DeKalb County Finance Committee reviews grant allocations for accountability courts

The Finance, Audit, and Budget Committee of DeKalb County convened on June 24, 2025, under the leadership of Commissioner Ted Terry, with Commissioner Michelle Long Spears present and Commissioner Shakir Johnson excused. The meeting primarily focused on updates regarding grant awards from the state court and superior court, as well as discussions on the millage rate and budget amendments.

The session began with Lenora Hawkins Ponto, the superior court administrator, presenting information about grants received from the Council of Accountability Court Judges. Ponto highlighted that the funding would primarily support housing initiatives within their accountability court programs. She assured the committee that there are no anticipated cuts to these grants for the upcoming fiscal year.

Following this, Edwin Veil, the state court administrator, introduced Phoenix Gaston, the DUI court program director. Gaston provided an overview of their grant situation, noting a minor reduction due to a late submission but confirming that they had secured sufficient funds to cover necessary expenses, including drug testing. She also mentioned the growth of their program, which currently serves 65 participants and includes a Spanish-speaking track, one of only two in Georgia. Additionally, Gaston announced a recent award of a $4,000 technology grant.

The committee then shifted its focus to item 8 83 on the agenda, which involved discussions about the military and proposed budget amendments. Commissioner Terry suggested separating the discussion of the millage rate from the budget amendments to allow for a more thorough examination of each topic. The committee unanimously approved a motion to move forward with the ad valorem tax millage rate while postponing the budget amendments for further discussion.

The meeting concluded with a motion for adjournment, which was also unanimously approved. Overall, the committee's discussions emphasized the importance of funding for accountability court programs and the careful consideration of budgetary matters as the fiscal year progresses.