Key Points:
• Atlanta asked Sandy Springs for help with World Cup security next summer.
• A Homeland Security grant should reimburse the city for overtime pay for the 36 police officers and firefighters expected to help out.
A federal grant should fund overtime for Sandy Springs public safety staff who assist with World Cup security in 2026.
The Sandy Springs City Council approved an agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s World Cup Grant Program during its Dec. 2 meeting. SSPD Major Forrest Bohannon said she expects $78,085in grant funds for overtime costs.
Bohannon said the city expects to deploy 33 police department staff members and three from the fire department to provide security during the three weeks of the World Cup in June and July 2026.
“We should be able to be fully staffed in the city without needing to use any overtime, since we have plenty of time to plan for this,” Bohannon said.
Mayor Rusty Paul said Atlanta’s law enforcement leaders asked Sandy Springs for help.
Paul said Sandy Springs is working on scheduling World Cup activities. He hoped that some events would be held in city facilities or out on the City Green.
The Atlanta Regional Commission brought the federal funding opportunity to the City of Atlanta. Atlanta asked that Sandy Springs get its overtime costs funded. The reimbursements will be made in 2027.