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South Fulton city manager says finances, staffing and projects turned around in 2025
Summary
City Manager Sharon D. Subadan told the council that the city diversified banking relationships, recovered grant funds, expanded staff and advanced major projects including land acquisitions and public-safety investments as part of a two-year turnaround plan.
City Manager Sharon D. Subadan told the City of South Fulton council on Jan. 13 that the administration made ‘‘substantial progress’’ on finances, personnel and infrastructure in 2025.
Subadan said officials diversified city funds across four banks, reconciled more than two years of backlogged accounting, recovered Community Development Block Grant dollars and executed the city’s ARPA plan before federal deadlines. ‘‘We earned $18,100,000 in interest through November 2025,’’ Subadan said, adding that ARPA and other recoveries helped move stalled projects forward.
In workforce and operations, Subadan said the city created departments and hired new directors after years of vacancies, implementing a pay study in January 2024 and growing staff from 484 to 802 employees by December 2025. She also said the city purchased an Administration Building that now houses more than 100 employees and completed mold remediation and HVAC replacements across city facilities.
On public safety, Subadan said part‑1 crimes fell and the city purchased approximately $2 million in fire apparatus and expanded emergency medical transport capacity so units can begin transporting South Fulton residents directly rather than always transferring to regional providers.
Subadan outlined major capital activity: 231 acres of land and building acquisitions, 367 acres transferred from Fulton County for a total of 598 acres and completion or start of multiple sidewalk, resurfacing and other infrastructure projects. She said closing on bonds for police and fire headquarters is imminent and that negotiated savings on rates could save an estimated $2.3 million over the life of a loan.
Councilmembers pressed staff on delivery timelines for the Welcome All welcome center, which went out to bid with no responsive bidders; Subadan said a structural report and scope increases have doubled estimated costs and that staff will return with phased options. She also said the city contracted an internal-audit firm to jump‑start oversight while recruitment for a permanent internal auditor continues.
Subadan’s presentation included ongoing efforts to renovate Creel Park and the Southwest Arts Center, to install EV chargers with Georgia Power, and to make progress on the comprehensive plan and community engagement. She closed by offering an ‘‘accomplishments book’’ to the council and public with detailed supporting documents.
Councilmembers generally praised the report but urged better resident communications, more visible project outreach and timetables for constituent requests. The manager agreed to return with follow‑up briefings on several specific projects.
The council moved next to the city’s legislative agenda and to public hearings scheduled later in the meeting.
