Clayton County Board of Commissioners Regular Business Meeting - September 1, 2026

The Clayton County Board of Commissioners held its regular business meeting on September 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM, adjourning at 7:53 PM. The meeting included invocation, pledge, adoption of the agenda with two emergency additions from Central Services (contract extensions for River's Edge walking trail and Fire Station 15), presentations and proclamations, public comments, consent and regular agenda items, board appointments, and an executive session on litigation and real estate. The board approved a consent agenda of 22 routine items, debated and defeated a travel expense management software purchase, approved a fire truck and a telehealth MOU, made several board appointments, and approved two legal settlements and a resolution objecting to a City of Hampton annexation.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the August 18, 2026, regular business meeting minutes.
• Contract Amendment RFP #16-42: Renewed ERP system services with UKG Kronos (formerly Kronos) for $77,005.06 for July 26, 2026 – July 25, 2027.
• Contract Amendment RFP #21-04: Changed vendor name from Pieper O’Brien Herr Architects to POH+W Architects.
• Contract Amendment ITB #22-09: Amended Valley Hill Road widening contract with Baldwin Paving Co. for $749,261.34, extending term to July 31, 2027.
• Cooperative Purchase CP #26-153: Purchased a Pierce Custom Aerial fire truck for $1,480,000 (item moved to regular agenda, but approved separately). (Note: This item was pulled to regular agenda and approved there; consent agenda included the other items.)
• Cooperative Purchase CP #26-167: Approved cloud migration and annual support for UKG Pro Workforce Management software for $420,280.
• Budget Amendments: BA 2-13 ($1,000 donation for District 1 cookout), BA 4-3 ($1,000,000 SPLOST 2015 for Riverdale Library renovation), BA 4-4 ($170,000 SPLOST 2021 for District 2 Pocket Park), BA 4-5 ($6,000,000 SPLOST 2021 for Public Safety Water Rescue Training Center).
• Resolution 2026-193: Authorized MOU with City of South Fulton for fire training academy clinical experience.
• Resolution 2026-194: Granted easement to Georgia Power at 1740 Flat Shoals Road.
• Resolution 2026-195: Authorized grant application to Thanks Mom and Dad Foundation for Senior Center innovation (up to $2,000 per facility, 37 grants available).
• Resolution 2026-196: Set holiday hours for Parks, Recreation, Senior Services, and Library Services.
• Resolution 2026-197: Authorized telehealth MOU with RightSite Health (pulled to regular agenda, approved there).
• Resolution 2026-198: Removed Lois Hunter from MARTA Citizens Advisory Board for cause.
• Resolution 2026-199: Rescinded removal of certain board members who later submitted required affidavits.
• Resolution 2026-200: Accepted $5,400,000 ARC grant for Tara Boulevard Safety Improvement Project.
• Resolution 2026-201: Accepted $8,000,000 ARC grant for multipurpose transit operations and maintenance facility.
• Resolution 2026-202: Authorized second supplemental GDOT agreement for Tara Boulevard Pedestrian Safety Improvements (total design fee $5,300,000, up to $1,060,000 from 2021 SPLOST).
• Resolution 2026-203: Granted temporary construction easement to Dominion Acquisitions and permanent easement to Water Authority for sewer line at 3199 Anvilblock Road.
• Emergency additions (approved via separate motion): Contract extensions for ITB 24-26B (River’s Edge walking trail, Phase 3 & 4) and ITB 24-113B (Fire Station 15) at no additional cost, through November 2, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Carrie Lewis (District 3): Expressed strong support for law enforcement, stating “personal safety should not be attached to a price tag.” Demanded the board “stay on code” and raise the bar on education and economic opportunity, not settle for the “bare minimum.”
• Juanita Thornton (District 3): Appealed as a homeowner and taxpayer feeling “distressed beyond” by high taxes. Urged approval of more homes in Clayton County to reduce tax burdens, comparing that adjacent counties (Henry, Fayette) pay less tax yet receive more services.
• Charles Brooks (Solicitor General): Expressed disappointment and disgust with the board’s actions. Cited that on June 16, 2026, his request for two positions (litigation support specialist, investigative assistant, total $141,822) was denied due to lack of funds, yet the board later approved a new position for the county attorney’s office costing $173,030. He argued this was inconsistent and unfair. Demanded the positions be funded at mid-year budget review.
• Dr. Henry Anderson (District 3): Commended Commissioner Allen’s presence, stating had she been present two weeks ago, Solicitor Brooks would have gotten his staff. Praised the HR Director and team for a successful Employee Gratitude Day on August 28, 2026. Also praised the grants administrator for a Fox 5 news segment on the down payment assistance program. Corrected his earlier statement that all public safety employees received a 10% raise; clarified it was only sworn and POST-certified personnel, plus two from E-911. Promised to address code enforcement issues at future meetings.
• Dr. Marla Thompson Kendall: Commended the board for swiftly acting on a name change (not specified further) and thanked Commissioner Allen for support.
• China McLean (District 2): Shared deep disappointment in the justice system regarding her son’s murder case. Noted one defendant was apprehended in Kentucky after three years, but she was not notified of extradition or first appearance. The other defendant, out on bond, was incarcerated in Florida for 226 days before release without her knowledge. She criticized officials for lack of compassion and accountability.
• Mickey Garber (Unincorporated Rex): Encouraged support for local businesses and entrepreneurs, highlighting magazines that promote Clayton County’s food, film, and tourism. Suggested the board issue proclamations for such publications.
• David Hambrick (State House District 79): Urged residents who appealed property taxes to check for Board of Equalization hearing letters. Noted Forest Park passed a 90-day moratorium on data centers, citing unanswered questions about long-term viability and potential for abandoned properties. Called for written commitments before approving data centers.
• Simeon Nunnley & Caleb Jones (DOT youth): Thanked the board for engagement. Caleb Jones, a 4-year DOT employee, raised three issues: difficulty recruiting young workers due to low starting pay; lack of covered equipment storage leading to weather damage; and the need to promote DOT as a career with benefits. Suggested investing in youth recruitment to avoid losing them to warehouses or prisons.
• Senator Gail Davenport (8170 Field Road, Jonesboro): Complained that campaign signs on her own property (near International Park) are repeatedly removed by unknown parties. She asked the board to stop the removal, noting each sign costs $200 to replace. She had previously raised the issue in June and July. Commissioner Hambrick suggested checking park cameras. Senator Davenport requested the issue be put on record.

Discussion Items

• Item 5 – Travel and Expense Management Software (GSA #26-148): CFO Jack presented the proposal to purchase software as a service from Carahsoft Technology Corp. for $98,662 total ($27,504 per year plus set-up fees). He argued the system would improve compliance with the county travel policy and achieve cost savings through better rates on hotels, flights, and rental cars. The travel budget for FY2026 was over $1 million. Commissioner Hambrick questioned why the county could not train existing staff to enforce compliance rather than pay for software, and noted that early conference registration already offers discounts. The motion to approve failed on a voice vote (nays).
• Item 6 – Purchase of Pierce Custom Aerial Fire Truck (CP #26-153): The fire department requested approval to purchase a 107-foot ladder truck for $1,480,000 using a cooperative contract. The chief explained this is a different type of truck from the six traditional engines purchased in FY2025. The motion approved unanimously.
• Item 16 – Telehealth MOU with RightSite Health (Resolution 2026-197): Fire Chief Tim Sweat explained that the MOU would allow fire/EMS to offer telehealth consultations with physicians for non-emergency patients met during 911 calls. Patients who consent and are uninsured would not be billed; insured patients would be billed through their insurance. The county incurs no cost. Commissioner Davis asked about liability and confirmation that physicians have malpractice insurance. The chief confirmed they do. The motion approved unanimously.
• Emergency Additions (discussed during agenda adoption): Central Services requested two contract extensions: (1) ITB 24-26B for River’s Edge walking trail (Phase 3 & 4, vendor Pride Contracted Inc.) extended to November 2, 2026, at no additional cost; (2) ITB 24-113B for Fire Station 15 (vendor Grant Construction Co. 2) extended to November 2, 2026. Both were approved without objection.

Key Outcomes

• Item 5 Failed: The motion to approve the travel expense management software purchase (GSA #26-148) was defeated on a voice vote (nays majority). The board directed the CFO to provide a list of past non-compliance issues for further review.
• Item 6 Approved: Purchase of Pierce Custom Aerial fire truck ($1,480,000) approved.
• Item 16 Approved: Telehealth MOU with RightSite Health approved.
• Board Appointments:
  • Board of Zoning Appeals: Larry Bussey reappointed (term expires September 15, 2029).
  • Library Board of Trustees: Chrishana Davis appointed (term expires May 20, 2028).
  • MARTA Citizens Advisory Board: Carey Lewis appointed (term expires April 5, 2027).
  • MARTA Transit Authority Board: Valencia Williamson reappointed (term expires December 30, 2026).
  • Sports & Entertainment Council: Held until September 15, 2026 meeting.
  • Tourism Authority Board: Myla Chapman reappointed (term expires August 31, 2030).
  • Tourism Authority Board: Lynda Browning reappointed (term expires August 31, 2030).
  • View Point Health Board (three at-large positions): Held until September 15, 2026, pending request for role description.
  • Zoning Advisory Group (Commissioner Reaves’ appointment): Held until September 15, 2026.
  • Zoning Advisory Group (Commissioner Davis’ appointment): Arnold Goodson reappointed (term expires September 2, 2029).
• Resolutions Approved:
  • Resolution 2026-204: Objected to City of Hampton’s proposed annexation and rezoning requests. The board voted to approve the resolution, authorizing the county to submit an official response.
• Settlement Agreements Approved: Two settlements totaling $435,850: $23,350 for a traffic accident case (Tommy Jones vs. county) and $412,500 for an auto accident case (Kim Bemby Mayemba vs. county and Sheriff).
• Executive Session: The board entered executive session for litigation and real estate matters.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 7:53 PM.