Sandy Springs City Government and Police Department
On June 21, 2005, the historic initiative to incorporate Sandy Springs as a city passed with a 94% majority vote. In November the voters elected Eva Galambos as the city’s first mayor along with a city council and on December 1, the new city completed its incorporation. As President of the Committee for Sandy Springs from 1975 through 2005, Mayor Galambos was instrumental in leading the campaign for city status. With a PhD. in economics from Georgia State University and a considerable amount of experience in the fields of urban finance and labor economics, Mayor Galambos helped to create what may be America’s most comprehensive and innovative public-private partnership for delivery of municipal services to the public.
CH2M HILL OMI has a unique contract with Sandy Springs
With the exception of police services, fire department services and operation of 911 phone lines, a private company named CH2M HILL OMI provides all municipal services in Sandy Springs under the provisions of a contract with the city. The general concept is to operate the city as if it were a business, and the key idea is to allow a company that is run for profit manage the city’s business. The result of this unique partnership has been a significantly higher level of customer service along with a focus on quality, increased responsiveness to individual needs, and dramatically lower operating costs with a total savings of approximately $20 million per year. This is an impressive track record of savings because Sandy Springs’ total annual budget including 380 employees is $98.8 million.
The city has also adopted its first Comprehensive Plan consisting of a Community Assessment Report and a Community Agenda Report. Goals include expanding the economy while maintaining its balance, protecting the environment, providing more affordable housing, and coordinating land use to maximize the potential for sustainable economic development.
Sandy Springs Police Department began operating on July 1, 2006
With 125 police officers and 14 civilian employees, the Sandy Springs Police Department covers an area of 37 sq. mi. and is committed to providing the residents of Sandy Springs with the best possible service. The Sandy Springs Citizen Response Center at (770) 730-5600 handles non-emergency calls and requests for information. To reach the Police Department regarding non-emergency matters from 9 AM to 5PM, call (770) 551-6900. For all emergencies, dial 911.