DeKalb County's Special Called FAB Committee Meeting on August 11, 2025, spotlighted critical discussions surrounding budget appropriations and a significant audit review of delinquent water billing data. The meeting, which was the second in October, emphasized the urgency for commissioners to finalize appropriations for youth violence prevention programs and other operational needs within the next two months.

A key highlight was the approval of a budget amendment request, which was swiftly motioned and seconded, demonstrating a collaborative effort among committee members. The chair confirmed the motion carried, paving the way for further considerations in the upcoming board meeting.

Director Campbell from the Office of Independent Internal Audit presented a non-audit review of delinquent water billing data, initially requested by the FAB Committee. The review aimed to assess the accuracy of data presented in a prior meeting, revealing discrepancies that could impact management decisions regarding collection strategies.

The analysis indicated that out of an initially reported $104 million in delinquent water bills, approximately $10 million was misclassified as delinquent when it was actually current. This adjustment brought the true delinquent total down to about $94 million. The review also highlighted significant data quality issues, including inaccuracies in customer account information and the absence of enforcement actions against accounts that owed money.

The committee members engaged actively, seeking clarification on the findings, particularly regarding the 135 liens identified in the report, which were linked to accounts that reportedly owed no funds. This raised concerns about the integrity of the data and the effectiveness of current collection strategies.

As the meeting concluded, the committee acknowledged the importance of addressing these discrepancies to enhance the county's financial management and ensure accurate reporting moving forward. The anticipated next steps include further investigations into the data quality issues and the implementation of improved collection strategies.