ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A year after Fulton County entered into a federal agreement to improve its jail, officials are reporting “significant progress.”

In 2025, the county spent $12.8 million to improve security and staffing, update facilities and enhance detainee healthcare, a Fulton County government spokesperson said on Friday. The 2026 budget includes more than $50 million for that purpose — including $16.7 million reserved for staffing and recruitment incentives.

In particular, the county said it was able to update 11 housing units, replace fire alarms and kitchen and laundry equipment, recruit a firm to address gaps in detention staffing, improve security equipment and reduce the jail work order backlog by 36%.

“Fulton County will continue to collaborate with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and the jail monitor with the goal of achieving full compliance,” the spokesperson said.

Last year, Fulton County and its sheriff’s office entered into a consent decree with the Justice Department after a federal report accused the jail of violating inmates’ rights. More than 30 people have died in custody since 2021, and several more have been injured, including detention officers.

But despite the progress, the jail still faces challenges. In January, an estimated 70,000 gallons of water flooded the facility when a pipe burst — and less than a month later, a fire broke out inside the laundry room. In February, the Georgia chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union also released a new report on overcrowding at the jail, saying the number of inmates has risen in the past year as detainee deaths continue.

The county’s board of commissioners approved a $1.1 billion plan last year to renovate the existing jail and build a secondary facility specializing in housing residents with mental illness and behavioral health needs. Meanwhile, Sheriff Pat Labat argues the county needs a new jail.

“It’s the signs of an aging building. It’s what we’ve asked and talked about for almost five years,” he said after the January flooding. “We as a sheriff’s office deserve better.”

MORE COVERAGE:

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ACLU releases report on overcrowding at Fulton County Jail

Flooding reported at Fulton County Jail after pipes burst during winter weather

Fulton County officials say court staffing shortage causing ‘failure of justice’

Detention officer stabbed by ‘shank’ at Fulton County Jail, sheriff’s office says

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