09-08-2026 Mayor & Commission Work Session

The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission held a work session on September 8, 2026, focusing primarily on updates related to the new judicial center project and public safety operations. The meeting included a detailed presentation on the judicial center's schematic design progress, community engagement efforts, site planning options, and budget updates. Key procurement-related discussions involved the anticipated bond financing of approximately $162 million, a 7% cost increase since June, and upcoming decisions on construction manager selection scheduled for December. The commission also discussed site plan options balancing parking needs and preservation of the Moon Tree, with input from local stakeholders including the AME Church. Additionally, the session featured comprehensive reports from police and fire department chiefs covering operational statistics, training, community engagement, and equipment investments, including new fire apparatus acquisitions. The meeting outlined future procurement and financing steps, emphasizing the importance of community input and fiscal planning for the judicial center project.