Brookhaven residents urge more funding for public safety, animal‑shelter outreach and sanitation during DeKalb public comment period
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Summary
Multiple public commenters at the Oct. 7 meeting praised cooperation between Brookhaven and DeKalb, urged raises for police and firefighters via a $100 per‑property levy, and called for expanded animal‑shelter outreach, spay/neuter services and clearer shelter communications.
Several residents used the committee’s public‑comment period Oct. 7 to press DeKalb County leaders on public‑safety funding, sanitation issues and animal‑shelter outreach.
Ronnie (introduced as a Brookhaven resident and self‑described “unofficial mayor”) urged the board to place a $100 annual assessment on every property — including apartments and houses — to fund raises and retirement for firefighters and police officers. He framed the levy as an $8–$9 monthly cost per household and said it would retain emergency personnel and support public safety.
Other residents echoed support for first responders and the county’s improving relationship with Brookhaven. Several commenters thanked county and city leaders for jointly funding recent local projects, such as a park in Brookhaven Heights.
Animal‑welfare advocates also addressed the board. Andrea/Andre (speaker identified in transcript as Andrea) described a recent shelter crisis in which 36 animals faced euthanasia and praised volunteers and the media for interventions that saved the animals. She urged expanded spay‑and‑neuter resources, outreach to Spanish‑speaking residents and clearer shelter communications so nearby residents know about services and adoptions. Another commenter said residents often do not know that the county shelter exists or how to access services.
Sanitation and infrastructure concerns surfaced in multiple comments. Ronnie and other residents asked county sanitation crews to fix nearby potholes and to allow supervisors discretion to address adjacent defects when crews are already on site.
Why it matters: The public comments signal constituent priorities that can shape budget and service decisions — particularly support for public‑safety pay, animal‑welfare services and basic infrastructure maintenance.