The nation's top three bond rating agencies recently announced that Cobb has continued its elite financial standing for the 28th consecutive year — one of the longest streaks in the nation. The New York-based agencies each graded the county with "Triple A" ratings. Maintaining an AAA rating provides significant benefits for Cobb County residents, including:
Lower borrowing costs: The county can finance roads, parks, and infrastructure at the lowest possible interest rates, saving taxpayers millions of dollars.
Investor confidence: With one of the safest credit profiles in the nation, Cobb County bonds attract a broad pool of buyers, ensuring reliable access to funding for community needs.
Strong governance: The rating affirms the county’s commitment to responsible budgeting, strategic reserves, and long-term financial planning.
Only a select number of local governments nationwide maintain AAA ratings — and even fewer have achieved a streak as long as Cobb’s. The county’s continued position in this elite group underscores its fiscal discipline and its commitment to serving residents with efficiency and accountability.
Getting around Cobb is going to be a little more affordable for Kennesaw State University students, thanks to a partnership between CobbLinc and the school.
Simply show your valid KSU student identification card when boarding a CobbLinc bus and enjoy completely free transportation connecting both KSU campuses via the Rapid 10 line as well as Routes 40 and 45.
Cobb County Government offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 1, for the Labor Day holiday. We encourage everyone to mix their enjoyment with caution during the long weekend and ensure the safety of your loved ones. Wear flotation devices if you will be out on the water and drive defensively to prevent accidents on the highway.
Many county services are available online 24 hours a day online at cobbcounty.gov.
Responsible caretakers wanted
Cobb County Animal Services recently received additional funds to restart the spay/neuter voucher program.
The program allows residents to get pets spayed/neutered for free at select veterinary offices around the area. The vouchers are for Cobb County residents only. Participants can obtain two vouchers a year, per household, by coming to the shelter 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday at 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta. Offer good only while funds available.
The Cobb County Animal Shelter will continue its popular $25 "Adopt a Friend" special through September. Customers can adopt a dog or cat for just $25 or donate cat or dog food and the shelter will waive the $25 fee.
Don’t miss the "All In" Town Hall 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, in the Board of Commissioners' second-floor meeting room at 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta. Hear directly from:
Economic Development Director Sabrina Wright
Cobb Workforce Development Executive Director and CobbWorks Inc. CEO Sonya Grant
Bring your questions, share your ideas, and take part in the conversation shaping Cobb County’s future.
Helping hands need know-how too
The Community Emergency Response Team program helps residents learn disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their areas and trains them in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
To join Cobb County CERT, you must be over the age of 16, live, work or worship in Cobb, and pass a criminal history background check. The remaining training classes scheduled for 2025:
Sept. 6, 13 and 20
Oct. 4, 11 and 18
Nov. 1, 8 and 15
The classes are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on three consecutive Saturdays at Cobb County Emergency Management Agency, 140 North Marietta Parkway, Marietta. Go here for more information.
Advocate for kids who need it
The deadline to apply for the next Court Appointed Special Advocate program training is Sept. 12. CASA volunteers support neglected or abused children who are removed from their homes and placed in foster care. Volunteers advocate for children, interact with their families, therapists, and teachers, and provide recommendations to the court. The goal is to help reunite children with their families or find them a permanent, loving home. Cobb County Juvenile Court will begin the next training sessions Monday, Sept. 22.
Mark your calendars for 10 a.m. - noon Saturday, Sept. 6, at Cobb County 911. This free family event is all about teaching kids how and when to call 911 and how to stay safe. Meet our team, enjoy fun safety-themed games, tour the emergency communications center, and learn how we dispatch officers to calls. The event will be at 140 North Marietta Parkway, Marietta.
EMS chief honored for work
Congratulations to Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services EMS Division Chief Nick Adams (center) who was honored with the “First Responder” Award at last week’s Davis Direction Foundation Gala in Kennesaw.
The Davis Direction Foundation operates The Zone, a recovery center that supports individuals facing opioid addiction. Adams has been a key partner in their mission, providing critical data and guidance to help the nonprofit succeed.
Cotton candy season arriving soon at the midway
The North Georgia State Fair is coming to Cobb Sept. 18 - 28, bringing with it new plans for attendees and their vehicles. All fair traffic will be directed to County Services Parkway. East bound Al Bishop Drive will be closed to through traffic daily during the fair starting one hour prior to opening (no turning onto Al Bishop Drive from Callaway Road.) West bound Al Bishop Drive will be two-laned for incoming fair traffic. Uber/Lyft pick-up and drop off will be located at the Cobb Safety Village. Parking is free.
In addition, Cobb County Senior Services invites adults 55 and older to enjoy a morning of fun and entertainment at Senior Day at the North Georgia State Fair Friday, Sept. 19. Free admission and no registration required. Start with a complimentary breakfast at 8 a.m. (while supplies last), then explore the petting zoo, exhibits, rides, and food vendors until 1 p.m. Go here for more details.
Conversations with the solicitor general
Cobb Solicitor General Makia Metzger will hold a town hall 1 - 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at the South Cobb Regional Library. The solicitor general will discuss various issues with the public. The library is located at 805 Clay Road, Mableton.
Break your fall with these camps
Cobb County and Marietta school systems' fall break is coming up and those families looking for activities are in luck. Various county centers will be holding camps and activities during this time. These include:
Mable House Arts Center - Defying Gravity: Wicked Theater Camp with Candinews Production (#46908) Sept. 22 - 26, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. for ages 5 - 14.
The Art Place - Mountain View - Art Journal Camp (#48472) Sept. 22 - 26, 1 - 4 p.m. for ages 8 - 11.
The Art Place - Mountain View - Fall Break Musical: The Addams Family (#47124), Sept. 14 - 27, 6 - 9 p.m. and full day 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., for ages 10 - 17 - Auditions are Saturday, Sept. 13, 9 a.m. - noon.
The Art Station - Big Shanty - Camp Comics (#47155) Sept. 22 - 25, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. for ages 7 - 17.
Milford Recreation Center - TV Production Camp (#48440) Sept. 22 - 26, 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. for ages 8 - 13.
TRS Fall Break Cooking Camp, (48016) - 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Sept. 22 - 25 at Windy Hill Community Center. For persons with various disabilities.
A bit of effort on your part can make dreams come true for local kids. Cobb County will host this year's Make-A-Wish 5K on Saturday, Oct. 4, in downtown Marietta. Proceeds from the event are donated to Make-A-Wish Georgia so it can grant requests for Cobb County children with critical illnesses.
The Make-A-Wish 5K is a Peachtree Road Race qualifying event. Participants assemble on the Marietta Square, and the race begins at 8 a.m. Walk-up registration begins at 7 a.m. Go here to register early and find more information.
The fifth rendition of the International Festival took over the Jim R. Miller Park Event Center this past weekend. Check out this video taken during the festivities to see why many consider this one of the year's most important events.
Chief Magistrate Judge Brendan Murphy presided over the swearing-in ceremony for two new Magistrate Court judges in Cobb County. Watch the ceremony that ushered in Natalie Ward and Christopher Yarbrough to the bench.
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.
