Council members began a discussion on Dec. 2 about whether Villa Rica should open city facilities as temporary warming centers during extreme cold and what logistics and liabilities those centers would require.

The item’s initiating speaker said the proposal stemmed from concern about people living outdoors and noted local officers sometimes transport unhoused individuals to Carrollton. The speaker said they did not want "to wake up and see that people froze to death on our streets" and urged the council to consider interim options while nonprofit capacity develops.

Several councilmembers raised practical questions: Would the city’s insurance cover incidents inside a municipal warming center, what staffing and police resources would be necessary, and how would the city vet occupants (including people with outstanding warrants)? One councilmember asked staff to engage local churches and nonprofits to offset food and staffing costs and to introduce community organizations to this work.

Council members requested that police and other staff return with specific operational recommendations, including potential liability exposure, staffing needs and any costs for equipment such as flashing school‑zone signs or posted notices. The council did not take formal action during the work session and asked staff to report back for the Tuesday meeting or at a future work session.