Cobb County Commissioners Address Public Concerns Over Tax Increases and Budget Transparency

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners held a Special Called Millage Hearing on July 16, 2025, to discuss the proposed millage rate and address public concerns regarding taxation and budget allocations. The meeting featured several speakers who expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of public services and the perceived lack of responsiveness from the board.

The first speaker, Karen, highlighted her experience as a single mother and questioned the board's spending priorities, particularly criticizing expenditures on lavish events funded by taxpayer dollars. She urged the commissioners to focus on essential services such as public safety and infrastructure, specifically mentioning the poor condition of local roads.

Leroy Emkin, another speaker, echoed these sentiments, expressing frustration over the board's apparent disregard for citizen concerns raised in previous meetings. He emphasized the need for the board to acknowledge and address the issues faced by residents, particularly regarding the impact of increased taxes on the community.

Following public comments, the commissioners discussed the proposed millage rate, with Commissioner Gambril stressing the importance of transparency in the agenda for the upcoming meeting. She called for clarity on the proposed fire fund millage to ensure the public is informed ahead of time.

Commissioner Burrell confirmed that the proposed numbers remained unchanged since their last meeting, while other commissioners acknowledged the need for ongoing communication with constituents. In response to public feedback, one commissioner announced plans for an online virtual town hall to facilitate better dialogue with residents, aiming to create a more interactive environment for addressing concerns.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the board to consider citizen feedback seriously and to provide more opportunities for public engagement in future discussions. The next hearing will focus on the budget, where further deliberations on the millage rate and its implications for the community are expected.