During its regular meeting last week, the Board of Commissioners officially granted Curtis "Buddy" Tesar the title of county chief financial officer. 

Tesar joined the Cobb County Finance Department in 2010 as a budget specialist. During his tenure, he has advanced to accounting manager, finance division manager - Treasury and Budget. He was named deputy chief financial officer in May 2017 and has served as interim chief financial officer since December 2025. 

Tesar holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Georgia, and a Master of Business Administration from Liberty University. He serves on the Board of Trustees of Cobb County Pension and OPEB, the Opioid Abatement Committee, the Cobb County License Review Board (chairman since 2018), and the Tripartite Committee. He was a member of the Honorary Commanders Class of 2024, and the inaugural Cobb County RISE program in 2020.

Last week, Deputy County Manager Bill Volckmann presented the findings from the 2028 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax feedback survey at the Board of Commissioners meeting. More than 2,000 people responded to the survey, which closed at the start of the month.

The results of this survey are available in the newest SPLOST update.

The presentation is available, around the 42-minute mark, in the video of the Board of Commissioners April 14 meeting.

The Cobb County Senior Services annual Expo, a free showcase of resources on aging well, is finally here. The event is 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, at Jim R. Miller Park and Event Center. As the largest event of its kind in the area, the event will feature:

The park and center is at 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta. For more information, email cobbseniors@cobbcounty.gov or call 770-528-5393. 

Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services is currently conducting a community survey. The department wants the public's input as a part of its self-assessment and accreditation under review this year.

To provide your thoughts and opinions about the department, go to the survey page.

Keep Cobb Beautiful will collect prescription and over-the-counter medicines during its Medication Disposal Event 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at three locations across Cobb County:

Staff and law enforcement will be present at all locations to collect medicines, liquids, ointments, creams, vials, patches, and pet medications, in accordance with federal law and with respect to patient privacy. This will keep the drugs out of waterways and reduce the risk of harm to humans as well as wildlife. 

Visit the Medication Take Back Day page for more details including what is and is not accepted. 

Family fun is just a cast away. Cobb PARKS Fishing Rodeos return starting 9 -11 a.m. Saturday, April 25, at Hyde Farm Park.

Bring the kids, pack a picnic, and spend the morning making memories by the water. The event, for ages 3 - 16 with adult, will have prizes, friendly competition, and plenty of excitement for anglers. Registration costs $5 with code #54279 on the CivicRec page. The park is at 728 Hyde Road, Marietta.

Cobb County Economic Development is teaming with the City of Kennesaw and CobbWorks to bring the County-Wide Job Fair 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Thursday, May 30, at the Jim R. Miller Park and Event Center, Marietta. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a young person taking your first career step, this free event is for everyone.

Employers and job fair vendors can register at the Kennesaw event page.

The Office of Cobb District Attorney Sonya F. Allen presents the “What Justice Means to Me” Art Contest — an opportunity for students in kindergarten through 12th grade to explore, express, and reflect on the meaning of justice through creativity. Deadline for entries is Friday, May 1.

Original artwork must be submitted for this contest. Only two-dimensional artwork (drawing, painting, collage, mixed media, printmaking, or original photography) will be accepted. The selected winning pieces will be recognized for their originality and creativity, with first, second, and third place entries earning the opportunity to be featured within the District Attorney’s Office. All submissions must adhere to contest guidelines.

Questions about art contest can be emailed to CobbDACommunications@cobbcounty.gov.

Stay informed. The Cobb Sheriff's Office will host its next community briefing 5:30 - 7 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at the county Public Safety Training Academy in Austell. Hear the latest updates from the Sheriff’s Office, connect with neighbors, enjoy refreshments, and help celebrate the newest Citizens’ Academy graduates. The academy is located at 2435 East-West Connector, Austell.

Go to the event site to register.

Learn about victims’ rights and the Solicitor General’s Victim Witness Advocates Program 5:30 - 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, at the Sweetwater Valley Library, 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road, Suite 100, Austell. Solicitor General Makia Metzger is expected to discuss new initiatives and key statistics impacting the community.

Now is your chance to participate in this years' Citizens Public Safety Academy. This 16-week program provides an opportunity to get an insider’s look into the Department of Public Safety. You will learn about how the Police, Fire, Animal Services, Emergency Management, and 911 departments are organized and the important role each one plays.
Those interested must live or work in Cobb, or work for Cobb County Government or Schools and be at least 18 years old.

• Request an application by email (David.Reid@cobbcounty.gov) or pick up an application at the Cobb County Public Safety Police Training Academy, 2435 East West Connector, Austell.
• Fill out the application and bring it in-person to the Cobb County Public Safety Office of Professional Standards, 1165 Northchase Parkway, Marietta, no later than 3 p.m. Thursday, May 7.  
• You must bring your driver’s license or state-issued ID and Social Security card with you. Officials will make a copy of these for the application process. 
• The class starts 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, at the Cobb County Public Safety Police Training Academy.

To learn more and request an application, go to the Cobb DPS website.

The General Primary / Nonpartisan Election is coming up soon. Whether you vote early, absentee, or on Election Day, be sure you’re ready. Important dates:

Check your eligibility by visiting your My Voter Page.

Call Cobb Elections at 770-528-2581 or visit the Elections and Registration page. Get all the latest updates on the Elections Facebook page.