Clayton County Board of Commissioners Regular Business Meeting – August 18, 2026

The Clayton County Board of Commissioners held its regular business meeting on August 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting covered a wide range of items including proclamations, public comments, consent agenda approvals, budget amendments, personnel requests, zoning and land use public hearings, and an executive session.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the August 4, 2026, regular business meeting minutes.
• Approved a monthly report of contracts, contract modifications, and change orders.
• Approved a contract amendment for the Architectural, Engineering and Design panel (RFP #21-04) to extend terms for one year with an additional one-year renewal.
• Approved the revised Summary Plan Description and Acceptance Letter for employee benefits insurance brokerage services (RFP #23-14) with Marsh McLennan Agency, LLC.
• Ratified an emergency purchase (EP #23-200) for chiller system failure at the Clayton County Correctional Institution in the amount of $282,536.39.
• Approved a contract amendment (ITB #25-26) for District 3 Pocket Park and Phase 1 Early Site Package with a credit of ($88,939.69).
• Approved a contract amendment (ITB #25-130) for District 2 Pocket Park for $16,042.21.
• Awarded a home delivered meals contract (RFP #26-68) to Open Hand Atlanta, Inc. at $221,173.40 per year.
• Approved a service and maintenance agreement for police cameras (SP #26-125) with Utility Associates, Inc. totaling $2,966,920.00 over five years.
• Ratified an emergency purchase (EP #26-144) for a supplemental cooling system at the Clayton County Jail for $81,079.79.
• Awarded a sole source contract (SS# 26-145) for the BrassTrax Integrated Ballistic Identification System with Leadsonline, LLC for $287,893.07.
• Approved a cooperative purchase (CP# 26-155) for public safety uniforms and accessories from NAFECO for $317,100.00.
• Approved multiple budget amendments: FY26 2-64 ($1,990,905 for Sheriff's Office), 2-65 ($8,542,753), 2-66 ($283,807), 2-67 ($179,559), 2-68 ($4,087), 2-69 ($2,049,162 for URA bond debt service), 2-70 ($5,703,228), 2-05 ($140,094 for FIFA activation sites), 2-08 ($11,146), FY27 2-09 ($44,068), 2-10 ($1,000 donation), 2-11 ($343,000), 2-12 ($2,055,977).
• Approved a cash bond refund of $500 to Troy Shaw.
• Approved a street acceptance for Baxley Park Subdivision Phase 1 (55 lots: 37 single-family and 18 duplex units) at 7286 Mt Zion Blvd.
• Approved Resolution 2026-183 establishing a fee structure for outside counsel at $350 per hour.
• Approved Resolution 2026-184 authorizing an agreement with the FAA for a weather data station at Fire Station #9.
• Approved Resolution 2026-185 authorizing a MOU with Get AI-Fluent, LLC for community education on AI.
• Approved Resolution 2026-186 authorizing a MOU with Helping Mamas to distribute diapers and period products through the Library System.
• Approved Resolution 2026-187 granting an easement to Georgia Power for the District 3 Pocket Park.
• Approved Resolution 2026-188 converting 0.22 acres of county property at 200 Valley Hill Road to right-of-way.
• Approved Resolution 2026-189 authorizing submission of the 2025 CAPER report to HUD.
• Approved Resolution 2026-190 authorizing a fee schedule for civilian use of the police shooting range.
• Approved Resolution 2026-191 authorizing a permanent and temporary construction easement with Clayton County Water Authority for Camp Creek Outfall Phase 1.
• Approved Resolution 2026-192 authorizing removal of board and authority appointees who failed to return residency affidavits.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tanya Jean Funny (District 3) expressed concerns about the City of Lovejoy’s annexation process, alleging that property owners were not properly advised and requesting an investigation and deannexation.
• Orlando Gooding (District 3) criticized the $140,000 spent on a FIFA watch event at the arena, claiming attendance was far lower than reported and calling the expenditure a waste of money.
• Kathy Taylor and Brad Taylor (Avalon Mobile Home Park owners) spoke in opposition to the proposed cell tower (items 46 & 47), citing potential negative impacts on property values, safety, and the character of their residential community.
• Teresa Talley (District 3) raised concerns about county infrastructure neglect, including overgrown grass, abandoned buildings, and delayed road projects, and urged stronger code enforcement.
• Mickey Garber (unincorporated Rex) called for financial projections to be required before county funds are spent on events, referencing the FIFA watch event and past spending.
• Dr. Henry Anderson (District 3 constituent) praised the successful back-to-school event, the new fire headquarters, Senior Services events, and a GIS award. He later spoke in opposition to the cell tower and the moratorium exemption for senior housing.
• Olga Rodriguez (District 3, mother of a murder victim) expressed frustration with the District Attorney’s office for not meeting with her and failing to adequately explain how a suspect with a violent history was allowed to move through the system.

Discussion Items

• Item 18 – Budget Amendment FY26 2-69: Transferred $2,049,162 for URA bond principal and interest. Commissioner Davis asked for project details. Approved unanimously.
• Item 20 – Budget Amendment 2-05: Carried forward $140,094 for FIFA activation sites at Gerald Matthews Sports Complex and The Arena at Southlake. Commissioner Davis questioned why it was not in FY26; CFO explained the activities occurred in July (FY27). Approved after a motion and second.
• Item 27 – Allocation of Senior Staff Attorney: Human Resources Director Pam Ambles and Chief Staff Attorney Chuck Reed presented the request for a senior staff attorney (Grade 38/Step 9, salary $127,845, total cost $173,030) to handle complex litigation and reduce outside counsel costs. Commissioner Reaves raised concerns about fairness and consistency with budget processes, but after discussion the board approved 4-0.
• Item 39 – Ordinance 2026-172: Second read of a home rule amendment to define official action of the Board as an affirmative vote of a majority of a quorum. Approved unanimously.
• Item 40 – Board Appointment: Sports & Entertainment Council: Commissioner Allen held the appointment to the September 1 meeting.
• Item 41 – Board Appointment: Zoning Advisory Group: A full-board appointment was made (name not specified in transcript). Approved.
• Item 42 – Board Appointment: Board of Zoning Appeals: Commissioner Reaves appointed Ronnie Marshall Jr. Approved.
• Public Hearing 43-44 – Cullen Drive Rezoning (FLUM and Rezone from GB to RTH): Applicant requested a 60-day deferral. Commissioner Davis moved to table to October 20, 2026. Approved.
• Public Hearing 45 – Commercial Parking Lot CUP: Applicant (Attorney Michelle Battle) requested tabling to October 20, 2026. Approved.
• Public Hearing 46 & 47 – Cell Tower CUP and Setback Variance at 6195 Lees Mill Rd: Applicant (Maverick Becker, consultant) argued the tower was needed for AT&T to improve coverage and FirstNet capability. Opponents (Brad and Kathy Taylor, Dr. Anderson) cited safety, proximity to residences, and lack of public benefit. Planning staff and ZAG recommended denial. Commissioner Hambrick moved to deny both items. Both motions carried, with the CUP denied 4-0 and the variance denied 4-0.
• Public Hearing 48 – Starbucks Drive-Thru CUP at 1697 Norman Dr: Applicant (Melanie Kruger) agreed to conditions including a minimum 8-foot sidewalk, outdoor seating with umbrellas, and two EV charging stations. Planning staff recommended approval. Commissioner Hambrick moved to approve with conditions. Approved unanimously.
• Public Hearing 49 – Moratorium Exemption for Senior Housing (Dominium Acquisitions): Applicant (Attorney Michelle Battle) requested exemption from the residential moratorium to submit a site plan for a 190-unit senior independent living community at Bouldercrest Rd and Anvil Block Rd. She noted that the PUD change was approved before the moratorium and that the project would use low-income housing tax credits. Opponents (Dr. Anderson, Mickey Garber, Sherelle Barner) argued the moratorium should be upheld and infrastructure could not support the density. Commissioner Reaves supported the exemption, citing the need for affordable senior housing and noting that the project would bring retail. The board approved the exemption 4-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved in its entirety.
• Budget Amendments: All items approved (items 18 and 20 individually, others as part of consent).
• Senior Staff Attorney: Allocated (approved 4-0).
• Ordinance 2026-172: Approved (second read).
• Board Appointments: ZAG appointment approved; BZA appointment (Ronnie Marshall Jr.) approved; Sports & Entertainment Council held.
• Cullen Drive Rezoning (43-44): Tabled to October 20, 2026.
• Commercial Parking Lot CUP (45): Tabled to October 20, 2026.
• Cell Tower CUP (46): Denied.
• Cell Tower Setback Variance (47): Denied.
• Starbucks Drive-Thru CUP (48): Approved with conditions (sidewalk, outdoor seating, EV charging).
• Moratorium Exemption (49): Approved for Dominium Acquisitions to submit a site development plan for senior housing.
• Executive Session: Held for real estate, litigation, and personnel. After reconvening, the board considered a salary adjustment for Chief of Staff Ketra Finn (to $123,169.58) to create parity with DA and Solicitor General offices. The motion failed 2-2 (Commissioners Davis and Reaves opposed? The transcript shows