Fulton County Board of Commissioners Meeting – March 19, 2025

Action Items

Provide Commissioner Abdul-Rahman with information on the city of Atlanta’s emergency preparedness efforts for the FIFA World Cup.
Send Commissioner Ivory an email with the names of the people in the city of Atlanta’s emergency preparedness team that have been contacted regarding the FIFA World Cup.
Coordinate with the Department of Justice to align on the methodology for calculating the average length of stay in the Fulton County Jail.
Begin tracking and reporting on pending Superior Court cases and the aging of those cases in the May operations report.
Provide feedback to the Atlanta City Council on legislative matters.
Follow up with the tax assessor’s office and ACCG regarding the implementation challenges of House Bill 370 and House Bill 92.
Advocate that the source of payment for attorney fees under Senate Bill 244 should be the state, not Fulton County.

By Warren LeMay from Cincinnati, OH, United States – Fulton County Courthouse, Atlanta, GA, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77957424

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners meeting on March 19, 2025, covered several key points. The board approved the consent agenda and ratified minutes from previous meetings. Proclamations recognized Morehouse School of Medicine’s 50th anniversary and National Surveyor Week. Public comments highlighted issues with the Big Creek water treatment plant and concerns about the Fulton County Jail. The MARTA quarterly update detailed ridership statistics, capital projects, and community engagement efforts. The board also discussed the approval of a statewide contract for temporary staffing services for elections, with a motion to hold a resolution regarding the use of property tax increment for West Side TAD projects. The Fulton County Board of Commissioners discussed the approval of hiring the lowest bidder for temporary staffing, emphasizing that the company will handle paperwork, not election operations. Concerns were raised about the high cost of using temp agencies versus hiring seasonal employees. The jail’s average length of stay increased to 44 days, and the clearance rate for felony cases improved to 53%. The county is addressing a $2.5 million temp agency contract and plans to hire full-time staff for cost savings. The behavioral health crisis center is operating at full capacity, and a second center in North Fulton is planned. The county is also preparing for the FIFA World Cup, coordinating with other cities and agencies. The Fulton County Board of Commissioners Meeting on March 19, 2025, addressed several key items. The board corrected the allocation of $13.9 million in the 2025 budget, transferring $4.6 million to the county attorney’s budget for risk management. They approved IT services up to $927,908.38, network equipment maintenance up to $6,924,519.06, and solid waste disposal services up to $1,285,000. They also approved various contracts and agreements, including a weapons detection system for $641,380, temporary staffing services for $105,000, and a construction project management software for $197,290. The meeting concluded with a motion to recess for lunch and consider items in executive session.

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to accept food donations and Naloxone from various organizations to support developmental disabilities and opioid programs. Commissioner Barrett opposed Senate Bill 244, which could force Fulton County to pay legal fees for prosecutorial misconduct, arguing it should be the state’s responsibility. The board also approved a resolution to recruit federal employees impacted by layoffs, despite concerns about implementation and transparency. Additionally, they discussed various legislative priorities, including funding for a North Fulton behavioral health crisis center and the impact of House Bill 370 on local governments. The Fulton County Board of Commissioners discussed the Housing Authority of Fulton County’s litigation update. In 2024, HUD notifications highlighted non-compliance, leading to the removal of two board members, Antavious Weems and Lamar White, who then filed lawsuits. The Superior Court dismissed these cases on February 25, 2025, without an anticipated appeal. The board also commended the Housing Authority for their progress on affordable housing in South Fulton. Additionally, the board noted ongoing issues with the City of Atlanta’s outstanding water bill, which remains unresolved despite multiple attempts to address it.

Outline

Roll Call and Invocation

Speaker 12 calls for the roll call to establish a quorum.
Speaker 22 confirms the presence of all commissioners: Chairman Rob Pitts, Commissioners Bridget Thorne, Bob Ellis, Dana Barry, Mo Ivory, Marvin Arrington Jr., and Khadija Abdul Rahman.
Speaker 12 requests the invocation and the pledge of allegiance.
Speaker 32 leads the invocation, praying for blessings and guidance for the leaders.
The pledge of allegiance is recited by the participants.

Consent Agenda and Public Comment

Speaker 22 introduces the consent agenda, explaining that routine items will be enacted by one motion.
Two items are removed for separate consideration: 25,0187 (renaming the story time room at the Alpharetta library) and 25,0188 (renaming the East Point library).
Commissioner Thorne moves to adopt the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner Barrett.
The motion passes unanimously.
Speaker 22 introduces the second regular meeting agenda, including item 25,0192 for adoption.
Commissioner Barrett requests to move item 25,0216 to follow the Marta update for respectful timing.
The motion to adopt the amended agenda passes unanimously.

Proclamations and Certificates

Speaker 22 introduces the ratification of minutes from the second regular meeting minutes of February 19 and the first regular meeting minutes of March 5, 2025.
Commissioner Barrett moves to adopt the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Thorne.
The motion passes unanimously.
Speaker 22 introduces the presentation of proclamations and certificates, starting with the recognition of Morehouse School of Medicine Month.
Speaker 34 reads the proclamation, highlighting the school’s history, achievements, and its 50th anniversary.
Speaker 35 from Morehouse School of Medicine thanks the commissioners for their support and discusses the school’s efforts to improve health equity and access to care.
The second proclamation recognizes National Surveyor Week, sponsored by Vice Chair Ellis and Chairman Pitts.
Speaker 36 explains the importance of surveyors and mappers, noting their historical contributions and the need for modern technology.

Public Comment

Speaker 22 opens the floor for public comment, explaining the process and time limits.
Speaker 37 from the Georgia Federation of Public Service Employees discusses the labor ordinance and requests clarity and action from the commission.
Speaker 2 from Color of Change and the community over cages coalition emphasizes the need for data on diversion and crisis centers and the importance of accurate jail population statistics.
Speaker 3 criticizes the sheriff and the conditions at the Fulton County Jail, calling for better leadership and facilities.
Speaker 5, the grandmother of a detention officer stabbed in the neck, urges the commission to address the jail’s conditions and safety issues.
Speaker 6 from the Federation of Public Service Employees offers to work with the commission to provide services to employees.
Speaker 7, a retired nurse, and Speaker 8, a community member, both express concerns about the jail’s conditions and call for action.
Speaker 9 criticizes the lack of progress and calls for the jail to be a priority for the community.

Zoom Public Comments

Speaker 10 introduces the Zoom public comments, starting with June Ericsson, who discusses the impact of the Big Creek water treatment plant on her neighborhood.
Speaker 11, Matt Rollins, and Speaker 13 criticize the use of temp agencies and the high costs of staffing for elections.
Speaker 14, Alexis Jackson, and Speaker 15, Amanda McKay, both express concerns about the Big Creek water treatment plant’s impact on their communities.
Speaker 16, Amber Mitt, and Speaker 17, Jackie Nass, both discuss the unbearable smell and its impact on their lives.
Speaker 17, Mandy Lange, seconded the concerns of other speakers about the water treatment plant.

Marta Quarterly Update

Speaker 18, Carrie Rocha, provides an update on Marta’s operations, capital programs, and community engagement.
Ridership statistics are discussed, highlighting challenges with fare gates and swipe measurement issues.
The Safe Routes to Transit project is introduced, focusing on pedestrian improvements near high ridership bus routes.
The Next Gen Bus Network redesign is explained, aiming to provide more frequent and reliable service on high ridership routes.
Capital projects updates include the Airport station rehabilitation, the transformation of the Five Points station, and the Cleveland Avenue and Metropolitan Parkway arterial rapid transit projects.

Commissioner Questions and Comments

Commissioner Thorne requests an expanded map of job access within 60 minutes or less to include North Fulton.
Commissioner Ivory inquires about the completion date of the Summer Hill bus and rail project.
Commissioner Ellis questions the accuracy of ridership statistics and the impact of increased frequency on rail ridership.
Commissioner Arrington asks about the status of permits for the Five Points station transformation project.
Commissioner Abdul Rahman confirms the accuracy of the information provided by Jennifer Fine from Invest Atlanta.

Approval of Resolution and Contract

Speaker 22 introduces item 25,0216 for approval, requesting consent to use existing Fulton County ad valorem property tax increment for three projects in the West Side Tax Allocation District.
Commissioner Barrett explains the standard approval process for projects from the West Side TAD.
Jennifer Fine from Invest Atlanta provides additional details on the three projects: affordable multi-family units, affordable for-sale single-family homes, and the redevelopment of the Atlanta Constitution building.
Commissioner Barrett moves to approve the resolution, seconded by Commissioner Ellis.
Commissioner Arrington requests to hold the resolution for further discussion with constituents.
The motion to hold the resolution passes, with five yeas and two nays.

County Manager’s Items

Speaker 22 introduces item 25,0197 for approval, requesting a statewide contract for temporary staffing services for registration and elections.
Commissioner Abdul Rahman moves to approve the contract, seconded by Commissioner Ivory.
Commissioner Thorne questions the rates and the process for providing temporary staffing services.
The motion to approve the contract passes unanimously.

Approval of Temporary Staffing Contract

Speaker 37 explains the need for approval to hire the lowest bidder for temporary staffing, emphasizing that the company will handle paperwork, not election operations.
Speaker 19 questions the overtime bill rate and the pay rate for overtime, seeking clarification on the markup rates.
Speaker 37 confirms the overtime pay rate is time and a half and mentions the markup rate is 27% for regular hours and 50% for overtime.
Speaker 19 expresses concerns about using temp agencies for election workers, noting other counties use seasonal employees and questioning the cost-effectiveness.

Discussion on Election Staffing and Cost Savings

Speaker 19 highlights that other counties like Cobb and Gwinnett do not use temp agencies for election workers, using them only for couriers and supplies.
Speaker 37 mentions that HR is unable to handle the workload of hiring seasonal employees, which is why they continue to use temp agencies.
Speaker 19 suggests looking into cost savings by hiring seasonal employees and questions the high cost per voter compared to other counties.
Speaker 34 asks about the decision to use temp agencies, and Speaker 37 confirms they received positive feedback for their past election performance.

Procurement and Contract Management

Speaker 12 opens the floor for a vote on the motion to adopt the budget, with Speaker 23 explaining the use of statewide contracts and their annual cycles.
Speaker 36 questions the duplicative nature of multiple procurements, and Speaker 23 explains the differences in contract durations between the state and counties.
Speaker 12 calls for a vote, and the motion passes with a majority in favor.
Speaker 24 introduces the next item, a presentation on the full-time county operational report, and thanks Dr. Paxton for her contributions.

Jail Performance and Capital Improvements

Speaker 25 presents the justice system scorecard, noting a small increase in the average length of stay to 44 days and improvements in the clearance rate for felony cases.
Speaker 25 updates on the jail population, facility utilization, and the county-funded ankle monitoring program, highlighting progress and improvements.
Speaker 25 discusses the jail capital improvement program, including facility assessments and the development of a final program scope.
Speaker 25 outlines upcoming priorities, including resuming reporting on the unindicted population and tracking pending superior court cases.

Questions on Jail Operations and Maintenance

Speaker 19 questions the discrepancy between the DOJ’s average length of stay calculation and their own, seeking clarification on the methodology.
Speaker 34 suggests discussing the discrepancy with the DOJ to provide accurate public information.
Speaker 12 inquires about the resolution introduced by Council Member Lewis to terminate the contract with the city regarding AC DC, and Speaker 24 confirms they will monitor the situation.
Speaker 4 expresses concern about the potential impact of the resolution on the city’s overcrowding situation and the intergovernmental agreement.

Jail Blitz Plan and Maintenance Challenges

Speaker 26 provides an update on the jail blitz plan, noting a 64% completion rate and the upcoming completion of housing unit seven north.
Speaker 26 discusses the impact of blitz work on the jail’s maintenance backlog, noting improvements in preventive maintenance completion rates.
Speaker 26 highlights the challenges of maintaining the jail’s infrastructure, including issues with elevator vandalism and the need for specialized parts.
Speaker 4 thanks the team for their efforts and emphasizes the importance of maintaining the jail’s functionality despite challenges.

Public Health Updates and Vaccination Concerns

Speaker 27 presents an update on measles, including the highly contagious nature of the virus and the importance of herd immunity.
Speaker 27 discusses the ongoing measles outbreak in the southwestern United States and the importance of vaccination to prevent the spread of the disease.
Speaker 27 addresses concerns about vitamin A and its role in treating measles, emphasizing that it does not prevent the disease and can be toxic if misused.
Speaker 27 provides an update on the seasonal flu and bird flu, noting the importance of vaccination and monitoring for potential outbreaks.

Environmental Health and Emergency Preparedness

Speaker 27 reports on progress in restaurant inspections, noting that all inspections from 2023 and prior have been completed, and they are now up to date.
Speaker 27 discusses the office of emergency preparedness, including programs for public health emergency preparedness, healthcare preparedness, and city readiness.
Speaker 27 highlights the office’s role in responding to emergencies, including training and exercises for various scenarios.
Speaker 27 provides an update on the office’s activities, including the distribution of fentanyl test strips, Narcan sprays, and personal protective equipment.

Women’s Health Services and Community Programs

Speaker 27 outlines the services provided by the women’s health services program, including breast and cervical cancer screening, family planning, and sexually transmitted infection prevention.
Speaker 27 emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for breast and cervical cancer, and the role of the program in helping patients navigate services.
Speaker 27 discusses the availability of women’s health services across the county, including early childhood programs and travel clinics.
Speaker 27 provides information on how to access women’s health services, including the website, phone number, and QR code.

Questions and Comments from Commissioners

Speaker 4 asks about the best course of action for dealing with snake bites, and Speaker 27 advises seeking medical help and providing information about the snake if possible.
Speaker 19 inquires about the deaths from measles and the underlying conditions, and Speaker 27 confirms that one child died without underlying conditions.
Speaker 19 thanks the health department for their efforts in addressing odor issues in Roswell and confirms the plan for quarterly inspections.
Speaker 34 asks about the preparedness for the FIFA World Cup, and Speaker 29 confirms they are working with the city of Atlanta and other cities to ensure readiness.

Financial and Infrastructure Updates

Speaker 24 presents the ARPA reporting, highlighting outstanding projects and the need for conservative financial management.
Speaker 24 discusses the financials, including the impact of Atlanta’s revenue and expense forecasts on the county’s budget.
Speaker 24 outlines the vacancy chart and the need to manage hiring expenses while addressing the desire to hire new staff.
Speaker 24 confirms there were no emergency procurements or contracts under $100,000, and the meeting concludes with a call for any final questions.

Correction of 2025 Budget Allocation

Speaker 31 explains the first item on the agenda, which is a correction to the language used in the adoption of the 2025 budget regarding the allocation of $13.9 million.
The correction involves changing the allocation from three buckets of $4.9 million each to three buckets of $4.6 million each.
The second item involves transferring $4.6 million from the risk management fund to the county attorney’s budget within the risk management fund.
This transfer will create 10 new positions, provide salary increases, and allocate incremental funds for outside counsel.

Approval of IT Proposal

Speaker 22 introduces the second item, which is the approval of a recommended proposal for wireless communication services and devices, not to exceed $927,908.38.
Commissioner Thorne makes a motion to adopt, seconded by Commissioner Abdul Rachman, and the motion passes unanimously.
The third item is the approval of the lowest responsible bidder for network equipment maintenance and support, not to exceed $6,924,519.06.
Commissioner Thorne makes a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Abdul Rachman, and the motion passes unanimously.

Real Estate and Asset Management Approvals

The fourth item is the approval of the lowest responsible bidder for installing M30 rated active, hydraulically retractable wage barriers, not to exceed $1,078,171.50.
Commissioner Ellis makes a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Ivory, and the motion passes unanimously.
The fifth item is the approval of the lowest responsible bidder for standby plumbing repair services countywide, not to exceed $300,000.
Commissioner Thorne makes a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Abdul Rachman, and the motion passes unanimously.

Solid Waste and Weapons Detection System Approvals

The sixth item is the approval of the lowest responsible bidder for solid waste disposal and recycling services countywide, not to exceed $1,285,000.
Commissioner Thorne makes a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Abdul Rachman, and the motion passes unanimously.
The seventh item is the approval of a recommended proposal for a weapons detection system, not to exceed $641,380.
Commissioner Ellis makes a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Abdul Rachman, and the motion passes unanimously.

Arts and Libraries, Health and Human Services Approvals

The eighth item is the approval of a statewide contract for temporary staffing search services in the arts and culture sector, not to exceed $105,000.
Commissioner Thorne makes a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Abdul Rachman, and the motion passes unanimously.
The ninth item is the approval to award without competition an amount not to exceed $148,200 for detection call-out dispatch services and asset management enhancement.
Commissioner Thorne makes a motion to approve, seconded by Vice Chair Ellis, and the motion passes unanimously.

Intergovernmental Agreements and Construction Project Management Software

The tenth item is the approval of an intergovernmental agreement with the city of Johns Creek for water main relocations, estimated at $560,000.
Commissioner Thorne makes a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Abdul Rachman, and the motion passes unanimously.
The eleventh item is the approval of an agreement for cooperative technical assistance and intergovernmental cost sharing, $75,000 annually.
Vice Chair Ellis makes a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Bridget Thorne, and the motion passes unanimously.
The twelfth item is the approval of a recommended proposal for a construction project management software solution, not to exceed $197,290.
Commissioner Thorne makes a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Abdul Rachman, and the motion passes unanimously.

Senior Services and Change Order Approvals

The thirteenth item is the approval to increase the spending authority for Senior Services to provide transportation services, not to exceed $1,500,000.
Commissioner Abdul Rachman makes a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Ivory, and the motion passes unanimously.
The fourteenth item is the approval of a change order greater than 10% to provide in-home services to eligible Fulton County seniors, not to exceed $227,000.
Commissioner Ivory makes a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Thorne, and the motion passes unanimously.

Indigent Burial and Medical Examiner Approvals

The fifteenth item is the approval of a recommended proposal for indigent burial, not to exceed $494,900.
Commissioner Ivory makes a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Thorne, and the motion passes unanimously.
The sixteenth item is the approval of a recommended proposal for forensic post-mortem toxicology testing services for the medical examiner, not to exceed $175,275.
Commissioner Abdul Rachman makes a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Thorne, and the motion passes unanimously.

Motion to Recess for Lunch

Speaker 12 calls for a motion to recess for lunch and to consider items in executive session, including real estate, litigation, and personnel.
The motion to recess is seconded by Commissioner Thorne, and the motion passes unanimously.

Approval of Executive Session Actions

Speaker 1 calls for the resumption of the regular order of business items from Executive Session.
Speaker 7 asks for a motion to approve the request for representation in items 123 and 4 of the Executive Session agenda.
Commissioner Thorne makes a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Abdul Rachman.
The motion passes unanimously.

Explanation of Resolution Requests

Speaker 8 explains the resolution to accept food donations from various organizations to support the Department of Developmental Disabilities and behavioral health programs.
Speaker 9 elaborates on the purpose of the resolution, including support for food prep programs and opioid programming.
Speaker 10 questions the format of the resolution and the reason for its placement on the agenda.
Speaker 9 clarifies that donations must be placed on the agenda for Board approval.

Discussion on Senate Bill 244

Speaker 8 introduces a resolution urging members of the Georgia House of Representatives to oppose Senate Bill 244.
Speaker 10 explains his support for prosecutorial oversight but criticizes the bill for its potential financial impact on Fulton County.
Speaker 10 highlights the issue of who pays for defendants’ reasonable legal fees and costs if a prosecutor is disqualified.
Speaker 10 suggests amendments to the bill to ensure the state, not the county, pays for legal fees.

Debate on Senate Bill 244

Speaker 11 supports the intent of the bill but criticizes the county’s potential financial burden.
Speaker 12 argues that the bill is unconstitutional and that the state should pay for legal fees.
Speaker 10 and Speaker 7 discuss the potential loopholes in the bill and the need for clear language.
Speaker 13 suggests that the county’s legislative strategy should address the bill through existing channels.

Vote on Filing the Resolution

Speaker 11 makes a substitute motion to file the resolution.
Speaker 10 explains the difference between urging resolutions and lobbying priorities.
Speaker 12 emphasizes the potential financial impact of the bill on the county.
Speaker 15 argues that the appropriate venue for addressing the bill is through the legislative agenda.

Approval of Operation Public Servant Program

Speaker 2 explains the program to recruit federal employees impacted by the federal government’s layoffs.
Speaker 10 questions the implementation and resource allocation for the program.
Speaker 2 clarifies that the program will be ready by Friday morning.
Speaker 10 expresses concerns about the accuracy of the job availability numbers and the potential miscommunication.

Debate on Implementation of Operation Public Servant Program

Speaker 3 criticizes the handling of the program announcement and the potential misinformation.
Speaker 11 supports the program and criticizes the opposition to it.
Speaker 14 provides an update on the legislative session and the status of various bills.
Speaker 14 highlights the importance of the North Fulton behavioral health crisis center funding and the need for continued advocacy.

Discussion on Legislative Priorities and Bills

Speaker 14 provides updates on bills related to superior court judges, behavioral health, 911 systems, and tort reform.
Speaker 14 discusses the impact of House Bill 370 on local governments and the need for modifications.
Speaker 14 explains the status of Senate Bill 151 and the potential impact on North Fulton cities.
Speaker 14 mentions various homestead exemption bills and their potential impact on local governments.

Final Comments and Vote on Consent Agenda

Speaker 15 emphasizes the need for better communication and transparency from the Development Authority.
Speaker 11 raises concerns about the lack of notice and participation in the Development Authority’s decision-making process.
Speaker 8 calls for a vote on the Consent Agenda, which includes library renaming resolutions.
The resolutions to rename the Alpharetta library and the East Point library are approved.

Housing Authority of Fulton County Litigation Update

Speaker 7 provides a recap of the housing authority issues, mentioning public comments about mismanagement and corruption from late 2023 to mid 2024.
In June and July 2024, HUD notifications highlighted deficiencies and non-compliance, leading to a score of zero out of 135.
The board requested the resignation of all housing authority members, with the exception of Antavious Weems and Lamar White.
A public hearing was held on July 29, 2024, to remove Weems and White, and a new slate of members was appointed.
Weems and White filed lawsuits for judicial review and injunctive relief, which were dismissed by the Superior Court on February 25, 2025, without an anticipated appeal.

Affordable Housing Project in South Fulton

Speaker 1 commends the housing authority board for their outstanding work, mentioning a recent groundbreaking for 30 to 60 affordable housing units in South Fulton.
The board is also exploring additional opportunities to provide affordable housing on more land owned by the county.
The project is seen as a positive development, earning credit for the county’s efforts in affordable housing.

City of Atlanta Outstanding Water Bill

Speaker 8 introduces a discussion about the city of Atlanta’s outstanding water bill, sponsored by Chairman Pitts.
Speaker 5 reports that since communication with the city in November 2024, no response has been received regarding the requested actions on several accounts.
Multiple attempts have been made to contact the identified person from the city, who is currently working with the Atlanta Public School System.
The city intends to address the county’s issues once they have resolved the balance with the school system, expected by the end of the month or early next month.

Meeting Conclusion

Speaker 1 confirms that the issue with the city of Atlanta’s outstanding water bill is still unresolved.
No further business was discussed, and the meeting was adjourned.
Speaker 6 provides information for those who need a written transcript or reasonable accommodations due to a disability, directing them to contact the clerk’s office.