For the 27th year in a row, Cobb County has been awarded three Triple A credit ratings by the nation’s top agencies, marking the highest level of creditworthiness. This prestigious rating lowers the county’s borrowing costs, attracting investments, and offering greater financial flexibility in emergencies.
The New York-based agencies — Fitch, S&P, and Moody’s — cited Cobb’s sound financial practices, diverse economy, and strong budgetary reserves in their reports. Cobb is one of only three counties in Georgia with Triple A ratings from all three agencies. It is believed to be among a select few counties or municipalities nationwide to achieve such a longstanding streak of AAA ratings.
Fairgoers heading to Jim R. Miller Park for the 2024 North Georgia State Fair, Sept. 19 - 29,will encounter a new traffic pattern designed to improve access to parking areas. The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office has reconfigured traffic flow around the park to reduce congestion in nearby residential areas.
The most significant change involves Callaway Road, which runs along the park’s western side. It will be limited to local traffic only. Sheriff’s deputies will restrict access from Callaway Road to Al Bishop Drive, and signage will clearly indicate that fair parking is not accessible from Callaway Road.
Traffic from Powder Springs Road and Austell Road will be directed to County Services Parkway for access to the fair parking lots.
Cobb seniors can enjoy a free, fun Friday at the fair on Sept. 20. Cobb County invites adults 55 and older to Senior Day, a morning of activities and entertainment without the crowds. Click here for Senior Day info.
Link up with transit proposal information
Stop by one of several open house meetings 5 - 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, to learn more about the upcoming Mobility Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax and how funds will be used to benefit the Cobb County community. You will have the opportunity to review plans and ask questions about the MSPLOST. There will be no formal presentation.
High school students in grades 9 - 11 can apply now for the 2024-25 Cobb County Youth Commission. The program provides an opportunity to learn about the inner workings of local government, engage in civic affairs, and become leaders of change in the community. It is also a prestigious experience to add to resumes and college applications.
Applications and references are due no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20.
In addition to the application, students need to provide a letter of recommendation from a community member such as a teacher, counselor, principal, religious leader, or community leader who has known the applicant for at least one year.
With the Nov. 5 General Election approaching, poll worker training is in full swing at the Cobb County Elections and Registration office. An estimated 2,500 Poll Workers will help ensure a smooth Election Day.
The office still needs more dedicated individuals to step up and serve their community. Interested? Apply online today! Staff will provide all the training needed to help voters and ensure a fair process.
Enjoy a fulfilling fall filled with fitness, arts, and lifelong learning. Registration for classes at our senior centers begins 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 23. Secure your spot for classes designed to enrich your life. Register in person at your local senior center or online by clicking here.
Visit cobbseniors.org for a complete class listing for each center.
Burnt Hickory Road closure delayed
As the result of weather-related issues, the Cobb DOT drainage project on Burnt Hickory Road will now start Monday, Sept. 23. This project, between Mars Hill Road and Hadaway Road, is essential to replace two corrugated metal pipes that cross underneath Burnt Hickory Road, and their headwalls.
Construction is expected to be completed by Nov. 6. Burnt Hickory Road will be closed to through traffic from Mars Hill Road to Hadaway Road for the duration of this project.
For more information and updates about road closures in Cobb County, visit cobbcommute.org.
Fast times for hot wheels this month
Get revved up for family fun at Cool Cars and Cops, a community event presented by the Cobb Police Department to support SWAT Santa. Stop by 9 a.m. - noon Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Cobb County Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta. This event features a car show and a chance to get up close with police and emergency vehicles. Admission is free.
Vehicle entries for the car show are $30 each. Sign up now for a chance to win your trophy. Click here for the sign-up form. Contact Sgt. Grimstead at 770-499-3984 for more details if you want to become a sponsor.
Help yourself become septic smart
Cobb County Water System and the Cobb and Douglas Public Health Department are raising awareness of the importance of caring for and maintaining septic systems. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Septic Smart Week this month serves as a reminder to check in on your septic system, which is separate from the county sewer system.
If you don’t see a sewer charge on your water bill, your home is on a septic system. Septic systems treat wastewater onsite, whereas the county sewer system transports wastewater to be treated at one of four water reclamation facilities.
Join Cobb County Water System for a Septic System Basics Lunch and Learn noon Friday, Sept. 27, to learn more on what every septic owner should know about maintaining a healthy septic system.
Kids in the Kitchen free Virtual Cooking Club kicks off this month. Classes, brought to you by Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H, will be held monthly on Zoom 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays Sept. 24, Oct. 29, and Dec. 3. Youths will learn food safety, cooking, and nutrition. Adult supervision is required. For more information, contact the Cobb County Extension office at 770-528-4070 or visit the website here.
Put your money where your feet are and run for a worthy cause, the Make-A-Wish 5K on Oct. 5. Cobb County will host the run that raises money to help grant wishes for children with critical illnesses. The race begins at 8 a.m. on Marietta Square. Walk-up registration begins at 7 a.m. It's also a Peachtree Road Race qualifying event.
Explore SWAT trucks, fire trucks, and other emergency vehicles during Truck-A-Palooza 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. Children can climb on trucks and interact with first responders in the back parking lot of the Town Center Mall in Kennesaw. Entry is $5 per person or $20 per family (up to 6 members). Tickets are available at the gate.
Turn over a new leaf with the upcoming Fall Book Sale Oct. 4 - 6 at the Cobb County Civic Center in Marietta. As usual, it will offer unbeatable prices with a massive selection of books, DVDs, magazines, and more. Proceeds support Cobb County Public Library’s 15 branches and bookmobile.
CobbTV brings you coverage of public meetings, events, and stories of interest to those who live in Cobb. Visit www.cobbcounty.org/CobbTV and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more!
Cobb Firefighters paused at every station on Sept. 11 to remember the victims of the terrorist attacks that took place 23 years ago. Check out the ceremony at Station 19.
Help support a great organization by participating in Cobb's Make-A-Wish 5K. Coming up on Oct. 5, the event will help Public Safety assist this group in making young kid's wishes come true!
Board of Commissioners zoning hearing, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17
Board of Commissioners regular meeting, 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 24
Meetings take place at 100 Cherokee Street, 2nd floor unless otherwise noted. Many public meetings and hearings are broadcast live on CobbTV and YouTubeand are available on demand on YouTube.
There's a lot going on in Cobb County that doesn't fit in one newsletter. Keep up with what's going on around Cobb County with the help of other emailed publications and social media. You'll be informed of new events and programs, cancellations/delays, emergencies, disruptions to services and more.
Upcoming public meetings