Rockdale cuts Boys & Girls Club contract from $125,000 to $100,000 after public comments

The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners voted to reduce the county contract with the Boys & Girls Club of Rockdale County from $125,000 annually to $100,000 for the 2025 term, citing fiscal concerns and public feedback.

Supporters and users of the club urged commissioners to keep funding in some form. David Jernigan, president and CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, described the program’s services for ages 6–18 and said the club can be “the place that was my second home.” Jernigan said local philanthropic support has declined and that “it takes the financial support of our local communities to keep our club doors open.”

The move matters because the county’s original two-year contract and prior board decisions had set expectations in the community that the county would fund the club at a higher level. Several Rockdale residents, including Michelle Walcott (a single mother and local business owner) and Alfreda Holbrook (community member and relative of club members), testified that the club provides childcare, mentorship and basic supports that allow parents to work. Cynthia Stroud, a grandparent who uses the club’s services, thanked the board for supporting the club.

Commissioners acknowledged the competing pressures. One commissioner said the county’s formal policy does not permit routine direct funding of nonprofits and expressed concern about setting a precedent; other commissioners said a contract for services differs from an unrestricted grant. The record shows the county already made one quarterly payment of $31,250 under the original contract; subsequent payments will be adjusted so total county payments for 2025 total $100,000 rather than $125,000.

After discussion the board took a motion to approve change order number 1 to contract 2024-207, reducing the annual contract amount to $100,000 for the period Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2025. The motion passed on a voice vote: “All in favor say aye… All opposed say nay.”

The contract is budgeted for 2025. Commissioners asked the club and local partners to continue fundraising and community matches; the club reported the local board had identified $15,000 so far toward a $100,000 matching goal. The county indicated it expects to see evidence of community support and to evaluate outcomes tied to the contract going forward.

The vote concluded the agenda item; public commenters who spoke in favor left the meeting urging the board not to cut the club further.

Notes: the contract modification is recorded as change order 1 to contract 2024-207; the county had paid one quarterly payment of $31,250 under the original terms.