Atlanta officials paused a $68 million proposal to sell the Atlanta City Detention Center to Fulton County after council members sought more detail about lease terms, staffing and long-term financial effects.
The Finance/Executive Committee held Resolution 26-R-4001 Sept. 30 after the Public Safety committee advanced it 4-2 two days earlier. FOX 5 Atlanta reported members expect to revisit the measure in two weeks.
Under revised terms, Fulton County would buy the 1,300-bed downtown facility while Atlanta could lease designated space for up to 50 years at $1 annually. Atlanta corrections officers would continue supervising municipal detainees, and city court offices would maintain operations there.
Mayor Andre Dickens and Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts agreed to the $68 million price earlier in September. The framework gives Atlanta a right of first refusal and repurchase option for up to 50 years while preserving space for the Center for Diversion & Services.
City officials say the jail costs roughly $30 million annually to operate and estimate the arrangement could save Atlanta between $18 million and $20 million each year. They have not explained how those savings would be spent. Fulton County says existing capacity could avoid more expensive temporary construction while its Rice Street jail undergoes improvements.
Opposition remains focused on staffing and conditions. The main county jail operates under a federal consent decree addressing violence, staffing, sanitation, medical care and other constitutional concerns. Critics argue another building will not solve systemwide failures; supporters say the downtown jail is needed to relieve overcrowding and provide safer housing.
Fulton County’s current agreement to lease up to 700 beds expires in December. No sale is final: the Finance Committee must advance the measure before the full Atlanta City Council can vote.
