An investigation of DeKalb County government highlights spending of taxpayer money on everything from boiled peanuts to pricey consultants.

In all, the report questioned $537,239 worth of government spending dating back to 2008, most of it by county commissioners.

County employees used their budgets and government-issued charge cards for gift cards, meals, flowers, dance lessons, office supplies, charities and more.

Elected officials say their expenses served legitimate purposes, especially through their giving to nonprofit organizations that benefit the public good.

About the Author

Featured

Fulton DA Fani Willis (center) with Nathan J. Wade (right), the special prosecutor she hired to manage the Trump case and had a romantic relationship with, at a news conference announcing charges against President-elect Donald Trump and others in Atlanta, Aug. 14, 2023. Georgia’s Supreme Court on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, upheld an appeals court's decision to disqualify Willis from the election interference case against Trump and his allies. (Kenny Holston/New York Times)

Credit: NYT