Cobb’s Board of Commissioners voted last week to maintain the General Fund millage rate for 2025 and approved a Fiscal Year 2026 budget that includes a modest increase.
The General Fund millage rate will remain at 8.46 mills — unchanged since 2018. The county’s tax digest rose just over three percent, a notable slowdown from last year’s 8.5% increase due to a cooling real estate market. The digest increase contributed to a $18 million revenue gain over the previous year.
The board also approved a slight decrease in the Fire Fund millage rate, resulting in approximately $1 million in savings. Additionally, commissioners voted to eliminate district contingency funds, resulting in an additional $1 million in savings.
Cobb Public Library is about to close the book on this year's summer reading program. The last day to log your reading minutes or completed activities on Beanstack and receive your prize is Thursday, July 31. Don't forget: This program is for everyone: children, teens, and adults. Having trouble logging your progress online? Stop by any of our Cobb libraries before the deadline for assistance.
Children return to Cobb County public schools on Monday, Aug. 4, and Marietta schools on Friday, Aug. 1. Cobb departments are helping kids and teachers prepare by collecting and distributing donated supplies and backpacks. Various events will offer support and at least one is still accepting donations from the public.
The Kaiser Permanente Summer Movie Series continues with Cobb PARKS and you’re invited to enjoy free movie nights at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre.
Aug. 1 – The Greatest Showman
Aug. 22 – The Peanuts Movie
For every movie, 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.
Community to gather for a Night Out
Firefighters, police, and emergency staff will host Cobb residents and visitors for National Night Out, 6 - 9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Jim R. Miller Park.
There will be fun, food and festivities available as public safety personnel meet with the public to help make the community safer. The park is located at 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta.
Four-legged fashionistas ready to walk the runway
Save Saturday, Aug. 9, for Woofs and Whiskers: The Ultimate Pet Fashion Show at Mable House Arts Center. This event, held 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., will celebrate creativity and the bond between pets and their owners. Show off your style by designing matching or unique outfits for you and your pet and strut your stuff down the runway to cheers from the crowd. Enjoy pet adoptions, shop for pet accessories, and experience a fun-filled day for all ages. Go here for more information.
Apply by next week for citizen's academy
Apply for the Cobb County Sheriff's Office Citizen’s Academy to learn about its duties, structure, and daily operations. Those interested must apply by Aug. 8. The eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years of age and out of high school, possessing a valid government ID, and the ability to attend at least five out of six of the classes. They will meet 6:30 - 9 p.m. Thursdays, Aug. 14 - Sept. 18.
Space is limited — don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and to take a deeper look behind the scenes with your Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. The registration forms are here.
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Free adoptions to open the shelter gates
It's time to help clear out the shelters. Cobb is joining a collective effort to find homes for all the pets at animal shelters nationwide. The county is offering free adoptions 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. August 8 - 10 at 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta.
Learn how you can participate in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census in August. The Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County-is hosting a virtual webinar, “Great Southeast Pollinator Census – Citizen Science at Work!” This event is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, and will be led by UGA Extension’s Pollinator Census National Coordinator Becky Griffin. Registration is free and available here.
She will take us into the world of pollinator ecology and share how every individual — young or old — can make a real impact by participating in the 2025 Great Southeast Pollinator Census, taking place on Friday, Aug. 22, and Saturday, Aug. 23.
Network, get information to help your business
Are you a small business owner, entrepreneur, or startup? Cobb County Economic Development provides quarterly small business networking events just for you. The next Coffee and Conversations will take place 7:30 - 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, at the Cobb County Civic Center in Marietta.
Featured speakers provide relevant content to meet you where you are and move you forward. Join the gathering this August to hear from John Loud, president and founder of LOUD Security Systems, who grew his basement startup into a thriving 50,000 square foot enterprise.
Cobb County will host the return of the International Festival 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Jim R. Miller Park and Event Center in Marietta. This event will showcase and highlight the vibrant cultural diversity that shapes and enriches the community. The free festival is a celebration of global cuisine, music, and visual and performing arts. There will be performances, vendors, and activities for all ages. Go here for more information.
Learn how to support victims following trauma
The second session of the Victim Advocate's Academy will be held noon - 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, at the Public Safety Police Training Academy, 2435 East-West Connector, Austell. This session will focus on victim support and trauma-informed victim services. The free multi-week program, run by the Cobb District Attorney's Office, is open to all law enforcement personnel and victim advocates. Register here.
Cobb County's Fire Department was recently lauded for testing a newly approved organic compound to help stop bleeding in trauma cases. A recent use of "TraumaGel" at a fire scene helped save one of their own!
Cobb's allocation of federal ARPA funds continues to improve our community, including at Sweetwater Mission where they've served over 264,000 Cobb residents and provided more than 582,000 meals.
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.
