Clayton County Board of Commissioners Work Session - February 16, 2026

The Clayton County Board of Commissioners held a work session on February 16, 2026, to discuss several items including local assistance block grants, economic development advisory services, code enforcement reorganization, jail bond timing, and funding diversification strategies. The session was informational in nature, with board members providing direction for staff to proceed on several items.

Preliminary Items for February 17, 2026 Meeting

• Commissioner asked about a special use permit fee for a collaborative firm providing senior services; staff explained the fee waiver was not applicable as the use was not directly a county service.
• Discussion on a cell tower item (agenda #28) regarding community meeting location; staff noted a new meeting could be required if the cycle restarts.

Local Assistance Block Grants

• Interim CFO Angela Jackson presented the grant process. In FY26, the county allocated approximately $1.9 million (including funds for community service board and board of health). The board discussed whether to continue funding in FY27, limit eligibility, use constituent aides as evaluators, and modify scoring criteria.
• Outcome: The board agreed to proceed with the same eligibility criteria as last year (allowing governmental entities and 501(c)(3) organizations). The funding amount will be determined during the FY27 budget process. Commissioner Davis suggested a 20% reduction, but no decision was made on the amount. The board also expressed interest in providing a digital application option.

Economic Development Advisory Support Services – POND & Company

• POND & Company presented their 90-day plan for economic development advisory support. The plan focuses on three areas: foundation (data gathering, operational assessment), attraction (marketing county-owned sites), and retention (business retention and expansion visits).
• The team includes experts in transportation, airport relations, planning, and leadership development. A peer city tour (considering Memphis, Charlotte, or Washington, D.C.) is planned for October/November 2026.
• Commissioners asked about alignment with existing departments, targeted sites in their districts, and inclusion of workforce development. The board took no formal action but encouraged continued work.

Code Enforcement Reorganization

• COO Detrick Stanford presented four structural options for code enforcement: public safety model, community development model, standalone compliance department, or hybrid model. The discussion highlighted strengths and weaknesses of each.
• Police Chief Roberts and Warden Amy stated their willingness to support whichever structure the board chooses. Warden Amy suggested creating a dedicated code enforcement court with a part-time judge.
• Outcome: After discussion, the board decided to allow Warden Amy (who has been in the role for two months) time to develop a plan to improve code enforcement under corrections, including addressing weekend/night enforcement and repeat violators. The COO will coordinate a follow-up presentation involving line staff and stakeholders.

Timing Decision for Jail Bonds

• Financial Advisor Ed Wall presented the option to issue $60 million in general obligation bonds (approved by voters) early. Issuing in April 2026 would cost about $794,000 net after interest earnings on invested proceeds, or 1.2% of the bond amount.
• Outcome: The board directed staff to begin the RFP process for jail improvements and proceed with bond issuance when market conditions are favorable, likely after potential rate cuts. No formal vote was taken but consensus was to move forward.

Funding Streams Diversification – Special Service Districts

• Ed Wall explained the legal framework for special service districts (SSDs), citing examples from other Georgia jurisdictions. An SSD could be created for non-residential properties, generating an estimated $7.42 million per mill.
• Commissioners discussed using SSDs for targeted areas (e.g., Tara Boulevard) and the need to monitor state legislation (SB 382/581) that could limit property taxes. The board did not make a decision but expressed interest in further exploration.

Key Outcomes

• The board agreed to continue the local assistance block grant process with current eligibility and to consider digital applications.
• Code enforcement will remain under corrections for now, with a plan for improvement to be presented later.
• Staff were directed to start the procurement process for jail improvements and to move forward with bond issuance.
• The discussion on special service districts will continue as a potential future revenue tool.