Cobb County Board of Commissioners Meeting – May 12, 2026

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 12:44 PM (as per transcript). The meeting opened with an invocation by Rabbi Daniel Dorch and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Sheriff Deputy Martell. The board recognized the new Cobb Elections Director, Lee, and approved multiple proclamations, received the annual Truist Park and The Battery update, conducted a public hearing on legislative consulting services, heard public comments, and voted on a consent agenda and regular agenda items.

Proclamations and Recognitions

• Rabbi Dorch Day: Proclaimed May 12, 2026 as Rabbi Dorch Day in honor of his 10th anniversary of service at Congregation Etz Chaim.
• Economic Development Week: Proclaimed May 4–8, 2026 as Economic Development Week, recognizing the work of economic development professionals.
• Captain John Collins Day: Proclaimed May 16, 2026 as Captain John Collins Day to honor the Revolutionary War soldier and early settler of Acworth.
• Historic Preservation Month: The board recognized May as Historic Preservation Month, highlighting the role of the Historic Preservation Commission and staff planner Mandy Elliott.
• Building Safety Month: May was proclaimed Building Safety Month; Chief Building Official Kevin Gobble received his Master Code Professional certification, and Deputy Building Official Jody Dotson was recognized for 33 years of service.
• National Public Works Week: Proclaimed May 17–23, 2026 as National Public Works Week, honoring public works professionals across multiple departments.
• International HR Day: Proclaimed May 20, 2026 as International HR Day, recognizing the county's 32 HR staff supporting 5,600 employees.

Annual Truist Park and The Battery Update

Deputy County Manager Bill Volkman and Braves Executive Vice President Mike Plant presented the annual update. Key financial highlights:

• Original projection (2015): $6.4 million per year from general fund property taxes to service bond debt.
• Current (2025): No general fund property tax used; instead, $3.2 million was returned to the general fund from project revenues.
• Property tax revenue from The Battery: In 2014, four parcels valued at $5 million generated $67,000 in tax revenue. By 2025, 60 parcels valued at $644 million generated $8.74 million in property taxes ($3M to county, $4.8M to schools, $0.96M to CID).
• 10-year total property taxes (2016–2025): Over $56.2 million paid ($18.8M county, $31.4M schools, $6M CID).
• Other revenues in 2025 (sales tax, liquor, hotel/motel, occupation tax): County received $8M, schools $4.5M, state $18.6M, total $31.1M.
• Combined 2025 total: $11.4M to county, $8.8M to schools, $1M to CID, $18.6M to state, approximately $40M total.
• Five-year total (2021–2025) including all revenues and Braves rent: $207 million.
• Operational highlights: 250,000 visitors for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game; 388 events drawing 9 million annual visitors; 71% of visitors from outside Cobb, 20% from outside Georgia; $137 million in retail sales at The Battery.
• Community contributions: $250,000 in donations to 19 nonprofits, support for Ryan Park, safety village, and Warrior Alliance veteran services.
• Upcoming: New restaurants (Jail Exander opened, Shake Shack coming), two towers at The Henry (first topping out August), completion of pedestrian bridge, continued work on Cobb Parkway bridge.

Commissioner Gambrell questioned why Cobb residents still have to pay for Braves Vision (TV streaming) given the county's investment; Mike Plant explained production costs and carriage agreements. Commissioner Allen and Sheffield thanked the Braves for community investments, including police K9 units and support in District 4.

Public Hearing: Legislative Consulting Contract

The board held a public hearing to establish a contract for professional legislative consulting services at the state and federal level (fees likely exceeding $200,000). No public comments were offered, and the hearing was closed. Staff will proceed with the RFP process.

During subsequent discussion, commissioners debated the effectiveness of the consultant. Commissioner Gambrell expressed concern that the board did not take collective positions during the 2026 legislative session, potentially weakening advocacy. Commissioner Burrell stressed the need to be proactive on bills rather than only reacting after passage. Deputy County Manager Volkman confirmed that the new contract will include weekly touchpoints and a structured process to get board direction quickly. Commissioner Allen noted the contract also supports grant acquisition, which yields high ROI. The board agreed to incorporate feedback from all commissioners as the RFP is developed.

Public Comments & Testimony

Three speakers addressed the board:

• Christine Rosman (Marietta resident): Criticized rising housing costs, general county spending, and alleged ethical concerns regarding a campaign email from the chairwoman. She urged fiscal restraint.
• Carter Ray (District 3): Called for action on the housing crisis, stating Cobb County is building only one-third the number of housing units needed compared to pre-2008 levels. He attributed unaffordability to policy choices such as large minimum lot sizes and square footage requirements, and urged zoning reforms to allow starter homes, condos, and ADUs.
• Flora Tomay: Shared personal experience with housing challenges for families with special needs and for seniors. She argued that the county lacks diverse housing types (e.g., smaller homes, single-level units) and called for addressing the crisis across all age groups.

Consent Calendar

The consent agenda was revised by a 5-0 vote to add a workers’ compensation settlement for Donna Kent. Item 14 (contract for aircraft system equipment) was withdrawn. Item 13 was pulled for separate discussion. A revised attachment for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Grant was noted. The consent agenda as revised (excluding item 14) passed 5-0.

Item 13 – Police Department Donation (pulled from consent): The board authorized acceptance of donations from the Cobb County Public Safety Foundation, including a one-year subscription to Sharp Performance Coaching (wellness app, valued at ~$100,000), 600 Guardian Angel strobes ($53,111), and an enclosed trailer ($7,000). Motion passed 5-0.

Discussion Items

• 2028 SPLOST Intergovernmental Agreements: The board approved draft IGAs with municipalities for allocation of anticipated SPLOST funds, authorizing minor revisions. Some municipalities (Acworth, Austell, Smyrna) proposed minor wording changes. Passed 5-0.
• Transportation Items (presented by Director Drew Ressler):
  • Amendment to Powder Springs traffic signal preservation (approved 5-0).
  • Two agreements for Cumberland Sweep segments D and E with Kimley Horn (preliminary engineering design) – each passed 4-1, with Commissioner Gambrell opposed.
  • Drainage repairs on Hembry Court (approved 5-0).
  • Powers Ferry Road pedestrian improvements (approved 5-0).
  • Resolution for GDOT LMIG grant for resurfacing thoroughfares (approved 5-0).
• Public Services Items (Parks Director Michael Brantley):
  • Purchase order for storm pipe replacement at Thompson Park ($62,296.05, approved 5-0).
  • Funding for a July 4th semi-quincentennial celebration at Jim R. Miller Park ($75,000 for drone show and family event, approved 5-0).
• Support Services: Master services agreement with Tech Systems for IT staff augmentation and a SPLOST program contract manager ($739,704.23 over five years, partially funded by multiple SPLOST programs, approved 5-0).

Appointments

The board reappointed:

• Patty Zachary to the Animal Services Board (announced by Commissioner Allen).
• Wynn McCurdy to the Recreation Board (approved 5-0).
• Richard Durden to the Neighborhood Safety Commission (announced by Commissioner Burrell).

Key Outcomes

• Votes with tallies: All consent and regular agenda items passed with votes of 5-0, except two Cumberland Sweep segments D and E which passed 4-1 (Commissioner Gambrell opposed).
• Directives: Staff to proceed with the legislative consulting RFP, incorporating commissioner feedback on weekly check-ins and proactive board engagement.
• Next steps: Final SPLOST ballot language expected in June; the public hearing on alcohol license was pulled from the agenda.

Commissioner Announcements

• Commissioner Gambrell: Fishing rodeo for District 1 youth on May 16 at Lost Mountain Park.
• Commissioner Allen: Prostate cancer screening event on May 24 at Schweitzer Library; condolence on passing of Braves legend Bobby Cox.
• Commissioner Burrell: Celebrated opening of Fire Station 12, National Small Business Week event, and National Police Week. Reminded residents of advanced voting through May 15 and Election Day May 19.
• Commissioner Sheffield: Promoted Mental Health Awareness Month with a virtual mindful self-compassion training on May 15 and a cleanup event hosted by Queen Mill neighbors.