Consultants urge new jail, centralized facilities governance in DeKalb County space study

Consultants from OX agency presented a months‑long space and facilities study to DeKalb County commissioners, concluding that the county faces significant governance, data and infrastructure gaps and should prioritize a new jail and centralized facility oversight.

Kelly (S9), who led the study, said roughly 48% of county facilities are in shortage when measured against workflow and functional needs. The study flagged a lack of centralized capital planning, inconsistent reporting, and informal maintenance processes that make the county reactive rather than strategic in facility investments.

"The hard part is no decision is a decision," Kelly told the board, summarizing why the county must move from analysis to action. The consultants recommended several steps: adopt a centralized facilities governance and asset management approach, implement a CMMS (computerized maintenance management system) for consistent reporting, assemble a property portfolio and timeline, and complete or update a feasibility study required by state law before large capital commitments.

On the jail, the consultants said the justice system represents the county’s highest facility risk and recommended a balanced campus approach (their Option 2) combining an adult jail and a small, separate juvenile secure unit, plus a justice/court block. They offered high‑level cost benchmarks and suggested using the new jail decision to guide reuse of other buildings (courthouse, annex, Sunny Meadows).

Commissioners thanked the consultants and noted the recommendation will require coordination with the county council on financing. The presentation did not include a board vote; consultants offered to return to answer follow‑up questions.

Article provenance: consultant presentation and extended Q&A covering governance gaps, jail options, building recommendations and next steps.