Public Meetings - Dekalb County, Georgia

The Finance, Audit and Budget Committee met on March 10, 2026, with a light agenda. The meeting began with approval of minutes and a purchasing change order, followed by a discussion of the committee's goals and priorities for the year. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the February 25, 2026 special call meeting. - Purchasing Change Order: Approved Change Order No. 1 to Contract No. 200316 (statewide contract) for end-user computing for the Marshal's Office. The change order increases contract funds awarded to Panasonic Connect North America / ProLogic ITS LLC by $107,286.30 for laptops, service packages, and accessories. The committee noted the purchase was already budgeted. Approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Budget Approval Timeline: Commissioner Johnson proposed working towards approving the county budget by December 31, the end of the fiscal year, rather than the current March 1 deadline. Commissioner Long Spears agreed, noting that under the county's organizational act, discretionary and reserve funds cannot be spent until the budget is approved, effectively compressing spending into seven months. Both supported moving constitutional hearings earlier in the process. Chair Tethery supported these ideas and suggested committees could develop budget recommendations before the CEO's December 15 submission. - Financial Reporting: Commissioner Long Spears recommended consistent quarterly financial statement reviews, citing the org act's requirement for quarterly reports to be published and posted. The committee agreed to quarterly reviews, beginning with year-end 2025 statements at the next meeting. Discussion included modernizing publication of reports (e.g., using QR codes) to comply with the org act. - Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Prioritization: Commissioner Long Spears emphasized the commission's duty to prioritize capital projects and requested a more structured CIP process. Chair Tethery asked for a CIP update and timeline at the next FAB meeting. Chief of Staff Zach stated internal CIP discussions are underway and an update will be provided. - Other Priorities: Chair Tethery outlined additional focus areas: a diversion center (from sheriff's office presentation), legal aid for eviction court (noting 91% of tenants lack representation), cash bail reform (addressing a recent law mandating cash bail for more offenses), and continued water assistance program oversight. Commissioner Long Spears also suggested developing a purchasing ordinance. - Operational Audit Updates: Commissioner Johnson asked for updates from Malden and Jenkins on departmental assessments. The chief of staff indicated updates will be provided in the next cycle of committee meetings. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes and the purchasing change order (both unanimous). - Agreed to work towards an earlier budget adoption target (December 31/January) and to begin committee budget discussions earlier. - Agreed to quarterly financial statement reviews, with the first review (year-end 2025) at the next meeting. - Directed staff to draft a committee work plan and goals for a future retreat. - Will invite the Office of Independent Internal Audit to present its annual work plan. - Next FAB meeting will include a CIP update and timeline. - Staff will review compliance with org act financial reporting requirements (publication/posting) and propose modernized methods.

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners met on March 10, 2026, at 9:00 AM, presided by District 4 Commissioner Shikara Johnson. The meeting included an inspirational address by Chaplain Sarah Hooker, presentations recognizing EGM Services Inc. (40th anniversary) and DJ Greg Street, public comments, and action on a wide range of agenda items. Several items were deferred to subsequent meetings, and key decisions were made on consent agenda items, animal services, data center regulations, and a homeless day center. Consent Calendar - Approved items (2026-0389, 0392, 0463, 0403, 0404, 0427, 0435, 0479, 0424, 0425) covering airport office space agreements, park bond allocations, district reserve appropriations for community programs, and approval of minutes from the March 3, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting. - Deferred items: Minutes from the February 26, 2026 BOC meeting (Item 2026-0441) were deferred for two weeks. Public Comments & Testimony - Andrea Saddell (Brookhaven, Advocates for DeKalb Animals) expressed support for progress in animal welfare, especially spay/neuter services. - Joel Edwards (Decatur, 45-year resident) criticized MARTA sales tax extension to 2067, requesting an audit of county contributions. Also expressed concern over the appointment of Lee May as chief of staff, citing prior FBI investigation and corruption allegations. - Gina Mangum (East DeKalb/Southeast DeKalb resident) advocated for stricter data center regulations, stating the proposed text amendment does not effectively cap data centers or prevent clustering. Called for health and environmental studies and special land use permits. - Stephen Benny read a statistic on public optimism, questioned Lee May's past as CEO and commissioner, mentioning sewer consent order, corruption investigation, and alleged malfeasance. - Scott McLean (retired contractor, District 3 resident, volunteer at animal shelter) encouraged approval of budget for animal services, including spay/neuter and litter registry. Mentioned maintenance issues at the pet neighborhood. - Ronnie Mayor (Brookhaven) requested a new library location at the dog park, criticized the school board for property value drops and poor meeting planning. - Jocelyn O'Neill requested timeline for Glenwood Road Hill repairs, raised concerns about after-hours park use, metal plates on roads, and data campuses. Thanked community development for helping a neighbor with a roof. - Gary Jenkins (unincorporated DeKalb taxpayer) argued that Atlanta's proposed annexation of Sargent Avenue would take tax revenue while leaving DeKalb with costly water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure responsibilities. Called for compensation under Georgia law. - Jan Dunaway highlighted gaps in data center text amendment, including discharge of chemically infused water, need for pretreatment requirements, and monitoring. Asked for transparency from watershed management. - Jackie Malcolm (District 3, Citigrove) opposed data campuses, requested buffers between data centers and homes, schools, and parks. Noted proximity to Clayton County data centers. - Faye Colefield (Southeast DeKalb) reported wild pigs entering Chaparral subdivision from Panola State Park, posing safety risks. Urged county and state cooperation to eradicate them. Discussion Items - Data Center Text Amendment (Item 2026-0244 and 2026-0245) – Two substitute items were deferred to March 24 BOC with stops in PECS and PWI committees. Amendments aim to require baseline health/socioeconomic/environmental assessments and third-party analysis before issuance of land disturbance permits for data centers. Public comments emphasized gaps in clustering, water discharge, and need for health study funding. - Day Center Implementation Plan (Item 2026-0396) – Approved as substituted. The plan allocates $1,746,187 for a day center at Peace Baptist Church, operated by New Life Community Alliance, with behavioral health services (Claritel or equivalent). This replaces previous vendors (Frontline, Salvation Army) due to capacity issues. The center will serve 80–100 people daily, offer meals, storage, security, and referrals. Director Mitchell presented metrics and quarterly reporting. Commissioners debated the cost increase from $930,000 (original) to $1.746 million, but ultimately approved unanimously. - Animal Services Resolutions – Item 2026-0286 (reaffirming cost of care petitions for court-held dogs) was deferred to March 24 BOC with a stop in OPS. Commissioner Long Spears reported progress: four animals released from court hold that day, demand letters sent. Discussion included creating a court-held dog coordinator and animal cruelty investigator. - Digital Accessibility Compliance (Item 2025-1189) – Approved a resolution adopting digital accessibility standards under ADA Title II, with compliance required by April 2026. - Dissolution of Obsolete Boards (Item 2025-1855) – Approved a resolution directing the law department to initiate dissolution of inactive boards, commissions, and authorities. Commissioner Masaya noted the need for a complete list; county attorney Phillips will provide recommendations. - Other Items – Various purchasing, change orders, and contract renewals were approved or deferred as noted in the consent and action items. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Approved (10 items) as moved by Commissioner Terry and seconded. - Day Center Implementation approved with $1,746,187 funding; quarterly reports to be presented to PECS committee. - Digital Accessibility Resolution approved, requiring compliance by April 2026. - Board Dissolution Resolution approved; law department to compile list of obsolete boards for action. - Deferred Items: Data center assessment items, cost of care resolution, various purchasing contracts, and others delayed to March 24 BOC or subsequent committee meetings. - Executive Session held for litigation discussion; no action taken. - Meeting adjourned at approximately 1:15 PM, with plans to reconvene at 2:30 PM for a FAB committee meeting.

The Public Works and Infrastructure (PWI) Committee of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners met on March 3, 2026, at 3:30 PM. Chair Robert Patrick presided, joined by Commissioners Shakira Johnson and Ted Terry. The committee heard a presentation from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) on air quality monitoring, received a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) update from the Watershed Management Department, and voted on several agenda items including routine approvals, contract renewals, and funding allocations. Consent Calendar - Agenda Item 2026-0421: Minutes of the February 17, 2026 PWI committee meeting were approved by unanimous voice vote. Discussion Items - Georgia EPD Air Quality Monitoring Presentation: Deanna Ozer (Assistant Branch Chief, Air Protection Branch) and Jamie Gore (Ambient Monitoring Program manager) presented an overview of the South DeKalb monitoring station, established in 1974, which measures over 200 air pollutants and is the largest site in the Southeast. They noted that Georgia meets all EPA health-based standards, but there are no standards for toxic compounds, which are used for risk assessments. The station monitors criteria pollutants (CO, NO2, ozone, PM10, PM2.5, SO2) and air toxics. A second near-road site at Flat Shoals Parkway and I-285 monitors NO2 and toxics. The presenters discussed odor monitoring challenges, noting that compounds like hydrogen sulfide can be smelled at parts per billion but are not harmful until parts per million. They referenced a Forsyth County landfill study (Eagle Point Landfill) that cost approximately $300,000 over two years, sampling every six days, and found no long-term health effects from the 10 compounds measured. The EPD recommended the EPA Air Sensor Toolbox for citizen science and noted that Purple Air monitors (low-cost PM2.5 sensors) can be useful but are not regulatory grade. They offered to co-locate sensors at the South DeKalb site for comparison. Commissioner Terry asked about food waste diversion; EPD supported recycling and offered to connect with an engineer on greenhouse gas reduction studies. Commissioner Terry requested a 30-day deferral of related agenda item 2026-1787 to gather more information on the Forsyth study, Purple Air monitors, and siting criteria. The committee voted to defer the item for 30 days. - Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Update: Director Maria Hauser, along with consultants Shane, Brad, and Greg, presented the prioritization process for the 2026 CIP refresh. They explained that the process uses a triple-bottom-line multi-criteria analysis to score projects based on risk (consequence and likelihood of failure), condition assessments, regulatory requirements, and other factors. For small diameter pipes (12 inches and smaller), risk is primarily driven by break rates and impact on customers. The committee reviewed a 50-year replacement plan targeting about 1,500 miles of pipe (1% per year), with a 10-year planned replacement map. In 2025, the department replaced 62,400 feet (about 12 miles) of small diameter water main. For 2026, $60 million in projects are planned, covering about 27 miles of replacement. Commissioner Terry requested a detailed GIS map of planned projects for public transparency. Commissioner Johnson asked about risk scoring and district-specific data. The update was informational; no vote was taken. Key Outcomes - Agenda Item 2026-1787 (related to landfill monitoring): Deferred for 30 days to allow follow-up on EPD recommendations and siting criteria. Motion passed unanimously. - Agenda Item 2026-0182 (Finance: print and mail services contract extension with Level One LLC dba Docsum Company): Approved unanimously. No new funds; contract term extended through December 31, 2026. - Agenda Item 2026-0329 (Public Works Sanitation: landfill professional engineering services renewal with SCS Engineers): Approved unanimously. First renewal option through April 30, 2027, amount not to exceed $2,000,000. - Agenda Item 2026-0305 (Public Works Sanitation: bulk solid waste and recycling equipment from Waste Quip): Approved unanimously. Amount not to exceed $425,518.20 for commercial containers and steel bottoms. - Agenda Item 2026-0336 (Public Works Sanitation: tires recycling contract extension with Latham Home Sanitation): Approved unanimously. Contract term through January 31, 2027, amount not to exceed $275,000. - Agenda Item 2026-0162 (Watershed Management: sewer upgrade agreement with Next Development Partners for 290-unit multifamily development in unincorporated District 1): Approved unanimously. Developer contribution of $832,000; county contribution up to $265,000. - Agenda Item 2026-0361 (Watershed Management: River Lake Information Management Services agreement with Atlanta Regional Commission): Approved unanimously. Annual cost approximately $30,000 for real-time Chattahoochee River data. - Agenda Item 2026-0245 (Board of Commissioners: health study on data centers): Deferred for two weeks. Motion passed unanimously. - Agenda Item 2026-0337 (Public Works Roads and Drainage: stormwater system cleaning services contract change order): Approved with a substitute amount of $2,540,686.02 (as supported by audit), rather than the requested $2,936,060. Motion passed unanimously. The director noted the higher amount was needed due to additional work on 22,500 catch basins and 2.7 million linear feet of pipe, but accepted the reduced amount and may return for additional funds if needed. - Items 2026-0241, 2026-0242, and 2026-0243 (Shoal Creek Trunk Sewer Section 1 construction management services) were not acted upon because they had not yet returned from audit; they will be brought back at a future meeting. The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:06 PM.

The Employee Relations and Public Safety (ERPS) Committee of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners met on March 3, 2026, chaired by Commissioner Ladina Bolton. The committee reviewed and approved several items related to public safety facilities, equipment, and animal services, and received the 2025 annual report from the DeKalb County Police Department. Consent Calendar - Item 2026-0420 (Minutes of February 17, 2026, meeting) was deferred for two weeks due to the absence of Commissioner Marita Davis Johnson, who was attending to a family emergency. The deferral motion was approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Item 2026-0272 (Security Cameras): A statewide contract for integrated security and surveillance products for the Department of Facilities Management, covering indoor and outdoor cameras at 4572 Memorial Drive. The amount not to exceed $146,741.40 was approved unanimously. - Item 2026-0459 (Public Safety Training Facility Feasibility Study): Approved the use of $500,000 in SPLOST 1 funds to evaluate and propose the most appropriate location for a joint public safety training facility for police and fire. The study will assess existing training centers (e.g., Warren Road, built in 1973; police training in a 1960s school building) and provide up to three options. The motion carried unanimously. - Item 2026-0460 (East Precinct and Police Training Facility Repairs): Approved $3,019,530 (not to exceed) from SPLOST 1 and SPLOST 2 for asbestos removal, wiring upgrades, restroom renovations, and other repairs at the East Precinct and police training facility. The funding is on top of a previously approved $2 million for roof and HVAC work. Commissioners requested itemized details but voted to approve unanimously. - Item 2026-0311 (Firearms and Ammunition): Approved a statewide contract with Smyrna Police Distributors, Inc., for the purchase and trade-in of duty firearms, not to exceed $150,074.50. The upgrade will replace aging Glock 9mm handguns for approximately 600 officers, adding modern optics. The motion carried unanimously. - Item 2026-0284 (Animal Shelter Services – Lifeline Animal Projects): Approved a change order (No. 6) to extend the contract through December 31, 2027, with an amount not to exceed $22,244,500. The contract includes expanded services: spay/neuter surgeries (from 4,800 to 6,000 per year), mobile veterinary clinics twice a week in high-need areas, expanded pet food bank, and new community engagement staff. Commissioner Bolton raised concerns about funding sustainability and regional use, and Lifeline confirmed that all services are for DeKalb County residents only. The committee also secured a commitment from Lifeline to allocate up to $100,000 annually for district-specific events. The motion carried unanimously. - DKPD 2025 Annual Report (Presentation): Chief Pedrick presented the annual report, highlighting a 9% increase in sworn staffing, a new victim witness advocate program (expanded from 4 to 8), a real-time crime center moving to 24/7 operations, and crime statistics: 91 homicides (first time below 100 in years), 32,000 traffic accidents, 88 traffic fatalities, and a 76.9% homicide clearance rate (vs. 52.3% national average). Internal affairs complaints increased due to proactive self-auditing. The report was informational; no vote was taken. Key Outcomes - All voting items (2026-0272, 0459, 0460, 0311, 0284) were approved unanimously by the committee for recommendation to the full Board. - The minutes from February 17, 2026, were deferred for two weeks. - The committee received the DKPD annual report without action. - Commissioner Bolton requested future clarity in funding language (e.g., “not to exceed” instead of “by the amount of”). - Staff committed to providing itemized details for the East Precinct repairs and to exploring residency verification for animal services programs.

The DeKalb County Operations Committee, chaired by Commissioner Marita Davis Johnson and including Commissioners Ladina Bowden and Robert Patrick, convened on March 3, 2026. The meeting addressed consent calendar approvals, numerous contract change orders and extensions, and a focused deliberation on the county's ongoing charter review process. Consent Calendar - February 12, 2026, Meeting Minutes: A motion was made and seconded to approve. Passed unanimously. - February 17, 2026, Meeting Minutes: A motion was made and seconded to approve. Passed unanimously. Discussion Items & Key Outcomes - Item (Held): Impoundment Cost Recovery Resolution: A resolution reaffirming the county's authorization to seek cost recovery for court-held dogs was held due to the sponsoring commissioner's absence and pending an update from the Law Department. - Item 2025-1855: Dissolution of Obsolete Boards & Authorities: A resolution directing the Law Department to lead the dissolution of obsolete boards and commissions. The Law Department clarified it would begin with an inventory and research. Motion to approve made and seconded. Passed. - Item 2025-1189: Digital Accessibility Compliance: A resolution adopting digital accessibility measures to meet Title II of the ADA. Motion made, seconded. Passed. - Item 260188 (Change Order 6): Fire & Intrusion Alarm System: A $275,000 extension of the contract with All-Star Fire LLC through June 30, 2026, while a new ITB is developed. Motion made, seconded. Passed. - Item 260189 (Change Order): UPS Maintenance Services: Extension of the contract with AC and DC Power Technologies LLC through June 30, 2026, pending a new contract bid. Motion made, seconded. Passed. - Item 260301 (Change Order): Parking Deck Repairs: Extension of the contract to complete punch list items through April 30, 2026. Motion made, seconded. Passed. - Item 260216 (Purchase): John Deere Dozer for Landfill: A $739,227 purchase for a new waste handler dozer. Commissioner Terry inquired about the availability of diesel-hybrid or electric versions to lower emissions; staff committed to looking into it. Motion made, seconded. Passed. - Item 260242 (Purchase): Flatbed Truck for Tire Repair: A $160,875 purchase of a Kenworth T280 truck for emergency tire repair and maintenance. Motion made, seconded. Passed. - Item 260292 (Change Order 8): Oracle Cloud Permitting Platform: A $679,710 increase to implement the OPAL system for planning, permitting, code enforcement, and licensing. Staff confirmed user departments were satisfied with the selection. Motion made, seconded. Passed. - Item 260255 (Change Order): Landscape Maintenance Services: Extension and fund increase totaling $644,854, including $170,000 for the MARTA station beautification project at Kensington station. Discussion addressed how upgraded services (e.g., planting) are scoped outside the basic maintenance contract. Motion made, seconded. Passed. - Item 260393 (Change Order 10): Commercial Janitorial Services: An extension and $984,786 increase through June 30, 2026, while an RFP is finalized. Motion made, seconded. Passed. - Post-Vote Inquiry: Commissioner Terry questioned the cost distribution ($737,000 for three facilities vs. $165,000 for over a dozen libraries and rec centers). Staff was directed to provide a detailed breakdown of services by location to all commissioners before the next full commission meeting. - Item 260176 (Change Order): Mailing Services for Voter Registration: A $10,000 extension through June 30, 2026, to cover mailing for the March 10th special election (House District 94) and potential runoff. Motion made, seconded. Passed. - Item 260199 (Change Order): Commercial Printing & Voting Signs: An extension through June 30, 2026, for signage services related to the special election. Motion made, seconded. Passed. - Chair’s Administrative Direction: Chair Johnson commented on the high number of extension requests, strongly encouraging departments to submit purchasing requests on time. Staff noted the recent implementation of requiring yearly purchasing plans from departments to mitigate this. Charter Review Deliberation A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing and finalizing recommendations on several sections of the proposed Charter Review. - Section 27: Open Records Officer: The committee debated whether to mandate a county Open Records Officer ("Shall") or leave it to the CEO's discretion ("May"). Commissioner Johnson preferred leaving it discretionary to allow flexibility, while Commissioner Terry supported mandating it for lasting structural improvement. The consensus of the committee was to change the recommendation from "Shall" to "May". - Section 28: Future Charter Review Commission: Discussion focused on the frequency and nature of future reviews. The original recommendation mandated a review every eight years. Commissioner Johnson strongly advocated for "May" instead of "Shall" to avoid imposing a mandatory responsibility on future administrations. Commissioner Terry supported a tied schedule, proposing it coincide with the post-redistricting decade. The committee reached consensus to recommend a "May" provision, starting in 2041 (tied to the next decennial redistricting cycle), initiated by consensus between the CEO and the Board of Commissioners. - Section 31: Repealer (Full vs. Specific): The committee considered repealing the entire 1981 Organizational Act versus a specific repealer for conflicting provisions. Commissioners expressed concern that a full repeal could create unintended legal gaps. The consensus leaned towards an amendment-based approach where the act is replaced with updated language rather than a wholesale repeal. Overall Charter Review Status Chair Johnson concluded that the committee had not completed the review of all sections (specifically Section 3 of the memo). She announced a special meeting would be called to finalize the outstanding recommendations before the legislative crossover deadline. The meeting was adjourned following a motion and a second.

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners held a Committee of the Whole meeting on March 3, 2026, presided over by Commissioner Shaira Johnson. The meeting included committee reports, a review of the proposed March 10 executive agenda, a quarterly update from MARTA CEO Collin Hunt, and a presentation from the DeKalb County School District on the Student Assignment Project (SAP). Commissioners discussed budget priorities, transit projects, and potential school consolidations. The meeting lasted from approximately 9:15 AM to 12:00 PM. Committee Reports - Finance, Audit & Budget (Chair Terry): Met February 25. Discussed budget, upcoming meeting on strategic goals, including magistrate court eviction information center and diversion center. - PECS (Chair Messiah): Met February 26. Reviewed 14 items; 9 recommended for approval, 4 deferred, 1 withdrawn. Next meeting March 10 at 3:30 PM (new time). - ERPS (Chair Bolton): Met February 17. Approved items: UASI grant of $382,606, UIC grant of $10,000, emergency medical supplies contract. Deferred items: animal shelter contract ($22 million), video surveillance contract, resolution on illegal dumping, blasting ordinance. Discussions on budget and pension (death benefit, Tier 3 increase, COLA for retirees). - Public Works & Infrastructure (Chair Patrick): Approved $50 million watershed management contract for consent decree work. Other items held or deferred. - Operations (Chair Davis Johnson, reported by Commissioner Patrick): Approved $7.5 million for customer billing system maintenance and court recording system support. 11 items held, 9 approved. Review of Executive Agenda (March 10) - Appointments: Mr. Sheldon Fleming to Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs Board (PECS item). - Airport: GDOT funding for airfield crack seal at Peachtree Airport (preliminary to Ops), office space agreement, consent to sublease. - COO: $9,067,525 in SPLOST II funding for facilities improvements at DeKalb health facilities (roofing, HVAC). SPLOST II funding for Lew Walker Kitchen equipment. Both PECS items. - Police Services: $3,019,530 in SPLOST I and II for repairs to East Precinct and Police Training Academy (ERPS). - Public Safety: $500,000 in SPLOST I for public safety training facility evaluation (ERPS). - Purchasing and Contracting: Multiple items assigned to respective committees. - Watershed Management: Agreement with NEX Development Partners for sewer upgrades ($832,000 contribution, PWI); River Lake Information Management Services (PWI). - Walk-on: District 5 allocation of $25,000 from reserve to How Big Is Your Dream Inc. for Summer Youth Academy of Arts (consent). - District 2 allocations: $18,800 for Briar Lake Park improvements, $21,500 for master plan at 1634 Briarcliff Road, $20,000 for Stride Ahead equine therapy, $15,000 for Bellis Blessings pet support (all consent). - District 6 allocations: $15,000 to Nicole Sage for Shakespeare on the Green, $32,978 to City of Avondale Estates for same event (consent). - Minutes approval for February 26, 2026 Board meeting. MARTA Quarterly Update (CEO Collin Hunt) - Ridership & Improvements: Heavy rail and mobility ridership above pre-pandemic levels; steady bus growth. Over $1 billion in improvements: new rail cars, Better Breeze fare gates, MARTA Rapid A-line, Next Gen Bus Network, MARTA Reach. - Capital Projects: Buford Highway ART: final design solicitation released, BUILD grant of $23.9 million submitted. Candler Road ART: solicitation released, construction mid-2028. South DeKalb Transit Hub paused at county request; $25 million federal funding secured (50-55% of cost). Stonecrest Transit Hub on hold. South DeKalb Transit Initiative narrowed to two alternatives; on hold for county master plan. - Next Gen Bus Network: Launches in 46 days (mid-April). 25 open houses in February. MARTA Reach launches in one week (12 zones, 5 in DeKalb); complementary rides through March 28. - Better Breeze: New fare gates at 23 stations; launch end of March/early April. Fare card balances can be transferred May 2-October 30. - Safety: Overall crime down 21% year-over-year. Robberies up 50% (2 vs 1). Reached 270 officers; recruiting 10 field protective specialists. - Legislation: HB 1137 (penny extension to 2067) passed House Transportation Committee unanimously; must pass House by crossover day. - Commissioner Questions/Positions: Commissioner Longspears expressed support for Buford Highway BRT and asked about HB 1137 implications and Next Gen Bus Network complaints. Commissioner Messiah raised equity concerns about project delays in South DeKalb and requested more input on pauses. Commissioner Terry supported Buford Highway BRT and stressed timely delivery. Commissioner Bolton asked about PRT feasibility. Commissioner Patrick submitted support letters for Buford Highway ART. Commissioners emphasized need for improved communication and coordination with county planning. DeKalb County School District Student Assignment Project (SAP) - Presented by COO Eric Hofsetter, Executive Director Sarita Smith, and Dr. Tracilla Weaver. - Declining Enrollment: 20,000 open seats out of 110,000 across 127 buildings; trend continuing. - Phase 1 Results: Data-driven metrics identified potential capacity expansions (blue) and closures (red) on a map. 27 schools potentially affected; inequities noted between overcrowded north and underutilized south. No final decisions; cascading strategy (high schools to middle, middle to elementary) considered. - Key Statistics: About 20% of schools under 450 students; state funding penalizes small schools. Goal: consolidate resources, improve transportation, reinvest in facilities. - Community Engagement: Over 3,000 survey responses; phase 1 survey closes March 8. Workshops planned through May. Timeline: board vote late fall 2026, changes earliest fall 2027. - Commissioner Questions/Positions: Commissioner Messiah raised equity concerns and noted 9 of 27 potential closures in her district. Commissioner Longspears asked about Briarcliff site and cascading; was assured no bus depot plans. Commissioner Terry suggested aligning SAP with county housing and transit planning. Commissioner Patrick asked about specialty schools and trailers. Commissioner Davis Johnson questioned the lack of boundary updates and inequity in expansion locations. Commissioner Bolton highlighted the need for consistency and childbearing demographics. Commissioners urged ongoing collaboration with county planning. Key Outcomes - The board concluded review of the proposed March 10 agenda with added walk-on items. - MARTA update was informational; commissioners expressed support and concerns, particularly regarding equity and schedule adherence. - School District SAP presentation was informational; no vote taken. Commissioners requested future updates and offered assistance. - Meeting adjourned at approximately 12:00 PM.

The Planning, Economic Development, and Community Services (PECS) Committee of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners met on February 26, 2026, to consider several agenda items, including a major proposal to establish a day center for unhoused residents, appointments to the Land Bank Authority, and multiple contracts for parks, recreation, and public works. The committee also discussed data center regulations and deferred two items for further review. Consent Calendar - Approved the appointment of Elizabeth M. Roberts, Esq., to Position 1 of the DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority (voice vote). - Approved Item 1718: Fence installation, repair, and maintenance annual contract with Hawk Fence LLC and ASAP Management Group LLC, total not to exceed $750,000 (voice vote). - Approved Item 0156: Change order for restoration and maintenance of athletic fields (JMB Landscape, Inc., $55,596.76) (voice vote). - Approved Item 0306: Change order for tennis court construction and maintenance (Signature Tennis Courts, $72,910.00) (voice vote). - Approved Item 0313: Aquatics maintenance and lifeguard services contract with Stand Guard Aquatics, total not to exceed $1,234,140.80 (voice vote). - Approved Item 0318: Acceptance of WIOA additional funds for dislocated workers ($100,000 from Technical College System of Georgia) (voice vote). Discussion Items - Day Center Implementation Plan (Item 2026-0396, substitute): Director Alan Mitchell and COO Zach Williams presented a plan to establish a day center for unhoused individuals at Peace Baptist Church (4000 Covington Highway). The 6,300 sq ft facility would operate six days a week (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), providing meals, hygiene services, case management, job training, and housing navigation. The budget was $1,234,028 for a one-year lease with Salvation Army, plus $75,000 added for Claritel mental health outreach. Key features include mobile showers, an armed security guard, and a maximum capacity of 100. Commissioners discussed transportation, pet accommodations, children, and the use of existing county vans. The item was approved after adding $75,000 for Claritel. - Data Center Health and Environmental Impact Study (Item 0245, substitute): Commissioner Terry proposed funding a study by Science for Georgia ($15,000) to analyze health, socioeconomic, and environmental impacts of data centers. The committee deferred the item to March 12, 2026, to allow further discussion and allow Science for Georgia to present. - Data Center Regulations (Item 0341): Commissioner Terry presented a resolution requesting the administration and planning department to update the recommended text amendment (2025-0972) with three provisions: capping data center developments at 500,000 sq ft per phase, requiring a special land use permit for all data centers, and raising the clean energy incentive to 100% (including on-site or grid-based renewable energy). The motion was approved, with the planning department invited to offer additional suggestions. Key Outcomes - Day Center approved (motion by Commissioner Terry, second by Commissioner Long Spears): $1,234,028 for Salvation Army contract plus $75,000 for Claritel outreach, from the general fund. The item will be presented as a substitute to the full Board of Commissioners. - Fence contract approved (750,000). - Athletic fields change order approved ($55,596.76). - Tennis court change order approved ($72,910.00). - Aquatics contract approved ($1,234,140.80). - WIOA funds approved (100,000). - Land Bank appointment approved (Elizabeth Roberts). - Item 0230 (demolition contract) withdrawn due to plans for structural assessment. - Items 1752 and 1774 (UGA Cooperative Extension MOU) deferred to next meeting to allow Dr. Perry to present. - Data center study (0245) deferred to March 12, 2026, for further committee input. - Data center regulations resolution (0341) approved, directing planning department to update the text amendment.

This regular meeting of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners convened at 9:00 AM on Thursday, February 26, 2026, under the presidency of Commissioner Shekira Johnson. The meeting covered proclamations, public comments, a public hearing on the 2026 budget, and numerous agenda items including appointments, consent agenda, and committee reports. The meeting was adjourned after an executive session on litigation and a final vote on an adult club settlement extension. Proclamations - Black History Month Trailblazer Honoree: Commissioner Robert Patrick recognized Anthony Delgado, founder of iCare Atlanta, for distributing food to over 300,000 individuals. The proclamation was read by the clerk. - National Spay and Neuter Awareness Month: Commissioner Michelle Long Spears presented a proclamation acknowledging Lifeline Animal Project’s 225,000+ surgeries (including 70,000 for community cats) and the county’s Spay Neuter Impact Program providing 1,500+ free surgeries. The proclamation was accepted by Rebecca Gwynn, CEO of Lifeline. Inspirational Speaker - Reverend Samuel Scott, portraying Dr. Carter G. Woodson, delivered remarks on the origins of Black History Month and urged the audience to preserve historical knowledge. Public Comments & Testimony - Larry Foster (resident) opposed data centers, citing adverse effects on water, electricity, air quality, and housing. He urged the Board not to approve large data centers. - Sally Sears (representing the Cultural Affairs Advisory Board) praised the Trails and Green Space Master Plan and requested board vacancies be filled. - Jan Dunaway (DeKalb Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor) supported a data center text amendment, raised concerns about water quality and consent decree obligations, and suggested a moratorium. - Gina Mangum (resident) defended a citizen white paper on data centers, criticized the Board for not meeting with constituents, and supported Commissioner Ted Terry’s proposed amendments to limit data centers. - Angelia Presley (environmentalist) called for mitigating data center size, location, and numbers due to unknown environmental impacts. - Jackie S. Malcolm (resident, District 3) opposed a proposed data campus, noted land could be used for housing, and questioned why a 2008 small area plan for Cedar Grove was never implemented. - Stephen Benny (resident) requested information about a walk-on easement swap and criticized the Board’s vote against an ICE exclusion resolution. - Lance Hammonds and Jeremy Cole (Mosaic Community Health Center board/executive director) asked the county to add Mosaic to its health care network infrastructure, citing the uninsured crisis. - Patricia Jackson (representing Lou Walker Senior Center) presented a petition urging restoration of the center’s kitchen, noting funds have been allocated but not released. - Will Johnston (MicroLife Institute and DeKalb Housing Roundtable) supported the FY26 housing budget, including $12 million for FY26 and $15 million annually starting FY27. Discussion Items - 2026 Budget Adoption: Chief Operating Officer TJ Williams presented the substitute budget, which includes: - $12 million for housing (FY26) and $15 million annually (FY27+), plus creation of a housing office. - $1.9 million for workforce development (WorkSource DeKalb, summer youth program). - $1.4 million for MedCura Health mobile unit and $1.5 million for Mosaic Health. - $1 million each for Arts Council, voter education, and tire recycling. - $780,000 for Lifeline Animal Project expansion. - $500,000 for food security initiatives. - A proposed 0.5 mill rate increase (estimated $22.6 million) to support new initiatives and rebuild reserves (target 33% fund balance by 2029). - Firefighter compensation package: starting salary increase to $55,000, 20% raise for captains, $500/month housing allowances for those living in county, zero-premium health insurance. - County minimum wage increase to $19/hour. Commissioners asked about the millage rate, firefighter pay, food program details, and other items. The budget was adopted as substitute. - Moratorium Extension on Sexual Device Stores: Planning manager Rachel Bragg requested a 100-day extension to June 11, 2026, to complete zoning code updates. One speaker opposed, citing First Amendment concerns. The motion passed. - Easement Abandonments and Condemnations: Several items for water/sewer easements were approved, including four condemnation declarations for Show Creek trunk sewer projects (consent decree compliance). Attorney Welsh explained the process. - Appointment of Chief of Staff: Lee May was selected as Chief of Staff (substitute motion). He thanked the Board. The outgoing interim chief, Dion McKenzie, was commended. - Other Items: Various resolutions and contract approvals, including a donation acceptance for park improvements (Michelle Obama Park, $1.5 million from Henrico 183 LLC), data center regulation updates deferred, and committee reports. Key Outcomes - Budget Approved: The substitute FY26 budget was adopted (motion passed). A separate millage rate vote will occur in July. - Moratorium Extended: Approval of 100-day extension on permits for sexual device stores. - Condemnations Approved: Four condemnation orders (declaration of taking) for sewer projects at 3436 Walden Road, 3736 Section Hall, 3580 River Edge Court, and 3125 Rainbow Circle. - Chief of Staff Appointed: Lee May appointed as Chief of Staff. - Donation Accepted: $1.5 million donation for an inclusive park in South DeKalb (Michelle Obama Park) approved (substitute with friendly amendment). - Deferrals: Many items deferred to future committee meetings (e.g., data center regulations, homeless services plan, water customer bill of rights, and others). - Executive Session: The Board held a working lunch executive session to discuss litigation. - Adult Club Settlement Extension: Approved extension of the settlement agreement with two adult clubs (Penups Night Club and Club Plays) through December 31, 2041, with a $100,000 annual fee per club. - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned at approximately 2:15 PM, with a PECS committee meeting scheduled for 3:00 PM and FAB canceled.

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners met on February 26, 2026, at 9:00 AM at 178 Sams Street, Decatur, GA. The meeting included inspirational remarks, presentations, a public hearing on the 2026 budget, and numerous consent and decision items. The only transcript provided covers a speech about animal welfare. Presentations - Black History Month Trailblazer Honoree: Anthony Delgado (icare Atlanta). - National Spay and Neuter Awareness Month was recognized. Public Comments & Testimony - A speaker, a longtime volunteer for Lifeline and a representative of advocates for DeKalb animals, expressed support for the new pet neighborhood opening. The speaker thanked elected officials and called for continued work to address shelter overcrowding and pet overpopulation in DeKalb County. Consent Calendar Items on the consent agenda included routine approvals such as: approval of minutes (February 10, 2026, BOC meeting; February 17, 2026, Committee of the Whole; Special Called Meeting February 3, 2026), a resolution establishing BOC committees, canine retirement of K-9 Argo, and various district fund allocations (e.g., $20,000 for Wild Nest Bird Rehab, $30,000 for Aging in Place advisor, $5,000 for DeKalb Pro Bono, $5,000 for Black History Celebration, and an amendment to a youth programming allocation). Also included: termination of a T-hangar lease, and several purchasing and contracting items referred to committees. Discussion Items - 2026 Annual Budget (Agenda Item 2026-0194): A public hearing was held to adopt the 2026 annual budget, as previously deferred from the February 10 meeting. - Moratorium on Sexual Device Sales (Agenda Item 2026-0280): Public hearing on extending a moratorium on applications and permits for commercial sale and distribution of sexual devices. - Watershed Management Condemnations (Items 2026-0291, 0332-0335): Public hearings on partial abandonment of easements and condemnation of properties for sanitary sewer collection and treatment. - Preliminary Items: Included amendments to dependent care reimbursement, a resolution urging adoption of an unhoused support plan, a resolution requesting updates to data center regulations, a day center implementation plan for homeless individuals, police fleet additions, UASI grant amendments, and multiple purchasing change orders (e.g., for emergency medical supplies, security cameras, animal shelter operations, ammunition, case management software). - Items for Decision by the Board: Include an intergovernmental agreement with Tucker, closure of chronic nuisance properties ordinance, vacant property maintenance ordinance, littering/scrap tire resolution, procedural rules review, dog impoundment cost recovery, judge benefits resolution, water customer bill of rights, and various other spending and policy items. Key Outcomes Specific votes or decisions are not documented in the provided materials. The meeting agenda listed many items for consideration, but the transcript only contains a speaker's remarks on animal welfare. No outcomes are confirmed from the available sources.