Mableton council approves consolidated IGAs with Cobb County on police, stormwater and bond payments

Mayor Michael Owens told residents the city and Cobb County reached a mediated agreement on police services, stormwater work and an outstanding bond payment after more than two years of negotiations, and that the county approved the intergovernmental agreements at its commission meeting the night before. "We came to agreement of $13 million" for a one-year police services arrangement, Owens said, adding the package includes stormwater and a plan to align Mapleton’s timeline with other county cities.

Council discussed the decision in the context of public safety and fiscal planning. Manager-level staff said city finance already budgeted for elements of the agreement and that the city will continue a line-by-line review to ensure the signed IGAs match the mediated terms before final execution. The council voted to adopt a consolidated resolution covering four agenda items (12C–12F) that authorizes the mayor to negotiate and execute the mediated IGAs.

Council members emphasized cautious oversight. Councilwoman Cassandra Brown thanked the Friends of the Concord Covered Bridge and others who contributed input during negotiations and highlighted the need to balance costs with public safety priorities. Several members noted the agreement is a short-term step that preserves service continuity while the city monitors longer-term arrangements.

The resolution was approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition. The mayor and city staff said additional public details about implementation and timelines will follow as the city completes legal and administrative review.