By Ben Brasch, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FULTON COUNTY — Fulton County leaders are weighing a sweeping plan to spend $104 million in federal emergency COVID-19 funds, with proposals ranging from tens of millions of dollars for a jail isolation unit to hundreds of thousands aimed at feeding children living in extended-stay motels.

The funding comes from the federal CARES Act, which allocated more than $600 million to five metro Atlanta governments: the city of Atlanta and the counties of Cobb, DeKalb, Gwinnett and Fulton. Local leaders were notified three weeks earlier that they would receive the money, leaving them with the task of determining how best to spend it.

Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts said the allocation formula left some jurisdictions receiving less than expected, creating challenges for local governments attempting to respond to the crisis.

County officials said the financial pressure comes as governments face declining tax revenue, mounting costs and uncertainty over how long the pandemic will continue.

County Manager Dick Anderson presented an early breakdown of the proposed spending during a commissioners meeting, noting that the plan remains tentative and subject to change.

One of the largest proposed expenditures is approximately $50 million to construct a COVID-19 isolation unit at the Fulton County Jail. Anderson said the unit would allow the county to isolate infected inmates and prevent outbreaks inside the jail, where confirmed cases and deaths had already occurred.

“We need to be prepared for an outbreak,” Anderson said, noting that isolating inmates could help prevent further spread and avoid additional fatalities.

The county has also set aside roughly $73 million for personal protective equipment, including masks and other supplies needed to protect staff and residents.

Another $7 million would be reserved to respond to a potential second wave of the virus, while additional funds would be allocated for public safety and emergency response needs.

Dr. Lynn Paxton, director of the Fulton County Board of Health, said overcrowding in jails presents a unique public health challenge.

“COVID is ultimately a life-and-death issue,” Paxton said. “It’s not just about overcrowding — it’s a health crisis.”

In addition to public safety spending, the plan includes roughly $500,000 to feed children living in extended-stay motels. Pitts said the county partnered with six local restaurants to prepare and deliver meals to families who lost access to school-based food programs when buildings closed.

Many low-income families rely on schools for daily meals, Pitts said, and extended-stay motel residents were particularly vulnerable when schools shut down.

“When schools closed, those meals disappeared overnight,” Pitts said.

The program pays local restaurants to prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner for children, helping both families in need and small businesses struggling during the pandemic.

One participating restaurant owner said the county contract allowed her to rehire employees she had laid off and keep her business afloat during the shutdown.

Other restaurants participating in the program include Nowak’s, Goldberg’s, Gio’s Deli, Daddy D’z, Big Chicken Company and Amalfi’s.

County leaders said additional funding is earmarked for early community programs and public health initiatives, with final allocations expected to be approved by the Board of Commissioners.

The commission planned to bring bidders before the board later that week to formalize contracts and move the response forward.