South Fulton City Council Work Session: April 15, 2026

The South Fulton City Council held a work session on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM at City Hall. Mayor Carmalitha Gumbs presided. City Manager Sharon D. Subadan attended remotely. The meeting included a legislative review, updates on business regulations, and a detailed budget discussion.

City Manager Monthly Report: District 3 Budget & PCARD Policy

Councilmember Natasha Williams-Brown raised urgent concerns about the District 3 budget (the seat is vacant). Her analysis showed $63,315 of the $68,600 operating budget was spent in the first five months, leaving a runway of approximately two weeks (0.4 months) for the remaining seven months of the fiscal year. City Manager Subadan confirmed the budget was nearly exhausted, partly due to late-reporting P-card transactions, and noted the city has no policy governing mid-year departures. The City Manager recommended a budget amendment to fund the new councilmember and agreed to reconvene the ad-hoc PCARD policy committee to create a stop-gap policy preventing future budget exhaustion during transitions.

Presentation: 2026 Georgia General Assembly Legislative Session Review

Andrew Long of A.R. Long and Company provided a review of the 2026 legislative session.

• Fulton County Development Authority Bill (Failed): A bill (HB 1136) to give southern Fulton cities the same ability as northern cities to limit the Fulton County Development Authority's projects failed. Councilmembers Pritchett, Sebastian, and Rowell voiced support for this bill, emphasizing the need for transparency and local control. Councilmember Pritchett testified at the Capitol. The Mayor and Council agreed to pursue the issue again next session.
• Squatters Bill (Failed): SB 61, which would have allowed law enforcement to remove squatters after a three-day notice, failed due to provisions regarding persons in extended-stay situations.
• HOA Bill (Passed): SB 406, requiring HOAs to register bylaws with the Secretary of State and raising the foreclosure threshold to $4,000, was signed into law. Councilmember Pritchett championed this effort alongside citizens of South Fulton and Senator Matt Brass.
• Property Tax & MARTA: The city successfully opposed a harmful property tax bill (HB 1116), though a weaker version (SB 33) passed. A MARTA bill extending its sales tax and restructuring its board also passed.
• State Delegation: Mr. Long reported the House delegation did not take up the city's priority items. A new Senate delegation is being formed with commitments from the offices of Senators James and Kemp.

Presentation: Update on Business License Amnesty & Home-Based Business Regulations

Reginald McClendon, Managing Director of Community Development and Regulatory Affairs, presented proposed updates to home-based business regulations and a status report on business licensing.

• Home-Based Business Ordinance: Proposed changes include allowing up to two non-resident employees, limiting commercial vehicles on premises to two, and allowing the use of AG-1 and mixed-use zones. A public hearing was scheduled for later that evening.
• Council Discussion: Councilmember Pritchett questioned enforcement regarding stretch limos parked in driveways and confusion around the city's smoking ordinance. Councilmember Sebastian raised concerns about balancing enforcement with fair treatment of registered home businesses whose customers contribute to street parking.
• Business License Amnesty: The city renewed 868 out of approximately 1,118 licenses for 2026. An amnesty program has launched for unlicensed businesses. An intern program will begin next week to identify and contact these businesses.

Key Outcomes

• Budget/Policy: City Manager to draft a mid-year vacancy spending policy with the PCARD committee. A budget amendment is required to fund the incoming District 3 councilmember.
• Legislative Strategy: Council intends to pursue a summer retreat with the state legislative delegation to build stronger relationships and advance the city's priorities.
• Business Regulations: The City Manager and CDRA director will engage with businesses to clarify compliance with the smoke-free ordinance. The amnesty program will utilize interns for outreach to unlicensed businesses.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 5:20 PM by unanimous consent without an executive session.