Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat on June 17 filed suit against Fulton County for interfering with his constitutional duties through ordinances that restrict his budget.
In a statement from the Sheriff’s Office, Labat said ordinances and resolutions adopted by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners undermine his office’s constitutional authority. The commissioners unlawfully interfered with his ability to manage his budget.
A Fulton County spokesperson told Rough Draft Atlanta that the county does not comment on pending litigation.
In July 2024, Rough Draft Atlanta reported that the commissioners approved an ordinance that required constitutional officers, including the sheriff, to follow Fulton County’s purchasing ordinance.
The ordinance required the sheriff, superior court clerk, tax commissioner, and probate judge to appoint evaluation committees to make purchasing decisions through competitive selection. The law did not require the elected officials to get commission approval for their purchases.
Labat said those actions have prevented the purchase of lifesaving tools like Narcan, which is an emergency treatment for suspected opioid overdose. The commission’s action led to a decision to repair a “dangerous and crumbling facility” instead of replacing the Fulton County Jail.
Related stories:
• Judge appoints Kenney to monitor Fulton County Jail improvements
• Sheriff’s office overspends budget, loses contract jail employees
• Fulton County Commission approves $3.2 million for jail repairs, upgrades
• Fulton Commissioners vote to abolish inmate welfare fund at county jail
“Let me be clear: the Office of the Sheriff is not subordinate to the Board of Commissioners. This is a constitutional office, and I will defend that authority to its fullest extent under the law,” Labat said.
When the purchasing ordinance was under consideration, Fulton County Probate Judge Kenya Johnson asked them to reconsider it. She said the commission could not establish a system where spending decisions of constitutional officers required approval.