Residents and visitors should stay vigilant regarding sudden changes in the weather. Cobb County is under a winter weather advisory until 7 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22. Snow is possible and drivers should expect slippery road conditions. Cobb Department of Transportation workers have been pre-treating bridges, overpasses and known trouble spots. Residents are encouraged to follow guidelines available here to prevent their water pipes from freezing.
State homestead law under consideration
County officials recently submitted a legal advertisement to “opt out” of the HB 581 homestead exemption. The ad involves a referendum approved by voters in the November general election, which implements a statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption.
While the homestead exemption automatically applies to all local governments and school districts, these jurisdictions may opt out of the homestead exemption for their jurisdiction by following specific procedures by March 1. Cobb County currently has a floating homestead exemption, which benefits taxpayers more.
No decision will be made on opting out until the end of the public hearing period. The notice was published to comply with a timeline set by the state and ensure the county can hold three public hearings to allow residents to speak on the topic. These hearings are set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25.
If the board decides to vote on opting out of HB 581, it must do so during its Feb. 25 meeting, just before the state-mandated deadline.
Senior Services by the numbers
Read about the effectiveness of Cobb County Senior Services during the past year in the newly released 2024 impact report. Statistics, budgets and numbers of people helped by specific programs are among the information you'll find in this booklet. Go here to read this impactful report.
Your chance to rate the county
We’re conducting a survey to understand how the community perceives the value of Cobb County Government services. Your feedback will help us evaluate the strengths of our image, identify areas for improvement, and ensure we continue to meet the needs of the community.
The survey, located here, should take just a few minutes to complete, and your responses will remain confidential. We greatly appreciate your input!
Help someone stay alive
Learn CPR from Cobb firefighters to keep you and your family safe this year. The Family and Friends CPR program gives residents the chance to gain essential life-saving skills for emergencies. This instructional course teaches how to use an AED and perform CPR on adults, children, and infants. Choose from upcoming sessions scheduled at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 23, Feb. 25, and March 20. Classes will take place at the Cobb County Safety Village, 1220 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta. Register for a course here.
Vendors wanted for upcoming festival
Artisans, crafters, and food vendors are invited to show off their creativity at Cobb PARKS' vibrant Spring Arts Festival. This exciting event will be a fantastic opportunity for vendors to showcase their wow factor to a diverse audience.
Vendors may engage with visitors, share stories, and sell handmade goods in a lively and supportive environment. Whether you specialize in fine art, handmade crafts, delicious culinary creations, or innovative designs, apply and showcase your signature products.
Join the annual Cobb 4-H Plant Sale to raise funds for the youth development program. Most of the plants in the selection are not only full of color but will invite beneficial pollinators to your yard, all while adding color to your landscape throughout the year.
The sale offers many tried and true varieties as well as some new plants that will add a pop of color to your landscape, all at a great price. Plant Sale pre-orders will be taken through Feb. 28 at the Cobb County Extension Office. There are limited quantities of all varieties. Plants are sold on a first come, first served basis. Plant Sale pick-up day will be held 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta.
Stop by the Cobb County Extension Office 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday, to pre-order your plants. Place your order in person with a Visa/MasterCard/Discover Card, cash, check, or money order. You can also mail your plant sale order form with a check or money order. The mailing address is 678 South Cobb Drive, Suite 200, Marietta, GA 30060. Make all checks payable to Cobb Extension/4-H.
Weather permitting, Georgia Department of Transportation contractors will open the new Akers Mill Road Access Ramp to traffic on Friday, Jan. 24, before the afternoon commute. The ramp will officially open for northbound travel at 1:30 p.m.
This new access ramp located in the Cumberland area between I-75 northbound and southbound, will provide a direct connection to the Northwest Corridor Express Lanes system. It will function as an exit for southbound express lanes users in the mornings and an entrance for northbound express lanes users in the evenings.
Calling all businesses and organizations — don’t miss your chance to showcase your products and services! Mark your calendars for the Cobb County Senior Services Annual Expo, happening on Wednesday, April 23, at the Cobb Civic Center.
Vendor applications are now available. To request your application, send an email to cobbseniors@cobbcounty.org with “Expo” in the subject line by March 27. Reserve your spot and take advantage of this opportunity to connect with local seniors.
New elections coming up in Districts 2 and 4
The primary for the upcoming Special Elections for Cobb County Commission Districts 2 and 4 will take place Feb. 11. Advance voting begins Feb. 1.
The runoff election (if necessary) will take place March 11. The General Special Election will be April 29.
Advance voting will be available for these contests at select locations. Only Cobb Commission Districts 2 and 4 voters will be eligible to vote in this special election. Go to Find Your Commissioner online to identify the district where you reside.
Civil Service Board seeking candidates
The Cobb County Civil Service Board will hold an election for Post 5 next month. Candidates must qualify 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. weekdays between Jan. 27 and Jan. 31. Members of the board represent the public in the improvement of public administration and their duties include hearings on employee claims of improper treatment or actions.
The primary will be Feb. 24 - March 9. A runoff, if needed, will be March 14 - 28. Only county employees covered by the Civil Service Board can vote. The election is for a four-year term starting April 1. More details about candidate qualifications are located here.
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.
This week on CobbTV
Subscribe to CobbTV's YouTube channel for the latest county meetings, informational videos, and live events. Here are some of this week's highlights:
Cobb received the largest snowfall in a half-dozen years Friday, with more than two inches of snow - followed by some ice - falling across the county. Relive the storm and the county's efforts to keep the roadways safe.
A swearing-in ceremony last week marked the start of the second term for Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Lisa Cupid. Check out the festivities and the message the chairwoman had for county residents.
Board of Commissioners regular meeting, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28
Board of Commissioners regular meeting, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11
Board of Commissioners zoning hearing, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18
Board of Commissioners regular meeting, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25
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.
More ways to get Cobb news
There's a lot going on in Cobb County that doesn't fit in one newsletter. Keep up with what's going on by subscribing to department enewsletters and following us on social media. You'll be informed of new events and programs, cancellations/delays, emergencies, disruptions to services and more.
Upcoming public meetings