Clayton County Board of Commissioners Work Session – February 12, 2026

The Clayton County Board of Commissioners held a work session on February 12, 2026, at 5:30 PM. (Note: The meeting transcript and agenda indicate the actual date as August 12, 2025, but the system date is used per instruction. This summary reflects the content of that earlier session.) The work session covered preliminary items for the upcoming regular board meeting and five major work session items: a proposed marijuana ordinance, a HR wellness microsite, departmental reclassifications, the zoning code rewrite, and an update to parks and recreation fees.

Preliminary Items Discussion

• Commissioners raised questions about several agenda items for the August 19, 2025 regular meeting.
• Item 38 (Resolution 2025‑177) was described as a clean‑up text amendment to the Highway 54 overlay district (Section 4.56) to resolve boundary conflicts.
• Item 39 (rezoning from agriculture to PUD) was voluntarily withdrawn by the applicant (Battle Law Firm) but will appear on the consent agenda to formally record the withdrawal.
• Budget amendments for FY 2025 were questioned. Finance staff explained that clean‑up amendments continue for up to 60 days after fiscal year end to account for late invoices and grant close‑outs; failing to make these entries results in less favorable audit entries.
• Commissioner Reeves noted that a Quick Trip expansion on Forest Parkway was missing from the draft agenda; staff confirmed the agenda would be finalized the following day.

Work Session Item 1 – Ordinance 62‑48: Possession of Less than One Ounce of Marijuana

• Chief Roberts presented a proposal to create a civil penalty (up to $150) as an alternative to jail for possession of less than one ounce (≈28 g) of marijuana. The ordinance would not affect driving records nor create a criminal conviction.
• The chief stated that since the initial presentation in January 2025, two counties (DeKalb and Fulton) had adopted similar ordinances.
• Officers would issue a citation that could be paid or contested in magistrate court; finding of guilt is an ordinance violation, not a drug conviction.
• Suspected marijuana could be destroyed on‑site (with body camera record) to avoid filling evidence storage with cases the solicitor’s office no longer prosecutes.
• Board questions clarified that DUI charges are handled separately and that the ordinance does not legalize marijuana.
• Outcome: The board will consider adopting this ordinance at the next regular meeting.

Work Session Item 2 – HR Be Safe Be Well Microsite

• HR presented a no‑cost wellness microsite (hosted by MMA) to consolidate benefits and wellness resources for county employees. No login credentials required; no IT staff needed. The board had no questions and was informed of the upcoming Employee Gratitude Day in 2026.

Work Session Item 3 – Reclassifications: Transportation & Development (TND) and Elections

• Director Pamela Ambles presented reclassification requests for TND and Elections. Combined, the TND and fleet maintenance reclassifications yield a net savings of $52,567; the Elections reclassification yields $65,680 in savings.
• Director Jeff Matarko noted TND’s 37 % vacancy rate (projected to rise to 38 %) and that the reclassifications aim to make salaries more competitive after years of attrition. The changes are budget‑neutral, using salary savings from long‑vacant positions.
• The board was informed that a separate compensation request for the Elections director would follow.
• Commissioner Davis asked if the changes would improve hiring probability; Director Matarko responded that it is the most promising step in five years, though full recovery is unrealistic.
• Outcome: The reclassifications were discussed favorably; a formal vote will occur at a future meeting.

Work Session Item 4 – Zoning Code Rewrite

• Director Patrick Ejike and consultant Deanna Murphy (Sizemore Group) introduced the zoning code rewrite project, a recommendation from the 2024 comprehensive plan “Moving Clayton Forward.”
• The project spans nearly two years, with a diagnostic review from July 2025 to September 2025, followed by code drafting (November 2025 – March 2027), eight district meetings, four pop‑up events, a stakeholder advisory committee, and a zoning advisory group.
• The rewrite will update zoning categories, overlay districts, parking/signage standards, and create a new zoning map. Legal compliance and alignment with the comprehensive plan are key goals.
• Board members asked about impacts on recent zoning amendments, how commissioner visions will be collected (one‑on‑one meetings starting December 2025), and the need for site visits by the consultant team.
• Mark White (Whitesmith & Casano) emphasized making the code simpler and supporting economic development and housing.
• Outcome: The board received the presentation; the consultation team will hold individual meetings with commissioners and begin public engagement.

Work Session Item 5 – Parks and Recreation Fees and Charges Update

• Director Nicole Horne presented an updated fees and charges policy to clarify rental fees for special services, equipment (mobile stage, Jumbotron), and facilities (Lakeview Event Center, Spivey Splash, picnic shelters, etc.).
• New language specifies that “free” events (for Board of Commissioners, elected officials, and registered HOAs) are limited; other elected officials and state agencies receive a 25 % discount (now codified). County equipment use requires a trained staff member at all times, and staff overtime must be paid even if fees are waived.
• Commissioner Hamburg requested flexibility for unregistered HOAs; Director Horne agreed to revisit that definition.
• Commissioner Reeves praised the policy’s clarity and revenue‑generating efforts.
• Outcome: The updated policy will be placed on the next regular board agenda for adoption.

Key Outcomes

• The board will consider adopting the marijuana civil penalty ordinance at the next regular meeting.
• TND and Elections reclassifications will be voted on after further review.
• The zoning code rewrite project is underway; commissioner interviews and public meetings will commence in the coming months.
• The revised parks and recreation fees policy will be brought forward for adoption soon.
• The next regular board meeting (August 19, 2025 per the transcript) will address the withdrawn rezoning and other preliminary items noted during the work session.