Public Meetings - Dekalb County, Georgia

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners convened on March 24, 2026, at 9:00 AM for a regular meeting. The meeting included presentations honoring Women's History Month, Employee Appreciation Day, National Procurement Month, and a Women's History Month Trailblazer Award. Public comments focused on proposed data center regulations, an ICE resolution, water and sewer system concerns, road safety, and other community issues. The board acted on numerous agenda items, including appointments, consent agenda approvals, deferrals, and policy discussions on data centers, water and sewer authority study, and summer meeting calendar changes. Consent Calendar - Approved routine items including termination of an airport lease, approval of meeting minutes from March 17, 2026 (Committee of the Whole) and March 10, 2026 (Board of Commissioners), and various district allocations: $5,000 to Paws Atlanta pet food bank, $59,263 to 100 Black Men of DeKalb for Youth Explorers, $5,000 to CAP School's Educational Foundation, $2,000 to Black Boy Blueprint for a summit, $1,000 to Horizon over the Spectrum, and $2,000 to DeKalb Symphony Orchestra for outreach. Additional consent items from Airport, Facilities, and other departments were also approved. - Item 2026-0551 (allocation of $2,000 to 100 Black Men of DeKalb for the "Legacy is not extinct" event) was pulled from consent and deferred for two weeks to prepare a substitute. Public Comments & Testimony - Jan Dunaway (DeKalb Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor) urged approval of data center text amendment limiting size to 550,000 square feet, preventing clustering, and requiring protections against discharge of chemically treated water or immersion solution. She questioned the need for a new $300,000 water and sewer study given prior spending, and demanded quarterly public reports and immediate notification of spills. - Rosalind McIntyre (self) cited 2025 studies from UC Riverside, Caltech, Cornell, and NIH linking data centers to premature deaths, asthma cases, and $20 billion annual public health burden. She highlighted worsening air quality in metro Atlanta (unhealthy ozone days rose from 1.8 in 2023 to 5.5 in 2024) and water contamination in Fayette County. She argued for a true accounting of total community impact. - Donna Priest Brown (South DeKalb) raised concerns that special land use permits (SLUPs) for data centers lack systematic compliance monitoring or auditing after approval, making conditions symbolic rather than enforceable. She called this a governance failure affecting all SLUPs countywide. - Gina Mangum (Southeast DeKalb) supported the substitute amendment but requested closure of a loophole allowing campus-like clustering, distance requirements from neighborhoods (minimum one mile), water compliance plans, and a compliance enforcement mechanism as emphasized by Commissioner Long Spears. - Ashley Heredia (attorney, District 1) criticized commissioners for withdrawing a resolution condemning ICE's use of force, stating it was a missed opportunity to declare values. She argued that a public statement carries weight and that "governing out of fear of hypothetical retaliation is not leadership." - Jocelyn O'Neill complained about poor road conditions (potholes, metal plates, lack of street striping) and safety issues on Glenwood Road, urging the county to prioritize health and safety. She also mentioned potentially involving the ADA. - Joan Malow thanked CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson, Commissioners Bolton, Terry, and Greer for assistance in getting item 2026-0491 on the agenda. - Stephen Benny questioned the absence of publicly available sewer spill reports after 2017 and news releases from the watershed department. He detailed allegations about Ryan Milsap, former Decide DeKalb chair, involving a 2019 land swap deal for a movie studio that stalled, and a proposed data center development on former parkland. He stated Milsap used racially derogatory language and called the county's dealings a "con job." - Beverly Dabney (Dunwoody, District 3) requested commissioner assistance to obtain speed bumps on Dunwoody Drive after multiple unsuccessful applications, citing safety concerns for children and adults. - Cheryl Dudley (unincorporated Stone Mountain) thanked code enforcement but urged a plan to keep ICE away from polling places, referencing the new Homeland Security official's comments about sending ICE to polls. She also suggested investigating county property owned by Russian oligarchs. - David Holcomb (South DeKalb) asked that compensation for public safety members killed on the job be extended to any county employee killed on the job. Discussion Items - Appointments and Reconsideration: - Item 2026-0508 (District 2 appointment to Friends of the DeKalb Sports Commission) was discussed at length. Attorney Welch clarified that the executive order allows one collective appointment from the Board of Commissioners, not individual appointments. Motion to withdraw failed (6-1); a motion to defer for two weeks passed, with a request for administration clarification on individual appointments. Commissioner Terry noted confusion because commissioners were previously asked to name appointees, and one had already attended a meeting. - Arts Council appointments (five items) were corrected after Attorney Welch revealed a revised February 25, 2026 executive order allowing each commissioner to appoint one standing voting member. Appointments were read into the record with the correct name of the entity (DeKalb Arts Council) and proper designation as standing members. - Other appointments approved: Denise Carter to Post 3 of the Recreation Parks and Cultural Affairs Board (approved 7-0). Chief Executive Office appointments including Hunter Hines to the Shamley Doraville Community Improvement District Board, Dr. Sarah Petnod to Post 2 of the DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority, Rev. Dr. James Todd Speed to Post 1 of the DeKalb County Hospital Authority, and Elizabeth M. Roberts to Post 1 of the DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority (all approved as a block). - Meeting Calendar Amendment (Item 2026-0557): The board amended the 2026 regular business and COW calendar. Changes included two night COW meetings on June 2 and October 6 (5:30 PM, location TBD), and a summer recess: BOC action meetings on July 7 and July 14, with no meetings July 21 and 28. The August 4 COW was moved to August 10, with the BOC meeting on August 11. Approved with friendly amendment by Commissioner Terry. - Water and Sewer System Study (Item 2026-0478): Approved an allocation of up to $300,000 to contract a firm to determine how the county's water and sewer function can be best managed, including options of existing structure, reorganization, outsourcing in whole or in part, or creation of a water and sewer authority. Commissioner Terry offered a friendly amendment to remove the word "privatization" from the scope, but retained outsourcing of components. Commissioner Messiah supported the authority option for oversight. Commissioner Long Spears asked about procurement method (piggyback or RFP) and timeline (target end of summer). The motion passed. - Data Center Regulations (Item 2026-0341): A resolution requesting the administration and planning department to update the recommended substitute for text amendment 2025-0972 regarding data center regulations, specifically limiting size to prevent campuses, requiring special land use permits for all locations, and incentivizing renewable energy. Commissioner Messiah and others raised additional issues (decommissioning bonds, pre-treatment of water, oversight). The item was deferred to the April 28 BOC with a stop in PECS on April 14, pending a potential special called meeting for further discussion. Commissioner Davis Johnson suggested a special call meeting for deep dive. - Data Center Baseline Assessment (Items 2026-0244, 0245): Deferred to April 28 BOC. - Court-Held Dogs Resolution (Item 2026-0286): Approved substitute resolution reaffirming authorization to seek cost recovery for impounded dogs, urging the law department to resume filing cost-of-care petitions, and creating a court-held dog coordinator position. Interim County Attorney Phillips reported progress: seven animals had holds lifted this year, and a proceeding occurred the prior day. Commissioner Long Spears requested coordination with Lifeline and police. - Unhoused Support and Services Plan (Item 2026-0385): Substitute resolution deferred to April 14 BOC. Commissioner Terry noted additional changes may be discussed in PECS. - Sound Ordinance (2025-0015) and Electric Landscape Device Rebate Program (2025-0017): Both deferred to April 14 BOC. - Charter Review Commission Report (2025-1577): Deferred to allow further committee discussion. Commissioner Davis Johnson announced a special call meeting on April 16 at 9:30 AM for the rules committee and charter review. - Blasting Operations Ordinance (Item 2026-0218): Substitute deferred to April 14 BOC for revisions regarding permit suspension/revocation and fireworks references. - Various Purchasing and Contracting Items: Approved multiple contracts and change orders as recommended by committees, including firefighting PPE ($110,175), heavy construction equipment ($489,396 for two loaders, $268,143 for mini excavator and track loaders, $192,515 for a track loader, $16.2 million for police vehicles, $6 million for administrative vehicles, $699,316 for network equipment, and others). Items for networking equipment, low voltage cabling, and airport crack seal were approved. Others were deferred to April 14 BOC for committee review. - Janitorial Services (Item 2026-0393): After initial approval, the item was reconsidered and a substitute that recalculated funding allocation was approved. - SPLOST II Funding: $9,067,525 approved for facilities improvements (roofing, HVAC) at DeKalb mental health facilities (deferred from earlier). Also approved appropriation for Lew Walker Kitchen Equipment. - Data Center Moratorium: Noted to end in June 2026. Key Outcomes - Approved Proclamations: Employee Appreciation Day (March 24, 2026), National Procurement Month (March 2026), and Women's History Month Trailblazer Award recognizing Lily Paiben of We Love Buford Highway. - Appointments: Arts Council standing members approved (Kyle Williams, Camille Gilmore, Ron Mayo, Lauren Kiefer, Dolores Burgess). Other board appointments approved as noted. - Calendar Change: Summer recess adopted as amended: BOC meetings July 7 and 14, no meetings July 21 and 28; COW on August 10. - Water System Study: Approved $300,000 with privatization removed from scope; target completion by end of summer. - Data Center Regulations: Deferred to April 28 BOC, with PECS stop on April 14 and possible special call meeting. - Court-Held Dogs Resolution: Approved; planning for coordinator position. - Consent Agenda: Approved with one item deferred. - Deferrals: Multiple items moved to April 14 or April 28 BOC meetings for further committee review. Minutes of February 26 BOC meeting approved. - Reconsideration: Janitorial services contract approved with substitute funding allocation.

The DeKalb County Ethics Board held a meeting on March 19, 2026. Due to several board members being unable to attend because of family circumstances, the hearing was continued to the next meeting. The chair initially misstated the date as February 19th but promptly corrected it to March 19th. No public comments, discussion items, or votes were conducted. Key Outcomes - The hearing was continued until the next regular meeting. The board apologized to the public and committed to moving forward at the next session.

This meeting was a briefing for a commissioner on transportation and public safety concerns in the Columbia Drive area, including road resurfacing, crash analysis, speed studies, and specific community requests. Staff provided detailed data on project statuses, safety assessments, and upcoming actions. Discussion Items - Columbia Drive Resurfacing: The section from Clarendon Avenue to Katie Kerr is on the LMEC list (funding from the state, recently approved by the board) and will be resurfaced soon. The section at Columbia and Rainbow was resurfaced in 2019 and is currently rated 1 (best condition). Three sections marked with a yellow dot were not rated high enough for the SPLOST 1 300-mile list or SPLOST 2 200-mile list but now meet the criteria; they will be considered for the next SPLOST resurfacing cycle. A timeline for the next list is not yet available. - Spring Valley Subdivision: One street is rated 29 and is on the SPLOST 200-mile list. None of the other streets are rated high enough or listed. - Pothole/Sinkhole Repair: A small sinkhole on a street was repaired the same day it was reported. The commissioner requested photos and the date of repair to share with constituents. - Crash Analysis: A GDOT analysis of Columbia Drive found 33 crashes over five years (6.6 per year), primarily rear-end (14) and side-swipe (8). The crash rate ranked 613 out of 1,000 compared to Cobb County and did not appear on any high-crash lists. Countywide, there were approximately 34,000 crashes last year (per Chief Pedro). - Speed Study: The 85th percentile speed was 46 mph (6 mph over the posted limit). Police are conducting aggressive enforcement, especially during school hours. - Signage and Vegetation: A sign on the right-of-way will remain, but vegetation will be trimmed to improve visibility. Reflective striping on signal heads was considered. Yellow and red clearance times were already adjusted. - Road Restriping: A restriping project for Columbia Drive is in procurement. It is on a short list to be fast-tracked. - Cedar Walk Lane (174 to CD Walk): Last year's rating was 26, which did not qualify for resurfacing. Staff will recheck the current rating and inspect the street. Key Outcomes - Staff will provide the commissioner with: photos and date of the pothole repair, crash data and GDOT analysis (including pedestrian incidents), speed enforcement data, timelines for each recommended action, and updated information on the striping project. - Vegetation trimming will be prioritized. - The PowerPoint slides and meeting recording will be shared with the community. - The commissioner offered to assist with community education and resolution, suggesting the item could be brought to the PEX committee if needed.

The DeKalb County Public Works and Infrastructure (PWI) Committee met on March 17, 2026, at 2:30 PM, chaired by Commissioner Robert Patrick. The committee approved several contracts and discussed ongoing operational assessments and capital improvement projects for water and sewer systems. Key actions included awarding contracts for sewer rehabilitation, valve replacement, and a study on water and sewer service delivery options. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval (2026-0484): Unanimously approved the minutes of the March 3, 2026 PWI Committee meeting. Discussion Items - Operational Assessment Update: Lakeisa Susai (Momentum Firm) presented the quarterly update on the organizational and performance assessment for Roads & Drainage and Sanitation departments. She reported 266 total recommendations countywide, with 59 met, 11 blocked (mostly due to funding), and 123 requiring additional resources. Committee-specific challenges included lack of strategic planning, governance issues, and technology limitations. Commissioners discussed blockers versus recommendations requiring resources, metal plate inventory, sanitation truck sizes, automatic side loaders, and the need for performance incentives. They requested more detailed reporting on workforce levels, KPIs, and AI camera technology for pothole/graffiti detection. - CIP Update for Water and Sewer: Director Hauser, Dora Taborda, Kenneth Gobin, and Catherine (AECOM) presented capital improvement projects: - Scott Candler Water Treatment Plant: Conversion from caustic to liquid lime, new clear wells to eliminate single point of failure, transfer pump system upgrades, filter media replacement (for PFAS compliance), and new diesel generators for backup power. Estimated cost for generators: $18 million. Discussion included solar integration at the plant and Pole Bridge site. - Pole Bridge Wastewater Plant: Electrical switch gear upgrade ($5 million), bus duct replacement ($1 million), and gate replacement ($5 million). The plant currently operates at 7-9 MGD with capacity for 20 MGD. Potential for biosolids composting and land application discussed. - Snapfinger Plant Expansion: Phase 3A (influent pump station upgrade to 160 MGD, bids due April 9) and Phase 3C (membrane buildout, bids due next Thursday) are critical for consent decree compliance. Phase 4 sludge treatment study estimated at $414 million. Commissioners requested clearer project timelines and further analysis on biosolids reuse. - Water and Sewer Service Delivery Study (2026-0478): Zachary debated a proposal to allocate up to $300,000 for a study on the best management structure for water and sewer (existing, reorganization, outsourcing, or authority). Commissioners expressed concerns about scope and timing, preferring to complete operational audit first. They requested more detailed scope of work before full board vote. Motion passed with conditions to brief all commissioners. Key Outcomes - Approved Contracts: - Shoal Creek Trunk Sewer Section 1 CM services to Benchmark Management LLC ($5,648,923.50) – unanimous. - Consent Decree Major Gravity Sewer Line Capacity Restoration to Southeast Pipe Survey Inc. ($21,042,416.45) – unanimous. - Water Valve and Air Valve Replacement to GS Construction Inc. ($19,088,160) – unanimous. - Rock Crushing Renewal to ATL Aggregates LLC ($175,000) – unanimous. - Beverages Contract for county employees to Coca-Cola Bottling Company United Inc. ($185,000) – unanimous. - Extension of City of Tucker ADA Transportation Plan contract through end of 2026 – unanimous. - Approved with Conditions: Allocation of $300,000 for water and sewer service delivery study (2026-0478) – motion passed with request for detailed scope and commissioner briefings prior to BOC vote. - Next Steps: Quarterly operational assessment update expected next quarter. Presentations on Pole Bridge master plan and detailed CIP schedule to come. Committee adjourned at approximately 5:00 PM.

The Employee Relations and Public Safety (ERPS) committee of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, chaired by Commissioner Ladina Bolton (Super District 7) and including Commissioners Nicole Masaya (District 3, virtual) and Marita Davis Johnson (District 5), along with Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry, met on March 17, 2026. The committee approved minutes for February 17 and March 3 meetings, ratified a purchase for firefighter PPE, approved an intergovernmental land exchange with Stonecrest for a new fire station, advanced a new blasting and safety ordinance, and approved health care benefits for 2026-27, including new voluntary benefits. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Approved minutes for the February 17 meeting (Item 2026-0420) and the March 3 meeting (Item 2026-0483). Both were approved by unanimous voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony were presented during the meeting. Discussion Items - Firefighting PPE Ratification (Item 2026-0281): The committee ratified Purchase Order 505768 for 65 Tri-certified Viking Shield Gear from Viking Life Saving Equipment America Inc., via Central Alabama Training Solutions (CATS). The amount is not to exceed $110,175. The gear is lightweight, used for extreme heat situations and provides bloodborne pathogen protection. The ratification was needed because a price increase (over $10,000) was pending after December 31, 2025, and the purchase order was placed to lock in the lower price. Commissioner Davis Johnson asked why it was listed as a cooperative agreement but is a ratification; staff explained it was initially drafted as a cooperative but changed to a ratification to secure cost savings. The item was approved by voice vote. - Land Exchange with City of Stonecrest (Item 2026-0555): The committee approved an intergovernmental agreement between DeKalb County and the City of Stonecrest to exchange land for the construction of Fire Station 14. The county will swap a 79+/- acre remnant parcel (part of the Southeast Complex, formerly known as Southeast Soccer Softball) at 6589 Covington Highway for approximately two acres at the intersection of Covington Highway and Hillvale Road. Fire Station 14 will be a newly built station, located in District 5, expected to be completed in about three years (design start soon, groundbreak in about a year and a half). Director Fulham noted that the county is also evaluating bids for Fire Station 27 (south of Stonecrest in the Lithonia area) and that Fire Station 16 (at Wesley Chapel and I-20) bid evaluation is underway. Commissioner Bolton asked that the station's location be clarified for the public. The item was approved by voice vote. - Blasting and Safety Ordinance (Item 2026-0218): The committee recommended approval of a resolution to establish regulatory oversight of blasting operations through a new blasting and safety ordinance. The ordinance would require permits and on-site inspections, with proposed fees of $293.70 for a permit and $53.49 for an on-site permit. The annual average cost is estimated at $207,646 based on an average of 700 blasting permits per year. Currently, there are no fees. The fire department previously absorbed costs for inspections. The ordinance will be placed appropriately in the county code (likely amending Article 1, Section 12-8). The motion passed contingent on receiving the fee information and final code placement from the county attorney's office. The county attorney expects to have the code citation ready by the next week's board meeting. The committee's motion carried by voice vote. - Health Care Benefits (Item 2026-0513): The committee approved the 2026-27 health care benefits package, including rates, contributions, and new voluntary benefits. Key points: - Medical/pharmacy costs for 2025 came in below trends: around 3–4% for the plan year (July–June), and roughly -1.5% on a calendar year basis for medical. - Kaiser plans: renewal with a -1% rate decrease with no plan changes; the committee recommended holding employee contributions flat (no change). - Self-funded plans (Anthem): projected 8% increase. - Overall medical/pharmacy budget: $120 million (increase of $5 million); county projected net cost $108 million. - Total health and welfare budget (medical, pharmacy, dental, life): $132 million (increase of 3.8%). - Employee contributions: $23.8 million (decrease of 0.6% due to firefighters receiving the same zero-contribution benefit on HDHP plans as police officers, effective July 1, 2026). - Dental rates: increasing 3.5%. - No changes to contributions for early retirees. - New voluntary benefits (employee-paid, zero cost to county): hospital indemnity (through AFLAC), identity theft protection (through Allstate Identity Protection), and pet insurance (through Pet Partners). - Commissioner Terry requested benchmarking data on why healthcare costs rise annually and strategies to bend the cost curve. The consultant agreed to provide data. - The committee approved the rates, the Kaiser renewal, and the new voluntary benefits by voice vote. - Operational Assessment Update (Momentum Firm): The Momentum Firm (Brent CSA, Managing Principal) presented the second quarterly update on the implementation of recommendations from the Malden & Jenkins operations and performance assessment. For the ERPS committee departments (E911, DEMA, HR, Merit Systems, Fire Rescue, Medical Examiner, Police): - 106 total recommendations; 27 met (25% vs. 22% countywide), 8 blocked, 51 require additional resources. - Common challenges: governance, org structure, communication, technology limitations. - 16 of 24 recommendations that required funding were not approved in the FY26 budget; half of those 16 still need further investigation to assess costs. - The consultant acknowledged a lack of alignment between the recommendations and budget requests, and will work with the budget office to clarify. - The board noted they were unaware of the specific recommendations tied to budget requests. The consultant will provide a more definitive list of what can be accomplished within the current budget vs. needing future funding. Key Outcomes - Item 2026-0281 (Fire PPE): Ratification approved by voice vote. - Item 2026-0555 (Land Exchange/Fire Station 14): Approved by voice vote. - Item 2026-0218 (Blasting Ordinance): Recommended for approval, contingent upon receipt of fee details and code placement; motion carried by voice vote. - Item 2026-0513 (Health Care Benefits): Approved by voice vote. Employee contributions are held flat; no increase for early retirees. New voluntary benefits (hospital indemnity, ID theft, pet insurance) added. - Meeting adjourned by unanimous voice vote at approximately 8:22 PM.

The DeKalb County Operations Committee met on March 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM, chaired by Commissioner Marita Davis Johnson, with Commissioners Robert Patrick, Ladina Bolton, Ted Terry, Michelle Lone Spears, and Commissioner Massar (via phone) present. The meeting covered the approval of March 3, 2026 minutes, a detailed update on the county's operational assessment implementation, approval of multiple contracts and renewals, and a resolution on court-held dogs. Several items were approved with conditions, and discussions highlighted budget constraints, resource needs, and efficiency goals. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (March 3, 2026): Motion by Commissioner Patrick, seconded, all in favor. Approved. - Item 2026-0388 (Airfield Crack Seal and Remarking): Resolution accepting GDOT tentative allocation of $936,638 (state funding) with a 25% county match of $234,159.50. Approved. - Item 2024-0243 (Tire Services Renewal): First renewal of contract for roadside tire services for county vehicles, not to exceed $510,000, awarded to Southern SA Mark LLC, SETCO Inc., etc. Approved. - Item 2026-0327 (OpenGov Software): Change order increasing contract funds by $413,451 for third year of budget software. Discussion included potential for taxpayer receipt feature. Approved. - Item 2026-0328 (Network Services): Six-month extension with MGT Impact Solutions for $491,450.13 to renegotiate state contract. Approved. - Item 2026-0439 (Airfield Services Contract): Award to Highlight Airfield Services for $835,275.45 for runway repair. Approved conditionally pending additional information on the $100,000 discrepancy with the state allocation. (Motion to approve pending additional info, carried.) - Item 2026-0414 (Cabling Installation): Change order increasing contract funds by $500,000 for RB Communications for low voltage cabling. Approved. - Item 2026-0260 (Soils and Materials Testing): Ratification of $56,148.82 purchase order and cap increase to $436,148.82 for four on-call consultants. Approved. - Item 2026-0391 (Pest Control Services): Six-month extension adding $65,000 for Powerhouse Termite and Pest Control, pending rebid. Approved. - Item 2026-0394 (Light Bulbs, Fixtures, Lamps): Second renewal with Summit Lighting Solutions for $125,000. Approved. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were heard during the meeting. Discussion Items - Operational Assessment Update (Presentation by Lakisha Cisse, Momentum Firm): - Lakisha Cisse provided an update on implementation of the 266 recommendations from the Maldon & Jenkins operational review across 18 departments. Key points: - 59 recommendations met, 11 blocked, 123 requiring additional resources. - For the Ops Committee departments (Animal Enforcement, 311, Facilities, Fleet, IT): 56 total recs, 11 met, 2 blocked, 24 needing resources. - Top challenges: governance/structure issues, technology limitations, and budget uncertainty. 24% of recs depend on additional funding; 10 of 12 funding requests in this committee were not approved in FY26 budget. - Departments reported needing cross-departmental support, training, and funding. Many are unsure of implementation timelines. - Commissioner Patrick asked about the disconnect between the budget and the resource needs; COO Williams noted capital requests will come to the board in 60 days, and many needs were captured pre-budget. He highlighted centralizing/decentralizing business operations and a $6M allocation for planning/code software. - Commissioner Bolton questioned the definition of “blocked” vs. “requiring resources”; Cisse clarified that blocked items need additional resources but some in-progress items also need resources. She also asked for a breakdown of budget requests tied to the recommendations; COO Williams agreed to provide that after vetting. - Commissioner Terry noted the value of the assessment and suggested tracking productivity and efficiency, including a pilot four-day work week. COO Williams confirmed employees now have two remote work days per week (policy updated 60-90 days ago). - Commissioner Lone Spears asked about facilities and fleet having many “not started” recommendations; Cisse said they had not received an update from facilities and would follow up. She also linked the challenge of vacancies, recruitment, and turnover to the proposed half-mill rate increase; COO Williams said the half-mill may address some budget uncertainty, and a compensation study due end of summer will inform further needs. - Commissioner Massar inquired about the $24 million allocation for temporary and permanent positions earlier in the year and how it impacts vacancy challenges. COO Williams explained that temporary contracts are used to fill hard-to-fill positions, and the administration is tracking workforce levels. Cisse confirmed they are monitoring vacancy rates and productivity. - Resolution 2026-0286 (Court-Held Dogs): - Commissioner Michelle Lone Spears sponsored the resolution reaffirming the county’s authorization to seek cost recovery for impoundment and care of court-held dogs, urging the Law Department to continue filing petitions, and creating a Court-Held Dog Coordinator (paralegal) position in the Law Department. - Interim County Attorney Phillips presented friendly amendments: change “resume” to “continue” to reflect work already done (6-7 animals freed up in 2026), adjust reporting timeline to 30 days after position creation or resolution adoption (whichever later), and update the resolution to include progress made by the next board meeting. - Commissioner Bolton requested the title reflect “reaffirmation” of prior authorization; Attorney Phillips agreed. - Commissioner Terry supported the changes and emphasized the need for public transparency. - The resolution was approved with the friendly amendments. Key Outcomes - Approved all consent items as listed above, with Item 2026-0439 approved conditionally pending additional information on the state allocation match. - Operational Assessment: No formal vote, but the committee received the update. COO Williams will provide a detailed breakdown of budget requests tied to recommendations and a demo of OpenGov to the FAB committee. - Resolution 2026-0286 (Court-Held Dogs): Approved with friendly amendments. The Law Department will create a paralegal position, continue cost recovery efforts, and provide monthly reports to the board starting within 30 days of the position's creation or resolution adoption. - Meeting adjourned after approval of the court-held dog resolution.

The Board of Commissioners Committee of the Whole convened at approximately 9:09 a.m. on March 17, 2026, with Presiding Officer Shakira Johnson (District 4) apologizing for the nine-minute delay. Commissioners received committee reports, reviewed the proposed executive agenda for the upcoming business meeting, assigned items to committees, discussed an ordinance amendment, and later recessed for an executive session on litigation. After returning, the board unanimously approved a $55,000 settlement of a lawsuit. Committee Reports - PECS Committee (Commissioner Patrick, for Commissioner Messiah): At the March 10 regular meeting, 15 items were considered. Six were recommended for approval, six were deferred (due back March 24, 2026), and two had already been approved by the BOC. Tiffany Wells, Vice President of Decide to Cab, provided an update on TAD financials. The next PECS meeting is March 24 at 3:30 p.m. - Public Works & Infrastructure Committee (Commissioner Patrick): The committee reviewed 12 items. Four were deferred (exceeding the $3 million threshold), and eight were approved, including a contract extension for billing and mail services. Several larger items were noted for later discussion. - County Operations Committee (Commissioner Davis Johnson): The committee met on March 3. Minutes from Feb. 12 and Feb. 17 were approved. Of 13 agenda items, three were held: 260286, 260243, and 260388. The next meeting was scheduled for today, March 17, at 1 p.m., with 17 items including a status update on the operational assessment and standing procedure rules. - Finance, Audit & Budget Committee (Commissioner Tetari/Terry): The March 10 meeting focused on strategic goals for 2026. Plans include resuming quarterly financial reports (starting with the prior quarter at the next FAB meeting), expediting the FY2027 budget process, and continuing discussions on the diversion center, eviction assistance, and the water assistance program (with an update from the Urban League). CIP coordination was also mentioned. - ERPS Committee (Commissioner Johnson, for Commissioner Bolton): At the March 3 meeting, minutes were approved. Items approved out of committee included animal shelter operations, integrated security services ($146,741.40), SPLASH funds for a public safety training facility, SPLOST funding for repairs to East Precinct and the police training facility, and a statewide contract for weapons trade-in. The committee also discussed the 2025 Decatur Peachtree Airport annual report. - Women’s Commission (Commissioner Long Spears): Thirteen appointees have been named; a kickoff meeting is planned for this spring. Commissioner Long Spears also announced the third annual State of DeKalb Animals address on April 1, 2026, at the new Brookhaven City Center. Review of Proposed Executive Agenda Chief of Staff Zachary May led the review of items for the March 24 business meeting. Key actions and discussions: - Many items were designated as consent (routine approvals) or assigned to committees for further review. - Item 0478 (up to $300,000 for research on water and sewer system management) was initially proposed for both PWI and FAB committees, but after discussion it was sent to PWI only, with the understanding that financial analysis would be considered there. - Item 0504 (issuance of tax anticipation notes up to $150 million) was assigned to FAB; the winning bidder will be determined the morning of the vote. - Item 0550 (ordinance to amend the county code regarding public safety, vagrancy, unauthorized camping, and nuisance behaviors) was sent as a preliminary item to PECS, not consent. - Several appointments to boards and commissions were recorded or forwarded, including corrections to the title of Arts Council appointees (to be clarified before the business meeting). - Multiple district allocations were listed as consent items, e.g., $5,000 to Paul’s Atlanta for a pet food bank, $10,000 to How Big Is Your Dream, $59,263 to 100 Black Men of DeKalb, and other smaller amounts for educational and cultural programs. - The March 17 committee of the whole minutes were approved on consent. - A calendar adjustment (adding night COW meetings and potentially a July schedule with no committee meetings) was discussed; the item remained on consent pending further confirmation on the July change. Executive Session and Action - The board recessed for an executive session to discuss litigation. - After returning, Commissioner Davis Johnson moved to approve payment of $55,000 to settle the lawsuit HVH Mechanical Partners, LLC v. DeKalb County. The settlement includes a dismissal with prejudice and mutual release. The motion passed unanimously.

The DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections met on March 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM to certify the March 10 special election, set early voting hours for the April 7 runoff, and decide on ballot questions for the primary. The board also received a legislative update and heard public comments. Consent Calendar - Agenda: Approved with a change to add item 5C (decision on ballot questions). Unanimous. - Minutes: Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Cheryl Dudley (resident of unincorporated DeKalb, historian): Quoted President Johnson’s 1965 voting rights speech, urging the board to uphold equal access to voting and criticizing mass voter roll purges. - Michael Beach (poll manager): Praised the new online training for poll workers and thanked the board for engagement at the state capitol. Expressed concern about SB 214 (in-person absentee voting) and urged continued pressure to keep it sensible. - Beth Ann Phillman (activist): Thanked staff for finding an early voting location between Tucker Library and Memorial Drive. Requested regular voter registration updates at each meeting and suggested pop-up early voting sites at college campuses, citing Fulton County’s example. Discussion Items - Certification of March 10 Special Election: Director Smith presented the post-election report. Total registered voters in the district: 18,047 active (over 20,000 including inactive). Ballots cast: 1,658 (9.19% turnout). Election day: 799 votes; early voting: 841; absentee by mail: 18. No in-person provisional ballots. Three provisional absentee ballots were cured; one rejected absentee was cured. Six polling locations on election day with 43 poll workers. The board certified the election unanimously. - Early Voting Times and Locations for April 7 Special Election Runoff: Staff recommended three locations: Memorial Drive, Read and Trotty Library, and New Bethel AME Church, with Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Friday is a state holiday). Staff noted low weekend turnout in the previous election (e.g., Memorial Drive had 19 voters in the first week, cost per voter $460). Board member Swift proposed adding weekend voting, consistent with past practice. After discussion, the board voted unanimously to approve early voting from March 28 through April 2, including Saturday March 28 (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.) and Sunday March 29 (12 p.m. – 5 p.m.), in addition to Monday–Thursday hours. - Ballot Questions: - Democratic Party: Four questions submitted. Approved as a slate unanimously. - Republican Party: Three questions submitted. Legal counsel advised that question three — “Did you know that the Georgia Republican Party adopted a resolution that stated in part that Brad Raffensperger does not have the faith and confidence of the Georgia Republican Party?” — violated state law (OCGA 21-2-413(d) and 21-2-414(a)) and the board’s enabling legislation (2003 Ga. Laws 4200 §12) prohibiting electioneering and commentary on the ballot. The board voted unanimously to approve questions one and two and reject question three. - Legislative Update: Legal counsel reported that SB 568 (hand count of ballots) failed to pass crossover; SB 214 (in-person absentee voting) passed but may become an omnibus bill. Other bills that did not pass: SB 573 (nonpartisan DA elections), SR 838 (constitutional amendment on citizenship and ID). House Resolution 2251 (nonpartisan election of probate judges) passed and may be placed on the November ballot if approved by the Senate. Key Outcomes - Certified the March 10 special election results (unanimous). - Approved early voting for the April 7 runoff: three locations, Monday–Thursday 7 a.m.–7 p.m., plus Saturday March 28 (9–6) and Sunday March 29 (12–5) (unanimous). - Approved Democratic Party ballot questions (unanimous). - Approved Republican Party ballot questions one and two; rejected question three (unanimous). - No executive session needed; meeting adjourned after board comments.

This special called meeting was held to conduct the required pre-certification review of precinct returns from the March 10, 2026 special election for House District 94, covering DeKalb County precincts. The board reviewed the returns in accordance with state election board rule 183-1-12-.12, with no public comments and a uniform focus on election integrity and procedural accuracy. Pre-Certification Report - Director Dr. Smith presented the pre-certification report, which compared the total number of ballots cast to the total number of unique voter ID numbers per precinct, and broke down votes by method (absentee/advance, election day, and provisional) as required by state rule. - The report covered only DeKalb County’s six precincts for the special election (the race also included Gwinnett County). - No provisional ballots were received. No equipment issues were reported. No errors were found in the returns. Board Discussion - Board Member Lee asked about provisional ballots and equipment issues; both were confirmed as nonexistent for this election. She also requested a list of voters who cast ballots, but Director Smith clarified that providing voter names is not required under the rule cited for this meeting; the focus is on comparing ballot counts to unique voter IDs, not releasing voter lists. After rereading the relevant rule section, the chair concluded the request was not required. - Board Member Bowden inquired about general provisional ballot trends, noting historical rarity but acknowledging upcoming law changes (a 5 p.m. precinct voting cutoff) that may increase future provisional voting. No specific uptick was observed. - Board Member Swift commented that the change in law might cause more provisional ballots in future elections as voters turned away from wrong precincts earlier in the day could only vote provisionally after 5 p.m. - The chair noted that 20,000 voters were eligible in the special election, but turnout was significantly lower, encouraging public participation in future elections. Key Outcomes - No vote was taken; the meeting was solely for pre-certification review. - The next certification meeting (combined with the regular business meeting) was scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. - The meeting adjourned without any further business.