Cobb County Board of Commissioners Meeting - April 28, 2026

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners convened on April 28, 2026, for a regular meeting that included youth commission awards, proclamations, public hearings on towing fees and the comprehensive plan, public comments on road safety, housing, and voting equity, approval of the 2028 SPLOST project list, and several transportation contracts. The meeting opened with an invocation and pledge, followed by a welcome from the chairwoman who highlighted the start of advanced voting and thanked the interim elections director.

Presentations & Proclamations

• Youth Commission Awards: The chairwoman recognized over a dozen youth projects, awarding Research Savvy, Promise, Passion, High Impact, Policy Equalizer, Clear Path, Cupid Heart, and Cupid Champion awards. Three projects were selected for the chairwoman's personal championing: voting precinct inequity, Cobb After Hours (combined with youth program fair), and stormwater management.
• Child Abuse Prevention Month: A proclamation designating April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month was presented, recognizing Safe Path Children's Advocacy Center for its work since 1995.
• 4-H Achievements: The board recognized Cobb County 4-H students for winning back-to-back state and national championships in consumer judging and cotton bowl competitions.
• Whitefield Academy: Recognized for earning the AP Platinum Distinction for the third consecutive year. The class of 2025 had 100% of seniors take at least one AP exam, 47% took five or more, and 96% scored 3 or higher.

Consent Calendar

• The board approved the consent agenda, which included the 2028 SPLOST project list. The vote was taken after debate; one commissioner voted no, citing removal of $5 million from road resurfacing for an indoor track. The chairwoman defended the project, noting it was included in prior SPLOSTs and additional funding would be sought. The motion passed (majority vote, exact tally not stated).

Public Hearings

Record Zone Fee Schedule

• Public Safety Director presented proposed changes to towing fees for record zone holders, first update since 2022. A public hearing was held; one speaker (a commissioner) requested more transparency on the numbers. The board approved the fee schedule effective June 1, 2026, by a 5-0 vote.

Comprehensive Plan Update (Cobb 2050)

• Community Development staff presented the plan to update the comprehensive plan, required every five years by the Georgia Planning Act. The plan will be developed in-house with 16 community meetings, pop-up events, surveys, and a website. Public hearing received comments from 15 speakers. Many emphasized the need for transit, bike/pedestrian infrastructure, affordable housing, and transparency. Some expressed concerns about growth, water, and taxes. The board voted to proceed with the launch; no formal vote needed, but the hearing was held.

Public Comments

• Cobb Chamber: Amanda Seals spoke in support of the 2028 SPLOST renewal, calling it smart tax policy that spreads costs across residents and visitors.
• Housing Crisis: Monica DeLancey (Riverside Rental Association) highlighted rapid eviction timelines, noting that 90% of eviction court defendants in Cobb County are black women. She called for balanced policies and corporate landlord accountability.
• Road Safety (A Better Cobb): Multiple speakers (Sam Foster, Jared Brand, Amelia Jackson, JT Jackson, Cameron Hood Cree, Matthew Tosina Rory, Joseph Beckworth, Matthew Peck, Stephen Matson) advocated for a scramble crossing and safety improvements at Frey Road/Skip Spann Connector near KSU, referencing a crash that caused a student's leg amputation. They also called for a crash analysis committee and quick-build safety fixes. One speaker noted a similar incident on Jamerson Road.
• State Preemption: Thomas Weaver alerted the board to a new state law preempting local regulation of livestock on private property and public roads, urging the county to investigate.
• Voting Access: Kamora James presented data on voting precinct inequity, showing that in Fair Oaks (diverse area) turnout is 58% with confusing precinct maps, compared to neater precincts in East Cobb. She called for redrawing maps.
• Other: Christine Rosman criticized the board's tone on drone delivery and SPLOST spending; Craig Harfoot argued that widening roads increases danger and that SPLOST benefits developers.

Discussion Items

• The board discussed the SPLOST project list in detail, with Commissioner Burrell opposing the removal of $5 million from road resurfacing for an indoor track. Chairwoman Cupid noted the project had been in previous SPLOSTs and that additional funding would be needed. Commissioner Allen thanked the public comments and noted that precinct maps are drawn by the county, not the state.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: 2028 SPLOST project list for referendum (majority vote; one commissioner voted no).
• Approved: Record zone fee schedule changes (5-0).
• Approved: Five transportation contracts:
  • Drainage repairs on Meadow Wood Court ($149,760) - 5-0.
  • Construction manager at risk services for DOT Signal and Sign Shop (not to exceed $4,500) - 5-0.
  • Emergency drainage repairs on Nelly Branch ($186,707.50) - 5-0.
  • 2022 TIP program budget revision - 5-0.
  • Drainage repairs on Trotter's Court ($188,037.60) - 5-0.
• Launched: Comprehensive plan community engagement process.
• Recognized: Youth commission, 4-H, Whitefield Academy, and Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Commissioner announcements included upcoming events: Fishing Rodeo (May 16), Fire Station 12 open house (May 2), Taste of Mableton (May 2), and South Cobb transit tour (May 8). The chairwoman closed by echoing the public's call for pedestrian-focused investment and pledged to champion youth commission projects.