Why Atlanta just paused its $68M jail deal with Fulton County
Atlanta halts $68M jail deal after public pushback
The Atlanta City Council Finance Committee paused a $68 million proposal to sell its city jail to Fulton County, opting instead to evaluate a 50-year lease for $1 per year to save millions in annual operating costs.
ATLANTA - Atlanta officials put the brakes on a proposed $68 million deal to sell the city's jail facility to Fulton County Wednesday, holding the legislation for additional study.
Atlanta jail lease agreement
What we know:
City of Atlanta officials modified legislation regarding the proposed $68 million jail deal on Wednesday. Under the updated terms, the City of Atlanta would pay $1 per year to lease space for 50 years. Mayor Andre Dickens and Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts originally agreed to the $68 million deal terms several weeks ago.
What we don't know:
City council members have not yet decided how they will allocate the expected financial savings realized from the deal. Additionally, officials have not addressed public concerns regarding whether Fulton County has enough staff to properly operate the city jail.
Atlanta city detention center savings
By the numbers:
It currently costs approximately $30 million per year to operate the detention center's existing footprint. City leaders project the 50-year lease will save Atlanta between $18 million and $20 million annually in operating costs.
What's next:
The Finance Committee plans to bring the controversial deal back up for further discussion in two weeks.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from FOX 5 Atlanta reporter Aungelique Proctor, who reported live from City Hall during public comments and the Atlanta Finance Committee meeting, as well as official statements from Atlanta District 11 Councilman Wayne Martin.