DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Meeting - July 7, 2026
DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Meeting - July 7, 2026
The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners convened on July 7, 2026, at 9:00 AM under the leadership of Presiding Officer Commissioner Shaira Johnson (District 4). The meeting featured a proclamation for Solid Waste Worker Appreciation Day, two public hearings, extensive public comments, and numerous votes on budget, zoning, and policy items. Key actions included approval of a half-mill property tax increase (the first in 11 years), adoption of a moratorium on data centers, and increases to stormwater and sanitation fees.
Consent Calendar
- Approved minutes from the June 23, 2026, meeting.
- Approved allocations from district capital reserves, subgrant awards for DUI and mental health courts, and other routine items.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Juanita Lynn Rigsby (President, Bouldercrest Corridor Small Area Plan Steering Committee) urged withdrawal of Text Amendment 2026-0630, arguing that commercial encroachment threatens residential areas and that the small area plan process should be completed first.
- Jackie Malcolm (District 3) opposed large-scale AI data centers, citing health and environmental risks, and requested an extension of the moratorium.
- Jane Dunaway (DeKalb Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor) argued that the county lacks sufficient water infrastructure for hyperscale data centers and called for an independent health impact study.
- Stephen Minnie criticized the commission's handling of data center regulations, warned of political gamesmanship, and urged a ban on data centers over a certain size.
- Christina Porter (Founder, Chamblee Coalition on Homelessness) requested equal services countywide, funding for a north DeKalb community center, and support for homelessness prevention nonprofits.
- Caleb Player (full custody father and researcher) advocated for St. Vincent de Paul's individualized services and a day shelter for the homeless.
- Lisa Regan (St. Vincent de Paul) detailed the need for a North DeKalb Day Center for the unhoused, emphasizing hygiene, case management, and dignity.
- Ronnie Mayer (retired tow truck owner) praised sanitation workers and supported the St. Vincent de Paul partnership, also requesting a library in Brookhaven.
- Public Hearing on Millage Rates: Speakers opposed the half-mill increase, questioning transparency, the need for additional revenue given e-HOST credits, and the lack of documented spending efficiencies. One speaker called the e-HOST program a "con game."
- Public Hearing on Text Amendment 2026-0630: Multiple residents (Rodney Hilbert, Dr. Carol Hutchison, Gene Gray, Jackie Malcolm, Juanita Lynn Rigsby) opposed the amendment, arguing it would allow commercial intrusion into residential areas before the small area plan is finalized. They cited disinvestment in south DeKalb and urged withdrawal.
Discussion Items
- 2026 Millage Rate and Budget Revisions: CEO staff presented a proposed half-mill increase (from 20.81 to 21.31 mills) to fund housing, workforce development, health care, public safety compensation, and other programs. The increase would add $69 annually for the average unincorporated homeowner. Commissioners debated the cumulative burden on residents, the need for oversight, and the role of e-HOST credits. Commissioners Kerry, Long Spears, and others raised concerns about accountability and transparency. The motion to approve the substitute carried.
- Text Amendment 2026-0630 (Bouldercrest Overlay): The planning department recommended approval, but residents urged withdrawal pending completion of the small area plan. Commissioner Messiah supported approval, citing limited impact on five parcels and the need to follow planning staff recommendations. Commissioner Terry requested deferral to allow community consensus. The motion to approve carried.
- Resolution 2026-1109 (Moratorium on Data Centers): This resolution extended the moratorium on data center applications and directed county departments to study impacts. Commissioner Terry argued for an independent environmental study, while Commissioner Messiah supported the resolution as a protective measure. Commissioner Long Spears raised procedural concerns about bypassing committee. The motion to approve the substitute carried.
- Stormwater Utility Fee Increase (Item 2026-0587): Approved a substitute resolution increasing the fee from $120 to $132 per year, with a 10-year plan through 2035. Funds will support green infrastructure, dam repairs, and master plan priorities. Some commissioners abstained citing potential Open Meetings Act violations, but the county attorney confirmed compliance.
- Sanitation Fee Increase (Item 2026-0930): Approved a substitute adopting a new fee schedule for residential and commercial services, including tire tipping fees ($3.50 for under 18 inches, $16 for over 18 inches, $30 with rim). The increase includes a composting pilot program and a freeze for certain cities for one year. Commissioner Terry supported after securing adjustments for seniors and landfill neighbors.
Key Outcomes
- Approved the 2026 millage rate increase (half-mill) for unincorporated DeKalb County (21.31 mills total), effective for the 2026 tax year. First increase since 2015.
- Approved Text Amendment 2026-0630, allowing limited office uses via special land use permit in the Bouldercrest overlay district, over community opposition.
- Approved Resolution 2026-1109, extending the moratorium on data center applications and requiring department studies.
- Approved stormwater utility fee increase (from $120 to $132 per year) with a 10-year plan.
- Approved sanitation fee increases with a new tiered structure and composting pilot.
- Deferred several items to future meetings, including the HUD Urban County Cooperation Agreement, pet shop ordinance, noise ordinance, and others.
- Approved multiple contracts and change orders, including $20.58 million for construction management at Snapfinger Wastewater Treatment Plant and $29.8 million payment to City of Atlanta for wastewater treatment.
- Approved a $160,000 settlement for Daniel and Ellen Riley's claims against the county and contractors.
- Adjourned at approximately 3:30 PM, with committee meetings to follow.
Meeting Transcript
Good morning, everybody, and welcome to the July 7th, 2026 Board of Commissioners meeting. I'm your District 4 Commissioner and Presiding Officer, Commissioner Shaira Johnson. Thank you for being with us today. We should have a shorter agenda than our last meeting, but it still might be a little lengthy today. We're only at 29 pages today in two public hearings, so we're doing a little better. Um my prayers to Miss Lakeisha Davis from DA Boston's office who was injured over the weekend in a salvatory shooting incident. So we're just sending prayers and healing energy to her and supporting her NDA Boston's office. For our inspiration today, we have Mr. Marcus Allen, one of our inspirational central staff members, who's gonna come and give us a few words this morning. Good morning, Mr. Allen. Thank you, Madam Presiding Officer and Board of Commissioners. Good morning. Um thank you for this opportunity to share a few words this morning. And I do want to note I don't take these opportunities lightly, so just thank you. Seriously. Good morning. How y'all doing? All right. Thank you to the residents that are present here in the building, in the audience, and on watching via our live stream, participating in local government is one of the most important connections that we have as residents of DeCab County. The seed that I am planting today is called gratitude. And my hope is that in the days ahead, each of us in our own way will take the time to water that seed. Proverbs 423 instructs us to guard our hearts with all vigilance, for from it flows the springs of life. I believe that one of the ways to guard our hearts is through the practicing of gratitude. So as residents, when we enter these chambers, it's sometimes tempting to sit back and observe how our officials govern. But I'm here today to remind us all that we have a collective charge to be the change in this world. Paying our taxes and watching the news, it's not gonna fly anymore. Progress is going to require more. And it's how we respond when we see a neighbor in need. So guard your heart by deploying gratitude. It's about heart posture. But let's be clear about what gratitude is not. Gratitude is not an excuse for complacency. It is not some form of cheap, unrealistic optimism that ignores the realities of people's lives. No, my neighbors. True gratitude cannot thrive in that shallow environment. It plants roots that run much deeper. And when I look at the roots that we've all planted right here, I find so much to be grateful for. Grateful that the BOC is going on a recess after next week. We can clap that up. But also, more importantly, grateful that we live in a nation where we can share our opinions without guaranteed persecution. Grateful for the sacrifices of our ancestors to purchase this inheritance of freedom. Grateful that we live in a county where we can work together to find solutions to common issues. And when there is disagreement about how decisions are made, residents hold our officials accountable through venues such as the one that we're in right here. And the vast majority of the world cannot say that. After all, we cannot be great without first being grateful. So to my colleagues as employees, Madam Cho, how are you doing? To my colleagues as employees of this great county, I am grateful that we have the opportunity to serve our community through this work. It is an honorable profession. To the BLC, I'm grateful that we continue to push for housing reform.
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