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DeKalb OKs $420,000 contract to expand warming and cooling centers, staff to deliver meals and transport
Summary
The DeKalb PECS committee approved a $420,000 substitute contract with Frontline Response to operate warming and cooling centers (estimated 61 days, up to 400 clients per night), adding staffing, hot‑meal delivery and transportation; commissioners demanded a line‑item budget and a Human Services coverage analysis before the board vote.
The DeKalb Planning, Economic Development and Community Services Committee voted to approve a $420,000 substitute contract with Frontline Response to operate warming and cooling centers while staff return later with the remaining unhoused assistance work that had been part of a larger $990,000 proposal.
Committee Chair Nicole Messiah said the administration bifurcated the original item to prioritize immediate warming and cooling services ahead of cold weather. The substitute covers operations for an estimated 61 days of sheltering during inclement weather and capacity for up to 400 clients per night, and it includes staffing, hot‑meal preparation and delivery, and transportation to and from warming sites.
COO (administration) told commissioners the contract will shift many operational tasks to Frontline staff so county staff can focus on oversight. "This contract will provide for staffing from Frontline into not only the facility at Frontline Response, but into county facilities," the COO said, adding that the contract also covers prepared hot meals and transportation.
Commissioners pressed for more detail. Commissioner Long Spears repeatedly asked how the $420,000 number was calculated and requested a full line‑item budget before the Board of Commissioners business meeting; administration agreed to provide the breakdown. Long Spears also asked that an internal July warming‑center analysis — which reportedly concluded the county's six‑center network was geographically insufficient — be circulated to the committee for comparison with the substitute proposal.
Committee members also sought clarity about who ultimately signs off on site readiness. Administration said human services will retain responsibility for county facilities and final approval to open a location, even when Frontline staffs and operates the site.
The motion to approve the substitute was moved and seconded and carried with the committee voting "Aye." Staff said the program will be ready to activate in an emergency before final contract paperwork is complete if necessary.
Next steps: administration will deliver a detailed line‑item budget and scope of work for the Frontline contract and will return to the committee with the remaining components of the original unhoused assistance proposal (transitional and permanent housing services).
