Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Intergovernmental Agreement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Stonecrest council defers Lithonia police services IGA after questions on renewals, insurance and scope
Summary
Council postponed a vote on a one-year intergovernmental agreement to contract City of Lithonia officers for city buildings, parks and events, asking staff to return with clearer terms on automatic renewals, definitions of 'non-basic services' and cost controls; deferment passed 4–1.
The Stonecrest City Council on Feb. 23 deferred action on an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the City of Lithonia that would provide law-enforcement services at City Hall, parks and other facilities.
Procurement Manager Tanisha Boynton presented the draft IGA, describing a one-year term with four automatic one-year renewal options and a $55-per-hour base rate for officers. Members asked about automatic renewal language, whether the agreement reserves Lithonia’s right to charge Stonecrest for “non-basic” services, how insurance/liability would be handled, and whether DeKalb County could supply similar services.
Deputy Chief from Lithonia said Lithonia officers are deputized and carry insurance through the City of Lithonia (Georgia Municipal Association coverage) while on duty, and that Lithonia remains post-certified. Council members asked for clearer contract language to define non-basic services and to include cost controls such as a not-to-exceed clause for overtime or special-event charges.
Councilwoman Carmisha Smith and Councilman George Turner both requested more time to review the draft and advised legal and procurement to negotiate clarifying language. Councilman Turner moved to defer the item to the March 9 work session for decision. The motion passed 4–1. Council staff said Lithonia has continued to provide services temporarily under the previous terms while the new IGA is finalized and that staff will seek to bring a ratification resolution if necessary to cover the interim period.
Key contract figures discussed at the meeting included a $55 hourly rate for officer services and a previously cited up-to-$75,000 vehicle purchase clause that has been removed from the new draft. Council asked staff to return with a copy of the draft IGA in the council packet and to work with Lithonia on clarifications prior to reauthorization.
