Fourth of July brings celebratory events, safety warnings
All Cobb County Government offices will be closed Friday, July 4, in honor of Independence Day. We hope everyone has a fun, relaxing and safe weekend. Go here to see the area events planned.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends skipping at-home fireworks and just attending professional shows. In its warnings about consumer use, it notes that fireworks cause thousands of injuries and fires each year.
If you do use consumer fireworks, be as safe as possible and abide by regulations. See the state law here. Ordinances and safety tips include:
Fireworks may only be used 10 a.m. - 11:59 p.m. July 3 and July 4.
Cobb County prohibits any pyrotechnics in its parks.
Read and follow label directions.
Fireworks should only be used with adult supervision.
Only use fireworks outdoors.
Ensure you have water and fire extinguishing equipment handy.
Commissioners were presented with details of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget during an informational work session last week. This session offered an early look at the county’s financial priorities and planning efforts. Watch the work session here.
Public hearings on the budget and millage rate will be held in July. You can view these meetings and all commission meetings at cobbcounty.gov/CobbTV.
Public hearings on budget and millage:
9 a.m. Tuesday, July 8
6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 16
7 p.m. Tuesday, July 22
The Kaiser Permanente Summer Movie Series is back at Cobb PARKS, and you’re invited to enjoy free movie nights at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre.
July 11 – The Lego Movie July 25 – Wonka Aug. 1 – The Greatest Showman Aug. 22 – The Peanuts Movie
For every show, gates will open at 6 p.m. and the movie will start at 7 p.m. No tickets will be required. You can bring your own food and drink, and parking is free. First-come, first-served, rain or shine. The Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre is located at 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton.
Putt your troubles away at the library
The Cobb Library Foundation Mini Golf Fundraiser in support of the county Summer Reading Program is returning. Enjoy a 19-hole mini golf course inside the library 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 8 - 10 at three Cobb Library locations:
Tuesday, July 8: South Cobb Library, 805 Clay Road, Mableton
Thursday, July 10: North Cobb Library, 3535 Old 41 Highway, Kennesaw
All ages are welcome. Fees are $5 per individual or $15 per family. Registration is available on the day of the event. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Donate to support the event here.
The Summer Reading program is underway through July 31. The whole family can log your minutes and win prizes. Learn more at cobbcat.org/summer.
Season finale for Safety Days
This summer's final Family Fun Safety Day will take place 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, at the Cobb County Safety Village in Marietta. Kids can climb up into a fire truck, explore emergency vehicles, hop inside a squad car, ring the firetruck bell, watch a puppet show and learn about how to stay safe in the home.
No need to register. Cost is $5 per person with a maximum cost of $20 per family at the door. Group rates available for 20 or more people. Find more information here or call 770-852-3294. The village is located at 1220 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta.
Water report available for review
The Cobb County Water System 2025 Water Quality Report is now available. This annual report provides detailed information about the quality of the drinking water supplied to customers, as required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The report includes data demonstrating that the water distributed by the Cobb County Water System continues to meet or exceed all federal and state quality requirements.
Cobb County Senior Services will partner with the Georgia Council on Aging to host "Engage with Co-AGE" at various centers. During these informative sessions, residents can learn about recent legislative outcomes that impact seniors’ healthcare, housing, safety, and rights. They will also hear updates from the Georgia Council on Aging and the Coalition of Advocates for Georgia’s Elderly. Advance registration is encouraged.
• C. Freeman Poole Senior Center, 10 - 11 a.m. July 10. Register here or call 770-801-3400.
• West Cobb Senior Center, 10 - 11 a.m. July 14. Register here or call 770-528-8200.
• Tim D. Lee Senior Center, 1 - 2 p.m. July 15. Register here or call 770-509-4900.
• Senior Wellness Center, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. July 21. Register here or call 770-528-5355.
• North Cobb Senior Center, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. July 28. Register here or call 770-975-7740.
PARKS to celebrate its work with more fun
During July's Park and Recreation Month, Cobb PARKS will showcase its role in building strong, vibrant, and resilient communities throughout the year. Park and recreation programs are vital for community health and well-being, fostering lifelong friendships, cherished memories, and strong family bonds that people treasure for decades. Follow the department on Facebook and Instagram @explorecobbparks.
Keep Cobb Beautiful has pop-up recycling events coming up for your everyday and hard-to-recycle items. Hefty ReNew items dropped off must be in the Hefty ReNew bags. These bags can be purchased at local Wal-Mart, Target, Kroger and Publix stores. The items accepted include flattened cardboard foam egg cartons, plastic wrap, plastic straws, plastic utensils, glass, and plastic bottles.
9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, July 19, Cobb County Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta. Go here for more information.
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, July 26, Gritters Library, 880 Shaw Park Road, Marietta. Go here for more information.
Advance voting for runoff next week
Advance voting begins 7 a.m. Monday, July 7, for the Tuesday, July 15 Special Primary Democratic Runoff for Public Service Commissioner. The Advance voting schedule is 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. July 7 - 11.
Runoff voting eligibility:
Yes, you may vote if you cast a Democratic ballot on June 17.
Yes, you may vote if you did not vote on June 17 as long as you are registered.
No, you may not vote if you cast a Republican ballot on June 17.
Advance voting locations and drop boxes
Cobb Elections Main Office, 995 Roswell Street, Marietta
South Cobb Community Center, 620 Lions Club Drive, Mableton
East Cobb Government Service Center, 4400 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta
West Cobb Regional Library, 1750 Dennis Kemp Lane NW, Kennesaw
Reminders:
Absentee Ballot Applications are due by July 7 — available on the website here.
Bring photo ID (Georgia driver’s license, passport, or accepted ID)
Multiple storms have created significant challenges for the county Road Maintenance Division with a combination of issues: increased calls for storm cleanup (flooding / trees down), decreased days to handle regular mowing due to rain, increased growth in shoulder / median vegetation, and staffing problems. Since the start of May, the division has faced 117 flooded roadways, 438 calls for trees down, and 252 unique roadside trimming requests for vegetation issues.
As a result, the county is behind on its regular mowing cycle. The new scheduling targets are:
Segment: Regular Schedule: Current Schedule:
Medians 7-14 days 14-28 days
Sidewalks 14-28 days 21-35 days
Shoulders 45-60 days 60-75 days
Get back to nature with Extension program
Become a nature pro this fall through the University of Georgia Extension Office. Join the 2025 Northwest Metro Master Naturalist program for nine days of hands-on field trips, expert talks, and cool swag.
Explore ecology, birds, reptiles, and more at amazing local sites. Limited spots and transportation available. Register by 5 p.m. Aug. 22. Secure your spot here. Contact UGA Extension at 770-528-4070 or Daniel.Price@uga.edu with questions.
Now streaming on CobbTV
Cobb County and the seven cities within the county gathered to discuss renewing the county's Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax for an additional six years. The program helps build some of the county's most significant projects.
Cobb's chief financial officer updated the Board on the upcoming budget. The $1.3 billion budget features no millage rate increase, and they've been able to close a budget deficit thanks to decrease costs and cuts.
A lot happens around the county that just doesn't fit into one weekly newsletter. Get more news and information from the Cobb departments you want to hear from.
