$14M Public Safety Budget Proposed By DeKalb CEO

DEKALB COUNTY, GA —DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond presented a $1.2 billion FY2022 budget proposal to the Board of Commissioners this week that includes $14.1 million to improve retention, recruitment and training for police, fire, and other public safety personnel.

“Our men and women who protect and serve the citizens of DeKalb are the most critical components of our workforce,” said CEO Michael Thurmond in a statement Tuesday.

In addition to increasing the size of DeKalb Police department by 100 officers, the FY22 budget includes:

• Making the pandemic front line pay permanent with a 6.25 percent increase in compensation for eligible sworn public safety personnel
• $3,000 retention bonus
• Increased starting salaries
• $5000 hiring bonus for P.O.S.T. certified officers
• Increased 401(a) match

The budget proposal also includes a four percent cost-of-living adjustment for non-sworn county employees to help mitigate the effects of inflation, according to a news release. County retirees would also receive a two percent cost-of-living adjustment.

“The FY22 budget will maintain the benchmark millage rate for unincorporated DeKalb at 20.810 mills and remain structurally balanced, protecting the county’s $128 million rainy-day fund,” the release stated.

This will be the second consecutive year that DeKalb homeowners will also receive 100 percent property tax relief on taxes levied countywide due to the proceeds of the Equalized Homestead Option Sales Tax (EHOST) credit, according to the news release.