Commission approves $45,000 Root Analytics extension after debate over Brookdale and point‑in‑time count
Loading...
Summary
After extended discussion over where to direct a short‑term $45,000 contract extension for homeless outreach and a required point‑in‑time count, the Macon Bibb County Commission approved a Root Analytics LLC agreement intended to preserve eligibility for larger grants and continue outreach coordination.
The Macon Bibb County Commission voted to approve a $45,000 extension to a professional services agreement with Root Analytics LLC to continue countywide street outreach work and complete a federally required point‑in‑time count of people experiencing homelessness.
Mayor Lester M. Miller introduced the item, saying the extension fills a gap created when prior grant funding expired and argued the small contract will protect the county’s ability to secure “millions of dollars” in future grant awards if the count and related grant deliverables are not completed. "This nominal amount of money is gonna save us millions of dollars," Mayor Miller said.
Jake Hall of Root Analytics described the contract work as both field outreach and strategic coordination: a countywide street outreach presence, connections with social workers and nonprofits, encampment assessment and management, coordination with RiverEdge and the fire and sheriff’s departments, and assistance with referrals into transitional and supportive housing. Hall said Root Analytics also supports grant development and has worked with United Way and other local partners.
Commissioners questioned several operational points. Commissioner Boston asked how the county coordinates veteran services; Hall said a regional partner, VOA, holds the by‑name list for veterans and Salvation Army provides on‑the‑ground veteran resources. Commissioner Bailey and others emphasized the importance of getting accurate data: Bailey said the count helps ensure people who were missed by the census are included in population statistics that drive federal funding. "We need our homeless to be counted," Bailey said.
Mayor Pro Tem Valerie Wynne and others urged that outreach and data be coordinated from a central "hub," mentioning the Brookdale Resource Center as the community’s primary access point for services and arguing some of the $45,000 might serve the community better if routed there. Wynne said she respected Root Analytics’ work but would prefer funds go to Brookdale. Mayor Miller and other commissioners responded that the contract is a narrow, interim measure to meet requirements tied to state and federal grant applications and to preserve continuity of work while the county organizes longer‑term staffing.
After questions and remarks from multiple commissioners, the commission moved, seconded and approved the extension; the item was sent to the consent agenda for formal adoption. The mayor and commissioners said the county will revisit funding and organizational structure during the upcoming budget cycle.
What happens next: The contract extension runs through June 30, 2026, and county staff said they will complete the required point‑in‑time count and continue coordination with nonprofit partners while reviewing permanent staffing or funding options during the next budget cycle.
