OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

DeKalb County Committee of the Whole Meeting Summary - March 26, 2026

Board of Commissioners & Committees — Thursday, March 26, 2026
BodyDekalb County, Georgia
SessionBoard of Commissioners & Committees
DateThursday, March 26, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:37:27

Transcript — Verbatim
0:04

Good morning, everybody, and welcome to the committee of the whole.

0:08

I'm your presiding officer in com District 4 Commissioner Shaira Johnson.

0:12

Today is Thursday, March 26th.

0:15

We're in for a very long day today.

0:17

Um so we will get going in the agenda with our committee reports.

0:22

Mr.

0:22

Fab Chair, if you will kick us off.

0:25

Thank you, Madam Presiding Officer.

0:26

The Fab Committee met uh earlier this week, uh Tuesday, March 24th.

0:32

Joined by myself, Commissioner Michelle Longspears and Commissioner Shekira Johnson.

0:37

Also in attendance uh was Commissioner Patrick.

0:40

Uh we did receive our first um set of the quarterly financial statements from Director McNabb.

0:47

And so she'll be coming back at the next meeting to finish up the um the full report uh once the the budget is uh closed out from last year.

0:57

We also had Ms.

0:58

CISA go over the um operational assessment and went through a couple of the recommended uh implementation um uh sort of matrix uh charts and things did uh call out in the meeting minutes a couple of the uh recommended um items um for further research and we'll continue to discuss those in future fab meetings.

1:24

We did approve the placeholder agenda item for the tax anticipation note.

1:30

We are um Zach, what are is it what's gonna be the TAN amount?

1:34

Is it 120 150?

1:38

150 150.

1:39

Okay, yeah, so just heads up, Commissioners.

1:41

Um, this will be a larger TAN year than I think we've had, maybe ever.

1:47

Um, due to the fact that we uh have a lot more spending to do this year, so we have to fill in the gaps until the the bulk of the revenues come in through ta uh property taxes.

1:57

So um the next I don't have the schedule in front of me, madam presiding officer, but we'll make sure everyone has it.

2:05

Uh but just anticipate that we'll be having this um uh item come up and fulfill in the blanks when it comes to the full board.

2:14

And then we didn't get into the water customer bill of rights or the um the cab for the people AI Tech Dividend Fund resolutions, uh but we'll plan to pick those up at the next committee meeting.

2:28

And that completes my report.

2:30

Madam Presiding Officer.

2:31

Thank you, Commissioner Terry.

2:33

Commissioner Bolton.

2:35

Good morning, everyone.

2:37

I am Ladina Bolton, your Super District 7 Commissioner, Deputy Presiding Officer, and Chair of Employee Relations and Public Safety, the ERPS Committee.

2:50

On our March 17th meeting in attendance, we did have committee members Commissioner Davis Johnson and Commissioner Messiah was with us virtually, and also Commissioners Terry and Patrick joined us as well in person.

3:05

We did approve the minutes from our February 17th and March 3rd meetings.

3:12

In addition to uh approving a few agenda items, we had a pretty short agenda on that meeting date.

3:19

Item 202601, excuse me, 0513.

3:25

This was the 2026-27 health care benefits uh discussion.

3:31

This item we did approve, and the good news is that there will be no change in your premium, but there has been an additional benefit added, which is pet insurance for anyone who is interested.

3:43

You do have the option now, or you will have the option for pet insurance.

3:48

Item 2026 0281.

3:52

This was a request that sought to ratify the purchase of 65 tri-certified Viking Chilled gear to be used by firefighters through the county.

4:02

Of course, we did approve that.

4:04

We want our public safety officers, our firefighters to be well prepared in their service to the county.

4:09

Item 2026 0555.

4:13

This item was also approved.

4:15

And this is the intergovernmental agreement between the city of Stonecrest and DeCab County for a land exchange.

4:24

This specific project was is for a fire station in District 5 and 7.

4:30

And so I know lots of folks in Stonecrest will be excited to know that this project is moving forward.

4:37

Uh last on the list is item 2026 0218.

4:42

It was approved in committee, and this was to establish a reg regulatory oversight of blasting operations in DeCab County through the adoption of a control blasting and safety ordinance to promote public safety, environmental protection, and community stability.

5:03

However, in Tuesday's meeting, we did have to defer the item just for a couple of weeks because there was some more legal screening that needed to be conducted.

5:12

But again, a lot of excitement happening for folks, specifically uh impacted in Stonecrest, but all over the county will benefit from this ordinance once it is passed.

5:24

And we had a discussion on operational assessment the operational assessment update that came from the it's not what was the name of the firm.

5:36

The momentum firm.

5:37

Lord, I always forget that.

5:40

Um just updates on the progress that each of the departments under the ERPS Committee are having when it comes to improving uh efficiency operationally.

5:51

So with that, I uh yield back.

5:54

Thank you, Commissioner Bolton.

5:56

Commissioner Davis Johnson for ops.

5:58

Good morning.

5:59

I am Marita Davis Johnson and I chair the county operations committee, also known as the ops committee.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Community Engagement█████████████████████████████29%
Procedural█████████████████████████25%
Appointments████████████████16%
Public Safety████4%
Ethics And Governance███3%
Public Health███3%
Fiscal Sustainability██2%
Water And Wastewater Management██2%
Public Works Maintenance██2%
Summary of Proceedings

DeKalb County Committee of the Whole Meeting Summary – March 26, 2026

The Committee of the Whole, presided over by Commissioner Shaira Johnson (District 4), convened on Thursday, March 26, 2026, to receive committee reports, review the proposed executive agenda for April 14, 2026, and discuss appointments and operational updates. The meeting concluded with an executive session on litigation, after which the Board authorized a $1.05 million settlement payment.

Committee Reports

  • FAB Committee (Commissioner Terry): Met Tuesday, March 24, 2026, with Commissioners Longspears, Johnson, and Patrick. Received initial quarterly financial statements from Director McNabb (full report expected next meeting). Discussed the operational assessment and approved a placeholder for the Tax Anticipation Note (TAN). The TAN amount is $150 million—larger than previous years due to increased spending before property tax revenues arrive. Items on the water customer bill of rights and the AI Tech Dividend Fund resolutions were deferred to the next committee meeting.
  • ERPS Committee (Commissioner Bolton): Met March 17, 2026, with Commissioners Davis Johnson, Messiah (virtual), Terry, and Patrick. Approved minutes from February 17 and March 3 meetings. Approved the 2026-27 health care benefits with no premium change but added pet insurance. Approved $65,000 for 65 tri-certified Viking Chilled gear for firefighters. Approved an intergovernmental agreement with Stonecrest for a fire station land exchange (Districts 5 and 7). Approved a blasting safety ordinance, but it was deferred for additional legal review at the March 24 meeting. Received an operational assessment update from the Momentum firm.
  • OPS Committee (Commissioner Davis Johnson): Met March 17, 2026, with Commissioners Massai, Terry, and Longspears. Approved minutes from March 3 meeting. 17 items on the agenda; 8 previously heard. Recommended approval for airport items (0286 and 0388). The committee will discuss child review and rules at its 1 p.m. meeting that day.
  • PECS Committee (Commissioner Patrick): Heard approximately 13 items; almost all were approved, including items on housing and a resolution from Commissioner Terry. Some items from 2024 remain under review. Next meeting is in three weeks.
  • PWI Committee (Commissioner Patrick): Heard 8 items. Key item: $47 million allocated for water and sewer improvements related to the consent decree. Next PWI meeting is scheduled for that day at 3:30 p.m. (Commissioner Patrick requested an early start to prepare for the evening zoning meeting).

Review of Proposed Executive Agenda (April 14, 2026)

  • COO Williams reported that the CEO will issue a new executive order allowing each board member to make voting appointments to the DeKalb Sports Commission. Appointments may require a retroactive agenda item.
  • Watershed Management: Public hearing item on the septic-to-sewer petition for Pine Lake (Georgia Forest Road). Commissioner Crown requested a discussion on the septic-to-sewer plan under PWI.
  • Appointments: CEO appointee Clara Burks Jones to the Women's Commission (recorded). Commissioner Johnson appointed to the Development Authority and Private Hospital Authority.
  • Airport: Three standardized lease agreements (Taylor, Weaver, Kim) at no cost to the county, to be placed on consent.
  • Fire Rescue: Three items (0563, 0572, 0580) sent to ERPS.
  • Public Works: Item 0587 removed from the agenda as premature.
  • Purchasing/Contracting: Three items to OPS, two items to PWI.
  • Parks & Rec: $50,000 grant award from Park Pride Atlanta for Frazer Row sent to PECS.
  • Watershed Management: IGA for paving SR 10/US 278 between DeKalb and Avondale Estates sent to PWI. Item 0568 (agreement with a company for sewer upgrades, $682,000 contribution) sent to PWI; Commissioner Terry asked that the company name be added to the title.

Preliminary Agenda Review

  • Appointments to the DeKalb County Women’s Commission (from multiple cities): Discussion centered on proper documentation and district representation. Commissioner Davis Johnson noted that one city’s appointment had been made without consulting the district commissioner. Commissioner Massai requested clarity on whether an appointee can serve on two commissions. Legal counsel will provide a conflict opinion. It was agreed to move all city appointments to a new “Municipal Appointments” section under Board of Commissioners to avoid confusion, and to require documentation from each city before placing items on the agenda.
  • Commissioner Patrick asked legal to consider uniform language for boards created by the county, noting that many boards are created by state law with varying rules. Legal agreed to provide a memo and suggested the county’s legislative agenda might address inconsistencies.
  • Consent Agenda Items: Approved for inclusion: District 1 contracts ($50,000 renewals with Tabin Inc. and Design B Haley Curtis; $6,500 to ICAR Atlanta); District 2 items ($15,000 to ECO Addendum for training, $216,149.50 for Rutledge Park improvements from the 2001 bond account); District 3 items ($2,500 to the National Council of Negro Women, up to $100,000 for the Live, Livity Arts, Music and Engagement Series); District 6 item ($39,300 to Roots Down for CABS regenerative land projects).

Executive Session and Settlement Approval

  • The Board voted to adjourn the Committee of the Whole, convene a Special Call Meeting, and enter executive session for litigation update.
  • Action taken after executive session: The Board unanimously approved a payment of $1,050,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by plaintiffs Mika Strozier, Batisha Dixon, Crystal Willibert, Peaches Deser, Ebony Boswell, and Jewel Renfro against Sheriff Melody Maddox (Civil Action 1:22-CB-3342, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia). The settlement includes a dismissal with prejudice and a full release.

Commissioner Remarks & Upcoming Events

  • Commissioner Patrick (Dist. 1): Highlighted town halls on code enforcement and public works, small area plan meetings, and ongoing community engagement. Announced a third town hall on April 18 focused on first responders.
  • Commissioner Davis Johnson (Dist. 5): Announced the John Lewis interactive sculpture project (completion within 18 months), the new Lucia Sanders Rec Center, a women’s event honoring 11 phenomenal women, and attendance at Andrew Young’s 94th birthday, the CEO’s women’s event, and an HBCU fundraiser (raising over $700,000).
  • Commissioner Bolton (Dist. 7): Welcomed new staff and a YCLI international fellow, Biba Neves, working on the Redan-Hairston corridor strategy. Co-sponsored the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra event. Announced the District 7 Youth Aviation Program website launch and community beautification grants. Promoted “Dancing with DeKalb Stars” on April 18 (benefiting the Women’s Resource Center for domestic violence).
  • Commissioner Massai (Dist. 3): Hosted an HOA/COA/POA boot camp (second installment planned). Participated in the Comprehensive Housing Plan community conversation in South DeKalb. Attended the Arts Council kickoff and community meetings in Creek Wood and Clifton Springs. Condolences to family of a 7-year-old who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
  • Commissioner Terry (Dist. 6): Hosted “Prison Town” performance and “Waste to Gold” composting workshop. Attended DeKalb Day at the Capitol (500 students present). Participated in the NACA “Achieve the Dream” event (over 1,000 attendees, 100+ pre-qualified). Composting series continues; volunteer cleanup of historic Anderson Cemetery on April 18. Noted the passing of Elizabeth Moore, a volunteer with the Aging and Placers initiative.
  • Presiding Officer Johnson (Dist. 4): Announced the Joint BOC-BOE meeting tentatively set for May 4. Planning the Memorial Drive Community Improvement District, entryway markers, and GDOT safety strategies. Attended comprehensive housing plan meeting, the CEO’s women’s event, and the Arts Commission launch. Promoted her podcast and community connection breakfast on April 18 with Human Services Director Damon Scott.

Key Outcomes

  • Settlement approved: Unanimous board vote to authorize $1.05 million payment to settle a lawsuit against Sheriff Melody Maddox.
  • Appointments clarified: City appointments to boards will be listed under a new “Municipal Appointments” section; documentation must be provided before agenda placement. Legal counsel will issue a memo on board service conflicts and uniform language for county-created boards.
  • Tax Anticipation Note: A $150 million TAN will be brought for board approval, larger than in prior years due to increased spending before property tax receipts.
  • Upcoming meetings: PWI at 3:30 p.m. that day; voting meeting scheduled for April 14, 2026.

Meeting Transcript

Good morning, everybody, and welcome to the committee of the whole. I'm your presiding officer in com District 4 Commissioner Shaira Johnson. Today is Thursday, March 26th. We're in for a very long day today. Um so we will get going in the agenda with our committee reports. Mr. Fab Chair, if you will kick us off. Thank you, Madam Presiding Officer. The Fab Committee met uh earlier this week, uh Tuesday, March 24th. Joined by myself, Commissioner Michelle Longspears and Commissioner Shekira Johnson. Also in attendance uh was Commissioner Patrick. Uh we did receive our first um set of the quarterly financial statements from Director McNabb. And so she'll be coming back at the next meeting to finish up the um the full report uh once the the budget is uh closed out from last year. We also had Ms. CISA go over the um operational assessment and went through a couple of the recommended uh implementation um uh sort of matrix uh charts and things did uh call out in the meeting minutes a couple of the uh recommended um items um for further research and we'll continue to discuss those in future fab meetings. We did approve the placeholder agenda item for the tax anticipation note. We are um Zach, what are is it what's gonna be the TAN amount? Is it 120 150? 150 150. Okay, yeah, so just heads up, Commissioners. Um, this will be a larger TAN year than I think we've had, maybe ever. Um, due to the fact that we uh have a lot more spending to do this year, so we have to fill in the gaps until the the bulk of the revenues come in through ta uh property taxes. So um the next I don't have the schedule in front of me, madam presiding officer, but we'll make sure everyone has it. Uh but just anticipate that we'll be having this um uh item come up and fulfill in the blanks when it comes to the full board. And then we didn't get into the water customer bill of rights or the um the cab for the people AI Tech Dividend Fund resolutions, uh but we'll plan to pick those up at the next committee meeting. And that completes my report. Madam Presiding Officer. Thank you, Commissioner Terry. Commissioner Bolton. Good morning, everyone. I am Ladina Bolton, your Super District 7 Commissioner, Deputy Presiding Officer, and Chair of Employee Relations and Public Safety, the ERPS Committee. On our March 17th meeting in attendance, we did have committee members Commissioner Davis Johnson and Commissioner Messiah was with us virtually, and also Commissioners Terry and Patrick joined us as well in person. We did approve the minutes from our February 17th and March 3rd meetings. In addition to uh approving a few agenda items, we had a pretty short agenda on that meeting date. Item 202601, excuse me, 0513. This was the 2026-27 health care benefits uh discussion. This item we did approve, and the good news is that there will be no change in your premium, but there has been an additional benefit added, which is pet insurance for anyone who is interested. You do have the option now, or you will have the option for pet insurance. Item 2026 0281. This was a request that sought to ratify the purchase of 65 tri-certified Viking Chilled gear to be used by firefighters through the county. Of course, we did approve that. We want our public safety officers, our firefighters to be well prepared in their service to the county. Item 2026 0555. This item was also approved. And this is the intergovernmental agreement between the city of Stonecrest and DeCab County for a land exchange. This specific project was is for a fire station in District 5 and 7. And so I know lots of folks in Stonecrest will be excited to know that this project is moving forward. Uh last on the list is item 2026 0218. It was approved in committee, and this was to establish a reg regulatory oversight of blasting operations in DeCab County through the adoption of a control blasting and safety ordinance to promote public safety, environmental protection, and community stability. However, in Tuesday's meeting, we did have to defer the item just for a couple of weeks because there was some more legal screening that needed to be conducted.

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