The Cobb County Commission appears divided over a proposal to issue $27.4 million in bonds to buy land for new parks.
The commission is scheduled to vote on the bond issuance at its regular meeting Tuesday.
Greenspace advocates have been pushing the county to issue $40 million in park bonds, pointing to a 2008 referendum approved by voters. Those bonds were never issued, and county officials say they cannot legally collect the full amount anymore.
A list of potential properties was presented to commissioners behind closed doors last week. Although the list has not been made public, a copy obtained by the Marietta Daily Journal contains 13 properties throughout the county for consideration.
Absent from the list is a large East Cobb tract owned by Wylene Tritt that many residents had hoped to see turned into a park.
Commission Chairman Tim Lee issued a statement saying the bond issuance would require a millage increase “without knowing what we will be purchasing with these funds.”
“There are simply too many unknowns attached to a $25 million commitment,” Lee said. “I believe it is reckless to rush to issue debt without a clear plan.”
According to interim County Finance Director Bill Volckmann, changes to the millage rate will depend on the digest growth and the interest rate on the bonds. He estimated that the bonds would necessitate a hike of .13 mills, but added it could be less.
Commissioner Bob Ott had no comment but has previously stated his opposition to approving the bonds before the final properties have been identified for purchase.
Commissioner Lisa Cupid declined to indicate how she would vote.
“I’m supportive of funding what we do have, which is better than not funding anything at all,” she said.
Commissioner JoAnn Birrell also said she was supportive of issuing the bonds, even if it means raising taxes.
“To me the voters spoke in 2008,” Birrell said. “I don’t want to raise taxes either but when you have a referendum, the voters are aware that there’s a bond money tax that’s going to be associated with that.”
Jennifer Burke of the Cobb Parks Coalition called the proposed bond issuance a great “first step,” and that her organization would continue to push for the $40 million voters asked for.
“The referendum has to be honored,” Burke said.
Burke said it was especially concerning that the county would not issue the full amount after shifting debt service on existing park bonds to pay for the new Braves stadium, rather than issuing a new set of bonds for greenspace.
Commissioner Bob Weatherford could not be reached for comment.
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