Cobb commissioners approve tax increase

Thousands of residents had weighed in prior to close vote at meeting.

Cobb County commissioners have narrowly approved a tax increase, delivering a victory to Chairman Mike Boyce, who campaigned hard for what he has called a “sustainable” millage rate.

Thousands of residents weighed in by email, phone and in person before the increase was given the green light Wednesday night.

“This is how I govern,” Boyce told the audience, referring to a series of town hall meetings he held to discuss the tax rate and budget. “I talk to you. I want you to be part of the conversation.”

The county faced tough choices after using one-time money to fill a budget hole last year. One of its credit-rating agencies had issued a warning, and parks and library staff were preparing plans to close facilities in anticipation of cuts.

The 2019 budget, approved with the millage rate, would avoid such cuts, restore Sunday library hours and create more positions in the police department.

The deciding vote came from west Cobb Commissioner Bob Weatherford, who lost a Republican primary runoff the night before and delivered an emotional speech in favor of the new tax rate.

“I think it’s time to invest in Cobb’s future,” Weatherford said. “I will not leave this county worse off than when I got here.”

The majority of residents who spoke before the vote said they were in favor of raising taxes to keep or expand services and support police.

Critics expressed concern for seniors living on fixed incomes and accused the county of irresponsible spending.

Commissioner Lisa Cupid joined the chairman and Weatherford in voting for an increase of 1.7 mills—a difference of about $215 on a home with a fair market value of $275,000.

Commissioners Bob Ott and JoAnn Birrell voted in opposition.