Vice Chair Bob Ellis introduced a resolution that would restrict county external affairs and DEI staff participation in commissioners’ town halls to four externally supported events per commissioner per year and require that any town hall receiving external‑staff support be scheduled on a weekday or weeknight at a Fulton County facility with 30 days’ notice. The proposal also limited county staff role to publicity, promotion and photography for such external‑staff‑supported events.

The measure prompted an extended debate. Supporters said the limits were intended to prevent overuse of a small external‑affairs staff, avoid the appearance of using county resources for campaigning in an election year, and reduce overtime/comp time burdens. Opponents argued the policy would restrict constituent access, particularly for working people who can attend evening or weekend events, and could prevent departments with expertise (for example tax‑assessor staff) from efficiently assisting residents during live assistance sessions. Several commissioners described long‑standing constituent town halls (tax exemptions, homestead help) that rely on county staff participation to answer technical questions on the spot.

Given the depth of concern and multiple suggested edits, the board agreed without objection to hold the measure so staff can draft clarified language; the vice chair said he would revise the text to make the policy limit specific to external affairs and DREAM staff and to allow district staff to continue supporting unlimited events.