times for priority-one calls improved from 8:56 to 7:27; 911 calls answered within 20 seconds rose from 53% to 74%; code citations increased by 95%; police sworn staff reached its highest level in five years (640 officers). - Challenges included the need for additional funding, cross-departmental collaboration, and completion of the pay classification study. - Future priorities include expanding dashboards to all departments, implementing cost savings initiatives, and advancing outcome-based budgeting. Commissioners praised the progress and discussed specific metrics. Commissioner Ted Terry asked about the AI governance policy compliance (75% employee acknowledgment), the decline in 311 calls (attributed to possible increase in online self-service), and the accuracy of roadway condition measurements. Staff clarified that roadway ratings are updated annually based on paved road assessments. Key Outcomes - Approved: Minutes (Oct 6, 2026); Gov’t Relations contract ($72,000) – all in favor; Pest control extension (no new funds) – all in favor; Fire extinguisher contract increase ($125,000) – all in favor; Technology server/storage contract ($224,583) – all in favor; Post-election rental ($96,000) – all in favor. - Deferred to Next OPS Committee: On-call construction contractors ($55,235,000) – deferred for two weeks for audit; On-call A/E design services ($6,000,000) – deferred for two weeks for audit. - Item Withdrawn: Item 26-1343 (voter registration) was removed from the agenda. - Presentation: Received and discussed; no formal vote. The meeting adjourned without other business.

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners held a Committee of the Whole meeting on October 20, 2026, to review the proposed executive agenda for the October 27 business meeting, receive committee reports, and hear a presentation from the Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs. The meeting also included a special call meeting to authorize the purchase of a property. Committee Reports - Commissioner Bolton reported on actions from the October 12 special call meeting, including approval of the mid-year operating budget and capital improvement fund, a contract with Periscope Holdings, and $72,000 for vehicle replacement for the solicitor's office. She also noted approval of 2027 Medicare/Medicaid retiree rates, $150,000 for the police evidence storage facility, and a blasting ordinance. - Commissioner Patrick reported on a specially called Public Works and Infrastructure (PWI) committee meeting where 8 of 10 items were approved, including contracts for 12 trash haulers, additional funding for residential single-stream recycling, sludge removal parts for the Scott Candler treatment facility, construction management services, manhole replacements, pavement markings, and retaining wall services. - Commissioner Marita Davis Johnson reported on the County Operations (Ops) committee meeting held October 6. Approved items included a change order for roof maintenance reducing costs by $19,000, a lease extension for 4572 Memorial Drive, fence maintenance changes, and technology contracts. - The PECS committee (Commissioner Messiah, absent) reviewed 24 items on October 13, recommending 22 for approval and deferring 2 to the next meeting. Review of Proposed Executive Agenda for October 27, 2026 - Three public hearing items were presented: a traffic calming petition on Old Hickory Street (no cost); and two resolutions for right-of-way and temporary easements for Constitution Road improvements ($97,505 and $2,205). - Preliminary items included a government relations contract ($72,000 to Peachtree Government Relations LLC, assigned to Ops), authorization for a commercial property assessed clean energy program (C-PACE, assigned to PECS), and a proposal to outsource the Office of Economic Development to Decide DeKalb with an additional $1,975,000 annual appropriation (assigned to PECS). Commissioner Terry questioned the lack of prior notice and funding details. - Human services items: $650,000 in grant awards to nonprofits and $200,000 in victim assistance grants (both assigned to PECS). - Purchasing and contracting items were assigned to various committees: three to ERPS, one to FAB, five to Ops (including the removal of item 1343), and multiple to PWI. - A significant discussion occurred regarding item 1388, a $55 million contract for watershed management, roads, drainage, and facilities. Commissioner Bolton and others questioned whether it belonged in Ops or PWI and requested more details on what the funds would be spent on. Commissioner Terry argued that the lack of details in the agenda item made it difficult for the public to know which committee to attend. The item was ultimately assigned to Ops with a commitment to provide additional information. - District appropriation items were listed, with most placed on consent. Item 1509 was corrected to be $50,000 ($25,000 each from Districts 2 and 6). A juvenile court grant of $70,500 was also placed on consent. - A resolution from the CEO (item 1457) for $250,000 for homeless outreach support was assigned to PECS; Commissioner Terry noted it was the first time commissioners had seen it. Presentation on Arts and Cultural Affairs - Director Stephanie Rains presented an overview of her department's initiatives since her appointment in April. Key initiatives: formation of the DeKalb Arts Council with representatives from each district; three community engagement sessions; the "DeKalb 12+1 Art Initiative" featuring 13 fiberglass cows representing the 12 cities and one for unincorporated DeKalb; Hispanic Heritage Month programming; plans for Porter Sanford improvements including artist-in-residence, after-school piano lessons, and a black box series; development of ArtsDeKalb.com with an artist registry and funding portal; public art projects across districts; a Poet Laureate program (to be announced April 2027); and a fellowship at the Mildred Thompson House for DeKalb artists. - Commissioners responded supportively. Commissioner Long Spears asked about capacity needs and external partnerships. Commissioner Bolton requested that the "plus one" be explicitly designated for unincorporated DeKalb to ensure inclusion. Commissioner Terry raised equity concerns, noting that 55% of the county population lives in unincorporated areas and that art funding should reflect that per capita. He requested a budget breakdown, suggested using traffic light boxes for public art, advocated for artist affordable housing, and requested that the county avoid using AI-generated designs for flyers. Commissioner Davis Johnson expressed strong support and appreciation for bringing diverse arts to South DeKalb. Commissioner Patrick noted potential partnerships for murals in unincorporated District 1. Commissioner Comments - Commissioners provided updates on community events, early voting, and recognitions. Highlights included: - Commissioner Terry: Climate Film Festival at Porter Sanford (Oct 23-24), postponed Shakespeare event, CompassionCon, World Planning Day, and district walks. - Commissioner Long Spears: Groundbreaking at Lula Hills, ACCG legislative conference, interfaith sessions, Brookhaven festival, Girl Scout rainbow bridge installation. - Commissioner Bolton: Senior events, bubble release memorial, firefighter Fant tribute, beautification grants, career day, and Halloween bash at Midway Rec. - Commissioner Davis Johnson: Early voting encouragement, food distributions, principal recognition, get-out-the-vote events. - Commissioner Patrick: Voting encouragement, RLI training, MARTA meeting, Egbert Perry recognition, SPLOST outreach, Tommy Smith program, firefighter Fant state ceremony, Tucker Day, and upcoming town hall. - Presiding Officer Johnson: ACCG conference, Faith and Blue event, community cleanups, upcoming breakfast, joint BOC/BOE retreat. Key Outcomes - The meeting served primarily to set the agenda for the October 27 Board of Commissioners business meeting; items were assigned to appropriate committees for further review. - During a special call meeting following the Committee of the Whole, the Board unanimously authorized the purchase of the former South DeKalb YMCA property (tax parcel 15 009 09 020 004, 18.4 acres at 2565 Snapfinger Road) for $3.5 million plus associated costs, including entering a lease for immediate possession at $10 per month and a purchase and sale agreement with due diligence. - Several items were placed on the consent agenda for the business meeting, including multiple district appropriations and a juvenile court grant. - Direction was given to provide more details on spending for item 1388 and to clarify that the "plus one" in arts initiatives refers to unincorporated DeKalb.

The DeKalb County Board of Ethics convened its monthly meeting on October 16, 2026, beginning shortly after 6:00 PM. The board adopted the agenda, approved minutes, considered a proposed amendment to the ethics code, received the Ethics Officer's report, deliberated two formal advisory opinion requests, dismissed a case, heard public comment, and addressed scheduling. Consent Calendar - Adoption of Agenda: Moved, seconded, and unanimously approved by voice vote. - Approval of Minutes: Moved, seconded, and unanimously approved by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Benny (community member): Asked whether fines remain in the proposed amendment (board confirmed). Noted the county recently laid off a third to half of its law department lawyers and is replacing them with contracted specialists; suggested the board evaluate how contract/temporary employees are treated under the ethics code. Expressed support for police and fire officers’ right to make public comments but believed that individuals connected to commissioners should wait until regular citizens speak. Also referenced Commissioner Spears’ experience and suggested that parameters should be set for public comment. Praised the board's work on the contract employee opinion request. Discussion Items - Oversight Committee Report – Proposed Amendment to Section 22AK1C: The Oversight Committee presented draft language that would add referral of intentional ethics violations to the district attorney or solicitor for prosecution, with possible fines, restitution, and imprisonment (current penalties: up to $1,000 fine and six months imprisonment). Board members discussed phrasing and clarified the delineation of prosecutorial responsibility. The board voted unanimously to forward the amendment to the county commission and General Assembly. - Ethics Officer Monthly Report (Elisa Murphy): Reported providing in-person ethics training to 1,099 new and reassigned employees since September 17, 2026. Issued an ethics blast on prohibited sources. Coordinating with HR to ensure annual training for over 6,500 employees. Update on cases: one new intake and one pending. Hotline reports: code enforcement issue, sick time (referred to HR), alleged drinking on the job (referred to COO, HR, CEO), underage driving matter. One open records request awaiting payment. The budget, which was due September 25 (45 days earlier than the usual December deadline), was deferred to the next meeting. Welcomed new board member Ward Howe. - Formal Advisory Opinion 2026-2 (Commissioner Michelle Long Spears): Commissioner Spears asked whether the ethics code prohibits current, former, or prospective employees from participating in public comment at Board of Commissioners meetings. General Counsel Hakeem Hilliard advised that Section 22A does not create a blanket prohibition, but individual circumstances could trigger ethics violations. The board voted unanimously to issue a formal advisory opinion consistent with that advice. - Formal Advisory Opinion Request (Alan Mitchell, Director of Community Development): Mitchell requested guidance on whether eight employees in temporary non-benefited status (averaging 23 months in temporary roles) are subject to the two-year cooling-off contracting restriction when transitioning to independent contractor status. Hilliard concluded that temporary status does not exempt them from the ethics code and recommended the board not issue an opinion, as the request sought a legal interpretation rather than an ethics opinion. The board voted unanimously not to issue an advisory opinion. - Case – Donna Thieler (Preliminary Determination): Ethics Officer Murphy explained that the alleged violation occurred July 1, 2022, and the four-year statute of limitations began at discovery. Prior internal affairs investigations and court proceedings (Superior Court and Court of Appeals) had addressed the matter. The board found no jurisdiction and unanimously voted to dismiss the case. - Board Comments on Public Participation: A board member suggested that parameters should be set for former employees’ public comments to prevent disclosure of proprietary or confidential information. Key Outcomes - Amendment 22AK1C: Unanimously approved forwarding the proposed amendment to the county commission and General Assembly. - Formal Advisory Opinion 2026-2: Unanimously approved issuance. - Second Advisory Opinion Request: Unanimously approved not issuing. - Case Dismissal: Unanimously dismissed Donna Thieler’s case for lack of jurisdiction. - Executive Session: Unanimously approved entering executive session to discuss pending litigation and personnel; later approved exit and the required affidavit. - Next Meeting: The board decided to cancel the regular November meeting (due to scheduling conflicts and counsel unavailability) and scheduled the next meeting for December 17, 2026, when the budget will also be discussed.

The Planning, Economic Development, and Community Services (PECS) Committee of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners met on October 14, 2026, at 8:30 PM. Chaired by Commissioner Nicole Messiah (District 3), the committee, also attended by Commissioner Robert Patrick (District 1), and initially Commissioner Michelle Longspears (District 2), reviewed and approved numerous agenda items. Commissioner Longspears departed early, leaving Chair Messiah and Commissioner Patrick to handle the remaining items. Meeting Opening - The committee approved the minutes of the August 25, 2026 PECS committee meeting. Appointments and Interviews - Angela Chambliss was interviewed for Post 3 of the DeKalb County Board of Family and Children's Services, and later unanimously approved. She shared her experience in state and federal government and nonprofit work. - Kendra Price was interviewed for Post 4 of the DeKalb County Community Services Board, and unanimously approved. She highlighted her role at Emory University and focus on building partnerships. - Ronald Mignum was not present; his appointment to the Board of Family and Children's Services (Post 7) was held in committee. Support for Homeless Prevention - The committee approved $264,000 in Community Development funds to Safe House Outreach for rental assistance, utility deposits, security deposits, and case management. Melvia Richards, Housing Programs Manager, noted an increased demand and that the agency served 1,365 households in 2025, housing 125. Property Transfers - Land Bank Surplus Declaration: The committee approved declaring 30 vacant county-owned properties surplus and transferring them to the DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority. The goal is to return properties to tax rolls, remove blight, and create affordable housing. 18 parcels are in District 3. - Brookhaven Easement: The committee authorized a permanent easement and property transfer to the City of Brookhaven for a sidewalk project. Service Contracts and Community Investments - Senior Meals: A three-year contract for congregate and shelf-stable meal services was awarded to Meals on Wheels Atlanta, not to exceed $1,885,529. - Workforce Services: A change order was approved to extend the contract term for workforce services through June 2027 with no additional funds. - Extension Services: The committee approved the annual financial agreement with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service for staffing in agriculture, family services, and 4-H ($154,373). - Farm Fresh Mobile Market: A purchasing policy exemption was ratified for a contract with Ratanza LLC to operate a mobile farmers market, up to $378,000. Parks and Recreation Contracts and Grants - Routine Contracts: Approved contracts include pressure washing ($75,000), feed/hay/shavings for the county horse farm ($660,000 over three years), athletic uniforms ($134,000), athletic field restoration contract extension ($65,000), and engineering services ($115,575). - HUD Grants: Five community project funding grants were accepted for park improvements: Avondale Dunair Park ($1,985,160), Arabia Mountain Bridge ($349,475), Wade Walker Park ($850,000), Roland Park ($1,200,000), and County Line Park ($250,000). - Lithonia Park: A portion was renamed to DeKalb Lithonia Park. Nuisance Abatement Contract Held - The committee discussed a proposed three-year contract for nuisance abatement and remediation services (up to $450,000) awarded to Cascade Services Inc. and Executive Realty Solutions. Chair Messiah raised concerns about vendor selection and the standing of one firm. The item was held in committee for further review. Key Outcomes - Votes: All items except the nuisance abatement contract were unanimously approved by the commissioners present. The meeting started with three commissioners, but from the second page of the agenda onward, only Chair Messiah and Commissioner Patrick were present for votes. - Next Steps: Approved items will be forwarded to the full DeKalb County Board of Commissioners for final action. The nuisance abatement contract will be revisited at a future committee meeting.