10-13-2026 Mayor & Commission Work Session

Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission work session, October 13, 2026: The Land Bank Authority presented an 18-month work plan and proposed operating budget as it resumes operations to support affordable housing. The budget includes funding for an executive director and possibly an assistant, office space, legal services, and reserves; office rent was listed at $45,000 for 18 months. Commissioners questioned that cost and discussed potential county-owned or shared office space. The Authority said it has five existing lots and is assessing additional county-owned properties that could be donated under an intergovernmental agreement, with affordability restrictions potentially serving as consideration. The Authority expects ongoing local-government subsidy and identified possible revenue from property leases and dispositions. No budget or property-transfer vote was taken; a final ordinance and related matters are expected to return on a future agenda.

Staff also reviewed factual public education efforts for the upcoming LOST referendum, including flyers, online materials, water-bill inserts, and other communications. Discussion covered how LOST proceeds would be restricted to property-tax relief, revenue uncertainty, and the five-year term; no related purchasing decision or vote was identified. The work session also noted that updates on enterprise operations and a basin study were postponed, with the latter expected around January.