Press
I am Proud to Represent this Community and the Residents that I Consider my Partners in Making this City Great!
We deserve a community that is thriving for our families and our businesses. I cannot do this without you. Working together, we will undoubtedly see District 2 and the City of South Fulton thrive and grow for our families, for our community, and for our future.
- Councilwoman Carmalitha L. Gumbs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 24, 2025
Statement of Councilmember Carmalitha Gumbs
on independent audit of mayoral purchase-card misuse
SOUTH FULTON, GA — At this week’s (Tuesday) meeting of the City Council, the City accepted the findings of an independent forensic audit that examined the use of city-issued purchase cards by the Office of the Mayor. The audit, conducted over a 25-month period by the nationally recognized accounting firm Baker Tilly, uncovered more than $109,000 in mayoral P-Card charges, including approximately $70,000 in undocumented travel expenses by the mayor and $26,000 in unauthorized spending during the final quarter of 2024, part of which funded an international trip.
In response, District 2 Councilmember Carmalitha Gumbs, who has long prioritized ethics and accountability in local government, issued the following statement:
“As a public servant, I believe we must uphold the highest standards of integrity and stewardship when it comes to managing public funds. The audit findings are disturbing and have understandably shaken the trust of our residents.
Nearly $110,000 in charges, with a significant portion lacking documentation or justification, represents not only a breakdown in accountability — it’s a betrayal of public confidence.
I fully support efforts to recover any misused funds and urge the mayor to reimburse the City of South Fulton for every dollar that was not authorized or properly accounted.
Residents deserve to know that their elected officials are acting in the public’s best interest — not using taxpayer dollars for personal benefit.
I remain committed to a government that is ethical, fiscally responsible, and transparent. This moment must be a turning point. We owe our constituents nothing less.”
Fire Headquarters Project – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The City of South Fulton is constructing a new Fire and Rescue Headquarters and Public Safety Training Complex, which will serve as a central hub for public safety operations, advanced emergency training, and interagency coordination.
1. Where will the new facility be located?
The facility will be located at 3000 Cascade Palmetto Highway, in District 2, on a 51-acre site bordered by:
- Camp Creek to the south
- Cascade Palmetto Highway to the west
- Residential neighborhoods to the north and east
2. Why was this location selected?
The site was strategically chosen for its accessibility, proximity to key transportation routes, and potential for long-term growth.
3. How much will the project cost?
The estimated cost of the project is approximately $58 million, part of a broader public safety investment totaling more than $113 million.
The City will pursue debt financing without increasing the current millage rate, instead relying on prudent financial management and cost containment measures.
4. Who is overseeing construction?
Following a unanimous vote by the South Fulton City Council, Catamount Constructors, Inc., in collaboration with Piper O’Brien Herr, was selected to design and construct the facility.
5. What features will the complex include?
- A 50,000-square-foot administrative headquarters
- An advanced incident command center
- A modern four-bay fire station
- Maintenance and logistics buildings
- A vehicle extraction training area
- A multi-use burn building
- A large concrete driving pad
- An outdoor classroom
- A public auditorium
6. Will others use the training complex?
Yes. The complex will support specialized training operations for the City of South Fulton Police Department and will be open to neighboring fire departments to foster regional preparedness and mutual aid.
7. How will this benefit the community beyond public safety?
Community features include:
- A public walking trail
- A pavilion
These amenities enhance the site's value as a civic and recreational asset.
8. How does this project align with the City’s goals?
The complex reflects the City’s commitment to public safety, resilient infrastructure, and improved quality of life for residents.
9. What is the status of the project?
The project will proceed once the Water and Conservation Commission finalizes the required erosion control review. The City is dedicated to environmental compliance and responsible development.
Police Headquarters Project – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did the City decide to pursue a new police headquarters at this time?
The existing facility was originally established as a temporary leased solution and is located outside city boundaries. The new headquarters is a strategic reinvestment designed to provide a permanent, modern facility within municipal limits—supporting both public safety effectiveness and civic presence.
2. Where will the new police headquarters be located?
The new facility will be constructed on a nine-acre parcel situated at the intersection of Old National Highway and Jonesboro Road, within the official boundaries of the City of South Fulton.
3. What functions will the new headquarters consolidate?
The new headquarters will bring together multiple divisions of the South Fulton Police Department, including administration, patrol, investigations, special operations, and evidence processing—resulting in streamlined operations and enhanced internal coordination.
4. How does this project reflect the City’s commitment to sustainability?
The facility will incorporate energy-efficient systems, solar power augmentation, electric vehicle charging stations, and sustainable building materials—all aligned with best practices in climate-conscious urban development.
5. What technological advancements are planned for the facility?
A Real-Time Crime Center will serve as the technological core of the new building, featuring a video intelligence wall and high-speed data infrastructure to support rapid-response coordination and predictive policing.
6. How does the project promote community interaction with public safety services?
Design elements such as walking trails, a public dog park, and a secure Internet Exchange Zone are intended to create inviting spaces for civic engagement and everyday interactions with public safety personnel.
7. What is the Internet Exchange Zone and why is it included?
The Internet Exchange Zone is a designated area, equipped with surveillance and public safety oversight, where residents can safely conduct e-commerce transactions and digital meetups—responding to modern community needs.
8. Who is managing the construction of the facility?
The project is being executed in partnership with qualified firms, including the Winter Johnson Group and Piper O’Brien Herr, under the leadership of the City’s General Services Department.
9. How were the partner firms selected?
All contracting partners were chosen through a rigorous and competitive procurement process to ensure high standards of quality, compliance, and fiscal responsibility.
10. What is the total cost of the project and how is it allocated?
The entire public safety infrastructure initiative includes both Fire and Police facility upgrades and is budgeted at $113 million—with $55.8 million allocated for the new police headquarters.
11. How does this project align with the City's broader strategic goals?
The new police headquarters supports the City’s goals of sustainability, growth, public engagement, and professional excellence—providing infrastructure that reflects a forward-looking, community-focused vision.
12. What benefits will the new facility bring to South Fulton residents?
Residents will benefit from improved public safety response times, greater transparency, accessible civic spaces, and increased opportunities for community-police interaction and oversight.
