[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6138744,"mediaKeyId","5582425-89801442819943b8e43e1a5fe98a812a","parentId",5582425,"title","Public commenters press Cobb commissioners on transparency, board conduct and recent elections appointments","audioSeconds",477,"startMs",2605000,"endMs",3082000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5582425-89801442819943b8e43e1a5fe98a812a&start=2605&end=3082","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5582425-89801442819943b8e43e1a5fe98a812a/thumbnail_2605000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6138744/Cobb-County/Georgia/Public-commenters-press-Cobb-commissioners-on-transparency-board-conduct-and-recent-elections-appointments","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6138744-661aba0ef9e037d5981c46aa5446c3b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770757608&Signature=TLENrxGJ0G-2d4tOIcYNlGdYYjfhHTl5SV2zM0UiQvEjxr4UYUwhAOhYbygIo9qORdfx4lR80pjT1mp1rDBq5rwMUCic6TayNtigehxY06wMsCbwpJw63~WL~RDhxw2DsKNAdpn9WroDLerMrSafLD2HCceiD8AMdcYqwdcZov8NLwCx52sCqO56Vn5QtB8bZ9XHXtzhOeyPef1pTYzl8A3XAjNuC0HZ8jxOQgMAm0XSktpFfIYOLyYFKEl~4HG-pcf5NpWIJ-iaDnYaV0TTvI0F8CEZ6NMbTkhUOxhBsnpc-MFI1zMUw7GNpHNq18sbH3iw8TOXsKqkoboFa~zEFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-08-14T12:37:49.347Z","article","A range of public speakers addressed the Cobb County Board of Commissioners during the Aug. 12 public-comment period, voicing concerns about board conduct, government transparency and the recent state-level appointment to the county Board of Elections, while others thanked the board for recognizing diverse communities through proclamations.

Key themes from public comment:
- Board conduct and decorum: Several speakers criticized the chairwoman’s lengthy responses to public speakers and requested time limits for commissioners’ remarks. One longtime citizen asked that commissioners be subject to a time limit comparable to the three minutes allotted to public speakers.
- Transparency and the Board of Elections: Commenters called the state’s appointment of a board member to the local Board of Elections “clandestine” and said the process lacked transparency and perceived due process, even as they acknowledged state authority to make the appointment.
- Proclamations and community recognition: Some speakers praised the board for issuing proclamations that acknowledge religious and minority communities; one representative of a local Muslim organization thanked the board for a prior proclamation and said it encouraged civic engagement.

Speakers who addressed the board included Christine Rosman, Denny Wilson (District 4), Tracy Stevenson, Eman Embad (representing Care Georgia / Muslim residents), and Susie Clark. Remarks alternated between criticism of process and expressions of appreciation for engagement with underrepresented communities.

Why it matters: Public-comment periods provide a direct forum for residents to express concerns about county governance, appointments and public process. Several speakers tied transparency and perceptions of due process to recent political changes involving the Board of Elections.

Discussion vs. decision: The comment period is advisory; the board heard remarks but did not take formal action during this portion of the agenda. The chairwoman announced she would leave the meeting early for a funeral and the vice chair would preside in her absence.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Cobb County Board of Commissioners Meeting - 08/12/25","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple members of the public used the Aug. 12 public-comment period to criticize board conduct, question proclamations, and raise concerns about transparency and the state-controlled board of elections appointment process; other speakers praised the board’s responsiveness to underrepresented communities.","taxTitle","Cobb County, Georgia","taxId",3733,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6138750,"Cobb proclaims August as Child Support Awareness Month; county cites caseload and collections totals",137,1393000,1530000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5582425-89801442819943b8e43e1a5fe98a812a&start=1393&end=1530","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5582425-89801442819943b8e43e1a5fe98a812a/thumbnail_1393000.jpg","/articles/6138750/Cobb-County/Georgia/Cobb-proclaims-August-as-Child-Support-Awareness-Month-county-cites-caseload-and-collections-totals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6138750-08365b37e9d182f06c3a8da718a07d82/orig.mp4?Expires=1770757608&Signature=ErD~aXg3FfUuZC8fPCMLdzEtXyJktLxohyuIgzquq4E3QNENLkdOnPQE5S1xbX1dhhtKupOJ~Ca1TfdWtXCEkT~3lLeWCpfqC2bg~qq5iW-YjQbVYSRH-iy2-EdRCRMrjaEsuK3d4s7myIbM-0uOaxeI7rAKSQ8oz7j1WnlvnO3BSNs1YG0NMPVEWNs98nzZLwKSJ294YrSDbiq4M9s6W2rnzz0Qbw-wn9P5NA2SYlIS3pOGETaxiKuQGsUPIdR5Vo0GWBXFgHGWYuhBfKYI0WFmTFXesQjPoWzNxpey9otR674gSIa7x5XIm6rZrTzgNRhCN3GY20eYC7I4XW2V8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cobb County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 12 proclaimed August as Child Support Awareness Month to recognize the county child support services division and related programs.

The proclamation, presented by a commissioner, included summary figures from the county’s child support services division: the division “touches the lives of more than 6,100 children in Cobb,” handles more than 4,000 cases, and collected $9,396,140 in fiscal year 2024 and $8,303,913 thus far in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2025). The proclamation also noted local programs such as a fatherhood program, parental accountability court and a mobile app that helps clients send documents, make payments and schedule appointments.

A speaker recognized during the presentation said the division is on pace to collect more than $10 million this year and noted staffing shortages; the proclamation and subsequent remarks asked the public to support county efforts to seek additional state resources to address staffing needs.

Why it matters: Child support enforcement affects children’s economic stability and county revenues; the proclamation records collection totals and program activity that fund and guide county services.

Details: The board’s proclamation encouraged residents to reflect on child-support services’ role and recognized collaboration with the Georgia Department of Human Services. The board voted to adopt the proclamation; the item was presented during the board’s proclamations segment and did not include a separate funding vote or program appropriation.

Discussion vs. decision: The proclamation is an honorary action; no programmatic budget appropriation or legislative change was approved during the proclamation segment. Staff and a commissioner noted staffing concerns and that the division is seeking additional state funding.","The board issued a proclamation recognizing August as Child Support Awareness Month; county figures in the proclamation said the child support division serves more than 6,100 children, handles over 4,000 cases and collected $9,396,140 in FY2024 and $8,303,913 year-to-date FY2025.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6138754,"Cobb commissioners approve a slate of transportation contracts, condemn-at-declaration authorization and grant application",467,3831000,4298000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5582425-89801442819943b8e43e1a5fe98a812a&start=3831&end=4298","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5582425-89801442819943b8e43e1a5fe98a812a/thumbnail_3831000.jpg","/articles/6138754/Cobb-County/Georgia/Cobb-commissioners-approve-a-slate-of-transportation-contracts-condemn-at-declaration-authorization-and-grant-application","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6138754-c8b5e9f9fc8efbc1957d809dc049634a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770757608&Signature=cq~UgNw3ugNeY32T4yWwkxItTNGXOoXfn1nE2WLZN6afP7FbfPTQIbUyiXVI~mzqRTIBHj4iHMad3rHmGH2asp7qJKqg4dE2lgTjeJqjp12zgpnOmT~9TpEotaT1ZDf4U2viQ35eqHeLJOLsMuVqlBeIUKAflfeqX~PTMB3dc2nqRO2dIT-P8twj1ofQ6EFyza2e4AYKwxr3W8C-5-GqRj9pUbAsfncSIBjponp8B0DOREZ6HkqfR6ys9BF59AarzgnqWyEpEjOMqlWqFEqVkkA7FbNs2OZ2lHkWLgIlKNEZgRlNB5ZeJXOYltcGnrth72ygPyM2BHB99RFFL40PHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cobb County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 12 approved a package of transportation items brought by county DOT staff, including authorizations for condemnation by declaration on one parcel, a GDOT grant application for a pedestrian bridge, and multiple construction and consultant contracts for drainage, trails, bridge replacement and traffic signals.

Key approvals (motions carried unanimously 5-0):
- Authorization to commence condemnation proceedings by declaration of taking for one parcel on Du West Road at Antioch Road (Project B2302), as recommended by DOT and approved subject to a resolution in form substantially similar to the attached document.
- Authorization to submit a Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) application for FY26 to the Georgia Department of Transportation for Cobb Parkway, Pedestrian Bridge North (Project TR535) and related budget transactions.
- Construction contracts and consultant agreements (board-approved amounts):
- D and H Construction Co.: drainage repairs on Farmcrest Point — not to exceed $177,992.50 (Project B22163).
- Chatfield Contracting Inc.: drainage repairs on Valley View Circle — not to exceed $120,531.94 (Project B22168).
- Stantec Consulting Services Inc.: preliminary engineering for the George Busby Parkway corridor trail — not to exceed $774,827.72 (Project B2438).
- Pond & Company: preliminary engineering for Oakdale Road complete streets bridge replacement — not to exceed $593,412.98 (Project B2449).
- Lisonbee Enterprises LLC: Canton Road at Piedmont Road improvements — not to exceed $861,297.25 (Project B2312).
- Glasson Enterprises LLC: traffic signal installation on Marsail Road at Giles Road / Hill Road — not to exceed $559,653 (Project B2576).
- The board approved the recommended ranking of firms for preliminary engineering of the Austell–Powder Springs Road Trail and authorized negotiations with the top-ranked firm (BCC Engineering doing business as Heath and Lineback) for scope and fees.
- The board also approved a revised budget and schedule for the 2022 Transportation Improvements Program funded primarily by the 2022 SPLOST.

Why it matters: The actions permit DOT to proceed with design, right-of-way and construction activities across several corridors and pedestrian projects; the condemnation authorization is a preliminary legal step allowing the county to acquire a needed parcel if negotiations cannot secure it. The approved consultant and construction contracts move multiple projects from planning to execution phases.

Discussion vs. decision: DOT staff presented the items; commissioners moved and seconded the motions. The board’s votes were recorded in aggregate as 5-0 for each motion. The condemnation item explicitly referenced state law authority to proceed by declaration of taking.

Taper: Staff will proceed with negotiation, contracting, construction scheduling and necessary right-of-way actions. Specific contractor notices to proceed, construction timelines, or right-of-way closings were not detailed in the meeting record.","The board approved multiple DOT contracts and actions, including authorization to proceed with condemnation by declaration for one parcel on Du West Road at Antioch Road, several construction and consultant contracts totaling millions, and a FY26 GDOT local maintenance grant application for a pedestrian bridge.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6138758,"Cobb Board reallocates up to $110,000 in ARPA funds for mental, physical and behavioral health support services",48,3775000,3823000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5582425-89801442819943b8e43e1a5fe98a812a&start=3775&end=3823","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5582425-89801442819943b8e43e1a5fe98a812a/thumbnail_3775000.jpg","/articles/6138758/Cobb-County/Georgia/Cobb-Board-reallocates-up-to-110000-in-ARPA-funds-for-mental-physical-and-behavioral-health-support-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6138758-2d0bba3ed19a6182cfde61f2790c2202/orig.mp4?Expires=1770757608&Signature=TBkoJC-N7t8djDekGFtHpz~LBfxTe2V-cAlZbfjAjTloeyZSi5EsE3QJXJFzD13iV5CI-9gZF-4C9fdkRgUpiyI8dEGsXwEbN1bIFbPJ-kFKsN6L1OfhMsIS9OyT~z5n~5Z-MmfRJNSNO-KMgazYQzLhT80J~d8jMVgX~Yc-bXkim2PIUfis1NR8XmYWyE9L0VCCAyqRrS-WzOnFj92gZ2mU2DGEGGw08UOO100-7vvC8Nqy~VEvE8oxWLQPkiEXBQqf90GrG3nkL45Nk0~ZlDgdyPJW~boqg6nmnEP6h96TNSpWbPZox2GEm0OVIvZPELLKRHRsWhy8fqjfTM4P8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cobb County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 12 approved reallocating American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in an amount not to exceed $110,000 to support service projects designed to enhance mental, physical and behavioral healthcare services.

County finance staff presented the item requesting authority to reallocate the ARPA funds and to authorize the chairwoman to execute any necessary agreements. Commissioners carried the motion 5-0.

Why it matters: ARPA funds remain a significant local federal funding source for COVID response and recovery priorities. This allocation directs additional ARPA resources to health-related services that county staff described as designed to improve access and capacity for mental and behavioral health supports.

Details: The finance director asked the board to approve the reallocation and to authorize corresponding budget transactions and execution of related agreements. The approved motion capped the allocation at $110,000 and delegated execution authority to the chairwoman. No specific vendor contracts or subrecipients were named at the meeting; staff will administer the funding in line with ARPA requirements.

Discussion vs. decision: The meeting record shows a staff presentation and a motion to approve the reallocation; the formal decision was board approval. The item did not include detailed program scopes or vendor awards at the meeting.

Taper: Staff will proceed with budget transactions and any required agreement execution; further program-level details or implementation timelines were not discussed at the meeting.","The board authorized reallocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds not to exceed $110,000 to support projects aimed at enhancing mental, physical and behavioral health services and approved related budget transactions.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6138763,"Cobb County approves purchase of Powder Springs site for future 911 communications center",94,4284000,4378000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5582425-89801442819943b8e43e1a5fe98a812a&start=4284&end=4378","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5582425-89801442819943b8e43e1a5fe98a812a/thumbnail_4284000.jpg","/articles/6138763/Cobb-County/Georgia/Cobb-County-approves-purchase-of-Powder-Springs-site-for-future-911-communications-center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6138763-bf6bb02c4bd2fbaf3c3181dd715c67f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770757608&Signature=d5W2CtfSrdyoCFk9GDAwLC6-ESH~deRBYKijMnjsyGK80yqVu0T5sRc~t2f7eESyawkADRs1lEaPq2tZl-UFIAw6IzuU~3vi4mw-Up3MFjT6XK6xIZf29p6vFPJ-HvyZKtZcjkuGHQfRVamVI-QHxUgn8BCioAwph9W8c4vRBY5dmXkuYCBYhuCVUUITNdeOPErS3u55VhBemcQtK6jS4H64D0jOIncFNN2GhBi4E2RvNh4RcJ3u9a8i-ep3gXtKJ4hDWH6mua2U9~NBMuCx-5L5HuVV-4gp2aPM4qe-bK7K2WAV0zgoLwtHb2Ijwd2w8XVPC4PW8nzHM~wyc3MVaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cobb County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 12 approved acquisition of unimproved land at 5245 Mackton Road in Powder Springs for a future 911 emergency communications center, authorizing payment of acquisition costs, corresponding budget transactions and execution of closing documents.

The approval came as a single motion to accept a purchase-and-sale agreement from Sure Thing 2 LLC and to authorize the chairwoman to execute necessary documents. Commissioners voted 5-0 to carry the motion.

County staff described the item as a joint request from Real Estate and Public Safety to secure a site for the county's next 911 facility. During discussion, a commissioner noted that the offer is below the property's appraised value.

Why it matters: A new consolidated 911 emergency communications center is a major capital step for emergency response operations and sits upstream of later design, permitting and construction phases. By approving acquisition and budget authority, the board enabled staff to move into the real-estate closing stage.

Details and next steps: The board authorized staff to pay associated land acquisition costs and to complete required budget transactions. The chairwoman was authorized to sign the purchase-and-sale agreement and other closing documents. Staff and commissioners indicated the county will follow routine steps for site development after acquisition (survey, environmental review, and programming), but no construction contracts or timelines were provided at the meeting.

Discussion vs. decision: The transcript shows board discussion was limited; the formal action approved acquisition and related budget authority. No construction or contractor awards were decided at this meeting.

Taper: Commissioners congratulated 911 staff for finding a site and expressed anticipation for future project phases; staff will report back on required follow-up actions as acquisition proceeds.","The Board approved a purchase-and-sale agreement to acquire unimproved land at 5245 Mackton Road for a future 911 emergency communications center and authorized related budget and closing actions; commissioners said the offer is under the appraised value.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public commenters press Cobb commissioners on transparency, board conduct and recent elections appointments

Cobb proclaims August as Child Support Awareness Month; county cites caseload and collections totals

Cobb commissioners approve a slate of transportation contracts, condemn-at-declaration authorization and grant application

Cobb Board reallocates up to $110,000 in ARPA funds for mental, physical and behavioral health support services

Cobb County approves purchase of Powder Springs site for future 911 communications center