South Fulton City Council Special Called Meeting - October 20, 2025

The South Fulton City Council held a special called meeting on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 4:30 PM at City Hall, presided by Mayor Khalid Kamau. The meeting lasted until 5:20 PM and focused on two agenda items: the approval of a $96.285 million revenue bond for public safety facilities and a discussion on the enforcement of the campaign sign policy.

Agenda Items

A. Resolution for Public Safety Facilities Revenue Bond (Series 2025)

City Manager explained that negotiations with Regions Bank fell through because the bank refused to accept the Public Facilities Authority (PFA) as issuer and instead required a Urban Redevelopment Agency (URA), which would have required declaring areas with high-value homes as blighted. The city then selected Truist Commercial Equity, Inc. as the most responsive bidder. The Council approved the resolution authorizing the issuance of $96,285,000 in revenue bonds and the Intergovernmental Agreement with a 7-0 vote (Mayor Kamau did not vote).

B. Discussion: Campaign Sign Policy Enforcement

Councilmember Willis initiated a discussion on the current campaign sign ordinance, arguing it is overly punitive and discourages voter awareness. She cited complaints about candidates being cited, signs being removed from polling places, and residents unaware of elections. Councilmembers Pritchett and Bell supported her concerns, sharing similar experiences. Councilmember Rowell defended the current ordinance as compliant with state law and noted that multiple reminders had been sent to candidates. Mayor suggested a 45-day grace period before and after elections, requiring signs be at least 10 feet from the right-of-way and prohibiting attachment to traffic signs. City Attorney Kelly cautioned that under Reed v. Town of Gilbert (U.S. Supreme Court), the city cannot create special exemptions for campaign signs without violating the First Amendment, and any ordinance change must apply uniformly to all signs. She also noted that a motion cannot modify an ordinance; only an ordinance can. Councilmember Willis withdrew her motion and requested the City Attorney draft an ordinance incorporating the proposed grace period and restrictions for consideration at the next council meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution A: Approved 7-0 (Motion by Willis, second by Sebastian).
• Campaign Sign Policy: No vote taken. The Council directed the City Attorney to prepare a draft ordinance to amend the current ordinance, including a 45-day grace period before and after elections, a 10-foot setback from the right-of-way, and a prohibition on signs attached to traffic signs. The draft will be brought back for immediate consideration at the next regular meeting.