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. The meeting covered five major agenda items, including a proposed Behavioral Health Crisis Center, local assistance grant allocations, the recruitment process for a CFO, a traffic calming program, and a pedestrian sidewalk project on Tara Boulevard. No public comments were heard, and the board provided direction on several items, with formal votes to occur at a future regular meeting.

Discussion Items

• Behavioral Health Crisis Center: State representatives (Allen Morgan, Dr. Jeff Thompson, and Chad Jones of Viewpoint Health) presented plans for a 24/7 crisis facility in Clayton County, with a 23-hour observation unit and short-term stabilization. The state would fund construction ($9–10 million) and most operating costs; the county may contribute land or use a previously allocated $4.4 million. The facility would serve surrounding counties and provide an alternative to state hospitals. Commissioner Hammer questioned the county's financial obligation; staff noted that the project location is already decided.

• Local Assistance Grants: Interim CFO Angela Jackson presented the FY26 grant recommendations, totaling $780,000. She outlined the original allocations and two amendment proposals: Commissioner Allen's amendments (reducing DFACS and increasing Melanated Pearl and Sisters Empowerment Network) and Commissioner Reeves' amendments (reducing Arts Clayton, Hearts to Nourish Hope, and DFACS, while increasing Community Services Authority, Calvary Refuge, Amazing Grace, Good Shepherd Mental Health, Melanated Pearl, Ujima Way, and Sisters Empowerment Network). The board requested that amendments be drafted for approval at the next meeting. Commissioner Reeves expressed concern about the timing, noting grants are usually decided earlier.

• Search Firm for CFO: HR Director Pamela Ambles recommended bypassing a recruitment firm (20% fee, ~$40,000) and continuing the internal process. She reported 94 new applications (57 certified) after the board rejected the first three candidates. She asked for board feedback on whether to involve commissioners earlier in the process. Commissioners generally supported the internal approach and agreed to restart the panel. The target is to select a CFO by end of January 2026.

• Traffic Calming Program: Director Jeff Metarko presented a proposed ordinance requiring a 20% petition to start, 55% property owner approval, and a funding model. After discussion, the board agreed on a 70-30 capital cost split (county 70%, community 30%) and a $50 annual per-parcel fee for maintenance. The county has nearly $2 million in SPLOST funds available. Fire Chief noted concerns about speed humps affecting emergency response, and Metarko confirmed that traffic calming devices will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with input from public safety. The ordinance is expected to be drafted by the first meeting in November 2025.

• Tara Boulevard Pedestrian Sidewalk Discussion: Metarko reported the current plan includes 5-foot sidewalks at an estimated total project cost of $32 million (with $19 million local share). Commissioner Davis advocated for wider sidewalks (10-12 feet), which would add $17.5 million. The board discussed funding challenges, potential grants (CMAQ), and coordination with the cities of Jonesboro and Lovejoy. After a 55% approval for funding, the board directed staff to proceed with the wider 10-12 foot sidewalk on the west side of Tara Boulevard, with a goal of finding additional funding through grants and partnerships. The design phase will continue.

Key Outcomes

• Behavioral Health Crisis Center: No formal vote; the board acknowledged the state's plans and directed staff to continue discussions regarding land and funding.
• Local Assistance Grants: Amendments will be drafted and presented for a vote at the next regular Board of Commissioners meeting.
• Search Firm for CFO: The board opted not to use a search firm and will proceed with an internal process. HR will restart the review with the 94 new applicants; commissioners will not be involved in the initial screening.
• Traffic Calming Program: The board reached consensus on a 70-30 capital split and $50 annual maintenance fee. The county attorney will draft an ordinance for consideration at the first November 2025 meeting.
• Tara Boulevard Pedestrian Sidewalk: The board approved moving forward with wider sidewalks (10-12 feet) on the west side of Tara Boulevard, contingent on securing additional funding. Staff will submit a CMAQ grant application for right-of-way acquisition (80% federal, 20% local). Consultation with Jonesboro and Lovejoy will continue.