The Georgia Court of Appeals refused last week to hear Jerica Richardson's appeal to remain in her District 2 commission seat until the April General Special Election. The decision means the District 2 seat is vacant.
Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, said in a statement that she looks forward to moving beyond the divisive issues of the ongoing court case.
"Unfortunately, this process has temporarily left residents of one district without their commissioner on the board," Cupid said. "However, our intent from the beginning has been to uphold the rights of our citizens and ensure that those they elect have the opportunity to serve. While some may disagree with the outcome of this legal process, it is essential that we respect the decision and move forward for the benefit of all Cobb County residents."
A Cobb County Superior Court judge ordered a special election for Districts 2 and 4 after ruling last year that the county's use of home rule powers to draw its commission maps was unconstitutional.
Districts 2 and 4 primary happens Tuesday
The primary for the upcoming special elections for Cobb County Commission Districts 2 and 4 will take place Tuesday, Feb. 11. Only residents of the districts can vote and must cast ballots at their designated polling places. The General Special Election will take place April 29.
Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa Cupid will continue to host a series of community meetings to discuss House Bill 581 and other issues for the coming month. They are scheduled for:
7 - 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12 - Northeast Cobb Community Center, 880 Shaw Park Road, Marietta
7 - 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18 - North Cobb Senior Center, 3900 S. Main Street, Acworth
HB 581, approved by voters in November, implements a statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption. Jurisdictions may opt out of the homestead exemption by following specific procedures by March 1. Cobb County already 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. Public hearings are set for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the BOC meeting room, 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta. 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.
Make it official this Friday. Say “I do,” with your partner at noon or 6 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, at the Cobb Magistrate Court. Be sure to bring your marriage license. Enjoy refreshments and a fun photo backdrop to celebrate your special day. The group weddings are free.
Cobb County is conducting a needs assessment to determine priorities for the 2026-2030 Consolidated Plan and the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice. The plan outlines the community needs and establishes the county’s strategies for using Housing and Urban Development grant funds. The analysis is a comprehensive study that identifies barriers to fair housing and equal access to housing opportunities within Cobb County.
For more information, contact Cobb County CDBG Program Office, 192 Anderson Street, Suite 150, Marieta. You can also call 770-528-1455 or email info@cobbcountycdbg.com.
New Support Services director selected
During its regular meeting Jan. 27, the Board of Commissioners appointed Chief Appraiser Stephen White as the county's new Support Services director. The agency oversees several county departments, including Information Technology Services, Procurement Services, Property Management, Fleet Management and the Tax Assessor's Office
White joined the Cobb County Board of Tax Assessors in 2005 as a senior appraiser and was promoted to deputy chief appraiser in 2010. He has served as the director/chief appraiser since 2013, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Tax Assessors office and holding the responsibility for the overall compilation of the county's tax digest.
White, who replaces retired Director Sharon Stanley, starts his duties as Support Services director effective Feb. 17.
Look behind the badge with citizen's academy
You have a chance to join the Cobb County Sheriff's Office Citizen's Academy. The classes will be held 6:30 - 9 p.m. on Thursdays starting Feb. 27 and running through April 3. Explore the world behind the badge, gain firsthand knowledge, and engage with your local law enforcement. Participants must be able to attend at least five of the six days.
The last day to register is Feb. 21. Candidates must be age 18 or older, possess valid government identification, complete an application submitted to the Sheriff's Community Engagement Unit and successfully pass a background investigation. Go to this page to sign up.
Get free tax advice this year
Get help with your taxes. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is providing free, volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service at Cobb libraries:
South Cobb Regional Library - Mondays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. through April 14, 805 Clay Road, Mableton.
East Cobb Library - Tuesdays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. through April 15, 4880 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta.
Gritters Library - Mondays, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. through April 14, 880 Shaw Park Road, Marietta.
Switzer Library - Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., through April 10 (except Feb. 27), 266 Roswell Street, Marietta.
Mountain View Regional Library - Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. through April 10, 3320 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta.
TaxAide volunteers will confirm appointment requests made by email or in person. Membership in AARP is not required but appointments are required. Bring your 2023 returns and 2024 tax documents, your social security card or other identification documents for yourself and all dependents. For direct deposit refunds, you must have a valid check.
Provide your feedback for our PARKS
At Cobb PARKS, engaging with the community is an essential part of its mission. The department emphasizes the importance of creating programs, policies, and plans that cater to community needs, and this begins with truly understanding and prioritizing their experiences.
Your feedback is essential for it to continue delivering exceptional services. Please share your thoughts by completing a brief survey at PARKS - Community Interest Survey.
Browse for your new pet at Cobb Animal Services
Come meet the pet you’ve been eyeing online. Cobb County Animal Services is offering a $30 adoption deal for the month of February.
You can also support Cobb Animal Services by contributing to its pet food pantry, which provides food to pet owners struggling to afford meals for their animals. Donate unopened/unexpired cans or bags of dog or cat food, and in return, you’ll have the opportunity to adopt a pet for free.
The Office of District Attorney Sonya F. Allen will be hosting an inaugural event to celebrate Black History Month, to recognize educators and difference makers in the community. This event will be held starting 11:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 24, the Tanyard Creek Overlook at Logan Farm Park in Acworth. It will commemorate the significance of Black History Month and pay tribute to those who have worked to make the community a great place for all.
Save the dates of March 7 - 9 for the next Cobb County Public Library book sale at the Cobb County Civic Center in Marietta. There will be thousands of gently used books, DVDs, CDs and more at incredibly low prices. Proceeds will support library programs and services.
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.
The Law Library series continues with attorney Sharmin Anwer going over the basics of the state's Equitable Caregiver Act. This is part of our series where basic concepts in the state law are discussed to give residents an overview.
In her latest episode, Cobb Solicitor Makia Metzger speaks with new State Court Clerk Tahnicia Phillips and her deputy clerk to learn what is coming for the State Court system and how the office impacts residents.
