Cobb approves $27.4 million for new parks
The Cobb County Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to spend $27.4 million on land for new parks.
Commissioners agreed to issue bonds to raise the funds, with an estimated millage rate increase of .13.
Local greenspace advocates celebrated the county’s decision, but vowed to press for more.
The $27.4 million represents the amount that can be legally collected based on a 2008 referendum when voters approved $40 million for greenspace.
Those bonds were never issued due to the downturn in the economy, but many Cobb residents want the county to honor their vote by spending $40 million on parks, especially after tax money was diverted from paying off park bonds to fund the new Braves stadium.
Jennifer Burke, an organizer of the Cobb Parks Coalition, called the park bond vote Tuesday a “wonderful first step.”
Visit our premium site, myajc.com, to see what park proponents have planned next, and what county commissioners have to say about tax increases to pay for greenspace.
*Correction: The bond issue was for $27.4 million, not $24.7 million.
About the Author
Meris Lutz is a contributing writer covering climate, the environment and the economy. She is particularly interested in stories that explore the intersections between climate change and labor, markets, health, biodiversity, government transparency and public access to natural resources.
