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

This work session of the Clayton County Board of Commissioners covered a broad range of fiscal, administrative, and planning topics, including budget transparency, audit delays, civil service rules, employee benefits, facilities master planning, historic preservation, and a health department sublease. Commissioners also discussed preliminary agenda items for the upcoming regular business meeting. The session began at 5:30 PM and adjourned at 7:50 PM. Note: The official meeting date is provided as February 12, 2026, though the transcript and agenda indicate the session occurred on April 8, 2025. This discrepancy is noted per accuracy rules.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the work session. Citizen concerns were raised through commissioners, notably by Commissioner Allen, who advocated for public budget hearings to increase transparency and accountability.

Discussion Items

• Proposal for Public Budget Hearing (Commissioner Tashe Allen): Commissioner Allen proposed holding open public budget hearings beginning next fiscal year, where department heads would present initial requests to the budget committee in open sessions. She emphasized this would enhance transparency and citizen engagement. No board members opposed; the item is scheduled for a vote at the April 15, 2025 regular meeting.
• County Audit Update (Meredith Lipson, Mauldin & Jenkins): The FY 2024 audit, due December 31, 2024, has been delayed due to missing information from the sheriff's office. All outstanding items were received the day of the meeting, and the audit is expected to be released the next day. Commissioner Allen questioned the history of late audits since 2022 and the impact on grants. Ms. Lipson clarified that no extension was granted for FY 2023 and 2024, and delays could jeopardize grant eligibility. Chairwoman Dr. Alieka Anderson-Henry cited OCGA 36-81-7 and a state representative’s letter warning that some grants expire May 1, 2025, stressing the need for timely compliance.
• Civil Service Rule 11.311 (Pam Ambles, HR Director): Proposed rule to govern reinstatement rights for employees who win civil service appeals, including back pay, leave restoration, and return-to-work provisions. The Civil Service Board approved presenting it to the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner questions addressed he/she pronouns, annual leave caps, and the current backlog of ~50 pending cases. The rule is on the April 15 agenda for a vote.
• Quarterly Benefits Update (Jack Thompson, Marsh McLennan): Presented positive progress on AFLAC enrollment, Anthem Total Health Complete rollout, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) renewal. Recommended reducing EAP sessions from 8 to 5 to save $7,200 annually and sunsetting the retiree EAP due to low utilization. No board objections were raised.
• Salary Paid In Lieu of Workers' Compensation (Pam Ambles): Proposed revisions to Ordinance 2013-159 to maintain 100% salary continuation for injured employees but with new tenure requirement (1 year), reduced benefit hours (from 512/696 to 480/576 to align with FMLA), and penalties for missed appointments or refusal of light duty. Commissioner Hambrick questioned the 100% rate and double-dipping; Ms. Ambles clarified that overtime and leave cannot be used concurrently. The policy will be considered at the May 6 regular business meeting, with grandfathered status for current employees.
• Facilities Master Plan Services (Sizemore Group, presented by Lily Varius): A comprehensive plan covering demographic projections, facility assessments, and recommendations. Key recommendations: renovate libraries, build a new police station near Lake Spivey, and construct two three-story buildings at the administrative complex (housing central services, tax assessor, community development, tax commissioner) at an estimated $61 million construction cost ($100 million total project cost). Also recommended updating the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (last done in 2008). Commissioner Davis questioned cost estimates pre-tariff, and Commissioner Reeves noted the tie-in to the upcoming SPLOSS 2026 referendum.
• Historic Rex Mill Village Small Area Planning Proposal (Mary Darby, Community Development; Carrie Stevens, ARC): A small area plan for an Arts and Entertainment District around the historic Rex Mill. Recommendations include pursuing a local historic district (overlay), exploring a new National Register district, updating zoning, and creating bike/pedestrian connections. The county owns significant land along the creek that could be used for passive parks. Board members expressed enthusiastic support. Next steps: engage property owners, develop overlay, and return for formal approval.
• NACo Legislative Conference Summary (Erica Rock, Office of Economic Development): Provided a recap of the National Association of Counties legislative conference in Washington, D.C. Highlighted cost-saving programs like NACo Edge and CashVest, grant opportunities, and the importance of protecting tax-exempt municipal bonds. Chairwoman Anderson-Henry noted future conferences in Philadelphia and the value of meeting federal officials.
• Sublease with Positive Impact Health Centers (Catherine Monroe, Interim District Health Director): Clayton County Health District proposes to sublease approximately 6,000 square feet at 1117 Battle Creek to Positive Impact Health Centers to operate the HIV treatment clinic. Current patients (~300) and staff will transition to Positive Impact. The proposed rent is $30,000 per year. Commissioners expressed concern that the rate may be too low and requested a market-rate assessment. The sublease is still being finalized.

Key Outcomes

• The Proposal for Public Budget Hearing and Civil Service Rule 11.311 are scheduled for a vote at the April 15, 2025 regular business meeting.
• The Salary Paid In Lieu of Workers' Compensation policy revisions will be considered at the May 6, 2025 regular business meeting.
• The Facilities Master Plan and Rex Mill Village Small Area Plan received broad board support; staff will proceed with further development and cost analysis.
• The Sublease with Positive Impact Health Centers will undergo further negotiation on rental terms before being brought back for approval.
• Three agenda items were removed from the preliminary agenda for April 15: Item 3 (SPLOSS), Item 8 (Juvenile court budget amendments), with explanations to be provided at that meeting.