Cobb County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting – August 25, 2026

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on August 25, 2026, beginning at approximately 7:00 PM. The meeting included a presentation honoring Lockheed Martin for 75 years in Cobb County, a public hearing on right-of-way abandonment, public comments on multiple topics, discussion and votes on microtransit expansions, a police technology grant, and minutes approval, as well as unanimous approval of routine consent items, appointments, and commissioner announcements.

Presentation

• Lockheed Martin 75th Anniversary: Commissioner Eric Allen joined other commissioners in recognizing Lockheed Martin for 75 years of manufacturing excellence in Cobb County. Trish Pagan, site leader, thanked the county for its partnership.

Public Hearing – Right-of-Way Abandonment

• Old Horseshoe Bend Road / Horseshoe Bend Road: DOT Director Drew Russler presented a request to abandon a portion of right-of-way that no longer serves a public purpose. No public speakers came forward. The board voted 5-0 to determine the right-of-way serves no substantial public purpose and authorize its disposition via quitclaim deed.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda included routine approvals, contracts, and budget transactions. Prior to approval, Chairwoman Cupid pulled items 11, 12, and 20 for discussion, and Commissioner Gambrell pulled item 25. Commissioners Burrell and Gambrell recorded opposition to item 24 (state lobbyists for Dogwood). The remaining consent items were approved 5-0 as revised.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Danny Wilson (District 4): Criticized Chairwoman Cupid's demeanor at the August zoning meeting, stating she showed lack of decorum and civility toward Commissioner Gambrell. Urged her to set a better example.
• Matt Segal (District 1, Transit Advisory Board): Expressed strong support for microtransit pilots (items 11 & 12), citing benefits for seniors and young people. Asked for transparency on item 20 (ARPA grant for police technology), noting the agenda lacked vendor detail compared to other items.
• Donna Court (30068): Thanked the board for fiduciary care and supported microtransit as a social determinant of health. Referenced items 11 and 12 on the consent agenda.
• Virginia Choit: Opposed microtransit, stating it is expensive, fails to deliver on equity, and harms disadvantaged riders. Cited examples from other regions.
• Christine Rosman: Opposed microtransit, saying residents do not want it and that the county is forcing it. Appreciated Commissioners Gambrell and Burrell for listening.
• Victor Garrett (District 4, Powder Springs): Requested help with an abandoned property at 4218 Calawan Court that has become a public safety issue due to fire damage and neglect. The property was transferred to a son serving prison time. Asked for resolution.
• Derek Mosley: Supported Mr. Garrett's request and asked the board to drive the matter to resolution.
• Donald Barth: Criticized microtransit, data centers, and Chairwoman Cupid's leadership. Called microtransit a "dictatorship" and questioned why it was on consent. Also thanked Dr. McMorris for new chairs.
• JT Jackson (District 2): Supported microtransit and praised progress on bike lanes in Cumberland. Hoped microtransit data could inform future fixed-route service.
• Joel Becker: Opposed ALPRs (automatic license plate readers) and criticized the board for not engaging the community before approving the technology. Warned of electoral consequences.
• Second Public Comment – Sam Foster: Supported microtransit and public transit broadly, arguing that the failed 2024 referendum was a campaign failure, not a rejection of transit. Urged the board to be "bolder."
• Craig Harfoot: Criticized the lengthy discussion on minutes (item 25) and flock cameras. Opposed microtransit, saying it has no return on investment and that the county should only fund essential services like fire and police.
• Flora Tommy: Supported microtransit and transit in general, noting workforce needs and the importance of ADA compliance. Disagreed that transit must pay for itself and stressed environmental benefits.

Discussion Items

• Item 11 – Microtransit Expansion in South Cobb (Pilot Extension): DOT Director Russler presented the resolution. Commissioner Burrell opposed, arguing transit should go to a referendum and that the $2.50 fare is unfair to seniors and disabled who use voucher programs at higher cost. Commissioner Gambrell echoed concerns about equity and scope of service. Chairwoman Cupid supported the pilot, noting microtransit has operated since 2015. The vote carried 3-2 (Burrell and Gambrell opposed).
• Item 12 – Microtransit Pilot in Acworth/Kennesaw: Similar discussion. Commissioner Allen moved, seconded. The vote carried 3-2 (Burrell and Gambrell opposed).
• Item 20 – ARPA Public Safety and Community Violence Reduction Grant Modification: Deputy Chief Steve Cassinda presented a request to spend up to $230,608.29 on 15 ALPRs from Flock, analyst software, and computer upgrades. The grant has a deadline of October 31, 2026. Commissioner Burrell supported, noting the town halls on Flock were upcoming. Chairwoman Cupid expressed concern about community input but noted the technology has correlated with crime decreases in Cobb. She supported the item. The vote carried 5-0.
• Item 25 – Approval of Minutes (August 10-18, 2026): Commissioner Gambrell asked that the minutes be amended to reflect that Commissioner Allen “called the question” during the August 18 zoning hearing, which she believed should have stopped debate. County Attorney Debbie Blair explained that after reviewing the video, Allen asked “can we call the question?” as a question, not a motion; no motion was made or seconded. The chair then called for discussion before voting. The board voted 3-2 to approve the minutes as presented (Burrell and Gambrell opposed). Commissioner Gambrell’s written statement was added to the record.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Right-of-way abandonment: Approved 5-0.
  • Consent agenda (as revised, with items 11,12,20,25 pulled): Approved 5-0.
  • Microtransit expansion South Cobb (Item 11): Approved 3-2.
  • Microtransit pilot Acworth/Kennesaw (Item 12): Approved 3-2.
  • ARPA grant modification (Item 20): Approved 5-0.
  • Minutes (Item 25): Approved 3-2.
  • Routine contracts and appointments: All approved 5-0.
• Appointments:
  • Tony Waybright to Housing Authority of Cobb County (5-0).
  • Karen Hallasey reappointed to Development Authority (5-0).
  • David Court appointed to Neighborhood Safety Commission (announcement).
  • Jean Blonde appointed to Public Library Board (5-0).
  • Wayne Blackstone reappointed to Animal Services Board (announcement).
• Directives:
  • The county attorney will add Commissioner Gambrell’s written statement to the record for the August 18 zoning minutes.
  • The board will revisit fees and sliding scale options for transit and other services in the next fiscal year.
• Next Steps:
  • Four Flock Safety Town Halls are scheduled (Aug 27, Aug 31, Sep 1, Sep 15) to address community concerns.
  • A DOT project update meeting for District 3 is set for September 2.
  • Commissioner town halls on zoning and comprehensive plan are planned for September 8 and 10.