FAB defers creation of Office of Legislative Counsel; commissioners ask for staffing and law‑department analysis

Commissioner Michelle Long Spears introduced a walk‑on item to amend the FY 2025 budget to establish an Office of Legislative Counsel for the Board of Commissioners and to authorize hiring a legislative counsel. Long Spears said the office would “strengthen our board of commissioners' capacity for informed, legally sound policy making” and listed expected duties: drafting ordinances and resolutions, advising on state and federal legislation affecting DeKalb County, conducting research, and coordinating with the county attorney's office and other stakeholders.

Long Spears requested a FY 2025 budget amendment of $65,000 for initial setup costs including technology, supplies and research subscriptions. During discussion, Commissioner Shakira Johnson and others said the board previously tried assigning a point attorney from the county attorney's office and that effort had mixed results. Long Spears said the appointed attorney sometimes had to consult the county attorney and that dual reporting lines to both administration and the board created potential confidentiality concerns.

Commissioners discussed the position’s scope and possible support staff (paralegal, law clerk). Several members said they support building capacity for the board but asked for more detail before approving a permanent hire. Commissioner Carey asked for a two‑week deferral so commissioners not present can weigh in and to give the law department time to review. County Attorney Linkus said the law department had not yet reviewed the walk‑on and could do so in a couple of weeks. Long Spears and cosponsors agreed to prepare a substitute and to provide comparative salary data and a staffing/vacancy report for the law department. The committee voted to defer the item for two weeks.