The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners convened on July 15, 2025, for a Committee of the Whole meeting, where several key topics were discussed, including procurement processes, local business support, and infrastructure improvements.

The meeting commenced with the approval of minutes from previous sessions. Chief Procurement Officer Michelle Butler provided an informative overview of procurement basics, highlighting the importance of training programs for commission staff. The committee expressed interest in feedback regarding a recent training session aimed at enhancing understanding of procurement processes.

A significant topic of discussion was the ongoing update of the county's website, particularly the procurement section, to streamline processes for bidding and procurement. The committee also addressed the Local Source Business Enterprise (LSBE) program, emphasizing efforts to revamp it to better support local businesses. Director Butler noted that many potential vendors are unaware of the registration requirements to participate in county procurement opportunities.

The Planning, Economic Development, and Community Services (PECS) committee reported on a recent meeting that included a presentation from the DeKalb Housing Authority. The committee discussed various items, including a change order for the Work Source DeKalb contract and updates to the soil testing contract. They also recommended approval for the Needham Park master plan but deferred discussions on the parks and recreation fee schedule pending further information.

The Public Works and Infrastructure (PWI) committee, represented by Commissioner Shikara Johnson, reported on their last meeting held on June 26. They approved several items, including funding for traffic signal relocations and a local maintenance and improvement grant from Georgia DOT, which will facilitate additional road paving. The committee also discussed contracts for water main fittings and litter removal services, among other infrastructure projects.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to enhancing procurement processes, supporting local businesses, and advancing infrastructure projects. The commissioners plan to continue discussions on various items in future meetings, ensuring ongoing engagement with community needs and operational improvements.