Proposed Cobb Budget Lowers Taxes, Emphasizes Police Funding

Staff Report

Today, Cobb County Chairman Tim Lee proposed a balanced budget to the Board of Commissioners that lowers taxes and prioritizes public safety.

“I’m pleased to present a conservative, balanced budget with a reduced millage rate that reflects the commitment that Cobb County has to public safety,” said Chairman Tim Lee.

Chairman Lee’s proposed $783.84 million operating budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015-2016 includes a $350 million dollar general fund budget with a $197 million investment in public safety and reduces the millage rate to the prerecession level of 6.82.

“The budget reflects our commitment to investing our limited general fund dollars where they can have the greatest possible positive impact on quality of life and public safety for our citizens,” said Lee.

The proposed $197 million investment in public safety represents 56 percent of the total general fund budget. This appropriation will put an additional 40 police officers in the community, double the number of annual police academies and support the implementation of 10-hour shifts, which results in better police coverage at peak hours.

“My goal has always been to protect and respect Cobb County taxpayers. I will continue to promote economic expansion and job creation, while honoring my commitment to cut property taxes to pre-recession levels,” stated Lee.

When the economy forced the millage rate to rise, the Board of Commissioners made a commitment that as the digest recovered and revenue collections returned to “normal,” restoring the millage rate would be the first priority, even before reversing service cuts.

The tax digest has been steadily rising during the past two years.

In 2013, the Atlanta Braves announced their plans to build a $1 billion dollar ballpark and mixed-use complex in Cobb County. On the heels of this announcement have come several other major economic development wins. Home Depot is investing $200 million in a technology center that will bring 500 new jobs the County. Comcast will occupy a new nine-story office tower in the Braves mixed use development bringing 850 jobs to the County. There are also plans to build two new Class A office towers adding to the commercial tax base and bringing hundreds more high quality jobs to Cobb.

Residents will have the opportunity to provide comment on the 2015-2016 proposed budget during a public hearing on August 25th at 7:00 pm in the Board of Commissioners Meeting Room, Second Floor, 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta. The budget is scheduled for adoption on September 8th.