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Council members warn Cobb County SPLOST draft could shrink city project funding; county proposes large countywide-deduction
Summary
Councilmembers and staff discussed Cobb County's draft SPLOST plan, which would allocate a much larger "countywide benefit" deduction (from $46M previously to a draft $216M) to projects including a $41M radio upgrade and a proposed $175M courthouse, potentially reducing Marietta's tier funding and forcing project cuts or alternative financing.
Councilmembers discussed Cobb County’s draft SPLOST proposal and its potential effect on Marietta’s share of tiered project funding, with staff and members flagging a steep rise in the countywide deduction.
A council member said county staff told cities the draft would remove about $216,000,000 for countywide benefits from the local pool—far above the $46,000,000 in the prior SPLOST cycle—and that two large proposed projects, a $41,000,000 public‑safety radio upgrade and a proposed $175,000,000 state courthouse near the city, drive much of that increase. “When you add those two together you get that $216,000,000,” the council member said, warning the draft would reduce available funds for city projects and noting that, even with optimistic revenue, the city could face a smaller Tier‑1 allocation than under the current SPLOST.
Staff and members discussed implications including finishing Tier‑1 work before Tier‑2 projects, potential borrowing or tax increases to replace lost SPLOST funding, and the limited legal routes to challenge a county determination (the attorney said the only remedy would be through voters). Committee members asked staff to continue tracking revenues and project costs as draft numbers evolve.
