Cobb County Government offices and public libraries will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Wednesday, Dec. 25, for the yuletide holiday. During the following week, the same county facilities will be closed to the public on Wednesday, Jan. 1, to celebrate New Year's Day.
We hope everyone has a safe and relaxing time to spend it their loved ones. Regardless of the holidays, many government services are available online at cobbcounty.org at your convenience.
Statewide referendum to revise tax rules
Cobb County's Board of Commissioners hosted a meeting last week with representatives of the county's seven cities to discuss the ramifications of House Bill 581. This bill became a referendum that voters approved in the November general election.
This legislation authorizes a statewide floating homestead exemption for all local governments, including an opt-out provision. It revises the tax estimate, three-year lock, sales ratio study, and settlement conference statutes. It also simplifies the local sales tax cap and creates a new type of local sales tax for property tax relief.
It will have an impact on taxpayer's bills in the future. Cobb County government already has a floating homestead exemption that will likely be more advantageous to homeowners. Find more details on this web page.
The right way to remove your tree
Don't just dump your live Christmas tree after the holiday. Give it a useful farewell. Recycle it for free Dec. 25 - Jan. 4 at Bring one for the Chipper locations around Cobb County. Trees will be chipped into mulch and used for beautification projects, soil erosion prevention, lakes, ponds and water retention efforts.
Follow the first rule of recycling trees — remove all ornaments, lights and bases. Do not bring wreaths or garlands. No other items will be accepted.
Free saplings are available at all Home Depot locations except Roberts Court in Kennesaw, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, while supplies last.
Celebrations to light up the night
Brighten up your holiday season with the community at these Hanukkah celebrations in Cobb County:
Mega Chanukah Menorah Lighting event at The Battery Atlanta, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, on the green. Enjoy Chanukah treats, fun crafts for kids, face painting, the lighting of a giant menorah, and a special guest performance for all ages to enjoy.
Light up the night with the City of Kennesaw and Chabad of Kennesaw at the Kennesaw menorah lighting ceremony 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, at the City Hall Plaza, 2529 J.O. Stephenson Avenue, Kennesaw.
Annual Chanukah menorah lighting party at The Avenue East Cobb, 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29. Join in family-friendly activities, delicious Chanukah treats, and more with Chabad of Cobb! Don’t miss out on the gelt drop (chocolate coins), with help from the Cobb County Fire Department.
Chanukah Giant Gelt Drop - 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, at Brawner Hall, 3180 Atlanta Road SE, Smyrna. Chocolate gelt (chocolate coins) will rain down from the sky, and there will be face painting, balloons, music, and Chanukah treats. RSVP: chabadsmyrnavinings.com/geltdrop.
Acworth invites everyone to Doyal Hill Park for the annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony on Monday, Dec. 30, at 6 p.m. Rabbi Zalman Charytan from the Chabad Jewish Center will officiate the lighting with Mayor Tommy Allegood, with a reception at the Rosenwald School to follow.
A gift from the heart
Save a life by participating in a Red Cross community blood drive at select Cobb libraries this month. Appointments can be scheduled online at redcrossblood.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.
North Cobb Library - 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, at 3535 Old 41 Highway NW, Kennesaw.
Gritters Library - 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 880 Shaw Park Road, Marietta.
Tips for a successful donation: Eat a meal before donating blood, drink plenty of water, and get a good night’s rest. Eat foods that are rich in iron (red meat, fish, poultry, prunes, raisins, green leafy veggies, beans, etc.). Don't forget your identification.
Better understanding the rate increase
Cobb’s Board of Commissioners recently approved water rate increases that will go into effect in April 2025.
Some recent newsletter articles incorrectly reported on the increases. For details, FAQs, and a timeline, please visit this webpage.
Brush up your talents for MLK celebration
Audition to perform in the Cobb NAACP 2025 MLK Day Celebration. The event is open to all musicians, singers, dancers, rappers, spoken word performers and more. Showcase your individual talents and honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Auditions will be held at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre at these days and times:
10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4
6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9
10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11
The MLK Day Celebration event will be held 10 a.m. - noon, Monday, Jan. 20 at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre.
For more information, call 770-425-5757.
Court officials honored for their work
Congratulations to Cobb County Judge Ashley Palmer and Solicitor General Makia Metzger on their recent awards. Cobb County Judge Ashley Palmer was recognized as State Court Judge of the Year and Cobb County Solicitor General Makia Metzger was recognized as Solicitor General of the Year by the Georgia Association of Black County Officials.
Assistance just a click away
Cobb County has partnered with FindHelp to create a new online resource that connects residents with local, vetted assistance programs. On the site, you can search for free or reduced-cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more. Residents can access this new portal by visiting findhelp.cobbcounty.gov. The initiative is funded through an allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act.
Pick up your new best companion
Quality friendships continue to be created this month at Cobb County Animal Services. All pet adoptions are free in December. Make an appointment to bring home a companion at 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta. View the available animals here.
Remember, the Animal Shelter will be closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25 for the Christmas holiday.
NOW STREAMING on CobbTV
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A packed courtroom watched Tahnicia Phillips take the oath of office as the next State Court Clerk of Courts. Check out the ceremony on our YouTube Channel and hear her promise to the people of Cobb County. Other county leaders will be taking the oath in the coming weeks.
Cobb's board and leaders of the county's seven cities met to learn more about House Bill 581 - part of a referendum passed by voters in November. It institutes a floating homestead exemption, but comes with questions about tax implications for local governments and residents.
Board of Commissioners regular meeting, 9 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 14
Board of Commissioners regular meeting, 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 28
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.
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