Cobb County commissioners set 2025 millage rates and adopt FY2026 budget after two public hearings

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners voted to set the county’s millage rates and adopt the county’s fiscal year 2026 budget at its July 22 regular meeting following three public hearings and hours of public comment.

The board adopted the county general fund millage at 8.46 mills, set the fire fund at 2.97 mills (a 0.02-mill reduction the board said would lower expected fire-fund revenue by about $1 million), kept the Cumberland Special Service District 2 commercial millage at 2.45 mills, and set the 6 Flags Special Service District millage at zero. The millage resolution carried 3-2, with Commissioners Burrell and Gamble recorded in opposition.

Why it matters: Millage rates determine how property tax bills are calculated. County officials said the adoption finances services the board already authorized in the 2025 budget and funds operations such as police, libraries and senior services; opponents said keeping the county rate above the state rollback rate would raise taxes for many homeowners and renters.

Deputy Chief Financial Officer Buddy Cesar opened the public hearing, calling it “our third public hearing” on the…