DeKalb FAB sets priorities: CIP timing, diversion center assessment, eviction legal aid and water-assistance updates

Committee members used their goals session to set priorities for the year: accelerate capital improvement program (CIP) prioritization, continue work on a diversion center and emergency receiving facility, explore legal aid options for eviction court, and request quarterly updates on water-assistance programs.

On the CIP, staff said they will reconvene internal review and provide an update at the next FAB meeting; the committee expressed a preference to move CIP discussions earlier than the previously suggested summer timeline and confirmed a goal of producing a five-year CIP that includes financial analysis (debt service and enterprise fund considerations).

The group discussed advancing a diversion-center assessment and coordinating with presentations planned from Kareem Martin (sheriff’s office) and Fabio at Claritel to clarify how a diversion center and an emergency receiving facility might function alongside eviction-court information services the magistrate court is assembling. Commissioners highlighted a gap in legal representation in eviction court—one commissioner cited a statistic that roughly 91% of tenants appear without counsel—and suggested exploring funding for counsel to prevent unnecessary housing loss.

The committee also requested quarterly updates from the Urban League on water-assistance activity and directed staff to follow up on policy options for helping low-to-moderate-income residents manage past-due water debts.

Members asked that operational and department-assessment updates (Malden and Jenkins referenced) be scheduled in the next cycle so committees receive findings relevant to their jurisdictions. The Office of Independent Internal Audit will be invited to present its annual work plan and periodic check-ins were suggested to track audit recommendations.