Clayton County Commissioner's Work Session - September 8, 2026
Clayton County Commissioner's Work Session - September 8, 2026
The Clayton County Board of Commissioners held a work session on September 8, 2026, at 5:30 PM. Only one commissioner was present initially, later joined by Commissioner Hambrick. The meeting covered three main agenda items: the Fresh Hope mobile hygiene program, the 2027 employee benefits plan, and a proposed cell tower development program. No votes were taken; the session was for discussion and information gathering.
Discussion Items
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Fresh Hope Lather and Load Program: Brandy Cousin Sims and other representatives from Leadership Clayton class of 2026 presented the Fresh Hope initiative, which provides mobile showers, restrooms, and laundry services to unhoused and underhoused individuals. They reported that at their first event on July 11, 2026, eight individuals were permanently housed within 16 days. At a subsequent event on August 15, 2026, they served 27 showers and 40 families with laundry, with over 150 total participants. The program partners with Hearts to Nourish Hope, Ujima Wade, and others. They requested a board endorsement, not funding, and asked for support to establish intergovernmental agreements with municipalities. Commissioners asked about sustainability beyond the Leadership Clayton class and were told the group is seeking 501c3 status and partnering with Hearts to Nourish Hope. The board indicated they would consider the request.
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2027 Benefits Plan Year: HR Director Pam Ambles and consultants from Marsh McClellan Agency (MMA) presented the 2027 employee benefits renewals. Medical trends projected a $2 million increase, partially offset by moderate plan changes. Proposed changes include increasing the low deductible plan deductibles from $1,000/$2,000 to $1,500/$3,000, raising out-of-pocket maximums, and increasing the spousal surcharge from $50 to $75 per month. The United Healthcare self-funded medical plan initially showed a 16% increase but was reduced to about 10% with plan changes. The Kaiser plan had a 5% increase initially, expected to lower after matching plan changes. Medicare plans for retirees had modest increases. The wellness platform will transition from Sonic Boom to Wellable, saving $57,800 annually, with a new quantum health front door. The dental plan will add adult orthodontia, increasing costs by $90,000. Commissioners emphasized the need to communicate changes to employees and noted the conflict between a 2% COLA for employees and rising healthcare costs. No vote was taken; formal action will occur at the next meeting.
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Clayton County Cell Tower Program: Director Mendoza introduced Matt Forkas from Milestone Towers, who proposed a program to develop cell towers on county-owned properties to address coverage gaps and generate revenue. Milestone would finance, construct, and manage the towers at no cost to the county. A 40-year ground lease was proposed, but the county attorney noted that the board cannot commit to a straight 40-year term; typical structures involve initial terms with renewal options. Revenue estimates: $12,000 per year for the first tenant, $9,500 for each additional tenant (three major carriers), plus a one-time $30,000 site payment at construction. The tower footprint would be 50x50 feet. Milestone agreed to hold town hall meetings for community input. Commissioners questioned the lease term, potential impact on future county development, and the need for competitive bidding. The presentation was informational.
Key Outcomes
- No formal votes were taken during the work session.
- The Fresh Hope program was presented for consideration; the board will deliberate further.
- The 2027 benefits plan changes and wellness platform transition will be placed on a future agenda for a vote.
- The cell tower program proposal will be reviewed for legal and procurement requirements before potential action.
Meeting Transcript
Commissioner's work session is now called to order. The time is 5 30 p.m. and the date is September 8th, 2026. We don't have any board members up here at this time, so I'm gonna keep going. I'm the loan board member, but I I know Commissioner Hamburg is on the way as well. Um I'll come back to the preliminary items for September 15th, and then we'll move on to the agenda items. Um, item one and five, um, ladies and gentlemen will not be discussed tonight. So we will move on to item two, which is the Fresh Hope program. And you all can come on up. And that's from um you you guys are from uh Clayton Leadership Leadership Clayton. I was about to say, I was about to name y'all something else. Leadership Clayton through the chamber. Hi, good evening. Good evening. So good evening, um, Madam Chairwoman, county leadership staff, and residents of Clayton County. My name is Brandy Cousin, and I am here on behalf of Leadership Clayton class of 2026, our group three. And just want to thank you for the opportunity to share the work of Fresh Hope Lather and Load. So Fresh Hope Lather and Load is a countywide activation designed to provide mobile showers, restrooms, and laundry services to unhoused and under housed individuals and families throughout Clayton County. Our cohort is committed to strengthening Clayton County through dignity-centered, community-rooted solutions that align with the county's priorities around economic opportunity, quality of life, and mobility. You can move to the next slide. At Fresh Hope Lather and Load, our mission is simple but meaningful to restore dignity, renew hope by providing sanitary, accessible showers, and laundry services to those in need. And at the heart of this project is a commitment to serve with compassion and to create a safe space where people feel seen, clean, valued, and supported. Fresh Hope Lather and Load is not just a leadership Clayton class project. It is a proven initiative designed to meet residents where they are with immediate compassion and practical support. And at its core, Fresh Hope provides mobile showers, restrooms, and laundry services. But the greater impact comes from the support system that surrounds those services. When a resident comes to wash clothes, take a shower, or access basic hygiene, we are also able to connect them with resources, partners, and people who can help move them towards stability. Next slide. Through partners such as Hearts to Nourish Hope, Ujima Wade, the Paula Crane Center, Brightmore Hospice, Eagles Landing Baptist Church in Henry County, and our Fresh Hope, our Fresh Hope volunteer team. We are building a barrier-free hub for stability, dignity, and economic mobility. I also want to emphasize that Fresh Hope is intentionally supporting small businesses right here in our region and the surrounding communities. Our laundry detergent partner, True Detergent, is a black-owned company-based in College Park. They provide detergent for each of our Fresh Hope events at no cost, and we proudly amplify their brand as part of our commitment to economic mobility, entrepreneurship, and local business growth. Fresh Hope is not only helping stabilize families, it is also strengthening the local economy, partner with businesses that reflect the diversity, leadership, and resilience of our community. Next slide. More than 100 residents with laundry services, and more than 200 participants who assessed supportive resources. At our first Fresh Hope Day event on July 11th, eight individuals from Calvary Refuge came simply to wash their clothes. While they waited for their laundry, we connected them with Hearts to Nourish Hope, who then invited them to attend their breakthrough retreat on July 27th. Just 16 days later, all eight individuals were permanently housed. Again, that was just in 16 days. That's awesome. That is the power of Fresh Hope Lather and Load. When we remove barriers and bring essential services directly to people, we do more than meet an immediate need. We open doors to stability, restore dignity, and create real pathways to long-term economic mobility. So Clayton County is facing an urgent and interconnected challenge. In addition to housing instability, many families are navigating limited food access, transportation barriers, and the daily stress of choosing between basic needs. Fresh Hope is positioned to respond to these needs in a practical, visible, and partnership-driven way. Because of the work we have already demonstrated to you, Fresh Hope has been asked to partner with the Atlanta Community Food Bank and the Clayton County Public Schools Homeless Education Department. That tells us that this initiative is not only needed, it is trusted. Next slide.
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