OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Finance Audit and Budget Committee Meeting - February 25, 2026

Board of Commissioners & Committees — Wednesday, February 25, 2026
BodyDekalb County, Georgia
SessionBoard of Commissioners & Committees
DateWednesday, February 25, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:50:10

Transcript — Verbatim
0:03

All right, good morning, everyone.

0:04

Welcome to our special call, Finance Audit and Budget Committee, chaired by myself, Commissioner Ted Terry.

0:10

We are joined by committee member and um presiding officer Commissioner Shakira Johnson, District 4, and uh District 2 Commissioner Michelle Long Spears will be joining us shortly.

0:20

And we might have a few joining us on the Zoom.

0:22

So um DC TV just give us a wave when anyone else joins.

0:26

Um all right, so we do have mostly budget discussions scheduled for today.

0:31

We have two agenda items that we might knock out first.

0:35

Commissioner, just I think they're pretty straightforward.

0:37

Um so let's just go ahead and start with our meeting minutes from the special call uh February 18th Fab meeting.

0:44

That's agenda item 2026 0407.

0:48

And if those are all in order, I'll take a motion.

0:50

Move to approve item 0407.

0:53

All right, I'll second.

0:55

Seeing no further discussion, all in favor say aye.

0:57

Aye.

0:58

Chair votes aye.

0:59

Motion carries.

1:00

All right, let's go to the the two agenda items.

1:03

Um item 0258.

1:04

This is renewal contract number uh 2000 four eight four, two zero zero zero four eight five, and then same numbers four eighty six, guns, ammunition, and accessories, first renewal option of five options to renew.

1:17

Free use by department of police services and marshal's office.

1:21

Can contract consists of purchasing through the competitively lit SWCs for guns, ammunition, and accessories.

1:28

This request seeks to ratify pre previously provided contract term increase and also requests to exercise the first renewal option through January 7th, 2027 awarded to Gulf States Distributors Incorporated, Dana Safety Supply Incorporated, and Precision Delta Corporation.

1:47

Total amount not to exceed 150,000 dollars.

1:50

And Chief Patrick, come on down welcome.

1:55

Good morning.

1:56

Good morning.

1:57

Yes, this is the first renewal.

1:59

Sorry.

1:59

This is the first renewal of our contract.

2:01

Um as you know, you know, in law enforcement, we have to have guns and ammo.

2:06

Um we are in a good place as far as our our firearms right now, but uh we're working on upgrading those at a later date.

2:13

But this is predominantly for our ammunition for training for deployment uh and the different vendors in order to accomplish all of the things we need in the different types of ammo.

2:23

Um we also use it in our criminal investigations for our ballistic testing.

2:28

When we're testing firearms, we have to have ammo to test those firearms to for comparison and things of that nature as well.

2:35

Okay, great.

2:36

Thank you for that description.

2:37

And um, I see also uh the marshal is here, and that's also that you'll be using that in this contract as well.

2:42

Yes, okay, very good.

2:44

All right, um, Commissioner Johnson, any questions, comments?

2:47

I did just have one question.

2:48

So if we're this is for the first renewal through January 7th, 2027.

2:53

So is the expectation to put this back out to bid?

2:57

Not necessarily for this contract, no, ma'am.

2:59

Okay.

3:00

Understood.

3:01

Thank you.

3:01

That's all.

3:02

Okay.

3:03

All right.

3:04

I'll open the floor for a motion.

3:05

Yes, sir.

3:06

I move to approve item ending in 0258.

3:09

All right, I will second.

3:10

Um all in favor say aye.

3:12

Aye.

3:12

Chair votes aye.

3:13

Motion carries.

3:14

All right, thank you, Chief.

3:15

Thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Budget Equity Analysis█████████████████████21%
Affordable Housing████████████████16%
Public Safety███████████11%
Personnel Matters█████████9%
Animal Welfare███████7%
Community Engagement██████6%
Procedural█████5%
Homelessness████4%
Arts And Culture████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Finance Audit and Budget Committee Meeting - February 25, 2026

The Finance Audit and Budget Committee (FAB) met on February 25, 2026, at 3:00 PM, chaired by Commissioner Ted Terry. The committee reviewed and approved routine items, heard presentations from the Clerk of Superior Court and District Attorney, and discussed the CEO's proposed budget amendments for FY2026, including significant investments in housing, health care, workforce development, public safety, and other county services. The committee voted to recommend the budget amendments to the full Board of Commissioners for approval at the next day's meeting.

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of Minutes: The committee approved the minutes from the Special Call FAB meeting on February 18, 2026 (Agenda Item 2026-0407).
  • Renewal Contract for Guns, Ammunition, and Accessories (Item 0258): Approved the first renewal option (through January 7, 2027) for contracts with Gulf States Distributors, Dana Safety Supply, and Precision Delta Corporation, total not to exceed $150,000. The contract supports the Department of Police Services and Marshal's Office.
  • Change Order for Prosecutor Case Management Software (Item 0293): Approved a $32,000 increase to contract number 2004-72 with Carpel Computer Systems for data migration to the new PBK system, used by the Office of the Solicitor General.

Discussion Items

Clerk of Superior Court Presentation

Deborah DeBerry, Clerk of Superior Court, requested $304,027 for four positions previously funded by a grant that ended in March 2026. These positions support two additional judicial divisions (Divisions 11 and 12) created during COVID. The request was to roll the positions into the operating budget for the full year. The committee discussed revenue projections: $12.6 million in county revenue for FY2026 (conservative estimate), with actual 2025 revenue at $13.2 million. The committee agreed to include the $304,027 in the budget.

CEO's Budget Amendment Overview

COO Zach Williams and CFO TJ presented the CEO's proposed budget amendments, funded by a half-mill rate increase to be voted on in July 2026. Key areas included:

  • Health Care Access: $1.4 million for MedCura Health mobile health unit and funding for Mosaic Health to expand access, especially in light of expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies. Commissioner Messiah noted Grady Hospital's $135 million deficit and urged consideration of additional support.

  • Housing Affordability: Chief Housing Officer Dr. Alan Ferguson outlined a comprehensive strategy involving an annual allocation of $12 million in FY2026 (prorated) and $15 million thereafter, with a long-term bond issuance of $155 million over 8-10 years, expected to leverage over $1 billion in total investment and produce/preserve over 10,000 units. The program is contingent on the millage rate increase. Commissioners expressed strong support, with Commissioner Long Spears clarifying that the budget vote does not commit the board to the millage rate increase in July.

  • Workforce and Economic Development: $1.9 million additional for WorkSource DeKalb, including $600,000 for summer youth employment (expansion to $1.4 million total) and $1.3 million for job training programs (EMT, dental assistant, etc.) to train over 300 residents. Also, $100,000 for Leadership DeKalb (already in base budget).

  • Additional General Fund Investments:

    • $1 million for an Arts Council (under Parks Department).
    • $1 million for voter outreach and education.
    • $1 million for tire recycling program.
    • $780,000 for Tier 1 services through Lifeline Animal Project (spay/neuter, etc.).
    • $200,000 for two paralegal positions to facilitate court cases involving animals (one in County Attorney's office, one under Public Safety).
    • $500,000 for food security initiatives (including $315,000 for Fresh on Deck mobile market expansion and a study).
    • Creation of a Community Inclusion Manager in the CEO's office.

  • Public Safety and Workforce Investments:

    • Fire Rescue salary adjustments: $3.2 million from the fire fund to raise entry-level pay to $55,000, provide a 20% increase for captains, and 10% for ranks above. Also, $648,000 for a housing allowance ($500/month for firefighters living in county) and zero-premium health insurance for firefighters.
    • Increase county minimum wage to $19/hour (from $17.68).
    • $500,000 for an interfaith community immersion program.

  • District Attorney Budget: District Attorney Sherry Boston requested $380,836 for five positions: two operations, one digital forensics, one HR, and one receptionist. The committee supported the request.

  • Other Departmental Amendments: Included funding for libraries landscape transition plan ($383,000), wellness coordinator ($100,000), additional arborist, engineering position for bike/ped infrastructure, replacement van for senior center, and various software and equipment requests.

Key Outcomes

  • Motion to Approve Budget Amendments: The committee voted to recommend the budget amendments as discussed, including the Clerk's $304,027, DA's $380,836, and the $315,000 for Fresh on Deck food security program. The motion carried with all committee members voting aye.
  • Next Steps: The full Board of Commissioners will consider the budget amendments at the BOC meeting on February 26, 2026. The half-mill rate increase will be voted on separately in July 2026.
  • Future Discussions: The committee noted plans for a joint session on animal cruelty case processing, a CIP list by summer, and continued updates on housing and health care initiatives through the PECS committee.

Meeting Transcript

All right, good morning, everyone. Welcome to our special call, Finance Audit and Budget Committee, chaired by myself, Commissioner Ted Terry. We are joined by committee member and um presiding officer Commissioner Shakira Johnson, District 4, and uh District 2 Commissioner Michelle Long Spears will be joining us shortly. And we might have a few joining us on the Zoom. So um DC TV just give us a wave when anyone else joins. Um all right, so we do have mostly budget discussions scheduled for today. We have two agenda items that we might knock out first. Commissioner, just I think they're pretty straightforward. Um so let's just go ahead and start with our meeting minutes from the special call uh February 18th Fab meeting. That's agenda item 2026 0407. And if those are all in order, I'll take a motion. Move to approve item 0407. All right, I'll second. Seeing no further discussion, all in favor say aye. Aye. Chair votes aye. Motion carries. All right, let's go to the the two agenda items. Um item 0258. This is renewal contract number uh 2000 four eight four, two zero zero zero four eight five, and then same numbers four eighty six, guns, ammunition, and accessories, first renewal option of five options to renew. Free use by department of police services and marshal's office. Can contract consists of purchasing through the competitively lit SWCs for guns, ammunition, and accessories. This request seeks to ratify pre previously provided contract term increase and also requests to exercise the first renewal option through January 7th, 2027 awarded to Gulf States Distributors Incorporated, Dana Safety Supply Incorporated, and Precision Delta Corporation. Total amount not to exceed 150,000 dollars. And Chief Patrick, come on down welcome. Good morning. Good morning. Yes, this is the first renewal. Sorry. This is the first renewal of our contract. Um as you know, you know, in law enforcement, we have to have guns and ammo. Um we are in a good place as far as our our firearms right now, but uh we're working on upgrading those at a later date. But this is predominantly for our ammunition for training for deployment uh and the different vendors in order to accomplish all of the things we need in the different types of ammo. Um we also use it in our criminal investigations for our ballistic testing. When we're testing firearms, we have to have ammo to test those firearms to for comparison and things of that nature as well. Okay, great. Thank you for that description. And um, I see also uh the marshal is here, and that's also that you'll be using that in this contract as well. Yes, okay, very good. All right, um, Commissioner Johnson, any questions, comments? I did just have one question. So if we're this is for the first renewal through January 7th, 2027. So is the expectation to put this back out to bid? Not necessarily for this contract, no, ma'am. Okay. Understood. Thank you. That's all. Okay. All right.

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