Cobb chairman’s $453M budget wants tax hike to save parks, libraries

The head of Cobb County’s commission is again asking for a tax hike saying the county needs the extra money to save things like parks, libraries and senior centers.

Chairman Mike Boyce announced Friday that his $453 million proposed budget includes a 1.7 mill increase from this year. The 2019 budgets faces a hole of at least $30 million.

County spokesman Ross Cavitt said the proposed increase is expected to bring in $49.7 million.

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“The increase over last year would keep all of Cobb's parks, libraries, senior centers, and animal services open. It will allow for an increase in public safety resources, including hiring more police officers,” according to the announcement.

He hinted at the increase in March and asked for a .13 mill increase last year to no avail.

Many on the commission acknowledged at the time that this would make it tougher later; the county finance director said it was “just kicking the can down the road.”

A series of town hall meetings are scheduled throughout the county before the commission votes on the budget July 25.

Learn more about the budget process here.