Clayton County Board of Commissioners Regular Business Meeting - February 12, 2026
Clayton County Board of Commissioners Regular Business Meeting - February 12, 2026
Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on March 4, 2025. However, the user directive specifies a date of February 12, 2026. This discrepancy is noted; the summary below reflects the content of the March 4, 2025 meeting as provided.
The regular business meeting was called to order with presentations, public comments, consent agenda approval, several resolutions, board appointments, a public hearing on impact fees, and an executive session. The meeting adjourned at 8:18 PM.
Presentations & Proclamations
- Veteran of the Month: A presentation honoring a veteran was given (Senior Services/Veterans Advisory Board).
- Proclamation: Honoring Major Sherman Lemon: Commissioner Hambrick read a proclamation recognizing retired Major Sherman Dwayne Lemon, the first Black officer promoted to lieutenant, captain, and major in the Clayton County Police Department. A former colleague shared a personal tribute about his volunteer work.
- Proclamation: March is Procurement Month: Central Services staff thanked the board and departments for their support.
- Presentation: State Department of Aging Services Community Meeting: The presenter was absent; a staff member announced a community meeting on March 17 at 2:00 PM at the Saulna Clinton Gregory Senior Center to discuss the state's three-year aging plan.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Dr. Henry Anderson (District 3): Introduced a multi-colored folder system to evaluate commissioner performance on criteria such as positioning the county for success and addressing citizen concerns. He stated he would continue his evaluation at the next meeting.
- Patricia Bryant (District 3): Expressed concern about growth outpacing public safety resources, citing jail overcrowding and understaffing. She called for more code enforcement to address rooming houses and roadside junk.
- Rhonda Ashley (District 3): Urged the board to vote in favor of Resolution 2025-38 (homestead exemption increase). She argued that calling it “relief” is inaccurate; it is restitution for inflated property appraisals. She noted that only selling a home allows recovery of excess taxes paid, whereas an exemption helps those who remain.
- Dennis Murray (District 4): Complained about receiving assessment notices late and lacking awareness of elections. He was directed to the tax assessor’s office and reminded of monthly town halls.
- Timothy Vondale Jefferson (District 4): Advocated for beautification, noting the loss of the beautification office and the rejection of mandatory trash collection. He proposed partnering with fast-food chains to print anti-littering messages on bags and urged cleaning up county buildings as a gateway.
- Eric Williams (District 3): Raised safety concerns about homeless encampments behind local businesses, affecting customers and employees. He was referred to Chief Roberts and asked to consult with his commissioner.
- Terrence Jones (District 3, pastor): Described similar homeless issues near his church, including theft and vandalism. He expressed frustration that police would only take reports and not act, and that homeless individuals moved from Stockbridge because “there are no rules” in Clayton County. He was also referred to Chief Roberts.
- Mickey Garber (unincorporated Rex): Thanked Commissioner Reeves for proposing the homestead exemption increase and urged approval. Additionally, he complained that new homes in his neighborhood were being built cheaper (starting at $200,000 instead of $300,000) and with less brick, devaluing existing homes of long-term residents.
- Carol Yancey (Rich, Georgia): Allege selective accountability and lack of transparency. She stated she filed state ethics complaints against four candidates/officials: two resolved immediately, Elena Reeves’ case is in negotiation, and Felicia Franklin’s is ongoing. She claimed Franklin falsified a candidacy affidavit regarding unpaid taxes. She also stated the new ethics board lacks an ethics officer due to no vacancy announcement, and asked the chairwoman whether she requested restoration of veto powers. The chairwoman responded she did not know what Ms. Yancey was talking about.
- Jean-Pierre Bourget (District 4): Thanked the board for his appointment to the Development Authority. He stated he heard rumors that some commissioners want him removed. He supported the board’s opt-out of HB 581, noting it preserves local control over homestead exemptions. He emphasized that homeowners bear nearly 60% of the tax digest and a strong economic development strategy is needed to reduce that burden. He pledged to work toward hiring a qualified executive director for the Development Authority.
Consent Agenda
- Approved unanimously: minutes from February 18 and 20, 2025; name change for Flexicapture software; termination of insurance brokerage contract; cooperative purchases for heavy equipment; budget amendment for EMS; fire department reorganization; rescission of curbside garbage collection plan; Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program agreement; Water Authority master bond resolution; resolution to obtain Sheriff’s Office staffing/finance documents; housing study grant authorization; solar energy agreement; library food distribution MOU.
Discussion Items
- Resolution 2025-39 – Solar Energy Procurement Agreement: Approved without discussion.
- Resolution 2025-45 – Housing Study Grant: The county will apply for $200,000 from ARC’s Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP), with matching funds from Aerotropolis, Inc. and the Housing Authority of Clayton County at no cost to the county. The study will inform a housing strategy and the zoning rewrite. A housing committee convened by the housing authority already exists. The application was submitted the previous Friday.
- Board Appointments:
- Development Authority: Randy Burton reappointed for a four-year term (March 2025 – March 2029) from District 3.
- Water Authority: Pat Puller appointed for a five-year term (expiring 2030) as an at-large appointment by the chairwoman.
- Resolution 2025-38 – Homestead Exemption Increase: Proposed to increase the exemption from $10,000 to $15,000. The CFO estimated a $3.3 million impact on the general fund and $831,000 on the fire fund in the first year. Fire Chief Sweat warned that closing two fire stations every three days or raising the millage rate would be needed to offset the loss. He noted the county’s Class 1 ISO fire rating could drop, raising insurance rates. Commissioners expressed concern about uncertain federal funding and the need to build fund balance. Commissioner Allen noted the budget is ~$300 million and the impact is about 1%; she believed the board could find the savings. Others argued the timing is poor. The resolution failed on a voice vote (nays majority).
- Public Hearing – Capital Improvements Element (CIE) for Impact Fees: Consultants presented the draft CIE covering parks, public safety, and libraries. The CIE identifies projects for future growth but does not set fee amounts. Public speakers (Jean-Pierre Bourget, Dr. Henry Anderson, Mickey Garber) spoke in favor, noting impact fees could reduce tax burdens. No opposition was voiced. The board then approved Resolution 2025-43 to transmit the draft CIE to ARC and DCA for review.
- Executive Session: The board voted to enter executive session for litigation and personnel.
- Post-Executive Session Action: The board voted to terminate the contract with Morgan Constructors related to the Flint River Community Center, citing performance issues.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
- Solar Energy Agreement: Approved (Resolution 2025-39).
- Housing Study Grant: Approved (Resolution 2025-45).
- Board Appointments: Randy Burton reappointed to Development Authority; Pat Puller appointed to Water Authority.
- Homestead Exemption Increase: Failed (Resolution 2025-38).
- Capital Improvements Element Transmittal: Approved (Resolution 2025-43).
- Contract Termination: Morgan Constructors terminated for Flint River Community Center.
- Next Steps: The senior homestead exemption deadline is April 1. The board announced upcoming town halls (March 8, 13, 15) and a golf tournament on March 24. The East PLOST referendum was highlighted.
Meeting Transcript
I'm gonna be quick. I just want to thank everyone, especially our board for supporting Central Services and certainly my user departments. Um, and of course, we do it all for the citizens. So thank you all. Let's give them a round of applause. Also, they had a great celebration. And I just want to say thank you guys for all that you do. Oh, but they are in Central Services. Where is Major Sherman Dwayne Lemon, son of the late Willie D and Mary C. Lemon was born in McDonough, Henry County, Georgia. A 1973 graduate of Henry County Senior High School. Sherman began working in the family business, W. D. Lemon and Sons funeral home. And attended Gupton Jones College of Moretary Science in 1976. He graduated with an associates of science degree and became a licensed funeral director and embalmer. And whereas, while a student at Henry County Senior High School, Sherman attended Gordon Junior College at night to become an emergency medical tech. He graduated in 1972 as a certified EMT and began working at Henry County Emergency Medical Services until 1978. On July 10th, 1978, Sherman was hired by the Clayton County Police Department. He completed the police academy in 1979 and became a patrolman. And whereas Sherman's dedication to public service resulted in his advancement within the Clayton County Police Department in June 1982, he was promoted to detective. In February 1984, he was promoted as the first black sergeant. He continued to lead and was promoted in February 1994, becoming the first black lieutenant in the uniform patrol division, serving the community of the North Clayton Police Precinct with professionalism, leadership, and dedication. He was again promoted to the rank of captain as the first black precinct commander in November 2002. And whereas the pinnacle of Sherman's career occurred on June 7, 2005, becoming the first black promoted to major with the Clayton County Police Department until his retirement on May 17th, 2008. He's married to Shannon Lemon, and they have two sons. Shannon and Brandon. He and his wife Shannon enjoy the best part of retirement as loving, proud, and happy grandparents. Now, therefore, I, Gail B. Hambrick, Commissioner, on behalf of the Clayton County Board of Commissioners, do hereby pay tribute to retired Major Sherman Dwayne Lemon, Clayton County's first black officer, promoted to lieutenant, captain, and major with the Clayton County Police Department. We are deeply grateful for his historic career, step out service and lasting contributions to law enforcement and the citizens of Clayton County. In witness thereof, I have here unto set my hand in cause to seal of Clayton County, Georgia, to be a fixed this fourth day of March in the year 2025. Thank you all so much and all for something that's so well deserved. Sherman started years ago. I think you all heard the dates and all, but it was really when uh Clayton County was basically changing, and it was the North Clayton area that actually started that change. And parents, we were very active, and we started what we call the after school enrichment program. Couldn't get anybody to help us out or whatever. Who volunteered? Sherman, right. And that that's exactly what we called him. We refer to him as uh officer or whatever, but he was just so on it for us and helped us so much because we really couldn't get the help. We were um told that okay, you all can do this, you can try it or whatever, but nobody really believed in the program. So with the help of uh uh Major Lemon and all, and I believe um Porter, right? Yes, before he became uh police chief for the school system. We didn't have offices for the school system at the time. So this was our school officer and all and served us very well, so we are really appreciated. I know we've said that over and over for years, but you just don't know how much. So thank you so very much for doing what you did and did not get paid for it at the time. So we really appreciate you, so thank you so much. All right, next we will have uh presentation for the State Department of Aging Services Community Meetings, Senior Services.
openpublica.com