[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6205205,"mediaKeyId","3775823-2fabdcefeb599b7def0646675b54c743","parentId",3775823,"title","Commission approves SPLOST agreement for mobile medical service facility","audioSeconds",67,"startMs",4989000,"endMs",5056000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3775823-2fabdcefeb599b7def0646675b54c743&start=4989&end=5056","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3775823-2fabdcefeb599b7def0646675b54c743/thumbnail_4989000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6205205/Athens/Clarke-County/Georgia/Commission-approves-SPLOST-agreement-for-mobile-medical-service-facility","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6205205-89cc4a077064692ef1f19460e9c4e62b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153915&Signature=aQOuqJpzuqQg0sjen2Os-3ohiF39Tw0j38mYatEQxu5BxFYWJEtAiwjFbhf2jxHlu9mlHftpHbaX1I6mfum~If6pr-SZgoVD-EY5jVvspTWzwxkQOk7zuEnEKenYwgIG9N9A83mHYRtPEUxMnLdSAtW2JJT381E6Y56mehz213WGRVIOTwPLYKQc9-IJ1XrQQyohbOiuM3suv-nxbjETfHeCJsweLLBGUGiiuqnVq8sZZjOPPkhlxHCmgASllqIBdfACpc5X8O2cMQR1J8aRyrl0TaTJoMulD0h5ixGrhaIg9mSElVK6O840YZSNoy0nD7fQtgexeL5RbXowippLPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-11T23:27:55.3Z","article","The commission voted to approve an agreement between the county and the local hospital authority to accept a mobile medical service facility funded as part of SPLOST projects. The item — described in public comment and by commissioners as a way to bring medical screening and services to underserved neighborhoods — passed on a voice vote during new business.

Why it matters: A mobile medical facility expands access to basic health services to neighborhoods with limited clinic capacity and supports county public‑health outreach. Proponents said grant funds were available to acquire the mobile unit and that SPLOST administration had reviewed the eligibility of the project.

Next steps: Staff will execute the agreement with the hospital authority and coordinate deployment schedules for community clinics.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","06-10-2025 Mayor & Commission Taxpayer Bill of Rights Hearing #3 & Special Called Session","oneSentenceSummary","The commission approved use of SPLOST funds to accept a mobile medical service facility through an agreement with the hospital authority; proponents described the vehicle as a tool to reach underserved neighborhoods.","taxTitle","Athens, Clarke County, Georgia","taxId",9780,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6205210,"Commission approves rezoning and future‑land‑use change for 120.5‑acre Newton Bridge Road development",291,6157000,6448000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3775823-2fabdcefeb599b7def0646675b54c743&start=6157&end=6448","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3775823-2fabdcefeb599b7def0646675b54c743/thumbnail_6157000.jpg","/articles/6205210/Athens/Clarke-County/Georgia/Commission-approves-rezoning-and-futurelanduse-change-for-1205acre-Newton-Bridge-Road-development","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6205210-e97ad39f9200322eb39d1cd5e7f8c0fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153915&Signature=Kke~Mt3Ui3V9LuowZ~57HY7GwoKNnSppQMGmYnquTg4ZHhJiKu6fagu5a2trXX-Fz6IVg1LrjlZK-XZE-FxmthYlKYMgJAvsbCSzT~GPb7JThWLLTVkOrZMjIYdl4mnzWfaa7QIaFUF~CdYv6NT0cJVMri3hCGBiXQ2OyLMTEzvzAbnizAgBAey0T6eucvFlktoftnm8xSUGBpo4EAo6a7KD7HwGnlO9c1SEYf8-0H7V1cNZ9Rt0jiL17ed6gFR89V5MARk624Cd9PPV12ZZ9ucMC0uJX8gdd0zoPp7x5VQo~Bgnkflr~xDhkFssPc8rtj6HKeS5iB~KiDwrTzgNxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The commission approved two linked actions to permit a 120.5‑acre development on Newton Bridge Road: (1) an amendment to the future land‑use map that redesignated the property from Employment Center and Rural to Mixed‑Density Residential, and (2) a rezoning that changed four parcels from I (Industrial) to RM1 (Mixed Density Residential).

Commissioner Thornton moved the future land‑use and rezoning approvals and described the project as fee‑simple attached and detached homes for sale — not student housing — and said the developer had agreed to a multi‑use trail along Newton Bridge Road and improved connections to Vincent Drive and a roundabout to address traffic. Other commissioners cited the public benefits of added fee‑simple housing supply and improved connectivity in the Vincent Drive corridor.

Why it matters: The actions remove an industrial designation and create an opportunity for middle‑density for‑sale housing in a corridor with growing residential development. The commission approved both ordinances by voice vote with no recorded opposition on the transcript.

Next steps: The project will proceed to site‑plan and permitting review consistent with the new zoning. Commissioner Thornton noted the developer’s commitment to construct a shared‑use path and a roundabout to ease local circulation and to avoid a student‑housing model by delivering fee‑simple homes for sale.","The commission amended the future land‑use map and rezoned approximately 120.5 acres at 6107–7630 Newton Bridge Road from employment center/industrial to mixed‑density residential and approved the associated future‑land‑use change and rezoning ordinances.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6205215,"Commission accepts clerk Jean Spratlin’s resignation; appoints Stephanie Thompson as municipal court judge",446,5663000,6109000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3775823-2fabdcefeb599b7def0646675b54c743&start=5663&end=6109","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3775823-2fabdcefeb599b7def0646675b54c743/thumbnail_5663000.jpg","/articles/6205215/Athens/Clarke-County/Georgia/Commission-accepts-clerk-Jean-Spratlins-resignation-appoints-Stephanie-Thompson-as-municipal-court-judge","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6205215-22d6c727b552446c19cf7d5b129f2ef0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153915&Signature=QU1ca2o7Zdk4t~pRrq0c8tV5jHOvYI5I9ZAIPoVhU8FgZIurMcEVyQXQ3gHrGRPSsoZ-LonlqTHoTXbLe8ZnZd4kGB8EHR0cLG3IFXGqWIuxR7mW4IWPO3LpLodDUG3iLLoDLaJMwRWAZYoZ6xyHrTlK~UknDgd3EBy6EYAj~EmuAiY1839KoPqXmt0sSA0WrCZqyDwmkXzZ7~EoJ36zf9dv0t7LECkVe~AM49Uv6NgHVwStJ8D2MJ5wSweWJ28~2ufSegwaXHbbu-lR47IrfGFOvLThWQnFrprRNRMb0rpkUnjMmH73Gljy2y64rz52P8tnX~Bmo9RqJkcAXZc-1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The commission formally accepted the resignation of Jean (Jeanette) Spratlin as clerk of commission, effective June 30, 2025. Commissioners thanked Spratlin for more than 50 years of public service; the motion to accept her resignation carried, with Commissioner Hamby recorded as opposed.

Separately, the commission nominated and confirmed Stephanie Thompson to serve as municipal court judge and administrative hearing officer effective July 1, 2025. The mayor read the nomination, and the commission voted unanimously to confirm Thompson. In brief remarks to the commission and public, Judge Thompson said she had spent more than a decade as a prosecutor, pledged to listen to all courtroom participants and to connect defendants with rehabilitation, mental‑health and treatment resources where appropriate.

Why it matters: The clerk of commission provides institutional knowledge and administrative continuity for the commission; Spratlin’s departure ends a five‑decade tenure. The municipal court judgeship is the county’s front‑line misdemeanor and administrative court; the new judge will oversee many routine matters that affect residents’ daily interactions with local government and the justice system.

Next steps: Thespratlin transition will include a short overlap; Spratlin indicated she will provide part‑time assistance during the handover. Judge Thompson’s employment documents will be executed by the mayor and county attorney per the code referenced in the nomination (section 1‑4‑17 of the Code of Athens‑Clarke County).","The commission accepted long‑time clerk Jean Spratlin’s resignation effective June 30 and unanimously appointed Stephanie Thompson as municipal court judge and administrative hearing officer effective July 1.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6205220,"Proposal to develop Jackson Street parking lots draws sharp public criticism and split commission response",5003,3545000,8548000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3775823-2fabdcefeb599b7def0646675b54c743&start=3545&end=8548","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3775823-2fabdcefeb599b7def0646675b54c743/thumbnail_3545000.jpg","/articles/6205220/Athens/Clarke-County/Georgia/Proposal-to-develop-Jackson-Street-parking-lots-draws-sharp-public-criticism-and-split-commission-response","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6205220-09c3a1f26394ffbfd73b4212cdc02466/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153915&Signature=ZbxIN4tPh9ux-yn0bZJX-MByfBQypbejcUgtlCMatjP5tluI9ArnPzINuh-iACWZRnfoJNLPeUKLeKUsi~-SJmXrJ~OfSkdHri-9jSowRvgujQcbBKQMxV~bhPmYOqMbCFBRW6xAjiLs6UfO~W7g42ZNrEx2l1Fo0QNHPExmcoAZBDpVMqByMbKZZ7m2S3DgV7Xeuut9UzGmf-Q-c2CUbksKEFrzk0EfYofb7oTOqQk3AL04HBiWCC1Bsrwyk1Cw-YIUFYF8nJkmtLz-GparMMh88Rb-oijm9ok-V-Yf-WoMT3qtWIJz3zUnjQ8j1uQI4WelBSvAjEx3cw7XAu9uTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","An intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Athens Downtown Development Authority (ADDA) to amend a prior 2020 arrangement for redevelopment of County‑owned parking lots on Jackson Street became the meeting’s most contentious agenda item.

Developers and ADDA representatives told the commission the amended IGA would unlock a project that includes a 200‑space public parking deck, infrastructure improvements (notably sewer work to support Bethel Homes phases), a contribution estimated in public testimony at about $7.9 million to the county’s affordable‑housing fund, and public‑facing spaces intended to tie into the Jackson Street Art Walk. The development team said preservation of the Foundry building and relocation of an existing playscape to a site adjacent to Leipark would be part of the plan.

Why it matters: The plan would use public land swaps and ADDA cooperation to deliver private development that the proponents say will finance affordable‑housing and critical infrastructure. Opponents questioned transparency, the intended use of public land, potential displacement effects and whether promised public‑benefit commitments would be fully enforced.

Public comment split: Supporters, including neighborhood leaders and the developer’s representative, cited public benefits: a near‑term contribution to affordable housing, sewer upgrades that would accelerate Bethel Homes phases, and a publicly accessible parking deck. Opponents and community groups — including those representing long‑time East Athens residents and historic neighborhood advocates — urged the commission to reject the IGA. Critics said the project risks erasing local history, would accelerate student housing downtown at the expense of permanently affordable and family housing, and lacked adequate community engagement. Several commenters said they had not been given timely notice of the deal.

Commission debate and outcome: Commissioners debated whether to approve the IGA and whether additional written assurances should be appended to guarantee that payments and TAD (Tax Allocation District) increments are spent in targeted tracts on the east side of the river. Commissioner Hamby introduced proposed IGA amendments intended to direct PAY‑IN‑LIEU funds and TAD increment revenues toward specified census tracts and to commit TAD revenues for the duration of TAD No. 4. After extended discussion, the motion on the IGA produced a tied vote recorded in the public transcript as 5‑5; the tie meant the IGA did not pass that evening. Commissioners said they would continue to negotiate language and that a development agreement — with more specific enforceable commitments and a site plan — will return to the commission for review.

Next steps: Staff and the ADDA will continue negotiations and, per public comment and commissioner requests, are expected to produce a development agreement that: specifies where any playscape will be relocated on ACC property; enumerates enforceable affordable‑housing contributions and how PILOT funds will be spent; clarifies TAD increment use; and records a timeline for the parking deck and sewer work before reconsideration by the commission.","An intergovernmental agreement with the Downtown Development Authority to redevelop county‑owned Jackson Street parking lots into mixed‑use development with a public parking deck, affordable‑housing payments and public plazas provoked heavy public comment and a tied vote that stalled the IGA.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6205225,"Athens-Clarke County commissioners spar over FY2026 budget, special-events funding and proposed surveillance center",728,193000,921000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3775823-2fabdcefeb599b7def0646675b54c743&start=193&end=921","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3775823-2fabdcefeb599b7def0646675b54c743/thumbnail_193000.jpg","/articles/6205225/Athens/Clarke-County/Georgia/Athens-Clarke-County-commissioners-spar-over-FY2026-budget-special-events-funding-and-proposed-surveillance-center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6205225-b42767705b4b0d2ac4f9285cad149318/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153915&Signature=DOZk2RYjIHMYPxpXonMXCkGkmGxi7SoCDtv5kj6u2bSgcKcVIeMn2em2sj5lY~FZ7P-RcP8B1Wgz3nisQeJFnpkNyA0lbthpQDns~0rwOv3xc5n~4JeLCvTBkYSG7bNZIKm8j179RFxG~V0pNhUe1L1Wun4kPcESklDbqmSbJOxGl-sKxuJ2FgILPoBzXYpbx1DoS6aFGsUNLMZ3HGWxA8C~titgLRza4CKM7UEq9KATmnlj380ShuXFJ8sgoifNILOy-4deY~TeOvHlplbDgo0MR15n~AnRmchEnrd-pdxzjCzgapkll9r2-fCa2uagNRRjFAuBQpqwIZomwUSK5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Athens-Clarke County commissioners spent more than two hours debating competing FY2026 budget proposals — one led by Commissioner Lisa Myers and a rival package introduced by Commissioner Aaron Hamby — with sharp disagreement over whether to use T-SPLOST interest to reduce the millage rate and how much to fund a proposed Real Time Crime Center (RTCC).

The public hearing on the budget drew long public comment. Event organizers and downtown business owners urged the commission to increase Community Enhancements Project (CEP) support for special events, saying those festivals drive tourism and economic impact. At the same time, multiple speakers — residents, civil‑liberties advocates and criminal‑justice professionals — urged the commission not to fund the RTCC, citing concerns about facial-recognition bias, cross‑jurisdictional data sharing and potential access by federal agencies.

Why it matters: The budget sets staffing, capital projects and tax policy for the coming fiscal year and includes choices that affect long-running T‑SPLOST projects, affordable housing allocations and public‑safety investments. How the commission balances one‑time interest income against ongoing operating needs will affect whether long‑planned sidewalk, road and park projects are completed as currently scoped.

Myers and Hamby proposals: Commissioner Myers’ CDO emphasized fiscal restraint and prioritized continuation of multi‑year infrastructure projects funded through T‑SPLOST and SPLOST, plus targeted increases for courts, public defenders and special events. Commissioner Hamby proposed using roughly $5 million in unallocated T‑SPLOST interest to reduce property tax pressure this year and to fund traffic‑calming and neighborhood priorities; that option drew praise from residents seeking near‑term relief and criticism from colleagues who warned it could deplete funds earmarked for long‑term capital projects.

Special events: Multiple festival organizers asked the commission to increase CEP allocations. Timmy Conley and Allison Smith, among others, asked that CEP funding rise toward $500,000 to sustain events such as AF Fest, Wild Rumpus and Hot Corner, noting direct revenue to local government and estimated economic impact figures for AF Fest. Organizers said the current hotel‑motel derived CEP allocation has not kept pace with rising costs and that additional support would help smaller cultural events that lack corporate sponsorship.

Surveillance and the RTCC: Several speakers opposed funding for the proposed Real Time Crime Center, arguing the technology amplifies biased policing and risks broad data sharing with federal agencies. Felix Bell, Kristen Bryant and Elham Togizadeh warned the commission that private vendors’ systems — identified during testimony as including license‑plate readers and camera‑integration platforms — can cross state lines, have been accessed by outside law‑enforcement actors, and use tools (testimony referenced “Gotham” and Cloud‑View‑style software) that are subject to accuracy and privacy concerns. Opponents urged redirecting funds to public defenders, housing and mental‑health services.

Supporters of public‑safety investments emphasized needs in staffing and court services, and the Superior Court’s chief judge had asked the commission to adopt a state‑required judicial salary change resulting from House Bill 85. Commissioners also debated whether the RTCC’s expansion could be limited through policy or whether the commission should restrict funding until stricter local governance and contractual safeguards are in place.

Process and T‑SPLOST concerns: Several residents and former advisory‑committee members objected to using T‑SPLOST interest for non‑T‑SPLOST purposes, saying many voter‑approved T‑SPLOST projects have not yet been built and that interest acts as a safeguard against inflation for long‑running projects such as sidewalks and multimodal corridors. Speakers urged that the T‑SPLOST advisory committee and affected neighborhoods be consulted before reallocations.

What passed or moved: The commission heard multiple motions and amendments during the session. (The official roll‑call of the final FY2026 adoption is recorded in the meeting minutes; the public transcript records lengthy debate, a motion to call the question, and subsequent commission votes on related SPLOST/T‑SPLOST ordinances.)

Looking ahead: Commissioners said they want clearer public engagement on large fund transfers and promised to revisit T‑SPLOST prioritization and governance. Several commissioners also proposed creating a small budget advisory group to review major revenue and appropriation decisions earlier in the process to avoid last‑minute changes during future budget seasons.","Commissioners debated competing FY2026 budget proposals that differ on use of T-SPLOST interest, a proposed millage rollback, and funding for a Real Time Crime Center; public commenters urged larger event support and warned against expanded surveillance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves SPLOST agreement for mobile medical service facility

Commission approves rezoning and future‑land‑use change for 120.5‑acre Newton Bridge Road development

Commission accepts clerk Jean Spratlin’s resignation; appoints Stephanie Thompson as municipal court judge

Proposal to develop Jackson Street parking lots draws sharp public criticism and split commission response

Athens-Clarke County commissioners spar over FY2026 budget, special-events funding and proposed surveillance center