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Council authorizes preliminary GO bond work and hires architect to draft courthouse window specs
Summary
The council authorized staff to begin work with a financial adviser on a possible general obligation bond and approved a $19,500 contract to have Elevatus produce technical specifications for historic courthouse windows.
Fulton County leaders told the council on April 15 that they will begin initial work on a possible general obligation (GO) bond to finance capital projects, including a major courthouse roof and window rehabilitation.
Why it matters: The county faces imminent capital needs — officials cited an older quote of $1.7 million for a courthouse roof and other work — and must decide how to finance repairs without repeatedly raising and lowering the debt‑service tax rate.
Council action
The council authorized Baker Tilly (the county’s financial adviser) to prepare bond structure options and preliminary analyses so the county can present debt scenarios in advance of the 2026 budget cycle. The council recorded its approval to begin that preparatory work by a 7‑0 vote.
The council also approved hiring Elevatus to prepare architectural specifications for courthouse window work; staff cited a corrected fee of $19,500 to write consistent, historically sensitive bid specifications so contractors’ bids can be compared on an “apples to apples” basis. Members said hiring a specialist reduces the risk of accepting non‑compliant low bids.
Discussion and context
Council members discussed the interplay between paying off existing debt and starting new borrowing under recently passed state legislation (SB1); advisers warned a lapse between bonds could force the county to wait a year before issuing another, potentially creating an unwanted tax rate drop and then a spike. Staff also noted maintaining a healthy cash reserve would improve bond pricing.
Next steps
Baker Tilly will prepare bond scenarios and estimated debt service that will be shared with council members and department heads. Elevatus will prepare window specifications and deliver a report that can be used for bidding; staff will return to the council with final cost estimates and recommended procurement steps.
Provenance
Topic introduction excerpt: "We have 1 more year left on the go bond... One of the amendments on the SB1 is that if you pay the bond off, you have to wait a year to apply for a new bond."
Topic finish excerpt: "Chase second. All in favor? 7 0."
