Tagged: Burrell Ellis

The DeKalb County Police department is getting a new police chief. County CEO Burrell Ellis appointed Cedric Alexander to the lead the embattled department this morning. Alexander has a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and previously served as Chief of the Rochester Police Department and as a police officer in Miami.

DeKalb County Commissioners will face tough choices as they begin weighing how to balance the 2013 budget Tuesday. 

As a result of declining property tax revenue and the incorporation of the city of Brookhaven, commissioners will have to consider spending cuts or a potential property tax rate increase proposed by DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis. The 1.9 percent millage rate increase would cost almost $49 more per year for owners of a $200,000 home. But Commissioner Jeff Rader is hoping to avoid that increase.

A day after authorities searched the home and office of DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis, county commissioners said today they were taken off guard by the news.

DeKalb commissioner Elaine Boyer said she’s reserving judgment until the process plays out.

“Of course you’re surprised and shocked and no one wants to hear or see anything about it. And I’m going to hope for the best that the CEO is not responsible for these things. No one wants to see that.”

Authorities earlier today raided the home of DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis while he testified before a grand jury investigating county watershed operations.

Convened early in 2012, the grand jury is looking into allegations involving county watershed employees who were accused of accepting bribes from prospective contractors.

In a press conference, Ellis said he was unsure of what authorities may have been looking for, but says he and his staff have been fully cooperative with investigators.