Mableton council creates citywide public‑safety special service district; millage to be set later
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Summary
The council voted to establish a citywide Mableton Public Safety Special Service District to fund law‑enforcement and public‑safety needs; the resolution creates the district but leaves millage rates and exemptions for future public discussion and a subsequent council vote.
Mableton — On Dec. 10 the City Council approved a resolution to establish the Mableton Public Safety Special Service District, a citywide mechanism authorized under the Georgia Constitution to fund law enforcement and associated public‑safety facilities and services.
City legal counsel explained the resolution would create the special fund and district but would not immediately set a millage rate. Council members said a future public engagement process, including town halls, will be held before any tax rate is proposed so residents can provide input on exemptions and funding levels. The attorney noted the council can set the millage at a later meeting and must keep the funds in a dedicated special fund, not commingled with general city revenue.
Councilwoman Deborah Herndon registered opposition on the record to what she described as a form of 'double taxation'—saying residents were told during formation that the city would offer 'same taxes, better services'—and urged continued negotiation with Cobb County and full public transparency. Other council members acknowledged the concern but said the city must secure funding to ensure public safety within its boundaries and that the millage would be set only after public outreach.
The resolution passed by voice vote. The council directed staff to schedule public forums and further discussions with Cobb County before returning with a proposed millage and any exemption language for formal action.
