Public Meetings - Dekalb County, Georgia

The DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections convened its regularly scheduled meeting on October 8, 2026, at 9:30 AM. The board addressed a voter registration challenge, received an operational update from Director Keisha Smith, and discussed election security and preparation for the upcoming November election. A significant debate occurred over a motion to amend the agenda, which ultimately failed. Public Comments & Testimony - Michael Beach (Poll Manager): Commended the office for poll worker training. Criticized the requirement for check-in clerks to call a manager for every problem and expressed strong opposition to a new State Election Board (SEB) rule requiring a handwritten sequential numbered list of voters, describing it as unnecessary, stress-inducing, and a potential privacy violation. - James Edmondson: Commented on the SEB's role and noted that federal law prevents DOJ agents from entering polling places without approval from local officials. - Betsy Shackleford: Praised the board's work and leadership, calling it patriotic, and praised the recent poll worker training as the best in 10 years. - Rob Boyle (First meeting attendee): Expressed concern that the board voted down an agenda amendment without discussion, stating he felt all topics should be heard. Recited the Pledge of Allegiance. - Kendra Bogowski (Chair, DeKalb County Republican Party): Thanked staff for a joint party meeting and transparency. Stated that a board member of the minority party should not struggle to get items on the agenda (referencing Travis Bowden). Informed the board of upcoming get-out-the-vote events that could cause long lines and urged enforcement of 150-foot campaigning rules. - John Salvison (Candidate for U.S. House, 5th District): Thanked the board for their work amidst confusion from the state level and urged them to work together and avoid division. - Janet Grant (Area Poll Manager): Expressed support for a court decision allowing voters to return absentee ballots at any early voting site and thanked DeKalb for using this option. Echoed concerns from training about the SEB's new handwritten list rule adding stress, time, and errors for poll workers. - Joy Wasson (DeKalb Voter): Asked the board to publicly post poll tapes from advanced voting for transparency (citing a proposal by Scrutineers). Urged board members to ask the SEB to rescind a resolution authorizing its executive director. - Bethan Frullman (Voter Access Advocate): Emphasized focusing on making voting easy for eligible voters rather than removing people from the rolls. Discussion Items - Voter Registration Challenge (Jeremiah Bell): The board heard a challenge from James Edmondson, a veteran who has lived at his address since 1971. He stated that Jeremiah Bell registered to vote using Mr. Edmondson's address (4592 Mercer Road). Director Smith reported that Bell's original registration (via DDS in 2024) listed 4599 Mercer Road, directly across the street, and a handwritten form changed the address to 4592. Bell has not voted in DeKalb County. The board deliberated on the burden of proof, the risk of disenfranchising a valid voter, and the implications of a potential scrivener's error. - Director's Report: Director Smith presented registration statistics (577,209 total as of Oct 8; 1,807 applications left to process), absentee ballot numbers (9,843 issued, 46% of 2022 levels and 37% of 2024 levels), and updates on Logic & Accuracy Testing (expected to complete Oct 10). Budget updates and a new advertising campaign ("DeKalbVotes.com") were highlighted. - SEB Handwritten List Rule: Deputy Director Dr. Jesse Harris detailed the training and procedure for the new SEB rule requiring a handwritten sequential list in addition to the electronic poll pad. - Risk Limiting Audit: The board was informed of the upcoming audit scheduled for November 13-18, with 100 teams of two, tentatively planned at the Toby Grant Recreation Center. Key Outcomes - Agenda Amendment Rejected: A motion by board member Travis Bowden to add three items (groups organizing to vote at polling locations, non-citizens on voter rolls, DOJ record preservation directive) to the agenda failed. The original agenda was then approved. - Voter Challenge Denied: The board voted to reject the 21-2-229 challenge against Jeremiah Bell, finding the challenger failed to meet the burden of proving the voter was not qualified to remain on the roll. - Investigation Ordered: A motion by Gail Lee directing the VRE office to investigate the residency of the challenge voter at the 4599 address and consider a future 21-2-228 hearing was approved. - Resend Notices Ordered: A motion by Dale Lohman directing the department to immediately resend voter registration notices to both addresses (4592 and 4599) to initiate the return mail process and the inactive voter clock was approved. - Voter File Processing: Staff confirmed all eligible, timely-filed voter registrations will be processed before early voting begins on Monday, October 13. - Logic & Accuracy Testing: The testing for all equipment (touch screens, scanners, poll pads, hubs) is expected to be completed by Friday, October 10.

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners held a nighttime Committee of the Whole meeting on October 7, 2026, hosted by the City of Dunwoody. The meeting included committee reports, review of the proposed executive agenda with walk-on items, public comments, a discussion on the independent CIP monitor, and presentations on health care expansions by Mosaic Health Center and MedCura Health. Committee Reports - Finance, Audit & Budget (FAB): Commissioner Terry reported the committee met on September 29, 2026, and reviewed mid-year budget adjustments. A special FAB meeting is scheduled for October 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM to finalize the mid-year budget amendment. The committee approved an RFP for financial advisor services (Item 0839) and discussed the LSPE program. - Public Works, Environment & Community Services (PECS): Commissioner Messiah reported that the committee met on September 29, 2026. Presentations were given on the TAD Advisory Committee (scheduled for a follow-up) and on zoning and sustainability (to be continued at the next meeting). Nine agenda items were reviewed; three were recommended for approval, and six deferred to the next PECS meeting on October 14, 2026. - Employee Relations & Public Safety (ERPS): Commissioner Bolton reported the committee met on October 7, 2026. The police department has a 90% retention rate and nearly 10% increase in officers since last year. Discussions included 2027 Medicare retiree rates, a $300,000 contract for future leadership development, a $2.1 million request for a safety radio simulcast backup system, and the tethering ordinance (with focus on avoiding penalizing unhoused individuals). - Public Works & Infrastructure (PWI): Commissioner Johnson reported a special call PWI meeting on October 12, 2026. Previous meetings covered watershed CIP updates and the CIP monitor presentation (to be revisited). Consent Calendar - Airport: Two standardized T-hangar space lease agreements (Items 1309 and 1422) with Spencer Clark and Raymond Dale at no cost to the county. - Fire Rescue Walk-Ons: Two grants added as consent items: - Item 1428: Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) for 400 cancer screenings and seven vehicle exhaust capture systems. Total budget $410,520.32 (federal $373,200.29, county match $37,320.03). Deadline to accept: October 22, 2026. - Item 1453: Fire Prevention and Safety Grant for 4,688 smoke/CO detectors. Total budget $267,216.00 (federal $254,491.42, county match $12,724.58). - Board of Commissioners Preliminary Agenda Items (Consent): Approval of minutes for October 6, 2026 COW meeting; District 7 allocations: $10,000 to National Council of Negro Women for youth STEM, $10,000 to Stone Crest Fest, $5,000 to Juvenile Justice Council, $3,000 to Southwest DeKalb High School career day, $5,000 to DeKalb Chamber of Commerce for business education. - Other items scheduled for consent after committee stops (not voted on at this meeting). Public Comments & Testimony - Joyce Clemens (60 Perimeter Center, Dunwoody) expressed privacy concerns about flock cameras near her apartment, asking about camera range and who views the footage. Staff will follow up. - Gina Mangum (8179 Pleasant Hill Road, East DeKalb) spoke against a surprise new data center text amendment, stating it lacks protections for residents. She urged the board to work with the community, referencing an alternative proposed by the DeKalb Citizens Coalition that limits size and location. - Rosalind McIntyre (Brookhaven) contrasted the proposed data center in South DeKalb (5 million sq ft, Shadow Box) with a smaller 88,000 sq ft data center in Dunwoody, noting the latter will not have 100 diesel generators. She asked for similar protections for South DeKalb residents. Discussion Items Independent CIP Monitor Update Chief of Staff Lee May and Policy Analyst Marcus Allen presented updates on the proposed independent CIP monitor (Item 1234). Key points: - The original 2025 resolution allocated $800,000 from the watershed fund; that funding has lapsed but can be reallocated when needed. - The selection process has been changed from an RFP to an RFQ to ensure independence from administration. Central staff will vet qualified firms from purchasing and recommend a list to the board. - The monitor will report directly to the board, with no duplication of duties with the Office of Independent Internal Audit. - Timeline: Goal to have a firm selected and contract in place by Q1 2027, ideally January 2027. - Commissioners expressed concerns about the cost (expecting lower than $800,000 annually), the independence of the selection process, and the need for subject matter expertise in vetting. The item will be on the October 13, 2026 agenda for further discussion. Mosaic Health Center Presentation Dr. Carlin Tunnell presented on Mosaic Health Center’s services and expansion plans funded by DeKalb County. - Serves uninsured patients; 40% increase in volume in 2026 vs 2025. - 2025 impact: nearly 2,000 patients, 20,000 free medication refills. - Planned expansions: Mosaic Mobile (in-home primary care for homebound or those afraid to visit clinics due to immigration status), food distribution program (launched that day, 9,000 lbs), mobile dental van (January 2027), partnership with Claritel Behavioral Health for mental health services, and a larger facility in Clarkston. - Funding from county ($1.5 million) not yet received; contracts finalized within last 30 days. Commissioner Longspears requested a memo on the funding timeline and ability to expend funds by year-end. MedCura Health Presentation Jeff Taylor presented on MedCura Health’s services. - Operates 18 sites in metro Atlanta, 13 in DeKalb County; served 25,000 individuals in DeKalb in 2025. - County funding ($1.5 million) will support: expansion of maternal health services, renovations at a pediatric facility (1760 Candler Road), and a mobile unit serving DeKalb County (focus on Buford Highway corridor and school-based health services like sports physicals and immunizations). - Funding not yet received; contracts in final stages. Commissioners asked for DeKalb-specific patient data to ensure taxpayer dollars benefit county residents. Key Outcomes - Two fire rescue grant walk-ons (Items 1428 and 1453) were added to the consent agenda. - Agenda items were assigned to committees for preliminary review: FAB (Item 1319, 1181, 1431), PECS (Items 1411, 1413, 1142, 1208, 1233, 1316, 1330, 1344, 1372, parks grants), ERPS (Items 1390, 1426, 1336), OPS (Items 1329, 1440, 1451), PWI (Items 1257, 1285, 1290, 1305, 1313, 1345). - CIP monitor discussion will continue at the special FAB meeting on October 12 and at the October 13 board meeting. - Commissioners requested that both Mosaic and MedCura provide data on the number of DeKalb County residents served and the percentage of funding used for DeKalb-specific services. - COO Williams agreed to compile a comprehensive list of all county health investments and partners within 30 days. - Commissioner Longspears requested a memo from COO Williams by October 10 (Friday) regarding the funding timeline for Mosaic and MedCura to ensure funds are not lost. - Motion to adjourn passed unanimously.

The Employee Relations and Public Safety (ERPS) Committee of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners met on October 6, 2026, under the leadership of Chair Ladina Bolton. The agenda included a delayed operational assessment update, approval of 2027 Medicare rates, several police and communications funding items, and a discussion on the animal restraint ordinance. Consent Calendar - Item 2026-1410: Minutes from the September 22, 2026 ERPS meeting were approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Operational Assessment Update: Alexis Mathis of The Momentum Firm reported that 38 of 106 recommendations from the Molden and Jenkins operational assessment have been completed. Chair Bolton noted the connection between the report's findings and current agenda items. Commissioner Davis Johnson thanked the team. Commissioner Terry and Chair Bolton commended the Police Department for reaching 640 sworn officers, the highest level in nearly five years, and the Fire Department for improved response times following the new AMR contract. Remaining challenges include facility and technology limitations and countywide training deficiencies. - 2027 Medicare Retiree Rates (Item 2026-1327): Gallagher presented the renewal. The Kaiser HMO plan received an increase under 1%. The Aetna PPO plan was negotiated from 11.9% down to 6.8%. The total annual cost increase is 4.5% ($368,000 on $8.5 million). Monthly retiree premiums will remain unchanged at under $94, keeping the county's cost share target at 60/40. Commissioner Masaya requested a future peer group study to compare costs with other metro counties. Commissioner Davis Johnson recused herself from the vote. The motion to approve carried. - Police Evidence Storage Facility (Item 2026-1384): The committee approved $150,000 in SPLOST 1 funding for preliminary design services for a new special operations and evidence storage facility at the Bobby Burgess complex. The motion carried. - Body Worn Camera Systems (Item 2026-1310): A change order for $91,148 was approved to equip new officers with body cameras and in-vehicle camera systems, driven by the increase in sworn personnel. - Bright Futures Leadership Program (Item 2026-1426): A $300,000 renewal contract with Columbus State University was approved. The program has had 189 participants across five cohorts since 2015, with 40% of graduates receiving promotions. A new "Soaring Executives" track was added for newly appointed directors and deputy directors. - Public Safety Radio Backup System (Item 2026-1336): Over $1.18 million was approved for Motorola Solutions to construct a backup prime site at the East Precinct, ensuring radio communications continue if the main site fails. The current contract expires in October 2027. - Blasting Ordinance: The committee voted to recommend approval of a substitute ordinance, which reorganizes permitting regulations and enhances community notification requirements for blasting within 750 feet. - Animal Restraint Ordinance (Item 2026-0596): Attorney Phillips presented the red-lined changes to the tethering ordinance. Commissioner Spears raised a concern about creating an exception for temporary, unattended tethering for individuals, specifically unhoused residents, receiving services. After discussion, the committee voted to defer the item to its next meeting for further refinement. Key Outcomes - Approved (Recommendation to Full Board): Minutes (2026-1410), Medicare Rates (2026-1327), SPLOST Evidence Facility (2026-1384), Body Cameras (2026-1310), Bright Futures Program (2026-1426), Radio Backup System (2026-1336), Blasting Ordinance Substitute. - Deferred: Animal Restraint Ordinance (2026-0596) to the next ERPS meeting. - Noted: The Urban Camping Ordinance is not on the ERPS agenda and will be handled by the PECS committee.

The DeKalb County Operations (OPS) Committee met on the afternoon of October 6, 2026, chaired by Commissioner Marita Davis Johnson. Committee members Commissioner Ladina Bolton and Commissioner Robert Patrick were joined by Commissioner Tad Terry; Commissioner Spears participated virtually during the charter review discussion. The committee unanimously approved all six action items on the agenda and then reviewed Charter Review Commission recommendations on vacancies, chief executive powers, and budget control. Consent Calendar - Item 2026-0376 - Minutes of the September 22, 2026 committee meeting: Approved unanimously on a motion by Commissioner Bolton. Discussion Items Item 2026-1230 - Roof Maintenance and Replacement Contract, Change Order No. 4 (Substitute) - Staff presented a substitute reducing the not-to-exceed amount by about $19,000, to $4,397,227, after an audit found transposed numbers in one of the proposals. - The change order covers roof replacement at police and fire rescue headquarters and helipad membrane/waterproofing work at the Bobby Burgess facility, using SPLOST funds, and extends contracts with National Building Contracting Inc. and Hulk Construction Company, LLC through June 30, 2027. - Approved unanimously. Item 2026-1390 - Lease Extension, 4572 More Drive - The item authorizes a three-year extension (final renewal term two) with More Drive Associates, LP. The property houses watershed UCO, WorkSource development, and state of Georgia offices; it is not the 4380 Memorial Drive property the county purchased. - Annual rent increases from $513,800 to $544,600 ($45,383 per month), about a 6% increase as specified in the lease, and remains flat for the three-year term. - Commissioner Tad Terry asked whether the county plans to move occupants to the 4380 Memorial Drive property once developed; staff said that is the type of long-term option under consideration. - Approved unanimously. Item 2026-1329 - Police Firing Range Perimeter Fencing, Change Order No. 1 (District 5) - The change order adds $436,700 to the fence installation, repair, and maintenance contract (Hulk Fence LLC) to replace the police firing range perimeter fence, including one year of maintenance. - Staff explained the contract originated with Parks and Recreation but is being utilized by Police Services and funded through the PLACE program. Commissioner Terry asked that future agenda language explicitly identify it as a police services project. - Staff noted this is the county's only firing range; police, the sheriff's office, and the marshal's office share it, each with separate ammunition storage. - Approved unanimously. Item 2026-1440 - Juniper Network Equipment (Statewide Contract) - A one-time hardware purchase for the county's server room, not to exceed $380,620.78, awarded to Juniper Network Inc. c/o MGT Impact Solutions LLC for the Department of Innovation and Technology. - Approved unanimously. Item 2026-1451 (Substitute) - 311 System Technical Support, Change Order No. 3 - The substitute was issued to correct a typo. The change order adds $400,000 and extends the sole-source support contract with Sporidian Technologies LLC through February 28, 2029. - Staff said the current 311 CRM system runs on Oracle Service Cloud and supports 311, roads/drainage, and sanitation, integrating with CityWorks. The county is evaluating a long-term replacement and held four vendor demonstrations in September, aiming for a resident-friendly mobile application. - The contract is month-to-month with 30 days' notice, so it can end early if a new system launches before 2029. - Commissioner Terry requested a year-to-date 311 call and disposition report, broken down by district; staff confirmed reports are available. - Approved unanimously. Charter Review Commission Recommendations The committee reviewed two documents: a working list with green highlights showing items where consensus has been reached, and red-line language prepared by the Law Department. Three sections remain under discussion: Section 6 (vacancies), Section 14 (powers and duties of the chief executive), and Section 19 (budgeting and control of expenditures). Section 6 - Vacancies - Law Department Attorney Matthew Welch explained the proposed language distinguishes temporary vacancies (suspension) from permanent vacancies (death, resignation, or removal from the district), inserting the word 'permanent' for clarity; a new Section F addresses temporary vacancy procedures. - A new Section D, suggested by central staff, would let the remaining commissioners who represent the affected area nominate up to three candidates, with the full board voting to fill the vacancy. If a standard district seat is vacant, the super district commissioner(s) covering that area would nominate; if a super district seat is vacant, the district commissioners within that super district would nominate. If no appointment is made within 30 days, the chief judge of the Superior Court would fill the vacancy. - Commissioner Bolton raised two concerns: District 5 sits within only one super district, so a single commissioner would control nominations; and if both seats were vacant, no one would be available to nominate. Attorney Welch agreed to develop an intermediate or backup step for those scenarios. - Commissioner Davis Johnson expressed the position that the at-large (super district) commissioner should be able to fill a temporary vacancy directly, without a full-board vote, until a special election is held. - Commissioner Bolton asked whether an appointee would appear on the ballot as an incumbent; Attorney Welch said that is a separate determination requiring research. - The committee also discussed how a temporary vacancy interacts with an appeal, citing the year-long appeal and eventual reinstatement of a former CEO (identified in the transcript as both 'CEO Burrow' and 'CEO Ellis'). Staff noted the distinction between a governor's suspension and a permanent removal. Section 14 - Powers and Duties of the Chief Executive - Proposed language states that if the board and CEO adopt a joint legislative agenda, pursuing that agenda falls within the CEO's powers. Attorney Welch said 'as appropriate' was meant to direct state items to state officials and federal items to federal officials. - Commissioner Spears, joining virtually, asked to confirm that commissioners retain the right to pursue legislative matters individually. Attorney Welch said the section does not alter commissioners' ability to have conversations with legislators, but the CEO remains the county's representative in intergovernmental matters. - Commissioner Davis Johnson took the position that the county's legislative agenda should be presented by the presiding officer on behalf of the board, and that individual district agendas should not be presented as the county's agenda. - Commissioner Terry argued that individual commissioners remain free to advocate for priorities on their own behalf - such as district interests not selected for the joint agenda - so long as they do not present them as board positions. - Attorney Welch agreed to review Section 9 (commissioner powers) and return with clarifying language. Section 19 - Budgeting and Control of Expenditures - The draft moves the budget officer designation from another section (the CEO is already designated budget officer), sets November 1 as the budget presentation date, and allows the board to request additional information and route budget presentations to board committees, the committee of the whole, or a business meeting - matching current practice. - Commissioner Terry asked whether the change could be adopted by home rule; Attorney Welch said he believed it was within the board's powers but would provide a definitive answer. - Commissioner Terry requested a holistic read-through of the final document to check for unintended consequences on other sections. Key Outcomes - All six action items approved unanimously: minutes (2026-0376); roof maintenance change order substitute (2026-1230); More Drive lease extension (2026-1390); firing range fence change order (2026-1329); Juniper network equipment (2026-1440); and 311 support change order substitute (2026-1451). - Charter review next steps: Attorney Welch will return with updated vacancy language (including a backup procedure for failed nominations and the double-vacancy scenario), research on the incumbent ballot-designation question, clarifying language for Section 14, and an answer on home-rule authority for Section 19. Staff will provide input from the chief of staff's experience with a CEO vacancy. Revised language is expected at the next committee meeting. - The meeting adjourned by unanimous consent.

Presiding Officer Commissioner Shaker Johnson welcomed attendees to the nighttime Committee of the Whole meeting, hosted by the City of Dunwoody. The meeting included committee reports, review of the proposed executive agenda, walk-on items, public comments, and presentations on the CIP monitor and health care expansions. Key discussions focused on mid-year budget adjustments, public safety investments, data center regulations, and funding for health care access for uninsured residents. Consent Calendar - Airport Lease Agreements: Two standardized T-hangar space lease agreements (items 1309 and 1422) with Spencer Clark and Raymond Dale, at no cost to the county, were placed on consent. - Fire Rescue Walk-On Grants: Two grants were walked on as consent items: - Item 2026-1428: Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) for 400 cancer screenings and seven vehicle exhaust capture systems. Total budget $410,520.32, with $37,320.30 county match. - Item 2026-1453: Fire Prevention and Safety Grant for 4,688 smoke and CO detectors. Total budget $267,216.00, with $12,724.58 county match. Both grants require acceptance by October 22, 2026. - District 7 Appropriations: Five items allocating district reserve funds (totaling $23,000) to various community organizations were placed on consent. Public Comments & Testimony - Joyce Clemens (Dunwoody resident): Expressed privacy concerns about Flock cameras installed near her apartment building, asking about camera range, who views footage, and whether it captures close-ups. - Gina Mangum (DeKalb resident, DeKalb Citizens Coalition): Urged the board to work with the community on a data center text amendment, stating the current proposal lacks protections and does not reflect community views. Offered an alternative that limits size and location. - Rosalind McIntyre (Brookhaven resident): Contrasted a small 88,000 sq ft data center in Dunwoody (converted office building, no diesel generators) with the proposed Shadow Box data center (5 million sq ft, 100 diesel generators, near homes). Pleaded for protections similar to those in Dunwoody. - Additional speakers at the September 22 business meeting (excerpts included in transcript): Multiple residents spoke against data centers, citing water consumption, tax losses, property value declines, and environmental harm. Others raised concerns about police accountability, 911 response times, blight, and election security. A speaker also requested a health and environmental impact study before lifting the data center moratorium. Discussion Items - Finance, Audit & Budget (FAB) Committee Report (Commissioner Terry): The committee met September 29 to review mid-year budget adjustments. A special call FAB meeting is scheduled for October 12 at 1:00 p.m. to finalize the mid-year amendment. Several items were held; item 0839 (financial advisor services RFP) was approved. Discussion continued on the LSB program. - Employee Relations & Public Safety (ERPS) Committee Report (Commissioner Bolton): The committee met earlier on October 6. Key updates: - Police department has 90% retention rate and nearly 10% more officers than last year. - 2027 Medicare retiree rates will remain consistent with no increase. - Approved funding for preliminary design of a police special operations storage facility. - Approved $300,000 renewal for the Bright Futures leadership development program (Columbus State University). - Approved $2.1 million for a backup public safety radio simulcast system (Motorola). - Discussed tethering ordinance with emphasis on not penalizing unhoused individuals. - Public Works & Infrastructure (PWI) Committee Report (Presiding Officer Johnson): Special call PWI meeting scheduled for October 12 at 2:00 p.m. Previous meeting included watershed CIP update and discussion on CIP monitor. - Proposed Executive Agenda Review: Staff reviewed multiple items assigned to various committees. Notable: Item 1319 (budget amendment for CIP funding) to FAB; item 1411 (declaring 30 surplus properties to Land Bank) to PECS; item 1390 (lease extension for Memorial Drive property) to ERPS; item 1426 (Bright Futures program) to ERPS; item 1413 (property transfer to Brookhaven) to PECS; item 1336 (public safety radio upgrade) to ERPS. - CIP Monitor Presentation (Chief of Staff May & Policy Analyst Allen): Updated resolution to establish an independent CIP monitor, with changes including: - Selection via RFQ (not RFP) to maintain independence. - Monitor cannot bid on or perform CIP work during its term. - Scope ensures no duplication with Office of Independent Internal Audit. - Funding ($800,000 originally budgeted in 2025) will come from watershed fund; actual cost expected lower. - Timeline: Firm selected and contract in place by Q1 2027 (ideally January). - Central staff will vet qualified firms and bring recommendation to board. - Commissioners raised concerns about independence, expertise, and cost. Some questioned whether central staff has capacity to evaluate specialized firms. - Health Care Expansion Presentations: - Mosaic Health Center (Dr. Carlin Tunnell): Serves uninsured; 9,000 patients since 2015; 40% increase in volume in 2026 vs 2025. Plans include hiring an additional provider, launching a mobile home-visit program (Mosaic Mobile), expanding dental and mental health services, and a food distribution program (9,000 lbs distributed on launch day). County funding ($1.5 million) not yet received; contract recently executed. Funds intended for three pillars: expanding access, community-based services, and strengthening the health care ecosystem. - MedCura Health (Jeff Taylor): 18 sites, 13 in DeKalb; served 25,000 DeKalb residents in 2025. Plans include expanding maternal health, renovating a pediatric facility, and deploying a mobile unit for schools and Buford Highway corridor. County funding ($1.4 million) not yet received; contract in final signature stages. Both providers confirmed most patients are DeKalb residents; data on exact percentages will be provided later. Key Outcomes - Mid-Year Budget Amendment: Will be finalized at special FAB meeting on October 12 at 1:00 p.m. - CIP Monitor: Resolution will be updated and brought back for approval. Board expects a more refined cost estimate and assurance of independence. Funding will be allocated from watershed fund. - Data Center Text Amendment: Multiple public commenters urged stronger protections. The board deferred related items (e.g., environmental study, dividend fund) to future meetings with committee stops. - Health Care Contracts: Both Mosaic and MedCura have executed contracts but await fund disbursement. Commissioners requested detailed reporting on DeKalb resident impact and spending timelines. Funding is expected to carry over into FY2027. - Fire Rescue Grants: Both grants (cancer screenings and smoke detectors) were approved as consent items, with acceptance deadline October 22. - Public Safety Investments: Police retention rate of 90% and increased officer count noted; $2.1 million approved for radio backup system. - Animal Ordinance and NDO: Items on tethering, pet sales, and non-discrimination ordinance were deferred to October 13 business meeting with prior committee stops. - Blasting Ordinance: Deferred to allow finalization of substitute. - Electric Landscape Rebate Program: Deferred to October 27 BLC for further refinement. - Charter Review Commission Report: Deferred to OPS committee with goal of approval by end of year. - Executive Session: Brief session held for litigation update; no action taken.

The September 29, 2026 meeting of the DeKalb County Planning, Economic Development, and Community Services (PECS) committee covered two consent items, a detailed discussion of a new compost beta program, a contentious presentation on Tax Allocation District (TAD) advisory committees, and an update on the Zone DeKalb zoning code overhaul. The meeting lasted approximately one hour and twenty minutes. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the August 25, 2026 PECS meeting (Motion 2026-1342). Discussion Items Item 2026-1315: Operational and Performance Assessment Services – Amendment No. 2 - Awarded to Malden Jenkins LLC for an amount not to exceed $182,420. The amendment is part of a series of assessments begun in 2025, now focused on community development organizational improvements. Motion passed unanimously. Item 2026-1320: Recycle the Cab Compost Beta Community Education Program - Awarded to Compost Cowboys LLC for an amount not to exceed $325,000. This is a 40-week beta program (staff later referred to it as a 45-week pilot) providing weekly food scrap collection and education to 500 unincorporated DeKalb County households in concentrated areas of North DeKalb and Stone Crest. The program includes quarterly knowledge quizzes; participants who repeatedly contaminate bins will be removed. The beta is intended to inform a countywide green waste diversion program expected by the end of 2027. - Commissioner Terry noted a similar pilot in Avondale Estates that had limited participation (544 of 750 slots filled) and cautioned that transportation costs to remote compost facilities may limit feasibility without a local compost facility. She expressed support for the beta but emphasized the need for a DeKalb compost facility to reduce costs and create revenue. The item passed unanimously. Tax Allocation District (TAD) Advisory Committees – Presentation & Debate - Dorian DeBar (President, Decide DeKalb) and Tiffany Wheels (Chief of State Investments) presented a proposal to create advisory committees for all five TADs. Each committee would comprise five members: three technical advisors (finance, real estate, economic development professionals, all required to be DeKalb residents or business owners within three miles of the TAD) and two residents or business owners from within the TAD boundaries. Terms would be three years, staggered initially. Decide DeKalb’s board of directors would appoint members, with input from the county CEO (via the sole 13A appointment). - Commissioner Spears expressed disappointment that commissioners were not given appointment power, noting she and Commissioner Terry had requested representation since June 2023. She requested a formal legal opinion from the county attorney on whether commissioners could make appointments. - Commissioner Terry strongly criticized the process, stating that the enabling legislation for the Market Square (2022) and Southwest DeKalb (2023) TADs anticipated advisory committees, but the current proposal had been developed without commissioner input. She objected that member slates had already been selected by a consultant without any application process or commissioner outreach. She vowed to block any new TAD proposals and to scrutinize all Decide DeKalb budget requests. Both commissioners argued the structure excluded community and elected official representation. - No vote was taken; the item was presented for discussion only. Zone DeKalb Update (Sign Code and Zoning) - Yvonne Fromel and Whitney Fuller presented an overview of the two-and-a-half-year Zone DeKalb project, now one year in. The first phase (review) is complete; the second phase (visioning and code drafting) is underway. Over 16 engagement events have reached 500 people. The sign code (Chapter 21) update will be presented as a draft to PECS on November 19, 2026. The updated code will create a list of permitted signs with illustrations and tables, replace the current approach of listing what is prohibited. A developers focus group was scheduled for the following day (September 30, 2026). The zoning ordinance (Chapter 27) update will follow in early 2027. - No action was taken; the presentation was informational. Key Outcomes - Item 2026-1315: Approved unanimously. - Item 2026-1320: Approved unanimously. - TAD Advisory Committees: No formal vote; commissioners expressed strong opposition to the proposed structure. Commissioner Spears requested a county attorney opinion on commissioner appointment authority. Commissioner Terry stated she would oppose any future TAD proposals. - Zone DeKalb: On schedule; draft sign code ordinance to be reviewed at the November PECS meeting. - Next Steps: The committee adjourned; the next PECS meeting will continue the Zone DeKalb presentation and possibly revisit TAD advisory committee discussions.

The Finance, Audit, and Budget Committee, chaired by Commissioner Ted Terry and joined by Commissioners Michelle Long Spears, Shekira Johnson, and Robert Patrick, met on September 29, 2026. The committee approved previous meeting minutes, discussed a controversial recommendation for financial advisory services, and began reviewing mid-year budget adjustments. Key debates centered on the award of LSBE points and the selection of a financial advisor. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the September 15, 2026 Finance, Audit, and Budget Committee meeting (Agenda Item 2026-1418). Motion by Commissioner Terry, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, carried unanimously. Discussion Items - Financial Advisor Services RFP (Item 2026-0839): Director Butler presented a substitute for the original recommendation. The recommended awardee, Public Resource Advisory Group (PRAG), scored 87.80 out of 100. Piper Sandler scored 82.90, and PFM scored 80.80. Commissioner Long Spears argued that Piper Sandler should have received LSBE points (10 points) because they demonstrated good faith effort by identifying an LSBE that later became certified, but was not certified at the proposal closing date. She noted that the LSBE requirement was waived during evaluation, but that decision was not communicated prior to the RFP. She believed changing the rules mid-process undermined the LSBE program. Commissioner Johnson raised concerns about PRAG's breach of fiduciary duty lawsuit and SEC fine for texting, and questioned the lack of due diligence on those issues. Commissioner Terry noted that Piper Sandler had the highest technical score, and the cost evaluation was based solely on one hypothetical bond issuance, ignoring other scope items. He moved to recommend Piper Sandler for the contract, acknowledging the LSBE issue but removing the specific LSBE point award from the motion to avoid conflict with the ordinance. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Johnson. Commissioner Long Spears voted no, citing that the ordinance was not followed. The motion carried 2-1. This recommendation will go to the full Board of Commissioners. - Mid-Year Budget Adjustments: The committee reviewed several proposed adjustments: - BOC Central Staff Requests: $126,200 for staffing and child care assistance (pilot program for BOC staff). Approved with no objections. - Library Landscape: Commissioner Terry proposed reallocating $350,000 originally for library landscaping to other priorities. Discussion included potential stormwater issues at Embry Hills. Decision deferred to a subsequent special call meeting. - District Art Murals: A proposal to allocate $350,000 for district-based art projects (murals, etc.) to preserve unspent arts funds. Preliminary support, with details to be worked out. - MARTA Farmers Market: $28,000 to extend the farmers market at Kensington and Doraville stations through the winter. Approved. - Eviction Defense Fund: Commissioner Patrick suggested a floor of $15,000 per district ($105,000 total) from the affordable housing fund. Approved. - Clairitel Mobile Crisis Team: Funding to keep the team operational, either $180,000 or $283,371 depending on timeline. Referred for clarification. - Emergency Housing Fund: $250,000 to replenish funds for families displaced by fires. Supported by committee. - 5-Year CIP Update: The committee acknowledged the delay in the 5-year CIP but noted short-term capital improvements could be addressed via Zach and TJ. Commissioner Long Spears raised urgent sidewalk needs in District 2. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Unanimous. - Financial Advisor Recommendation: The committee voted 2-1 to recommend Piper Sandler for the financial advisor contract, despite staff's recommendation of PRAG. The motion directed Piper Sandler to utilize the LSBE identified in their proposal. - Mid-Year Budget: Several items were approved or given preliminary support, but the committee agreed to hold a special call meeting before the next Board of Commissioners meeting to finalize the remaining adjustments. Specific unresolved items include the exact amount for the mobile crisis team, the library landscape reallocation, and district art murals. - Next Steps: The committee will meet again to complete the budget review and formalize a recommendation to the full board.

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 9:00 AM in Multipurpose Room A1201 at 178 Sam's Street, Decatur, GA. The meeting included an inspirational performance, two proclamations, extensive public comment, and decisions on several high-profile items including a data center ordinance, an urban camping ordinance, and authorization of litigation against Blackhall entities. Presentations & Proclamations - Arts Awareness Month: Commissioner LaDena Bolton presented a proclamation recognizing October as Arts Awareness Month, highlighting the reinstatement of the DeKalb Arts Council (launched March 12, 2026) and a $500,000 initial investment. Arts Council Director Rains and council members were recognized. - Senior Center Month: Presiding Officer Chakira Johnson proclaimed September 2026 as Senior Center Month, noting that the county's seven senior centers welcome more than 37,000 visits annually, with the East Central DeKalb Center seeing over 27,000 visits. Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson and Director Scott spoke. Consent Calendar - Approved: Termination of three airport leases (items 2026-1307, 1308, 1314), a new T-Hangar lease (2026-1364), and acceptance of $90,000 in GRPA Boost funding for afterschool/summer programs (2026-1291). - Deferred: Meeting minutes from September 22 and September 24, 2026 (items 2026-0715, 0732) to October 13 BOC. Public Comments & Testimony Speakers addressed multiple issues: - Jan Dunaway (District 4) criticized lack of transparency on the data center ordinance, stating the definitions are "not protective of citizens." - Stephen Benny raised election preparedness concerns, questioned county plans for potential ICE raids, and urged fighting the Shadow Box lawsuit rather than settling. - MacIntyre (no full name given) argued the county's data center tour was deceptive, comparing it to a hyperscale Lovejoy Data Center campus the size of PDK airport. - Lindsay Farrell (educator, volunteer with Home for Everyone) asked commissioners to "tear up the urban camping ordinance," stating her students ask "where are they to go?" - Ella Gamel argued "people who are unhoused do not need an urban camping ordinance, they need housing," noting a shipping container village could be built in 6–9 months. - Joan Munro (Stone Mountain) requested mosquito abatement (citing a West Nile case in Tucker) and police assistance with drug/gun violence in her neighborhood. - Jackie Malcolm called for a health environmental impact study before approving any data center campus, citing water contamination risks and diesel generator pollution from other states. - Akilah McDaniel (Decatur) cited research that 9 out of 10 people remain housed after receiving housing-first assistance, and recommended a housing-first approach over criminalization. - Sam Levy (District 2) urged withdrawal of the urban camping ordinance, noting 700 individuals are under arrest awaiting mental health/substance abuse screenings, creating a $28 million backlog. - Liana Rubinstein (Compassionate Atlanta) implored the board to use compassion and stop wasting time on criminalization. - Tiana Jones Moore (Decatur) opposed the urban camping ordinance and also criticized funding for a joint police/fire training facility (item 2026-1387). - Gina Mangum (District 7) accused the board of corruption and lack of transparency, specifically regarding data center ordinance without citizen input. Discussion Items 2027 Calendar (2026-1400): Commissioners discussed proposed adjustments to meeting dates for holidays and spring break. Commissioner Long Spears suggested moving meetings from Tuesday to Thursday after holidays; Commissioner Patrick requested canceling the COW during spring break and July 4th week. The item was deferred to October 13 BOC for final adoption. Data Center Ordinance (2026-1273): Commissioner Terry normal coursed the item after a substitute was presented by the presiding officer. The original item (to amend Chapter 27 with definitions and classifications) was normal coursed, meaning it will require two readings. No action was taken. Urban Camping Ordinance (2026-0550): After extensive public comment and commissioner debate: - Commissioner Long Spears moved to withdraw the item, stating the goal should be a stakeholder group to address homelessness compassionately. - Commissioner Terry supported withdrawal, citing 700 individuals in jail for criminal trespass with mental health/substance issues, spending 400+ days on average, costing $28 million annually. - Commissioner Bolton requested it be heard in ERPS committee instead of PECS. - Commissioner Davis Johnson urged balance between public safety and compassion. - Commissioner Patrick opposed withdrawal, arguing conversation should continue; the item had been deferred multiple times since March 2026. - The motion to withdraw failed (4-2). The original motion to defer to October 13 BOC with a stop in PECS carried 4-2. Civilian Oversight of Digital Shield (2026-0769): Commissioner Terry argued for an independent civilian oversight board for the county's surveillance infrastructure, noting that the city of Atlanta recently found abuse of flock cameras. Commissioner Bolton said quarterly presentations are already provided. Commissioner Davis Johnson clarified that flock does not perform oversight. The item was deferred to October 13 BOC with a stop in ERPS. Financial Advisor Services (2026-0839): Deferred to October 13 with a stop in FAB, pending updated information. Executive Session & Litigation Authorization: The board recessed into executive session to discuss litigation. Upon reconvening, a motion carried to authorize the county attorney to file a lawsuit against Blackhall Real Estate Phase Two, LLC and Blackhall Capital Partners One, LLC for breach of contractual obligations under a January 29, 2021 real estate exchange agreement. Key Outcomes - Urban Camping Ordinance: Motion to withdraw failed; deferred to October 13 BOC with stop in PECS (vote 4-2). - Data Center Ordinance: Normal coursed (no vote). - Civilian Oversight Resolution: Deferred to October 13 BOC with stop in ERPS. - 2027 Calendar: Deferred to October 13 BOC. - Litigation: Authorized lawsuit against Blackhall entities (unanimous). - Various Purchasing Items: Several deferred or approved as noted in the consent agenda and preliminary items. - Appointments: Two appointments to the Environmental Justice and Sustainability Resident Review Group were recorded; two appointments to the Board of Family and Children Services were deferred.

The DeKalb County Public Works and Infrastructure (PWI) Committee convened on Monday, September 28, 2026. Commissioner Shakira Johnson (District 4) served as the presiding officer. Commissioner Terry was absent. The committee reviewed and approved several public works contracts, received an extensive update on the 2026-2035 Watershed Management Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), and advanced a resolution for procuring an independent watershed CIP monitor. Consent Calendar - Meeting Minutes (Item 2026-1356): Approved unanimously. - Floodplain Mapping Services (Item 2026-1171): Approved a contract term extension for Dewberry Engineers Inc. for flood studies and mapping. - Landfill Gas Monitoring (Item 2026-1177): Approved a change order for GeoSyntec Consultants Inc. ($2,868,379) for environmental monitoring and gas collection system operations. - Printing Services (Item 2026-1191): Approved a contract increase for IPCOM ($50,000) for producing educational materials. - Conyers Renewable Power LLC Financing (Item 2026-1381): Approved an agreement allowing a collateral assignment to secure financing for a gas processing plant. Staff noted that the company has made penalty payments for previous missed deadlines. - Sidewalks and Roadways Repairs (Item 2026-1271): Approved a contract increase ($2,014,321) funded by SPLOST for construction services across multiple districts, including projects at Sugar Creek Golf Course, Mystery Valley, Wade Walker Park, DeKalb Memorial Park, Exchange Park, and Redan Park. Discussion Items Items Held for Audit Three items were tabled pending audit completion: - Traffic Pavement Markings contract (Item 2026-1178, up to $3,330,000) - Manhole Rings, Covers, and Valve Boxes contract (Item 2026-1170, up to $7,000,000) - On-Call Concrete and Retaining Walls contract (Item 2026-1205, up to $4,550,000) Flat Shoals Parkway Sidewalk Design (Item 2026-1066) Approved an award to Atkins Realis ($3,210,410) for designing 2.1 miles of continuous sidewalks on Flat Shoals Parkway. Director Allen noted the high design cost is driven by the GDOT Plan Development Process (PDP) required for federal aid. Independent Watershed CIP Monitor (Item 2026-1234) Staff presented an updated resolution for procuring an independent monitor for the capital improvement program. Key changes from the 2025 legislation included using a professional services contract instead of a standard RFP to ensure the selection process remains fully independent of the administration. The selection committee will be led by central staff and the CIP Advisory Group (CPAG), with the Office of Independent Internal Audit (OIIA) serving in an advisory capacity only. The prohibition on the monitor bidding on future watershed CIP work remains unchanged. Commissioner Johnson expressed strong support for the updated approach and requested that the monitor’s scope be designed to allow future expansion to include oversight of potential private data center projects. The committee voted to recommend approval to the full Board of Commissioners, with the condition that it be presented at the Committee of the Whole (COW) on October 6, 2026, prior to a final vote on October 13, 2026. Watershed Management Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) 2026-2035 (Item 2026-1334) Director Wells and AECOM consultant Greg Harrison presented the final 10-year CIP plan. - Program Scope: Total investment of $4.43 billion, averaging $443 million per year. Water distribution is the largest category ($1.2 billion), followed by wastewater collection ($1.1 billion). Key projects include the Scott Candler Clearwells and High Service Pump Station, replacement of 70 of the 400 prioritized small diameter water mains, elimination of all failing pre-stressed concrete cylinder pipes (PCCP), and major trunk sewer upsizing for the consent decree. Director Wells stated that the consent decree drives more than half of the total capital investment. - Project Progress: Since the last plan, the county has replaced over 30 miles of failing water mains, assessed over 16,000 water valves and 8,000 hydrants, and begun construction on major consent decree trunk sewer projects. - Financing Risks: Diane (Finance) outlined a funding mix of 14% WIFIA/GIFA borrowing, 65% bond funding, and 21% cash. She specifically warned that the debt service coverage target has been reduced from 1.75x to 1.3x to accommodate the spending level, placing significant pressure on the water/sewer enterprise fund’s credit rating with a potential for a downgrade. Cash reserves are projected at just 2 months against a target of 4–6 months. Commissioners inquired about mitigating strategies, including refinancing existing debt and the impact of the 10 by 10 rate increase, which staff confirmed covers the increased annual spend. Key Outcomes - Unanimously Approved: Items 2026-1171, 1177, 1191, 1271, 1381, 1066, and 1334 (Watershed CIP 2026-2035). - Forwarded to Full Board of Commissioners: Item 2026-1234 (Independent Watershed CIP Monitor), with a requirement for a presentation at the Committee of the Whole on October 6, 2026, prior to a full board vote on October 13, 2026. - Tabled Pending Audit: Items 2026-1178, 1170, and 1205.