DeKalb County operations committee hears Malouf Annex auditorium renovation update; board approves additional funds to finish work

DeKalb County’s County Operations Committee received a status update on the renovation of the Malouf Annex auditorium and approved an amendment to the county’s 2025 budget to finish the project.

“We're pleased to get the status of the renovation of the auditorium to you today,” Deputy Director David Asbell said during the presentation, showing photos of demolition and renderings of the finished space and describing upgrades that include an extended storefront, a larger lobby and a permanent audiovisual station.

The renovation presentation included capacity and layout details: Rodney, the project manager, said the renovated auditorium will seat about 120 with chairs and provide stacking space along the sides for larger crowds. Asbell said staff expect the county to be able to move back into the facility in February 2026 and that commissioners would receive a printed 11-by-17 booklet showing renderings and floor plans.

Why it matters: Commissioners pressed on operational details — entrances and exits for commissioners, access from parking, the location of copy and storage rooms, restroom provision, and accessibility for staff who deliver materials during meetings. Several raised security concerns and asked staff to coordinate with homeland security and the interim IT director about entrance protocols and audiovisual/hybrid meeting capability.

Details and costs: During discussion staff listed several additional items that the board approved funding for. The amendment to the FY2025 budget (agenda item 13‑23) appropriates $1,169,460 to complete the Malouf Annex renovation and keep construction on track for a February 1, 2026 completion. Asbell and staff identified line‑item increases discussed in committee that contributed to the request: roughly $206,000 for electrical room and auditorium upgrades; $95,000 to modify the executive session room into a secure “safe room” for commissioners; $215,000 for interior and exterior door upgrades; about $225,000 for moving the storefront out approximately 12 feet to enlarge the lobby and reduce a bottleneck; and $82,000 for mold remediation.

Commissioner questions focused on circulation and workflow: whether staff and clerks would have direct access to the copy room and how supplies and staging would work when the auditorium is used as a multi‑purpose flex room. Facilities staff said storage is needed to support chair staging and other uses but agreed to re‑examine whether circulation between storage and the copy room could be improved.

Security and technology: Commissioners requested follow‑up briefings from security and IT. Staff said they are exploring hybrid meeting solutions and AV upgrades, and that the county will consider visitor screening options used at other jurisdictions. Asbell said the executive session room work would include a monitor and other AV equipment.

Board action: The committee voted to approve the budget amendment to appropriate $1,169,460 to complete the renovation by Feb. 1, 2026 (agenda item 13‑23). The motion was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Next steps: Staff will return with answers to the committee’s questions in December, including follow up on circulation between storage and the copy room, AV and hybrid meeting options, and security protocols for public entry.