Dozens of residents and nonprofit representatives used the public‑comment period at the Dec. 3 Fulton County Board meeting to press the commission on a range of issues. Several assembly‑hall speakers described alleged incidents at the Rice Street jail and gaps in medical and mental‑health care for inmates; some said those failures violated prisoners’ constitutional rights and demanded immediate investigations and remedial action.

Community advocates, including speakers from PAD/PADD (Policy Alternatives to Detention/ Diversion) and local groups, urged preservation and expansion of diversion funding, describing PADD as a critical pathway from custody to housing, treatment and long‑term services. PAD representatives and participants said the program prevents unnecessary misdemeanor incarceration and connects people with urgent social‑service needs.

Other public commenters raised concerns about deed fraud and predatory property investors; Janet Hill and others asked the board to pursue rescission of stolen deeds and stronger oversight. Real‑estate and tenant advocates described predatory investor activity in condominium buildings and urged county oversight and audits of contractors where harm has been alleged.

A series of public speakers also supported three items introduced by Commissioner Dana Barrett — including a $1 million Healthy Women Healthy Families grant program, a Fulton County women’s commission, and a resolution affirming reproductive rights. The board debated the proposals in depth during the meeting; several of the measures failed to pass on roll call or were deferred amid concerns about budget timing and scope.

Commissioners approved a separate MOU to fund PADD at $400,000 and discussed next steps on jail accountability and medical procurement as the county prepares revised budget proposals in January.