Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: Board of Commissioners - District 2
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All Commission Districts
To Amend the FY25 Budget to Establish the Office of Legislative Counsel and Authorize the Hiring of Legislative Counsel
Body
Information Contact: Commissioner Michelle Long Spears
Phone Number: 404-371-2863
PURPOSE:
To Amend the FY25 Budget to Establish the Office of Legislative Counsel and Authorize the Hiring of Legislative Counsel
NEED/IMPACT:
The proposed budget amendment to establish the Office of Legislative Counsel is intended to strengthen the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners’ capacity for informed, legally sound policymaking. By creating a dedicated Office of Legislative Counsel, the legislation ensures that the Board has independent, nonpartisan expertise in legislative drafting, legal interpretation, and analysis of state and federal policies that impact the County. This office will enhance the Board’s ability to craft precise ordinances and resolutions, safeguard home rule authority, and advocate effectively for county interests before the Georgia General Assembly. The financial impact is modest but represents a strategic investment in transparency, legal compliance, and professional governance that will improve the quality and efficiency of legislative work across DeKalb County.
FISCAL IMPACT:
An amount not to exceed $65,000 from the FY25 general fund.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
To approve the budget amendment and authorize the chief executive officer or her designee to execute all necessary documents