DeKalb County Public Works and Infrastructure Committee Meeting – August 18, 2026

The Public Works and Infrastructure (PWI) Committee met on August 18, 2026, at 1:45 PM ET, chaired by Commissioner Robert Patrick. The committee approved prior meeting minutes, interviewed a candidate for the MARTA Board of Directors, deferred a curb bumping and street sweeping contract, received a detailed update on the water and sewer capital improvement program (CIP) funding plan, reviewed an operational assessment progress report, and approved two major awards: a $233.8 million design-build contract for the Scott Candler Water Treatment Plant and a renewal of the Urban League water customer advocacy contract.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approved: Items 2026-1124 and 2026-1146, covering the July 6 and July 7, 2026 PWI meetings, were approved by voice vote.

Appointment Interviews

• MARTA Board of Directors – Post 4: The committee interviewed Boniface G. Eccles, Esquire, a 30-year DeKalb resident and principal attorney with over 33 years of experience. Eccles expressed commitment to advocating for DeKalb’s interests, including advancing transit-oriented developments (TODs) at Kensington and Indian Creek. He highlighted his background in commercial real estate and receiverships as assets for evaluating transit-oriented projects. The appointment was later approved (see Key Outcomes).

Discussion Items

• Curb Bumping and Street Sweeping Contract (Item 2026-0939): Director McKinney requested a two-week deferral to provide GIS maps of service areas, cost per linear foot, and potential expansion options. Commissioner Terry noted the contract’s $120,000 increase (stormwater-funded) to cover work previously done by a non-performing contractor. The committee agreed to defer and requested a comprehensive map and cost data for all commissioner districts.

• Water and Sewer CIP Funding Update: Staff from Watershed Management and Arcadis presented a 10-year $4.4 billion CIP funding plan. Key points:

  • Revenue sufficiency is built on the “10 by 10” rate plan (10% annual increases for 10 years, starting 2025).
  • Funding sources: 14% low-interest loans (WiFIA, GEFA), 64% debt (future bonds), 22% cash from rates and impact fees.
  • Projected debt issuances: $530M bond in 2027, ~$800M in 2029, and another in 2031; two GEFA loans in 2026.
  • Debt service coverage is expected to drop to 1.38–1.45 in peak years (2029-2031) but rebound to 1.95 by 2034.
  • CFO McNabb noted recent bond rating downgrades (Moody's to A3 stable; Fitch to AA- with negative outlook) due to lower debt service coverage targets. The 10 by 10 plan remains sufficient but leaves little cushion; rate increases beyond 10% might be needed to avoid further downgrades.
  • Impact fees from new development are minimal due to low growth; collections are at 95% and expected to reach 98%.

• Operational Assessment Update: Alexis Knaffis (Momentum firm) reported on implementation of the Molden and Jenkins study recommendations for roads/drainage and sanitation. PWI departments are the strongest performing group, with half of recommendations complete and none rejected. Highlights:

  • Sanitation: Progress on CNG vehicle transitions, AI-enabled route software (Routeware, SamSara), and replacement of side-loader trucks.
  • Roads and Drainage: APWA reaccreditation process underway; warehouse expansion (behind the jail) is a long-term capital need (Q2 2029 target).
  • Remaining challenges include dependency on the pay-and-class study and facility funding.
  • Commissioner Bolton clarified that “200 remaining road miles” refers to SPLOST resurfacing pace, not total unpaved miles.

• Scott Candler Water Treatment Plant Design-Build Contract (Item 2026-0854): Director Wells presented a $233.8 million award to Ruby Collins Inc. for demolition of old plant components, construction of new clear wells, and a high service pump station. The project addresses aging infrastructure, improves resiliency (including back-up for the 20 MG clear well), and sets up future expansion. Chair of the IWPAG, Ted Reinhart, endorsed the project as a “must-do.” The item had cleared audit and previous committee presentations. Approved (see Key Outcomes).

• Urban League Contract Renewal (Item 2026-1224): The committee approved renewal of the contract for the DeKalb County Office of Water and Sewer Customer Advocacy (operated by the Urban League). CEO Nancy Flake Johnson and Director Dorna Wardlin reported that 1,339 RAP (Rate Assistance Program) applications have been received since August 2025, with an ~10% approval rate. The debt amnesty program (dollar-for-dollar) is pending further review of alternate proposals from NAACP and Legal Defense Fund. The contract continues phases 1 & 2 implementation and adds phase 3 outreach and supportive services.

Key Outcomes

• Deferred: Item 2026-0939 (curb bumping contract) – deferred two weeks to provide additional data on service areas and costs.
• Approved:
  • Minutes of July 6 and July 7, 2026 (voice vote).
  • Appointment of Boniface G. Eccles to MARTA Board Post 4 (voice vote).
  • Item 2026-0854 – Scott Candler Water Treatment Plant design-build contract to Ruby Collins Inc., not to exceed $233,810,423 (motion by Commissioner Terry, second; voice vote).
  • Item 2026-1224 – Urban League contract renewal (motion by Commissioner Terry, second; voice vote).
• Next Steps: A special called meeting will be scheduled for late August to address remaining agenda items. Staff will circulate the Scott Candler presentation and audit report before the next BOC meeting.