DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Meeting – July 9, 2026

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners met on July 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM for a lengthy session dominated by public testimony and debate over proposed regulations for data centers. Despite a moratorium in place through September 30, 2026, the board discussed a fourth draft of a text amendment to define and regulate data centers. Ultimately, the board voted 7-0 to deny the text amendment, effectively rejecting the proposed regulations. Other major actions included setting a public hearing schedule for the 2026 millage rate (proposed half-mill increase), approving a $1.25 million on-call planning services contract, and advancing a $325.6 million water/sewer emergency contract.

Consent Calendar

• Numerous routine consent items were approved in blocks, including:
  • Airport lease agreements (items 2026-1004, 1016-1020)
  • Minutes of the June 18, 2026 Committee of the Whole and June 9, 2026 Board of Commissioners meetings
  • District 2 fund allocations: $50,000 from ARPA funds, $30,000 to Jane Goodall Institute, and $10,000 to Boys to Men/Girls to Pearl Summer Camp (items 2026-1031, 1034, 1035)
  • Grants for Felony Mental Health Court ($97,811) and Felony Drug Court ($197,500) (items 2026-1027-1029)
  • Various purchasing and contracting items (e.g., emergency medical supplies, uniforms, police equipment, body cameras) were approved as recommended by the ERPS, OPS, and PWI committees.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Data Center Opposition (majority): Over 20 residents and advocates spoke against the data center text amendment, citing water scarcity (multiple water main breaks in South DeKalb), environmental and health risks (noise up to 92 decibels, heat island effect, air pollution), lack of adequate buffer (750 feet considered insufficient), and the absence of an independent health and environmental impact study. Several speakers demanded a complete ban on data centers in the county.
• Data Center Support (minority): No public speakers spoke in favor of the data center text amendment during the public hearing.
• Property Tax/Millage Rate Opposition: Residents Jam Dunaway, Steven Benny, Gina Mangum, Jocelyn O'Neill, and Jimmy Easton opposed the proposed half-mill property tax increase, arguing it would burden renters and homeowners, especially in South DeKalb, and questioned the county's spending priorities and transparency.
• Zoning Request Opposition (Kelly Lake Road): Four residents strongly opposed rezoning 2.09 acres from R75 to R60 for 12 single-family homes, stating it would compromise neighborhood character and that the developer did not properly engage the community.
• Traffic Calming Support (Terrian Drive): Three residents spoke in favor of traffic calming measures on Terrian Drive, citing dangerous speeding (exceeding 45 mph in a 25 mph zone) and safety concerns for children and pedestrians.
• Short-Term Rental/Data Center Regulation Opposition: Jackie Malcolm, Cambria Anguero, and others criticized the text amendments for short-term rentals and data centers, arguing they lack concrete protections and that the moratorium extension has not been used to complete necessary studies.

Discussion Items

• 2026 Millage Rate (Item 2026-1045): Budget Director TJ presented a proposed half-mill increase to 21.31 mils for unincorporated areas, which would cost the average homeowner ($364,000 home) about $69 more per year. The increase would fund housing, workforce development, healthcare access, and public safety initiatives. The board deferred the substitute to July 7, 2026, for a public hearing.
• Data Center Text Amendment (Item 2025-0972): After extensive debate, the board voted 7-0 to deny the fourth draft of the ordinance that would have defined and regulated data centers. The vote effectively rejects the proposed regulations; the existing moratorium continues through September 30, 2026. Commissioners who supported denial cited continued community opposition and the need for further study. Commissioner Messiah stated that having a definition is necessary to regulate data centers, but the motion to deny carried.
• Short-Term Rental Text Amendment (Item 2026-0628): The board approved a substitute that replaced “permit” with “license” to align with existing licensing processes. The substitute removed previous provisions on chronic nuisance properties and residential entertainment. The board directed staff to return within six months with additional amendments, including consideration of a homestead exemption cap and background checks.
• Rezone Application for 12 Single-Family Homes (Item 2026-0452): The board denied the rezoning from R75 to R60 at 2697 Kelly Lake Road, citing strong community opposition and the need for a comprehensive small area plan in the area.
• Traffic Calming Petition (Item 2026-0943): The board approved a traffic calming plan for Terrian Drive and initiated the 90-day petition process.
• Environmental Justice Resolution (Item 2025-1787): A resolution to provide discounted sanitation fees for residents near the Seminole Road Landfill was denied 4-1-1. Commissioner Terry’s compromise to focus on a half-mile buffer was not adopted due to fiscal concerns for the enterprise fund.
• Data Center Environmental Study (Items 2026-0244 and 0245): Both items—one authorizing a baseline health/socioeconomic/environmental study and the other providing funding—were deferred to the July 14, 2026 BOC meeting.
• Urban Camping Ordinance (Item 2026-0550): The ordinance to regulate vagrancy and unauthorized camping was deferred to July 14, 2026, after the sheriff and police chief expressed concerns about jail overcrowding and the need for a diversion program. The board requested a policy SOP before implementation.
• North DeKalb Day Center (Item 2026-1056): The board approved a partnership with St. Vincent de Paul to operate a day center at 2050 Chamblee Tucker Road. The county will contribute $700,000 toward $1.8 million in renovations, with St. Vincent de Paul covering the remainder. The center will operate six days a week and serve 100 residents daily, with a six-year operating budget of about $2.2 million.
• Animal Tethering Ordinance (Item 2026-0596): The ordinance regulating restraint and transportation of animals was deferred to July 14, 2026, pending additional committee review.
• 2355 Unified Plan Update (Item 2026-0995): The board approved the planning process for the 2055 Unified Plan, a required five-year update. The plan will be developed in-house at a cost of $75,000 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

Key Outcomes

• Data Center Text Amendment Denied: The board voted 7-0 to reject the proposed data center regulations. The existing moratorium remains in effect until September 30, 2026. The planning department will re-evaluate next steps.
• Property Tax Increase Public Hearing Set: The board deferred the item to July 7, 2026, for a public hearing. The proposed half-mill increase (to 21.31 mils) would raise property taxes by $69 for the average homeowner.
• Short-Term Rental Text Amendment Approved: The board approved the ordinance clarifying licensing requirements and directed staff to return within six months with additional amendments.
• Comprehensive Land Use Planning Approved: The board gave the green light for the 2055 Unified Plan update, to be completed by end of 2027 at a cost of $75,000.
• On-Call Planning Services Awarded: A $1.25 million contract for on-call small area planning services was awarded to eight firms.
• Water/Sewer Emergency Contract Approved: A $325.6 million contract for indefinite quantity water and sewer repairs was approved, signifying a major investment in infrastructure.
• Stormwater Maintenance Fees Increased: As part of the millage rate discussion, it was noted that stormwater utility fees and sanitation rates would also increase.

Note: The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:30 PM.