Clayton County Board of Commissioners Meeting – February 12, 2026

The Clayton County Board of Commissioners convened on February 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included presentations, public comments, consent agenda approval, discussion on fire apparatus purchase, personnel actions, and settlement approvals. The meeting adjourned at 9:20 PM.

Presentations & Proclamations

• Veteran of the Month: Specialist Tamara M. Lawrence was honored for her U.S. Army service and community contributions.
• Proclamation for American Legion Post 258: Recognized for serving Jonesboro and Clayton County since 1959, including youth and veteran programs.
• ARC Regional Excellence Award: Clayton County, along with the cities of Jonesboro and Lovejoy, received the Atlanta Regional Commission's award for the Terra Boulevard LCI (Livable Centers Initiative) study. The $400,000 grant-funded study covers 11 miles and 5,600 acres, identifying three redevelopment nodes. The county is developing a sign ordinance for the corridor. Chairwoman noted $64.5 million in trails funding to connect to the BeltLine.

Consent Calendar

• Routine Approvals: The consent agenda was approved unanimously, with item 14 moved to the regular agenda per a commissioner’s request. (No additional consent items detailed in the transcript.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Peter Friedrich (Fulton County): Warned against Senate Bill 375, arguing its definition of “Hindophobia” is vague and could be weaponized to chill criticism of the Indian government. He cited foreign agent connections to the bill’s sponsors.
• Sabrina Hill (Jonesboro): Thanked the board for funding Calvary Refuge and other nonprofits. Called for a coordinated countywide food distribution in light of SNAP/WIC uncertainties. Chairwoman noted ongoing food drives at schools and churches.
• Henry Anderson (Unincorporated Clayton County): Commended Chairwoman Dr. Alika Anderson Henry for her engagement, State of the County, and transportation summit events.
• Trella Daniels (District 1): Spoke on behalf of unhoused residents, urging continued funding for Calvary Refuge. Shared stories of individuals facing housing loss. Chairwoman affirmed a plan to address homelessness.
• Tamara Lawrence (College Park): Thanked the board for the veteran recognition and expressed pride in serving the county.
• Joan McNeil (Student Navigator, Clayton County Public Schools): Announced November as Homelessness Awareness Month, urging support for students experiencing homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act.
• Jerion Hawes (District 3): Presented the “We Are Clayton” magazine, highlighting positive community stories. She offered copies to commissioners.
• Teresa Talley (District 3): Criticized the prolonged closure (since 2024) of the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office in Clayton County due to mold and pipe issues. Urged the board to find a new location or accelerate repairs. Chairwoman noted state involvement in repairs.
• Mickey Garber (Unincorporated Rex): Encouraged celebration of the county’s founding (November 30, 1870) and focused on cleanliness and community well-being.

Discussion Items

• Personnel – Planning Administrator Salary Adjustment (Item 14): HR Director Pamela Ambles requested setting entry compensation for a planning administrator from Grade 27 Step 1 to Grade 33 Step 1, costing approximately $29,000. The position was already budgeted at the higher amount due to the previous incumbent’s salary. Approved.
• Cooperative Purchase of Six Fire Pumpers (Item 24): The board debated purchasing six fire trucks. Chief Tim Sweat recommended buying one outright using $889,000 from the fire fund and financing the remaining five. Financial advisor Mr. Walls explained that to lock in pricing and avoid a 1% manufacturer increase ($50,000), purchase approval was needed that night. Financing options (Truist at 3.88% vs. PNC at 3.82%, with prepayment considerations) would be decided later. The board voted to approve the purchase only, leaving financing for future discussion. Passed unanimously.
• Ordinance 2025-243 – Civil Service System Amendment (Item 25): First read of an ordinance to add department directors back into the civil service system. Attorney Reed noted this is a two-step process; the second read will occur at the next regular meeting. Approved as first read.
• Executive Session: The board entered executive session to discuss litigation and personnel. No details disclosed.
• Post-Executive Session Actions:
  • Deputy Court Clerk Supervisor Hire: Approved hiring Latoria Marzale at Grade 21 Step 15 ($58,022), a cost of $10,388 above entry step.
  • Building & Maintenance Director Hire: Approved hiring Mr. Mendoza, effective November 8, 2025 (date as per transcript, but meeting date is February 12, 2026 – possible date discrepancy). Mendoza expressed gratitude.
• Settlement Agreements: Approved two settlements: $55,000 for an auto accident (July 7, 2024) and $155,000 for an accident on Roberts Drive (October 8, 2021), with budget amendments authorized.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Purchase of six fire pumpers (financing terms to be determined later).
• Approved: Ordinance 2025-243 (first read) to amend civil service rules.
• Approved: Personnel actions – planning administrator reclassification, deputy court clerk supervisor hire, building and maintenance director hire.
• Approved: Two settlement agreements totaling $210,000.
• Public Comments: All speakers were heard; the 30-minute limit was enforced, with remaining speakers deferred to the next meeting.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 9:20 PM.