The Public Service Commissioner Special Primary Election is being held 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 17. The state Public Service Commission regulates and decides rates for certain utilities and services, including electric, natural gas and telecommunications.
Voters must cast their ballots at their designated preceincts. Several Cobb County polling places have changed for the primary. Voters are strongly encouraged to verify their polling place.
All Cobb County Government offices will be closed Thursday, June 19, in honor of Juneteenth, a day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. County senior centers will commemorate the holiday all month long with special programs in its centers.
The Cobb County Department of Emergency Communications is enhancing its training program with computer simulations. Developed by 911 industry veterans, the system simulates realistic, high-pressure emergency calls, providing new telecommunicators with hands-on experience in a controlled, low-risk environment before they answer a live call.
It features dynamic elements, such as background noise, distressed or uncooperative callers, and rapidly evolving emergencies, designed to reflect the real-world challenges of the job.
“This groundbreaking technology is a powerful step forward in how we prepare the next generation of 911 professionals,” Emergency Communications Director Melissa Alterio said. “This partnership exemplifies how Cobb County 911 embraces innovation and finds new ways to provide excellent service and the most superior level possible."
Cobb will launch the system in the coming weeks during the academic phase of training with the agency’s latest recruit class. The training team has tailored the platform to align with Cobb’s operational protocols and real-life scenarios. Go here for more information.
Fandoms to gather at annual MiniCon
Enjoy a free, family-friendly day of fantasy, science fiction and fun 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 21, at Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center in Marietta.
Come dressed in your best cosplay and take part in the annual contest. The day will include panels, art vendors, activities, musical performances, and more.
Parking will be available throughout the Sewell Mill Park Complex and at the neighboring Faith Lutheran School. The library is located at 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta.
Family Fun Safety Days will spice up your summer with educational entertainment. Kids can climb up into a fire truck, explore emergency vehicles, legally hop inside a squad car, ring the firetruck bell, watch a puppet show and learn about how to stay safe in the home. All events are 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Cobb County Safety Village, 1220 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta, on these dates:
Tuesday, June 17
Wednesday, July 9
No need to register. Cost is $5 per person with a maximum cost of $20 per family at the door. Group rates available for 20 or more people. More information here or call 770-852-3294.
Free microchipping event next week
For the first time, Cobb Animal Services is opening its doors to pet owners beyond county borders — and making it easier (and cheaper) to protect your animals. A microchip clinic for dogs, cats and birds will be held 3 - 7 p.m. Monday, June 23, at 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta.
This service will be free for Cobb County residents and $10 for all others. Registration is required. Email Jessica.Darrough@cobbcounty.gov.
Microchips are one of the most effective ways to ensure your lost pet can find their way back home. It’s quick, it’s safe, and now it’s accessible to more pet families than ever before.
Also during June, Cobb Animal Services is turning your generosity into second chances. When you donate unopened and unexpired cat or dog food your adoption fee is waived. That means you help feed hungry pets — and take one home for free. Go here for more information about Animal Services.
Friday deadline for Cobb 101 class
Join the Cobb 101 Class of 2025 for a unique, in-depth look at the functions and departments of Cobb County Government. Cobb 101 is an 11-week course during evenings this fall. The class will visit facilities, talk to leaders, and learn how tax dollars are spent to serve those who call Cobb home. The deadline to apply is Friday, June 20.
Registration for summer classes at Cobb County Senior Services centers opens 9 a.m. Monday, June 23, online or in person. Don’t miss out on exciting new offerings like cardio kickboxing, chair dance, and more. Whether you're looking to get active, try something new, or meet new friends, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to mark your calendar and register early because popular classes fill up fast! Explore all we have to offer at cobbcounty.gov/seniors and register here.
Center to stop handling business licenses
Starting on July 1, the South Cobb Government Service Center will no longer accept business license renewals, payments, or any other related documents.
All business license matters must be handled directly through the business license office at Community Development, 1150 Powder Springs Street, Suite 400, Marietta. Call 770-528-8410 for more information.
Agency, staff, and volunteers honored for their work
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently presented the Cobb County Water System with the 2024 WaterSense Excellence Award for Education and Outreach for outstanding promotion of water-efficient products, practices, and campaigns. Cobb also received the Platinum Award for Education Program of Excellence from the Georgia Association of Water Professionals, celebrating its leadership in public education on water, wastewater, and watershed protection.
Appraisers from the Cobb County Tax Assessor's Office will hold extended office hours at select county libraries to answer your questions about recent assessment mailings. Additionally, the appraiser will be able to accept appeals if the taxpayer wishes to do so.
6 - 8 p.m. June 18, Kemp Memorial Library
6 - 8 p.m. June 24, South Cobb Regional Library
The deadline to appeal is printed on the commercial and residential tax assessment. Copies of notices are available on the tax assessor website here.
The Tax Commissioner’s Office has a helpful Tax Estimator tool available here. Officials strongly encourage electronic submission of appeals through the website. Mail-in appeals must be postmarked by the appeal deadline.
Appeals can also be submitted in person at 736 Whitlock Avenue, Suite 200, Marietta.
Meet with the solicitor general
Cobb County Solicitor General Makia Metzger is hosting a Town Hall meeting 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. June 28, at the Switzer Library in Marietta and you are invited to attend. Switzer library is located at 266 Roswell Street NE, Marietta.
Breakfast and lunch meals are being served to children free of charge through July 25 in three Cobb County public libraries. Meals are offered three days per week on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last at:
South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Road, Mableton
North Cobb Regional Library, 3535 Old 41 Highway, Kennesaw
No meals will be served on Friday, July 4. Prepared by a local county-inspected commercial kitchen, the meals are free for children ages 18 and younger. Adults 19 years and older who are enrolled in school programs for persons with disabilities will also receive meals.
Parents and caregivers must remain with the children during the meals.
Funding offers help to opioid programs
Cobb County is now accepting applications for opioid abatement funds to support programs focused on prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction. Nonprofits, healthcare providers, government agencies, and community partners in Cobb may apply.
INSIDE THE DISTRICT - New District 2 Commissioner Erick Allen's first video podcast describes his feelings about the first few weeks on the job and what he hopes to accomplish for the residents of D2!
Why does the county pay each of the six cities millions annually and why are they asking the new City of Mableton to pay them? It's all part of the state-mandated Service Delivery Strategy that counties must provide the state.
A lot happens around the county that just doesn't fit into one weekly newsletter. Get more news and information from the Cobb departments you want to hear from.
